LOOK: A sneak peek at Obama family’s new home in Washington

Outgoing US President Barrack Obama’s tenure in the White House is coming to an end in January, and the first family will be relocating to a new 8,200-square-foot house in the upscale Kalorama neighborhood in Washington, DC.

Just a short distance from the Presidential abode, the new house is inspired by the traditional interior of the White House, according to The Huffington Post, citing the real estate broker McFadden Group.

The fancy residence features nine bedrooms, eight and a half bathrooms, a kitchen decked with marble countertops and sprawling gardens, much like their previous home.

Obama is originally from Chicago, Illinois, but he will reportedly stay with his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha until the latter finishes high school next year.

In a separate report from the New York Post, the family also purchased a second home in Rancho Mirage, just outside Palm Springs, California.  Khristian Ibarrola


source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Irving’s 39, James’ triple-double lead Cavs past 76ers

PHILADELPHIA — The Cavaliers have so many ways to beat teams, and this time it was Kyrie Irving’s turn to win a game.

Irving scored 19 of his season-high 39 points in the fourth quarter and LeBron James had a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists, leading Cleveland to a 112-108 comeback victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.

Kevin Love chipped in 25 points and 11 rebounds to help the defending champions (13-2) improve to their fourth straight win.




“When you have great players, it can come from any of us at any given moment,” Irving said. “When one of us gets it going, we always continue to go to that person. It can be anybody’s night. We’re always trusting each other. That fourth quarter was just for me to be aggressive.”

Joel Embiid led seven players in double figures with 22 points for the 76ers, who have lost three straight. Embiid also had nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

“When those guys are on like that, it’s really hard to beat them,” Embiid said.

The Cavaliers never led through the first three quarters, but Irving got hot early in the fourth to put Cleveland in front. He gave Cleveland its first lead on a layup 2:38 into the period and had 10 of the first 13 Cavaliers fourth-quarter points on a variety of jumpers and drives. His layup with 7:51 left gave Cleveland its biggest lead to that point, 90-86.

Asked what he liked about Irving’s fourth quarter, James said, “Could you not like everything?”

“Whoever has the hot hand, we want to continue to get it to him,” James said. “Kyrie understands what needs to be done in order for us to win. He showcased that today.”

Cleveland trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half. The Cavaliers got as close as 72-70 on James Jones’ 3-pointer with 3:53 left in the third quarter. But the 76ers scored nine of the next 10 points, capped by Dario Saric’s 3-pointer that made it 81-71. James had four and Love two as the Cavaliers ran off the final six points of the quarter to enter the final period down 81-77.

STITCHED UP

Love was limited to 28 minutes after receiving five stitches for a cut over his right eye suffered early in the first quarter.

SLOW START

The Cavs missed their first 14 shots, but Philadelphia couldn’t take full advantage and led just 10-2 before James’ driving layup with 6:50 left in the first quarter resulted in Cleveland’s first field goal.

VERBAL EXCHANGE

James and Embiid got into a verbal altercation late in the first quarter. Richard Jefferson was whistled for a foul on Embiid’s drive, and James questioned the call. Embiid went toward James’ direction, but officials stepped between the players. The incident drew a rise in the crowd.

James provided a couple of first-half highlights, dunking with 6:03 left in the first quarter and then following a missed free throw with a dunk with 1:17 to go in the first half. He has three triple-doubles this season.

OFF NIGHT

J.R. Smith went 0 for 11 from the field, including 0 for 7 from 3-point range.

“As a shooter you’re not going to make every shot,” Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said. “Defensively, he was great like he’s been all year. His shots are going to fall. When they do, we’ll be really tough to stop.”

MORE MINUTES?

Embiid was limited to 25 minutes, eight of which came in the fourth quarter, as part of his minutes restriction that is part of his rehab plan after missing the last two seasons with a foot injury.

“You come up with some really hard decisions that maybe don’t favor me or us or whatever,” 76ers coach Brett Brown said. “But for the long term lens that we all have, we have to be responsible with Joel Embiid. Winning a game in the middle of November in 2016 sometimes that takes a back seat.”

Embiid didn’t play in Friday’s 105-89 loss to the Bulls and won’t play Monday night at Toronto, marking the sixth game he will miss this season.

IT MUST BE THE SHOES

James was excited about many Ohio State players wearing his shoes in Saturday’s Ohio State-Michigan football game, a game in which the Cavaliers attended as a team.

“They looked good in those shoes,” James said. “It was a proud moment for me. I don’t get too happy about a lot of things, but I was happy about that.”

TIP-INS

Cavaliers: Channing Frye (personal) was not with the team. Frye’s father died Thursday. … Cleveland beat Philadelphia 102-101 on Nov. 5. … James’ 3-pointer with 5:01 left in the second period was his 1,000th as a member of the Cavaliers. … Cleveland has made at least 10 3-pointers in every game this season.

76ers: Jerryd Bayless (left wrist) didn’t play. Bayless missed the first 13 games of the season with a left wrist injury.


UP NEXT

Cavaliers: At Milwaukee on Tuesday night.

76ers: At Toronto on Monday night.

source: sports.inquirer.net

DingDong takes on Amazon Echo

Many Chinese electronic products are now coming out to challenge their Western counterparts. One of these has a rather catchy, if not humorous-sounding, name.

The DingDong smart home device created by LingLong, or LingLong DingDong, is offering smart home functionality similar to an Amazon Echo, reports The Next Web.

Priced at $118, DingDong offers answers, plays audiobooks and music, as well as manages schedules. It also responds to three voice commands to wake it up, namely, DingDong DingDong, Xiaowei Xiaowei and BaiLing BaiLing. Because it is currently lacking developer support, customers mostly use it to play music from their digital libraries.

Despite similarities to the Echo, which debuted in 2014, DingDong apparently is no knock-off as LingLong engineers have already been working on it beforehand. However, senior marketing manager Charlie Liu did admit that Amazon’s launch of its device influenced some decision-making on their end.

DingDong is able to understand Cantonese and Mandarin, but not in the same device. This is due to the complexity of the language engine, which simply cannot fit both in a single unit.

While the device is currently “limited,” LingLong hopes that developers will take advantage of DingDong’s hardware overtime to get it up to speed and have more functionality similar to Amazon’s Echo.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

NFL: Cowboys notch 10th straight win, edge Redskins

ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas notched a franchise-record 10th straight win by edging Washington 31-26 in Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day action, with quarterback Dak Prescott accounting for two touchdowns and fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliott running in another pair of scores.

It was even closer in Detroit, as Lions kicker Matt Prater slotted his kick as time expired to break a tie and give the Lions victory over Minnesota, while Pittsburgh used its strong defense to record a more comfortable victory against Indianapolis.

Prescott tied Don Meredith’s club record from 50 years ago with his fifth rushing TD of the season, and that helped the Cowboys snatch victory despite a strong performance by Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Dallas continued its strong record against Washington in Thanksgiving games, making it seven wins from eight, and opened a 3-1/2 game lead over the Redskins in the NFC East. Washington missed a chance to move above the New York Giants and into second place.

The Cowboys had an eight-game streak with at least 400 yards snapped, finishing with 353. But Dallas answered with touchdowns each time the Redskins got within a score.

The teams exchanged five successive touchdown drives in the second half, with the fourth of them being a run from Elliott, the NFL rushing leader, which established a winning 31-19 lead.

After Cousins’ second scoring toss to Jordan Reed with 1:53 remaining cut the margin to five points, Dustin Hopkins’ onside kick went out of bounds, and the Cowboys ran out the clock.

Prescott completed 17 of 24 pass attempts for 195 yards and one touchdown. Cousins went 41 of 53 for 449 yards, finishing 8 yards shy of his career high. It was enough for him to become the first Washington quarterback to have two 400-yard games in a season.

Detroit took sole possession of top spot in the NFC North by edging Minnesota 16-13 after the teams started the day with the same 6-4 records.

Darius Slay returned an interception 13 yards with 30 seconds left, setting up Prater’s 40-yard field goal to win it.

The Lions have won six of seven, including two against Minnesota this month, despite trailing in the fourth quarter of every game this season. They extended their NFL record of having their first 11 games decided by seven or fewer points.

The Vikings have lost five of six, plummeting out of first place after surging to the top of the division by winning their first five games.

Minnesota could have played for overtime on its last drive, but coach Mike Zimmer allowed Sam Bradford to throw and Slay made him regret it.

Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown hooked up for three touchdowns as the Steelers beat Indianapolis 28-7 to improve to 6-5 and boost their playoff chances.

source: sports.inquirer.net

How To Secure A Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed

There are many advantages to being self-employed, but one disadvantage is that it is much more difficult to prove your income to financial institutions. It gets especially complicated when your income is much less on paper than it actually is— especially when you factor in the deductions made from business expenses. Recent rule changes have made it much more difficult for self-employed workers to qualify for a loan, but if you are self employed, there are ways to increase your chances of successfully securing a loan.

Have A Good Credit Score

Although it is not the only requirement for securing a mortgage, it is still critical. If you know your credit score is low, try to improve your score before approaching the bank, because it is one of the first things they will look at.

Keep Your Business Books

Keep track of your financial records. Practise good bookkeeping and keep your receipts handy. The lender will want to see the progress of the business over a period of time and ascertain its value. It is also important to show regular bank statements to show your income.

Be Prepared To Discuss Your Business

The lender will want to know the nature of your business—especially the financial aspect. Know the business’ income and expenses and how much it is worth or projected to be worth.

Write Off Fewer Expenses

While writing off as many expenses as possible has been the traditional way for business owners to lower their taxes, they may also end up qualifying for a smaller loan. Before you apply for a mortgage, reduce the number of expenses you write off. You may end up paying more in taxes but you will find it easier to secure a mortgage at the amount you want.

Pay Yourself A Salary

It might be easier to treat yourself as an employee in your own business and simply pay yourself a salary. The banks may be more inclined to treat you as a salaried employee rather than a business owner.

Being self-employed is quite rewarding, and with a little planning and forethought, it doesn’t have to inhibit you from accessing a mortgage. The more information you can provide to the lender about the finances and operations of your business, the easier it is to secure a mortgage that is right for you. At Northwood Mortgage, our specialists can help you as a self-employed person to secure the best available mortgages. Give us a call today and book a free consultation.

source: northwoodmortgage.com

Apple creates website ‘teaser’ for Black Friday event

With the Black Friday shopping spree coming up soon, announcements of sales from different retailers and companies are starting to make their rounds. Apple unveiled a new website in anticipation of this great American sale, hinting possible discounts.

The company has mostly stayed out of Black Friday sales in the past recent years. They would often choose to let retail partners do the price slashing, reports 9T05Mac.

On the website are the words “Friday cant’ come soon enough” which is accentuated by an invitation to check out their products come Friday. It is unclear what this “one-day event” will be and what surprises Apple has in store. The last time they participated in Black Friday was in 2014.

While product discounts are a possibility, the greater likelihood is the offering of gift cards and Apple Music promos. But who knows? A lot of surprising things have already happened this year, and what’s another one from Apple to cap things off?  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

NBA: Raptors to file protest over controversial loss to Kings

The Toronto Raptors believe they were a victim of unjust officiating, and they are letting the league know about it.

The Canada-based franchise is submitting a formal protest against the league’s decision to waive a supposed game-tying basket at the buzzer by Terrence Ross, against the Sacramento Kings on Monday.

The three-pointer was initially counted, but upon further contemplation by the NBA’s Replay Center in New Jersey, the game clock started late, since opposing player DeMarcus Cousins managed to deflect the ball on the inbound pass.

According to the team, the 25-year-old was under the assumption that he had 2.4 seconds to get a shot in. However, the review showed it took him 2.5 seconds, therefore making his basket void.

Did the @Raptors get robbed of a game-tying 3? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/pAmRQKbuDt

— theScore (@theScore) November 21, 2016

Due to the circumstances, the Raptors are filing two protests under two grounds, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.

First, the team claims that the Replay Center based its judgment on a frame-by-frame video, which it said did not accurately reflect the human element of a timekeeper starting the clock.

Also, Ross made his move by gauging the in-arena clock. Any accuracies on behalf of management or officials shouldn’t penalize their player, who would have altered his shot knowing the correct time.

As of this writing, the NBA has yet to release a statement regarding the controversial incident.  Khristian Ibarrola

source: sports.inquirer.net

Butler scores 40 to push Bulls past Lakers

LOS ANGELES — Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 40 points and Isaiah Canaan added a season-high 17 in the Chicago Bulls’ fifth victory in six games, 118-110 over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.

Nikola Mirotic had 15 points and 15 rebounds and the Bulls held off Los Angeles’ late rally for their third win in four stops on their annual circus road trip.

Rajon Rondo had four points, nine rebounds and 12 assists despite a sore left ankle. He hit a floater in the lane with 28.6 seconds left to secure the Bulls’ win after Los Angeles trimmed a 15-point lead to five.

Lou Williams scored a season-high 25 points and Larry Nance Jr. had a career-high 18 for the Lakers (7-7), but their other young stars mostly struggled in their second straight loss.

source: sports.inquirer.net

NBA: James returns for Cavs blowout over Pistons

LeBron James returned with 21 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers got back to winning ways with a 104-81 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday.

James, who was rested for the Cavs defeat to the the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, added three rebounds and three assists as the NBA Champions improved to 10-2.

Kyrie Irving topscored with 25 points and claimed 11 assists while Kevin Love chipped in with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

The defeat continues Detroit’s poor record on the road this season. The Pistons have now gone 1-7 on their travels, shooting just 31 percent on Friday.

The Cavs meanwhile maintained their strong start to the season, extending their NBA record run of games in which they have made at least 10 three-pointers to 12.

For Detroit, Jon Leuer scored 15 points, while Andre Drummond added eight with 10 rebounds.

The Pistons, however, were never in the game after trailing 56-39 at half-time with the Cavs opening up a 33-point lead at one stage in the fourth quarter.

J.R. Smith, meanwhile, returned from an ankle injury after a week’s layoff to score nine points via a trio of three-pointers.

The 31-year-old’s tally saw him ease past Dirk Nowitzki’s mark of 1,703 three-pointers into 15th on the all-time list.

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said Smith was benefiting from being less of a target for opposition teams than James, Irving and Love.

“He’s always been a great shooter,” Lue said.

“Here with this team, with Kevin and Kyrie and LeBron and the way they demand so much attention, now he’s getting open, easy shots and he’s always been a knockdown shooter. I think now he’s getting easier shots and shots in rhythm and he knows where his shot’s gonna come from.”

source: sports.inquirer.net

Singer Ricky Martin to wed Syrian-born artist Jwan Yosef

Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin announced this week that he plans to wed his partner of one year, Syrian-born artist Jwan Yosef, whom he met after getting interested in his art.

Martin, one of the biggest stars of the Latin music world, made the announcement on Wednesday’s “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

The 44-year-old singer, who is an art collector, said he had contacted the painter after seeing some of his conceptual work.

“I saw his art and I went crazy, cause I really love what he does, really original, and so I contacted him,” Martin said on the show.

He said the couple had known each other for a little more than a year and were now living together.

“We just got engaged,” he gushed, showing off his engagement ring.

Martin said his husband-to-be gets along really well with his eight-year-old twins, who were born to a surrogate mother.

In an interview with Vogue Arabia published in November, Yosef said he was born in the small Syrian town of Ras Al-Ayn but had lived most of his life in Sweden and Britain.

He only recently moved to Los Angeles. TVJ

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Global stock markets mixed as oil price rally fizzles

SEOUL, South Korea — Global stock markets were mixed on Wednesday as investors awaited more policy details from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. Oil prices retreated, snapping an overnight rally.

KEEPING SCORE: European markets started on a weaker note with Britain’s FTSE 100 down 0.1 percent to 6,783.36. Germany’s DAX lost 0.2 percent to 10,710.68 while France’s CAC 40 was nearly flat at 4,535.83. Futures augured a tepid start on Wall Street with Dow futures down 0.1 percent and S&P futures also dipping 0.1 percent.

ASIA’S DAY: Asian markets finished mostly higher. Japan’s Nikkei jumped 1.1 percent to 17,862.21 and South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.6 percent to 1,979.65. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index closed 0.2 percent lower at 22,280.53, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index edged 0.1 percent lower to 3,205.06. Australia’s S&P/ASX was nearly unchanged at 5,327.70, while benchmarks in Taiwan and Southeast Asia were mixed.

ANALYST’S TAKE: “International markets showed signs of pausing to wait on evidence of policy specifics before extending moves in the direction of the ‘Trump themes’ of fiscal stimulus and inflation,” Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, said in a daily commentary.

OIL: Oil prices rallied overnight on hopes that OPEC members would agree to lower output when they meet later this month. They wavered between gains and losses before turning lower again. Benchmark U.S. crude fell 41 cents to $45.40 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract closed up $2.49, or 5.7 percent, to $45.81 per barrel on Tuesday. Brent crude, used to price international oils, lost 28 cents to $46.67 a barrel in London.

