New research has uncovered new insights behind how the skin microbiome -- the diverse community of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living on the skin's surface -- works and which key factors have the most impact on aging and our skin's overall health. The new epidemiology study -- a collaboration between Amway and Microbiome -- was recently published in the scientific journal mBio, and found that up to 20 percent of the variability of the bacteria on people's skin can be explained by demographic, physiologic and lifestyle factors. Through a survey of 495 individuals between the ages of 9 and 78, and by collecting over 2500 skin swab samples from four skin sites and the mouth, scientists have revealed that the most influential factors associated with facial skin microbiome composition include levels of skin porphyrins -- fluorescent molecules synthesized by C. acnes, the bacterium involved in the development of acne -- as well as age and the use of sun protection. For the skin inside the mouth, by comparison, ethnicity and smoking showed the strongest associations with its microbiome. The study also found different skin microbiome patterns that corresponded with chronological age and others that corresponded with facial wrinkles and hyperpigmented spots; the discovery of a bacterium called Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii and its association with aging skin is being touted as the first step toward understanding how this microbe could be involved in the mechanisms of skin aging. A patent is pending on this particular finding. Commenting on the findings, Dr. Pedro Dimitriu, Senior Director of Bioinformatics at Microbiome Insights, Inc., which collaborated with Amway on the study, said the research "advances our understanding of why skin microbiomes are so different from person to person." "We know the environment outside the body influences the skin microbiome to some extent, but this study shows some of the lifestyle and host factors that shape it too." Related video: "Wash, steam, exfoliate": The best way to improve your skin (Provided by TODAY)


Cousins Brodie and Jake Kostecki are set to contest all three Supercars endurance races this year as a wildcard entry. The pair are regulars in the second-tier Super2 series running under the Kostecki Brothers Racing banner, which harks back to previous seasons when Kurt Kostecki, Jake's brother, was also part of the team. Brodie, who recently took part in a Triple Eight driver evaluation , is now set to sit out the remainder of the Super2 season, with his VF Commodore going to Jake, and Jake's Triple Eight-built VF being upgraded to ZB-spec for the Bathurst 1000, Gold Coast 600 and Sandown 500 races. "Our goal has always been to reach the main game," Brodie Kostecki, 21, told the official Supercars website. "We were looking at a few options for a co-drive and we felt our team has the capability to do it. We have some smart, experienced people, so why not have a crack at it? "The plan has been in place for a long time, but we just didn't know exactly how we were going to execute it, if we were going to rent a car or convert one of our own cars. "With the direction we've taken, we thought it would be better to give Jake the extra miles in the next two [Super2] events, rather than myself." Nineteen-year-old Jake Kostecki added: "I can't wait. It's been a long time in the making, it's been what I've wanted to do for a long time now. "Since I was little, this is what we've done. It was just go-karts back then, but we've always had our own team and done our own thing. "We're not going to go in there and do anything crazy or be right up the front, but we're going to aim to be somewhere in the pack. "I believe I can race pretty hard with some of the people there, so I'm looking forward to it." Kurt Kostecki is also in the frame to end up on the grid for the endurance races this season, a spot alongside Todd Hazelwood at Matt Stone Racing understood to be the most likely option.


Kyler Murray came into the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick after winning the Heisman Trophy last year, which means there are high expectations for what the quarterback will do with the Cardinals. It remains to be seen if he meets them on the field this fall, but his spring work was met with a lot of praise from his new teammates. Running back David Johnson said he thinks Murray will be " scary " for opposing defenses and cited the team's leading pass rusher Chandler Jones as a source for how hard Murray can make life for defenses. Jones said he's also liked the way that Murray took command of the offense immediately after joining the team. "Kyler's confident, and he's not a cocky player," Jones said, via ESPN.com "For him to be the first overall pick, he's a very confident player. He's composed. I can see him construct, I see him getting guys together in the huddle, and as a young guy, that's something that I admire about him. He's good at grabbing guys' attention. I'm not sure how tall he is, but I see his little helmet and I see a little helmet in the huddle. He's grabbing guys. I'm just, it's impressive. He's an impressive player ." That fits with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald saying that Murray knows the offense better than anyone else on the team and the overall impression heading into training camp is that Murray's done a lot to show his new teammates that he's the right guy for the job.


Doctors normally resort to bacteriophages (bacteria-killing viruses) to kill antibiotic-resistant " superbugs " only when they've run out of options, in part because it's difficult to find the ideal example. It can take months or more just to find a viable candidate. However, they might have a faster solution -- researchers have successfully used genetically modified viruses to treat a chronic, resistant infection in a teenage girl who otherwise faced a bleak prognosis following a lung transplant. The team found three bacteriophages that could be useful (including one from a rotting eggplant) and modified them to maximize their ability to target and wipe out the bacteria strain. Once this was ready, they gave the teen twice-daily infusions as well as surface treatments on the skin lesions resulting from the infection. The treatment didn't amount to a cure, but it did have dramatic (and likely life-saving) results. The infection has nearly vanished, according to NPR , and the teen is now healthy enough to resume a mostly normal life -- really, the main goal. There also weren't side effects. It could be a long while before you see this kind of treatment happening on a regular basis. There's still more work to be done determining the efficacy of bacteriophages (gene-modified or otherwise) and whether or not they're truly safe to use. However, this hints that gene tweaking could one day tackle a variety of stubborn infections, providing a second chance for people who'd otherwise be resigned to a grim fate. Nature


Zack Greinke is having another terrific season and would be a nice addition for a contending team in need of starting rotation help, but his salary makes him a bit less appealing. If any team is interested in acquiring the right-hander, the Arizona Diamondbacks are willing to help remedy that issue. Greinke, who will turn 36 in October, is still owed $80 million over the next two-plus seasons. Jon Heyman of Fancred said Friday that the D-Backs could be willing to eat as much as $10 million a year to move Greinke, but he can block a trade to 15 teams and may want to remain in Arizona. Belief is that if they sell Dbacks would be willing to pay down   perhaps by 10M/year   the 80M remaining on Greinke through 2021, depending the return of course. Greinke remains a top starter, but wIth 15-team no-trade list and belief he prefers to stay, deal not overly likely.   Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 19, 2019 If Greinke doesn't want to be traded, he probably won't be. No-trade lists typically include contending teams, so we can assume several of the clubs that might be interested in him are on that list. Greinke is set to make $32 million in each of the next two seasons. Despite his age, he has an impressive 10-4 record and 2.95 ERA this season. He has also been incredibly durable, making 30 or more starts in four of the past five seasons. The Diamondbacks traded Paul Goldschmidt over the winter but committed to not blowing up their roster , and they actually remain in the playoff hunt. They're only 1.5 games back in the NL wild card race, but they would almost certainly take advantage of an opportunity to move Greinke if the right offer came along. Related slideshow: 2019 MLB season (provided by imagn)


