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Messi remains best player in world, Mbappe to dominate soon – Herrera
Lionel Messi remains the best player in the world in Ander Herrera's eyes and the midfielder expects Kylian Mbappe to dominate world football "for many years to come".
Messi ended a glorious 21-year association with Barcelona amid well-documented financial difficulties for the Catalan club as he moved to the Parc des Princes on a free transfer in August.
The Argentina international reunited with Neymar to form a formidable frontline with Kylian Mbappe, while Mauricio Pochettino also brought in Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Paris Saint-Germain, buoyed by their new array of attacking talent, sit 13 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, although Messi is yet to fully fire as he continues to settle into life in France.
Messi netted 672 times in 778 appearances for his former club, but he has only found the net on six occasions for PSG across all competitions – averaging a goal every 219 minutes.
However, Herrera still believes Messi is comfortably the best player in the world and insisted Pochettino's side are learning to adapt around the forward, such is the 34-year-old's quality.
"Players of Messi's level shorten the acclimatisation time," Herrera told Mundo Deportivo. "He will play the same way in France, in Spain, in Japan or in Madagascar.
"He has won his seventh Ballon d'Or and trains and enjoys as if he were only starting to play now. No training action is taken as a joke.
"At times we have already seen the best version of Leo, as against [Manchester] City at home, but I think it is also the responsibility of all those around him. We have to put ourselves at his service to get the best out of him. Normally, regular players have to adapt to a new context.
"Now it is the other way around because we are talking about the best footballer in history."
Mbappe has outshone Messi thus far, the France international managing 15 goals – scoring every 134 minutes – and 12 assists across all competitions this term.
Indeed, since the 23-year-old scored on his PSG debut on September 8, 2017, against Metz, only three players – Robert Lewandowski (208), Messi (168) and Cristiano Ronaldo (157) – have managed more goals across Europe's top-five leagues in all competitions than Mbappe (147).
But Herrera believes Messi still holds the edge over Mbappe, who the Spain international thinks will dominate football for years to come.
"Kylian will be the best player in the world for many years to come, but we all agree that Leo is number one," Herrera added. "No doubt. Mbappe has an immense humility and desire to learn from Leo."
A new contract for Mbappe has also been at the forefront of most discussions, with Real Madrid plotting a move for the former Monaco man, whose current contract expires at the end of the season.
Madrid had multiple advances turned down for Mbappe in the last transfer window, though they can open contract negotiations with the PSG forward in January should a new deal with his current club not be agreed.
But Herrera remains confident Mbappe will stay with Pochettino's side.
"There is scope to try to renew Mbappe," he said. "We have many examples of footballers who have done it in February, March or April. There's still time.
"He is an open, friendly, funny guy. We do not pressure each other at all about our futures. I'm not kidding you, we don't talk about anyone's contractual issues in the dressing room."
Former Clasico foes but now team-mates, Ramos also followed Messi as he ended a long-standing association with Madrid to move to Paris.
However, the centre-back has been hampered by injuries and received a red card in just his third outing for his new side against Lorient on Wednesday, but Herrera expects his compatriot to become a key figure.
"Of course [It has not been easy for him]," he said of Ramos. "He's used to feeling important, playing and leading. But he has now been training for two or three weeks at a fantastic level and we are optimistic.
"It shows in his character and in the happiness he radiates."
With Ramos and Messi among a depth of talent on PSG's books, Herrera understands there is more pressure on PSG now to win the Champions League, though he feels Madrid are favourites for their Champions League last-16 tie in early 2022.
"We want to win the Champions League and we are going to try," he added. "There's no doubt. But just because we have Messi doesn't mean we're entitled to more than everyone else.
"We understand that people expect the best from us, but in Europe there are eight or ten other teams with the same chances of winning.
"A club that has 13 Champions League titles, against one that has not yet been European champions, has to be a slight favourite."
FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11 shortlist: Chelsea, PSG dominate 23-man group that includes Dani Alves
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain each have four nominees in the 23-man shortlist for the FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11 for 2021.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold are also included, although there is no place for Mohamed Salah.
PSG's attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are among the forwards, as is Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Veteran Dani Alves also won enough votes to make the list, even though the 38-year-old, who recently rejoined Barcelona, only played 16 times in domestic competition in Brazil this year.
Professional footballers across the world were asked to vote for the three players they considered to have the best seasons during the 2020-21 season among goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
FIFPRO said: "For the first time in 17 years, FIFPRO is updating the announcement about the most-voted players, reducing the shortlist from 55 to 23. This has been done to resemble a real-life 'squad' which, usually for international competitions, is the number of players involved.
"The three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders and six forwards with the most votes earned a place in the 23-men World 11 'squad'. To complete this elite selection, the two remaining outfield players with the most votes were added."
The keeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards with the most votes will be chosen for the World 11, with the remaining spot assigned to the outfield player with the next highest number of votes.
The final 11 will be announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony on January 17.
FIFA FIFPRO MEN'S WORLD 11 23-PLAYER SHORTLIST:
Goalkeepers:
Alisson (Liverpool, Brazil)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan/Paris Saint-Germain, Italy)
Edouard Mendy (Chelsea, Senegal)
Defenders:
David Alaba (Bayern Munich/Real Madrid, Austria)
Jordi Alba (Barcelona, Spain)
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool, England)
Dani Alves (Sao Paulo/Barcelona, Brazil)
Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus, Italy)
Ruben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal)
Midfielders:
Sergio Busquets (Barcelona, Spain)
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Portugal)
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona, The Netherlands)
Jorginho (Chelsea, Italy)
N'Golo Kante (Chelsea, France)
Forwards:
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid, France)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus/Manchester United, Portugal)
Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund, Norway)
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich, Poland)
Romelu Lukaku (Inter/Chelsea, Belgium)
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain, Argentina)
Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain, Brazil)
Mbappe disappointed to miss out on Real Madrid move
Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe admitted he was "disappointed" not to join LaLiga powerhouse Real Madrid after his failed off-season transfer.
With his contract expiring at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, Mbappe was heavily tipped to swap PSG for Madrid, who have made no secret of their admiration.
However, a transfer did not materialise as Ligue 1 giants PSG – still determined to re-sign the France international – refused to part with Mbappe.
Madrid are expected to sign Mbappe as a free agent at the end of the current campaign but the 22-year-old was asked about his frustration at the failed swich to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Disappointed with not leaving? A little," Mbappe told Amazon while speaking to France great Thierry Henry.
"It's not easy, but whatever happened, I was going to play for a great club. I'm Parisian, I feel great, but I wanted to discover something else."
Speculation had mounted about Mbappe's future at Euro 2020, when the forward missed the decisive spot-kick in France's last-16 penalty shoot-out defeat to Switzerland.
Mbappe failed to score at the Euros and provided one assist as world champions France fell well short.
"During the Euros they asked me a lot of questions. I talked a lot with my parents, I knew I wanted to go out," Mbappe said. "My parents told me to concentrate on the pitch. Maybe I was putting too much energy into other things."
Mbappe, who joined PSG from French rivals Monaco initially on loan in 2017, has won three Ligue 1 titles with the capital club.
PSG top Ligue 1 this season, boasting an 11-point advantage over Rennes after 17 rounds.
Despite PSG's lead, Mbappe, Neymar and off-season signing Lionel Messi are yet to fully play a cohesive attacking brand of football.
"We are aware that the three of us must do more, we cannot hide, we assume it," Mbappe said.
"If I am the boss? It is difficult when you are in a team with Neymar and Messi, it would be audacious to say it, although it matters little."
Mbappe has been involved in 15 goals this season in Ligue 1 (seven goals, eight assists), with only Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski (17), Madrid forward Karim Benzema (19) and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah (22) doing better in the top five European league.
In the 1-1 draw against Lens, Mbappe was decisive in coming off the bench for the first time in the top flight since 5 December 2020 (goal against Montpellier).
PSG must find best tactical balance without injured Neymar – Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino challenged Paris Saint-Germain to adapt and find the best tactical balance in the absence of the injured Neymar.
The Brazil forward has been ruled out for six to eight weeks after sustaining ankle ligament damage against Saint-Etienne last weekend.
Neymar was carried off during the final stages of Sunday's 3-1 win in Ligue 1, and will not play again in 2021.
Speaking ahead of PSG's home match against Nice on Wednesday, Pochettino expressed his sympathy for Neymar, who has registered three goals and three assists in 10 league appearances this season.
Nevertheless, the head coach insists his side must demonstrate their ability to cope during his spell on the sidelines.
"I'm sad for him because he's someone who loves to play football above all else," Pochettino said.
"We are not trying to replace Neymar, but to find solutions to have the best tactical balance.
"We feel that we are facing a challenge that makes us grow as a team and as a staff.
"These are problems that arise and to which solutions must be found.
"I think the principle of the team, of the game is going to be there.
"We will continue to develop what we want since the beginning of the year beyond the players who are there on the field."
Ballon d'Or: Neymar, Kane and Haaland miss out on top 10
Neymar, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are among the most notable players to have missed out on the top 10 of the Ballon d'Or.
The first 20 names from the 30-man shortlist have been announced, with Haaland just failing to break in at 11th, while Neymar is 16th and Harry Kane is down in 23rd.
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who led Inter to their first Serie A title in 10 years last season, is just behind Haaland in 12th, while Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes did not make the top 20, finishing joint-21st in the voting.
Of players from Europe's top five leagues, only Bayern Munich centre-forward and Ballon d'Or favourite Robert Lewandowski scored more goals in all competitions than Haaland's 38, which the Norway forward netted at a rapid rate of one every 87.66 minutes.
While the Borussia Dortmund sensation, who scored his 50th Bundesliga goal in as many games on Saturday, can count himself unlucky not to feature higher up on the list, the same cannot be said for Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar.
The Brazil forward, who finished third in 2015 and 2017, had an underwhelming, injury hit year in which he scored just 11 goals and recorded eight assists for PSG across all competitions, although he did reach the Copa America final with Brazil, losing out to club team-mate Lionel Messi.
Kane won the Premier League golden boot award in 2020-21, and topped the assist charts before helping England to a Euro 2020 final.
However, Tottenham finished seventh in the Premier League and the England captain - who had a prospective move to Manchester City break down - has only a solitary top-flight strike to his name this term.
Lukaku recorded the same tally as Kane, but did help Inter to a first Serie A title in 10 years, while Fernandes, who split 21st place with Inter's Lautaro Martinez, hit one less, but did also record 17 assists for United.
Manchester City's Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling were placed joint-26th, 25th, 20th and 15th respectively, while 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric was 29th alongside Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Chelsea captain's team-mate Mason Mount was 19th, with Luis Suarez 17th, the Uruguay forward having played a pivotal role in Atletico Madrid's LaLiga success last term.
Italy defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini came 14th and 13th, with compatriot Nicolo Barella sharing 26th place with Dias and Villarreal's Gerard Moreno.
Barcelona youngster Pedri enjoyed a wonderful year, and was ranked at 24th.
The top 10 players remaining are: Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, Karim Benzema, Kevin De Bruyne, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Jorginho, N'Golo Kante and Kylian Mbappe.
Neymar ruled out for six to eight weeks with ankle injury
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed Neymar will be out for six to eight weeks with an ankle injury.
The Brazil star was taken off on a stretcher during the closing stages of the 3-1 win over Saint-Etienne and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino said he did not expect the injury to be serious, but tests have shown Neymar has sprained the ligaments in his left ankle.
PSG said on Monday that a further update on his recovery time would follow this week.
Should Neymar be sidelined for two months, he would miss eight games in all competitions, including PSG's final Champions League group game against Club Brugge and the league trip to Lyon on January 8.
The 29-year-old has struggled for top form in 2021-22, managing three goals and three assists in 14 appearances in all competitions.
Pochettino unsure on severity of Neymar injury
Mauricio Pochettino hopes that Neymar has not sustained a serious injury, though conceded the images he has seen of the incident do not look good.
Neymar had to be taken off on a stretcher late on after suffering an ankle injury in Paris Saint-Germain's win over Saint-Etienne on Sunday, shortly after Angel Di Maria had made it 2-1 to the Ligue 1 leaders.
Marquinhos then headed in his second goal of the game to round off a difficult 3-1 victory, though focus was on Neymar's injury in Pochettino's post-match media duties.
Neymar was pictured leaving the ground on crutches and while hopeful the forward will make a swift recovery, Pochettino explained PSG must wait for a full diagnosis on Monday.
"There is nothing more to say for the moment, it is the pain he felt in the leg with his ankle that turned. We will have the exams tomorrow and we will see," Pochettino told a news conference.
Pochettino had previously told Amazon Prime: "We will have to see this tomorrow but from the images, I hope that it's not a big deal and that he will be back with the squad quickly. But the action is not good."
Neymar subsequently posted an update to his official Instagram account.
"Let's recover, unfortunately these setbacks are part of an athlete's life," he wrote. "Now that's what you have, lift your head and let's go. I'll come back better and stronger."
Should Neymar face a lengthy absence, PSG can at least rest assured they can still field a star-studded front three, with Di Maria proving his worth against Saint-Etienne as he scored in successive league appearances for the first time since November 2019.
PSG also, of course, have Lionel Messi, who provided all three assists in the victory – the third time in his career he has set up three goals in a single league match.
At the back, Sergio Ramos made his long-awaited bow, becoming PSG's oldest debutant since David Beckham in 2013.
Denis Bouanga put Saint-Etienne ahead, meaning PSG came back to win after conceding the opening goal for the fifth time in Ligue 1 this season, already equalling their best tally for comeback victories in a full season, set four times before (2014-15, 2011-12, 2003-04, 1985-86).
Saint-Etienne 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain: Neymar injured as Di Maria and Marquinhos spare Pochettino's blushes
Neymar suffered a potentially serious injury as Paris Saint-Germain laboured to a 3-1 win over 10-man Saint-Etienne.
Looking for a response after their defeat to Manchester City in midweek, not to mention the speculation over Mauricio Pochettino's future, PSG fell flat for much of Sunday's game but Angel Di Maria and Marquinhos came up with the goods late on.
Marquinhos had earlier cancelled out Denis Bouanga's opener, after Timothee Kolodziejczak was sent off for the struggling hosts.
However, PSG will now hold concern over Neymar, who had to be taken off on a stretcher with an apparent ankle injury between the visitors' late goals.
Di Maria open to midfield role in bid to secure PSG game time
Angel Di Maria is open to playing in midfield for Paris Saint-Germain as he looks to secure more game time, and believes it could be his best position.
Di Maria has been a star for PSG since joining the Ligue 1 giants from Manchester United in 2015.
The attacker has made 274 appearances for PSG across all competitions, scoring 89 goals and providing a further 107 assists.
Since he joined PSG, no player has played more games than the Argentine, who has also crafted 669 chances, way ahead of Neymar, who ranks second in the squad with 350. Indeed, Di Maria is 41 assists ahead of Kylian Mbappe (66), and only three players have scored more goals in the same timeframe.
Di Maria only signed a new contract in March, he has not been able to nail down a regular starting berth so far this term.
Mauricio Pochettino has a wealth of options at his disposal, and can hardly be blamed for starting Neymar, Mbappe and Lionel Messi, who arrived from Barcelona in August, in a sensational attacking trident.
While the trio have not yet clicked to their full potential, Di Maria has often been the man left out. The 33-year-old has made just 10 appearances this season, scoring twice and setting up a further three goals.
Having started seven games, Di Maria creates 2.42 chances per 90 minutes on average, showing his playmaking abilities are still as good as ever.
In fact, despite his lack of minutes, Di Maria has only created fewer chances than Neymar (28) and Mbappe (33) in 2021-22.
With Messi, Mbappe and Neymar needing to be accommodated up front, Pochettino has often gone with a more workman-like midfield three.
However, Di Maria, who was excellent in a deeper role in his final season at Real Madrid in 2013-14, is hoping he gets the chance to show his quality in midfield.
"I think I've already shown that I can play in that position. In fact, it was my best year at Real Madrid, in 2014," Di Maria told RMC Sport.
"The manager knows I can play there, but then it's down to decisions. He's there to decide and we're there to do as best as we can on the pitch, no matter where, in midfield, up front, or elsewhere.