CURRENCIES: The dollar strengthened to 109.46 yen from 108.94 yen while the euro fell slightly to $1.0724 from $1.0731. TVJ

source: business.inquirer.net

Messi lifts Argentina, Sanchez saves Chile in World Cup qualifiers

The first four in South American qualifiers have automatic qualifying positions for the next World Cup and the fifth will be in an international playoff for a spot.

The home victory eased some of the pressure on coach Edgardo Bauza, who received the dreaded vote of support from Argentina’s football association during the week.

In Santiago, Alexis Sanchez scored twice after returning from injury to give Chile a 3-1 win over Uruguay. Chile is now fourth, with 20 points, and Uruguay remained second with 23.

Leaders Brazil beat eighth place Peru 2-0 in Lima to move closer to securing a spot at Russia 2018. Teenage striker Gabriel Jesus, who will soon move to Manchester City, scored his fifth goal in six games for the five-time World Cup champions.

Elsewhere, third-placed Ecuador beat bottom-of-the -group Venezuela 3-0 at home and now has 20 points. Venezuela was stuck on five.

Ninth-placed Bolivia had a 1-0 victory over seventh place Paraguay and now has seven points. Paraguay is on 15.

The 13th round of South American World Cup qualifiers will be played in March 2017.

ARGENTINA 3-0 COLOMBIA

Messi opened the score with a perfect free kick to the left of Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina, on 9 minutes.

Only 13 minutes later, Messi managed to dribble through the Colombian defense and cross to striker Lucas Pratto, a contentious choice by coach Bauza ahead of Juventus targetman Gonzalo Higuain.

Argentina could have scored many more goals in the second half, with Messi still leading the efforts. The third only came at 83 minutes after the Barcelona star began a play with a backheel kick. Seconds later he stole the ball from a Colombia defender, cut into the penalty area and put in a smooth low cross he found Angel Di Maria, who effortlessly scored.

Colombia’s coach Jose Pekerman said his team clearly felt the absence of two key defenders: suspended Oscar Murillo and injured Yerry Mina.

After the defeat against Brazil, Messi openly said he was disappointed with Argentina’s performance, and used an expletive to say the team needed to improve to qualify for Russia 2018. On Tuesday, with an increased box-to-box awareness throughout the match, Messi led by example rather than words.

Words were also in short supply after the game. On behalf of the whole team, Messi said no players would speak to the press, in response to a wave of criticism in Argentinian media.

CHILE 3-1 URUGUAY

Uruguay scored first against Chile, through South American qualifiers top goalscorer Edinson Cavani, at 16 minutes.

But Chile, the Copa America champions, responded to pull one of their best wins in the tournament so far. That was largely thanks to a superb performance by Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez, who returned from injury, scored a brace and is now just one goal short of Marcelo Salas as the top goalscorer ever for La Roja.

The beginning of the turnaround began with striker Eduardo Vargas nodding a cross from the left to level the score in the dying moments of the first half. At 60 minutes Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to save a powerful shot by Sanchez from the edge of the box. At 75, Sanchez scored again, in a smooth finish in front of Muslera.

Uruguay had a chance to make it 3-2, but Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo stopped a penalty taken by striker Luis Suarez.

Chile and Uruguay will each carry a major problem for their next match in South American qualifiers, which could be critical to both. Chile will not have midfielder Arturo Vidal against Argentina and Uruguay will miss Suarez against Brazil.

PERU 0-2 BRAZIL

Brazil did not need to be at its best in securing a 2-0 victory over Peru in Lima; the sixth in a row for the leaders of the South American qualifiers under new coach Tite.

After a lackluster first half, Brazil went ahead in the 57th minute when Peru’s defense gave the ball away inside the penalty box to 19-year-old Gabriel Jesus, who made an easy and calm finish.

In the 77th minute, the Peruvian defense again was at fault, allowing Jesus to set up midfielder Renato Augusto for another simple finish.

Brazil ends the year with 27 points, which was enough to qualify in other editions of the South American qualifiers. Only months ago it was lagging sixth under previous coach Dunga.

Peru, who started dreaming of going to their first World Cup in 32 years after a 4-1 victory at Paraguay last week, will stay at eighth position with 14 points.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Smart Now Offers iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus beginning November 11

Smart Communications now offers iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, the best, most advanced iPhone ever, featuring an all-new advanced camera system, dust and water resistant design, stereo speaker system and the A10 Fusion chip which is the most powerful chip on any smartphone while delivering the best battery life ever in an iPhone.

“Every year, we look forward to announcing the latest iPhone availability so we are happy to break the news that iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus is now within reach of our subscribers,” said Kathy Carag, Smart Mobile Marketing Head.

“What’s even more exciting are Smart’s biggest data offers that will definitely allow consumers to make the most out of their latest iPhones,” she added.


Customers can get their iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus beginning, November 11 both available in retail shops and online at smart.com.ph/iphone7.

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus is powered by iOS 10, the biggest release ever of the world’s most advanced mobile operating system. iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will also be available. For complete details on pricing, please visit: smart.com.ph/iphone7.

The latest iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are also available for members of Smart Infinity’s premium postpaid plans.

For more information on iPhone, please visit:www.apple.com/iphone.

source: technology.inquirer.net

McGregor to be a father after historic win, wants UFC equity

In a feat that no other mixed martial artist from the UFC had ever done, Conor McGregor became a simultaneous two-division world champion after destroying Eddie Alvarez at the main event of UFC 205 on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Undoubtedly the biggest star of the promotion, the UFC featherweight and lightweight titleholder had been hinting at two huge personal announcements leading to the historic Madison Square Garden card.

Speaking to members of the media during the mandatory post-fight conference, the Irish sensation revealed that he and his longtime girlfriend, Dee Devlin, are expecting a mini-“Notorious” sometime in May next year.

“There’s a few bombshells I wanted to hit, but then it was like ‘do I do it or don’t do it?’ One announcement, I’m going to be a daddy early next year,” McGregor said via MMAFighting. “I’m crapping me jocks, I’m not going to lie. I don’t even know what way to take it. It’s messing with me head because I don’t want to be bringing a child into this. I don’t even want to do the celebrity type (expletive). I hate all that. I don’t want my family to be like that.”

The 29-year-old superstar has been quite active inside the octagon and fought for the company 10 times since debuting in 2013. With a baby on the way and a shiny new belt around his waist, McGregor believes he deserves a little break from fighting.

“I’m just going to have this baby, take a little bit of time and see what way I feel after that,” he said.

Aside from his pending fatherly duties, McGregor also took the time to address an issue regarding the company’s new ownership, and talked about receiving some sort of equity from the new owners, WME-IMG.

“They’ve got to come talk to me now. ‘Cause no one has come talk to me since the sale happened as a businessman,” he described owners Ari Emaneul and Patrick Whitesell, who were both in attendance in New York. “I’ve been approached as a ‘hello’ and that type of stuff but I’ve earned something. Who owns the company now? There’s people that have shares in the company, celebrities, Conan O’Brien owns the UFC now. So where’s my share? Where’s my equity?” he said.

According to UFC President Dana White, last weekend’s event raked in a record-setting $17 million at the gate and will most likely break the all time pay-per-view record for the company as well.

Such imposing figures is sure to bring in quite a fortune for the company, and its biggest star is demanding a bigger piece of the cake if they want to retain his services.

“I’m aware of my worth and now I’ve got a family. Now I’ve got a kid on the way. I’m coming for mine now if you want me back,” McGregor said.

“I’ve got both belts, a chunk of money, a little family on the way. You want me to stick around, you want me to keep doing what I’m doing, let’s talk, but I want ownership. I want an equal share. I want what I deserve, what I’ve earned.”  Khristian Ibarrola

source: sports.inquirer.net

Trump vows to immediately deport up to three million immigrants

WASHINGTON, United States — Donald Trump will keep his vow to deport millions of undocumented migrants from the United States, he said in an interview to be broadcast Sunday, saying as many as three million could be removed after he takes office.

“What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, where a lot of these people, probably two million, it could be even three million — we are getting them out of our country or we are going to incarcerate,” Trump said in an excerpt released ahead of broadcast by CBS’s 60 Minutes program.

The billionaire real estate baron made security at the US-Mexico border a central plank of his insurgent presidential campaign, which resulted in last Tuesday’s shock election victory against his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Trump added that the barrier to be erected on the US border with Mexico may not consist entirely of brick and mortar, but that fencing could be used in some areas.

