INDEPENDENCE, Ohio   With a week to get ready for the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers have a check list of things to get done before Game 1. First, is to get All-Star guard Kyrie Irving healthier after he sat two games in the conference finals with knee and foot injuries. Then, there's putting together a defensive plan to try and slow Golden State guard Stephen Curry, the league MVP and quickest draw in the West. LeBron James believes that's futile. Asked how to stop Curry, James was dismissive. "Well, the same way you slow me down," he said, pausing for effect. "You can't." The marquee matchup between James and Curry, the game's established face vs. the fresh-faced newcomer and probable successor, won't happen until next Thursday, allowing for a buildup that may rival Mayweather-Pacquiao for hype. With the Cavs and Warriors making the finals, the league is getting to showcase its two biggest stars   both, by the way, were born in Akron, Ohio   who have been battling each other from afar all season for the public's affection. Now, they'll go head to head with a trophy up for grabs. This is nothing new for James, who will appear in his fifth straight finals, a feat not accomplished since 1966 when Bill Russell and a few of his Boston teammates were in the midst of their dynastical run. He's four wins from winning his third title, and he has a chance to end Cleveland's 51-year pro sports championship drought   the longest for any city. James has never been more driven, and Friday he and his teammates returned to the floor following two days off to celebrate their sweep of Atlanta in the conference finals. The Cavs had a light workout, but they'll increase their intensity in practice over the next few days. James said the break has been good physically and mentally for everyone. "For a lot of our guys that have been banged up, including myself, to get some rest and be able to get back to as close to full strength as possible," he said. "I don't think we'll be able to get there, but as close as possible, and I'm going to do a lot of shooting this week to kind of get my shot back on point, where it was kind of missing the last round." It's about the only component of James' game that's been missing after he nearly averaged a triple-double as the Cavs swept the Hawks. He had to do more than usual, forced to handle the ball because of Irving's medical issues. Irving sat out Games 2 and 3, but returned for the series close-out win, scoring 16 points in 22 minutes as the Cavs clinched their second conference title. Irving's health will remain a hot topic until he takes the floor and shows what he can do, especially when he's defending Curry. But the 23-year-old, who has been playing with a brace on his left leg, said returning to the court for Game 4 was a psychological boost. The pain in his left knee and right foot was no match for the hurt at not helping his teammates. "Being hurt sucks, especially at a time like that," he said. "It was just a learning experience, to say the least. But it was a test of my will and I was very resilient in what I was doing, and hopefully going forward I won't have any relapses with my knee." Irving's injuries made it difficult for the Cavs to formulate a game plan against the Hawks. His playing status often came down to a game-time decision, and the Cavs will only benefit if they know they can count on Irving in the finals. "More so for him, to be able to get out there and be comfortable," coach David Blatt said. "Not have to worry about, 'Am I going to hurt today? Is it going to get worse if I play? Is it going to bother me from doing the things I normally do at both ends of the court?' So I'm hoping, more than anything else for him, his feeling is such that he can get out there and play without worry and without concern. Then he'll be fine." Irving wants to be counted on. His first postseason hasn't gone exactly as planned, but he's got a chance to make up for it by pushing through for as long as he can. His return in Game 4 has given him the confidence he can be effective. "I'm in a good spot right now," he said. "I'm really happy, especially where I am." James helped him reach the finals, where because of Curry, the Cavs will need as much as Irving can give them. "Kyrie at 50 percent, Kyrie at 60 percent is better than no Kyrie at all," James said.


As weird as it is, Russell Westbrook is now a member of the Houston Rockets. Chris Paul is in Oklahoma City with the Thunder, for now, and everyone seems happy. Both players had massive contracts, with Westbrook owed more than $38 million next season. His contract is a massive 5-year, $207 million deal, and Westbrook has reportedly moved more of his money to future years to make the trade more palatable for Houston. Via Marc Stein of the New York Times: To facilitate his recent trade to Houston, Russell Westbrook agreed to amend the pay schedule on his contract to make payouts more team-friendly and less front-loaded, league sources say   Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 8, 2019 The amendments don't change the overall amounts Westbrook is now owed by the Rockets   starting next season at $38.6 million   but will spare Houston from making massive up-front payments, league sources say   Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 8, 2019 We don't know how much money was moved around and to which years, but Westbrook is reportedly getting the same amount of money over the course of his contract. He's not giving up any dollars on paper, although because of the way the time value of money works, you could argue semantics that Westbrook is making some kind of sacrifice here by getting less up front. All that aside, it's clear that Westbrook wants to be with James Harden in Houston so that he can try and win an NBA title before his time in the league is done. The Thunder aren't going anywhere for a little while, and the massive haul of picks they received in exchange for Paul George will put them into contention sometime in the future. Right now, it makes sense for Westbrook to be in Houston and apparently that means restructuring some items in his contract.


There's a lot going on in the NHL right now and free agency hasn't even started yet. Phil Kessel was traded, as was Carl Soderberg, and a couple of big-name free agents have already signed, like Erik Karlsson and Jeff Skinner. But even with all that action, there's still a lot to be decided and a number of storylines to follow when free agency starts July 1. We put together a list of things to keep track of in the coming days before it begins. Five narratives in NHL free agency 2019: The big names As with any sport, free agency has to begin with the big names. Those men this year are Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene and Joe Pavelski. As these men go, so will the market. At this point, it looks like Panarin prefers the Rangers if he can't sign with his old coach in Florida, but the Islanders still appear to be an option. Duchene has zeroed in on Nashville and very well may find his way to Tennessee. As for Pavelski, you would be hard-pressed to find a team that couldn't use his services. Odds are some other names could sign first, but if they don't they may have to wait for these three men to find a home. Other names to watch: Anders Lee, Jake Gardiner, Gustav Nyquist The goalies You may have complained in the above section because Sergei Bobrovsky was absent, but we only left him off the list because we were saving his story. Bobrovsky is not going back to Columbus and will sign with a new team. Odds are it will be Florida and it makes sense. The Panthers have the money and need a goalie, especially after dealing James Reimer to the Hurricanes. Bobrovsky is bound to make some big money, but there are other names of value available in net as well. Robin Lehner who was a Vezina Trophy finalist this year looks like he may be on his way out with the Islanders. He is coming off a career year and could be in line for a huge payday. And Petr Mrazek is no one to laugh at, either. He was pivotal to the Hurricanes' playoff success and is still only 27 years old. He could be a big pickup for someone. Other names to watch: Mike Smith, Curtis McElhinney, Semyon Varlamov The RFAs These are the men their teams don't want to give away and include Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs, Mikko Rantanen of the Avalanche, Brayden Point of the Lightning and Matthew Tkachuk of the Flames. All are coming off huge seasons and could be due huge money   and odds are none of them will get away. It's just a matter of what they get. And if they don't get what they want, will we seen another William Nylander situation? If they do get paid, what will that mean for the rest of their teams' respective rosters? Like the big names, these signings will have a trickle-down effect on the rest of the league. We'll just see how much of an effect that will be. Other names to watch: Sebastian Aho, Patrik Laine, Brock Boeser Trade bait As we mentioned before, several big names have already moved, but what other names could we see traded? There are several potential guys out there, like Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri, Wild winger Jason Zucker and Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie. All of these men will have impacts on teams and likely present value in the postseason as well. So who else could we see moved? Other names to watch: Ryan Murray, Connor Brown, Shayne Gostisbehere The under-the-radar guys There are guys who are going to get talked about no matter what. But who are some of the guys that maybe get lost in the shuffle? Mats Zuccarello is a big name and got overlooked because many assumed he would re-sign with Dallas. But he is apparently taking more meetings with teams and the Stars are far from a guarantee. What about Tyler Myers? He's a good defenseman who could easily be a top-4 guy on a lot of teams. Where will he go? And how about Wayne Simmonds? It seems like Philly fans absolutely loved him and he's the type of grinder a lot of teams could use? How much could they get? Where will they go? MORE : NHL free agency rumors: Joe Pavelski meeting with Stars, Lightning | NHL trade rumors: Panthers deal goaltender James Reimer to Hurricanes Other names to watch: Pat Maroon, Ryan Dzingel, Brandon Tanev Related slideshow: Best of 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs (provided by imagn)


The Braves, known to be on the lookout for outfield help , have shown interest in the Reds' Yasiel Puig , Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. The outfield might not have been a significant concern for the Braves until they lost starting right fielder Nick Markakis to a fractured wrist over the weekend. Markakis will likely be on the shelf until sometime in September. In the meantime, the Braves will keep trying to maintain their lead in the National League East. They currently hold a 4 1/2-game advantage over the Nationals, who were 7 1/2 back just a couple weeks ago. As things stand, the Markakis-less Braves have Ronald Acuna Jr. , Austin Riley , Ender Inciarte and Adam Duvall as their top four outfielders. Aside from the great Acuna, there's no surefire producer in the bunch. The rookie Riley began his career with a flourish, but his numbers have plummeted as the season has progressed, and they've been especially woeful in July. Inciarte, normally a solid all-around player, has been rather poor at the plate this season. And though Duvall (acquired from the Reds last summer) was a 30-home run hitter twice in a row in Cincinnati from 2016-17, he was so subpar between Cincy and Atlanta in 2018 that it took Markakis' injury for him to earn a call-up to the Braves' roster this year. Enter Puig? The Reds are reportedly open to dealing the ex-Dodger, whom they acquired in the offseason. Puig is a pending free agent, so unless the out-of-contention Reds plan to extend or qualify him, it would make sense to trade the 28-year-old this week. The mercurial Puig got off to a terrible start this year as he began his Cincy tenure, but he has been far better over the past several weeks. In all, Puig owns a .254/.304/.478 line with 22 home runs and 13 steals (18 attempts) in 401 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Puig has continued to serve as an asset in right (3 Defensive Runs Saved, 0.7 Ultimate Zone Rating), per defensive metrics. He's also reasonably priced, albeit not cheap, with a $9.7 million salary.