"Those are questions for him, the only thing I've done since I arrived at PSG has been to give it my all when on the pitch.
"It's true that I like to play with the ball at my feet. In 2014 I played in midfield and I felt very good, really happy. With quality players at PSG like Marco [Verratti], Leandro [Paredes] or Gana [Idrissa Gueye] it could work, but those are the manager's decisions."
Last season, Di Maria scored two goals, created 14 chances and provided three assists in Ligue 1 from attacking carries, suggesting he may be suited to playing deeper to drive with the ball and supply the attack.
Although frustrated by a lack of regular action, Di Maria understands the reasons.
"When you have those three up front, it makes sense that the first option is to play them, they are the best on the pitch," he added.
"With what they've won, and who they are, it gives all three of them a different status. Or at least to two of them, because Messi is different to the others. He's the best player in the world and he always has to be on the pitch.
"But I'm always trying to give it 100 per cent to get into the starting XI. I know that it's not easy for me given the players in my position. That's why I'm doing as much as I can to maybe find a different option."
Guardiola relieved 'brilliant' City learnt their lesson from Paris loss
Pep Guardiola felt Manchester City showed they learnt their lesson from the September defeat to Paris Saint-Germain as they defeated the Parisians 2-1 on Wednesday.
City secured top spot in Group A thanks to the victory, becoming just the second English club to win their group in five successive seasons in the competition's current format.
They had to do it the hard way as PSG took the lead through Kylian Mbappe early in the second half.
Raheem Sterling cancelled that out and then substitute Gabriel Jesus got the winner, making it the first Champions League match PSG have ever lost after opening the scoring themselves in the second half.
For a while, the match followed a very similar pattern to the two teams' first meeting of the season when PSG won 2-0 – once again City created comfortably the better chances, only to somehow be level at the break.
But while City failed to score despite racking up 1.9 expected goals (xG) in Paris and PSG netted twice from 0.46 xG, Guardiola's men saw their 1.99 xG in this one match up nicely with two strikes at the Etihad Stadium.
They were clinical, and that pleased Guardiola.
When it was put to him that the game was resembling the September meeting, Guardiola told BT Sport: "That's true, that's true. That's why it's a good lesson.
"You are losing – okay, you have to continue. It's 90 minutes, more than 90 minutes, you have to continue.
"The games are long, we knew the draw was a good result for us, but fortunately in the end we won.
"We did again a good performance like the first game. Unfortunately, in the first half we couldn't convert the chances and after the goal, we suffered, but after that, with our people [fans], thank you so much to the people for coming, it was a lovely night for us."
PSG's famed front three of Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi only mustered five shots between them, with the Parisians' overall xG total kept to a relatively low 1.1.
Of course, they hardly needed a sniff at the Parc des Princes, but Guardiola was generally pleased with how City coped this time.
"I always believe with these players that the further they are from our goal, we are safer," he added. "The closer they are, they find spaces.
"Look at the action when Neymar was through on the goalkeeper and mishit. They create from nothing.
"They are too good up front, and we had to defend as a team. If you believe one guy is going to solve the quality they have, it's impossible.
"We were there with good composure and at the end, I don't know the stats but I think we were brilliant again today and that's good for us."
Manchester City 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Jesus seals top spot for scintillating City
Gabriel Jesus's late winner saw Manchester City come from behind to beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 on Wednesday, sealing top spot in Group A for Pep Guardiola's men.
Mauricio Pochettino, who has been linked with City's neighbours Manchester United, needed his team to avoid defeat if they were to stand a chance of winning the group, but ultimately the hosts' dominance told.
Guardiola would have been frustrated with the amount of chances City spurned in the first half, though, particularly given Kylian Mbappe then put PSG in front four minutes into the second period.
PSG had improved considerably as an attacking threat, but City upped the intensity again and deservedly levelled through Raheem Sterling, before substitute Jesus completed an impressive victory.
RB Leipzig's win at Club Brugge means PSG will qualify for the knockout phase regardless, however.
City appeared in control almost from the outset, first going close after six minutes when Rodri's glancing header was cleared off the line by Presnel Kimpembe.
Keylor Navas then denied Riyad Mahrez at full-stretch shortly after Ilkay Gundogan hit the post from the centre of the box, with PSG creating precious little at the other end.
But PSG took a rare chance early in the second half, when Mbappe drilled through Ederson's legs after Lionel Messi's cross at the end of a flowing move fell kindly at the back post.
City's equaliser 13 minutes later was similarly well-worked, though, Rodri picking out Kyle Walker at the far post, whose pass across the face of goal was nudged on by Jesus for Sterling to prod home.
Jesus then got the winner 14 minutes from time, guiding in a composed finished after being delicately teed up by Bernardo Silva.
World Cup 2022 countdown: Messi magic, killer Kane and rejuvenated Germany – Qatar contenders assessed
The 2022 World Cup is now just 12 months away, with qualifying entering its closing stages following a series of crunch November clashes.
Difficulties still await Italy and Portugal – the past two European champions – in the play-offs, but most of the other big names are well on their way if they have not already confirmed their place in Qatar.
So, how are the expected contenders shaping up? Stats Perform investigates.
Having finally ended his long wait for a senior international honour at this year's Copa America, Qatar looks like Lionel Messi's last realistic chance to guide Argentina to World Cup glory. They last triumphed in 1986, in the days of Diego Maradona.
But the brilliant Barcelona form that has been the bedrock of Messi's outstanding career is no more. Since clinching the Copa, the forward has left Camp Nou for Paris Saint-Germain and played just 595 minutes across eight games at club level, scoring three goals and assisting none. Heading into this weekend, he had yet to net in Ligue 1.
At odds with the rest of his career, Messi has briefly become one of those players who performs better for country than for club, scoring four goals in seven games for Argentina in the same period, even allowing for the minutes spent regaining fitness in November. But the national team must be concerned Messi's unconvincing displays and shaky recent fitness record hint at a decline that could continue for another year before he gets an opportunity to lead a global title charge.
Although Argentina undoubtedly have other highly talented players – Messi was one of four to make the Team of the Tournament as they become South American champions – it is tough to imagine a successful Albiceleste side without the great number 10 at the heart of it.
Roberto Martinez's Belgium remain the world's top-ranked team, but it feels like their window for a first major title might now have passed.
Martinez took charge after Euro 2016, where a stacked squad lost to Wales in the last eight, yet he has found a glass ceiling, finishing third at the 2018 World Cup and fourth at the 2020-21 Nations League either side of another quarter-final exit at Euro 2020. Since a disappointing performance at the Nations League Finals, Martinez has been linked to a host of club roles – albeit he is expected to stay put until Qatar.
Although Belgium's 'Golden Generation' have maintained their position at the top of the game despite an ageing defence, there are worrying signs their key attacking players could also be on the wane.
Through a combination of injuries and poor form, Eden Hazard has not looked the same player since he left Chelsea for Real Madrid. Kevin De Bruyne, also beset by fitness issues and below-par outings of late, will hope not to follow the same path. Both he and Romelu Lukaku must still be at their peak to give the Red Devils a chance.
Brazil were outclassed by Belgium in the quarter-finals in Russia but have lost just three matches since then. One of those was in this year's Copa final against Argentina, although the Selecao also won the competition in 2019.
Unlike previous Brazil teams, Tite's side are built on the strength of their defensive record. They have kept 28 clean sheets since the 2018 World Cup, conceding just 16 times in 42 games, with 11 shutouts in 2021 alone.
However, that solidity comes at a price. Brazil are scoring at a relatively unspectacular rate of 2.0 goals per game, including netting only two in their three Copa knockout games in July and just one across two November qualifiers.
Neymar will have a key role in producing those timely moments of magic and should not be short of motivation heading to Qatar, having suggested this will be his last World Cup. The forward has excelled on the world stage before without taking Brazil all the way.
As so often, England have qualified with relative ease, benefiting from a kind draw, but will not face a true test until the tournament comes around.
That means a wait to see if Gareth Southgate can make the necessary tweaks to turn the Three Lions from nearly men into champions, with the midfield a key area of focus having ceded 65.4 per cent of the possession to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, 53.2 per cent to the Netherlands in the 2018-19 Nations League semi-finals and 55.5 per cent to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semis. The continued development of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham should encourage optimism.
But England also find themselves in a position, like Argentina, where the performances of their talismanic captain are suddenly a concern – at least at club level.
Harry Kane has so far this season used the international breaks as sweet relief, quickly closing on Wayne Rooney's record goals tally by scoring in 15 consecutive qualifiers up to September and notching seven in November alone, but there is a break now before March's fixtures and the forward simply must rediscover some sort of form for Tottenham and add to his single Premier League goal in order to return to the England fold in good nick.
Welcoming Karim Benzema back into a frightening front line, France appear to have an even more impressive line-up than at the previous World Cup, where they emerged as champions.
Benzema has already directly combined for five goals with Kylian Mbappe and one with Antoine Griezmann, who has in turn linked up once with Mbappe. The trio netted nine of France's 10 goals this month, while Mbappe had assists for each of Benzema's strikes at the Nations League Finals as both players scored in both matches and Les Bleus twice came from behind to take the title.
Yet those prior deficits and the six goals conceded at the Euros hinted at the weaknesses in this France side, as Didier Deschamps is still working on his new 3-4-1-2 formation.
The composition of the midfield in that team is crucial, and N'Golo Kante was missing against Belgium and Spain before Paul Pogba suffered an injury prior to the November fixtures. France have no shortage of quality but may not head to Qatar as the most settled unit.
It was clear Joachim Low's Germany tenure was reaching its natural conclusion before he announced his departure plans in March. That the team followed up a group-stage exit at the World Cup by stumbling through their pool at the Euros before exiting to England only further illustrated that this was the right decision.
But Germany know all about recovering quickly from such setbacks; they seemed to reach rock bottom at Euro 2000 and were in the World Cup final two years later.
Now Hansi Flick, having set Bayern Munich back on course, is excelling again with the national team, becoming the first Germany coach to win his first six matches in charge – a sequence that now stands at seven and counting. The team's last longer winning run ended at 12 games in 1980.
Germany were the most aggressive pressing side in Europe during qualifying, this despite naming their oldest XI in more than 21 years in a recent qualifier against Liechtenstein. Striking this same balance between energy and experience will be key in Qatar.
Spain have come a long way since the last World Cup, where they appeared to be in crisis from start to finish, eventually exiting to hosts Russia on penalties.
Luis Enrique's subsequent work across two spells has made them contenders again, reaching the last four at the Euros – only to again fall foul of a shoot-out – and briefly leading France in the Nations League final. The emergence of Ansu Fati, Pedri and Gavi over the course of these campaigns provides a major cause for long-term optimism, too.
However, injury issues have kept that trio from ever featuring together for their country; in fact, Fati, Pedri and Gavi are yet to play a single minute together for Barcelona.
They were three of 39 players to appear for Spain in qualifying, showing the depth of talent at Luis Enrique's disposal. Within that group, however, there is not a prolific goalscorer – a major concern with 12 months to go.
Ramos closer to finally making PSG debut - Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed Sergio Ramos is closer to finally making his Paris Saint-Germain debut, four months after arriving from Real Madrid.
The Spain international signed on a free transfer in July but has been sidelined with a knee injury.
Speaking at a media conference ahead of Saturday's Ligue 1 clash with Nantes, the PSG head coach said that Ramos is back in training and could be in contention to make the squad.
"Sergio Ramos has been doing well. He has trained with the squad three times and is making good progress. We are pleased and will see if he is available for tomorrow, or for an upcoming game," Pochettino said.
When asked about Ramos's mindset and frustration at not being able to play, the Argentine added: "A World Cup winner like Sergio Ramos with his competitive level and mentality is going to find it difficult to accept not playing as much as he would like.
"But he is very strong. He is working extremely hard, and we think he is making good progress. We have to be patient, as he has been. That speaks to his maturity.
"He is coping well with the [training] workload and that is an important step for him to get closer to playing."
A medical update from the club earlier on Friday confirmed Rafinha, Alexandre Letellier, Julian Draxler and Gianluigi Donnarumma will miss the weekend's game, but Pochettino is expected to have Neymar, Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes back available, with the latter two both featuring for Argentina during the international break.
On Neymar, Pochettino said: "He has trained well today. I am not certain, but I think he will be able to be in the squad for tomorrow."
The former Tottenham boss was also asked if he felt he has made his mark on this PSG team since arriving in January.
"I think there are many signs of identity that are transmitted based on who we are, and that goes for the coaching staff and the players," Pochettino added.
"Sometimes we speak about identity and philosophy without really knowing what those words mean. It is a very subjective area. I think the team is showing many positive signs. The things we like to see and what we have implemented in the team.
"When you join a club like Paris Saint-Germain as the coaching staff, some characteristics explain why the club would want you because they have seen things that you can transmit to the team. You can get the results that the team needs.
"I think the team has its identity and style of play. It has ideas, so we want to keep improving and helping the squad develop in every area of the game so that we can get the positive results we hope for."
Neymar to miss PSG's clash with Nantes, doubtful for Man City match – reports
Neymar has been ruled out of Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 clash against Nantes on Saturday and is a doubt for next week's Champions League visit to Manchester City, according to reports.
The 29-year-old missed Brazil's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Tuesday due to an adductor injury, which he suffered four days earlier in the 1-0 win over Colombia.
L'Equipe reported on Thursday that Neymar had undergone tests upon returning to France and was deemed not fit enough to take part in the league match against Nantes at the Parc des Princes this weekend.
The injury also puts his participation in Wednesday's mouth-watering Champions League Group A match at City in doubt.
Pep Guardiola's City lead the group with nine points, with second-placed PSG on eight – four ahead of Club Brugge in third.
It was also reported that Marco Verratti (hip) and Presnel Kimpembe (thigh) took part in full training for a second consecutive day on Thursday, and they are likely to feature at the weekend.
Former Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos has also trained successfully all week and could make his long-awaited debut against Nantes.
World Cup Qualifiers - CONMEBOL
Neymar to miss Messi meeting after being ruled out of Argentina-Brazil clash
Neymar will miss his meeting with Lionel Messi after being ruled out of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Argentina due to an adductor injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced.
Brazil – already assured of a Qatar 2022 berth – will meet Argentina in San Juan on Tuesday, with a win for Messi's men all but guaranteeing World Cup qualification.
After coming off the bench against Uruguay last time out, Messi will definitely play a part for Copa America champions Argentina, according to head coach Lionel Scaloni.
However, Brazil superstar and Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Neymar – who teed up Lucas Paqueta for the winning goal against Colombia – will not be involved because of a thigh injury.
"After training at the Palmeiras Football Academy this Monday morning, athlete Neymar Jr. complained of pain in the adductor region of his left thigh," the CBF said.
"Neymar Jr. reported insecurity with the situation and because there was not enough time to carry out complementary exams, the technical committee chose to preserve the player, who will not travel with the Brazilian team's delegation to San Juan, location of Tuesday's game against Argentina."
Brazil and Argentina will meet for the first time since September's World Cup qualifier was sensationally abandoned in Sao Paulo.
The top-of-the-table fixture was halted following an apparent breach of coronavirus regulations, Argentina naming three Premier League players in their starting line-up – Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Tottenham pair Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso – amid travel restrictions.
Despite the rulings, Martinez, Romero and Lo Celso were all starters for Argentina, with Brazilian health officials quickly acting by entering the pitch shortly after the match had started.
A subsequent melee ensued, and the visitors eventually left the field and did not return, Brazil playing out a training fixture among one another.
Looking ahead to Tuesday's showdown, Brazil head coach Tite told reporters: "It is hard to get the dimension of it. I don't know how it was from the Argentinian side of it. Everything that happened. I am sorry about the fact that the match didn't happen.
"But now we have all the facts and understand why it didn't happen. I have all this very clear: before football, health is more important, laws exist and the correction of the facts. All these happened. I don't know how they face this situation because it is very particular.
"I can say that Brazil v Argentina is a huge match. Historically, it is huge. A lot of quality on both sides. The two best campaigns, a lot of technical quality individually from both teams."