“There could be some fencing,” Trump says in his first primetime interview since being elected president last week.

“But (for) certain areas, a wall is more appropriate. I’m very good at this, it’s called construction,” he tells CBS. CBB

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Chaos as millions in India crowd banks to exchange currency

NEW DELHI—Long lines have grown longer, scuffles have broken out and chaotic scenes are being seen across India as millions of people wait to change old currency notes that have become worthless after the government demonetized high-value bills.

Angry scuffles broke out Saturday in New Delhi after ATM machines ran out of bills. Minor stampedes occurred in two places when thousands of people waiting in line surged forward to enter the building.

Paramilitary troops posted at banks in some of the most congested areas of the city walked among the crowd urging people to stay calm.

Earlier in the week, India’s government made a surprise announcement that all 500- and 1,000-rupee notes had no cash value in an effort to tackle corruption and tax evasion.

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Mexico wins 1st World Cup qualifier in US since 1972

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A pro-American crowd of 24,650 chanted “Dos a cero!” at the start.

Mexican supporters yelled “Dos a uno!” as they left.

Rafa Marquez scored a tiebreaking goal on a header in the 89th minute, giving Mexico a 2-1 victory Friday night and its first victory at the United States in World Cup qualifying since 1972.

After winning four straight home qualifiers against Mexico by 2-0 scores — all in Columbus — the U.S. hoped to open the final round of the North and Central American and Caribbean region with another victory. Instead, the Americans began the hexagonal with a loss for the second straight cycle, and they play Tuesday night at Costa Rica, where they have never won in qualifying.

“It gets a sense of anger in us. It gets a sense of absolutely urgency,” U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. “It’s not a problem, but it’s obviously disappointing.”

Miguel Layun put Mexico ahead in the 20th minute, but Bobby Wood tied it in the 49th.

The U.S. dominated the second half before the 37-year-old Marquez, unmarked and drifting across the penalty area at the near post, got a glancing nod on Layun’s corner kick. The Mexican captain lifted the ball over goalkeeper Brad Guzan for his 17th international goal.

Mexico’s previous win at the U.S. in qualifying was also by a 2-1 score, at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

“I think we deserved this match,” Layun said. “We were focused.”

Klinsmann said John Brooks was supposed to mark Marquez on the corner kick. Jozy Altidore blocked the defender from getting there.

“We lost him there. Individual mistake,” Klinsmann said.

The Americans had been 30-0-2 at home in qualifying since a 3-2 loss to Honduras at Washington’s RFK Stadium in September 2001.

“They’re very good in terms of when they have a little time circulating the ball, and they start to find space,” American captain Michael Bradley said.

Guzan had lost the U.S. goalkeeper job to Tim Howard, who started at the last two World Cups. But Howard pulled a muscle in his right leg on a goal kick and was replaced in the 40th minute.

Howard was to have a scan Saturday, a day before the U.S. travels, and Klinsmann said Howard likely will miss the match at Costa Rica.

“He knows it’s not looking that good,” Klinsmann said.

The top three teams in the six-nation round qualify for the World Cup, and the fourth-place country advances to a playoff.

With the U.S. struggling early in what Klinsmann called a 3-4-3 formation, Mexico could have led 3-0. Howard tipped Jesus Corona’s 10th-minute shot off a post and Carlos Vela’s 25th-minute header hit a crossbar.

“Out midfielders didn’t get into the one-on-one battles we expected them to,” Klinsmann said, citing Jermaine Jones and Bradley.

After switching to a more familiar 4-4-2 in the 27th minute, the Americans began to find their rhythm, and Wood scored off a pass from Altidore.

It was 44 degrees at game time, half the 90-degree temperature for the 2013 match in Columbus, when the U.S. clinched its seventh straight World Cup berth.

Mexico went ahead after Bradley and Giovani dos Santos battled for the ball 30 yards out. The ball skipped to Layun, who took a touch, and his right-footed shot deflected off Timmy Chandler past Howard’s left for his fourth international goal in 46 appearances,

Wood tied the score after Brooks forced a turnover. Altidore turned his defender and passed to Wood, who took two touches as he split defenders. His 8-yard, left-footed shot deflected off a leg of Layun for his eighth goal in 28 international appearances. Wood also scored against Mexico last fall during an extra-time loss in the playoff for a berth in the 2017 Confederations Cup.

Altidore and Wood have combined for seven goals in 11 games they’ve started together.

Notes: All three visiting teams had victories in their openers. Costa Rica won 2-0 at Trinidad and Tobago on goals by Christian Bolanos in the 65th and Ronald Matarrita in second-half injury time, and Panama won 1-0 at Honduras on Fidel Escobar’s 22nd-minute goal. … CONCACAF and Fox extended their Gold Cup agreement to cover the 2017 and 2019 tournaments. … Mexico’s Carlos Salcedo is suspended for Tuesday after receiving two yellow cards late in the match.

source: sports.inquirer.net

What went wrong in this year’s presidential polls?

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump’s victory came as a surprise to many Americans, the nation’s pollsters most of all.

Heading into Election Day, most national surveys overstated what will likely be a narrow popular vote advantage for Hillary Clinton and led many to believe she was a shoo-in to win the Electoral College.

“The polls clearly got it wrong this time,” the American Association for Public Opinion Research said Wednesday in a statement. The association traditionally assesses the state of public polling after each election cycle, and already has a committee in place to do so again this year.

“I think it was an important polling miss. It would really be glossing over it to say that it was a typical year,” said Courtney Kennedy, director of survey research at the Pew Research Center.

For now, it’s impossible to know for certain what exactly went wrong for pollsters this year — and, as votes are still being counted, exactly how far off they were. Some factors pollsters will examine:

How big a miss?

Although most polls throughout the 2016 campaign showed Clinton running ahead of Trump, in the final two weeks of the campaign her advantage narrowed in many national surveys, as well as in states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan. Her apparent lead fell within many surveys’ margins of sampling error.

Kennedy said pollsters may ultimately not have had a historically large miss on the national popular vote, but thinks there was a systematic overrepresentation of Clinton’s support and underrepresentation for Trump’s.

She says people sometimes expect too much of election polls, which “are not designed to provide extremely accurate results.”

Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, says that averages of publicly available polls sometimes give a false sense of certainty in a candidate’s lead.

“You’re taking imprecise estimates and throwing them all together with the hope of eliminating error,” he says.

Shy trump voters?

Trump’s campaign frequently pointed to the possibility that public polls were missing some of his base of support, and some pollsters say that might have played a role in the polling miss.

“One of the biggest problems that polls face nowadays is that people don’t want to participate in them at all,” said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. He plans to use voter data to find out if certain types of people were less likely to participate in his surveys.

At Pew, Kennedy said it appears that there was a segment of Trump’s support base that was not responding to polls, which she called “fundamentally a difficult challenge to fight.” But, she said, it’s unlikely voters were lying about their support.

Turnout

Harold Clarke, a political scientist at the University of Texas at Dallas who regularly conducts polling, said one of the shortfalls in the presidential prediction was a problem that has plagued survey science for decades.

“We’ve got to filter our surveys as we try to pick out those people that are really going to vote,” he said. “We all have the problem of not getting likely voters right.”

Murray said pollsters are using likely voter models that might have worked in the past, but may no longer. He suggested that public pollsters should take a lesson from campaigns and consider putting out a range of numbers reflecting different turnout scenarios instead of a single number that suggests too much certainty in where the horse race stands.

Tightening race
Republican pollster Whit Ayres suggests that many observers — himself included — assumed that since Trump had never held a lead, he wouldn’t get the benefit of the doubt from voters in the end. But he says that in races where an incumbent is stuck below 50 percent in the polls, late deciders often break toward the challenger.

“There were a number of us who should have raised that possibility before the election,” Ayres said. “If you think about it, Hillary Clinton is about as close as you can get to an incumbent.”

Nationally and in key states such as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, Trump prevailed among voters who said they decided which candidate to support in the last week before voting, according to exit polls conducted for The Associated Press and television networks by Edison Research.

In retrospect, Republican pollster Ed Goeas says that he saw a sign he now believes was a clue of Trump’s advantage. In his national polling, he saw an 8 percentage point edge for Trump in voter intensity and enthusiasm among his supporters.

“But the assumption on our part was that Clinton’s ground game would overcome or neutralize that intensity,” Goeas said. “It just didn’t.”

Not enough polls?

In several key states, including Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, there were few polls conducted in the final week before the election.

