Nancy Reagan, former first lady and actress, dead at 94

Former first lady Nancy Reagan, who joined her husband on a storybook journey from Hollywood to the White House, died Sunday.

She was 94.

Reagan died at her home in Los Angeles of congestive heart failure, according to her spokeswoman, Joanne Drake of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

"Mrs. Reagan will be buried at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, next to her husband, Ronald Wilson Reagan, who died on June 5, 2004. Prior to the funeral service, there will be an opportunity for members of the public to pay their respects at the library," Drake said in a statement.

The former first lady requested that contributions be made to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation in lieu of flowers, the statement said.
In a statement, President Barack Obama thanked Reagan for her "warm and generous advice."

"Our former First Lady redefined the role in her time here," he continued. "Later, in her long goodbye with President Reagan, she became a voice on behalf of millions of families going through the depleting, aching reality of Alzheimer's, and took on a new role, as advocate, on behalf of treatments that hold the potential and the promise to improve and save lives.

"We offer our sincere condolences to their children, Patti, Ron, and Michael, and to their grandchildren. "

Republican leaders also paid tribute.

"With the passing of Nancy Reagan, we say a final goodbye to the days of Ronald Reagan," wrote 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney on Facebook. "With charm, grace, and a passion for America, this couple reminded us of the greatness and the endurance of the American experiment. ... God and Ronnie have finally welcomed a choice soul home."

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Lakers Throttle Champion Warriors

The Lakers entered with one win in their last 11 games. The Golden State Warriors entered with an NBA-record 55 wins in their 60 games this year.

But the defending champions weren’t about to add another victory to their collection, as the Lakers treated a nationally televised audience to a 112-95 disassembling of the Warriors.

Los Angeles’ young guards, D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, combined for 46 points to best their counterparts from Golden State: reigning MVP Stephen Curry and All-Star Klay Thompson.

Clarkson — who was questionable to play this game due to a patellar strain — led all players with 25 points while Russell followed with 21 and four steals. At the same time, Curry (18 points) and Thompson (15) combined to shoot just 13-of-40 from the field.

“They were playing against the best backcourt in the league,” head coach Byron Scott said. “If you want to get measured or get talked about as a young backcourt that has a chance to be very good, you have to measure up against these two guys. I though they took the challenge from the start.”

Curry — the NBA’s scoring leader and MVP favorite — averaged 41.6 points in his four games entering Sunday’s contest. He made the first basket of the game on a 3-pointer one minute in, but from there he and Thompson missed each of their following 18 triples.

Even Draymond Green, who finished one point and one assist shy of a triple-double, had a rough outing, shooting 2-of-7, while committing seven turnovers and five fouls.

“It’s just one of those nights that you want to avoid at all costs,” Curry said. “But it happened and we’ll be alright.”

Golden State — which is on pace for the most 3s and second-highest 3-point percentage of all-time — couldn’t stop clanging off the rim, shooting a season-worst 4-of-30 from downtown.

While Clarkson and Russell provided solid individual defense on Golden State’s guards, they both credited their bigs’ pick-and-roll coverage for their foes’ awful clip.

“They were playing high up on screens, making them shoot over two guys,” Clarkson said. “They did a really good job today.”

Even on offense, it was clearly more than just the “Russell and Clarkson Show.” Seven Lakers finished in double figures, including Kobe Bryant (12 points) — who also provided valued advice from the sideline — and Marcelo Huertas (10 points) — who was one assist shy of his first double-double.

“Marcelo was probably MVP tonight,” Scott said. “When we needed a basket, he either scored or got somebody an open shot.”

From the beginning, it was clearly an off night for the defending champs, as the Lakers (13-51) sneaked out to a 22-21 lead at the end of the first quarter, despite shooting just 9-of-29.

Russell took over from there, providing 13 of his points and a trio of 3-pointers in the second quarter. When the Warriors cut L.A.’s lead to three late in the half, the purple and gold responded with a 13-2 run to push that advantage back up to 60-46 just before intermission.

The second half was more of the same for Golden State, which went 1-of-15 on 3s the rest of the way, finally snapping its drought on a last-minute hit shortly after the Lakers built their lead to a game-high 23 points.

“It’s actually pretty easy to explain,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “It’s the NBA, and if you’re not ready to play, anything can happen — and we weren’t ready. We had zero attention span out there, at either end of the floor.”

In front of a sold-out crowd at Staples Center, Los Angeles avoided being swept by Golden State for the first time in 22 years. The Warriors steamrolled the Lakers in each of their first three meetings by an average of 27.7 points.

This time around, Kerr put it simply: “We got what we deserved.”

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Former President Jimmy Carter no longer needs cancer treatment

The news keeps getting better for former President Jimmy Carter.

Carter revealed Sunday that he no longer needs to receive treatment for cancer.
The 91-year-old made the announcement at the Sunday school class he teaches in Plains, Georgia.

Carter will "continue scans and resume treatment if necessary," said Carter Center spokeswoman Deanna Congileo.

The former President first announced last August that a deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma, which was first found in his liver, had spread to his brain. Carter initially said he thought he had only weeks to live when he first learned of the diagnosis. He left his fate "in the hands of God, whom I worship."
Carter was treated via surgery, radiation and a relatively new form of immunotherapy.

In November, Carter's doctors at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta said his treatment had gone well -- with no signs the cancer has spread.

Carter was declared cancer-free in December 2015.

He received cancer treatments from August through February 2016, according to Congileo.

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Taylor Swift & Calvin Harris Celebrate Their One-Year Anniversary

Taylor Swift kisses Calvin Harris after winning the award for top billboard 200 album for “1989” at the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, May 17, 2015, in Las Vegas.

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris are keeping things sweet and sentimental on their one-year anniversary.

The happy couple shared a glimpse of their special day (March 6), with Harris posting a video on Snapchat and Swift uploading a picture to Instagram.

Harris’ video shows off what appears to be a homemade chocolate-frosted cake, decorated with hearts and “1 year” written in icing. In the clip, the camera pans from the cake to a smiling Swift.

Meanwhile, Swift’s Instagram update is a picture of a pretty gold locket engraved with the date "3.6.2015" – presumably an anniversary gift from her boyfriend.

“One year down!” she captioned the picture (with a heart emoji, of course).

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Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scorer in La Liga this season

Cristiano Ronaldo scored four times as Real Madrid cruised to a 7-1 win over Celta Vigo to move within a point of second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Ronaldo claimed his fifth hat-trick of the season to take his total to 39.

He struck three times in 15 minutes after the break, after Pepe had headed Real into a 1-0 half-time lead.

Iago Aspas pulled a goal back but Ronaldo completed his treble and headed in a fourth before Jese and Gareth Bale, on his comeback, scored late on.

Ronaldo's efforts - which took him past 350 goals for Real Madrid and up to second in La Liga history with 252 - saw Real bounce back from losing to Atletico in their previous home game, a 1-0 defeat that virtually ended their hopes of catching Barcelona at the top of the table.
That led to some unrest in the Bernabeu and Celta, who were unbeaten in three games in their pursuit of a place in the Europa League, should have gone ahead when ex-Liverpool striker Aspas headed against a post.

But Pepe calmed things down as he nodded in his first goal of the season from an Isco corner.

Real were below full strength but overwhelmed Celta in the second half as they gave themselves the perfect preparation for the second leg of their Champions League last 16-tie, which they lead 2-0, at home to Roma on Tuesday night.
Ronaldo lashed in a dipping, 25-yard drive five minutes after the break before curling a superb free-kick into the top corner.

Aspas coolly lifted his 10th league goal of the season over Keylor Navas to make it 3-1, but Ronaldo then tapped in his third goal to claim his 36th hat-trick in Spanish football.