Technologies used for monitoring training has evolved over the years. What do most people in the sport of sprint kayaking use? We are here to find out.
Years ago when I was in the sport as a teenager, the only technology we used was the stop-watch that took the time of our 200m/500m/1000m sprints or it was used as a timer for doing interval sessions. Back then, I only competed at the national level and never went further. Work and life commitments took over and I even moved to a different city. Now with a young family, having time to go flatwater kayaking is quite the luxury.
But being a sports engineer, I recently revisited the use of technology in sprint kayaking training and was thinking of a couple of ideas of adopting technologies that are available in the market to help with training. I did a bit of research and it seems like most kayaking people use products that were designed for runners or cyclists to track their training. A commonly used product is the running/cycling app Strava. I know a handful of people who secure their Garmin (or other fitness) watches onto their boat and simply start a "run" to track the session. The data then goes onto the Strava platform or any other platform they use.
Nelo has a training app that paddlers can use by securing their Android phone onto their kayaks and it uses GPS and the motion sensors on their phone to track their training. The great thing about their app is that it incorporates a Coach's app that monitors up to 6 different paddlers. There are also a couple of iOS apps on the market that tracks water sports of various kinds including waterspeed app or paddle logger. These ones are a bit more generic.
Then there's also sensor products specific for paddling sports such as the Vaaka Cadence sensor, the Motionize sensor, and the Kayak Power Meter.
There might be some more that I haven't come across or they are only used in research labs at the moment. But even with what seems like a good range of training products, I still feel that there is something missing with all these different products. Maybe it is just the sports engineer in me that thinks that way. I am keen to speak to other canoeists/kayakers/paddlers out there who may or may not use technology in their training and get some feedback.
So if you are a canoeist/kayaker/paddler, could you please fill out this survey: link. Your time and input will be much appreciated and will help shape the future of any tech that's developed! If what I talked about here interests you, leave your email at the end of the survey and I will keep you posted on future developments. Lastly, please also forward this to your fellow canoeist/kayaker/paddler friends. Thank you and thanks for reading!