LONDON   British Prime Minister Theresa May's time as Conservative Party leader ended Friday, not with a bang but a whimper. May, who announced her departure two weeks ago after her career was undone by the Brexit mess, formally stepped down in a private exchange of letters with the party, leaving almost a dozen Conservative contenders fighting to replace her and resume the stalled quest to lead Britain out of the European Union. The second female prime minister in British history spent the day quietly in her home constituency west of London, rather than the prime minister's residence at 10 Downing St. May will remain as acting leader and prime minister for a few weeks while the party picks a successor, who will become the next prime minister. Conservative lawmakers will hold a secret ballot on Thursday, with any candidates who don't get at least 5% dropping out. Further rounds will be held the following week until the field is narrowed to two. The final two candidates will meet in a runoff that will be decided in a mail-in vote by the country's approximately 160,000 Conservative Party members. The winner will be announced the week of July 22. So far, 11 Conservative lawmakers are running to replace May, vowing to succeed where she failed and renegotiate Britain's deal to pull out of the EU. There's just one problem: The EU says that's not going to happen. "There will be no renegotiation," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said   not for the first time   last week. On Friday, Juncker lamented: "Everyone understands English, but nobody understands England." May, 62, has seen her three years atop party and country defined, and ultimately destroyed, by Brexit. The Oxford-educated daughter of a rural vicar, she was picked as party leader in July 2016, weeks after Britain voted 52% to 48% to leave the EU and her predecessor, David Cameron, resigned. After many months of negotiations, the 27 other EU nations finally agreed late last year to a detailed withdrawal plan with May's government. But in one humiliation after another for May, the plan has been rejected three times by Parliament, doomed by both lawmakers who wanted more of a clean break and those who wanted a softer Brexit that kept close economic ties to the bloc. With British politicians deadlocked, departure day was postponed from March 29 to Oct. 31, and many of May's Conservative colleagues decided she and her plan had to go. The impasse has transformed the U.K.'s political map. May's Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party are both fractured over how to leave the EU. Frustrated and angry voters are turning away from the big parties to the upstart Brexit Party led by Nigel Farage and   on the other side of the European divide   the Liberal Democrats and Greens, who want Britain to remain in the EU. Farage's Brexit Party came close to winning its first seat in Parliament on Friday, narrowly losing to Labour in a special election in the city of Peterborough. Labour's share of the vote fell sharply from the last election in 2017, and the Conservatives came in third. Despite the loss, Farage said the result showed that British politics has "fundamentally changed," with the stranglehold of Conservative and Labour now broken. The bookmakers' favorite to replace May as prime minister, tousle-haired Brexit champion Boris Johnson, has warned that the Conservatives face "extinction" if Britain doesn't leave the EU on Oct. 31. Johnson is one of several contenders   including Environment Secretary Michael Gove, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Health Secretary Matt Hancock   promising to go back to Brussels and make changes to the Brexit deal. "I believe that European leaders want to find a way through this," Gove wrote in the Daily Mail. But the chances that the other EU countries will consider reopening the legally binding agreement appear slim at best. Even as the Brexit saga has dragged on and the pressure of a potentially disastrous "no-deal" Brexit mounted, no European leader has publicly shown an appetite for renegotiating any part of the 585-page text. Hard-core Brexiteers in the British leadership contest say they would rather take Britain out of the bloc with no deal than countenance a further delay. That message resonates with many Conservative members, who are much more pro-Brexit than the British population as a whole. But most economists and businesses say a no-deal Brexit would cause economic turmoil, imposing obstacles overnight between the U.K. and the EU, its biggest trading partner. ___ Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this story. ___ Follow AP's full coverage of Brexit at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit


Michael Bennet abhors Washington, D.C. Or, at least, what it has become. He says it's his disgust for the way the nation's capital operates that has sparked a desire to make the federal government, especially Congress, function again. That has become one of his central campaign promises as Colorado's senior U.S. senator runs for president. He hinted at it early on the campaign trail by bashing his ultra-conservative peers in Congress. His new book is a dressing-down of all things D.C. Now, days before the first Democratic presidential primary debates, he has released a plan to "reconnect the government to the people." Among the more than 40 to-dos on this platform: a constitutional amendment to limit spending on elections, end gerrymandering and restore voting rights to individuals upon release from prison. "So much of what we got to get done   from climate to health care to changing the tax code   is going to require us to change the way our politics works," Bennet said on a conference call with reporters late this week. RELATED: "Are all the white guys running together in people's minds?" The unusual role identity is playing in the 2020 Democratic primary He added: "For the decade I've been in the Senate, it largely hasn't worked at all. Our plan responds to that by taking on the corruption in Washington and at the same time strengthening our democracy. It attempts to take the money out of politics and put the American people back in." Bennet's pledge to clean up Washington isn't unusual. Nearly every presidential candidate makes it a point to say he or she will heal the divided nation. Several of the two dozen Democrats running for the party's presidential nomination have their own political reform agenda. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, for instance, has called for a lifetime ban on lobbying for retired members of Congress. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has made campaign finance reform a signature issue . But Bennet's plan is perhaps the most comprehensive and specific, advocates for such reforms said. "This is the sweep of things we absolutely need," said Lisa Gilbert, vice president of legislative affairs for Public Citizen, a political nonprofit that advocates for government reform. "Voters will reward candidates who come out early and loudly on this topic." There is evidence to suggest a growing momentum to address some of these long-standing issues. Several 2018 congressional candidates ran on an anti-corruption message, and one of the first pieces of legislation the new House Democratic majority introduced was a package of reforms to make voting easier, strengthen ethics rules in Congress and increase transparency for presidential inaugural committees. More recently, an unlikely bipartisan duo, Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Democratic U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, have agreed to work together to push for a lobbying ban. "I hope they look at my plan," Bennet joked. The problems and the plans Bennet knows too well the influence of money in politics, which he says has "soured" Americans on democracy. His 2010 election came right after the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision often known as Citizens United, which opened the floodgate for unlimited corporate money to be spent influencing elections. Bennet's Senate race against Ken Buck   who now represents Colorado's 4th Congressional District   saw more outside spending than any other Senate race that year at $35 million . Outside spending has only grown since then: Nearly $90 million was spent on Florida's U.S. Senate race in 2018 . Bennet has championed a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United, and it's at the top of his new proposal. Another policy he has long supported and made a centerpiece of his campaign promise is a lobbying ban on former members of Congress. Currently, an estimated 430 retired Senate and House members are actively lobbying, according to OpenSecrets.org, an organization that tracks money in politics. Analysis by The Atlantic found that one in six members of Congress who retired in 2016 went into lobbying . Getting money out of politics is only the first part of Bennet's plan. He also wants to reform the way congressional boundaries are drawn and drastically expand and protect voting. He plans to establish online voting registration, require states to offer same-day voting registration and make Election Day a national holiday. What's more, Bennet pledged to increase resources for the Department of Justice's civil rights division to monitor voting infringement. And he wants to help states transition to rank choice voting, which allows voters to choose more than one candidate in order of preference. Bennet said this form of voting, which only Maine is beginning to roll out statewide, will increase competition. While the president can direct more resources to the Justice Department to monitor voting rights, much of Bennet's plan would need congressional approval if he were elected. For many of his bigger ideas, he will need to get the states on board, too. Bennet acknowledged this but sees it as an opportunity, not a challenge. "As president, I would use the bully pulpit for these reforms in every corner of the country," he said. "I would go to conservative areas of Florida that voted to re-enfranchise ex-felons and talk about how we should do that nationally. I'd go to the mountain West and talk about how we need to drive foreign money out of our country. And I'd go to small towns all over America so that people would know that the agenda in Washington is going to be run by them, not lobbyists." Trump promised to fix D.C., too It's hard to remember a president or presidential candidate who hasn't   in some way   promised to fix Washington. George W. Bush, a Republican, promised to "change the tone" in D.C. And in one of his first steps toward running for president, Barack Obama said, "We have to change our politics and come together around our common interests and concerns as Americans." And President Donald Trump famously promised to "drain the swamp." Related Articles Hickenlooper, Bennet will share presidential primary debate stage with front-runners Presidential hopefuls John Hickenlooper, Bernie Sanders trade barbs over Twitter   sort of Michael Bennet, in CNN town hall, pledges to work with Latin America to solve immigration crisis Michael Bennet proposes $1 trillion climate change fund as part of presidential campaign "One of the reasons why Donald Trump had an opening is because people have recognized the system is failing," said Chris Edelson, a political scientist at American University in D.C. "This is a system in real danger." Edelson, who did not review Bennet's plan, cautioned presidential candidates against thinking they can fix America's political system on their own. But, he said, Bennet's ideas to promote "more democracy" are necessary for the solution. "The most important divide isn't Washington versus outsiders, it's not even left versus right," he said. "The most important divide is whether you support constitutional democracy or not." While Bennet and advocates for reform point to an overwhelming body of polling that suggests voters are hungry for change, there are skeptics. Lu Ann Pedrick, a Polk County, Iowa, Democratic leader, said she thinks most voters are skeptical of promises to change Washington. After Trump promised to reform the capital but instead hired corporate CEOs and millionaires for his Cabinet, she said, "I wonder if anyone will believe that."