With Celta's defence struggling, Ronaldo headed in from a corner and Jese ran through to slot the sixth before Bale, back from a calf problem that has kept him out since mid-January, completed the rout with a run and low shot which went in off a post.
What they said

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane: "You know Cristiano, he is capable of scoring four goals and there are very few people capable of doing that. That is why he is unique.

"It is part of football that the fans whistle now and then.

"They are demanding fans, but at the same time they know their players well and always want more. That is good to help us improve and do more."

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Rakitic in doubt for Eibar clash

A foot injury could keep the Croatia international star out of the weekend's encounter, with his coach looking ahead to some vital matches
Ivan Rakitic is a major doubt for Barcelona ahead of Sunday's Liga clash with Eibar.

The Croatia international has been a key figure for the Catalan giants again this season, making 43 appearances in all competitions and scoring six goals.

But he picked up a foot injury in Thursday's 5-1 win at Rayo Vallecano and coach Luis Enrique has revealed that the 27-year-old midfielder is struggling to recover in time for the trip to Ipurua.

"He had a swelling in a nasty area, the instep of the foot, which you hit the ball with, so it's very painful," he said.
"Yesterday the doctor said it would be better for him to train separately. I'd imagine the swelling has gone down, but we'll see how much.

"Those parts of the foot can really make it very awkward to play."

Luis Enrique may well be reluctant to gamble on Rakitic's fitness given that Barcelona have several key games on the horizon, including the return leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Arsenal and a Clasico clash with Real Madrid.

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Deadpool Movie To Break $300 Million At Domestic Box Office Today

Deadpool will cross the $300 million mark at the domestic box office sometime today.

The film, which earned a little less than $5 million at Friday screenings this week, finished last night with over $299 million. By the end of the weekend, it may have $100 million more than the lifetime theatrical gross of 300, the former highest-grossing R-rated comic book adaptation of all time. That film had a lifetime gross of $210 million domestically -- and Deadpool, if it eclipsed that number, would pass Return of the Jedi to enter the top 50 highest-grossing movies of all time at the North American box office.

Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

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Stop everything because Alyssa Milano says a “Charmed” reboot could be in the works

There’s no denying it: TV show reboots are proving to be wildly successful. Fuller House won our hearts with nostalgia and was just renewed for a second season. Gilmore Girls: Seasons is hard at work on what might be the most anticipated reboot of all time. And now, it appears that the Charmed cast is on board to bring the series back.

Charmed starred Alyssa Milano, Holly Marie Combs, Rose McGowan and Shannen Doherty as witches, each with their own unique ability. The show ran for eight seasons in the late ’90s and well into the 2000s, and was kind of like a more PG-13 version of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Fans loved it—they still do—and are ready for it to come back as part of this reboot resurgence. And Alyssa Milano says it’s definitely a possibility.

“It seems like that’s going to happen any second,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “I just feel like with all these reunions, and we still have such a cult following, that I feel like someone’s going to put that together at some point, and we’re all totally on board for that!”

Fans are into the idea as well. There’s a Facebook group called “Charmed Reunion” where fans share memes and even suggest story ideas for the revival. The group is very active and has over 21.2k members so far—and counting!

This isn’t the first time the idea of a reboot has been floated around. Back in 2013, Alyssa addressed the idea of making a Charmed movie on Twitter, asking Holly Marie Combs, Rose McGowan and Shannen Doherty if they were in. Shannen was totally down, saying there were enough loose ends to keep the story going.

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LeBron James: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Cavaliers Star's Future

Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James has the right to opt out of his contract prior to the 2016-17 season, and a new report suggests that doing so is something he may consider.
According to The Big Lead's Ty Duffy (via Luke Kerr-Dineen of USA Today), ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN Radio's Jorge & Izzy that those close to King James don't believe a return to Cleveland is a foregone conclusion:

What everybody who's close to him continuously reminds me of is: 'don't you dare take LeBron for granted or think he's trapped into staying in Cleveland just because he came back. Don't put it past him that he'll get so annoyed that he'll leave again if he feels like he's being taken for granted, ran into the ground and, essentially, misused.

Per Kerr-Dineen, Smith then said on ESPN's First Take (starting at the 11-minute mark) that he doesn't expect LeBron to opt out, at least until the Cavs win a title: "I will tell you this: LeBron never once promised to retire a Cleveland Cavalier. His mission is to come back and deliver a championship to the city of Cleveland, I don't see him departing before that happens unless he believes there's no hope or something else happens with [team owner] Dan Gilbert."
The Cavaliers are currently first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 43-17, and they are the odds-on favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year.

According to Spotrac.com, LeBron has a player option worth just over $24 million next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2017.

The 31-year-old star is having another excellent season with averages of 24.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game, but he has seemingly gone through some ups and downs since the Cavs fell to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals last year.

Head coach David Blatt was replaced by Tyronn Lue midseason despite sporting the best record in the Eastern Conference, and there are constant reports regarding the apparently rocky relationship between James and Kevin Love.

James already left Cleveland once when he signed with the Miami Heat in 2010 and went on to win a pair of championships.

He has expressed his commitment to helping the Cavs win a championship ever since his return, but the fact that LeBron has given himself a potential out in his contract means that nothing is guaranteed.

Cleveland will be hard-pressed to defeat the Warriors in the NBA Finals should a rematch occur, and if it falls just short for the second year in a row, then it will be fair to wonder if the Cavs will ever be able to overtake them.

The Cavaliers have the benefit of being the dominant team in the Eastern Conference despite the Toronto Raptors seemingly starting to close the gap, though, which means there may be no better options on the table for King James.

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Louis C.K. Compares Donald Trump to Hitler: ‘He’s an Insane Bigot’

Louis C.K. is the latest public figure to criticize Donald Trump, calling him an “insane bigot” and comparing him to Adolf Hitler.

In a Saturday morning email blast announcing the sixth episode of his web series “Horace and Pete,” C.K. included a lengthy postscript urging readers not to vote for Trump.

“Please stop it with voting for Trump,” C.K. writes. “It was funny for a little while. But the guy is Hitler. And by that I mean that we are being Germany in the ’30s. Do you think they saw the sh-t coming? Hitler was just some hilarious and refreshing dude with a weird comb over who would say anything at all.”

Later in the email, C.K. implores his conservative readers to vote for a different GOP candidate.
“We shouldn’t have to vote for someone because they’re not a shocking c— billionaire liar,” C.K. writes. “We should choose based on what direction the country should go… If you are a true conservative. Don’t vote for Trump. He is not one of you. He is one of him. Everything you have heard him say that you liked, if you look hard enough you will see that he one day said the exact opposite. He is playing you.”

C.K. added, “Trump is not your best. He’s the worst of all of us. He’s a symptom to a problem that is very real. But don’t vote for your own cancer. You’re better than that.”
See the full postscript below:

P.S. Please stop it with voting for Trump. It was funny for a little while. But the guy is Hitler. And by that I mean that we are being Germany in the 30s. Do you think they saw the shit coming? Hitler was just some hilarious and refreshing dude with a weird comb over who would say anything at all.

And I’m not advocating for Hillary or Bernie. I like them both but frankly I wish the next president was a conservative only because we had Obama for eight years and we need balance. And not because I particularly enjoy the conservative agenda. I just think the government should reflect the people. And we are about 40 percent conservative and 40 percent liberal. When I was growing up and when I was a younger man, liberals and conservatives were friends with differences. They weren’t enemies. And it always made sense that everyone gets a president they like for a while and then hates the president for a while. But it only works if the conservatives put up a good candidate. A good smart conservative to face the liberal candidate so they can have a good argument and the country can decide which way to go this time.

Trump is not that. He’s an insane bigot. He is dangerous.