Former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs is a two-time Hall of Famer. Heady stuff for a graduate of Cerritos (California) Junior College and San Diego State. Gibbs, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996, is one of the members of the 2020 Class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Gibbs has won championships in the NFL as well as in auto racing. His Washington teams defeated Miami in Super Bowl XVII, Denver in Super Bowl XXII and Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVI. On the racetrack, Joe Gibbs Racing has won four Monster Energy Series Championships. Others named are Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, Buddy Baker and engine builder Waddell Wilson. Coach Gibbs, from everyone at JGR, congrats on being voted into the #NASCAR Hall of Fame. We couldn't be prouder to represent you and your family! pic.twitter.com/B4n9cFPm96 - Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) May 22, 2019 MORE: Chris Long admits to regular marijuana use during NFL career and explains how he beat tests Jon Gruden excited to see Raiders DT Eddie Vanderdoes this offseason Packers CB Josh Jackson adds muscle, appears poised for second-year jump NBA players discuss behind-the-scenes betting: 'Teammates fight over booray more than anything else, even women' Here's why the Colts signed QB Chad Kelly


Even before they signed Gerald McCoy, the Panthers were spending more money at the defensive tackle position than any other team in the NFL . All together, McCoy, Kawann Short and Dontari Poe's cap hits for 2019 come out to around $36.55 million. For some perspective, that's more than any current starting quarterback's yearly salary. Russell Wilson ranks No. 1 in that arena, as his new deal with the Seahawks pays him an average of $35 million per year. Given how much the Panthers have invested at defensive tackle, it's critical that they get some serious production. If history is any indication, that won't be a problem. Here's a look at what Carolina's top four DTs have done since they came into the league. Player Games Sacks QB hits TFL FF PD Pro Bowls Kawann Short 71 32.5 84 58 9 12 2 Gerald McCoy 123 54.5 140 79 6 22 6 Dontari Poe 110 16.5 43 24 2 14 2 Kyle Love 100 15 28 18 4 2 0 Totals 404 118.5 295 179 21 50 10 Former first-round pick Vernon Butler may still see some playing time in the event of an injury, but it's extremely unlikely he's a part of the team's long-term plans. In addition to falling short of his potential on the field, he's become problematic off the field and was a healthy scratch a few times late last season. That means the team will be moving forward with these four leading the charge at the interior positions. McCoy and Short will likely wind up playing defensive ends in Ron Rivera's new 3-4 packages. We can pretty much guarantee those two will be prolific and disruptive. The real question is how well Poe will do clogging up the middle. Poe was one of the league's elite nose tackles early in his career. His level of play has dropped off some since then, but he did have a resurgent year playing for Dan Quinn's Falcons in 2017. The Panthers were hoping that he would continue going strong last season, but it didn't work out that way. Poe's role means he's never going to post monster sack totals the way McCoy and Short can, but nevertheless his play was underwhelming last season. If Poe plays to his potential and the two rock stars flanking him stay healthy, there may not be a more impressive defensive line in football. If he doesn't, the team can save $10 million in cap room next year by cutting him. MORE: Heavyweight champ Andy Ruiz hits back at Stephen A. Smith after 'Butter Bean' comment Roundup: New Black Mirror Season Premieres; Trump Imposes Cuban Travel Restrictions; Manafort Sent to Rikers Aaron Rodgers sensing Year 2 jump from Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling Did Nike accidentally reveal that Kevin Durant is staying with the Warriors? Report: Suns, Bulls offering lottery picks for Lonzo Ball


Best Photos of the AT&T Byron Nelson AT&T Byron Nelson - Final Round Sung Kang holds the winners trophy after winning the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 12, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Final Round Tournament champion Sung Kang shakes the hand of Scott Piercy on the 18th green during the final round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 12, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Final Round Sung Kang plays a shot from a bunker on the fourth hole during the final round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 12, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Third Round Brooks Koepka lines up a putt on the sixth green during the third round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 11, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Third Round Jordan Spieth lines up a putt on the third hole during the third round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 11, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Third Round Rain water ponds up on 18th green prior to the start of the third round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club. Tee times are currently being delayed four hours on May 11, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Scottie Scheffler plays a shot from a bunker on the 12th hole during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Tony Romo plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Sung Kang plays his shot from the 17th tee during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Tony Romo smiles after chipping onto the ninth green during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Tony Romo putts on the first green during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Sung Kang plays a shot from a bunker on the 16th hole during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Scottie Scheffler plays a shot from a bunker on the 12th hole during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Sung Kang plays his shot from the fourth tee during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Jordan Spieth plays his shot from the 11th tee during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Matt Every plays his shot from the fourth tee during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Tony Romo lines up a putt on the 11th green during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - Second Round Matt Every puts on a face mask after teeing off on the fourth hole during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 10, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Tony Romo chips onto the 17th green during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Josh Teater plays his shot from the 13th tee during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Jordan Spieth plays his shot from the ninth tee during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Tony Romo watches his tee shot on the second hole during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Brooks Koepka plays his shot from the ninth tee during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Brooks Koepka waits to putt on the seventh green during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Chad Campbell plays a shot from a bunker on the ninth hole during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Denny McCarthy plays his shot from the fairway on the tenth hole during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Denny McCarthy plays his shot from the 11th tee during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Vaughn Taylor plays his shot from the 11th tee during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Kelly Kraft plays his shot from the fairway on the tenth hole during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Brooks Koepka plays his shot from the 12th tee during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019. AT&T Byron Nelson - First Round Ryan Palmer putts on the 11th green during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 9, 2019.


Gordy's is selling cans of pickle juice, which means no more having to drink straight from the jar. Gordy's "Fine Brine" pickle juice is marketed as a cocktail ingredient. Popular pickle-based cocktails include picklebacks , pickle-juice margaritas , and Bloody Marys . The 12-ounce cans retail for $16 per four-pack on the company's website , though they are temporarily sold out at the time of writing. Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories. You can now find pickle juice in a can, which means no more having to drink straight from the jar. Pickle company Gordy's recently launched "Fine Brine" canned pickle juice, which it markets as a drink ingredient, with "for cocktails" displayed prominently on the label. The cans retail for $16 per four-pack on the company's website , though they are temporarily sold out at the time of writing. Pickle juice is usually added to alcoholic drinks to mask or enhance the flavors of hard liquors such as whiskey, vodka, and tequila. Popular boozy, pickle-based drinks include picklebacks, pickle juice margaritas, and Bloody Marys. Read more: 10 outrageous things we've done to pickles Gordy's website describes the pickle juice as the "perfect balance of salty, tangy, and sweet," adding that the cocktail addition is best served chilled. However, just because the cans are marketed as a cocktail ingredient doesn't mean they have to be enjoyed as such. There's no shame in cracking open a cold can of pickle juice, though post-drink mints might be best practice. This isn't the only pickled product we've seen in recent months. Companies have introduced loads of pickle-based or themed items, including Pickle Pool Floats , sandwiches that use pickles instead of bread , and other snacks aimed at pickle lovers. And if you want more pickle juice than a 12-ounce can could hold, you can buy jugs of the juice by the gallon from Best Maid on Amazon . Representatives for Gordy's did not immediately respond to INSIDER's request for comment. Related video: 7 Ways to use leftover pickle juice (Provided by MyRecipes) Read more: 10 strange crimes that have happened in fast-food restaurants so far this year, from a brawl in McDonald's to an ATM robbery in Dunkin' 7 perks fast-food chains are offering as they attempt to win over workers in the war for talent I ordered the same meal at a McDonald's in Moscow and New York City, and the Russian location was a step up from the American one I taste-tasted the signature breakfast sandwiches from 6 major fast-food chains, and the winner was clear


England captain Eoin Morgan says winning a home World Cup could do wonders for cricket in the sport's birthplace as he prepares to lead his team in their tournament opener against South Africa. England are top of the one-day international rankings and favourites to lift a trophy they have never yet won in its 44-year-history -- a far cry from their woeful first-round exit at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Television coverage of cricket in Britain has been largely hidden behind a paywall since England won the 2005 Ashes but Morgan believes a World Cup win would break through to a new audience. "It would mean a huge amount. The World Cup alone raises the profile of the game and is a platform for every young kid in this country to have a hero or have the inspiration to pick up a ball or a bat," Morgan told reporters at the Oval on Wednesday. "To go on and win it, I couldn't imagine what that would do," the former Ireland batsman added. - 'Brilliant' Southgate - The England cricket squad and backroom staff have spent time with England football manager Gareth Southgate, whose side revitalised interest and affection in the national team on their way to the semi-finals of last year's soccer World Cup in Russia. "We did do a session with Gareth, it was brilliant," recalled Morgan. "He got up and talked about his journey with the team in and around the World Cup, but in the build-up, as well, and how they built bigger expectations and came together more as a group. "I think everybody within the room listening who has been involved with our team over the last four years recognised that -- we started exactly where they did. Recognised what had happened in the past, drawn a line under it, tried to do things differently and move forward and enjoyed the challenge of that." But the expectations surrounding England's men's football and cricket teams are wide apart, with Morgan saying his side had received a very different reaction when they were beaten by Pakistan in the 2017 semi-finals of the one-day Champions Trophy in Cardiff. "It's amazing. He (Southgate) did brilliantly. Got to the semi-final and everybody says it's great. We got knocked out of the Champions Trophy semi-final, and we're crap," added Morgan to laughter from the assembled media. England may have suffered several injury scares in recent weeks, including his own dislocated finger, but Morgan said all of his 15-man squad were available to face the Proteas at the Oval. "We've no injury concerns and we have a full bill of health for tomorrow," he said. With a round-robin group stage in prospect, Morgan had no time for talk of making a statement against South Africa. "A win under any circumstances," he said when asked what success would look like at the Oval on Thursday. Morgan said England's team had been selected but would not be revealed until the toss, with fast bowlers Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood and Tom Curran appearing to be competing for one place.


