Football, showbiz stars set for Messi’s wedding

Football and showbiz stars gather in northern Argentina on Friday for Latin America’s celebrity wedding bash of the decade when Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi marries his childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo.

Pop star Shakira and her husband, Messi’s teammate Gerard Pique, are expected among the 260 guests, according to media and locals close to the event.

They will join old friends of the couple and footballers such as his Barcelona strike partners Luis Suarez and Neymar.

The party at a casino in his hometown Rosario will be a respite for the player from his legal woes. A Spanish court last month rejected his appeal against a conviction for tax fraud.

All-star guest list

Brunette bride Roccuzzo, 29, will wear a dress by Spanish designer Rosa Clara, which has been flown over from Barcelona.

The designer has dressed stars such as actresses Eva Longoria and Sofia Vergara as well as Spain’s Queen Letizia.

From 2200 GMT the guests will pack into the Hotel City-Center Casino, which stands right next to a crime-ridden slum run by drug gangs.

“Messi’s wedding accentuates the sense of inequality that is symbolized by the casino in that neighborhood,” said Carlos del Frade, author of several books on the drug trade in Rosario.

This city of 1.2 million people is also a cradle of footballing talent, however.

“Rosario lives and breathes football. That is another reason Lionel feels so comfortable here,” the city’s mayor, Monica Fein, told AFP.

“I think he is excited that through his wedding his friends (from abroad) will be able to get to know the city he loves so much.”

Local delicacies

The civil wedding ceremony and party will all take place inside the venue, and the guests will be lodged there too.

Messi, 30 — considered a man of few words — has reportedly asked chefs to cook local delicacies such as “locro” stew and “empanada” pasties for the feast.

The star dish is a typical Argentine beef roast including chitterlings, gizzards and kidneys.

Uruguayan pop bands Rombai and Marama plus singer Karina, wife of Argentina footballer Sergio Aguero, will perform at the dance.

It is not known whether the guests will also get a song from Shakira, the Colombian diva famous for “Whenever, Wherever.”

Tight security and media scrum

Some 155 journalists have been accredited to cover the bash, but have been warned they will have no access to the guests.

Security will be handled by a private team of Israeli specialists used by Messi for all his excursions.

“In Lionel Messi’s case, he’s widely accepted by the people at all levels,” said Diego Manso, a local private security consultant.

“All the same, the security systems will never overlook the probability of a lot of people wanting to approach him, wanting to touch him, take photos with him, from their risk analysis.”

Messi and Roccuzzo live in Barcelona where he plays, but still return regularly to Rosario on holiday.

The couple had their two children baptized there last year: Thiago, 4 and one-year-old Mateo, both born in Barcelona.

“It’s no surprise that he is coming back here to get married,” one of the wedding guests, the player’s old school friend Diego Vallejos, told AFP.

“He is an ordinary person who just wants to be near his family and friends. He is a humble person. Money has not changed his personality.”

Messi and Roccuzzo met as children. He moved to Spain when he was 13 to join FC Barcelona. But they kept in touch.

“They are the love of each other’s lives,” says Vallejos.

source: sports.inquirer.net

WATCH: Taylor Swift breaks silence to congratulate NBA MVP Russell Westbrook

Taylor Swift has been on a social media hiatus, only tweeting to promote songs, or to speak up on the Manchester tragedy.

Another momentous event warranted her social media presence: NBA player Russell Westbrook being awarded this season’s MVP.

In a video shared on the Thunder’s Twitter account, Swift reminded the Oklahoma City player that they had each other to thank for their careers.

“I was the one who taught you to dribble, to shoot hoops, you know,” says the pop singer, sporting wavy locks instead of her short bob.

The All-Star player also apparently inspired one of her songs: “I remember the first time you beat me, and I was very upset.”

“You said, ‘You just have to shake it off,’ and I got an idea,” she says, referring to her hit song “Shake It Off”.

Finally the Grammy award-winning artist admits, “That’s a fake story, but I wish it were the truth.”

She proceeds to congratulate him and sends a virtual hug.

Watch the video here:


No clue yet on when Swift will return to social media, but Westbrook can count the video as another achievement—only few can say that Taylor Swift made them a personal video, even if they’ve never met. JB

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

All About Fixed Rate Mortgage Penalties

Fixed rate mortgages are the most common, and the least risky, mortgage choice. As the name suggests, having a fixed rate mortgage means that you pay the same amount each month towards the principal, over the agreed-upon period of time.

Many homeowners choose fixed rate mortgages so that rising interest rates won’t affect their monthly payments. Additionally, a fixed rate mortgage offers easier planning for monthly expenses. Often, fixed rate mortgage plans last two to three years, but you can also get longer ones that last five to ten years.

Although fixed rate mortgages seem simple enough, there are some things to consider when choosing a mortgage, specifically what kind of penalties you may incur with a fixed rate mortgage. Fixed rate mortgages tend to be inflexible, and there are two main types of penalties you can incur…

Early Redemption Penalty

You may be subject to an early redemption penalty if you pay off your mortgage earlier than agreed upon. You may also have to pay an early redemption penalty if one of your repayments exceeds your overpayment allowance.

Early Repayment Charge

Many lenders include extended tie-in periods with fixed rate mortgages. This means that even once your mortgage period has ended, you must keep your mortgage with the same lender for a specific period of time. If you try to switch lenders, you will be subject to an early repayment charge.

You will also have to pay an early repayment charge should you try to get out of your current mortgage, for instance to switch to a different lender, or if you are selling your home. Your early repayment charge will usually be about 3-5% of your original loan.

Overall, a fixed rate mortgage will penalize you more harshly for exiting the mortgage before the agreed upon date. The penalties can be very costly, and often the wording in the contract is confusing, especially to first-time homebuyers. If you want more flexibility in your mortgage, a variable rate mortgage may be a better choice for you. While there is less predictability involved, a variable rate mortgage typically offers more options for homeowners when it comes to ending a mortgage or making repayments.

Choosing which mortgage solution is right for you can be downright confusing. Fortunately, our highly trained, professional mortgage consultants are here to help you with all of your mortgage questions and concerns! Please, contact us today to set up a consultation!

source: northwoodmortgage.com

Global stocks mostly fall on oil price slump

NEW YORK, United States — Global stocks mostly tumbled on Wednesday, with the energy sector taking a beating as worries about excess supply and ineffectual Opec policy hit oil prices.

Crude prices slid further after diving more than two percent on Tuesday on increasing fears that moves by Opec won’t be sufficient to prevent another supply glut due in part to rising shale output in the United States.