This packs more power and more conveniences, but with those iconic looks. Classic Auto Mall is offering the chance to own a rare and tastefully modified American classic vehicle, this 1962 Willys Station Wagon . It preserves the original exterior looks, which are quite iconic and promise to make your ride really stand out. Immediately, people will equate the front of this vehicle with Jeeps, and considering how much those iconic go-anywhere rides are, that's not a bad thing. Down the sides and especially the rear portion of this Willys there's more a slab aesthetic, emphasizing this is a thing of utility and was designed for maximum interior space. Fold down the rear tailgate, which has nice wood inlays on the inside, and you reveal the spacious cargo area perfect for loading up outdoor equipment like bicycles, surfboards, tents, etc. Gray paint and a Dark Gray top accentuate the straight, beautiful body panels. Helping with the retro looks are Craga 17-inch wheels, plus red and black pinstriping in strategic areas. Underneath all that is a 1991 Chevy S-10 chassis, so you don't have to deal with the original corroded chassis. This wagon is powered by a 350ci V8 crate engine, which the seller says only has 7,000 miles. It quite literally breathes more life into the vehicle, making it faster and stronger than ever. Aside from the tailgate, access to the interior is through the two front doors. All the seats have been removed, except for the two in the front, which leather seats donated from a 2009 GMC truck. Basic black carpeting keeps things simple. Instead of struggling with inoperative or sporadic controls and gauges, this wagon features modern components mounted in the center of the dash. To say the Willys Station Wagon was a successful vehicle would be an understatement. Over 300,000 were sold during a production run of 1946 to 1964, and they were debatably the first SUVs, if not among the first. This one has been modernized, while keeping the original aesthetics, for a compelling combination. More Cars Custom 2001 Chevrolet Silverado Is A Total Show-Off A Look At The Cars Featured In 'Stranger Things'


Tom Brady and his repeatedly stellar play have seemed to defy the odds when it comes to age and the quarterback position. Now 41 going on 42, Brady is still playing at a high level and winning Super Bowls - most recently in February against the Rams. Everyone's waiting for Father Time to catch up to him, but it might be years before we see that happen. Michael Brockers said on Super Bowl media night that it's going to reach Brady at some point, which was taken as a shot at the quarterback's age. "Like I said before, you're 42 years old in the National Football League. You're not going to always play like you did when you were 23 or so. Father Time, it's going to catch you at some point in time," he said. Brockers didn't mean it maliciously, only speaking the truth about the toll a long career takes on a player. Three months later, Brockers doesn't regret his comments. . @KristineLeahy : Before the [Super Bowl] you said publicly that Tom Brady was showing some signs of aging. Do you wish you could take that back? @MichaelBrockers : No… It's facts. The LA Rams DE is back for an all new FAIR GAME today at 5:30pm ET, @FS1 pic.twitter.com/tIpMQorx2X - Fair Game (@FairGameonFS1) May 7, 2019 "No, I mean it's facts. Everybody ages, everybody slows down a little bit. It didn't happen in the game - his mind is still there - but everybody shows a little sign of Father Time creeping up on him, for sure," Brockers said on FS1's "Fair Game." Brockers was asked if Brady is still showing signs of aging. He didn't hesitate to respond. "For sure, Yes. Definitely," he said laughing. "We all - I mean it's going to creep up on me at some point in time, too, so I can't hate against him." MORE: Liverpool vs Barcelona Live Stream, Lineups, How to Watch Champions League Semifinals Online, US TV Channel, Live Stream, Score NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Which Packers rookies are most likely to start in 2019? LaVar Ball says McDonald's All-American Game lost all credibility by snubbing LaMelo Ball Bears K Eddy Pineiro has the leg and 'mental edge' to succeed


LITTLE ROCK, Ark.   The voting system for electing judges to Arkansas' top courts violates black residents' rights by diluting the strength of their votes, according to a federal lawsuit filed by civil rights lawyers. The lawsuit filed Monday says that because the state's seven Supreme Court justices are elected statewide, instead of by district, the white voting bloc overpowers the votes of black Arkansas residents. The suit says that's why no black judge has ever been elected to the court. The lawsuit points to several cases in which a black candidate was supported by a majority of black voters in an election, but was defeated by a white candidate supported by a majority of white voters. Instead, lawyers suggest the state should change the voting system for Supreme Court justices by creating electoral districts, for which black voters "in at least one district would constitute a majority of the voting-age population." The suit also alleges that voting by districts for the state's 12 appellate judges lumps all black voters into a single electoral district, reducing the strength of the population's vote. Similar to its Supreme Court proposal, the lawsuit proposes creating two voting districts for appellate judge elections in which black voters are the majority. A spokeswoman said state Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is reviewing the complaint and considering next steps. Lawyers for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund filed the lawsuit on behalf of three voters and two statewide organizations. In Mississippi, a federal lawsuit filed by four voters two weeks ago alleged the state's system for electing its governor is aimed at preventing the election of black candidates. __ A previous version of this story misstated when the lawsuit was filed. It was filed Monday, not Tuesday. It also misidentified the NAACP Legal Defense Fund as part of the NAACP. It is a separate organization.


If you're looking to lose weight, new research shows that timing is everything. That's because harnessing the power of your circadian rhythm , the 24-hour cycle that controls bodily processes like metabolism , hunger, and drowsiness, can have a big effect on weight loss. A new study published in the journal Obesity investigated how people responded to eating meals earlier in the day. The researchers found that eating during a specific time window (and fasting outside of that time) can help suppress your appetite, burn fat, and ultimately take inches off your waistline. The study followed 11 participants over four days. A control group followed a normal eating schedule, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner spread out through the morning, afternoon, and evening. The other group followed an early time-restricted feeding (eTRF) diet, which restricts meals to a six-hour window between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Breakfasts lined up between the two groups, but eTRF dieters were eating dinner far earlier in the mid-afternoon, at the same time their control group counterparts were lunching. The diets were isocaloric, meaning that all the participants consumed the same number of calories. Each group still ate three meals a day and slept for the same length of time. Although it seems counterintuitive, by packing their eating into a shorter window and fasting at other times, the eTRF participants had fewer sensations of hunger than the control group. The restricted eating window led to decreased food cravings during the day, and led to overall increased feelings of fullness while awake. In addition, eTRF dieters expended more energy during the day than the control group. Based on this data, the researchers set out to answer a key question: Whether the weight loss spurred by the eTRF diet stemmed from increased energy expenditure or from a decreased appetite. Ultimately, they determined that "meal‐timing interventions facilitate weight loss primarily by suppressing appetite." They also concluded that eTRF could give a weight loss boost by helping the body burn more fat, although they caution that more research is needed to assess that connection. Overall, though, they argue that aligning meals with the body's circadian rhythm can be "a powerful strategy for reducing appetite and losing weight." Other research points to the benefits of eating in accordance with your circadian rhythm as well. Previous studies, including a 2013 study from Japan , show that nighttime snacking interferes with the body's natural metabolic cycle, changing fat metabolism and increasing the risk of obesity . In addition, this study is a sequel of sorts to a 2018 study from the same researchers . The earlier study found that the eTRF diet lowers blood pressure and appetite. That's probably because it involves not eating for 18 hours : "eTRF is tantamount to eating dinner in the midafternoon and fasting for the rest of the day," the study says. Bottom line: The balance of eating and fasting and matching your body's natural rhythm can be an effective way to maximize weight loss. It's not just about what you eat, but also when . Video: Having a desk job has led the average person to gain this much weight (Courtesy: Buzz60)