He already said he would expand libel laws to sue anyone who “writes a negative hit piece” about him. He says “I would open up the libel laws so we can sue them and win lots of money. Not like now. These guys are totally protected.” He said that. He has promised to decimate the first amendment. (If you think he’s going to keep the second amendment intact you’re delusional.) And he said that Paul Ryan, speaker of the house will “pay” for criticizing him. So I’m saying this now because if he gets in there we won’t be able to criticize him anymore.
Please pick someone else. Like John Kasich. I mean that guy seems okay. I don’t like any of them myself but if you’re that kind of voter please go for a guy like that. It feels like between him and either democrat we’d have a decent choice. It feels like a healthier choice. We shouldn’t have to vote for someone because they’re not a shocking cunt billionaire liar.

We should choose based on what direction the country should go.
And that voting for Trump is a way of saying “fuck it. Fuck them all”. I really get it. It’s a version of national Suicide. Or it’s like a big hit off of a crack pipe. Somehow we can’t help it. Or we know that if we vote for Trump our phones will be a reliable source of dopamine for the next four years. I mean I can’t wait to read about Trump every day. It’s a rush. But you have to know this is not healthy.

If you are a true conservative. Don’t vote for Trump. He is not one of you. He is one of him. Everything you have heard him say that you liked, if you look hard enough you will see that he one day said the exact opposite. He is playing you.
In fact, if you do vote for Trump, at least look at him very carefully first. You owe that to the rest of us. Know and understand who he is. Spend one hour on google and just read it all. I don’t mean listen to me or listen to liberals who put him down. Listen to your own people. Listen to John Mccain. Go look at what he just said about Trump. “At a time when our world has never been more complex or more in danger… I want Republican voters to pay close attention to what our party’s most respected and knowledgeable leaders and national security experts are saying about Mr. Trump, and to think long and hard about who they want to be our next Commander-in-Chief and leader of the free world.”

When Trump was told what he said, Trump said “Oh, he did? Well, that’s not nice,” he told CBS News’ chief White House correspondent Major Garrett. “He has to be very careful.”
When pressed on why, Trump tacked on: “He’ll find out.”

(I cut and pasted that from CBS news)

Do you really want a guy to be president who threatens John McCain? Because John McCain cautiously and intelligently asked for people to be thoughtful before voting for him? He didn’t even insult Trump. He just asked you to take a good look. And Trump told him to look out.

Remember that Trump entered this race by saying that McCain is not a war hero. A guy who was shot down, body broken and kept in a POW camp for years. Trump said “I prefer the guys who don’t get caught.” Why did he say that? Not because he meant it or because it was important to say. He said it because he’s a bully and every bully knows that when you enter a new school yard, you go to the toughest most respected guy on the yard and you punch him in the nose. If you are still standing after, you’re the new boss. If Trump is president, he’s not going to change. He’s not going to do anything for you. He’s going to do everything for himself and leave you in the dust.

So please listen to fellow conservatives. But more importantly, listen to Trump. Listen to all of it. Everything he says. If you liked when he said that “torture works” then go look at where he took it back the next day. He’s a fucking liar.

A vote for Trump is so clearly a gut-vote, and again I get it. But add a little brain to it and look the guy up. Because if you vote for him because of how you feel right now, the minute he’s president, you’re going to regret it. You’re going to regret it even more when he gives the job to his son. Because American democracy is broken enough that a guy like that could really fuck things up. That’s how Hitler got there. He was voted into power by a fatigued nation and when he got inside, he did all his Hitler things and no one could stop him.

Again, I’m not saying vote democrat or vote for anyone else. If Hilary ends up president it should be because she faced the best person you have and you and I both chose her or him or whoever. Trump is not your best. He’s the worst of all of us. He’s a symptom to a problem that is very real. But don’t vote for your own cancer. You’re better than that.

That’s just my view. At least right now. I know I’m not qualified or particularly educated and I’m not right instead of you. I’m an idiot and I’m sure a bunch of you are very annoyed by this. Fucking celebrity with an opinion. I swear this isn’t really a political opinion. You don’t want to know my political opinions. (And I know that I’m only bringing myself trouble with this shit.) Trump has nothing to do with politics or ideology. He has to do with himself. And really I don’t mean to insult anyone. Except Trump. I mean to insult him very much. And really I’m not saying he’s evil or a monster. In fact I don’t think Hitler was.

The problem with saying that guys like that are monsters is that we don’t see them coming when they turn out to be human, which they all are. Everyone is. Trump is a messed up guy with a hole in his heart that he tries to fill with money and attention. He can never ever have enough of either and he’ll never stop trying. He’s sick. Which makes him really really interesting. And he pulls you towards him which somehow feels good or fascinatingly bad. He’s not a monster. He’s a sad man. But all this makes him horribly dangerous if he becomes president. Give him another TV show. Let him pay to put his name on buildings. But please stop voting for him. And please watch Horace and Pete.
I get that all these people sound like bullshit soft criminal opportunists. The whole game feels rigged and it’s not going anywhere but down anymore. I feel that way sometimes.

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Real Madrid's Gareth Bale fit for Celta Vigo clash - Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale's return to Real Madrid's starting XI is important to their La Liga title challenge.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that Gareth Bale is finally fit to return for Saturday's La Liga game at home to Celta Vigo.

Bale, 26, has missed almost two months of action since picking up a calf injury in January -- when he had been on a fine run of form, having scored 11 goals in his previous eight games.

Madrid have had mixed results during the Wales international's absence, doing well in the Champions League against Roma, but slipping out of contention in the La Liga title race after draws at Real Betis and Malaga as well as last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Zidane told a news conference that Bale was now ready to be selected for Saturday's game against Celta, with the Champions League round-of-16 second leg at home to Roma coming up on Tuesday.

"The first thing is that Gareth will be in the squad tomorrow," Zidane said. "That is very good, makes us very happy, the fans too. The important thing is that he is with us, with Real Madrid."

Zidane is sure to make a number of changes from Wednesday's 3-1 La Liga win at Levante.

Left-back Marcelo is also fit again, while fellow defenders Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal return from suspension. However, Toni Kroos is suffering from a bout of flu and Luka Modric remains sidelined with a foot problem.

"Modric will not be in the squad, Marcelo will," Zidane said. "I do not want to take risks as we have Tuesday's game and Luka is not yet ready to play. Kroos is not in the squad tomorrow as he has the flu and is not ready."

Even with Barca 12 points ahead of Madrid in La Liga, Zidane said he would not be resting any players against Celta to prioritise the Champions League.
"I'm focused on tomorrow's game, in our national league, and the players' objective is to win tomorrow's game," he said. "Then we will prepare for Tuesday. Tomorrow is a game to put our best team on the pitch. I do not look to Tuesday yet."

Wednesday's game at Levante was notable for the energetic and committed performances of former youth or B team players Lucas Vazquez, Casemiro and Borja Mayoral, in a match which saw Madrid's players run 116 km in total -- a longer distance than in any other La Liga clash this season.

Zidane praised his youngsters but said he expected all his players to put in maximum effort.

"What I said about Lucas and Borja, I could say the same about them all," he said. "We can improve, without the ball, for sure. But we will do that. They are good physically, the players say they feel better -- thankfully as the coaching staff have changed things. Not that they were bad before. Just that with the work we have done, we are good, and the players feel that."

Players including James Rodriguez and Isco were whistled by an angry Bernabeu during last weekend's defeat to Atletico, with calls also ringing around the stadium for the resignation of club president Florentino Perez.

Criticism from local fans and pundits this week had been expected, Zidane accepted, while adding that he hoped for a positive mood at the stadium against Celta.

"Of course when you lose, it is not nice for anyone," he said. "I accept that. But it will not divert me from our objectives. We are working on this, it needs time. I know when we lose a game, draw two, it is a catastrophe. I knew that, it was like that when I was a player.