“In some of those unexpected states in the Rust Belt — Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin — you didn’t see some of the more rigorous polls being conducted,” said Kennedy.

Goeas confesses to failing to see some late movements, in part because his polling ended four days before the election.

“So basically we were looking at numbers thinking where he might end up,” Goeas said of Trump’s chances in Wisconsin, where he believed the Republican would benefit from Republican Sen. Ron Johnson’s get-out-the-vote operation. “Did we have any comfort he would do it? No.”

“It would have been nice to have a couple more Michigan and Wisconsin polls to adjust that perception” that Clinton was leading, Miringoff said. “The campaigns don’t stop because the pollsters do their final poll.”/rga

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Bitcoin price skyrockets after Trump win

Donald Trump’s election win sent shockwaves to markets around the world. And not just in traditional markets but also in the cryptocurrency world where the Bitcoin price skyrocketed.

At $738, the cryptocurrency rose around 3% from an earlier $708 mark overnight. However, the jump did not happen to other forms of digital money, reports Fortune.

Another form of cryptocurrency like Ethereum and Ripple, which are the second- and third-biggest in the market have gone down by 2% and 1% respectively, according to a Coinmarketcap report.

Bitcoin’s jump in market value is acting as a vindication that it is a haven in times of market volatility. The cryptocurrency has also enjoyed a long period of relative stability in the second half of 2016. Yet, despite the positive trend, its current value is still far from the all-time high of $1,200 that it experienced back in 2013. Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Stocks, peso weaken on Trump fears

The local stock market tumbled sharply Wednesday, tracking a global financial market bloodbath as investors braced for a Donald Trump presidency in America.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) shed 188.76 points or 2.58 percent to close at 7,119.04 as Trump’s poll victory shocked global markets.

One stock that benefited from news of Trump’s poll victory was Century Properties Group, which surged by 20 percent. The company has a branding deal with Trump for a $150-million upscale residential project. Ahead of the US elections, President Duterte named company chair and founder Jose Antonio special envoy to the US.

The peso slightly slid against the dollar alongside weakness across regional currencies following Trump’s win, which the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said could be a “global political risk.”

The domestic currency weakened to close at 48.59 to $1 from Tuesday’s close of 48.58:$1, staying at a seven-year low level.

At the Philippine Dealing System, the peso hit an intraday low of 48.85 against the dollar and a high of 48.57 after opening at 48.62. The total volume traded rose to $691.9 million from Tuesday’s $549.6 million.

“Regional currencies including the peso fell on renewed risk aversion surrounding market surprise in early results showing a Trump victory,” BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said in a text message to reporters.

Also, “market cautiousness on a possible retreat of the Fed from a December hike because of this market reaction is weighing on regional currencies,” Tetangco added.

“We will continue to closely monitor developments and provide liquidity to the market as needed to address market price action on renewed global political risk,” according to Tetangco.

“The (stock) market lost 2.5 percent in line with the region as Donald Trump’s apparent election victory was met with concern by investors. The main worry seems to be his ‘America first’ rhetoric, which is viewed by many as anti-trade,” said Manny Lisbona, president of PNB Securities.

Lisbona said the silver lining, however, was that the odds of a rate increase in December had declined to 50 percent from 82 percent, based on some news reports.

“Local markets sold off furiously as the Republican candidate seems destined for an upset victory as of 3:30 pm. The PSEi took its cues from performances of Asian bourses as well as the futures market, wherein the Dow (futures) slid as much as 860 points,” said Luis Gerardo Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development.

“Trump has promised a big change in the corporate sector and huge capital spending via infrastructure, leading to hiring and wage pressure. Massive tax cut is also promised. Foreign policy skill, which is clearly lacking, will be a test to the new administration. We can expect immediate flight to safety with gold and US treasuries being bid up,” Limlingan said.

The PSEi was led lower by the property counter, which fell by 3.47 percent, while the industrial and holding firms counter slipped by more than 2 percent. The services and financial counters fell by over 1 percent. Only the mining/oil counter rose, but by just 0.15 percent, as gold mining firms Lepanto and Philex advanced. Gold is deemed a good hedge against global economic uncertainties.

Investors dumped shares of URC (-6.76 percent) and ICTSI (-5.26 percent), two Philippine companies with sizable overseas businesses.

Ayala Land, Ayala Corp. and Megaword all fell by more than 4 percent while Metrobank, GT Capital and Jollibee all slid by more than 3 percent.

SM Prime, SM Investments Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments all slid by more than 2 percent while BDO and JG Summit declined by over 1 percent.

source: business.inquirer.net

MMA: Jones stripped of UFC title after drugs ban

LOS ANGELES, United States — Mixed martial arts star Jon Jones, suspended for a year after testing positive for a banned drug, has been stripped of the Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight interim title, UFC president Dana White said Wednesday.

White told an ESPN podcast that Jones “has blown it in every way, shape and form a guy with that much talent can blow it.”

“Greatest talent ever and the biggest screw-up ever,” White said of the 29-year-old, who was handed a one-year ban after taking a sexual-performance pill tainted with a performance-enhancing substance.

The US Anti-Doping Agency announced the ban on Monday, saying it will be applied retroactively to the date of the positive test and that Jones will be free to fight again in July of 2017.

Jones was dubbed the interim champion in April, when he defeated Ovince St. Preux at UFC 197. He had been scheduled to fight Daniel Cormier for the official title, but Cormier pulled out with an injury.

“It doesn’t make sense with all the stuff that is going on for him to still be the interim champion,” White said.

Jones was already serving a suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for a positive test conducted in June for clomiphene and Letrozole, both testosterone-boosting drugs.

In 2015, the UFC stripped Jones (22-1) of the official title after he was arrested on a hit-and-run charge. CBB

source: sports.inquirer.net

Donald Trump elected US president

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump has been elected president of the United States.

The Republican nominee won Wednesday after capturing Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes, putting him over the 270 threshold.

Voters eager to shake up the nation’s political establishment picked the celebrity businessman to become the nation’s 45th president.

Trump rode an astonishing wave of support from voters seeking change and willing to accept a candidate loose with facts and accused of sexual misconduct.

He upset Democrat Hillary Clinton, who would have become the first woman to serve in the Oval Office.

Trump struck a populist tone and placed a hardline immigration stance at his campaign’s heart.

Trump rose to political fame after questioning whether President Barack Obama was born in the United States. He will now follow Obama into the White House.

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Officially refurbished iPhones now on sale at Apple site

People who want to get an iPhone but want to save a few dollars are in luck. Apple has just started offering refurbished iPhones on its site at slightly more affordable prices.

However, as far as officially offered Apple products go, the discounted prices still carry something of a premium. Savings are estimated to be typically around $80 to $110, reports Tech Crunch.

The current selection is limited to iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, which are priced from $449 for the 16GB version of the 6s to $589 for the bigger 64GB Plus. Savings are calculated to be about 15% from the full retail price.

And since these are officially released by Apple, despite being refurbished, they also get a one-year warranty. Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Trump leading Clinton, 232-209, in electoral votes — AP

UPDATED @ 12:40 p.m.

Originally posted at 10:35 a.m.

WASHINGTON, United States — The Latest on Election Day 2016 (all times EST):

11:33 p.m.

Donald Trump has won Georgia.

The Republican nominee on Tuesday was awarded its 16 electoral votes.

Trump now has 232 electoral votes while his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton has 209.

The Democrats had some hopes that changing demographics in Georgia could allow then to flip the reliably Republican state but their efforts fell short.

___

11:29 p.m.

Hillary Clinton has won Washington state and its 12 electoral votes.

The victory in Tuesday’s elections brings the former secretary of state’s electoral vote total to 209. Republican Donald Trump has 216.

It takes 270 votes to win the presidency.

___

11:11 p.m.

Donald Trump has won battleground North Carolina and its 15 electoral votes.

The victory in Tuesday’s elections brings the billionaire’s electoral vote total to 216. Democrat Hillary Clinton has 197.

North Carolina was one of the hardest-fought contests of the election and is one of the map’s newest swing states. It consistently went for Republicans until Barack Obama captured it in 2008. Republican Mitt Romney narrowly won the state in 2012.

At least 270 electoral votes are needed to win the presidency.

___

11:06 p.m.

Hillary Clinton has won Oregon.

The Democratic nominee on Tuesday was awarded its seven electoral votes.

Clinton now has 197 electoral votes. Her Republican opponent Donald Trump has 201.

Several key battleground states have yet to be won.

___

11 p.m.