Alex Morgan scored five goals as the U.S. Women's National Team opened up their World Cup title defense with a complete and utter destruction of team Thailand by the score of 13-0. Also, Jared invites Clipper guard Landry Shamet to the studio to show off some of the lessons kids can learn in the guard's upcoming summer camps. Well, we're not sure if he'll teach the kids how to flop, but he shares his technique with Jared! It's the first and only installment of How To Jam It With Landry Shamet.


Since the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization published a 2013 report touting insects as the sustainable food source of the future , the edible bug industry in the U.S. has been on the rise. People are interested and the market has responded -- slowly, but it's happening . While 80 percent of the world's cultures consume insects in one way or another, stateside, the idea has long been associated with unsanitary industry conditions. But when insects like crickets are organically grown with the intention of becoming delicious baked goods, it's an idea that's a lot easier to digest. Mostly. Take a look at this freshly baked cookie: There are crickets baked into that chewy cookie. Probably about eight in each one. And no antennae or legs will poke out from under a chocolate chip, because the crickets have been ground up into a flour. That flour came from Bitty Foods , a San Francisco-based bakery committed to the idea of making edible insects delicious. And you know what? Their mission is kind of working. I ate more than one of these cookies I baked with the cricket flour. (Confession: I ate four.) And so did the people I fed them to. That's not to say that a cookie baked with Bitty cricket flour -- which is a combination of ground crickets, cassava flour and coconut flour -- tastes just like one made with all-purpose flour. It does not. Since there is no wheat in these cookies, their texture is similar to that of a gluten-free baked good. They're slightly gritty, too; little bits lodge in between your teeth after eating one. It's not a totally unpleasant experience, until you realize that there are crickets hanging out in your mouth, which is slightly unsettling. On the plus side, crickets add an earthy, nutty flavor that gives more depth to the classic cookie. Also, they're protein rich -- a quarter cup of cricket flour contains 7 grams of protein. Since it appears that's where the future of our food is headed , we may as well get used to it. Bitty sells not only cricket flour for baking, but also ready-made cricket cookies in three flavors : Orange Ginger, Chocolate Cardamom and Chocolate Chip. The cookies retail at $10 a bag, and the flour is priced at $20 for 20 oz. That's a steep price considering that a pound of all purpose four is as cheap as a dollar a pound, but if you consider the fact that about 4,000 crickets are required to make a cup of flour (gulp!) it starts to make sense. The hope is that the price will drop as demand for crickets rises. I handed out a few different flavors of Bitty's cookies around the Huffington Post newsroom and was amazed at people's reactions. Some folks were happy to give them a try, and others recoiled at the idea. Clearly, insects are not yet one of our favorite food groups, but check back with us in 25 years and it's possible that will have changed. If there's one way to America's heart, it's through baked goods. What's your stance on eating insects? Could you chow down on cricket cookies? Let us know in the comments below.


Jimmy Butler has agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that will allow him to ink a four-year pact with the Miami Heat for a maximum contract of $142 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports. They were granted anonymity because terms of the deal will not be final until July 6, when the NBA's moratorium period ends. The Heat will have to send wing Josh Richardson to the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as other assets potentially, in order to get the deal done. The move gives Miami the star presence it has lacked since the breakup of the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh core. The Heat have been treading water the last five seasons, with two playoff appearances as Pat Riley has refused to fully embrace a rebuild. Miami seems to be betting on Butler's acquisition attracting more free agents in 2020 when the Heat will be able to clear significant salary cap space. With the 76ers re-signing Tobias Harris to a five-year, $180 million contract earlier Sunday, it became clear Butler would be headed elsewhere. The Sixers acquired Butler from Minnesota early last season, and he was crucial to Philadelphia's success, especially as a late-game performer who created offense and defended. He brings intensity to the court and locker room, and teammates better be ready to play as hard as Butler. He averaged 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and four assists and shot 46.2% from the field last season. He didn't have a great 3-point shooting percentage in the playoffs for the Sixers, but he increased his scoring, rebounding and assists production as Philadelphia came close to beating Toronto in the Eastern Conference semifinals. By getting back Josh Richardson in a sign-and-trade, Philadelphia will add a strong two-way wing at just over $10 million for next season who is nearly 37 percent for his career from the 3-point line. Philadelphia rebounded nicely from the loss of Butler to Miami and J.J. Redick to New Orleans. The Sixers will bring back Harris, and they reached a deal with center-forward Al Horford. That gives Philadelphia an intriguing starting lineup: Ben Simmons, Richardson, Harris, Horford and Joel Embiid. Contributing: Jeff Zillgitt Follow Dan Wolken on Twitter @DanWolken This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jimmy Butler leaves 76ers for Heat in four-year, $142 million deal