"I accept that, but I am convinced about what we are doing. We know sometimes it's difficult, but we want the fans with us. We will give everything for them tomorrow. We need their support."

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VAN GAAL: QUALITY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN AGE

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists young players should be judged on their ability and not their age, following speculation that Marcus Rashford could be in contention for the England squad ahead of this summer's European Championship.

The striker has made an excellent start to life in the Reds' first team, netting four goals in his first two games, including a brace in last weekend's 3-2 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Rashford was named Player of the Month for February ahead of Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard and has been tipped for a call-up to the national team, a suggestion that van Gaal believes has not necessarily come too soon for the youngster, even if he felt Roy Hodgson had been asked a leading question on the matter.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the United manager said: "I think Roy Hodgson has answered the question and you are asking again. I don't pay a lot of attention to that as that is the media, not Roy Hodgson or I.

"You are putting the question but saying that Roy Hodgson is saying something. However, it is never too early [for Rashford]. As I have said before, age is not important. Age is not important, it is quality."

Three Lions boss Hodgson previously had his say, ahead of England's upcoming friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands at the end of the month.

"I would neither rule him [Rashford] in or rule him out, I just hope he can do well," he told reporters. "I have been watching Rashford for two years, so I have known about him for a long time. He is in our system.

"He plays for the [England] Under-18 team, so we are delighted that a player playing for our Under-18s, players who we believe in and who we think have got a bright future, are getting chances in the first team. I hope he has a good end to the season. Most of all, I hope he is allowed to develop as an 18-year-old should and people don't try to put him under enormous pressure.

"Scoring four goals in three games is a great achievement and, if he can keep that up, it is great for Manchester United and England."

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Roy Hodgson hints Marcus Rashford could make England’s Euro 2016 squad

England boss Roy Hodgson has hinted that Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is in contention to make his squad for Euro 2016.

Rashford has enjoyed a blistering start to his Man United career, scoring four goals in three appearances since making his debut against FC Midtjylland last week.

Two of those goals came against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, meaning Rashford has been placed firmly in the spotlight. Hodgson suggested the youngster is in his thinking ahead of the Euros.
“I would neither rule him in or rule him out, I just hope he can do well,” Hodgson said.

“I have been watching Rashford for two years, so I have known about him for a long time. He is in our system. Most of all, I hope he is allowed to develop as an 18-year-old should and people don’t try to put him under enormous pressure. Scoring four goals in three games is a great achievement. If he can keep that up, it is great for Manchester United and England.”

For Hodgson to hint that Rashford could make the squad before saying people shouldn’t put him under pressure is a tad contradictory.

Hodgson’s comments will have inevitably added pressure on Rashford’s shoulders. He is no longer an unknown quantity and supporters will expect him to deliver. That being said, the young man seems to have his head screwed on the right way.

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Manchester City set for transfer scrap with Barcelona and Real Madrid over wantaway Ilkay Gundogan

I'm off: Gundogan is set to leave Dortmund in the summer

Manchester City may need to slug it out with the two Spanish giants for Bundesliga star Ilkay Gundogan.

The moneybags Premier League club have emerged as favourites to sign the Borussia Dortmund midfielder after he rejected a new contract.

Gundogan has just a year left on his current deal, Dortmund will be forced to sell in the summer and an outline offer from the Blues is already on the table.

But even though the Germany international would choose City over rivals Arsenal - who also retain an interest - it is thought both Real Madrid and Barcelona are now circling, after the news he would leave at the end of the season.

But with incoming manager Pep Guardiola identifying him as a high priority when he arrives in the summer, and with Gundogan himself interested in working with the current Bayern Munich boss, City are still confident of landing the player — even if they have to pay over the odds.

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Barcelona surpass Real Madrid to set new unbeaten record

Luis Enrique's men have now gone 35 matches without defeat across all competitions, bettering the streak los Blancos managed under Leo Beenhakker in the 1988-89 season.
Barcelona have now gone 35 matches unbeaten in all competitions after claiming victory over Rayo Vallecano on Thursday evening, setting a new Spanish record in the process.

The Catalan giants, who top the Liga table, tied Real Madrid's long-standing record on Sunday courtesy of a 2-1 win over Sevilla at Camp Nou, but have now gone one better by extending their streak even further.

Los Blancos had held the record since the 1988-89 season, when Leo Beenhakker's Madrid side - which featured the likes of Hugo Sanchez and Emilio Butragueno - notched 25 wins and nine draws, but Barcelona have improved on those figures with 29 victories and six draws.
Rayo were unlikely to cause Barca many problems in their pursuit of the record, having not beaten them in 14 years, and so it proved to be as Lionel Messi bagged a hat-trick in a comfortable 5-1 win.

Barcelona's current run has already seen them surpass the 29-match streak set by Pep Guardiola's all-conquering squad in 2011, with the current side not losing since Sevilla secured a 2-1 win all the way back in October.

Manager Luis Enrique, though, is paying no attention to his side's latest milestone, explaining before the match: "The record doesn't mean anything to me right now. It will only mean something if this streak helps us win titles at the end of the season."

The result leaves Barca eight points clear at the top of the table as they close in on a second successive La Liga title, while they already have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals after beating Arsenal at the Emirates.

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Obama's Justice Department Just Gave Bryan Pagliano Immunity and Bernie Sanders the Presidency

Bernie Sanders's path to the presidency was never going to be easy. After surging in the polls and consistently proving America's political establishment wrong, Sanders won Colorado and other states on Super Tuesday. He still has a path to win the Democratic nomination via the primaries, but Bernie Sanders just won the presidency for another reason: Hillary Clinton's quest for "convenience."

Bryan Pagliano, the person who set up Clinton's private server and email apparatus, was just given immunity by the Justice Department. According to The Washington Post, "The Clintons paid Pagliano $5,000 for 'computer services' prior to his joining the State Department, according to a financial disclosure form he filed in April 2009."

First, this can't be a right-wing conspiracy because it's President Obama's Justice Department granting immunity to one of Hillary Clinton's closest associates. Second, immunity from what? The Justice Department won't grant immunity to anyone unless there's potential criminal activity involved with an FBI investigation. Third, and most importantly for Bernie Sanders, there's only one Democrat in 2016 not linked to the FBI, Justice Department, or 31,830 deleted emails.

These 31,830 deleted emails, by the way, were deleted without government oversight.

Only one person set up the server that circumvented U.S. government networks and this person is Bryan Pagliano. Not long ago, Pagliano pleaded the Fifth, so this new development speaks volumes. His immunity, at this point in Clinton's campaign, spells trouble and could lead to an announcement in early May from the FBI about whether or not Clinton or her associates committed a crime. As stated in The New York Times, "Then the Justice Department will decide whether to file criminal charges and, if so, against whom."

The FBI's investigation will decide if there was criminal activity involved in owning the server and storing classified information on a non-government network. Already, I've written numerous articles on why Bernie Sanders is the true front-runner, and has been since last year, partly because of Clinton's FBI investigation. Bryan Pagliano being granted immunity, however, changes the ballgame.

Hillary supporters everywhere most likely don't care, but this development, and the testimony (free from any legal consequences) of the man who set up Clinton's computer apparatus, secures Bernie Sanders's front-runner status as the Democratic nominee. The DNC would be engaging in political suicide by entering November 8, 2016 with a nominee linked to a person just granted immunity from President Obama's Justice Department, primarily because there's a reason this man was granted immunity in the first place.

Connect the dots while being honest with these developments, and only one logical progression, if Democrats actually want to win this year, must take place: Bernie Sanders saves the Democratic Party from Hillary Clinton and defeats Donald Trump by 8 points. Yes, Bernie defeats Trump by a wider margin than Clinton in a general election.

Trump wins with a Democratic nominee linked not only to an FBI investigation, but to aides being given immunity for their testimony.