(MAPS) EASTERN PASSAGE TO CHINA SHEET 1 ". Published by the East India Company in 1848. James Horsburgh, Mapmaker. Approximately 39" x 27". Unframed."
As is. Heavy water stains to lower corners. Lossed to lower right corner.


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Posted in: 2000 Eyes, by Richard T. Jameson, Film Reviews
2000 Eyes: The Widow of Saint-Pierre
Written by Richard T. Jameson August 14, 2020 August 11, 2020 Leave a Comment on 2000 Eyes: The Widow of Saint-Pierre
[Written for The Stranger]
In 1849, on Saint-Pierre, a French-ruled island off the Newfoundland coast, two sailors rescued from the thickest winter fog in memory celebrate their deliverance by getting drunk and killing a man as a kind of stupid prank. One is sentenced to die; the other isn't but dies anyway through a stroke of dumb luck. The survivor, Neel Auguste, has to be kept alive through the following spring because, unlike in the old days, the authorities can't just shoot him or hang him. The law demands death by guillotine — "the widow" — and the nearest one is far to the south, in Martinique.
While waiting out the guillotine's slow but inexorable transport through the intervening latitudes, the hulking Neel is taken under the wing of "Madame La" Pauline, wife of the captain of the garrison. He helps her build a miniature greenhouse amid the snow and stone walls; she begins teaching him to read. A kind of love, powerful and unspoken, grows between them. Between Neel and the community, too, for Neel is a decent fellow at heart, and even performs a spectacular act of heroism. But the local authorities do not rejoice in his manifest rehabilitation; they find it a nuisance. The execution must go forward, even though the man they will be "topping" is no longer the man they sentenced.
That description should suggest why The Widow of Saint-Pierre will be clasped to many a liberal bosom as an exemplary arthouse film. You couldn't ask for a more ready-made parable — based on the historical record, yet — of the horror of the death penalty, the inhuman machinery of the state (the governor and his cronies are only the local reflection of a repressive régime leery of uprising back in France), and the grandeur of the human spirit (not only that of the reformed Neel, but also of his benefactress and her ramrod-straight, unflinchingly devoted husband). Of course, such an outline leaves ample room for the picture to be a tiresome, pietistic screed. The Widow of Saint-Pierre isn't that. But no plot summary can suggest what an artful, deeply mysterious movie it is.
For one thing, there's the uncanny tension between the conventions of the meticulously mounted historical film and the nervous modernity of its realization. Director Patrice Leconte — whose previous film was the glinting black-and-white comedy of chance and obsession, The Girl on the Bridge — and cinematographer Eduardo Serra(Wings of the Dove) filter their period narrative through a mobile visual style that suggests a less hippie-dippy version of Lars von Trier. The handheld camerawork indexes both the precariousness of human existence, clinging to the bleakly beautiful rock that is Saint-Pierre, and the personal intimacy of the drama. Neel is led into the garrison yard for the first time, and the camera, rocking ever so slightly as it frames Pauline registering his arrival, allows us to notice (but doesn't insist) that she has just transferred a fragile green sprig to a flowerpot. The link between her nurturing what little life and beauty she can manage and her adoption of the prisoner as a subject for redemption is scarcely worth the words needed to announce it; the point, the beauty of the moment, is that it simply exists.
The same principle of glancing connection and unstressed reverberation controls Claude Faraldo's fine, spare screenplay. The captain and his wife have frequent opportunities to declare their mutual love — a full-blown, breathtakingly sustained passion beyond the dreams of any historical romance writer — but the most remarkable communications between them, and indeed between Pauline and the prisoner, are either coded or left unsaid. Early on, Pauline admonishes Neel that if he were to escape, it's her husband who would pay with his life. Neel replies that she need have no fear; what he means, but doesn't articulate, is that his own sense of responsibility would never allow him to contemplate such a thing. Yet as the execution draws nearer, Pauline becomes determined that the strong-armed Neel must row to nearby English-held Canada and escape. And on the day she wills it to happen, her husband reads it in her eyes and consents — all without either having mentioned it.
Screenwriters and directors can go a long way toward plotting such evanescent transactions. It remains for a cast to make them true. Pauline is almost too ideal a role for Juliette Binoche; with her hieratic beauty and profile like the prow of a sailing ship, she's a totem of righteousness. But the actress also gives Pauline an inspired, nearly hysterical purity of emotion, so that at moments of delight and discovery she erupts into an astonished giddiness. Making his acting debut as Neel, the acclaimed Yugoslavian filmmaker Emir Kusturica (Underground) has been shrewdly accorded the protection of judicious silence much of the time, but his authority and self-possession recall the reticent power of Sam Shepard's screen-acting bow in Days of Heaven. Still, the performance that will leave you awestruck is Daniel Auteuil's as the captain, a man of such fierce integrity that, given a choice between death and dishonor, he recognizes no choice whatsoever.
Tags: 2000 Eyes, Daniel Auteuil, Eduardo Serra, Emir Kusturica, Juliette Binoche, Patrice Leconte, The Widow of Saint-Pierre
2000 Eyes: Shanghai Noon
The Seasoned Ticket: Jazz on a Summer's Day