“Cheap oil is taking its toll on the global equity markets,” noted analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya at trading firm London Capital Group.

Equity markets fell in Frankfurt, London, Paris and Tokyo. Leading US indices were mostly down, with the Dow and S&P 500 bruised by the oil rout, but the Nasdaq finished higher.

Aside from the drag of petroleum equities, whose profits are directly hit by lower commodity prices, the pullback in oil prices is a source of unease for the broader market because of worries that inadequate demand signifies slowing economic activity.

“The last two trading sessions have been a reminder of late 2015 and the beginning of 2016, when the collapse in the oil price sparked fears about global growth,” said analyst David Madden at CMC Markets.

“Investors are worried a depressed oil price could bring about a period of prolonged low inflation, which would have negative implications for growth.”

Worries about Opec

US oil prices ended at their lowest level since August on growing worries that Middle Eastern members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries “will not be able to cooperate and work together,” said John Kilduff of Again Capital.

The pullback comes amid rising tensions between Opec kingpin Saudi Arabia and fellow members Iran and Qatar.

Contributing to the weakness was a mixed US petroleum supply report that showed lower overall commercial inventories, but higher US production and “lackluster” gasoline demand, said Kilduff.

Greg Priddy, an analyst at risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said the cartel is also stuck in a difficult cycle in which higher prices create incentives for producers in the US and other markets to raise production, putting renewed pressure on prices.

Petroleum-linked equities fell across global bourses, with France’s Total, Japan’s Inpex and US company Chevron all lower.

The London and Frankfurt stock markets ended the day down 0.3 percent, while Paris shed 0.4 percent in value.

But the tech-rich Nasdaq was a standout, finishing up a solid 0.7 percent after pharmaceutical and biotech shares advanced on expectations that President Donald Trump’s moves to crack down on runaway drug prices will not be as aggressive as feared.

Shanghai also bucked the trend to end up 0.5 percent after the US-based MSCI finally approved Chinese mainland-listed stocks, or A-shares, for inclusion in its emerging markets index. CBB

source: business.inquirer.net

Galaxy Note 8 showcase slated for August

One of the iPhone’s contenders in the smartphone market, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, is expected to be launched soon in  New York.

Korean news site The Bell reports that Samsung’s latest device will be unveiled at around mid-August at a showcase in New York. Sales are expected to start some time in September.

Past Galaxy Note devices were launched at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA), a consumer electronics and home appliance trade show annually held in September. However, given rumors that the iPhone 8 is to be launched in September and likely sold a month later, Samsung’s August showcase of the Galaxy Note 8 could be part of the strategy to give the device a market advantage. It would be the sole premium device in the smartphone market for much of September until the iPhone 8 becomes available globally.

Coincidentally, Galaxy Note 8 is going to be released in the same month the Note 7 was introduced a year before.

Industry sources did not reveal any more information, but past rumors suggested that the Galaxy Note 8 will come with a 6.3-inch display and other high-end features, including Samsung’s voice assistant Bixby. A dual camera system is also expected to be packaged with the Note 8 which would allow for both regular and wide angle shots.

There are also speculations on whether the Galaxy Note 8 will come with a fingerprint sensor embedded on the display. If it does, the Note 8 is expected to become a stronger contender to the much anticipated iPhone 8 that is also rumored to come with the same biometric technology. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

New Google Drive app allows users to back up entire computer

After amping up its Gmail file transfer services last March, Google is turning its Drive feature into the ultimate backup tool.

According to The Verge, the famed file storage and synchronization service will undergo an immense upgrade called the Backup and Sync feature.

Starting June 28, Google Drive users will no longer have to rely on files being simply stored on the Drive folder. Instead, Google will now be able to  monitor and back up files inside any folder including the desktop and even the entire Documents folder.

Theoretically, the app can back up an entire computer, but users must still be wary of their file sizes as the free Drive storage space is capped at 15GB. Those who wish to exceed beyond that must pay for extended storage, the report said.

The Backup and Sync app, meanwhile, is expected to eventually replace both the Google Drive app and the Google Photos Backup app. However, Google has recommended that business users stick with the existing Drive app for the meantime.

The new feature rolls out in less than two weeks and will be available on Google Drive for both Mac and PC.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra

source: technology.inquirer.net

Why Luis Manzano loves combat sports

Chased by legions of fans, a shirtless Luis Manzano seeks cover in his dressing room. Not that the girls are swooning over the TV host’s buff body. They are actually running after a can of tuna in his hand.

Since the airing of that Century Tuna commercial a few months ago, sales of its corned variant, which Manzano is an endorser, have skyrocketed.

“He is very masa yet upscale,” commented Greg Banzon, general manager of Century Pacific Food, on Manzano’s influence. “An approachable and genuine authority figure, while being funny at the same time.”

Manzano admitted to Inquirer Lifestyle that he was chunky before the commercial was shot. Last year, he indulged in pizzas and chocolates, particularly hazelnut and white variants. “I have a sweet tooth,” he said.

His mother, actress and Lipa City Rep. Vilma Santos, was concerned since her son works in a visual and unforgiving medium. She remarked, “Anak, tumataba ka na. Ang pangit ng leeg mo. Mag-kuwelyo ka, anak. (Son, you are putting on weight. Your neck looks awful. Wear a collar, son).”

At the time of the interview, the 35-year-old celebrity had lost 10 lbs for the commercial and planned to lose more.

Manzano has since been on a low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet, and eats chocolates only as a reward.

He wakes up to a clove of garlic or cinnamon for their medicinal properties, and eats blueberries for antioxidants.

A typical meal would include whole wheat bread, quinoa or brown rice with tuna, naturally, and broccoli and carrots. He eases up during Sunday meals with his mother.

Manzano keeps fit with martial arts—tae kwon do, aikido, judo, jiujitsu, tabemina Balintawak (Filipino reflex training with sticks), mixed martial arts and Muay Thai (Thai boxing).

He picked up his penchant for combat sports from his father, actor-host, Edu Manzano, who is a judoka, a judo expert.

The younger Manzano fell in love with mixed martial arts for its simplicity and complexity.

“You get the best from each discipline and put them all together to be as effective as possible,” he said. “It’s primal. You’re always surging with adrenaline.”

Between hosting schedules, he works out at the Ultimate Fitness Center, where he trains for Muay Thai and jiujitsu under different coaches.