Bernie Sanders already defeats Donald Trump by a much wider margin than Clinton's 3.4-point victory on average, without an FBI investigation, and without an associate enjoying legal immunity from the Justice Department.

In addition to born classified emails (emails that were classified from the start of their existence, undermining the claim that certain emails weren't classified when Clinton stored them on her server), as well as Top Secret intelligence on an unguarded server stored in her basement, Hillary Clinton has never explained the political utility of owning a private server.

Why did Hillary need to own a private server?

Aside from her excuse pertaining to convenience, why did Clinton need to circumvent U.S. government networks?
However, only Bryan Pagliano can explain to the FBI why Clinton needed the server, it's political utility, and most importantly, how the computer network was protected. Also, Pagliano can help with understanding the computer server's connection to other Clinton projects like their foundation, or other activities.

There are most likely a number of reasons Clinton needed the server and Pagliano's immunity helps the FBI immeasurable in deciphering whether or not criminal intent or behavior is a part of their recommendation to the Justice Department.

Yes, Pagliano was granted immunity for a reason, and even if he helped a crime take place, or engaged in questionable practices, he's free to give testimony to the FBI and Justice Department officials. As for Hillary Clinton's campaign, immunity for Pagliano could mean that other associates, like Huma Abedin, also seek a bargain with law enforcement officials.

As for the issue of criminality, Detroit's Click on Detroit Local 4 News explains the severity of this saga in a piece titled DOJ grants immunity to ex-Clinton staffer who set up email server:
Whether or not a crime was committed is intrinsically linked to why Hillary Clinton needed a private server. Pagliano's testimony will be invaluable in helping the FBI decipher why the server was needed and how safe it was in storing sensitive information.
Whether or not the intelligence was classified at the time is irrelevant; there's already proof of born classified intelligence on Clinton's server. Former Obama official Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn believes Hillary Clinton should "drop out" of the race because of the FBI investigation.

Bernie Sanders just won the Democratic nomination and presidency, primarily because Clinton can't even type an email without an FBI investigation. I explained my thoughts on the FBI investigation with Victor Blackwell on CNN New Day. Ultimately, President Obama's legacy, as well as the Democratic Party's future are linked to James Comey's investigation of Clinton's emails. While few see the correlation, Bernie Sanders will become president, primarily because he's the only honest Democratic nominee running in 2016.

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Messi & record-breaking Barca still making La Liga look easy

Messi

The Blaugrana beat Rayo Vallecano 5-1 on Thursday to set a new Spanish record for games unbeaten (35) and closed in on their sixth Primera Division title in eight seasons.
It is sometimes said in sport that the masters make the most difficult things seem easy. That is what Barcelona and Lionel Messi have been doing for some time in La Liga and together, they are strolling towards a sixth title in eight seasons. It appears almost effortless.

On Thursday night, Barca beat Rayo Vallecano 5-1 to take another step towards the title that is theirs barring an upset of preposterous proportions and racked up their 35th consecutive match without defeat to set a new Spanish record in the process.

That run started with a 5-2 win over Rayo in October and has rarely looked in danger since. In that time, last season's treble winners have won 29 matches and drawn six to better the mark set by Leo Beenhakker's Real Madrid side in 1988-89.

For Barca fans, however, there is only one Leo and their Argentine attacker played a pivotal part in this latest victory with a hat-trick after Ivan Rakitic had capitalised on an awful mistake by Rayo goalkeeper Juan Carlos to give Barca the lead.
Following the Croat's opener, it was all too easy - especially once Rayo were reduced to 10 men and later nine, paying the price for the added aggression as they tried in vain to keep pace with Luis Enrique's superb side. But Messi made it simple. In the right place at the right time and coolly clinical in front of goal, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner left his mark in Madrid once more.

Barca had hit 45 past Rayo in the teams' previous 10 meetings and added another five in this one, with Arda Turan heading home his first goal in Barca colours to round off a satisfactory night's work for the league leaders. Luis Suarez also saw a penalty saved as the Catalans' recent spot-kick woes continued - not that it really mattered anyway.

The win means the Blaugrana remain eight clear of Atletico at the top of the table and 12 ahead of Real Madrid. Those two teams are the only other champions of Spain since 2008-09 with a title apiece: Real in 2011-12 and Atleti in 2013-14. But the trophy will almost certainly not be returning to the capital in May and Barca's dominance could continue for some time on this evidence.
In Europe, it is something of a different story, with several sides having stopped the Catalans in recent seasons - including Atletico, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

On current form, however, Barca are favourites to become the first side since AC Milan in the old European Cup to successfully defend their continental crown. First, of course, they will need to see off Arsenal in the sides' last-16 second-leg match (the Catalans are 2-0 up after the first game in London), while tougher tests will await in the latter rounds.

Luis Enrique's men are also just one game away from retaining the Copa del Rey and meet Sevilla (the last team to beat them) in the final at the Vicente Calderon in May. And having gone unbeaten for 35 games, it is clearly going to take either a very bad day or something seriously special to stop them.

"We know it's always tough to face Rayo," Luis Enrique said graciously after the game. "We started the game as we wanted to, with intensity." And he added: "The best part of the season is coming up now. That is what we have fought for the whole season."

The Barca boss had already said in the build-up to the match that records mean little. This one will mean more to the fans perhaps, especially as it betters a historical Madrid mark, but what matters most are titles and at the moment, led by the magnificent Messi, the Blaugrana are winning them with a composure and comfort that will force their rivals at home and abroad to think long and hard about how to beat them.
Because nobody has managed that now since October 3 and in La Liga at least, nobody looks likely to do so any time soon.

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Homeless man hands out resumes instead of asking for money — and lands a job

Frederick Callison in his usual spot outside a Smart and Final in Sacramento, California

Frederick Callison has been using his piece of prime real estate outside a Sacramento, California, grocery store to actively seek work for the past two years — and it finally paid off, with a little help from one man who brought attention to the effort.

Michael Marteen noticed Callison while shopping at a Smart & Final store with his fiancee, Sandra Canto, and two daughters, Adrian, 9, and Santi, 1, on Feb. 24. Accustomed to seeing homeless people ask for food or money, Marteen found it refreshing to witness someone making an effort to find work despite difficult circumstances.

When Marteen found him, Callison was sitting on a sleeping bag with multiple resumes neatly laid out, along with a sign that read "need work and food." He also had his food handler's certificate, Social Security card and ID on hand to show that he was serious about finding work.
"When I asked if I could see his resume, he hopped right up to hand one to me and then started telling me all about his experience as if it were an interview," Marteen, 25, told TODAY.com. "I've been in situations where I had nothing and had to bust my butt to get work, and there he was doing that, so I have a lot of respect for him."

Callison, 52, a former line cook, came to Sacramento two years ago from Washington hoping to be a cook for the Salvation Army. It didn't end up working out, so he's been out on the streets ever since. Smart & Final allows him to stay on the premises because he helps push carts at no charge.
Marteen, who worked for a catering company years ago, thought he could pass Callison's resume along to people he still knows in the industry. He bought him a jug of water and some raviolis and then took a picture of his resume to post on Facebook, not knowing if anything would come of it.
Sure enough, someone came across his post and offered Callison a job as a cook at a downtown restaurant called Pizza Rocks.

"He was ecstatic about landing a job and very grateful for the opportunity," Marteen said. "He was up the night before studying the menu for hours."

The restaurant gave him clothes to wear and a friend is providing Callison with a place to stay until he can get back on his feet.

"It's easy to look at someone and not see anything but a homeless man, but after talking to him I realized he's so much more than that," Marteen said. "He's a well spoken, cool and friendly guy who knows what he wants and is going after it."