Hillary Clinton has won California and Hawaii. Donald Trump has won Idaho’s four electoral votes.

The results in the West bring Clinton’s electoral vote total to 190 and Trump’s to 201. It takes 270 votes to win the presidency.

The results were not surprising. California, with 55 electoral votes, has voted for Democrats beginning in 1992. Hawaii has chosen Democrats consistently since 1988.

Idaho has voted for Republicans beginning in 1968.

___

10:50 p.m.

Donald Trump has won the key battleground state of Florida.

Trump on Tuesday was awarded 29 electoral votes.

He now has 197 electoral votes. His Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton has 131.

Both candidates have spent an extraordinary amount of time in Florida, one of the most important prizes on the map. Trump calls Florida his “second home” and his campaign acknowledged that a win there is vital to his White House hopes.

Barack Obama captured the Sunshine State in both 2008 and 2012.

___

10:43 p.m.

Hillary Clinton has won Colorado.

The Democratic nominee captured its nine electoral votes Tuesday. She now has 131 total electoral votes while her Republican opponent Donald Trump has 168.

Colorado has become an attainable state for Democrats in recent years thanks to shifting demographics.

Clinton tried to woo a surge in Latino voters and the state’s college-educated whites while Trump repeatedly made pitches to Colorado’s large military population and swaths of rural voters.

___

10:40 p.m.

Hillary Clinton has won Virginia.

The Democratic nominee has captured its 13 electoral votes.

Virginia was reliably Republican for decades until Barack Obama won it twice, thanks in part to huge turnout from Washington, D.C.’s suburbs. Clinton’s running mate, Tim Kaine, is a senator from Virginia, though Trump made a late push in the state.

The victory gives her 122 electoral votes. Her Republican opponent Donald Trump has 168.

___

10:37 p.m.

Donald Trump has won the electoral prize of Ohio, a state known for picking presidents.

The Republican wins the state’s 18 electoral votes in Tuesday’s election, bringing his total to 168. Hillary Clinton has 109.

Clinton had appeared ready to concede Ohio’s 18 electoral votes to Trump as polls showed him pulling ahead even in some traditionally Democratic blue-collar areas. But Trump struggled after release of a video in which he talked about groping women and kissing them without their permission.

Republicans held their nominating convention in Cleveland. Governor and one-time Republican presidential rival John Kasich refused to endorse Trump.

___

10:25 p.m.

Donald Trump has won Missouri.

The Republican nominee was awarded its 10 electoral votes. The result was not as a surprise, as the last Democratic victory in the Show Me State came in 1996.

Trump now has 150 electoral votes. His Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton has 109.

___

10:21 p.m.

Hillary Clinton has won New Mexico and its five electoral votes.

That brings her electoral college vote total in Tuesday’s election to 109. Republican Donald Trump has 140 votes.

___

10 p.m.

Donald Trump has won Montana.

The Republican presidential nominee on Tuesday was awarded the state’s three electoral votes.

The result was not a surprise, as Montana was considered a safely Republican state.

Trump now has 132 electoral votes. His Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton has 104 votes.

___

9:40 p.m.

Preliminary exit polls show the racial divides that were expected to define the 2016 presidential election.

Polls conducted for national media by Edison Research show Republican Donald Trump winning a majority of white voters while Democrat Hillary Clinton is drawing support from about three out of four nonwhite voters.

Trump’s support is strongest among whites without a college degree. He’s winning nearly two-thirds of them. Whites with college degrees are split between Trump and Clinton. Trump is winning both among white men and white women, though his margin is much higher among men.

Clinton’s strongest support comes from African-Americans. She’s winning about nine out of 10 black voters. She’s winning about two out of three Hispanics and Asian-Americans.

___

9:30 p.m.

Republican Donald Trump is maintaining Republicans’ advantage among white voters nationwide, but perhaps not by the usual margin that the party’s nominees have enjoyed.

Preliminary exit polls of voters who have already cast presidential ballots show Trump winning a majority of whites. He has not quite reached the roughly six-out-of-10 share that Mitt Romney notched four years ago in his unsuccessful challenge of President Barack Obama.

The difference appears to come among white women. Trump is posting about the same, if not a slightly wider margin among white men as Romney did in 2012. But his lead over Clinton among white women appears to be in single digits, short of Romney’s double-digit advantage four years ago.

___

9:28 p.m.

Donald Trump has won Louisiana and its eight electoral votes.

That extends his Electoral College total in Tuesday’s elections to 137, compared with Hillary Clinton’s 104.

History was on Donald Trump’s side in the state. Louisiana hasn’t given its electoral votes to a Democrat since Bill Clinton won 52 percent of the vote two decades ago.

___

9:26 p.m.

Hillary Clinton has won Connecticut.

The Democratic nominee on Tuesday was awarded Connecticut’s seven electoral votes.

The result was not a surprise, as Connecticut was considered a safely Democratic state.

Clinton now has 104 electoral votes. Her Republican opponent Donald Trump has 129.

___

9:08 p.m.

Republican Donald Trump has won Arkansas and its six electoral votes.

That brings his electoral vote total in Tuesday’s election to 129. Democrat Hillary Clinton has 97.

It takes 270 votes to win the presidency.

The result was expected. Earlier polling showed Trump leading Clinton by double digits in the state where she served as first lady for 12 years while her husband was the governor.

The once reliably blue state has turned red in recent years. Republicans now control all of Arkansas’ statewide and federal offices, as well as a majority of seats in both chambers of the state legislature.

Arkansas has backed the Republican candidate for the White House in every election since 1980 — except for years when Bill Clinton was running for president.

___

9:05 p.m.

Hopeful Hillary Clinton supporters have gathered on a Brooklyn street corner they expect to be prophetic: The intersection of President and Clinton Streets.

Photos and video posted on social media Tuesday show hundreds of people gathered for a block party where the streets cross.

Organizers have set up a large screen to stream election coverage. A food truck is dispensing tacos to the crowd.

The street signs in the intersection have been an attraction all Election Day for Clinton boosters snapping selfies.

It is just under a mile from Clinton’s national campaign headquarters in Brooklyn.

___

9 p.m.

Donald Trump has won Texas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas and Nebraska while Hillary Clinton has won New York and Illinois.

Trump also on Tuesday won two of Nebraska’s congressional districts. In the state that awards by congressional district, one remains too close to call.

Trump was awarded Texas’ 38 electoral votes, the second-largest prize on the map. He also won six from Kansas, four from his victories in Nebraska and three apiece from Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Clinton was awarded 20 from Illinois and 29 from New York, the state both candidates call home. Trump had declared he would try to win New York but never mounted a serious effort there.

The Republican nominee now has 123 electoral votes. Clinton has 97.

___

8:55 p.m.

Hillary Clinton is watching election returns with a collection of close campaign aides and her family in a suite at the Peninsula New York, a luxury hotel in midtown Manhattan.

Aides say the group is snacking on salmon, roasted carrots and fries — along with vegan pizza and crème brulee for former President Bill Clinton, who’s careful about his diet. Her granddaughter, Charlotte, is wearing a dress emblazoned with the campaign logo.

Clinton and her husband have also been working on her election night remarks with her speechwriters.

Later Tuesday evening, they’ll move to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City for her election night party. It’s a building with a glass ceiling — a nod to the historic moment.

___

8:51 p.m.

Donald Trump has won Mississippi and its six electoral votes.

That brings his Electoral College total in Tuesday’s election to 66, compared with Hillary Clinton’s 48.

The outcome was not unexpected. Mississippi has voted for Republicans in every presidential election starting with 1972, with the exception of Democrat Jimmy Carter in 1976.

___

8:40 p.m.

Hillary Clinton has won Rhode Island and its four electoral votes.

That brings her total Tuesday to 48, compared with Donald Trump’s 60.

It takes 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

Rhode Island has voted for Republicans for president only four times since 1928.

In 2012, President Barack Obama defeated Republican Mitt Romney in the state by about 27 percent.

__

8:33 p.m.

Exit polls conducted by Edison Research for national media outlets suggest Hillary Clinton is still struggling with white voters who have put Georgia in the Republican column for every presidential election but one since 1980.

Exit polls in Virginia show Clinton and Republican Donald Trump split white Virginia voters with college degrees. In North Carolina, Trump apparently won a slight majority of college-educated whites. But in Georgia, whites with college degrees sided with Trump by more than 2-to-1.

Among whites with no degree, the gaps were even wider. Trump won about two out of three of those voters in North Carolina and Virginia. In Georgia, he won about four out of five.