Pile your plate with these nutrition superstars. There are several risk factors that make women more vulnerable to certain diseases for men. For example, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S., killing 299,578 women in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . Fortunately, there are ways to fend off these serious diseases and protect your immune system , and it's by fortifying your diet with antioxidant-rich foods. These superfoods claim big bragging rights for lowering cholesterol , improving digestion, promoting weight loss, and maintaining healthy skin and hair . If you're eating most of these foods already, good for you, but if you're skimping on them, it's time to load up your grocery cart. Eggs Egg yolks are home to tons of essential but hard-to-get nutrients, including choline, which is linked to lower rates of breast cancer . One yolk supplies 25 percent of your daily need and antioxidants that may help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. In fact, research shows that eating one whole egg a day won't raise your risk of heart attack or stroke . Make omelets with one whole egg and two whites, and watch cholesterol at other meals. Try it: Spinach and Goat Cheese Egg Muffins Greek yogurt Yogurt is a great way to get calcium , and it's also rich in immune-boosting probiotics . But the next time you hit the yogurt aisle, pick up the Greek kind. Compared with regular yogurt, it has twice the protein (and 25 percent of women over 40 don't get enough). Look for low-fat varieties like Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt. Try it: Apple Crisp Smoothie Fat-free organic milk Yes, milk does a body good: Studies show that calcium isn't just a bone booster but a fat fighter too. Recent research from the University of Tennessee found that obese people who went on a low-calorie, calcium-rich diet lost 70 percent more weight than those who ate the least. Milk is also a good source of vitamin D , which allows your body to absorb calcium. Research shows that adequate D levels can reduce heart disease risk, ward off certain types of cancer, relieve back pain, and even help prevent depression . Salmon Salmon is a rich source of vitamin D and one of the best sources of omega-3s you can find. These essential fatty acids, aka omega-3 fatty acids, have a wide range of impressive health benefits-from preventing heart disease to smoothing your skin and aiding weight loss to boosting your mood. Unfortunately, many women aren't reaping these perks because they're deficient. Omega-3s also slow the rate of digestion, which makes you feel fuller longer, so you eat fewer calories throughout the day. Try it: Honey-Spiced Salmon with Quinoa Lean beef Lean beef is one of the best-absorbed sources of iron there is. (Too-little iron can cause anemia .) Adding as little as one ounce of beef per day can make a big difference in the body's ability to absorb iron from other sources, says Mary J. Kretsch, PhD, a researcher at the USDA-ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, CA. Beef also packs plenty of zinc and B vitamins, which help your body convert food into energy. If you can, splurge on grass-fed beef. Compared with grain-fed beef, it has twice the concentration of vitamin E, a powerful brain-boosting antioxidant. It's also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Try it: Sheet Pan Steak With Beans and Broccolini Beans It's hard to imagine a more perfect food than beans. One cooked cup can provide as much as 17 grams of fiber. They're also loaded with protein and dozens of key nutrients, including a few most women fall short on-calcium, potassium , and magnesium . Studies tie beans to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure , and breast and colon cancers. Keep your cupboards stocked with all kinds: black, white, kidney, fat-free refried, etc. Try it: Vegetable Chili with Cannellini and Kidney Beans Nuts In a nutshell: USDA researchers say that eating 1.5 ounces of tree nuts daily can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Walnuts are rich in omega-3s, while hazelnuts contain arginine, an amino acid that may lower blood pressure. An ounce of almonds has as many heart-healthy polyphenols as a cup of green tea. The key is moderation since nuts are high in calories. Keep a jar of chopped nuts in your fridge, and sprinkle a tablespoon on cereal, salads, stir-fries, or yogurt. Try it: Tailgate Party Nut Mix Edamame Soy-based foods, such as tofu, soy milk, and edamame, help fight heart disease when they replace fatty meats and cheeses, slashing saturated fat intake. Soy also contains heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, a good amount of fiber, and some important vitamins. But stick with whole soy foods rather than processed foods, like veggie patties or chips. And, avoid taking soy supplements, which contain high and possibly dangerous amounts of isoflavones. Try it: Corn, Mango, and Edamame Salad Oatmeal Fiber-rich oats are even healthier than the FDA thought when it first stamped them with a heart disease-reducing seal 10 years ago. According to research, they can also cut your risk of type 2 diabetes. When Finnish researchers tracked 4,316 men and women over the course of 10 years, they found that people who ate the highest percentage of cereal fiber were 61 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Try it: Apple Oatmeal Muffins Flaxseed Flaxseed is the most potent plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies indicate that adding flaxseed to your diet can help reduce the development of heart disease by 46 percent. It helps keep red blood cells from clumping together and forming clots that can block arteries. Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of flaxseeds a day on your cereal, salad, or yogurt. Buy it pre-ground, and keep it refrigerated. Olive oil Olive oil is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), which help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and raise "good" HDL cholesterol. It's rich in antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, like Alzheimer's. Look for extra-virgin oils for the most antioxidants and flavor. Drizzle small amounts on veggies before roasting; use it to sauté or stir-fry, in dressings and marinades, and to flavor bread at dinner in lieu of a layer of butter or margarine. Try it: Baked Halibut With Roasted Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts Avocado These smooth, buttery fruits are a great source of not only MUFAs but other key nutrients as well. "Avocados are packed with heart-protective compounds, such as soluble fiber, vitamin E, folate, and potassium," says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of 10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman's Diet . But since they're calorie-dense, be sure to watch your portion sizes. Use avocado in place of another high-fat food or condiment, such as cheese or mayo. Try it: Salmon Salad with Avocado and Sweet Grape Tomatoes Cruciferous vegetables Averaging just four weekly servings of veggies like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower slashed the risk of dying from any disease by 26 percent among 6,100 people studied for 28 years. For maximum disease-fighting benefits, whip out your old veggie steamer. It turns out that steaming broccoli lightly releases the maximum amount of sulforaphane, the active compound in cruciferous vegetables. Try it: Roasted Broccoli with Orange Spinach We'll spare you the Popeye jokes, but spinach has serious health muscles. For one thing, it's a rich source of lutein. Aside from guarding against age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, lutein may prevent heart attacks by keeping artery walls clear of cholesterol. Spinach is also rich in iron, which helps deliver oxygen to your cells for energy, and folate, a B vitamin that prevents birth defects. Try it: Spinach Barley Salad Tomatoes Tomatoes are our most common source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may protect against heart disease and breast cancer. The only problem with tomatoes is that we generally eat them in the form of sugar-loaded jarred pasta sauce or as a thin slice in a sandwich. For a healthier side dish, quarter plum tomatoes and coat with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes, and serve with chicken. Try it: Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes and White Beans Sweet potatoes One of the best ways to get vitamin A -an essential nutrient that protects and maintains eyes, skin, and the linings of our respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts-is from foods containing beta-carotene, which your body converts into the vitamin. Beta carotene-rich foods include carrots, squash, kale, and cantaloupe, but sweet potatoes have among the most. A half-cup serving of these sweet spuds delivers only 130 calories but 80 percent of the DV of vitamin Try it: Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes with Vanilla Garlic Garlic is a flavor essential and a health superstar in its own right. The onion relative contains more than 70 active phytochemicals, including allicin, which studies show may decrease high blood pressure by as much as 30 points. Allicin also fights infection and bacteria. The key to healthier garlic: Crush the cloves, and let them stand for up to 30 minutes before heating them, which activates and preserves the heart-protecting compounds. Red peppers Citrus fruits get all the credit for vitamin C , but red peppers are actually the best source. Vitamin C may be best known for skin and immunity benefits. Although getting enough vitamin C won't prevent you from catching a cold or flu, studies show that it could help you recover faster. Try it: Bulgar with Mushrooms and Roasted Red Peppers Figs When you think of potassium-rich produce, figs probably don't come to mind, but you may be surprised to learn that six fresh figs have 891 milligrams of the blood pressure-lowering mineral, nearly 20 percent of your daily need-and about double what you'd find in one large banana. Figs are also one of the best fruit sources of calcium, with nearly as much per serving (six figs) as 1/2 cup of fat-free milk. Serve by chopping and adding to yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, or green salads. Try it: Stuffed Figs Blueberries Blueberries may very well be the most potent age-defying food-they're jam-packed with antioxidants. Research shows a diet rich in blueberries can help with memory loss, prevent urinary tract infections , and relieve eyestrain. Add up to 1/2 cup of blueberries to your diet a day for maximum health benefits, recommends Ronald Prior, PhD, adjunct professor of food science at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. This alone provides just about double the amount of antioxidants most Americans get in one day. Try it: Baked Peaches with Blueberries Asian pears One large Asian pear has a whopping 10 grams of cholesterol-lowering fiber , about 40 percent of your daily need. Serve by dicing it into a salad of Boston lettuce, crumbled goat cheese, walnuts, and mandarin oranges. Or make it a dessert: Add peeled and cored pears to a saucepan with one cup white wine, one teaspoon honey, one teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and enough water to cover the pears. Cover and simmer 40 minutes or until pears are soft. Lychee A French study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that lychee has the second-highest level of heart-healthy polyphenols of all fruits tested-nearly 15 percent more than the amount found in grapes. Serve by peeling or breaking the outer covering just below the stem. Use a knife to remove the black pit. Add to stir-fries or skewer onto chicken kebabs to add a naturally sweet flavor. Apples One of the healthiest fruits you should be eating is one you probably already are: the apple. The Iowa Women's Health Study, which has been investigating the health habits of 34,000 women for nearly 20 years, named apples as one of only three foods (along with pears and red wine) that are most effective at reducing the risk of death from heart disease among postmenopausal women. Try it: Tuna and Carrot Salad Sandwiches Guava Native to South America, this tropical fruit is an excellent source of skin-healing vitamin C, with 250 percent of your RDA per serving. One cup of guava has nearly 5 times as much vitamin C as a medium orange (377 milligrams versus 83 milligrams)-that's more than five times your daily need. Guava makes a delicious fruit smoothie: Blend 1/2 banana, 1/2 ripe guava, a handful of strawberries, 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk, and a few ice cubes. Check out these delicious smoothies recipes . Dark chocolate Dark chocolate is filled with flavonoid antioxidants (more than three times the amount in milk chocolate) that keep blood platelets from sticking together and may even unclog your arteries. Go for dark chocolate with 70 percent or more cocoa. Two tablespoons of dark chocolate chips with fresh berries as a mid-afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert should give you some of the heart-healthy benefits without busting your calorie budget. Pomegranates Packed with antioxidant compounds, pomegranates have long been linked to both heart and brain health. One study found pomegranate polyphenols help your arteries expand and contract to manage blood flow and prevent hardening. A separate study found the same antioxidants help ward off the type of inflammation that leads to Alzheimer's disease. To get the most benefit, eat the fruit's seeds and some of the pith. Try it: Pomegranate Salad Bananas Good old bananas are loaded with potassium -a macronutrient that helps control your blood pressure and keeps your nervous system operating at peak efficiency. Potassium also lowers your risk for stroke. But if you're like most women, you're consuming only half the potassium your body needs. One banana packs 450 milligrams-about 10 percent of your daily potassium target-as well as fiber to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Try it: Grilled Banana Sandwiches Peanut butter From bone-strengthening magnesium to immunity-boosting B6, peanut butter is loaded with many of the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Its high fiber and protein content will keep you full for hours, and peanut butter is also a good source of monounsaturated fats-proven to help you lose weight and ward off diabetes. Make sure to choose the unsweetened variety with no added sugar. Try it: Asian Chicken Meatballs with Peanut Sauce Popcorn Packed with inflammation-fighting antioxidants, popcorn is the only 100 percent unprocessed whole grain, meaning its one of the best snacks to help you meet your daily whole grain goals. The only caveat: The pre-bagged, microwaveable varieties are loaded with calories and chemicals. Buy unvarnished kernels and pop them yourself in a stove top popper. Olive or truffle oils are delicious, healthy substitutions for butter. Oysters These slippery gray miracles are nature's champ when it comes to zinc, a mineral necessary for immunity. Oysters are also a rich source of iron-a nutrient many vegetable-centric eaters don't get enough of. Too little iron can lead to red blood cell deficiencies, fatigue, headaches, and other ailments. Just one raw oyster contains nearly 3 milligrams of iron-or a sixth of your daily 18-milligram goal. Mushrooms Healthy mushroom compounds have been shown to lower cholesterol and slow tumor growth associated with some cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. Mushrooms also increase your body's circulating levels of proteins called interferon, which stop viruses like hepatitis from advancing. Whether you plan to gobble shiitakes or white buttons, just make sure you cook them first; their dense cell walls are nearly indigestible if eaten raw. Try it: Farro and Wild Mushroom Dressing Chia seeds Chia seeds are great sources of protein, omega-3s, and fiber. They also contain good amounts of healthy antioxidants, as well as calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron-all important for your health. Toss a small handful into smoothies or baked goods, or use them as a healthful topping on salads or yogurt. Try it: Mango-Coconut Chia Pudding Chicken breast It may not be a trendy superfood, but a four-ounce serving of chicken breast contains nearly half of your daily protein. Chicken breasts are a great source of phosphorous-important for strong bones and teeth-as well as vitamin B3 (aka niacin), which helps control high blood pressure and prevents hardening of the arteries. One serving also contains 25 percent of the vitamin B6 you need each day to maintain proper brain and immune system function. Try it: One Skillet Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms Kale Dark leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard, tend to top health experts' lists. Bursting with vitamins A, K, and C, kale is also a great source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Whether you toss it into soups, smoothies, or salads, gobble as much of this stuff as you can every day. Try it: Garlic Shrimp and Kale Stir-Fry Lemon Along with its impressive concentrations of vitamin C, lemon's flavonoid compounds have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. But lemons may be healthiest in a supporting role: Add a little to your tea , and your body will absorb more of the drink's healthy antioxidants, finds research from Purdue University. Try it: Orange-Lemon Popsicles Oranges Loaded with vitamin C, oranges are also solid sources of folate-important for cell maintenance and repair. They contain potassium and vitamins B1 and A, which are essential for vision and immune function. And the pectin in oranges absorbs unhealthy cholesterol from the other foods you eat. Russet potatoes Sweet potatoes get all the press. And while they do contain more beta carotene, russet potatoes win out when it comes to folate, niacin, potassium, and also phosphorous-a mineral important for strong bones. Try substituting healthy Greek yogurt for sour cream when baking or mashing; you'll be shocked how similar the two taste. Try it: Skinny Scalloped Potatoes Quinoa Quinoa makes every list of superfoods for good reason: It's packed with plant-based "complete" protein -the type that contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. It's also solid on fiber to aid your digestion, and is practically multivitamin-heavy when it comes to nutrients like iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and folate. Try it as a dinner side or in place of meat in dishes like stuffed peppers. Try it: Quinoa, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad Wine Wine's antioxidants are linked to lower cholesterol levels and healthier blood vessels-both of which improve heart health. And the wine compound resveratrol-more abundant in reds than in whites-has been shown to block the growth of fat cells, regulate blood sugar, and ward of depression. But drink in moderation: Women should enjoy no more than one alcoholic drink daily and men up to two. Check out these low-calorie alcoholic drinks for healthier options. Pumpkin Like most orange vegetables, pumpkins are crammed with beta carotene, which your body naturally converts to vitamin A, also known as retinol. That's a good thing, because retinol is important for healthy skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune function and vision. Don't skimp on the seeds: The seeds are great lightly salted and roasted. Try it: Roasted Pumpkin with Feta and Cilantro Lentils Women who eat lentils at least twice a week are 24 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than women who eat them less than once a month, studies show. Lentils keep blood sugar steady, and just a quarter cup of these miniature legumes provides 13 grams of protein, 11 grams of fiber, and 5 milligrams of iron. Try them in soups or salads, or as a tasty side. Try it: Italian Lentil and Broccoli Stew Brussels sprouts These cruciferous vegetables feature sulfur compounds called glucosinolates, shown to help lower your risk for several types of cancer. Loaded with iron and potassium, a cup of Brussels sprouts also features 54 mcg of folate-about 14 percent of your 400-mcg recommended daily allowance. Slice them in half and sauté them in salt, pepper, and garlic to enliven their natural flavor. Try it: Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Red Onions with Balsamic Vinegar Bulgur This whole grain is popular in the Middle East, and it's about time America caught on. Bulgur contains a metabolite called betaine, which can tamp down unhealthy levels of inflammation. One cup of cooked bulgur contains 8.2 grams of fiber-nearly 33 percent of your daily requirement. It also provides more than half of your daily target for manganese, a mineral important for brain and nerve function. Mix it with beans to form a healthier veggie burger. Try it: Bulgur with Pine Nuts Sardines They're cheap, portable, and among the best sources of heart-healthy omega-3s. Long-chain omega-3s have also been shown to limit inflammation and slow tumor growth. The miniscule fish is also a phenomenal source of vitamin B12, which helps your body make DNA while keeping your nerve and blood cells healthy. Try it: Endive Leaves with Sardines, White Beans, and Orange Kefir Kefir is a fermented milk drink that's chock full of probiotics-healthy bacteria that help your immune and digestive systems function properly. Probiotics, like those found in kefir, also limit the presence of harmful microbes called candida. Great in smoothies or on its own, look for plain kefir, which contains fewer calories and sugar than the flavored varieties. Onions They're champs when it comes to polyphenols and flavonoids, which are both linked to lower oxidative stress and reduced cancer risk. An onion's sulfur compounds can also help control diabetes symptoms and protect your heart from disease. Tip: The outermost layers tend to hold more healthy nutrients. Tea Green tea's antioxidant compounds have been linked to slower cancer growth, improved blood flow, weight loss, improved liver function, and reduced rates of brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But black tea's no slouch in the health department either. It's been shown to reduce stroke risk and lung damage from smoking. But whether you knock back a cup a week or several a day, you're doing your body a favor. Coffee While researchers are still trying to figure out what it is about coffee that's healthful (the caffeine? the antioxidants?), there's little doubt your body benefits from a cup of joe. A massive National Cancer Institute study found women who drink two to three cups per day enjoy a 13 percent drop in mortality risk. Daily consumption has also been linked to reduced risk for diabetes, skin cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer's. Consider these low-sugar coffee drinks the next time you're at Starbucks. Raspberries Just one cup contains nearly half your daily manganese-important for brain and nerve function, as well as bone and joint health. Raspberries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and low in carbohydrates. Try these other low-sugar fruits to curb your sweet tooth. Brown rice Low in fat and high in fiber, brown rice is also a rich source of selenium-a trace element essential for thyroid metabolism, DNA health, and proper immune system function, according to the NIH. Brown rice is also a good source of manganese and niacin, which are both important for brain and heart health. Swap in brown rice for white. Try it: Seafood and Brown Rice Paella