Physically and mentally

“The workouts balance you physically and mentally. One thing I’ve learned from my coach is that you always assume that your opponent is more skilled than you. There’s always the bigger fish,” said Manzano.

To improve his skills, he even attended a Muay Thai fight camp in Phuket, Thailand. His coach started fighting at age 7 to escape poverty, recorded 500 fights and retired at age 39. The coach would flunk Manzao if he didn’t do well.

Combat sports are not without injuries. In Thailand, Manzano had a month-long bump from shin-to-shin sparring. Then there were the usual shoulder strains from pulling punches and low back pains for not warming up properly or when learning a new movement. He’s had to lay off for weeks to recover from an injury.

Nonetheless, Manzano doesn’t let injuries get in the way of his goal, which is improving his technique and building endurance.

Since stamina is his Achilles heel, he does CrossFit to complement his combat sports. If he wakes up early, he drinks a glass of water and coffee and works out for 30 minutes, swinging kettle bells or rowing.

Manzano loves the thrill of competition. However, his celebrity parents, his girlfriend, actress Jessy Mendiola, and his manager have prohibited him from competing. “I can’t say ‘I have a shoot tomorrow, please don’t hit my face!’ I could easily get a black eye or worse, a cut,” he said.

He sensibly chose work over passion. Asked what motivates him to pursue combat sports, he cited health reasons: “I see people at a young age getting sick. Some friends die because of health problems. My main goal is to spend quality time with my future family.” —CONTRIBUTED

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Obama hails Jay Z as first rapper in Songwriters Hall of Fame

Former United States president Barack Obama hailed Jay Z as a kindred spirit and inspiration, as the hip-hop mogul became the first rapper to enter the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday.

The elite club also welcomed Motown records’ pathbreaking founder Berry Gordy and Swedish hitmaker Max Martin at its annual induction, an evening of performances by top stars that, like songwriters, stayed decidedly lower-key than televised award galas.

Obama made a surprise appearance by video to present the honor to Jay Z, who grew up as Sean Carter in a troubled housing project in Brooklyn and has gone on to become one of music’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.

“I like to think Mr. Carter and I understand each other. Nobody who met us as younger men would have expected us to be where we are today,” Obama said of the rapper, who with his wife Beyonce actively campaigned for the first African-American president.

Obama said he related to Jay Z in that neither grew up with a father, both understood deprivation “and, let’s face it, we both have wives who are significantly more popular than we are.”

Obama described himself as a longtime fan of Jay Z and, in a veiled reference to his successor Donald Trump, said: “I’m pretty sure I’m still the only president to listen to Jay Z’s music in the Oval Office.”

“That may change at some point, but I’m pretty sure that’s true now,” Obama said.

Jay Z did not appear at the ceremony to attend to wife Beyonce. Instead, the rapper took to Twitter to thank artists who influenced him. In a speech in his name, his music publisher Jon Platt said the award came after years of rappers being told “you’re not songwriters.”

“Jay would want you to know that this induction is a signal that your time has come and your time is now,” Platt said to applause. JB

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Atari officially working on new game console

Atari is a brand that many old gamers will recognize, being one of the pioneers in home video game consoles. The company also introduced the arcade video game “Pong” into homes. After filing for bankruptcy protection in 2013, the company is now officially back into making gaming hardware.


In an exclusive interview with Atari CEO Fred Chesnais, it has been confirmed that the company is currently working on a new game console, reports GamesBeat.

“We’re back in the hardware business,” said Chesnais.

During the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2017 in Los Angeles, Atari began teasing a product called Ataribox on a non-Atari website. Many believed the video to be a hoax, considering that the last console the company released was the Atari Jaguar back in 1995.

Chesnais has declined to comment further on the Ataribox but said that Atari’s revival is well under way. He adds that the company is still working on the design, and more information about the new product will be revealed at a later date. It will possibly be announced on the now up-and-running official Ataribox website.

Chesnais, who bought Atari in 2013 after the company had filed for bankruptcy protection, pledged to make it great again. Since  then, Atari has become more profitable and has engaged in making mobile games. The company has also been licensing its brands more widely, including licensing the Atari name for the upcoming movie “Blade Runner 2049”. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

US Fed raises key rate to 1.0-1.25%, signals one more hike in 2017

WASHINGTON, United States — The US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point to 1.0-1.25 percent on Wednesday and signaled another increase remains likely this year, despite the recent spate of weak economic data.

In explaining this second rate hike of 2017 and plans for more increases in the coming months, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said the move reflected the progress in the world’s largest economy, which continues to add jobs at a solid pace.

“The economy is doing well, is showing resilience,” Yellen said in her quarterly press conference.

“We have a very strong labor market, an unemployment rate that’s declined to levels we have not seen since 2001. And even with some moderation in the pace of job growth, we have a labor market that continues to strengthen.”

And despite recent tepid price pressures, the Fed expects inflation to pick up — eventually, citing “one-off reductions” in certain categories such as cell phone services and prescription drugs as the reason for the recent lower readings.

Those factors mean the Fed’s preferred inflation measure will remain below the two percent target for some time, but will gradually rise to the target level over “the medium term.”

But coming on a day when the consumer price index and retail sales fell, in large part due to falling food and gasoline prices, but with widespread declines in other categories, some economists are saying the Fed is no longer basing its decision on the data, as it has repeatedly said.

“The third rate hike in seven months, coming not long after a relatively poor Q1 GDP print, suggests the Fed has become less data-dependent in its monetary policy decisions,” Fitch Ratings Chief Economist Brian Coulton said.

One FOMC member, Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank President Neel Kashkari, dissented from the decision, preferring to keep policy on hold for now.
Third hike coming?

Analysts in recent weeks have become increasingly doubtful there would be a third rate increase later this year, as inflation, consumption and other economic data have indicated the weakness seen in the first quarter has continued.

Fed futures markets now put the chances for another rate increase this year to below 50 percent.

Chris Low of FTN Financial said the Fed “compromised” by continuing the rate increases despite falling inflation, but “the market expects the Fed to take a break.”

However, Yellen said business and household confidence remain quite strong, and echoed the statement from the Fed’s policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee, which repeated its confidence that the economy will continue to expand “at a moderate pace” even with further gradual rate increases.

Asked about the criticism, Yellen said, “I don’t think …the Fed’s credibility has been impaired.”

She once again said the path of interest rates “is not a pre-set course,” but the Fed’s quarterly projections show they still anticipate making a third rate increase this year, with the median federal funds rate ending 2017 at 1.4 percent.