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Zidane: Real Madrid have an attitude problem

Zinedine Zidane insists Real Madrid’s “attitude” was to blame for their derby defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday has left Madrid 12 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, with Zidane admitting that the title race is all but over.

The loss also sparked an outburst from Cristiano Ronaldo towards his team-mates, but Zidane has dismissed claims that his players are not losing crucial key games due to a lack of conditioning.

“We're doing well physically,” said the Madrid boss.

“For me, the defeat in the derby is not a question of fitness.

“That Atletico ran more than us is just data, for me we're doing well physically. It's other things.

“We have to win our battles. We lost a lot of battles. I see the team improving and we are still going to improve more, too.

“I don't know if I'm convincing you... Yes, it's an attitude problem. What we have to do is make sure it doesn't happen again.”

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Manchester United manager Van Gaal gives injury update on Martial, Smalling and Darmian ahead of Watford clash

Louis van Gaal

Louis van Gaal has confirmed Anthony Martial and Matteo Darmian are in contention for Manchester United's clash with Watford on Wednesday.

And the Dutchman also hinted Chris Smalling could play a part at Old Trafford. Martial has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury while Darmian hasn't played since the 2-1 defeat at Sunderland after suffering a shoulder problem.

It their absence youngsters Marcus Rashford and Guillermo Varela excelled against Arsenal on Sunday.

Wayne Rooney is still absent, along with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Luke Shaw. Marcos Rojo should be available despite coming off during the 3-2 win over Arsenal after getting a kick on the ankle.

Van Gaal said: "Players are coming back. It is positive. I think Martial can play, Darmian can play and maybe Smalling. We'll wait and see. Rojo got a kick. A lot of players receive kicks and they can play the next match.

"Players are coming back in March, I think, but we have to build them up also. You have seen how I did it with Marcos Rojo - 20 minutes and then 60 minutes, though he did not reach that.

"Fellaini and Valencia are the next ones to come back, I think. Fellaini shall come into the last step of the process, team training, and also Valencia today has trained with the group, so they are coming back."

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These Celebrities Say They'd Leave the Country If Trump Wins

These celebrities had some, uh, extreme responses to the possibility of Donald Trump winning the White House.

Rev. Al Sharpton has said he’s “reserving my ticket to get out of here if he wins.”

The View’s Whoopi Goldberg said, “I don’t think that’s America. I don’t want it to be America.”

“Maybe it’s time for me to move,” she added.

And Raven-Symone imparted this gem.

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joey feek cancer update : joey says final goodbyes to family, gives daughter one last kiss

Joey Feek has been battling cancer since she was diagnosed in May 2014. She’s fought a fierce battle, but now it seems the end is near.

On Monday, February 29, Joey’s husband and duet partner Rory Feek shared the most heartbreaking post yet on his blog This Life I Live. He revealed that his wife has decided “enough is enough,” and she is ready to stop fighting.

“Joey has done all she set out to do… even right to the very end, and by sheer will-power (and God’s grace), she was still here to to see our baby’s 2nd birthday,” Rory wrote. “Over the last number of weeks her pain had gotten worse and her health had continued to decline rapidly. And not long after Indy’s birthday my wife decided that ‘enough is enough.’ She was ready to stop fighting and she told me so. She said the flowers would soon be blooming back in Tennessee. It’s time to go home.”
In December, Joey revealed her goal for the New Year: she wanted to live through February. The country music duo’s last album was released on February 12, the Grammy Awards took place on February 15 (the couple was nominated for Best Country Duo), and Indiana’s second birthday was on February 17. Joey wanted to live to see each of these milestones take place, and she did. She fought through the pain, made it to her goal, and now she is ready to end this battle once and for all.

Joey Feek’s health had been declining for months now, but she continued to hang on. However, she knew the end was near, and before she was gone, she made sure to gather her family to say her final goodbyes.

“Joey gathered her family together around her and she said goodbye to each of them… to her mother and father and her three sisters,” Rory wrote. “There were lots of tears as she explained to each one how much she loved them and that she was going to be going home soon. That her time here was done and she was going to go to sleep soon.”

Although it was hard to say goodbye to her parents and sisters, saying goodbye to her little girl was the most difficult thing she ever had to do. Rory said Joey asked him to bring in Indiana, and Joey explained to her that she would always be watching over her from Heaven.
“And then she asked me to bring our baby in. And so… I set our little Indy on Joey’s lap and we all cried with my wife as she told her how much her mama loved her and, ‘…you be a big girl for your papa… and that mama will be watching over you.’ And then she pulled Indiana up and she kissed her. One last kiss.”

Joey said her goodbyes a few days ago, and since then her body has been shutting down quickly while she sleeps. Although Joey’s battle with cancer has been a roller coaster ride, her hospice nurse says this is the end. She has only a few days left at the most.
“A few more days… In the 40 short years that Joey has lived, my bride has accomplished many great things… she’s lived a very full life,” Rory wrote. “But even more than that, she has loved those around her greatly and been loved greatly in return. I can honestly say that Joey’s isn’t just a life well-lived, it’s a life well-loved.”

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Chris Rock Managed To Guilt Everyone At The Oscars Into Buying $65,000 Of Cookies

Leo seriously looks happier about those cookies that finally winning his Oscar.

While using his few precious minutes in front of millions to address the #OscarsSoWhite controversy last night, Chris Rock also used the opportunity to sell girl scout cookies with his daughters’ troop.

According to Fortune, the opportunist/dad of the year was able to flog about $65,000 worth of cookies to the audience. That's a serious case of the munchies...

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Woman Can’t Decide Which Dogs To Save … So She Buys The Entire Shelter

Danielle Eden

Danielle Eden is no stranger to hell.

She usually brings a few dogs back from there.

As cofounder of Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary, she has visited countless animal shelters throughout the world. And often she would bring dogs in the most dire circumstances back to the rescue's own rolling 50-acre property in King, Ontario.

But she wasn't prepared for what awaited her at a shelter she visited in Israel last January.
Every last dog was in desperate straits.

"This is the worst shelter she had ever seen," Clare Forndran, media director for Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary, tells The Dodo.
More than 250 dogs were squeezed into a space designed for just 70. Rats abounded. Many of the dogs had spent years there. Every bit of bread flung into a kennel was an invitation to brawl.
"Dogs were literally fighting over a loaf of bread," Forndran says. "There were more rats than dogs."

Indeed, dead rats, mingled with live rats, who mingled with dogs who had been eking out an existence there for years.
So she decided to buy the entire shelter.

Since then, Dog Tales has taken responsibility for all 250 dogs. Over the last two months, it managed to relocate 90 within Israel. Another 25 have made the journey to the Ontario sanctuary.
And 150 remain. But that shelter is undergoing a transformation thanks to a team in Israel assigned the task of making it habitable, while veterinarians administer to the animals' immediate health concerns.

The goal is to bring all of the remaining dogs to Canada.
And that mission is already off to a promising start. Among the early 25 arrivals, more than half have already been adopted.
Their diet no longers consists of bread. They are learning to trust again.

Want to help? Consider signing up to give one of them a forever home

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George Kennedy, Oscar Winner for 'Cool Hand Luke,' Dies at 91

George Kennedy in 'Cool Hand Luke.'

The burly actor played bad guys in such films as 'Charade' and 'Thunderbolt & Lightfoot' before memorably playing against type in the 'Naked Gun' movies.
George Kennedy, a bear of a man who won an Oscar for his performance as the sadistic chain gang prisoner Dragline in Cool Hand Luke and delighted audiences as a dimwitted police captain in the zany Naked Gun comedies, has died. He was 91.

Kennedy died Sunday morning of natural causes in Boise, Idaho, his grandson, Cory Schenkel, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. "He was a great man who loved his family and his fans," he said.