Beginning Monday, television networks will roll out the red carpet for marketers during the annual bazaar known as the upfronts, trying to lure them into committing tens of billions of ad dollars for the coming TV season. If things go well, the networks will sell as much as 75 percent of their advertising time in the negotiations that follow a week of flashy presentations and star-studded parties. But behind that lavish veneer, the mood at some television networks is nervous and the sales pitch urgent. That is because broadcast and cable companies are asking marketers to open their wallets at a time of great anxiety in the industry, when TV ratings have collapsed and networks are fending off fierce competition from digital outlets. Television viewing has plummeted 9 percent so far this season compared with the previous season, according to MoffettNathanson Research. To explain the drop, some industry executives and analysts point to the rapid increase in the amount of time people spend watching Netflix and other streaming alternatives. Netflix viewing accounted for about 43 percent of the decline in traditional TV viewing in the first quarter of this year, according to MoffettNathanson. In the past, a decline in ratings did not always damage the networks during the upfronts. As audiences fragmented, conventional television remained the best approach for reaching huge numbers of viewers. Even as digital media grew, advertisers kept pouring more money into TV. They dipped into their print advertising budgets to fuel spending on digital ads. But now even traditional television is splintering, especially as the major broadcast networks make their programming available for streaming. With the number of digital alternatives growing quickly, and with marketers seeking greater flexibility in how they allocate their spending, the industry is bracing for what many expect to be an anemic upfront market. That would follow a soft market last year, which was one of the weakest the industry has seen, said Michael Nathanson, an analyst for MoffettNathanson. "The story around the ratings decline has been a persistent drumbeat that's reached a fever pitch this year, to the point where marketers are thinking, 'We need to seriously think about alternatives,' " said Amanda Richman, president for investment and activation at Starcom USA, a Publicis Groupe-owned media buying agency whose clients include large advertisers like Kellogg's, Kraft Foods and Procter & Gamble. "It feels like this is a pivotal year," she said. The total amount of money advertisers commit during the upfronts this year is expected to tumble 7 percent, according to Magna Global, an ad-buying group owned by the Interpublic Group. That represents a 10 percent drop in spending committed to broadcast networks and a 5 percent drop for cable networks. John Janedis, a media analyst at Jefferies, is predicting total ad spending commitments to drop about 6 percent, to about $20 billion, with ad rates flat or up 3 percent. "Clearly, we're going through a transition here," Chase Carey, chief operating officer of 21st Century Fox, said during an earnings call last week. "Advertisers, without a doubt, have more choices. They want more flexibility in some ways. You could say the upfront we're about to go into, while important, is probably a bit of an antiquated practice given where the world is heading." For the advertising world, that direction is toward digital, and more of that money is likely to come from the share that has gone to the networks. While some streaming services like Netflix do not accept advertising, marketers are increasingly seeking out other new digital outlets that do, like Snapchat, Vine and YouTube, where viewers   especially younger ones   are spending an increasing amount of time. "We're at the tipping point now where the very role of TV in our mix is under consideration," said Ivan Pollard, a top marketing executive at Coca-Cola North America. "Ten years ago, they held a much stronger hand than they hold today, but they all know that. They're talking differently to us." Magna Global predicts that total TV ad revenues will be flat over the whole year, even as spending on digital media increases 19.1 percent. The group forecasts that digital media ad revenues will match television ad revenues by the end of 2016, each accounting for about $67.5 billion in spending and about 38 percent of the total ad market. "There's no question that we're seeing a new advertising reality here, because money definitely has migrated out of traditional media into new media," Robert A. Iger, chief executive of the Walt Disney Company, said during an earnings call last week. He added that he expected his company's networks, which include ABC, ESPN and the Disney Channel, to fare "just fine" during the upfronts. To compete, television networks are featuring a slew of their own digital offerings during this year's upfronts, along with more data and targeting capabilities, qualities that are extremely important to marketers as they seek to increase the effectiveness of their ads. Executives also are highlighting television's ability to reach broad audiences, and big events, like sports and awards shows, also dominate. Rivalries among TV networks are becoming ever more cutthroat as they compete for their share of the ad-spending pie. That puts even more pressure on the networks to produce attention-grabbing hits. "There are certain networks that have done very well this year, certain networks that haven't done so well," Leslie R. Moonves, chief executive of CBS, said during an earnings call last week. "I'm not going to go into great detail, but you could figure that out yourselves. So we are up, and we expect it to be a good marketplace." Some analysts warn against predicting television's demise just yet. "It is less impactful than it was, but it so dwarfs everything else," said Brian Wieser, a media analyst with Pivotal Research. "We're getting closer to the point when the world changes. We just haven't seen it yet."


GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared Congo's Ebola outbreak an international health emergency, sounding a rarely used global alarm after the virus threatened to spread to a major city and into neighbouring countries. Despite a highly effective vaccine and a swift international response after it was declared 11 months ago, the outbreak has proved tenacious in an unstable region beset by violence, becoming Congo's worst ever, with almost 1,700 dead. A vast campaign of vigilance and vaccination, with almost 75 million screenings, has kept the highly infectious virus almost entirely confined to two provinces in northeastern Congo. The emergency committee of international health experts that advises WHO had thrice declined to declare an emergency. But this month a pastor died after travelling to Goma, a city of 2 million and a gateway to other countries in the region. On Wednesday, the WHO reported a fisherwoman had died in Congo after four vomiting incidents at a market in Uganda, where 590 people may be sought for vaccination. "The committee is concerned that a year into the outbreak, there are worrying signs of possible extension of the epidemic," the committee's report said. The committee had been under pressure from many experts who felt the scale of the outbreak and the risks meant it had to be given the emergency status - only the fifth such disease outbreak since the WHO introduced such designations in 2005. "It shows no sign of coming under control," said Peter Piot, a member of the team that discovered Ebola and is now director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. "I hope that today's decision serves as a wake-up call to drive high-level political action, improved coordination, and greater funding to support DRC in their efforts to stop this devastating epidemic," he said. NO BORDER CLOSURES The previous international emergencies, under a system introduced after the 2004 Asian SARS epidemic, were the 2013-2016 West African Ebola epidemic that killed over 11,300 people, the 2009 flu pandemic, polio in 2014 and the Zika virus that caused a spate of birth defects across Latin America. The WHO committee's chairman, Robert Steffen, tempered the outbreak's designation as an emergency by saying it remained a regional, rather than a global threat, and stressed that no country should react to Ebola by closing borders or restricting trade. The WHO has warned that the nearby countries of Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and Uganda are the most at risk, while Central African Republic, Angola, Tanzania, Republic of Congo and Zambia are in a second tier. Earlier this week the WHO said hundreds of millions of dollars were needed immediately to prevent the outbreak billowing out of control and costing far more lives and money. But WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who convened the emergency committee after viewing the Goma case as a "potential gamechanger", said the designation as an international emergency was not meant to suggest that some countries had been withholding funds and would now unlock them. One priority was to accelerate production of the vaccine, which is in short supply. It is produced by Merck and still unlicensed, which means it can only be used in a clinical trial overseen by Congo's health ministry. WHO has already begun using smaller doses to ration supplies and the committee recommended taking "all measures to increase supplies", including contracting supply to other manufacturers and transferring Merck's technology. (Reporting by Tom Miles, Kate Kelland and Nairobi newsroom; Editing by Gareth Jones, John Stonestreet and Dan Grebler)


The Royals "could be getting closer" to a trade involving left-handed reliever Jake Diekman , tweets Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Both the Braves and Dodgers have been showing strong interest in the southpaw. The Royals could be getting closer to trading Jake Diekman, according to a source. The Dodgers and Braves are believed to be two clubs showing serious interest in the lefty reliever.   Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 26, 2019 The Dodgers stood out as the likely "frontrunners" from the start, tweets Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com. However, he adds that the Nationals and Phillies both still have Diekman on their radar. Dodgers appeared to be the frontrunner from the start. Diekman still on the Phillies' and Nationals' radar as well, per source. https://t.co/UE6uF3Ih0b   Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) July 26, 2019 Diekman, 32, is playing out the season on a one-year, $2.25M contract, though he's also owed a $500K buyout on a $5.75M mutual option that doesn't seem likely to be exercised (as is the case with virtually all mutual options). That puts the remaining obligation to Diekman around $1.3M between now and season's end. While Diekman's 4.75 ERA isn't going to excite most fans, he's also notched a hefty 13.6 K/9 mark and kept the ball on the ground at a 48.4 percent clip. Left-handed opponents have batted just .213 and slugged .255 against him. As has oft been the case for Diekman throughout his career, though, control has been an issue. He's averaged five walks per nine innings pitched this season and plunked another eight hitters. As such, Diekman has yielded an overall .213/.362/.255 line to lefties and a .211/.331/.358 line to right-handed hitters. Diekman is technically controlled beyond the 2019 season, but mutual options are almost never exercised by both parties. Typically, if a player performs well enough to justify that salary, he's inclined to test the open market. And if a player doesn't perform up to that standard, the club will of course buy the option out. Perhaps the changing landscape of free agency will make a player such as Diekman   one with limited earning power but who could justify a net $5.25M decision with a strong finish   more likely to exercise his half of the provision, but there's limited historic precedent.


Looking to try the best cafes in town? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top cafes in Saint Paul, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill. 1. Bon Vie Topping the list is Bon Vie . Located at 485 Selby Ave. in Summit-University, the cafe, bakery and breakfast and brunch spot is the highest-rated cafe in Saint Paul, boasting four stars out of 115 reviews on Yelp. 2. The Buttered Tin Next up is downtown's The Buttered Tin , situated at 237 Seventh St. East With four stars out of 522 reviews on Yelp, the bakery, cafe and breakfast and brunch spot has proven to be a local favorite. 3. The Uptowner Café on Grand Summit Hill's The Uptowner Café on Grand , located at 1100 Grand Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the cafe and breakfast and brunch spot, which offers soups and more, four stars out of 250 reviews. 4. The French Hen Café The French Hen Café , a cafe and breakfast and brunch and French spot in Summit-University, is another go-to, with four stars out of 225 Yelp reviews. Head over to 518 Selby Ave. to see for yourself. 5. Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe Over in Summit-University, check out Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe , which has earned 4.5 stars out of 40 reviews on Yelp. You can find the cafe, which offers coffee, tea and more, at 921 Selby Ave. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


This could be the lowest mileage example with these options around! The 1972 Buick Riviera represents the third generation run of the car Buick built as a personal luxury car - it was GM's first step into the prestige niche. From the start, the model was a popular one amongst enthusiasts and automotive journalists. At that time, it was heavily into production, and somewhat of a popular model to see around. For the third generation, the automaker gave the Riviera a pretty bold redesign - it was now sporting the boat-tail design and a fastback rear window that came from the inspiration of the 1963 Corvette. The car also go wider and bigger overall during the redesign. A big advance in performance came from the Max Trac limited limited-slip differential that was added to the model. Powering the 1972 Riviera is a massive 455 cubic inch engine that's rated at 225-horsepower. This particular example from Raleigh Classic is rarely optioned and a highly sought after configuration. The car is in excellent original condition, and there's only 25,270 miles on the clock, which are fully documented - this car would make an excellent show car, or driver's car since it has so much life left in it. The fully optioned 1972 Riviera has an original title date of 1972 and hand written Bill of Sale. The car is still rolling on its original white wall tires it was given at the factory, and everything else about it looks the same as it did when it left the dealer showroom almost five decades ago. The mileage puts it as being driven only 531 miles per year, and has been owned by the same person all this time. It could possibly be the lowest mileage model with these many options. This Riviera, and many more collectibles, heads under the hammer this weekend. To bid on it, you can visit the auction in person, or bid over the phone, learn more here . Read More... Completely Original 1987 Buick Grand National Is A Rare Treasure 1969 Buick Riviera Puts Fine American Styling On Display Follow MSN Autos on Facebook and Twitter


Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Kamala Harris, D-Calif., weighed in Sunday on whether they think Facebook should be broken up by the government in light of a co-founder saying this week that the company lacked accountability and should be split. The Democratic presidential contenders were asked Sunday if they would go as far as their 2020 competitor Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who has called for the government to break up Facebook and other tech giants, pledging that her administration would do so should she be elected. Booker said on ABC's "This Week" that if he is elected, his Justice Department would use anti-trust law "to do the proper investigations and hold industries accountable for corporate consolidation." But he added that he doesn't "think that a president should be running around pointing at companies and saying 'breaking them up' without any kind of process here." Warren's call "sounds more like a Donald Trump thing to say, like, 'I'm going to break up you guys' ... no," Booker said. "We need to create systems and processes," he added. When pressed on his remark about Warren, Booker said he "most certainly did not" compare her with Trump, adding that the Massachusetts senator is his "friend." "Let her discuss her positions," he said. "I'm telling you right now we do not need a president that is going to use their own personal beliefs and tell you which companies we will break up. We need a president that's going to enforce anti-trust laws in this country, and I will be that person." A spokesperson for Warren did not immediately return a request for comment from NBC News. In a Medium post she authored calling for the breakup of big tech, Warren said the government needed to do so to "restore the balance of power in our democracy, to promote competition, and to ensure that the next generation of technology innovation is as vibrant as the last." On CNN's " State of the Union ," Harris went further than Booker in calling for action. Asked if Facebook should be broken up, Harris said, "Yes, I think we have to seriously take a look at that, yes." "I mean, when you look at the issue, they're essentially a utility," she said. "Like, there are very few people that can actually get by and be involved in their communities or society or in whatever their profession without somehow, somewhere using Facebook." "It is essentially a utility that has gone unregulated," Harris added. "And as far as I'm concerned, that's got to stop." The line of questioning came after Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes called on the government to break up the company in a New York Times op-ed. "The Facebook that exists today is not the Facebook that we founded in 2004," Hughes, who started Facebook with Mark Zuckerberg in their Harvard dorm, told NBC News last week. Nick Clegg, Facebook's vice president of global affairs and communications, responded to Hughes in a statement saying the company "accepts that with success comes accountability." "But you don't enforce accountability by calling for the break up of a successful American company," Clegg said. "Accountability of tech companies can only be achieved through the painstaking introduction of new rules for the internet. That is exactly what Mark Zuckerberg has called for. Indeed, he is meeting government leaders this week to further that work."


WASHINGTON (AP) The Arizona Diamondbacks jumped all over three-time All-Star Stephen Strasburg from the opening pitch. Ketel Marte hit two of Arizona's four solo homers off Strasburg and the Diamondbacks beat the Washington Nationals 10-3 on Saturday. BOX SCORE: DIAMONDBACKS 10, NATIONALS 3 Marte homered on the first pitch of the game and added his 19th homer of the season leading off the fourth inning as Arizona took the first and third games of the four-game set. Strasburg (7-4) allowed four homers in a game for the second time in his career, the first since August 8, 2014, at Atlanta. Strasburg, who had won four straight decisions, gave up a season-high nine hits and tied a season-high by allowing six earned runs. ''I think when you make mistakes here in the big leagues, you give them a chance to barrel it and they barreled it,'' Strasburg said. Adam Jones also homered in the first inning, his 13th, to push Arizona's lead to 2-0. The Nationals countered by scoring three times in the bottom half of the inning for a 3-2 lead. Trea Turner scored on Adam Eaton's sacrifice fly before Juan Soto and Matt Adams hit solo homers. Christian Walker hit his 12th homer of the season in the second, tying the game at 3-all, and Carson Kelly hit an RBI single as the Diamondbacks moved ahead to stay at 4-3. ''Getting that lead on Strasburg was pretty important, and then we gave it right back up,'' Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. ''We've been very resilient and ready to fire when we've lost leads. Our guys did a great job, and they didn't shut down, and we got ahead of them the next inning.'' Strasburg gave up three home runs in his first 21 pitches after allowing just two homers in his previous eight starts combined. ''Today was just one of those days,'' Nationals manager Dave Martinez said of Strasburg's tough outing. ''Couldn't locate his fastball, just missing spots.'' Yoshihisa Hirano (3-3) allowed two hits while striking out two in 1 2/3 innings as the Diamondbacks won for the eighth time in 10 games. Nick Ahmed had an RBI double in the third that pushed the lead to 5-3. Ahmed also tripled in the second and singled in the eighth and the ninth, finishing with four hits. ''Marte set the tone from the first pitch,'' Ahmed said. ''That's what we do: We go out and try to build big innings and make the pitcher work. We did that in a big way today.'' Kevin Cron hit a pinch-hit homer in the eighth for Arizona. HOMECOMING Arizona starter Taylor Clarke, who grew up and went to high school in nearby Ashburn, Virginia, had 250 family and friends in attendance as he made his sixth start of the season. Clarke allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out six in 4 2/3 innings. ''It was tough taking him out of a game one out away from a victory, but that's just how it goes sometimes,'' Lovullo said. Clarke tried to talk his manager into letting him face Soto a third time after the Nationals' left fielder had homered and singled off him earlier, but wasn't successful. STREAK SNAPPED Strasburg allowed more than eight hits for the first time since August 17, 2016, at Colorado - a span of 65 consecutive starts. It was the third-longest active streak in the majors behind Rich Hill (74) and Julio Teheran (66). TRAINER'S ROOM Diamondbacks: 3B Jake Lamb (strained left quad) homered on Friday for Triple-A Reno and is batting .250 with six RBIs in five rehab games. ''All things considered, we're really excited about how he's feeling,'' Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. ... 2B Wilmer Flores (right foot contusion) will wait another week before beginning baseball activities after his most recent CT scan didn't show enough healing. Nationals: Adams (back spasms) was back in the lineup for the first time since Monday. Adams had missed Washington's previous three games. UP NEXT Diamondbacks: RHP Archie Bradley (2-3, 4.26 ERA) is set to make his first start since October 1 2016, in place of injured righty Luke Weaver. Bradley has appeared in 29 games out of the bullpen this season. Nationals: RHP Anibal Sanchez (2-6, 3.92 ERA) will take the mound Sunday looking for his 100th career win. Since coming off the injured list on May 29, Sanchez is 2-0 with a 1.04 ERA in three starts. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


The agent of Fedor Chalov has revealed the striker did not move to Crystal Palace this summer because CSKA Moscow rejected their £14m offer. The Russian won't be joining a club in England's top flight this summer after the Premier League's transfer window closed on Thursday, leaving the Eagles with Jordan Ayew as their sole attacking acquisition this summer. Christian Emile, Chalov's agent, says the striker has a big future ahead of him despite the move failing to materialise. He told Russian publication Championat : "Fedor is one of the most striking players in Europe, and the increased interest in him is completely justified. "Especially from the side of one Premier League club, which made a significant offer, but CSKA refused to sell the player. "The position of CSKA is completely understandable - they have serious goals, and Fedor is the most important player for them. We will follow the development of events and are sure that in any case has a great future." The 21-year-old scored 17 times in all competitions for the club last season and has already hit two goals in four league games during the CSKA Moscow's new campaign. The failure to land him will be a blow to Crystal Palace . Along with Ayew, they also recruited Stephen Henderson, Gary Cahill, Victor Camarasa and James McCarthy. Palace start their Premier League campaign on Saturday against Everton, with the main talking point being whether star winger Wilfried Zaha will feature against the team he was heavily linked with over the course of the summer.