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Once you determine your income for MLS purposes, you can use the Medicare levy surcharge income threshold tables to work out which income threshold and MLS rate applies to you.
Note: The family income threshold is increased by $1,500 for each Medicare levy surcharge dependent child after the first child.
Josh is 35 years old, single, and does not have the appropriate level of private patient hospital cover. In 2017–18, Josh's taxable income is $90,000.
Josh's total income for Medicare levy surcharge purposes is $117,000 ($90,000 + $20,000 + $7,000), which makes him a Tier 2 income earner for calculating the Medicare levy surcharge.


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(A) Authority of Commission. The Attorney Grievance Commission is the prosecution arm of the Supreme Court for discharge of its constitutional responsibility to supervise and discipline Michigan attorneys and those temporarily admitted to practice under MCR 8.126 or otherwise subject to the disciplinary authority of the Supreme Court.
(B) Composition. The commission consists of 3 laypersons and 6 attorneys appointed by the Supreme Court. The members serve 3-year terms. A member may not serve more than 2 full terms.
(C) Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The Supreme Court shall designate from among the members of the commission a chairperson and a vice-chairperson who shall serve 1-year terms in those offices. The commencement and termination dates for the 1-year terms shall coincide appropriately with the 3-year membership terms of those officers and the other commission members. The Supreme Court may reappoint these officers for additional terms and may remove these officers prior to the expiration of a term. An officer appointed to fill a mid-term vacancy shall serve the remainder of that term and may be reappointed to serve up to 2 more full terms.
(D) Internal Rules.
(1) The commission must elect annually from among its membership a secretary to keep the minutes of the commission's meetings and issue the required notices.
(2) Five members constitute a quorum. The commission acts by majority vote of the members participating in the meeting.
(3) The commission must meet monthly at a time and place the chairperson designates. Notice of a regular monthly meeting is not required.
(4) A special meeting may be called by the chairperson or by petition of 3 commission members on 7 days' written notice. The notice may be waived in writing or by attending the meeting. Special meetings may be conducted through electronic means.
(E) Powers and Duties. The commission has the power and duty to:
(1) recommend attorneys to the Supreme Court for appointment as administrator and deputy administrator;
(2) supervise the investigation of attorney misconduct, including requests for investigation of and complaints against attorneys;
(3) supervise the administrator;
(4) seek an injunction from the Supreme Court against an attorney's misconduct when prompt action is required, even if a disciplinary proceeding concerning that conduct is not pending before the board;
(5) annually propose a budget for the commission and the administrator's office, including compensation, and submit it to the Supreme Court for approval;
(6) submit to the Supreme Court proposed changes in these rules; and
(7) perform other duties provided in these rules.


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Q: i can't place or break blocks in minecraft I started a new survival world and switched to creative just to build my house. When I was done, I switched back to survival. But after I switched back, I found that even when I checked and aimed and held my click, I could not break or place blocks.
I am super sad because I built a huge house and now I can do basically nothing...
How can I fix it?
I have tried switching modes and shutting my computer down, but nothing helps.

A: It's either two things.

*

*It's a game bug and in that case email Mojang and report the problem

*You changed you controls accidentally, check your controls and look what "Mouse 1" does

A: Oh no. It can be more than two things.

*

*In normal (non-bugged) Minecraft, using Gamemode 2, also known as Adventure mode, makes you unable to break and place blocks. You just can't. This is how Gamemode 2 works. Check if you switched to /gamemode 2 instead of normal Survival mode which you can place blocks and break them normally, /gamemode 0.

*As Bucky said, go to your key bind settings and check if your "Break block" key bind and "Place block" key bind is changed. Usually, you left click to break a block, and you right click to place a block. So default key bind for "Break block" should be Button 1 and "Place block" should be Button 2.

*It can also be that YOUR MOUSE IS BROKEN (well, I THINK not).

*Bug. If it's a bug, see Bucky's answer.
Some of the concepts of this answer is from a thread in Minecraft Forums.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


CELTIC star Leigh Griffiths has shot down reports claiming he's in talks with BB Erzurumspor.
Transfer Merkezi today said the Hoops striker, 27, was in discussion with the Turkish top-flight outfit about a move.
Last week the former Hibs ace – who will battle it out with Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard for Celtic's striking berth next season - admitted he needed regular football at this stage of his career.
Just days later Brendan Rodgers insisted Griffiths can be a key man for the Double Treble winners.
He said: "Leigh is a very important player for our squad when he is fit and available.
"You can't go through the season, playing the games we play with just 11.
Griffiths – under contract at Parkhead until 2021 – recently revealed a new Hoops deal is "85 per cent done".
He is two goals short of a magical ton as a Celtic frontman, having played 182 games since his bargain £900,000 move from Wolves in January 2014.
He said: "A couple of tweaks are needed and then it will be done.
"I see my best years at Celtic. I'd like to get to 100 goals. If I don't get there next season I may as well quit football!
"The new contract won't be a weight off my mind.
"I've got two and a bit years on my current deal, but the fact they are even talking about a new contract gives me joy and delight that I am going to be here for, basically, the rest of my career.


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ANTIFA To Celebrate Columbus Day By Defacing Columbus Statues [VIDEO]
By Lisa Payne-Naeger
There's soon to be a nation wide effort to activate ANTIFA across the country with the purpose of berating and defacing Christopher Columbus statues, in honor of Columbus day.
It's just one more step in the anti-monument movement that hit the U.S. earlier this year.
PJ Media reports:
Violent left-wing anarchists have announced a nationwide campaign to deface Christopher Columbus statues this coming Monday.
Five Christopher Columbus statues have already been vandalized in New York City in recent weeks, according to Far Left Watch. In one case last month, vandals defaced a "larger-than-life" statue of Columbus in Central Park, leaving blood-red paint on his hands, and scrawled, "Hate will not be tolerated" and "#SomethingsComing" on its pedestal.
What is coming appears to be a coordinated campaign to destroy monuments all across the country on Columbus Day.
The NYC-based antifa group Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement (RAM) made the announcement on Thursday, September 21, calling on antifa groups nationwide to "decorate" their neighborhoods.
Ever wonder what Chris Columbus would have thought about ANTIFA? He'd probably be scratching his head, just like the rest of us.
Image: Source
Related Items:anti-monument, Antifa, Christopher Columbus, civil unrest, Columbus Day
School Teachers Are Indoctrinating Your Children To Antifa Violence
Anti Gun Media Had No Interest in Antifa Video About Using Guns [VIDEO]
Antifa Professor Who Tweeted About Dead Cops Has Profile on Fetish Site