Until his recognition in Cool Hand Luke (1967), Kennedy was usually cast as a tough guy. Following his Oscar win for best supporting actor, he went on to star in The Guns of the Magnificent Seven (1969) and received second billing in such films as The Good Guys and the Bad Guys (1969) with Robert Mitchum; Dirty Dingus Magee (1970) with Frank Sinatra; Fools' Parade (1971) with James Stewart; and The Eiger Sanction (1975) with Clint Eastwood, a frequent co-star.

A former Army career soldier, Kennedy played a series of heavies in the movies. He attacked Cary Grant with a steel claw in Stanley Donen's Charade (1963), pursued Joan Crawford with an ax in Strait-Jacket (1964), attempted to assassinate Gregory Peck in Mirage (1965) and kicked Jeff Bridges to death in Thunderbolt & Lightfoot (1974).

The 6-foot-4, barrel-chested New Yorker also appeared as airplane mechanic Joe Patroni in the star-studded disaster thriller Airport (1970) and its three sequels.

Along with Leslie Nielsen, another actor with a straight-arrow reputation, Kennedy played comically against type as Captain Ed Hocken (replacing Alan North from the TV show) in the antic Jim Abrahams/Zucker brothers spoofs The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988), The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) and The Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994).

On television, the sandy-haired Irish-American starred in two short-lived series in the 1970s — as a homicide detective turned priest in NBC's Sarge and as L.A. beat cop Bumper Morgan on CBS' The Blue Knight, based on the Joseph Wambaugh best-seller. He also played Ewing family nemesis Carter McKay from 1988-91 on the CBS primetime soap Dallas.

Recently, Big George appeared in the films Another Happy Day (2011) and Mark Wahlberg's The Gambler (2014). George Kennedy Jr. was born Feb. 18, 1925, in New York City. His father was a pianist and a composer/conductor at the Proctor's Theater in Manhattan, and his mother danced with vaudeville's Le Ballet Classique. He made his acting debut at age 2 in a touring company of Bringing Up Father, traveling with the show for two years, and later voiced children's radio shows.

Following high school graduation, Kennedy enlisted in the Army in 1943 with the hope of becoming a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He wound up in the infantry, served under Gen. George Patton and distinguished himself with his valor: He won two Bronze Stars and four rows of combat and service ribbons. After World War II, a bizarre medical condition — his left leg was shorter than his right by 3 inches — left him in traction for two years.

(Kennedy would later play Patton, the target of an assassination plot, in 1978's Brass Target opposite Sophia Loren, John Cassavetes and Robert Vaughn.)

In the mid-1950s after re-enlisting, Kennedy worked in Armed Forces Radio and Television, and that got him a job in New York as technical adviser (and a few uncredited appearances) on the army-camp comedy Sgt. Bilko. Watching Phil Silvers and show creator Ned Hiken work whetted his appetite for acting. Additional good fortune arrived when the production company's secretary referred him to a chiropractor who alleviated his leg and back problems.

With 30 percent disability after 15 years of service, Kennedy moved to Hollywood in 1959 and played an array of toughs who could go up against such stars of TV Westerns as 6-foot-7 James Arness in Gunsmoke, 6-foot-6 Clint Walker in Cheyenne and 6-foot-6 Chuck Connors in The Rifleman.

"The big guys were on TV and they needed big lumps to eat up," Kennedy said in a 1971 interview. "All I had to do was show up on the set, and I got beaten up."

Of course, he fought Paul Newman early on in Stuart Rosenberg's drama Cool Hand Luke as Dragline, the leader of the prisoners who gives Newman's character his nickname.

"The marvelous thing about that movie," Kennedy recalled in a 1978 interview, "was that as my part progresses, I changed from a bad guy to a good guy. The moguls in Hollywood must have said, ‘Hey, this fellow can do something besides be a bad guy.' "

Kennedy's vast body of work also includes Spartacus (1960); Lonely Are the Brave (1962); the John Wayne classic The Sons of Katie Elder (1965); The Dirty Dozen (1967); The Boston Strangler (1968); Earthquake (1974); Death on the Nile (1978), Albert Brooks' Modern Romance (1981), in which he played himself as the star of an atrocious sci-fi film; Bolero (1984) opposite Bo Derek; Small Soldiers (1997), in which he voiced Brick Bazooka; and Wim Wenders' Don't Come Knocking (2005).

He appeared in NBC's See How They Run (1964), which is considered the first movie made for TV. He also played President Warren G. Harding in the 1979 miniseries Backstairs at the White House and had a long-standing role on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless.

Kennedy's wife, Joan, died in September.

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Van Gaal is heading for a fall but Manchester United boss could have pulled another rabbit out of the hat

Van Gaal amused United fans on the touchline against Arsenal

Fall guy Louis van Gaal has picked himself up off the floor and another piece of personal theatre could be just what United and the Dutchman needed.

It was an emotional moment and in no way a pre-planned publicity stunt but the Reds manager's comical collapse in front of fourth official Mike Dean couldn't have been better timed.

Yet again an amusing public incident has won him much needed brownie points with the Reds support. The 64-year-old has a penchant for both off-the-cuff moments that prove to be huge vote winners.

His stock has been falling with the Reds support, but as well as results picking up, reconnecting with disenchanted fans has been vital for Van Gaal.

And a rare venture into his technical area and comic dive to illustrate a point had Old Trafford rocking with laughter. Louis Van Gaal the character was back.
In February 2015 Van Gaal was narked by the then West Ham manager Sam Allardyce's criticism of his perceived United long ball tactics.

The Reds boss stunned the media when he emerged at his next press conference to preview the Burnley Premier League match armed with a raft of stats sheets to disprove Big Sam's theory.

The media were invited to take photographs of the evidence to use. It was an unusual approach but again the fans lapped up his eccentricity.

Last May was his most famous small screen performance at United's end of season Player of the Year gala dinner. The famous eight minute tub-thumping speech went viral on social media with Reds fans hailing Van Gaal's performance on stage. After a season that had been not over enthusiastically greeted it was a key evening.

Van Gaal was a hero to the fans once more and new belief coursed through their veins.

Back in August United's winning start to the campaign was halted with a 0-0 home draw against Newcastle and an away defeat at Swansea.

But questions about the mini slump were dismissed in typical LVG style when he again n shocked the assembled press and went into his “Louis Van Gaal's army” fist pumping rendition of the Stretford End chant to emphasise that the support were still well and truly behind him. It was lapped up.
His Christmas rant at the media and “Enjoy your wine and mince pies” dig before walking out once more earned him sympathetic support.

Nothing calculated about any of it in terms of searching for approval exercises but they certainly hit the mark.

Sunday's hilarious show of emotion was comic genius. Significantly Old Trafford brought the 'Louis van Gaal's red and white army' refrain out of cold storage which said it all.

The fall guy might just be back on his feet.

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Pique explains why he'll NEVER sign for Manchester City

Once a Red always a Red

Gerard Pique has shut the door on a return to Manchester to team up with his former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola at City because of his affection for United.

The 29-year-old Barca defender has been linked with a move to the Etihad to join up again in the summer with Guardiola with whom he won two Champions League medals and three La Liga titles.

When Guardiola officially becomes the new City boss the club will be already working on his wish list and Pique ticks the boxes for strengthening the Blues back line.
But Spanish World Cup winner Pique's formative years were at Old Trafford and he was a member of the 2008 Premier League and Champions League double-winning squad under Sir Alex Ferguson.

But coming back to Manchester is a no-go for Pique.

“My love for Manchester United is too great for me to sign for City, even though Pep is a great coach,” he says, “I’m very happy in Barcelona. United are my second club, but my future is at Barça. I’m very proud to play at Barcelona. I think it’s the best club in the world.

“I would like to try a different league when I’ve got a few years to go before retiring. I don’t know if it will be Colombia, I’d like that for (pop singer wife) Shakira, but nobody can predict the future.”