With Darren O'Day unavailable due to injury, Jacob Webb has emerged as one of the Braves' best relievers. When the Braves acquired Kevin Gausman at last year's trade deadline, it seemed like more of a necessary move than a team acquiring a true difference maker. The Braves paid a reasonable price for a mediocre pitcher who they felt could improve once on their team. The did not have to pay a massive price like other teams had to for other potential targets (WE AREN'T THE PIRATES!!!!!). Part of the reason for that was because the Braves were willing to take on the $9 million commitment in 2019 for the injured Darren O'Day . O'Day suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury nearly a year ago, and surgery was the eventual outcome that ended O'Day's 2018 season. The Braves knew they would be without his services last year, but hoped that he would be able to recover to take on a valuable role this year. Unfortunately, those hopes were derailed due to a forearm issue suffered in spring training. Since then, there has been very little information about his rehab, with the last update being that he was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Dallas Keuchel . While there is hope O'Day could contribute sometime after the All-Star Break, it likely is not wise to depend on the production of a 36-year old reliever who has not pitched in over a year due to multiple injuries. Furthermore, the potential for injury and the cost associated with O'Day brings a few questions to mind. Why were the Braves willing to take on an injured mid-30's reliever at a $9 million dollar price tag? How did O'Day earn that big of a payday in the first place? Both of these questions are answered by a simple statement: Darren O'Day has been one of the best non-closer relievers in major league history. Disputing whether a reliever is worth a 4 year, $36 million deal, whether he is a closer or not, is an entirely different subject to debate. What is hard to debate is that few, if any, relievers who have rarely recorded a save in their career were more worth that type of commitment than O'Day. Relievers are very risky investments due to how rare it is for them to be consistent. Not only has Darren O'Day been consistent, he has been consistently dominant. Only 67 relievers (pitchers who have pitched out of the bullpen in 80% or more of their career appearances) have produced a mark of 16 WAR or higher in their career. O'Day's 16.3 career WAR ranks 64th on the list. However, O'Day is one of only ten relievers on that list with less than 100 saves in their career. O'Day is one of only three relievers on this list who has less than 25 saves in his career. Teams historically have made their best reliever their closer. However, O'Day's lack of saves in his career should not devalue his dominance. Of the 67 relievers referenced above, only three of them have pitched less than 600 innings in their career and still registered more than 16 WAR. Those three relievers are Craig Kimbrel , Alroldis Chapman, and Darren O'Day . O'Day's dominance is not do to a historic single season. He has been consistently dominant through out his career. Only 32 relievers in baseball history have had five or more seasons in which they produced 2 WAR or better each season. O'Day and Mike Stanton are the only two among those 32 relievers who have achieved that without ever producing higher than seven saves in a single season. Overall, for his career, Darren O'Day is one of only six relievers who has thrown more than 550 innings and has a career 2.60 ERA or lower. The amazing thing about O'Day's career is that the majority of it has come versus the NL East. For the early and middle part of this decade, the New York Yankees , Boston Red Sox , and Toronto Blue Jays featured some of the best offenses in the league. In just over 153 innings against those three clubs in his career, O'Day has registered a 2.23 ERA. Beyond O'Day being dominant overall, he has consistently done some of his best work against some of the best offenses in the majors throughout his career. Simply put, Darren O'Day has been one of the best relievers not just in his career, but in MLB history. His lack of saves likely means he will never truly get credit for how amazing he has been, but it does offer proof has to why the Braves were willing to take a risk on him. As mentioned above, that risk has not paid off as of yet, and it left the Braves without a dependable arm in a bullpen that has been an adventure all season. As the Braves attempted to figure out the bullpen in early April. they decided to take a look at relief prospect Jacob Webb . While Webb certainly was an intriguing option many felt would eventually get a shot, he was never a top prospect, missing the Braves top 30 for 2019. However, since Webb has made it to the majors, he has done nothing but impress. Webb is the first Braves reliever since 2012 to record an ERA below 2.50 through the first 24 innings of his major league career. A secret to Webb's success has been his ability to prevent runners from scoring. He is just the fifth Braves reliever since 2000 to post an LOB rate of 86% or better with at least 20 innings pitched. Overall, Webb has allowed six runs on only four appearances this year. It is worth noting that metrics suggest Webb has had some luck contribute to his good numbers this season. However, he still has consistently delivered when called upon. While the Braves bullpen as a whole has likely been a disappointment, Webb certainly has played a part in helping it improve since the beginning of the season. If Darren O'Day can return and provide some value to the Braves after the All-Star break, it certainly will be big boost during a likely playoff push. A reliever of his caliber likely would have helped the Braves have an even bigger division lead than they do now. However, though it has not worked out that way, Jacob Webb has stepped up to be a dependable option himself. The dominance and dependability of Darren O'Day is something that Braves fans may never get to enjoy in person. Instead, they have been able to see Jacob Webb develop into an critical part of the Braves bullpen. Webb will likely never be as quality of an option as Darren O'Day, but he has done a wonderful job filling in for O'Day this year. While one should be appreciated for his career and the other for his debut, they both hopefully will contribute to what could be a special season for the Braves.


FAIRFIELD   A long list of features makes the white Nantucket-style colonial house at 454 South Pine Creek Road an attractive place to call "home." The priority order of the features on that list will likely depend on the time of year and the desires of potential homebuyers. They might find its new construction most appealing with its gourmet kitchen, 4,531 square feet of living space, custom millwork, hardwood floors and nine-foot ceilings throughout. There is also a theater or media room and large finished basement with a nearly10-foot tall ceiling. They could be attracted by its proximity to the Post Road (Route 1), I-95, and the downtown Metro North train station, which is convenient for commuters, shoppers, and diners. In fact, the residents of this house could walk to some shops and restaurants. Maybe what is most alluring is the house's placement in the beach neighborhood, a water community not far from Long Island Sound and local beaches, yet far enough away that no flood insurance is required. It could be the home's energy efficient elements. This is an Energy Star-rated house that boasts custom exterior LED lighting, a whole house Generac generator, Thermopane windows, extra insulation, natural gas heat, and tank-less hot water. Or it could be the disability access features that were incorporated into the design. This house has 32-inch minimum door widths, hallways that are more than 36-inches wide, lever faucets, and scald control faucets. This 0.14-acre level property also enjoys underground utilities. At this particular time of year the big draw is probably that its location places the house within walking distance to municipal ballfields and tennis courts and a golf course. This property is a short walk, bike ride, or drive to the Sullivan and Kiwanis ballfields, the Fairfield tennis courts, the Carl Dickman and Pine Creek Par 3 golf courses, Pine Creek Avenue Playground, and the Fairfield Fishing Academy. Also nearby are several municipally-protected spots dedicated to wildlife conservation including the 220-acre Pine Creek Meadows, Oldfield Marsh Open Space, and other Pine Creek watershed areas. The Salt Marsh Trail winds through the estuary. One point of access to this trail is at the Fairfield Senior Center on Mona Terrace, just blocks from this house. According to the listing agent, who is also the owner, this is the largest new construction house in the beach area for under $1.3 million. The 13-room house sits on a corner lot, its driveway and attached two-car garage accessed from Spinning Wheel Road. From the asphalt sidewalk in front of the house there is a paving stone path arranged in a basket weave pattern to the covered front entrance of the white house with black trim. The center hall foyer provides access to the formal living and dining rooms, the latter of which features a coffered ceiling and paneling on the lower walls. The spacious, open kitchen features custom cabinetry, quartz countertops and backsplash, a large center island with a large stainless farm sink, and a door to the side yard. Among the Viking appliances is a six-burner range with a pot-filler above it. The butler's pantry has a sink and wine refrigerator. The family room is open to the kitchen and features a gas fireplace and sliding doors to the patio and fenced backyard. The patio and yard are also accessed from the mudroom door. On the second floor, the sizable master bedroom suite features two walk-in closets with built-ins, a tray ceiling, and sliding doors to a large L-shaped covered balcony. The marble master bath has a large shower and soaking tub. This floor has two additional bedrooms that share a Jack-and-Jill-style bath with quartz counters. On the third floor there is an office with storage and a full bath, which could also be a bedroom or guest suite. The full finished basement contains an additional 1,227 square feet of living space with a bedroom, full bath, gym, the media room, and additional storage closets. For more information or to set up an appointment to see the house, contact owner/agent Victor L. Vitti of Higgins Group Real Estate at 203-829-4881 or victor@higginsgroup.com.


The first film of a total solar eclipse has been "re-discovered," astronomers announced Thursday. The eclipse, which occurred on May 28, 1900, in North Carolina, was filmed by British magician turned pioneering filmmaker Nevil Maskelyne. Mike Cruise, president of the Royal Astronomical Society, said in a statement Thursday that "it's wonderful to see events from our scientific past brought back to life. Astronomers are always keen to embrace new technology, and our forerunners a century ago were no exception." The original film fragment, which belongs to the astronomical society, was "painstakingly scanned and restored" by conservation experts at the British Film Institute. "These scenes of a total solar eclipse   one of the most spectacular sights in astronomy   are a captivating glimpse of Victorian science in action," Cruise said. The total solar eclipse of May 28, 1900, was visible from Louisiana to Virginia. According to the astronomical society, it was not an easy feat to film. Maskelyne had to make a special telescopic adapter for his camera to capture the event. This is the only film by Maskelyne that's known to have survived. "This is a wonderful archival discovery: perhaps the oldest surviving astronomical film, it is a really striking record of both early cinema and late Victorian eclipse observing," said Joshua Nall, the chair of the Royal Astronomical Society's astronomical heritage committee. Folks antsy to see another total eclipse don't have long to wait, though you'll have to hop on a plane to South America to catch it: A total eclipse of the sun is coming to Chile and Argentina on July 2. Specifically, the sun will disappear along a narrow track that stretches from Chile's coast to just south of Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital and largest city.