___

8:27 p.m.

Donald Trump has won Alabama and its nine electoral votes after Sen. Jeff Sessions endorsed the billionaire candidate.

That brings Trump’s total in the Electoral College to 60 votes, to Clinton’s 44 votes.

It takes 270 votes to win the presidency.

The results continue the state’s streak of voting for Republicans every presidential election since 1980.

___

8:13 p.m.

Donald Trump has won Tennessee and its 11 electoral votes.

Tuesday’s vote is the fifth presidential contest in a row in which the state voted for the Republican candidate. That includes the 2000 election, when native son Al Gore lost the state to Republican George W. Bush.

It takes 270 votes to win the presidency. CBB

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Clinton casts her ballot: ‘It is the most humbling feeling’

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y.  — Seeking to become the nation’s first female president, Hillary Clinton cast her ballot Tuesday and settled down to wait for the country to make its choice.

The Democratic nominee and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, voted at an elementary school near their home in suburban New York before greeting supporters waiting for her outside.

“It is the most humbling feeling,” she said of voting for herself for president. “I know how much responsibility goes with this.”

It was a relatively calm moment Tuesday compared with Clinton’s hectic final few days day on the campaign trail. The former secretary of state and New York senator dashed through battleground states, encouraged get-out-the-vote efforts and campaigned with a star-studded cast of celebrity supporters.

It was an election eve punctuated by an emotional rally in Philadelphia with her husband, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, as well as performances by Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen, and capped by Lady Gaga, who serenaded thousands of supporters before the Clintons took the stage for a 1 a.m. rally in Raleigh, North Carolina. It ended with cheering fans greeting her at the airport back in New York when she landed in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

After the divisive rhetoric of the campaign against Republican Donald Trump, Clinton sought to offer a positive closing message on Monday. She told supporters in Pittsburgh they “can vote for a hopeful, inclusive, bighearted America.” In a buoyant mood, she also greeted voters who cried out “we love you,” smiling back: “I love you all, too … absolutely.”

Some good news boosted Clinton’s spirits in the final moments of the campaign. On Sunday, FBI Director James Comey sent a letter to Congress, informing lawmakers the bureau had found no evidence in its hurried review of newly discovered emails to warrant criminal charges against Clinton.

The late October announcement of a fresh email review rocked the race just as Clinton appeared to be pulling away from Trump in several battleground states. The update from the FBI may have come too late for some: In the nine days between Comey’s initial statement until his “all clear” announcement on Sunday, nearly 24 million people cast early ballots. That’s about 18 percent of the expected total votes for president.

But campaign aides projected confidence in the final moments. They said they felt good about Nevada, where they said support for Clinton in early voting was strong. They were encouraged by the strong Latino turnout in Florida and felt they took a strong lead in Michigan and Pennsylvania into Election Day, when the bulk of votes are cast in those states.

Leading up to Election Day, Clinton made stops in Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and New Hampshire — often flanked by star guests. Jay Z and Beyonce performed with pant-suited backup dancers in Cleveland. James Taylor serenaded New Hampshire voters and Katy Perry sang “Roar” in Philadelphia.

She also campaigned with Khizr Khan, the father of a slain U.S. Army officer whose indictment of Trump at the Democratic National Convention was an emotional high point for Clinton’s party.

Her last two days on the campaign trail felt almost like a Clinton family reunion, with some of her closest confidants jumping on the campaign plane for her final hours. Even Huma Abedin, her embattled personal aide caught up in the email controversy, jumped on the plane for the midnight rally in Raleigh. TVJ

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Pacquiao victorious in fight vs Vargas with Mayweather watching

LAS VEGAS—Manny Pacquiao put on a masterful performance to take the WBO World welterweight title from champion Jessie Vargas Sunday (Manila time).

Floyd Mayweather Jr. stopped by to see an old foe, and Pacquiao tried his best to give him a show.

With Mayweather watching intently from a ringside seat, Pacquiao dropped Jessie Vargas in the second round and bloodied his face Saturday night on his way to a lopsided decision that gave him a piece of the welterweight title once again.

Pacquiao won on all three ringside scorecards — 118-109, 118-109 114-113 — to take the piece of the title Vargas won in his last fight. The AP scored it 119-109.

It was vintage Pacquiao at times, even though he couldn’t stop Vargas like he desperately wanted to. And with Mayweather at ringside it certainly will stir talk of a second fight between the boxers who went at it last year in the richest fight ever.

That, of course, would depend on Mayweather coming out of retirement and Pacquiao being able to fight while still attending to his duties as a senator in the Philippines. Mayweather did not answer questions about a possible return to the ring shouted at him by writers at ringside.

“I came to take my daughter to the fights,” Mayweather said, with his daughter sitting next to him.

Just before the bell rang to start the fight, Pacquiao smiled and waved a fist at Mayweather. He then came out aggressive, trying to walk down Vargas and make it a short night.

But Pacquiao, who has not knocked out an opponent in seven years, wasn’t going to stop the younger Vargas in his hometown. Vargas had difficulty dealing with Pacquiao’s speed, but was more than willing to trade punches to try and lure him into a brawl.

In the eighth round he succeeded at doing that, hitting Pacquiao with a big right and punching his gloves together as if to tell him to stand and fight. Pacquiao went right back after him and they traded punches before staring at each other when the bell sounded to end the round.

Vargas was cut over the right eye by an accidental clash of heads in the eighth, and blood trickled into his eye but it didn’t seem to be a factor.

The taller Vargas landed some good right hands of his own, but they were infrequent and he rarely followed up on them. Still, they were enough to keep Pacquiao away at times and offset some of his advantage with speed.

Vargas fell again in the last round but it was ruled as a slip with 10 seconds left in the fight.

Mayweather took a ringside seat alongside his daughter to watch the man who helped make him untold millions when they fought in 2015. Mayweather won that fight, and Pacquiao’s performance was largely panned, though he claimed to have an injured shoulder.

Pacquiao acknowledged Mayweather after his in-ring interview with a smile as Money made his way out of the arena.

Pacquiao, fighting in his 22nd title fight in a pro career that stretches back to 1995, trained at night in the Philippines in the weeks leading up to the fight so he could tend to his day job as a newly elected senator. With the senate out of session, he was back in a more familiar place, with a crowd of some 16,132 nearly filling the UNLV campus arena to watch him take on Vargas, who was in only his second title bout.

Pacquiao, who earned a reported $100 million to fight Mayweather in the richest fight ever, was guaranteed $4 million plus a percentage of the revenue of the fight. Vargas got $2.8 million. With reports from Bong Lozada/INQUIRER.net

source: sports.inquirer.net

Magdaleno shocks Donaire, nabs WBO title

Jessie Magdaleno made a proper introduction into the boxing world after a stunning victory over Nonito Donaire via unanimous decision Sunday (Manila time) at Thomas & Mack Center.

The 24-year-old challenger walked away with Donaire’s WBO World super bantamweight title as he upped his undefeated record to 24-0 while the former champion slipped to 37-4 and saw his four-fight win streak come to an end.

Magdaleno, who was ahead in all three score cards, 116-112, 116-112, 118-110, pressed the issue in the ninth round when he pinned Donaire in the ropes and unleashed multiple combinations to the head of the champion.

Undefeated Magdaleno grew up in Las Vegas but was fighting with Mexico printed on his red and black trunks and was serenaded by chants of “Mexico, Mexico” several times during the fight.

Coming into the fight, Magdaleno was the number one contender, having won eight of his last 10 fights by knockout.

Donaire suffered just the fourth loss of his career despite doing well at the end of the rounds late in the fight.

In the 10th, the Filipino wobbled Magdaleno with good right hard punches at the begin and end of the round.

The two traded heavy blows in the 12th with the crowd on its feet for the final round.

“We definitely won the fight. Losing never crossed my mind,” said Donaire. “I never thought I could lose this. I had a great second half and I thought I controlled the fight.” Agence France-Presse

source: sports.inquirer.net

Pacquiao gives away $1 million on tickets

LAS VEGAS–It’s easy to understand why Manny Pacquiao keeps on fighting.

He’s generous to a fault.

For this fight against Jessie Vargas alone, Pacquiao has spent $1 million (roughly P48 million) for 2,000 tickets given away to friends, relatives and fellow politicians.

That’s a huge amount, considering that he’ll not be receiving the guaranteed $20 million for his third fight against Timothy Bradley in April.

According to sources, Pacquiao will be receiving an undisclosed flat rate plus a percentage of the revenues from The Legend vs The Champ fight card promoted by Top Rank Inc.