That would be followed by three rate increases in 2018 and three more in 2019, with the key rate at 2.9 percent by the end of that period.
Forecasts

In their quarterly projections, Fed officials saw the economy growing slightly faster than previously forecast, with GDP up 2.2 percent this year, a tenth of a percentage point higher than forecast in March.

But the estimate for the central bank’s preferred measure of inflation, the PCE price index, was cut three-tenths to 1.6 percent, while the core PCE, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, was cut two-tenths to 1.7 percent, according to the Summary of Economic Projections.

The Fed now sees the unemployment rate ending the year at 4.3 percent, where it sits currently, rather than the 4.5 percent previously expected.

The central bank also confirmed that it will begin later this year to implement a plan to reduce the size of its investment holdings, which were built up to record levels during the financial crisis to help support the economy, especially once interest rates reached zero.

As long as the economy “evolves broadly as expected,” the plan “would gradually reduce the Federal Reserve’s securities holdings,” the FOMC statement said. CBB

source: business.inquirer.net

Branzino alla Mediterranea

Simple, elegant dishes that are full of flavors is the hallmark of chef Andrea Delzanno’s cuisine in Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, where he is chef de cuisine of its Italian restaurant Cucina. This week, as guest chef at Marco Polo Ortigas, he’s bringing the same rich flavors of the Mediterranean to Manila.

Ongoing till Sunday, June 18, Marco Polo Ortigas’ Cucina restaurant offers diners a lavish buffet of Italian favorites such as Parma ham and melon, tomato and buffalo mozzarella caprese, a traditional tomato soup with garlic bread and Parmigiana cheese, risotto with mushrooms, roast leg of lamb with garlic and herbs, as well as traditional Italian desserts like tiramisu and chocolate pudding with amaretti.

Delzanno will also serve his take on cacciatore (a dish, like chicken, prepared hunter-style), “the way they do it in the northern part of Italy where I come from,” he says. Without the tomatoes, the chicken was simmered with white wine, herbs and mushrooms, which are plentiful in the North.

Garoupa with tomato sauce is a popular dish in southern Italy, where seafood is abundant.

A staunch advocate of slow, patient cooking, Delzanno points out that much of the work is done in the kitchen hours before serving time to give the flavors time to develop. Some of the sauces, for instance, are made from stock that is reduced over low heat for three long hours.

An example is the Branzino alla Mediterranea. It may look like an easy dish to prepare, and it is—provided one has already prepared the fish stock in which the fish is to be simmered. But fish stock requires a gathering of fish bones and herbs, and patient simmering of the liquid for about 20 minutes, in addition to waiting for it to cool.

Here is Delzanno’s recipe for the dish. In Italy they use branzino, which is Italian sea bass. For Cucina, however, he substitutes garoupa or lapu lapu fillet.

Cucina, Marco Polo Ortigas, Meralco Ave., San Antonio, Pasig. Call 7207720.

Branzino alla Mediterranea
Mediterranean-style Fillet of Sea Bass

2 slices fillet of sea bass (or use lapu lapu or maya maya)
Salt and pepper
3 tbsp olive oil, plus additional for garnish
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 medium tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 medium potato, quartered or cut into wedges, cooked until slightly tender
¼ c fish stock or water
½ c white wine
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp chopped parsley

Season the fish with salt and pepper. Brush the fish with some of the olive oil to keep it from sticking to the pan. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Fry the fish, skin side down, for two minutes. Turn the fish over.

Add the garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, fish stock or water, white wine and butter. Simmer for five to six minutes or until fish is fully cooked. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional olive oil. Makes two to three servings.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Warriors finish off Cavaliers in 5 games, regain NBA title

OAKLAND, Calif.—Kevin Durant scored 39 points, Stephen Curry added 34 and the Golden State Warriors won their second NBA championship in three seasons with a 129-120 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the Finals on Monday night.

Durant capped his first season with the Warriors in triumphant fashion with another big shooting night that helped Golden State avoid a repeat of last year’s Finals collapse when Cleveland rallied from 3-1 down to win the title.

LeBron James scored 41 points and Kyrie Irving added 26 for the Cavs, who had won four straight potential elimination games against the Warriors before running out of gas in Game 5./rga

source: sports.inquirer.net

Ryan Harrison, Michael Venus win French Open doubles title

PARIS — Michael Venus has been like an older brother to Ryan Harrison, and the American says that makes their French Open doubles title even more special.

Harrison and Venus, who is from New Zealand, beat Donald Young of the U.S. and Santiago Gonzalez of Mexico 7-6 (5), 6-7 (4), 6-3 on Saturday to earn their first Grand Slam title.

Venus moved to the United States when he was young and he and Harrison, who was born in Louisiana and now is based in Texas, grew up playing tennis together. They were coached by Harrison’s father, Pat, who is still Venus’ coach.

“It’s even more special that we’re able to do it alongside each other, because he’s like a brother,” the 25-year-old Ryan Harrison said. “He’s been a part of my family. We have been a home away from home for him … He was like a brother growing up. He taught me how to drive, taught me how to do a lot of things. Didn’t teach me how to talk to girls, one thing he didn’t teach me how to do.

“But it was special, because, you know, he was someone who was there for a lot of memorable moments of my life, including my wedding, being one of my groomsman. To have him with me and the most special moment of my career is surreal.”

The 27-year-old Young, who was born in Illinois and is now based in Georgia, was trying to win his first tour-level title in singles or doubles.

Harrison and the 29-year-old Venus had only played four tournaments together coming into Roland Garros, winning a title at Estoril last month — but falling in the opening round at each of the other three.

“Two-and-a-half, three months ago, (Venus) decided that he was going to be looking for a partner for the clay season, and I didn’t have anybody,” Harrison said. “We both were very excited. It just kind of all came into play.

“We haven’t talked about (Wimbledon) yet. I don’t think we wanted to get too far ahead of ourselves. Because as you’re in the middle of the week, there is a certain level of jinx you don’t want to put on yourself … I think the logical thing would be to play it out for the rest of the year.”

Harrison, who reached a career high of No. 42 in the singles rankings in May, hopes the doubles title will serve as a springboard.

“Obviously I’m a singles first player,” he said. “A lot of times, in my opinion, you see guys who have really great singles ability actually have big doubles results first because it’s a little easier at times to waive the nerves of the big moments and big stages.