Contrary to popular belief, your sex life can only get better once you're over the hill. Here are 50 tips for amazing sex after 40. 50 Ways to Have a Healthy Sex Life After 40 For many people, life over 40 is pretty great: Your career is better than ever and your confidence is at an all-time high. However, the sands of time spare no one, and for some over-40 folks, life in the bedroom can change dramatically as the years pass and not always for the better. But if you want to keep things fresh in the sheets after the big 4-0 has come and gone, doing so may be easier than you think. These 50 expert tips on how to keep things spicy will have you feeling like a teenager again in no time. And to really kick things up to 11, here are 40 Ways to Boost Your Sex Drive After 40 . 1. Accept the changes in your body. Feeling comfortable in your body is sexy, no matter your age, so embrace the changes you re seeing and let your partner do the same.  Your body definitely doesn t look the same as before,  says Dr. Nikola Djordjevic , MD, from MedHelpAlert.org .  Don t shy away from it and make sure you love your body as it is. Don t look back, focus on the now.  And for a roadmap to all the changes you can expect, here are 40 Ways Your Body Changes After 40 . 2. Expand your definition of what sex is. If your preferences in the bedroom have changed over the years, it's high time you redefine what sex means to you. "Kissing, cuddling, and arousing can be pretty fun," says Djordjevic. "Make sure you explore with your partner and don't be afraid to talk about your wishes." And to really push the boundaries, here are 40 Erotic Role Play Ideas That'll Totally Spice Up Your Sex Life . 3. Take inventory of your medications. If you've found yourself less enthused about the prospect of being intimate than before, try talking to your doctor about whether any of your current medications could be standing between you and a more fulfilling sex life. "There are certain medications whose side effects include decreased libido, or (for women) lower ability of lubrication," says Dr. Lina Velikova , MD, from disturbmenot.co . "These include antidepressants, blood pressure medication, antihistamines (medication for allergies), medication for regulating cholesterol , and ulcer medications. If you are on any of these medications and have troubles with arousal or lubrication, talk to your doctor about it." 4. Choose comfortable positions. Aches and pains tend to appear as if out of nowhere as we age, so it's essential that you reevaluate your bedroom routine if you find that your usual positions just aren't cutting it. "If you have back pain , don't get discouraged," says Velikova. "Find the most comfortable position that doesn't strain your back. Side-by-side is a good position for this." For ideas on what to try, here are the 60 Best Sex Positions to Enhance Your Love Life . 5. Boost the production of feel-good hormones. Engage in some affectioning touching to "trigger production of the feel-good hormones oxytocin, endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine," suggests Maryann Karinch , author of Mature Sexual Intimacy . "[They] pump up your desire for closeness, elevate your mood, and [help you] discover all kinds of new (and old) pleasures." 6. Give your partner reassurance outside the bedroom. "As our bodies age, we might want reassurance that we're still desired," says Steven Reigns , LMFT, founder of Los Angeles-based Therapy for Adults . "This can create pressured sexual situations where your partner's every move and maneuver is scrutinized for proof that you are or you're not attractive." To help combat this issue, try giving your partner reassurance outside the bedroom make note of when they dress up, show them affection when you're out together, and make time for romantic dates whenever possible. 7. Don't be afraid to discuss that little blue pill. If you or your partner are having difficulty in the bedroom, don't be afraid to discuss exploring your medical options. "In male spaces, sex is openly discussed. Sexual dysfunction is not. This can lead some into thinking erectile dysfunction (ED) is less common than it actually is," says Reigns. "For partners of men needing ED medication, it can be challenging to not take the need for erectile drugs personally especially if one is feeling insecure about their aging body," he notes. "The logic of 'If he were really into me, he wouldn't need a pill' is faulty. If your partner needed a hearing aide, would that mean they really didn't want to listen to you?" 8. Play it safe. Think you can forgo protection with new partners after a certain age? Think again. "There's been a fair amount of research and reportage over the past few years that suggests that older people aren't learning to bring condoms along when they go out on the town," says Carol Queen , Ph.D., of Good Vibrations, the staff sexologist and curator of the Antique Vibrator Museum, and co-author of The Sex & Pleasure Book: Good Vibrations Guide to Great Sex for Everyone . "Folks over 50 can definitely get (and give) sexually transmitted infections, so get informed, be prepared, and play safe." 9. Make sex a consistent part of your routine. While you certainly shouldn't be having sex when you don't feel like it, making time for intimacy may make you more open to getting frisky in the future. According to a 2017 study published in Psychological Science , couples had more relationship satisfaction for up to two weeks following sex and considering that feeling happy in your relationship is a key factor in wanting to have sex to begin with, this ends up being a self-perpetuating cycle. 10. Work on your confidence. Not feeling sexy? Instead of spending tons of cash on lingerie or toys, try working on your self-esteem first. "Sexiness is confidence," says Nazanin Moali , PhD, a sex therapist in Torrance, California and host of The Sexology Podcast . "It is a different kind of confidence that we might have had in our 20s or 30s, but one that is grounded in our achievements, our accomplishments, and what we have become in life." And to really send your self-confidence into the stratosphere, here are 40 Ways to Boost Your Confidence After 40 . 11. Make your needs known even if it's uncomfortable at first. Even if it feels uncomfortable at first, talking about your needs in the bedroom will keep your love life healthier in the long run. "Couples over age 50 often tell us that saying the word 'sex' was taboo in their household growing up, which makes it difficult to open up with each other even as grown adults," according to husband and wife coach and therapist Adam King , CLC, and Karissa J. King , MA, LMFT, authors of Sexpectations Healthy Sex Life After Age 50 . "So while their innate design pushes them to have sex, talking about it requires intentionality, guidance, and even learning." 12. Make sure you're getting enough sleep. Get a good night's rest and you might find yourself having an easier time reading your partner's cues when it comes to sex. According to a 2013 study published in Sleep , sleep-deprived men were more likely to misread their female partner's behavior as sexual interest, even when that's not the case potentially leading to some serious feelings of rejection when they're turned down time and time again. If you want to keep your sex life healthy, make sure you're getting adequate rest and you'll be better equipped to distinguish between when your partner wants to get it on. 13. Experiment with new activities in the bedroom. According to a 2017 review of research published in the Journal of Sex Research , more sexually satisfied couples reported engaging in a greater variety of sex acts than their less-satisfied counterparts. 14. Practice mindfulness. A little mindfulness in the bedroom could make all the difference when it comes to your sex life. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy , people who were more mindful during sex enjoyed both greater sexual satisfaction and higher self-esteem. 15. Be a routine-breaker outside of the bedroom. There's something to be said for relationship predictability. We have a comfort level in knowing that Friday is for movies, or that one of you will do the cooking and one of you will do the cleaning, or that both of you despise the Patriots. But long-term couples should find ways to mix up the regular rhythm of their lives with new outings, new restaurants, new couples to hang with. "The newer the activity, the greater the increase of the feel-good chemical dopamine," which improves mood, says Ava Cadell , Ph.D., author of Neuroloveology . 16. And in the bedroom. "After many years of sex with the same person, the actual act of making love can take on a certain predictability," Cadell says. Switch up something: The room, the night of the week, the order in which you remove clothes, the channel. It'll make a difference. 17. Crush some cardio. Sexual function is controlled, in part, by the quality of blood flow to your organs. Vigorous cardiovascular exercise at least three or four times a week where your heart rate jumps up to the point that you're breathing hard will make you better in bed. "Because blood flow is vital for sexual organs to function, whatever you can do to improve the health of your heart will improve your sex life," says Michael Roizen , MD, chief wellness officer of the Cleveland Clinic . 18. Pump iron at least twice a week. Resistance exercises not only help change your body weight and shape (both of which will have physical and psychological benefits), but they also increase your testosterone. "Testosterone is the key hormone for both men and women for sex drive," Roizen says. "Resistance exercise helps increase muscle mass, which improves testosterone." No access to dumbbells? A routine of bodyweight exercises pushups, squats, and lunges will work. 19. Get on the same page financially. "Financial stress the No. 1 cause of problems in relationships is related to lots of health problems, so when couples are having money issues, it usually means they're also having trouble in the bedroom," Roizen says. Schedule a financial meeting once a month between the two of you. Just the act of talking even if you don't always agree gets things going in the right direction. 20. Stock up on healthy fats. One of your greatest dietary allies are healthy fats, like ones found in fish and nuts. "They will help lower inflammation, blood pressure, and your lousy LDL cholesterol. When they change, they can help improve sexual function," Roizen says. And for dietary advice, here are 40 Heart Foods to Eat After 40 . 21. Cut down on added sugar in your diet. One of the biggest threats to a healthy sex life? A diet that pummels your insides. Decrease your intake of processed foods and replace them with ones that have artery-friendly compounds (like fruits and vegetables). "Foods with high amounts of added sugar increase your risk a number of problems that cause your arteries to function less efficiently and that's bad news for all body parts involved in sexual function," Roizen says. 22. Drop those last 10 pounds. "Waist size is directly related to sexual function," Roizen says. "The higher it is, the higher chances you'll have some dysfunction." 23. Grab some garlic. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Nutrition , the breath- and vampire-busting cloves have artery-clearing benefits. And you know what better blood flow means… 24. Drink red wine more frequently. An Italian study, published in 2009 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine , showed that those who had one or two glasses of red wine a day had higher levels of sexual satisfaction. 25. Spice things up in the kitchen. The key to a hotter sex life? Hotter food. One 2015 study in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that spicy food increased testosterone. So get ready to turn up the heat on your plate and in the bedroom. 26. Add some red to your menu. Tomatoes contain lycopene , which can restore blood glucose and lower oxidative stress. Those health benefits lead to better blood flow, which, again, can curb erectile dysfunction. 27. Follow the "apple a day" adage. A 2014 study in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that women who regularly ate apples had higher reported levels of sexual function. Scientists speculate that this is because apples contain antioxidants that improve blood flow (and thus arousal). 28. Bring on the B vitamins. One 2014 study in the Asian Journal of Andrology revealed a correlation between low levels of sexual function and low levels of folic acid (vitamin B9). So if you want to improve your bedroom activities, add foods with vitamin B like dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, and beans into your diet. 29. Say "I love you" more. A 2016 Chapman University study about sexual satisfaction in long-term couples found that those who were more sexually satisfied say "I love you" during sex. 30. Make sex more fun. The same Chapman University study found that sexually satisfied couples reported that their sex was both passionate and playful, so don't be afraid to get silly in the sack. 31. Up those romantic gestures. The little things really do make a big difference. Dr. Bea Jaffrey , a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist based in Switzerland, told Marie Claire that foreplay should start long before you actually have sex. "I am talking here about the mental foreplay that happens days in advance, not the one that you have just before sex," she notes. "Make sure to be attentive to your partner. Small gestures and nice comments are significant to setting the right mood for sex." 32. Take a trip together. The key to improving your sex life over 40? Your passport. According to a 2016 study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association , traveling together not only helps maintain the strength of relationships, it can help ignite intimacy in couples, too. 33. Talk about your partner's body. Compliment your partner's body parts and not just ones associated with sexuality. A 2017 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reported a correlation between lower body image and low levels of sexual satisfaction which makes sense because more insecurity means more inhibition. So giving your partner's self-esteem a small boost could make a big difference in the bedroom. 34. Make regular sex a priority. One 2017 study in PLoS One revealed what many couples already know: Couples with higher rates of physical intimacy tend to be closer. It's not that quantity means quality, but you have to have some quantity to have more quality. 35. Strike a pose. A 2010 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that yoga helped reduce sexual dysfunction and improved libido. Other benefits from practicing those poses include improved breathing and control, as well as more flexibility. Just don't make a "downward dog" joke in bed. 36. Get frisky in the morning. As reported by The Sun in 2017, Forza Supplements conducted research that found that the best time of day to have sex is the opposite time of when many couples have sex: 7:30 a.m seems to be ideal. That's because, about 45 minutes after you wake up is when your energy levels are at their highest. 37. Work through your conflicts. Relationship troubles affect your mood and overall satisfaction, and thusly influence desire. Not talking about your problems will only create more problems and that goes for your sex life, too. 38. Spend more time together. Your schedules may be busy, but making more time for each other even when you're not getting frisky, can make you more interested in one another sexually. A 2014 study in Hormones and Behavior revealed that oxytocin the bonding hormone that's stimulated in moments of togetherness can intensify orgasms as well as contentment after sex. 39. Create a new ritual together. Foot massages every Sunday night, co-cooking every Thursday, or a hike the first weekend of the month create consistency, boost oxytocin, and can do wonders for your physical intimacy levels. 40. Spend more time snuggling. A 2014 study in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found one key ingredient to long-term relationship success: post-sex snuggling. According to the research, there's a strong link between "post-sex affectionate behavior (e.g., cuddling, caressing, shared intimacy) and sexual and relationship satisfaction." 41. Never underestimate the power of a massage. Candles, oils, some ambient music. Nothing sets the mood like a good full-body rub for both of you. 42. …Or a bubble bath. It's just as relaxing as a massage , except with 100 percent less clothing. Pro tip: Double the bubbles with a bottle of Moët. 43. Remember the hierarchy of compliments. What you say matters. When you say it matters more. How you say it matters most. 44. Remember the hierarchy of the bedroom. What you do matters. When you do it matters more. How you do it matters most. 45. Remember the hierarchy of desire. How you look matters. How you act matters more. How you treat each other every single day matters most. 46. Bring in some reinforcements. The truth is, we're living in the golden age of toys: big, small, for him, for her, for both. You can even find a 24-carat toy that doubles (and passes) as a fashion-forward pendant necklace! There's something out there for you that can take your pleasure to unimagined levels. 47. Add some sexy literature to your must-read list. Sure, you could put on a video to rev your engines. But you could also try reading that sort of thing. Today, there are countless of sites brimming with such content. Let your imagination run wild. 48. Expand your social opportunities. Want to make your relationship more satisfying? Try channeling your inner extrovert. A 2005 study published in the European Journal of Personality reveals that, while neuroticism dampened relationship satisfaction, extroversion boosted it and who doesn't like a partner who's outgoing, both in the bedroom and out? 49. Keep your curiosity alive. It's never too late to test your sexuality. You'll never know if you don't try. And for more ways to take things up a notch, learn about The 30 Ways That Exercise Boosts Your Sex Life . To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to follow us on Instagram!