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Priyanka Chopra Doesn't Want to ''Screw Up Someone's Name'' While Presenting at the Oscars 2016: ''I'm Definitely Gonna Mess This Up!''

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra is a little nervous about messing up at the Oscars 2016 on Sunday.

The Quantico actress revealed to Ryan Seacrest on E!'s Live From the Red Carpet at the 88th Annual Academy Awards that she doesn't want to "screw up someone's name" while presenting during the show.

"Have you practiced the names?" Seacrest asked Chopra.
"Yes I did," Chopra told Seacrest. "Thank God that yesterday I pre-recorded all the names for the nominees because I was like, 'Oh my God I'm definitely gonna mess this up!' But I don't think that's gonna happen because it's pre-recorded and all done."

The actress, who looks stunning in Zuhair Murad, also revealed to Seacrest that she's very hungry!
"I'm starving and I have a flight tonight to Miami," she explained. "I start filming a movie tomorrow morning so I don't know what I'm gonna eat!"

Chopra also dished about what we can expect from Quantico, which comes back in March.
"It's gonna get bigger, better and it'll just mess your mind up about who is this terrorist!" she revealed.
Quantico will be back on March 6 at 10 p.m. on ABC.

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'Deadpool' Does It Again, Topping The Box Office With Another Record-Breaking $31.5 Million Weekend

'Deadpool' Does It Again, Topping The Box Office With Another Record-Breaking $31.5 Million Weekend

Three weeks on, and it seems there is no stopping the Marvel juggernaut – it's now been confirmed that the movie has smashed records yet again, earning a colossal $31.5 million for the third consecutive weekend since its release.

By comparison, it seems that Deadpool even surpassed The Matrix Reloaded as one of the highest-grossing R-rated movies in the history of Hollywood. Pretty impressive, right? The superhero flick also overtook a series of newcomers this weekend, most notably the greatly anticipated Gods of Egypt, which reportedly cost approximately $150 million to make. Sadly, it only raked in half of what Deadpool made this weekend alone – $14 million.

Needless to say, I'm sure the team behind the movie are over the moon. The studio already embraced their unparalleled success last week with a bangin' party complete with chimichangas, a mariachi band and blow-job shots, so who knows how exactly they will celebrate this time round?

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90-Year-Old Woman Chooses Trip of a Lifetime Over Cancer Treatment

Norma, who is nearly 90-years-old, is seen here in a picture posted to her Facebook page titled, "Driving Miss Norma."

At 90 years old, a woman from Michigan named Norma is living life to the fullest on a road trip across the United States.

Just two days after Norma’s husband of 67 years passed away, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Doctors gave her the options of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. She decided she would forgo any treatment, telling the doctors, “I’m 90 years old, I’m hitting the road.”
Norma’s son, Tim, and daughter-in-law, Ramie, are full-time RVers. Since Norma couldn’t live at home alone without her husband, they invited her to join them on the road. Six months later, the three of them, along with their poodle Ringo, are enjoying the trip of a lifetime.

Ramie, who spoke for the family, said that Norma is a set of fresh eyes on this indefinite road trip.

“She’s very quiet and humble, and then she has this streak of adventure that surprises us.”

Adventure is right. After leaving Northern Michigan in August, their first big stop was Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. From there, they traveled to Yellowstone National Park and then onto the Rocky Mountains. All the while, they've been documenting their adventure on the Driving Miss Norma Facebook page.

They’ve experienced the amazing views at the Grand Canyon, they’ve run around Disney World, and they’ve gone whale watching in Florida. Norma’s favorite activity was riding in a hot air balloon in Florida, a Christmas gift from Tim and Ramie. Ramie told ABC News that Norma is feeling better than ever. “She continues to surprise us on this trip," she said. "She’s getting healthier, I think, from eating well and being outside a lot. She’s breathing fresh air and getting to see new things all the time.

“She’s with her loved ones and that’s really important,” she added.
The trio hopes that Norma’s story will help other families to start conversations about end-of-life plans.

“Everyone has different ideas about how they want the end of their life to work," Ramie said. "As a planet, we need to have this conversation.”

Norma, Tim, Ramie, and Ringo are currently exploring the state of Florida. Where to next? That’s up to Norma.

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Kate Winslet's Reaction To Leo Winning An Oscar Shows What True Friendship Is All About!

Kate Winslet's Reaction To Leo Winning An Oscar Shows

As you may and or may not know, Leonardo Dicaprio has finally won an Oscar for his performance in the film, The Revenant.
Once Leo was done with his victorious speech without shedding a tear, guess who was the first to leap out of their seat to cheer in applause. No prizes for guessing.

Her happiness and support is just another reason why friends are the best things one can ever have.

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Oscars 2016: Leonardo DiCaprio wins best actor for The Revenant

Leonardo DiCaprio Finally Wins Best Actor at the Oscars for His Unforgettable Role in The Revenant

As sure as the Sun, the Moon, and most basic laws of modern physics, Leonardo DiCaprio has won the Academy Award for best actor for his work in The Revenant. Presenter Julianne Moore, who won best actress at last year's awards, waited a respectable amount of time before announcing DiCaprio's name, as if to see if she could make time itself pause briefly in anticipation.

Born in 1974 without a statuette, Leonardo Willhelm DiCaprio has starred in over two dozen films, including Gangs of New York and The Basketball Diaries. He once had an uncredited role as Darlene's classmate in a 1991 episode of Roseanne. To date, DiCaprio has won over 40 awards and has been nominated six times for an Oscar. This is his first win. The curse is broken.

Following an extended applause, DiCaprio thanked fellow nominees, the cast and crew of The Revenant (including best director winner Alejandro Iñárritu), and even past collaborators like Martin Scorsese.
Other nominees in the category, who may or may not have even bothered to write acceptance speeches, include Bryan Cranston for Trumbo, Matt Damon for The Martian, Michael Fassbender for Steve Jobs, and Eddie Redmayne for The Danish Girl. And now, with Leo's quest at an end, it's time to start looking for the next perpetually snubbed performer to memeify.

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India vs Pakistan: Gracious Virat Kohli congratulates Mohammad Amir for fiery spell

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: After guiding India to a 5-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan in a topsy-turvy Asia Cup game, Virat Kohli hailed opposition bowler Mohammad Amir for bringing world class bowling in the tournament on Saturday.

Kohli played a patient 49 off 51 deliveries after Amir toyed with other Indian batsmen. The vice-captain's knock helped India reached the target of 84, but he was impressed the the bowing of Amir.

Amir, who is making a comeback to cricket after serving a prolong suspension, started Pakistan's defence with an unplayable first over. He sent back both Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in a space of two deliveries, to reduce India to 2/2.

Kohli admitted that it was tough batting against Amir. But the 27-year-old was happy that he got to play against a top bowler.

"It wasn't an easy wicket to bat, I wasn't happy with myself in the last game, where I went too hard at the ball, I had to respect the conditions, I made mistakes in the last innings but I dug in this time ..."

Amir continued terrorising Indian batsmen with a perfect display of seam bowling, moving the ball either way and landing his deliveries in the perfect areas.

"I would like to congratulate Mohammad Amir for the way he bowled, I actually congratulated him while he was bowling. It was amazing to play such a spell. Counterattacking is the game I play, that's why I bat at no.3 but sometimes you have to respect the conditions and play that way. It is very important to be able to change your shot at the last moment in such conditions ... you need to be switched on mentally, stay calm and relaxed," Kohli added.

The 23-year-old then accounted for Suresh Raina in his second over, thus allowing Pakistan to have a go at India. His figures of 4-0-18-3 was not certainly the best today, but his spell will be remembered for its class.

For the record, early in Pakistan's innings, Indian youngster Hardik Pandya registered a figures of 3.3-0-8-3.

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