“This is super special. Wouldn’t have been more happy to do this with Michael and do it this summer. But I’m hoping this can lead into singles success as well, and I know my confidence will be very high coming off of this.”

source: sports.inquirer.net

Washington’s Comey show: It’s a party

WASHINGTON—Politics-obsessed Americans gathered at bars and restaurants on Thursday with an excitement normally reserved for the Super Bowl or the World Series, ordering “FBI sandwiches” and morning shots of Russian vodka as James Comey testified about his dealings with President Donald Trump.

Shaw’s Tavern in Washington opened early and attracted a line of customers seeking to watch the former FBI director’s congressional appearance.

A special menu was offered for the occasion, with the sandwiches, the vodka and “Covfefe coffee” — a coffee with whipped cream and cinnamon, with a name derived from a recent tweet by the president.

“This is massive,” said Dani Robillard, 42, of San Francisco, who lined up outside. She said she was in town to officiate a wedding and wanted to watch the hearing with people. Like others in line, she said she did not support Trump.

“I thought it was a place where I could come and watch with a bunch of liberals,” said Heather Dade, 44.

The crowd grew quiet when the hearing began but some applauded when Comey said Trump’s administration had spread “lies, plain and simple” and “defamed” him and the FBI.

J.C. Fulse, 39, who lives in Washington, said Comey was doing a “great job,” adding “he’s much more credible than our president.”

It was standing room only at the Brooklyn coffeehouse, Building on Bond, which started showing the hearing beginning at 9 a.m.

Marjorie Sweeney, a freelance writer who lives nearby, had high hopes for Comey’s ability to take down Trump.

The crowd inside the bar applauded as the hearing ended, but many in the liberal crowd conceded there was no game-changing moment.

Sweeney said Comey’s remarks “make it very clear that there has been a major, major effort on Trump’s part to cover things up.”

One Washington bar that did nothing special was in the lobby of Trump’s hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Capitol.

Of the four TVs at the bar, three were tuned to Fox News coverage of the hearing, while the fourth showed French Open tennis. The TVs were muted, with quiet jazz playing over the lobby’s sound system. That meant anyone who wanted to follow Comey’s remarks had to read the captions.

Plenty of velvet and leather seats were available at the bar, and at one point, there were as many reporters (four) as ordinary people having a drink and watching the hearing.

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Music Review: The struggle is real for Katy Perry

NEW YORK — She once roared. But now, we’ll just call it meowing.

Katy Perry, one of the top voices in contemporary pop over the last decade, limps into her fourth album with a collection of songs that don’t have a cohesive feel or message. It’s a random hodgepodge of tracks that don’t spark or shine; some of the tunes are cute, but most are forgettable.

“Witness” doesn’t offer a fresh, or refreshed, Perry — the only thing new about her is that haircut.

Vocally, she doesn’t sound inspired or inspiring. And while “Witness” isn’t expected to be the year’s best album, what was expected was some fun, killer pop hits.

Lead single, “Chained to the Rhythm,” is watered-down reggae pop without any real reggae flavor, and current single, the Nicki Minaj-assisted “Swish Swish,” is a miss-miss.

“Witness” is Perry’s first album without mega-producer Dr. Luke, who is currently at war with pop singer Kesha over sexual abuse claims (he denies her allegations). Max Martin, Dr. Luke’s former mentor, is still present though, along with big names like Sia, Jeff Bhasker and DJ Mustard.

But none of them come to Perry’s rescue. The beginning of “Hey Hey Hey” sounds like “Dark Horse,” Perry’s last No. 1 hit, and the hook echoes Avril Lavigne. “Bigger Than Me” comes off like a leftover track from her 2013 album, “Prism.” And the title track is a bore.

Perry finds the right momentum on the dreamy “Tsunami,” produced by Mike WiLL-Made It; “Bon Appetit,” chosen as the official second single for mere minutes, is upbeat and catchy; and “Power,” with little lyrics, is a shining effort thanks to multi-instrumentalist Jack Garratt’s layered, experimental sound.

But overall, “Witness” falls short. The album’s songs are almost as awkward as Perry’s recent actions, from the weird dancing onstage with rap group Migos to her “joke” about comparing her hair to former U.S. President Barack Obama. It is also the first time Perry is launching an album without a monster hit behind her.

“Swish swish bish/Another one in the basket,” she sings. “Witness” is more like an air-ball.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Subaru announces BRZ tuned by STI

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced two new performance models: the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA and 2018 Subaru BRZ tS. Both are performance focused derivatives engineered by Subaru Tecnica International, Inc. specifically for driving enthusiasts. Each vehicle is limited to 500 units and vehicles will arrive at Subaru retailers in early 2018.
 

BRZ tS

The 2018 BRZ tS (tuned by STI) delivers the highest level of “fun to drive” and “pure handling delight” through greater flexibility, better control and stability.

BRZ is renowned for its ultra-low center of gravity and precision handling, and the new BRZ tS adds STI-tuned front and rear SACHS® dampers and coil springs as well as flexible V-braces in the engine compartment. New draw stiffeners are added to the chassis and sub-frame to improve steering response. The BRZ tS is also equipped with 18-in. lightweight STI wheels (the first time that a BRZ has been offered with 18-inch wheels) mounted with 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot® Sport 4 tires for superior grip and quicker turn-in. Brembo® brakes at all four corners round-out the package.

 

The exterior also adds a more aggressive look with an exclusive STI rear carbon fiber spoiler. The spoiler is manually adjustable to fine-tune rear downforce. The addition of STI front, rear and side underspoilers helps control airflow for better traction and stability.

The BRZ tS is also adorned with an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around the front grille and unique rear bumper cover. The rear hatch displays the official BRZ tS badge. The exterior foldable mirrors, roof-mounted shark fin antenna, BRZ and SUBARU badging all have a black finish. Also, the fog lights have been removed and replaced with STI fog light covers.

The cabin features black leather and Alcantara® upholstery with contrasting red stitching and accents throughout the interior, including steering wheel, door and dash panels, knee pads, shifter and emergency brake boots. front seats have red leather bolsters and the seatbacks are embroidered with the tS logo. The visor over the gauge cluster is unique to this model, as is the interior door trim. The center console has been updated to a cast black finish. The BRZ tS also comes standard with red front seat belts and a frameless interior rear view mirror.

WRX STI Type RA

 

 

The RA designation stands for “Record Attempt” and has been applied to various Subaru performance models. The original venture took place in 1989 when a competition version Subaru Legacy broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days and set a top speed record of 138 mph. Furthering this spirit of endeavor, a special race model WRX STI Type RA NBR Special will attempt a Nürburgring speed record this summer.