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Clinical Psychology or Counselling for blind BA last year psychology student?
Psychology or Counselling
By Anuja Kewale
Hi, this question is on behalf of a friend, who is blind and pursuing BA in psychology, last year. He is interested in Family counselling, so can he pursue Masters in Clinical Psychology, and whether it would not be a hindrance in his job, considering the blindness condition?
Juhi Chunawala
Replied on - 21 May 2021
Hi, firstly I would like to congratulate your friend, despite of his condition he has successfully completed BA in Psychology. Usually in psychology there are some places where you might have to observe mannerism or physical aspects to analyse, but there are assistants who can help with that. Clinical Psychology falls under diagnostic part where you have to be licensed from RCI(Rehabilitation Council Of India) to diagnose clinical disorders like depression, etc. But if you are interested in Family Counselling, then you can choose Masters in Counselling or Masters in Psychology with specialisation subject as Family Counselling.
Ashish Bhati
You don't need a license to become a counsellor. It includes general counselling like relationship counselling career counselling, etc. You can do MA in Counselling to become a counsellor. To become a clinical psychologist, you need license from RCI. It includes diagnosing bigger issues like Depression and psychiatric disorders. You can do Masters in Clinical Psychology. Clinical psychologists, then pushes the case to psychiatrist who is qualified to prescribe treatment and medicines. Psychiatrists are MBBS, MD.
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Ambassador to Sultanate of Oman to visit 'Nova
Erin Galvin
On Oct. 9, U.S. Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman Gary A. Grappo will speak at the University. He will be examining the role of Oman in the Middle East, as well as the relationship between the United States and Oman.
Grappo was appointed ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman on March 6, 2006, by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
His work has earned him departmental award, including three Superior Honor Awards and individual Meritorious Honor Awards. Before being appointed ambassador, Grappo served as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Muscat, Oman, for three years.
His knowledge of Oman is expected to offer the Villanova community a deeper insight on the critical role of the Sultanate of Oman, as well as educate the audience on the foreign affairs of Oman and the entire Gulf Region.
The purpose of the talk is to raise awareness on campus of the relationship between Villanova and the Sultanate Oman.
The presentation will give the audience a better understanding of the country and its culture.
"Villanova has had connections with Oman for almost 13 years," says Villanova University College of Nursing's Lynore DeSilets.
"About 20 nurses, both male and female, have come to Villanova as a cohort to complete their undergraduate degrees," DeSilets said. "They spend a year and a half to earn their bachelor's degree in nursing."
Villanova professors have also been traveling to Oman to teach at workshops and institutes abroad.
The war in Iraq has left many Americans unsure of which countries in the Middle East support the United States.
The Omani government has supported the U.S. fight against terrorism since the attacks on 9/11 and has signed many U.N.-sponsored anti-terrorism treaties.
Grappo has been a long standing supporter of United States-Oman Relations.
As director of the Office of Regional and Economic Affairs in the Bureau of Near East Affairs, he was part of the Middle East Partnership Initiative.
This event will take place on campus in the Connelly Center Cinema. It is open to the public and free to all who attend.
All students are encouraged to participate in this event which is related to numerous disciplines
It is being sponsored by the College of Nursing, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies and the Omani Student Association.


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Anthony Martinez 1/10/2015 12:15:00 AM
Andraé Crouch News
President Obama Releases Statement on Passing of Music Legend Andrae Crouch
Music legend Andraé Crouch has died. The Grammy and Dove Award winner passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015, at approximately 4:30pm PST at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in the Los Angeles area. Andraé, 72, was hospitalized on January 3rd.
This evening, President Barack Obama released the following statement in memory of Crouch:
"Michelle and I were saddened to learn of the passing of music legend Pastor Andrae Crouch. Pastor Crouch grew up the son of a minister in California and discovered at a young age that he was blessed with extraordinary musical talent which would lead to an iconic career that spanned over 50 years. As a leading pioneer of contemporary gospel music, the soulful classics that Pastor Crouch created over the years have uplifted the hearts and minds of several generations and his timeless influence continues to be felt in not only gospel but a variety of music genres. We are grateful that his music and spirit will continue to live on for years to come and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fans during this time."
Andraé's accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards, an Academy Award nomination for "The Color Purple," induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he has worked as a producer and arranger with many of music's top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and many others. Andraé can also be heard on Michael Jackson's hit singles "Man in the Mirror," "Keep the Faith," "Will You Be There" and "Earth Song."
Recording Academy President & CEO Neil Portnow has issues the following statement:
Seven-time GRAMMY winner Andraé Crouch was a remarkable musician and legendary figure in gospel music. Often referred to as "The Father of Modern Gospel Music," he aided in the crossover success between gospel and mainstream music during his impressive career, which spanned more than five decades. From singing with his first group The Church of God in Christ Singers during the early 1960s, to founding the Disciples a few years later, to leading the choirs featured on hits like Madonna's "Like a Prayer" and Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror," his passion for music was as infectious as it was influential. Andraé was fiercely devoted to evolving the sound of contemporary, urban gospel music and was always delighted to share it with audiences worldwide. In addition to being an accomplished vocalist, Andraé was also a uniquely gifted songwriter, arranger and record producer. We have lost a dynamic member of our creative community, and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who have been lifted up by his remarkable work.


This 15 minute flight lets you see some of the most beautiful coastline in the world from a vantage point that few get to enjoy. See the pristine beaches of Western Australia, down to the impressive Observation City Rendezvous Hotel at Scarborough. On your return flight to the marina enjoy breathtaking sweeping views of Rottnest and Perth City.
The views from a helicopter are like no other and provide perfect photo opportunities.
Want a private helicopter just for you and your friends on this flight? Click Here for a private Scenic Flight option.


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Publi Luci Murena (pretor) (s. II - I aC), pretor romà
 Publi Luci Murena el Jove, erudit romà