Stockton will continue to experience hot temperatures over the next few days, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Temperatures will reach a high of 104 degrees on Wednesday, with highs remaining in the mid-90s and above the rest of the week. The coming days will also see clear skies, forecast to persist through Friday. Some clouds will appear on Saturday. Winds will stay somewhat calm, with the highest speeds today at just 11 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Supporters of over 300 asylum seekers who recently arrived in Maine, gathered in front of the Portland Expo this morning for a rally called "Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Immigrants are welcome here." Dozens of demonstrators made signs, sang songs, and shared their stories about how Maine can offer these people seeking asylum, a chance at a successful life. Hamdia Ahmed, one of the rally supporters, believes the only way to make those stories heard, is by using your voice. "We have such great people in Portland Maine and all over the state who are willing to support our brothers and sisters," Ahmed said, "what we wanted to do was come out here and show our support and love to our asylum seekers." Sunday morning's rally originally began as a counter protest to a group against Portland's asylum seekers. RELATED: Volunteers organize July 4 picnic for asylum seekers in Maine RELATED: Volunteers ready to help as more asylum seekers arrive in Portland That group never showed. As ICE agents begin raids across the country to seize illegal immigrants, demonstrations like today's are popping up everywhere. The Portland supporters who came out this morning say the rally was a no-brainer, and a chance to spread the same welcome message they received after moving to the city.


With Century Link Field rocking and September around the corner, the Seattle Seahawks opened the 2019 preseason with a 22-14 win over the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. Despite most of the team's starters sitting out (including Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner, Tyler Lockett and Duane Brown, among others), Seattle fresh crop of rookie talents put on a solid show. Several defenders stood out, including linebacker Cody Barton and Marquise Blair, while wide receiver Jazz Ferguson showed out with some stellar catches. There were some rough spots, to be sure: miscues here and there, along with a whopping 15 penalties. Overall though, Seahawks fans will likely be pretty happy with their team's performance. After all, it is only week one of the preseason   there's plenty of time to tighten things up. With that in mind, keep reading to see five quick takeaways from Seattle's first win in 2019. Paxton Lynch looks like the clear choice at backup QB He had to watch Geno Smith take snaps for the first half, but come the second, Paxton Lynch got to enjoy his revenge game. Going against the team that drafted and then cut him, Lynch seized his opportunity in the spotlight. Looking far more refined and accurate than in years past, the former first-round pick went 11-15 for 109 yards and one touchdown through the air. He added 38 yards and another score on the ground as well. It's early, sure   but the difference between Lynch and Smith was night-and-day. Expect #2 to be the second name on the QB depth chart come opening day. Jazz Ferguson can ball D.K. Metcalf was getting most of the hype heading into this game, and it's easy to see why. But it was Jazz Ferguson who looked like the standout receiver of the night. The rookie wideout leveraged his impressive frame and wingspan to pull in an exceptional touchdown catch in traffic, and generally seemed to give Denver's corners a handful. The though of the 6-foot 5-inch Ferguson and 6-foot, 4-inch Metcalf terrorizing opposing defenses is certainly intriguing   and the former showed that he has what it takes to be an immediate contributor. RELATED: Who's that Seahawk? Q&A with undrafted rookie WR Jazz Ferguson Young defenders showed out Marquise Blair brought the boom. Cody Barton was all over the field. Jacob Martin notched his first sack of the year. Ugo Amadi flashed his versatility   and showed his skills as a returner. I could go on, but the point is this: Seattle's young cadre of defensive players had a good night. There were some rough plays and missed assignments, but that's to be expected. This should be a fun group to watch, and it wouldn't be a shock to see some of them get meaningful playing time earlier rather than later. Penalties still look like a big problem Yes, it was the first preseason game, with most starters seeing little to no action. Even so, the fact that the Seahawks committed 15 penalties for a total of 131 yards is flat-out bad. There were several miscues on special teams of course, along with the requisite 3rd-down offensive holding calls. This was an area of concern last season, so seeing some improvement tonight would've been encouraging. Time will tell whether or not the first-team starters have gotten better. ALSO: Seahawks' Martin aiming for 12 sacks in 2019 Sorry passing fans: this is still a run-first team Just in case you didn't take the coaches at their words, Thursday night's game proved that the Seahawks are very much still planning on pounding the ground game. Though the team finished with 150 yards passing and 150 yards rushing, Seattle ran the ball noticeably more frequently. Of the backs, Xavier Turner and Bo Scarborough led the way, while Rashaad Penny showed his skill as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Throw Chris Carson back in the mix, and you have a pretty terrifying group of players ready to take a handoff.