In keeping with this tradition, the 2018 WRX STI Type RA delivers increased performance through weight reduction, suspension and engine upgrades. The new, numbered limited edition model comes standard with a carbon fiber roof panel, the removal of the spare tire, a carbon fiber pedestal wing and lightweight BBS® 19-in. forged alloy wheels shod with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires.

Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine, the limited edition WRX STI Type RA increases horsepower to an estimated 310hp with the help of an STI-specified new cold air intake and high flow performance exhaust. A retuned ECU and stronger pistons also contribute to the increased engine performance. The six-speed transmission features a revised 3rd gear ratio paired with a short throw shifter. The weight reduction, additional horsepower and revised gearing all contribute to faster acceleration.

Handling has been upgraded with inverted front struts and rear double wishbone suspension all with Bilstein® dampers. A modified multi-mode VDC gives the car better stability control to keep it on its intended path. The Brembo® brake system, with monoblock 6-piston front calipers and dual-piston rear calipers, features an exclusive silver finish and is paired with cross-drilled rotors for better heat dissipation.

The WRX STI Type RA is immediately identified by an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around both the front mesh grille and new rear bumper cover. An STI front underspoiler has also been added for better stability at high speeds. The exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, a roof-mounted shark fin antenna and STI fender badges now come in a black finish. The rear deck lid displays the WRX STI Type RA badge.

In addition to the eye-catching exterior, the WRX STI Type RA cabin features Recaro® performance design front seats with red bolsters and stitching as well as an embossed STI logo on the head restraints. The signature red stitching and accent trim is visible throughout the cabin. The steering wheel is wrapped in Ultrasuede® for better grip and has a black gloss-finish center spoke insert with STI logo. Push-button start with Keyless Access is also standard equipment. Each of the 500 WRX STI Type RA produced for retail sale has been individually numbered with a plaque mounted on the center console.

Both the 2018 WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS will be available in WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl.

source: motioncars.inquirer.net

Tips for Finding a Car Accident Lawyer with Your Best Interest in Mind

Affirming your rights as the casualty of a car collision is imperative to guarantee you get simply recompense for your wounds. Enlisting an accident lawyers to handle your case, nonetheless, can extraordinarily influence the conclusion of your case. You may have been prompted by a supportive cop or auto crash witness to contract a car collision lawyer, or you may have arrived at that choice all alone. Once the choice to counsel a lawyer has been made, discovering the right lawyer to handle your case can be a test. The following are a couple of tips of discovering a qualified car crash lawyer to speak to you.

Looking at Car accident lawyers

Accident lawyers will be acquainted with nearby, state and national laws in regards to your sort of case, and they will have late court suit experience. Contrasting surveys from past customers or companions on lawyer rating destinations online can help you figure out which lawyers have the best notorieties, experience, and history of customer fulfillment. You can likewise take a stab at utilizing Car accident law, however you ought to still look for an individual conference with any lawyer you are considering for contract. As a legitimate matter, a fender bender happens each time a traveler auto is included in an occasion or arrangement of occasions that cause harm, for example, property harm, traumatic cerebrum injury or even demise. In 2005, 82% of engine vehicle mishaps included in a mischance with an alternate vehicle and an alternate 18% were accident injury law including stationary questions and other non-mechanized. It included a component of inconsiderateness, which relates to an infringement of accident injury law.

Planning for Legal Consultation

A legitimate conference is a situated square of time in which car accident lawyers and potential customers examine their wounds, the benefits of their case, and any potential lawful parkways of recuperation. Keep in mind that you may know a great deal about your case, yet until a lawyer is acquainted with the subtle elements of your mischance, he or she will even now have a ton to learn. Nearing readied to lawyer interviews is to a great degree helpful when looking for Accident injury lawyer.

Efficient lawyers

There is tons of paperwork you require before recording your case, and there are a few things you ought to guarantee that before the argument against the other side began. These paper work can be easily maintained by Accident injury lawyer. Before submitting your case is important that you have checked your protection arrangement to make a point to know the degree of their scope. This will tell whether insurance agencies cover a substitution auto, if important, or wont pay their restorative costs, furthermore the degree of the data you have to uncover to them about their occupations and therapeutic history.

source: zhoutaolawyer.com

Durant, Warriors rally to beat Cavs for 3-0 lead

CLEVELAND—Kevin Durant made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 45 seconds left and the Golden State Warriors took a 3-0 in the NBA Finals by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-113 on Wednesday night.

Durant scored 31 points and Klay Thompson had 30 for the Warriors, who improved to 15-0 in the postseason and are on the brink of the first undefeated finish in the NBA. Stephen Curry had 26 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

LeBron James had 39 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Cavaliers, and Kyrie Irving added 38 points. Blown out in the first two games, the Cavaliers were much better in Game 3, but just not good enough to beat a team that could go down as one of the best ever.

Game 4 is here Friday night.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Netizens react as Melania Trump wears Monique Lhuillier gown

US First Lady Melania Trump wore a silk gown by Filipino designer Monique Lhuillier to the Ford’s Theatre Gala, drawing both praise and criticism from netizens.

Lhuillier herself posted photos of the first lady last Monday on her Facebook Page with the caption “Elegant in silk!”

One photo showed US President Donald Trump holding her hand as they exited the stage.

The post has since received almost 500 likes or reactions. Some posted about how the beautiful gown matched the “classy” and beautiful first lady while others criticized Lhuillier for letting the controversial first lady wear her gown.

“Ugh! I love you and I wish you wouldn’t dress this family,” one Facebook user commented. But another said, “Monique, I love you more.”

Another user gave a thumbs down emoji after posting that Lhuillier is “a daughter of immigrants.”

Several designers have refused to dress Melania Trump because of her husband’s controversial decisions and rhetoric. Some of them used to design outfits for former first lady Michelle Obama.

According to Vogue, among the fashion designers who said they won’t dress the new first lady are Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Christian Siriano, Naeem Khan, Derek Lam and Sophie Thelleat.

Meanwhile, Melania Trump had worn dresses from Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana. Tommy Hilfiger also defended the first lady, saying any designer should be proud to dress her. KS/JE

source: technology.inquirer.net

LOOK: Blazers’ guard C.J. McCollum enters Harvard Business School

The term “student athlete” usually applies to varsity players who received scholarships to play sports in high school or college.

Rarely do we see a successful professional athlete find the time to juggle his career and studies.

The Portland Trailblazers combo-guard C.J. McCollum is looking to break that mold, as he recently revealed that he got into one of the most prestigious learning institutions in the world.