Taco Tuesday just got a face lift. Tacos Americanos This quick and easy 30-minute meal is one the whole family will love. Featuring a homemade blend of seasonings, these tacos are wonderfully flavorful and absolutely craveworthy. Here's the recipe. Cumin Chickpeas Salad Tacos with Chipotle Tahini Spiced chickpeas add plenty of protein to these vegetable-filled tacos. Peppery radishes, fresh field greens, cooling cucumber, and tangy feta make this into a nutritious meal you won't soon forget. Find the recipe here. Instant Pot Spicy Pineapple Chicken Tacos This fun recipe uses your instant pot for the ultimate easy and delicious dinner. Here, chicken breast is cooked in a succulent sweet and spicy sauce until tender, then paired with an irresistible pineapple-jalapeno salsa. Tacos Al Pastor Tender smoky and spicy pork is paired with sweet grilled pineapple salsa to create the ultimate Taco Night meal. One bite and your family will be requesting this dish for dinner every night. Here's the recipe. Bang Bang Cauliflower Tacos Not to worry, this satisfying recipe won't leave your family saying, "Where's the beef?" After being lightly fried, this cauliflower is tossed in a homemade bang bang sauce and paired with an amazing slaw. Steak Tacos with Chimichurri Sauce These steak tacos with chimichurri sauce take just 30 minutes to make, start to finish. The homemade sauce can easily be whipped up in your blender or food processor, making this meal as simple as it is delicious. Taco Stuffed Avocados with Chipotle Cream And now for something completely different! Instead of tortillas, these tacos use avocado as a delicious and nutritious alternative. Topped with crumbly cotija cheese and a spicy chipotle cream, these "tacos" are a surefire winner. Here's the recipe. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork BBQ Crunchy Tacos Let your slow cooker do all the work with this recipe. Juicy pulled pork is even more enjoyable as a taco because of the crunchy tortilla, crispy onions, and lime cabbage slaw. This might just become your new favorite recipe. Fried Halloumi Tacos with Guacamole Crispy fried halloumi cheese makes a delectable focus for these tacos. Paired with creamy guacamole, the salty Mediterranean cheese stands out beautifully. Get the recipe here. Quick and Easy Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa In less than 20 minutes, these classic chicken tacos will be yours! Covered in an awesome homemade taco seasoning blend, this dish is sure to please your whole family. Here's the recipe. Grilled Tilapia Fish Tacos 15-minute fish tacos? Yes, please! Featuring a handful of ingredients, this recipe keeps things simple and easy so that you can add your own delicious flair. Top the grilled tilapia with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for effortless elegance. Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos Versatile jackfruit takes the place of meat in these tacos. Bright and refreshing mango avocado salsa adds rounded flavors and cooling notes when paired with the Jamaican jerk-spiced jackfruit. Get the recipe here. Super Simple Salmon Tacos with Juicy Citrus Salsa This recipe is a great way to bring more salmon into your dinner routine. Here, chili-rubbed salmon is roasted in the oven until tender and flaky, then wrapped in a tortilla with an avocado, jalapeno, and citrus salsa. Poblano Braised Beef Tacos Poblano peppers are a great addition to your taco recipe, because while they do offer a kick, they're mild enough for the whole family. In this recipe, beef is roasted in a mix of spices, herbs, and citrus until deliciously fork-tender. Topped with your favorite taco fixings, this is a match made in heaven. Smoky Fish Tacos with Tangy Slaw and a Coconut Lime Cilantro Sauce These summery smoky fish tacos with tangy slaw and coconut lime cilantro sauce will have you smacking your lips. With the addition of salty crumbled cheese, these well-balanced tacos will have you dreaming of sand and sun. Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa These succulent shrimp tacos only take 20 minutes, so no matter how busy you are, you can sill enjoy a fabulous meal. Cooked in mouthwatering cajun spices, the tender shrimp are then paired with sweet pineapple salsa. Here's the recipe. Crispy Zucchini Tacos with Crunchy Cabbage Slaw & Lime Crema Crispy breaded zucchini is paired with a sweet and sour slaw, plus vegan lime crema to create these awesome tacos. This dish is a great way to introduce more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Find the recipe here. Smoky Lentil Tacos These vegetarian tacos are every bit as satisfying as the meat-filled kind. Lentils are spiced with smoked paprika and herbs before being topped with salsa, avocado, and cheese. Get the recipe here. Oven Baked Beef Tacos Cheesy, crunchy and totally delish, these oven-baked beef tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleasing favorite. Spiced with a homemade taco seasoning and topped with cheese before baking, these tacos are probably one of the easiest 30-minute meals ever. Sweet Potato and Lardon Tacos Caramelized sweet potatoes and rich, salty lardons make up the filling for these unforgettable tacos. Top them with pickled jalapenos and a sprinkling of cheese or sour cream, and you've got dinner sorted. Find the recipe here. Easy Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Tacos Elegant and delicious doesn't have to mean complicated. These easy tacos are made in your slow cooker for a hands-off dinner that tastes amazing. Peppery radish slices and fresh cilantro give the barbacoa an amazing depth of flavor. Get the recipe here. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos These deliciously nutritious tacos just so happen to be vegan. Butternut squash is oven-roasted with cozy spices and a touch of maple syrup. Top these tacos with tomatoes, salsa, or whatever fixings you like best. Here's the recipe. Mexican Street Tacos Quick, easy, and delicious, these tacos are filled with tantalizing carne asada, cilantro, and fresh lime juice. Marinate the meat before going to work, and it'll be flavorful and ready to cook when you get home. Find the recipe here. Honey Ginger Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Tropical flavors abound in these tacos. Pork is tossed in the slow cooker along with sweet honey and ginger sauce, then paired with easy pineapple salsa and shredded coconut. Get the recipe here. Hungry for more? These 30 Gourmet Taco Recipes Will Change You Forever.


The Rangers announced that they've activated outfielder Joey Gallo from the injured list. Gallo went on the IL on June 2 with a left oblique strain. Texas posted a 13-9 record without Gallo, which is an excellent outcome considering his importance to the team. The 42-36 club is sitting a game back of an American League wild-card spot as it gears up for Gallo's return. While Gallo was a 40-home run hitter in each of the previous two seasons, the 25-year-old has truly busted out in 2019 with an exemplary .276/.421/.653 line and 17 home runs in 214 plate appearances. Among those who have amassed at least 200 PA this season, Gallo ranks fifth in wRC+ (168) and eighth in fWAR (3.2). Although offense is Gallo's calling card, his defense shouldn't be overlooked. Gallo has helped drive up his value this season with six Defensive Runs Saved and a 5.4 Ultimate Zone Rating across 394 innings divided between center and left field, making him one of the game's top all-around players. The Rangers deployed only Danny Santana and Delino DeShields in center during Gallo's absence, while Santana, Hunter Pence , Shin-Soo Choo and Willie Calhoun handled left. Santana helped fill Gallo's void of late by going on a hot streak, and DeShields has also performed better recently. Meanwhile, Pence, Choo and Calhoun have held their own at the plate this year over disparate sample sizes. Pence is unavailable at the moment, however, having gone to the IL on June 16 with a strained groin.


Roberto Bautista Agut clearly didn't expect to be in London this long. Bautista Agut spoke to reporters Wednesday at the All England Club about his upcoming Wimbledon semifinal match against No. 1 Novak Djokovic while his friends got an early start on the bachelor party in his honor. Yes, he planned his bachelor party for the final days of Wimbledon. When you're meant to be in Ibiza for your stag do, but you've got a #Wimbledon semi-final to play 🤣 @BautistaAgut has his priorities in order… pic.twitter.com/gBi1AbIWKH   Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2019 Bautista Agut had never advanced past the fourth round at Wimbledon and planned the party for the end of the second week. The semifinals will be played Friday and the final Sunday. "I had planned to be in Ibiza right now. We had everything organized already and my friends, six of them, are all there. "It feels better to be here in London." He entered Wednesday's match as the only player of eight remaining to have not dropped a set, though he did so against Guido Pella in the third, and defeated No. 10 seed Karen Khachanov of Russia in the third round. The Spaniard reached the quarterfinal at the Australian Open, his best finish, and has never won a Grand Slam. Awaiting him in a final is either Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal if he gets past Djokovic. He's also not the only player to have a Wimbledon planning snafu. Dominika Cibulkova almost called off her wedding in 2016 when she made a deep run at the All England Club. She lost in the ladies singles semifinal and didn't have to face the decision . Bautista Agut, 31, and his fiancé, Ana Bodi Tortosa, are set to marry in November, per ATP Tour . There's still plenty of time for a proper bachelor party, though August 26 through Sept. 8 is also a bad time . In the mean time the semifinalist said he thinks his friends will fly to London on Friday to watch the match. More from Yahoo Sports: American League wins seventh straight MLB All-Star Game Governor Cuomo signs equal pay bill before USWNT parade Vikings preview: Don't blame Cousins for misfortunes Nets found out about Durant's decision on IG like we did


Fabio Quartararo says he felt as if he was on a Moto3 bike and pole man Marc Marquez was on a MotoGP bike in the damp Czech Grand Prix qualifying session. Honda rider Marquez stormed to his 58th career premier-class pole by 2.5 seconds after being the first to gamble on slick tyres on the drying track. Quartararo eventually joined Marquez in ditching the wet tyres, but was unable to advance on 10th   his worst qualifying result since the French Grand Prix. The Petronas SRT rider says he was at a loss at how quick Marquez was straight away in Q2, and admits he felt like a "rookie" in the conditions. When asked how he found qualifying, he said: "Really difficult. It was like I was on a Moto3 [bike] and he [Marquez] was on a MotoGP [bike]. "So I was on my out lap and really I couldn't get the feeling. Petrucci was in front of me and was exactly the same. "I was catching him a little bit in braking, he was pulling away a little bit on the corners, but in the end we stay together and when Marc overtook us, I didn't know he could go so fast in these conditions. "He has a lot of experience for sure, but it's a day like today that we feel that we are rookies and we need more experience." Quartararo continued to heap praise on Marquez, adding: "When you are braking into the corners and you want to go fast, the bike is not turning   it goes straight. "So when I saw Marc going really fast in these kinds of corners, I was like 'whoa, he is really impressive', and you see why he is a seven-time world champion [across all classes]." Saturday's weather-affected sessions meant no race preparation could be done ahead of what is forecast to be a dry race, with Quartararo missing out on a chance to test the softer tyres to try and emulate a fast run on that compound works Yamaha counterpart Maverick Vinales did on Friday in FP2. "Normally today we would try a lot of things: tyres, settings, electronics," he said. "Really, we didn't get anything. So tomorrow morning we will have a lot of things to try, a tyre to choose. "So will be tough tomorrow we know, but I'm feeling good to fight for a good race. "Unfortunately 20 [minutes in warm-up] will be really short [to test anything]. 20 minutes here is less than 10 laps. "So will be really not easy to make conclusions after the warm-up. But we will make something, we will try to get the best with a little bit of luck tomorrow."