A teenager is accused of fatally shooting a landlord during an argument over an eviction at a multifamily home on Milwaukee's north side, according to a criminal complaint. Cedric Turnbull Jr., 18, is charged with first-degree reckless homicide/use of a dangerous weapon in the death of Jeffrey Beamon, 49, according to the complaint and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office. According to the complaint: Beamon died at the scene of the shooting June 30 at the home in the 3200 block of N. 28th St. that occurred during a heated argument over the eviction involving "numerous persons." During the argument a woman called Turnbull, who arrived a short time later. When Beamon asked him who he was and why he was there Turnbull pulled out a gun and shot Beamon, according to the complaint. Turnbull was also charged with possession of a firearm by an adjudicated delinquent for a robbery in 2017, the complaint said. He was in the Milwaukee County Jail Thursday with bail set at $150,000, according to jail and state court records. If convicted he could be sentenced to up to 70 years in prison, according to the complaint. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Landlord killed in argument over eviction


BAGHDAD, June 15 (Reuters) - The United States has allowed Iraq to import Iranian gas for its power grid for another three months by extending a waiver to U.S. sanctions for Baghdad, two government sources said on Saturday. One of the sources, who asked not to be named, said the extension was given during a phone call between Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Iraq was first granted an exemption on Iranian electricity imports after Washington reimposed sanctions on Iran's oil industry in November, citing concerns about its nuclear program and what it said was its meddling in the Middle East. It has extended the waiver several times since then but has urged Iraq to develop its energy infrastructure to reduce reliance on Iranian energy. Iraq relies heavily on Iranian gas to feed several power stations, importing roughly 1.5 billion standard cubic feet per day via pipelines in the south and east. Washington wants to roll back Iranian influence in the Middle East, including in Iraq, where Iran holds broad sway over politics and trade. Although Iraq has one of the world's largest natural gas reserves, it has moved slowly to develop them and has relied on Iran to supply it with gas and electricity. (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Writing by John Davison; Editing by Edmund Blair)


A Democratic presidential forum with an emphasis on issues important to the Latino community will be held in Long Beach in November, officials said. The forum will take place on Nov. 16, during the California Democratic Party Convention at the Long Beach Arena, part of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, and is expected to attract presidential candidates campaigning for the state's 2020 primary elections , party officials announced Friday. Though formal invitations have not yet been sent, former Vice President Joe Biden and Mayor Pete Buttigieg have already expressed interest in attending the November events, Roger Salazar, spokesman for the California Democratic Party, said Saturday. News of the forum was welcomed by Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia who on Saturday said on Twitter that he expects most of the Democratic presidential candidates will be on stage for the forum. The @CA_Dem has announced that not only will Long Beach host the next state convention in November, but also a Presidential Forum in Long Beach hosted by @UnivisionNews . We will have most of the Dem Presidential candidates on stage in Long Beach to a national audience.   Robert Garcia (@RobertGarciaLB) June 1, 2019 Candidates will have a chance to talk about a host of issues relevant to Californians, specifically the Latino Community, such as jobs, economy, healthcare, and immigration, Salazar said. Other topics are hard to predict, and will rely on what issues are churning through the news cycle. "What the public is focused on in June may not be what the public is focused on in November," Salazar said. Univision, a Spanish-language television network, will moderate the forum and will have control over questions. The network will air live broadcasts of the forum. With more than 500 Democratic delegates in California, the most of any state in the nation, Salazar said the November forum and convention may be the final large-scale opportunity for candidates to woo voters before the earliest mail-in ballots are cast in February. It will be the second event of its kind in 2019, following this weekend's state convention held in San Francisco. This weekend's event is called the California Democratic Party Organizing Convention and includes talks on the party platform, election of a new state party chair and appearances by several presidential candidates. During the November convention, delegates will endorse candidates in primary elections for district offices. Related Articles Presidential hopefuls   Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Julian Castro and Jay Inslee   talk details about immigration Voters can't say there's no difference in candidates in Tuesday's Senate election in southeast LA What's more important than California Democratic Party leader? How about president? Assembly bill takes aim at reducing deadly police shootings in California In Santa Monica, Amy Klobuchar pitches electability, infrastructure, punchlines


Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Los Angeles Rams are off until they report for training camp on July 27, giving players some time off for the summer. With spring workouts, OTAs and minicamp in the rearview mirror, it's time for another 53-man roster projection. There aren't a ton of changes from our last edition, which came immediately after the draft , but Blake Countess' release and Morgan Fox's position switch impacts things. Quarterback (2) Jared Goff Blake Bortles No changes here and there's no reason to believe the Rams will carry three quarterbacks this season. Bortles is a very capable backup and unless he tanks in training camp and the preseason, he'll be QB2 behind Goff. Running back (4) Todd Gurley Malcolm Brown Darrell Henderson John Kelly Justin Davis is the odd man out in this scenario. Gurley, Brown and Henderson are all but locks to make the team, while Kelly's job isn't necessarily secured yet. He still has to earn a roster spot because the Rams could carry three backs or replace him with Davis. Wide receiver (6) Brandin Cooks Robert Woods Cooper Kupp Josh Reynolds JoJo Natson KhaDarel Hodge The Rams have so much talent at their skill positions that they could probably get away with carrying just four wide receivers. They won't go that thin, but their depth on offense is remarkable. Natson is valuable on special teams and Hodge has good potential, but either player could be bumped off by incoming rookies. Tight end (3) Gerald Everett Tyler Higbee Johnny Mundt Picking the No. 3 tight end is like throwing darts. Mundt is competing with a handful of undrafted rookies, all of whom could take his spot on the roster. The only potential surprise at this position would be the Rams moving on from Higbee and fully committing to Everett. Offensive line (8) Andrew Whitworth Rob Havenstein Austin Blythe Joseph Noteboom Brian Allen Bobby Evans David Edwards Jamil Demby There isn't much wiggle room with this group. Demby has practiced at all five spots, which makes him more valuable. The two rookies should make the team based on draft pedigree, while the other five players are in line to be starters. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) Defensive line (6) Aaron Donald Michael Brockers Greg Gaines John Franklin-Myers Sebastian Joseph-Day Morgan Fox Fox is moving back to the defensive line, which bumps Tanzel Smart off the roster. The Rams have enough talent at nose tackle to move on from him. Gaines and Joseph-Day will compete for the starting job, while Brockers has the versatility to line up at the nose in sub-packages, allowing Fox or Franklin-Myers to get on the field. Outside linebacker (6) Dante Fowler Jr. Clay Matthews Samson Ebukam Ogbonnia Okoronkwo Trevon Young Josh Carraway Carraway is a newcomer from our last projection and is the beneficiary of Smart not making the team in this scenario. Carraway has a strong athletic profile and could make an impression on the coaches at a relatively unproven position. Inside linebacker (4) Cory Littleton Micah Kiser Dakota Allen Bryce Hager Hager's special teams play is valuable and the Rams don't exactly have many answers behind projected starters Littleton and Kiser. Natrez Patrick is an undrafted rookie to watch and Clay Matthews will contribute inside, too, but depth is needed at this spot. Cornerback (6) Marcus Peters Aqib Talib Nickell Robey-Coleman David Long Troy Hill Kevin Peterson Hill is locked in after signing an extension, but the Rams could opt to carry just five cornerbacks, leaving Peterson, Dominque Hatfield and others on the outside looking in. This is a talented group with a good mix of young and old. Safety (5) John Johnson Eric Weddle Taylor Rapp Nick Scott Marqui Christian Wade Phillips mentioned the Rams having "a lot of safeties" who can contribute and that's proven evident by this depth chart. Scott will be a great special teams addition, while Rapp and Christian can both be hybrid linebackers in passing situations, replacing Kiser in sub-packages. Special teams (3) Greg Zuerlein Johnny Hekker Jake McQuaide Nothing will change here from now until at least the end of next season, barring injuries. Zuerlein could use an extension, though, as he enters the final year of his contract. MORE: Drake FaceTimed with Steph Curry after Game 6 to deliver a classy message Roundup: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Leaving; Taylor Swift's New Song; Darren Rovell Hit Piece Top of Packers WR depth chart takes shape following minicamp Recap of Howie Roseman's dominant offseason NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players