Through his Instagram account, the 25-year-old guard said he’d be attending the Harvard Business School for a summer course.

“A kid from Canton, Ohio made it into a Harvard Business classroom. Locked in thinking of a master plan,” last year’s NBA Most Improved Player captioned a photo of himself.

Prior to being drafted in 2013, McCollum graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Lehigh University.

During the off-season, McCollum dabbles in writing for various basketball websites. He was even a part-time sideline reporter for the NBA All-Star Weekend.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra

source: sports.inquirer.net

NBA: Durant, Curry lead Warriors to rout of Cavs, 2-0 series lead

Kevin Durant scored 33 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while Stephen Curry added 32 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists Sunday as the Golden State Warriors ripped Cleveland 132-113 in a historic second game of the NBA Finals.

The Warriors, who welcomed back coach Steve Kerr after he missed 11 games with health issues following back surgery, stretched their playoff win streak to an NBA-record 14 games by dominating the defending champion Cavaliers in the second half.

Golden State moved within two games of becoming the first NBA champion to complete an unbeaten playoff run, seizing a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven championship series, which shifts to Cleveland for games three and four on Wednesday and Friday.

LeBron James led the Cavaliers with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists to match a record with his eighth career NBA Finals triple double. Only former Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson had eight prior finals triple doubles. No one else has more than two.

Together with Curry’s triple double, it was only the second time in playoff history that two rivals had managed triple doubles in the same game, the other coming in 1970 by New York’s Walt Frazier and Milwaukee’s Lew Alcindor, who would later change his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Curry credited his first finals triple double to the tension of the title quest and the effort needed to answer the Cavs’ challenge.

“We’re in the finals. That’s all the motivation we need,” Curry said. “We leave everything on the floor.”

Kevin Love scored 27 points for the Cavaliers while Kyrie Irving added 19 in a losing cause.

Klay Thompson added 22 points for the Warriors, with Curry saying the Warriors still have work to do to play their best.

“I could play much better,” he said. “Some good things going on but we’ve got to get better.

“We’re young. We’re hungry. We’re playing great basketball. We’ve got a great opportunity in front of us and we’ve got to seize it.”

Spectacular passes, slam dunks, deadly shots and high-leaping playmakers dominated the night as the game was played at a fast-paced, high-intensity tempo that had spectators roaring with delight.

Durant became only the third player in NBA history to score 25 points in his first seven NBA Finals appearances, joining Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal.

Curry seized command in the third quarter with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists as the Warriors stretched a 67-64 half-time lead to 102-88 entering the fourth quarter, a margin no finals team had squandered so late to lose since 1992.


From there, Golden State steadily pulled away, the Cavaliers having no answer for the Warriors speed and outside shooting.

“The second half we settled in and just tried to play better and played tougher on defense,” Durant said. “We’re just trying to play good basketball every time down the floor.”

The game turned when Curry sank a 3-pointer and two free throws, then dribbled impressively around James for a layup to cap a 10-3 run that put the Warriors ahead 83-73 early in the third.

Cleveland battled back but a steal set up a Durant fast break layup and 3-point play and Shaun Livingston followed with an uncontested dunk to ignite a 16-6 run to close the quarter.

The Cavaliers went scoreless for more than 3:30 late in the third despite Draymond Green going to the Warrior bench with a fifth personal foul.

Durant and Curry each scored 15 first-half points, but Golden State had 13 turnovers at the break after just four in the series opener.

James scored 18 points in the first half with 10 assists, his most assists in any playoff half in his career.

Tristan Thompson played fewer minutes for the Cavs, with Iman Shumpert seeing more time to help ease the defensive load on James guarding Durant.

Curry went 10-for-10 at the free throw line and scored 15 points as Golden State took a 40-34 lead in the highest-scoring NBA Finals first quarter in 50 years and the second-highest ever.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Holloway stops Aldo in 3rd, wins UFC featherweight belt

RIO DE JANEIRO — Max Holloway claimed the undisputed UFC featherweight title on Sunday (Manila time), stopping long-reigning champion Jose Aldo in the third round of an impressive upset victory.

Holloway (18-3) won the belt in Aldo’s native Brazil with a dynamite finish. The interim 145-pound champion floored Aldo with a big right hand, getting on top and raining down punishment until referee John McCarthy stopped the bout with 47 seconds left in the round.

The Hawaii-born Holloway earned his 11th consecutive UFC victory and claimed the title held by Aldo for most of the past six years. Aldo lost the belt to Conor McGregor in December 2015, but regained it last year.

Aldo (26-3) is the most accomplished featherweight in mixed martial arts history, but he has lost two of his last three bouts after winning 18 consecutive fights from 2006-15.

Top Brazilian strawweight contender Claudia Gadelha recorded an impressive first-round stoppage of Poland’s Karolina Kowalkiewicz, and Vitor Belfort also won a debatable unanimous decision over Nate Marquardt, thrilling the Brazilian fans of the 40-year-old former UFC champion from Rio.

But in the main event, Aldo couldn’t capitalize on his home-crowd advantage after the opening round against Holloway, who didn’t waste his first shot at the undisputed title.

Holloway clawed his way to this stage with a lengthy unbeaten run since his loss to McGregor in August 2013, capped by his stoppage win over Anthony Pettis for the interim belt last December.

Aldo’s hand speed and overall quickness were confounding early on for Holloway, whose normally crisp striking struggled to match Aldo’s movement. After Aldo controlled the first round, Holloway found his rhythm in a tight second, matching Aldo’s famed work rate and aggression.

Holloway then decked Aldo with a ferocious right in the third, sending the champion to the ground and allowing Holloway to get into mount.

Holloway rained down punches on Aldo and nearly landed a rear naked choke during the prolonged scramble. Holloway was relentless, and Aldo couldn’t figure out a way to escape before getting finished.

Aldo was the strong favorite at Jeunesse Arena in his adopted hometown. He was fighting in Rio for the fourth time in his last eight bouts.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Durant makes his mark in Game 1 of NBA Finals for Warriors

OAKLAND, Calif. — LeBron James had a simple explanation for what stood out in Game 1 of the NBA Finals: KD.

With a motivated Kevin Durant playing some of the best basketball of his career and taking the pressure off Stephen Curry, Golden State dominated Cleveland 113-91 in Game 1 on Thursday night and showed that Cavaliers-Warriors III might not look anything like the previous showdowns.