Vargas, on the other hand, will get $2.8M outright.

With the lower prices, tickets to the 19,522-seater Thomas & Mack Center, are selling briskly, according to Top Rank honcho Bob Arum.

Despite the absence of HBO, which passed off this time, pay per view sales are expected to rise, hours before the card starts at the home of the UNLV Running Rebels, the 1990 US NCAA Division I champions.

In a mini press conference Thursday, Pacquiao disclosed that nearly 50 percent of whatever he earns from boxing is channeled back to the poor through free housing, hospitalization and other general services programs.

It’s a good thing, sponsors continue to trust Pacquiao’s global marketing appeal. Just this week, Anta, China’s giant sportswear firm, formally announced that it has made Pacquiao a chief endorser.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Lakers stun Warriors, end Curry’s 3-point streak

LOS ANGELES — Lou Williams scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped Stephen Curry’s NBA-record streak of 157 games with a 3-pointer in a 117-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

Julius Randle had 20 points and 14 rebounds for the rebuilding Lakers, who pulled off their second straight shocking home upset of the mighty Warriors with an impressive effort from their exciting young roster.

Lakers coach Luke Walton also won his first meeting with his former team and his coaching mentor, Steve Kerr.

Curry scored 13 points while going 0 for 10 from 3-point range, ending several incredible long-distance streaks. He had hit a 3-pointer in every regular-season game since Nov. 11, 2014.

Including the postseason, Curry had at least one 3 in 196 straight games, and he had also hit in 116 straight regular-season road games – both NBA records.

Walton was Kerr’s assistant during the Warriors’ 2014-15 championship season and again last year, when he led Golden State to a 39-4 start while Kerr was recovering from a back injury.

Golden State didn’t lose its second game under Walton that year until Dec. 30, but these reconfigured Warriors are off to a 4-2 start with this shocker coming one night after an important victory over Oklahoma City.

The young, exciting Lakers jumped to a 21-point lead in the third quarter with ball movement resembling the Warriors’ style. They fought off star-studded Golden State’s challenge in the fourth quarter with huge games from Williams and Randle, their versatile forward. D’Angelo Russell added 17 points, and rookie Brandon Ingram had 12.

Golden State lost 112-95 to the Lakers at Staples Center in March, one of the biggest regular-season upsets in NBA history and one of the Warriors’ mere nine losses last season.

One night after Kevin Durant scored 39 points against his former Thunder teammates, the Warriors got off to an awfully slow start in LA.

The Warriors scored a season-low 15 points in the first quarter. That’s also the fewest points allowed by the Lakers in any quarter this season.

Golden State missed its first seven 3-pointers, only getting its first on Andre Iguodala’s buzzer-beater. Durant, Curry and Klay Thompson were a combined 5 for 18.

source: sports.inquirer.net

How to Remove a Trojan Virus and Recover Lost Files

Anyone who uses a computer understands that Trojan viruses or other malware can release a storm of problems on your PC. Here are some quick tips on removing a Trojan virus and other malware to recover lost files on your computer. 



What Can Malware do to your Computer? 


To understand how to remove malware, you first have to understand how they work. There are a number of different malware categories, including:


Adware
Backdoor
Hijackers
Dialers
Spyware
Virus
Worm

Malware typically comes from corrupted downloads. Specifically, a Trojan virus appears innocent on the surface, but has been designed to unleash havoc on your system. Sometimes, it provides a backdoor entry to your computer system, or download more dangerous software on your hard drive in the future.

Removing a Trojan Virus

Typical computer Viruses, on the other hand, self-replicate themselves and infect other files or programs on your computer. Whether or not you can eliminate a Trojan virus will depend on the severity. In this case, when removing a Trojan virus, it’s always recommended taking it to a data recovery professional. There are anti-malware programs, however, that prevent and eliminate these attacks from occurring. We recommend Autoruns from Sysinternals. The software is free, and it provides you with a detailed report of potential malware threats and how to get rid of them. For the most part, the programs that run through Autoruns will be safe from cyber-threats. But remember, before you delete anything, first examine the files that are currently being scanned from Autoruns. Once you determine that those files are corrupt or safe to delete, you can use an anti-virus program to safely remove them.

Recovering Lost Files on your Hard Drive

To recover a lost file, we normally recommend taking the proactive approach and backing up your data. It’s much easier to use a backup than it is to try to recover your information after a malware-attack. You can also check the recycling bin for deleted files. Getting into the habit of creating backups could save you a lot of headache and frustration later. You could also consider using file recovery software to restore data that has been emptied from the recycling bin. We recommend Recuva Portable because it’s free, easy to use for beginners, and it has an impressive success rate. It will even give you a preview of the images that you can recover. Whether you need to recover lost files or figure out how to remove a Trojan virus, contact the experts at Secure Data Recover for help you can trust!

source:  securedatarecovery.com

‘Next year’ finally arrives for joyous Chicago Cubs fans

CHICAGO — Next year is here.

At exactly 11:47 p.m. local time, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series that has eluded them for 108 years. Fans who packed bars to watch the games on television near Wrigley Field — neither of which existed back in 1908 — erupted in cheers before swarming onto the streets just before midnight Wednesday to celebrate in the shadows of the statues of Cubs greats Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo and legendary announcer Harry Caray.

As the game ended, the roar from inside the bars and the throng of fans on the street was deafening, before the crowds both inside and out sang “go Cubs go” at the top of their lungs.

As the celebration progressed, thousands of fans poured into the streets leading away from Wrigley, many of them singing “We Are The Champions.”

Fans hugged each other, many of them crying. They took each other’s picture and pictures of themselves, and took turns writing their names and words of congratulations in chalk on Wrigley’s brick walls. Some got on friends’ shoulders to find spots high up on the walls that were not yet covered with names of fans.

An hour after the game ended there were still thousands of people in the ballpark neighborhood, known as Wrigleyville, and there were still fireworks exploding every few minutes.

“This was torture,” said Mike Delmanowski, a lifelong Cubs fan who flew to Chicago from California just to be surrounded by other Cubs fans. “I would not have missed it for anything.

“I am so proud to be a part of it,” said his wife, Sue, who was crying off and on from the fifth inning.

Mike Dillon said all he could think about was his father, who died without ever seeing what Dillon witnessed.

“I came here by myself, but I’m not alone at all,” said Mike Dillon, 57, of Joliet.

Craig and April Likhite drove to Chicago from Evanston with their 10-year-old son, Cade, because they wanted to see history made with other fans as close to Wrigley Field as possible.

“To finally see this in my lifetime with my son here with us, it means everything,” Craig Likhite said. “This game with all the ups and downs showed him exactly what it is to be a Cubs fan.”

“My dad passed away this year. He would have loved this,” said Likhite, 50.

Judy Pareti flew in from New York City to watch the game at Murphy’s Bleachers, a neighborhood sports bar in a building where her grandfather lived and where his hot dog stand was located. “My dad and grandfather owned it, and I was born here,” she said. “I would never want to be anywhere but here for this.”

Liz Wolfe, a 36-year-old physical therapist, said, “People always said if the Cubs win the World Series it would be like hell freezing over. I’m still in shock. This is the most exciting thing in my life.”

Long-time Cubs fan Bob Newhart, who grew up in the Chicago area, tweeted his congratulations to the team. “The billy goat is dead!! As I’ve said, from the beginning, I’m getting too old for this!,” the 87-year-old comedian wrote, alluding to one of the oldest alleged curses on the team.

The 8-7 extra-inning victory over the Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland came after the emptiness and bitterness of years past when the Cubs found spectacular and sometimes downright strange ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Every Cubs fan knows those stories, starting with the 1969 team loaded with Hall of Famers that amassed a 9 1/2-game lead in mid-August before they started losing game after game in such numbers that the Miracle Mets not only caught them but ended up winning the National League East by 8 games.

Then came 1984. After taking the first two games of the National League Divisional Series against the Padres at Wrigley, the Cubs needed just one win in San Diego to advance to the NLCS. They were swept in three games on the West Coast.

There were other playoff losses but none as painful as in 2003 when in a where-were-you-when-it-happened moment that Cubs fans still have trouble comprehending, Steve Bartman deflected a ball that seemed destined for Moises Alou’s glove with the Cubs just five outs from reaching the World Series.

Fans watched in horror as the Cubs fell apart, and few who left the park that night believed the team would win game seven the next night. They didn’t.

But that was all in the past as Cubs fans throughout Chicago celebrated into the early hours of Thursday.

source: sports.inquirer.net