Allulose is a sweetener that's been on the market since 2015 and is gaining popularity because of its low calorie count. It has 90 percent fewer calories than table sugar, according to the Calorie Control Council . The sugar occurs naturally in a handful of foods and may be an ingredient showing up in many more packaged goods in the future including beverages, pastries, yogurts, ice creams, salad dressings, chewing gum, and more. What do you need to know about this seemingly miracle ingredient? We tapped the experts to find out. What is allulose? Allulose is a simple sugar found naturally in small amounts in certain foods such as wheat, jackfruit, figs, raisins, brown sugar, maple syrup, and caramel sauce. While your body absorbs allulose, it does not metabolize it which makes it extremely low in calories. "Allulose can also be manufactured," says Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, a clinical nutrition professor at Boston University and host of the health and wellness podcast SpotOn! Besides containing just a very small amount of calories, allulose's effect on blood sugar is minimal. "It produces only a negligible rise in blood glucose levels so would be a plus for the millions of Americans with diabetes and prediabetes," says Blake. If you're wondering if artificial sweeteners are bad, here's what you need to know . What do the new FDA guidelines regarding allulose mean? In April 2019, the FDA issued guidelines that allulose will still count toward a food's total calories, but the agency will allow manufacturers to "exercise enforcement discretion to allow the use of a revised, lower calorie count." This means manufacturers are now allowed to use 0.4 calories per gram of allulose when determining the number of calories that come from allulose in a serving of a food or beverage. Previously, per the 2016 Nutrition Facts label rule, allulose was counted as 4 calories per gram of sweetener the same calorie count in table sugar. "Because our bodies respond to allulose so differently [than we respond to table sugar], the FDA made the decision to exclude it from the sugars declaration," explains Sarah Marjoram , MS, RDN, a dietitian in Atlanta. Want to eat less sugar? Try these easy food swaps to reduce your sugar intake . Where will you see allulose? "Science has recently discovered ways to produce allulose on a larger scale through a process using corn," says Marjoram. "This discovery is what has made it available as a food ingredient. In addition to tasting like sugar, allulose functions very similarly to sugar making it a very versatile ingredient. It can be used in baked, frozen, or liquid items for sweetness." How is allulose different from other types of sweeteners? " There are different types of sugars, which include monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides," says Stephanie Ambrose , MS, RDN, CPT, a dietitian in Houma, LA. "Monosaccharides are your simplest sugars. They include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Normal table sugar is made up of glucose and fructose," says Ambrose. When two monosaccharides are joined together, it is called a disaccharide." Allulose is a monosaccharide, a simple sugar. And it's about 70 percent as sweet as table sugar, says Blake. Get a list of healthy desserts that can actually help you lose weight . Why would you want to eat foods with allulose? " Allulose is a great alternative for individuals who are trying to lose weight and eat healthier," notes Ambrose. "The calories quickly add up if you use normal table sugar, which means you can cut your calories significantly by replacing table sugar with allulose. Allulose does not cause dental decay, which is another problem seen with heavy sugar consumption in children and adults. This means fewer dentist appointments for cavities." Are there any reasons to be concerned about allulose in your food? Allulose is on the FDA's list of foods that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). This means the ingredient is safe under the conditions of its intended use but, experts say, this doesn't mean you shouldn't remain cautious. "Although animal studies of allulose are promising, human studies are limited," notes Marjoram. "It's a relatively new product, and we just don't have a lot of long-term data yet. When new products emerge on the marketplace, consumers sometimes have a tendency to dive all in. It's always best to approach food and nutrition with moderation." Blake says she would like to see more research conducted. "It would be worth studying if there is an upper tolerable level that should be consumed daily without any negative gastrointestinal or kidney effects," she says. The post Allulose: The New Sugar Hiding in Your Food appeared first on Reader's Digest .


The Jacksonville Jaguars' 2018 season was a huge letdown in the eyes of many, and the team's leader, Calais Campbell, would certainly agree. When the injuries became a problem, the Jags' maturity was tested and ultimately sunk the team, Campbell told NFL insider Ian Rapoport. "First things first, last year sucked," Campbell told Rapoport last week on his Rapsheet and Friends podcast. "Our youth really showed. Once we started losing guys, having some injuries, having some real adversity, we really didn't handle it well. And that's youth. Experience really pays dividends in a situation there." Campbell is absolutely right. Things seemed to fall apart in every way imaginable for the Jags, starting before the season even truly started with a fight between Yannick Ngakoue and Dante Fowler Jr. to kick off the summer. Then in the regular season came a rash of injuries, and it all went downhill from there. Losing seemed inevitable, and the Jags' young locker room didn't take it well after nearly going to the Super Bowl the previous year. The Jags' front office was more keenly aware of the team's problem than anyone else and came into the offseason looking for leadership to bring in as a result. That led them to quarterback Nick Foles, who acquired a Super Bowl ring and established himself as one of the better locker room leaders during his time in Philadelphia. In the early stages of his career with the Jags, it appears Foles has been nothing short of what he was with the Eagles, and Campbell has taken note. In fact, he's been so impressed with the veteran quarterback that he told Rapoport that he's glad the Jags season is ultimately in his hands because he has the confidence to take them to the promised land. "The thing I love about this year is it really comes down to Nick Foles," Campbell told Rapoport. "He's a guy who's over 30, has a lot of experience, won a Super Bowl MVP, but really what he brings is that confidence. He's a natural leader. When he breaks the team huddle at the end of practice, you can see guys really hear him and that's so important. Obviously what he can do throwing the ball is great, but what he does for the actual overall team, giving us more confidence and belief…[is great too]." Talk about huge praise from one of the league's top players. Foles has been tremendous during OTAs, establishing himself as the leader of a passing game that has stacked several quality practices together these past three weeks. Of course, fans want to see if his play will transfer into the mandatory mini-camp, training camp and the preseason before they get on board, but it's still nice to see Foles has strong support in the locker room. MORE: Most bizarre and incredible catches by fishermen in past decade 49ers' biggest offseason whiff was intentional These five upcoming NBA free agents helped themselves in the playoffs Angel Hernandez's Blatant Missed Calls Should Spark Change for MLB Analysis: Panthers' offseason work nearly complete with slot CB addressed


LOS ANGELES   Federal authorities have launched a domestic terrorism investigation into the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting that left three dead after officials discovered the gunman had a list of other potential targets, authorities said at a news conference Tuesday. FBI Special Agent in Charge John Bennett said the target list included religious institutions, courthouses and political institutions involving both the Republican and Democratic parties. He declined to provide specifics on the targets, but said law enforcement officials were reaching out to notify them. Santino William Legan, 19, opened fire at the popular food festival the evening of July 28, killing three people and wounding 13 more. Police had previously said his rampage was cut short when three Gilroy police officers engaged a rifle-wielding Legan with handguns and killed him in less than a minute. Legan killed himself, the county medical examiner concluded Friday, contradicting that earlier police account. The announcement of a domestic terrorism probe comes as authorities continue to try to determine a motive for the attack and investigate the Legan's background. Authorities have not determined whether the gunman was a white nationalist, but they have not ruled it out either, Bennett said. "We have uncovered evidence that the shooter was exploring violent ideologies," he said. Authorities are trying to determine who Legan may have been in contact with before the attack, whether anyone helped coordinate it and why he ultimately carried it out, Bennett said. The FBI has seized from Legan's residence what a law enforcement source described as extremist materials, but Bennett, special agent in charge of the bureau's San Francisco office, pushed back Thursday on reports that Legan was motivated by extremist or white supremacist beliefs. Written materials taken from Legan's residence in Nevada ran the ideological gamut, Bennett said. FBI profilers are interviewing Legan's relatives and associates, reviewing his online presence and combing through materials seized from the Nevada residence, which include several hard drives, a computer tower, books and a letter from a relative, according to a receipt of a search warrant released by Nevada authorities. Bennett said Thursday that there is no indication Legan targeted festival attendees of a particular race. Shortly before the attack, he promoted on Instagram a 19th-century screed often championed by white supremacists, and used a slur to refer to mixed-race people. Legan, whose family lives in Gilroy, identified himself on Instagram as of Italian and Iranian heritage.     ©2019 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.