“You take one of the best teams that we had ever assembled last year, that we saw in the regular season and in the postseason, and then in the offseason you add a high-powered offensive talent like that and a great basketball IQ like that, that’s what stands out,” James said. “I mean, it’s no if, ands, or buts. It is what it is. We’ve got to figure out how to combat that, which is going to be a tough challenge for us.

“But that’s what stands out.”

Durant finished with 38 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, didn’t commit a single turnover and spent much of the night guarding James on the defensive end in an impressive return to the Finals stage five years after his only previous trip with Oklahoma City.

Durant lost to James and the Miami Heat in five games in 2012 and then James and the Cavs knocked off the 73-win Warriors in a seven-game thriller last June.

But with Durant added to a mix that includes fellow All-Stars Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, this year’s Warriors proved to be too tough for James and Cleveland to handle in Game 1.

“He can just go get a bucket,” Green said. “That’s one of the things that we need, a guy who can go get a bucket, get to the foul line. … That’s huge for us. You are talking one of the best players in the game. To have a game like that when he’s playing that way, it’s tough to beat. Thirty-eight, 8, 8, zero turnovers? We’re real tough to beat when he’s doing that.”


Durant played well in his first Finals trip but didn’t have the help he has now with a two-time MVP in Curry, one of the league’s best two-way players in Thompson and a do-it-all demon like Green.

With his big output in Game 1, Durant joined Hall of Famers Rick Barry, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal as the only players to score at least 25 points in each of his first six Finals games.

“This is what every player wants to be, is the highest level of basketball,” Durant said. “That’s what you dream about as a kid, is to play at the highest level. I wouldn’t do my teammates any good if I wasn’t just enjoying the moment.”

Durant provided a conundrum for Cleveland’s defense. While the Cavs mostly left Harrison Barnes open last season and thrived when he made just 5 of 32 shots in the final three games as the Cavs overcame a 3-1 deficit to win the title, that wasn’t an option with Durant.

There were a handful of times Cleveland was more focused on Curry and the 3-point shooters, but Durant made them pay with six first-half dunks. His presence also forced James to work on the defensive end, sapping some needed energy he needs on offense if Cleveland is going to keep up with Golden State.

Durant also did a good job defensively in his 1-on-1 matchups with James, who still managed 28 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists but also turned the ball over eight times.

“Kevin’s a competitor,” Green said. “Obviously being that he’s guarding LeBron, he’s taking that challenge on. And I expect nothing less out of him, being the competitor that he is.”

Durant’s presence also benefited Curry, who hit six 3-pointers on the way to a 28-point night. Curry shot just 40 percent in the Finals a year ago and had more turnovers (30) than assists (26) as he nursed injuries to his knee and ankle.

But after winning the first two games a year ago before blowing the 3-1 lead, the Warriors aren’t about to get ahead of themselves even if Cavs coach Tyronn Lue called them “the best I ever seen.”

“A lot of us have been through both sides of a championship run and a Finals,” Curry said. “You’re not going to see crazy celebrations. You’re not going to see us getting ahead of ourselves. We’re going to enjoy what we do on the floor and going to be passionate about it and have each other’s backs when we’re out there, but every 48 minutes is a separate event.”

source: sports.inquirer.net

Cavs the champs but Warriors the favorites in NBA Finals

Some predictions see the NBA Finals ending quickly. A video game simulation has them going the distance.

All seem to agree on the Golden State Warriors winning.

Beaten last year by Cleveland’s historic comeback, the Warriors will try to avenge that defeat and get back on top when they face the Cavaliers again, the first time two teams have met three straight times in the NBA Finals.

Game 1 is Thursday at Oracle Arena, where the Cavaliers won their first championship last year by becoming the first team to rally from a 3-1 deficit in the finals. The Warriors are back with a more formidable team after adding Kevin Durant, a healthier one after Stephen Curry was injured last postseason, and not even LeBron James and the Cavs are given much chance of stopping them.

“I think they’re the prohibitive favorite,” ABC analyst Jeff Van Gundy said. “I think when you’re the prohibitive favorite against LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, that means you’re a heck of a team, and they sure are.”

The Warriors are 12-0 in the playoffs and have won 27 of their last 28 overall. Cleveland will have to slow down a team that has been beating teams by 16.3 points per game in the postseason.

A lackluster postseason could be salvaged by a close, compelling series, which was the result of an NBA 2K17 simulation that ended with Durant leading the Warriors to a Game 7 rout.

The Warriors are a powerhouse, but the Cavs are 12-1 in the playoffs and give themselves a shot no matter who else does.

“Since I’ve been in this league, it’s hard to get to the playoffs, let alone march all the way to the finals,” guard Iman Shumpert said. “But I think we got a great group, headlined by one of the best guys to ever do it. That gives us a chance in any game.”

Some things to watch in the series:

A LOT OF LOVE? Cleveland almost certainly needs the Kevin Love of the last round to have a chance at the upset. He averaged a quiet 13.8 points in the first two rounds, then busted out for 22.6 points and 12.4 rebounds per game against Boston in the Eastern Conference finals. Golden State will try to keep him in check with Draymond Green, one of the league’s best and most versatile defenders.

“When he’s going, he makes their team a lot better,” Green said, “so it is my job to try to take him out of the game.”

WHAT HOME-COURT ADVANTAGE? The Cavaliers’ nine-game postseason road winning streak, three shy of the 2001-02 Lakers’ league record, started with victories last year in Games 5 and 7 in Oakland. The Warriors won at least once in Cleveland in each of the last two NBA Finals, part of their franchise-record streak of 14 straight series with a road victory.

STRAIGHT SHOOTERS? All-Star Klay Thompson is shooting 38 percent from the field in the postseason and 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala is just 3 for 27 from 3-point range. The Warriors’ best lineup against the Cavaliers probably has both players on the floor at the same time, with Iguodala on James and Thompson defending Irving, so Thompson said he doesn’t get caught up in whether his shot is falling.

“What happened in the past in my mind doesn’t really count now unless we go out and finish the deal,” he said. “So as long as I perform at this stage now and play my hardest, that’s all I can ask for. It’s been working up to this point, so I can’t change what I’m doing.”

NO WORRY FROM CURRY: After a knee injury in the playoffs and a quick turnaround following the conference finals, Curry wasn’t in top shape last June. He’s in better health now, even while wearing a sleeve over his elbow to protect some swelling.

“Obviously not really dealing with any bumps or bruises really besides this elbow that’s not really a factor,” Curry said. “So other than that, feeling fresh.”

source: sports.inquirer.net