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KING KONG - 2005
USA Release: Dec. 14, 2005
Big Primate Pictures / Universal Pictures / WingNut Films / MFPV Film
Rating: USA: PG-13
Peter Jackson's KING KONG is the first movie I've seen that finally fulfills the promise of CGI. When you are watching Kong, it is impossible to tell that it's a computer generated creature. Every hair, every scar, every pore, it seems, is perfect, with none of the pixel stretching that other movies have used when their animal moves. The cgi skin moves in a natural manner. This was one of the most vital things for KING KONG as educated audiences had to believe in the ape, and not just accept the limitations of the medium.
Such effects all come with a price as KING KONG cost over $200 million to make. That means anything less than a runaway biggest blockbuster of all time is a loss.
And not just Kong, but all the special effects are outstanding. This movie should win an Oscar for the best cgi special effects ever.
In Peter Jackson's KING KONG (co-written with Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens), Carl Denham (Jack Black: MARS ATTACKS!) is a man at the end of his rope. He is a filmmaker who makes flops, and his latest is his worst. Panned by his investors, who want to cut it up and sell it for stock film footage to another studio, Carl has no friends. In fact, he's charmless and unlikable. Most people tolerate him and endure him because he can, after all, make films that people watch (?).
With debtors, investors, and even cops hot on his heels, Carl connives the crew of a tramp steamer to go on a voyage. Along the way he picks up an out of work vaudeville actor, Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts: DOWN, MULHOLLAND DR., THE RING, THE RING II), to be his new star. Ann has never heard of Denham, but it's the Great Depression of the early 1930s in New York, and Ann, like many, is desperate. Ann also holds a deep fascination, even crush, on the New York writer, Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody: OXYGEN, THE VILLAGE, THE JACKET), whom she has never met (??). This is a layered funny moment in the film, as the actual writers of this KING KONG created a filthy, crass, ship's crew - unbefitting of Ann's affection - and basically wrote themselves into the film as the only worthwhile hero and dashing love interest.
And does Jack Driscoll ever dash. It's amazing that someone who sits on his ass at a typewriter all day can be as inhumanly athletic as Jack - but that's the movies for you.
The sea voyage is drawn out nearly too long, with a plethora of additional characters introduced who are vestigial at best, to the story. While a large cast of fleshed out characters was vital to THE LORD OF THE RINGS - a story which was even more complex than the movie - KING KONG is very simple. So simple that, despite the hours of investing our time and interest in the additional characters, they are just going to be killed off or forgot about. By the end of the movie I was saying, "So what ever happened to ...?"
The arrival at Skull Island is rough and dangerous, a taste of things to come. When the natives are discovered, they are inbred disasters of humanity pushed to the point of no return. Unlike the natives in earlier Kong efforts, these humans are little more than insane creatures, past the point of survival and soon to be extinct.
They sure are mighty damn handy with flammables though!
One thing leads to another and, like previous Kongs, the natives make with the sacrifice of Ann Darrow. Though why they bother isn't clear. They weren't in the process of sacrificing someone else and got interrupted. The entire sacrifice seems to be out of the ordinary for the natives. They have nothing to protect, including their own lives, which they don't appear to value beyond simple fear of pain. But they are murderous and brutal and this marks the first Kong movie where the natives, who inexplicably begin murdering Denham's advance party, get shot up by the rest of the ship's crew.
With every KING KONG movie, I asked myself: Why would an ancient civilization build this great wall that can keep out the mighty monsters on the other side, yet build a massive doorway in said wall that the creatures could pass through if opened?
That question has yet to be answered, but Peter Jackson added more questions, borrowed somewhat from SON OF KONG. Unlike the original KING KONG, SON OF KONG and KING KONG 2005 have crumbling relics and dead cities on the other side of the Monster wall. Proof that an advanced civilization once thrived on Skull Island. Just the fact that the buildings are there, that the monsters walk around, through, over, and occasionally destroy in passing, reveals a deeper mystery that has yet to be revealed in film after nearly 100 years. At some point, the monsters arrived, nobody knows how, and wrecked the civilization. The last great act of that civilization was to use their technology to build a massive wall to keep the monsters from destroying them utterly.
The appearance of Kong isn't as majestic as I would expect, though the special effects that create him are outstanding. The violent view of Kong's world, where every day is a non-stop assault, conveys the realism of everyday nature for wild animals. You are either prey or predator and everything wants to live. Kong takes Ann deep into the jungle on a terrifying yet scenic route of Skull Island until they finally arrive at his hang out. By this time Kong has both threatened and saved Ann's life many times over. To protect herself from him and the other creatures, she used her Vaudeville pratfall skills to ingratiate herself to him. She is still a pet, but now she is a valued pet.
Throughout the interior of Skull Island, the story takes a backseat to the special effects. Kong moves and swings his massive form around an enormous jungle made to accommodate monsters. Kong seems to know no difference between natural rock formations and the ruins that he runs through. And I gotta say one more time: This is a three plus hour movie that has a lot of unnecessary baggage going on. It would have been vastly more interesting if they could have done something with the mcguffin that is the ruined civilization. Ah well.
Through lots of tribulation, Kong is eventually bagged and taken back to civilization.
On A Tramp Steamer!
Kong is about as big as this boat! How in the hell did they take him back? In the first two Kongs, the ships were built to accommodate. But the ship of this Kong is quite small and now beaten and crippled. And it is leaking from everywhere! And they take him back to the U.S., from the Pacific all the way to the Atlantic, feeding him ... WHAT?
WHEN KONG ADOPTED THIS EXPRESSION AT THE 2 HOUR MARK, THE NEXT HOUR AND A FEW MINUTES WERE RATHER UNCOMFORTABLE FOR THE AUDIENCE.
The next thing you know, we're in New York where Denham is finally being feted. We despise Denham by this time, as he revealed on Skull Island just what kind of cowardly, petty man he is. Lives were lost in his zeal to get Kong, and his actions threatened more. But he delivered the eighth wonder of the world and all of New York turns out for him, including his investors who wanted him arrested: All is forgiven; Denham delivered.
Following the previous Kong formula, the monkey goes ape and runs amok in New York City. Eventually, Kong and Ann Darrow find each other again, but not before an exhilarating chase scene involving Jack Driscoll in a car. Jack took Ann away from Kong and the beast still remembers. In the name of "leading Kong away from people", Jack instead, leads Kong on a rampage throughout New York City, killing more people than would have been slaughtered if Kong just stayed in one place while folks ran away. The chase infuriates Kong, making him more destructive.
You DON'T want to get Kong all excited in the heart of New York City! Trust me on this one! Oh, why won't anybody listen to me shouting at the screen?
KING KONG follows form if not formula in regards to the original. Peter Jackson wanted to both honor the original as well as surpass it. That form of New York - Ship Voyage - Skull Island - Sacrifice - Kong - Chase - Capture - Return - New York - Battle from New York's tallest building remains unchanged. Any fans of the original KING KONG won't be surprised by the chain of events. What is surprising, I must say again, are the special effects. Jackson recreates a believable 1930s Depression era New York City. The tramp steamer is old and decrepit and at one point in the movie, the fact that the damn thing doesn't break up and sink is more unbelievable than a giant ape and dinosaurs in the 20th century. This KING KONG, unlike the original, also gets an
!!!UNFAIR RACIAL CLICHE ALERT!!!:
Like every movie New Zealand director, Peter Jackson, has made with Hollywood, KING KONG gets the UNFAIR RACIAL CLICHE ALERT. You don't know what that is? Read the UNFAIR RACIAL CLICHÈ ALERT. Then check out why this film gets it at URCA/KingKong.
The biggest problem for me in this film is length. 3 plus hours is one hell of a long time to sit in your chair and watch anything non-stop. What's more, Jackson pushes everything to its limit. The ship's voyage takes nearly too long. The introduction and backstory of so many ancillary characters who don't contribute to the tale is stretched to the limit. By the time we reach the other side of the wall on Skull Island, we're exhausted by it all. The fight scenes re-energize us somewhat, but even these are pushed to the max as the initial fear and fright of the island devolves into simply watching one damned thing after another.
I'm glad I saw KING KONG. There is so much cool stuff about the movie. But despite all of the eye candy, it remains an ape meets girl, ape loses girl, ape dies movie. No matter how great the effects you add to that, an extra hour and a half of story is just froth on the coffee. In fact, there are a number of side stories that I haven't even mentioned in this review just because they were entirely unnecessary, contributed nothing, and would make the review too long.
Three Shriek Girls.
This review copyright 2005 E.C.McMullen Jr.
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Peter Jackson's KING KONG won 3 Oscars.
Achievement in -
All of the Oscar winners were long time collaborators with Peter Jackson, dating back anywhere from his THE LORD OF THE RINGS movies to earlier films.
This was the Academy Awards show where South Park would later mock George Clooney for trying to take credit (in the name of Hollywood) for the Civil Rights Movement.
Six years after the release of the original KING KONG, Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Woman to win an Oscar for her role in Gone With The Wind. A quarter century would pass before another black person would win. It would be another 38 years after that before another black actor would win.
66 years later, The Hollywood movie industry is still making movies with the Unfair Racial Clichè Alert.
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SHREK JR.
Middle School Company
Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m.
(No performance Friday, May 22nd due to WJM continuation ceremony)
Saturday, May 23 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 24 at 2:00
DIRECTORS: Nelson Conway and Tyler Phillips
There will be one cast only for this production, and enrollment will be limited. Register soon!
It's a "big bright beautiful world" for everyone's favorite ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film. Adapted for young performers and featuring a host of over-the-top roles for an expandable cast, there's a part for everyone in this dazzling adventure story.
In a faraway kingdom, the green ogre Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits, runaways who've been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wise-cracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task - if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona from the Dragon-guarded tower, his swamp will be returned to him. But, a fairy tale wouldn't be complete without unexpected twists and turns along the way.
Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show for the whole family.
Rehearsals are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 7:00pm beginning on March 10. There are no rehearsals March 24, March 26, April 7, and April 9. "Tech" week is May 18, 19 and 20, 3:00–7:00pm. Additional tech rehearsals may be added as needed.
Thursday, May 21 7:00pm
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For students who did not participate in Frozen Jr.
Tuition is $500 plus a nonrefundable $25 registration fee and a $30 fee for the production t-shirt ($20) and one perfomance video ($10). Total including fees: $555
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The Venue Theatre is an inclusive non-profit. Need-based scholarships are available; click here to access the scholarship application.
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If you're a fan of the History or Discovery channels, then you've probably heard countless stories of UFO sightings by now. But you usually hear about them years after the fact, from people who now feel they can come forward without fear of ridicule or of losing their jobs. But times are changing, as the BBC is reporting that The Irish Aviation Authority is investigating a series of reports about bright lights and UFOs off the southwestern coast of Ireland this past weekend, and they're being pretty open about the whole thing.
The sightings all began at 6:47 local time on Friday, November 9, when a British Airways pilot contacted air traffic control inquiring about any military exercises in the area, as there was something in the sky that was "moving so fast." The pilot was then told there were no such exercises going on. The pilot, who was flying from Montreal to Heathrow, told authorities that she spotted a "very bright light" and then the object "rapidly veered to the north," adding that it didn't seem like it was heading for a collision. The pilot admitted she had no idea what it was; another pilot from a different plane corroborated her sighting.
The Irish Aviation Authority then issued the following statement: "Following reports from a small number of aircraft on Friday 9 November of unusual air activity the IAA has filed a report," adding "This report will be investigated under the normal confidential occurrence investigation process." In other words, if they find anything cool like aliens, they're not gonna tell us.Interestingly, though, this news comes just a week after a few Harvard scientists suggested publicly that Oumuamua (no, we don't know how to pronounce it either), the first object entering the Earth's solar system from interstellar space, could very possibly be of alien origin. Are the world's authorities trying to prepare us for first contact? The Harvard scientists' theories were largely debunked by the scientific community, but wouldn't that be a welcome change for the typical news cycle!What do you think of all this talk of UFOs and aliens? Nonsense, or do you "want to believe" too? Be sure to let us know your thoughts down below in the comments.


Red Carpet Walk Gives Fans Chance to Cheer on Red Wings Players and Alumni Up Close Before Home Opener at Little Caesars Arena.
Free Pregame Party Underway at 3 p.m. at Chevrolet Plaza & Arena Live; Music, Entertainment, Red Wings Experience Interactive Games, Food & Drink and More for Fans in Attendance.
The Detroit Red Wings have announced the details for the third-annual Hockeytown Red Carpet Walk, presented by Coca-Cola and Meijer, prior to the team's Home Opener on Thursday, Oct. 4 against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the award-winning Little Caesars Arena.
Check out photos from last year's Red Carpet Home Opener.


Welcome to The International Centre. We are one of the only privately owned trade and consumer show and conference facilities in Canada. We are proud of our over forty year history of hosting memorable events and building long-lasting relationships with our Clients.
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This database presents an overview of the pay-TV market across three key subscription video platforms: satellite, cable, and telco TV. It supplies cumulative subscriber forecasts and penetration for the related platforms. Data are analyzed for seven regions (Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), as well as for key countries within each region. Subscriber trends are based on information available in regulator published data, press releases, and trade journals, in conjunction with insights developed from research interviews and our historically collected data sets.


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22.10.2016 World Cup Tongyeong Sprint Distance Elite 35.
25.09.2016 World Cup Salinas Sprint Distance Elite 20.
20.10.2012 World Triathlon Series Auckland Gesamtwertung Elite 49.
04.08.2012 Olympic Games London Olympic Distance Elite 44.
21.07.2012 World Triathlon Series Hamburg Sprint Distance Elite 28.
23.06.2012 World Triathlon Series Kitzbühel Olympic Distance Elite 25.
26.05.2012 World Triathlon Series Madrid Olympic Distance Elite 31.
22.04.2012 World Cup Ishigaki Olympic Distance Elite 24.
06.11.2011 World Cup Guatape Olympic Distance Elite 3.
15.10.2011 World Cup Tongyeong Olympic Distance Elite 3.
09.10.2011 World Cup Huatulco Olympic Distance Elite 14.
19.09.2011 World Triathlon Series Yokohama Olympic Distance Elite 16.
11.09.2011 World Triathlon Series Beijing Olympic Distance Elite 35.
07.08.2011 World Triathlon Series London Olympic Distance Elite 53.
17.07.2011 World Triathlon Series Hamburg Olympic Distance Elite 46.
10.07.2011 World Cup Edmonton Olympic Distance Elite 15.
05.06.2011 World Triathlon Series Madrid Olympic Distance Elite 32.
08.05.2011 World Cup Monterrey Olympic Distance Elite 16.
17.04.2011 World Cup Ishigaki Olympic Distance Elite 11.
17.10.2010 World Cup Tongyeong Olympic Distance Elite 10.
10.10.2010 World Cup Huatulco Olympic Distance Elite 19.
08.09.2010 World Triathlon Series Budapest Olympic Distance Elite 42.
03.07.2010 European Championships Athlone Olympic Distance Elite 27.
05.06.2010 World Triathlon Series Madrid Olympic Distance Elite 15.
09.08.2009 World Cup Tiszaujvaros Olympic Distance Elite 17.
25.07.2009 World Triathlon Series Hamburg Olympic Distance Elite 35.
11.07.2009 World Triathlon Series Kitzbühel Olympic Distance Elite 26.
05.07.2009 European Championships Holten Olympic Distance Elite 18.
31.05.2009 World Triathlon Series Madrid Olympic Distance Elite 22.
25.05.2008 World Cup Madrid Olympic Distance Elite 34.
04.05.2008 World Cup Richards Bay Olympic Distance Elite 22.
06.04.2008 World Cup New Plymouth Olympic Distance Elite 29.
30.03.2008 World Cup Mooloolaba Olympic Distance Elite 32.
01.12.2007 World Cup Eilat Olympic Distance Elite 24.
07.10.2007 World Cup Rhodos Olympic Distance Elite 41.
16.09.2007 World Cup Beijing Olympic Distance Elite 32.
01.09.2007 World Championships Hamburg Olympic Distance Elite 60.
12.08.2007 World Cup Tiszaujvaros Olympic Distance Elite 14.
30.06.2007 European Championships Copenhagen Olympic Distance Elite 33.
03.06.2007 World Cup Madrid Olympic Distance Elite 23.
13.05.2007 World Cup Richards Bay Olympic Distance Elite 23.
24.09.2006 World Cup Beijing Olympic Distance Elite 17.
09.09.2006 World Cup Hamburg Olympic Distance Elite 25.
03.09.2006 World Championships Lausanne Olympic Distance Elite 35.
13.08.2006 World Cup Tiszaujvaros Olympic Distance Elite 24.
30.07.2006 World Cup Salford Olympic Distance Elite 33.
24.06.2006 European Championships Autun Olympic Distance Elite 23.
04.06.2006 World Cup Madrid Olympic Distance Elite 45.
17.09.2005 World Cup Beijing Olympic Distance Elite 13.
10.09.2005 World Championships Gamagori Olympic Distance U23 8.
14.08.2005 World Cup Tiszaujvaros Olympic Distance Elite 9.
31.07.2005 World Cup Salford Olympic Distance Elite 24.
09.05.2004 World Championships Funchal, Madeira Olympic Distance U23 4.
25.04.2004 World Cup Mazatlan Olympic Distance Elite 24.
18.04.2004 European Championships Valencia Olympic Distance Elite 20.
07.12.2003 World Championships Queenstown Olympic Distance U23 3.
25.10.2003 World Cup Athens Olympic Distance Elite 26.
21.09.2003 World Cup Madrid Olympic Distance Elite 27.
10.11.2002 World Championships Cancun Olympic Distance U23 10.
23.06.2001 European Championships Carlsbad Sprint Distance Juniors 23.


Since there's no baseball to talk about today, I guess I have actual time to mention the Bulls game I went to last night. I had a master plan to meet up with one of the people I was going with and grab dinner before the game, but they canceled at the last second. I ate a little at the game, but I think I could've used a meal after. Something – fast foodish. IRONY.
The Knicks tried to claim this was just a tough 4th game in 5 nights, which would is a reasonable excuse if you didn't actually watch the game. They just played awful, played dumb, and played out for themselves. It didn't make the players look good, and it made the coach looked worse. The only reason it was a 30 point game is the Bulls were off in the first half – it could've been 50 if guys were having better games.
* was wondering if the Bulls would get to 100, just because goofy inconsequential things like getting a free Big Mac are fun to cheer for. As any one with any perspective might realize (so I didn't hear this on sports radio today), a victory by your spots win is pretty much the same kind of goofy inconsequential thing too, and a Big Mac is slightly more edible.
With 3:40 left, the Bulls were at 94, and we were debating if they'd get to 100. 6 points in that much time shouldn't seem like much, but there weren't really scoring threats on the court and Skiles isn't one to run up the score.
At 0:39 left, the Bulls are at 98, and up by 32, the game's pretty much over. Duhon had missed a 3, the Knicks got the rebound, and it was over. All the Knicks had to do, to follow the hidden rules/ethics of Not Running It Up, is hold onto the ball past 0:24, so the Bulls wouldn't have to take a shot. Instead, Nate Robinson jacks up a three – obviously in attempt to better his stats (as he spent most of the 4th doing) – and the Bulls get the rebound with 0:26.
I guess they could've held the ball, taken a :24 second violation, and gave it back to the Knicks – but why? They only got the ball back in this situation because the Knicks didn't care enough to wait three more seconds, and there's no since in annoying the home fans over something minor.
Duhon was going to dribble it out and take that violation, or maybe just wait till the last second, but Skiles and the assistants told him to go ahead and shoot, and he took a three. He missed (he's not good), and maybe Malik Allen shouldn't have taken the rebound shot, but it was about from his sweet spot on the court, and he wanted to send the crowd home happy. It was understandable, but I'm not sure if it's the way to go.
Anyway, Malik misses too, because no one in this lineup can hit a shot, and the Knicks are so against the idea of running up the score…that Nate Robinson ran down the court to get another basket. Thabo thanks you for letting him add 1 to his block total.
Francis coming on the court after the whistle to yell at Thomas surprised me – I was paying more attention to the Bulls bench (and getting my stuff to get out of there), but that was kinda of a dumb punk move, I think. Did Steve Francis think the rookies were calling the plays and making the decision to go for 100? Yell at Duhon or Malik or the Coach, yelling at the rookies was just lazy and dumb.
Here is where I was going to quote Steve Francis, but it occurs to me now – it's Steve Francis! I hope the cheap shoe thing takes the nation by storm, but I don't know another good reason why anyone should listen to Steve Francis about how to act, seeing as he seems to have some issues in that department himself.
The other thing you need to know is there's very obviously bad blood between the two franchises, probably much more between the off-the-court players (at least before this game), dating back to the Eddy Curry trade, and I'm sure that played a part into the feelings. But the Knicks are dorks, and are going home, and I hope they lose out every single game from here on out.
Do the Knicks go the lottery, or do the Bulls go since they'll obviously swap picks? I'm kinda hoping the Knicks have to go, because I'd love to see the expression on their faces if/when they hit it big in the lottery.
Isn't the cheap shoe thing Stephon Marbury?
I got my ballhogging worthless Knicks pointguards mixed up! This is so the worst post ever.


Less than 50% of the Limit: Out of 68 MLAs analysed, 25(37%) MLAs have declared election expenses of less than 50% of the expense limit of Rs. 28 lakhs in their constituency.
Average Election Expenses: Based on the election expense declarations of 68 MLAs from Himachal Pradesh Assembly, the average amount of money spent by them in the elections is Rs 15.26 lakhs, which is 55% of the expense limit.
Average Election Expenses: Based on the election expense declarations of 182 MLAs from Gujarat Assembly, the average amount of money spent by them in the elections is Rs 16.45 lakhs, which is 59% of the expense limit.


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Home > Tech > China-linked cyberattacks likely as Malaysia reviews projects
China-linked cyberattacks likely as Malaysia reviews projects
Dainik Hawk | 17 Aug 2018 5:59 AM GMT
Malaysia: Chinese state-sponsored hackers may be targeting companies and state agencies in Malaysia as it looks to review several major projects linked to China's Belt and Road Initiative, cybersecurity firm FireEye Inc. said on Wednesday.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who took power after an election win in May, will be in China on Friday seeking to renegotiate and possibly cancel billions of dollars worth of Chinese-invested projects authorised by his predecessor, Najib Razak.
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), unveiled in 2013, aims to develop a network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
FireEye said it had found indications that cyber espionage activities were increasing throughout Southeast Asia, as China-based groups and others sought to gain information on BRI projects and deals.
Malaysia's recent political changes and its reassessment of China-backed projects put it at heightened risk of such activity, FireEye's head of global intelligence operations, Sandra Joyce, told a media briefing.
"Malaysia is looking more and more like a typical target of Chinese state-sponsored cyber activity," she said.
"As Chinese investments continue to be scrutinized, that is going to be a motivator for groups ... to gain more intelligence and information on the future of these projects."
The Malaysian prime minister's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while a spokesman for the foreign ministry declined to comment.
China opposes all forms of hacking, its foreign ministry told Reuters in a statement.
"China is a resolute protector of internet security, and advocates that the international community should jointly face internet security threats via dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," it added.
Joyce said Malaysian targets could include any company or agency involved in a $20-billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
The 688-km (428-mile) project, linking Malaysia's west coast with ports in the east, has been suspended pending discussions over pricing and graft allegations.
Mahathir's government also halted work on two projects worth more than $2.3 billion awarded to the China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau.
Joyce said its observations on Malaysia were in keeping with developments in other countries with major BRI interests such as Belarus, which has been targeted by a Chinese group called Roaming Tiger.
FireEye said in July that a China-based group identified as TEMP.Periscope had interfered in a general election in Cambodia, breaching systems used by several Cambodian state agencies and political entities.
Tags: Chinese hackers Malaysia