Hot News: Toronto Raptors hang on to beat Brooklyn Nets after blowing 26-point lead in ...

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://wpmedia.sports.nationalpost.com/2014/04/pjt-rapsvsnets-8.jpg?w=620&h=412" width="100%"/><br/><br />TORONTO - It seemed like the Brooklyn Nets were done. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were glued to the bench. The fans at the Air Canada Centre were taunting the Nets with the 'Brook-lyn' chant done at the Barclays Centre. This was a feel-good romp.<br/><br />The Toronto Raptors entered the fourth quarter with a 22-point lead. However, when you play as sloppily as the Raptors played, nothing was secure. Amir Johnson handed a pass away to Deron Williams. Chuck Hayes logged some inexplicable minutes. The Raptors started fouling jump-shooters habitually. The offence started to use up all of the 24 seconds in the shot clock, showing no urgency.<br/><br />In fewer than nine minutes, the lead was gone. It completely disappeared on a Joe Johnson three-pointer. Johnson had been the only Net performing in the third quarter.<br/><br />And if not for the exploits of Kyle Lowry, they might have been cooked. After the Nets tied it, Lowry scored seven of his 36 points, including a massive tie-breaking three-pointer. The Raptors escaped with a 115-113 win. They lead the series 3-2, and will now get a shot at closing out the Nets on Friday in Brooklyn.<br/><br />For so long, this was the feel-good performance the fans were hoping for, at least for much of the game. It all came apart, though, as the Nets started the fourth quarter - the frame the Raptors had dominated through four games - on a 34-12 run. Lowry rescued them, however, with two free throws, the three-pointer and a floater. The Raptors forced a miss from Johnson within the final 20 seconds, and DeMar DeRozan hit a pair of free throws to seemingly put the game out of reach.<br/><br />Alan Anderson, however, connected on a four-point play with 9.7 seconds remaining. DeRozan hit two more free throws, and the Nets eventually ran out of time after a smart foul by Patrick Patterson on Andray Blatche.<br/><br />Lowry led the Raptors, and also provided the signature moment - at the end of the first half. With 10 seconds left, he hit a deft floater over Mason Plumlee. After Hayes - who earlier hit a ridiculous 20-foot one-handed jumper - drew a charge, Lowry hit a running three-pointer to beat the buzzer heading in the half. He immediately supplanted Hayes for the craziest shot of the half. Johnson had 30 points for the Nets, 26 of which came in the second half.<br/><br />The end ruined what seemed to be a light, breezy day for the Raptors. Part of the growing that Masai Ujiri and Dwane Casey have spoken about is the maturation of Terrence Ross. The Raptors' starting small forward has had an awful series, shooting just 3-for-17 coming into the game and playing inconsistent defence. The game started off like nothing was going to change. Ross missed his first three shots, and picked up two silly fouls in the third quarter. Yet, you could feel his teammates and fans willing him to success. The Raptors kept swinging the ball to him to shoot - he kept missing. He drove to the rim and tried to dunk over Plumlee, and was rejected by the rim. It felt like progress, somehow.<br/><br />Finally, with 46 seconds left, Vasquez kicked the ball to Ross in the corner by his bench. He drilled it. Ross did not even look excited. Those three points helped contribute to the Raptors' 62, a franchise record for points in a playoff half. He finished with eight. Sticking with Ross is a luxury the Raptors have because of their lack of momentary urgency.<br/><br />All across the league, there are teams with championship aspirations that are labouring in the first round. Chicago went out on Tuesday night, although their circumstances are mitigated by the injury to Derrick Rose; Houston, who acquired Dwight Howard in order to make a run at the Finals, lost three of the first four games to Portland; Oklahoma City, with the league's likely MVP, and Indiana, who had the best record in the Eastern Conference, could be done as early as Thursday night.<br/><br />Now, you can add the expensive Nets to that list of teams. They are being dangled over the edge by the Raptors, who were in turn dangled over the edge by the Nets on Wednesday night.<br/><br />Post By http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/04/30/toronto-raptors-blow-22-point-lead-hang-on-to-beat-brooklyn-nets-in-dramatic-game-5/</div>

Hot News: Toronto Raptors hang on to beat Brooklyn Nets after blowing 26-point lead in ...

TORONTO - It seemed like the Brooklyn Nets were done. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were glued to the bench. The fans at the Air Canada Cent...

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Hot News: Rob Ford taking leave of absence, seeking help for substance abuse

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://i.cbc.ca/1.2416961.1387405342!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_300/rob-ford-video-20131105.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br />Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is taking a leave of absence to seek help for substance abuse amid reports that two new recordings - one of unruly behaviour, the other of apparent drug use - have surfaced.<br/><br />'I have decided to take a leave from campaigning and from my duties as mayor to seek immediate help,' Ford said in a statement released shortly before 11 p.m. ET.<br/><br />'I have a problem with alcohol and the choices I have made while under the influence. I have struggled with this for some time.'<br/><br />'I know that I need professional help,' he added.<br/><br />Ford does not plan to drop out of the election, according to his lawyer, Dennis Morris, who spoke to CBC News earlier in the evening.<br/><br />Morris described the move as 'an opportunity to step back, take a breath and get help' for substance abuse.<br/><br />The news comes amid reports that two new recordings of Ford have surfaced . The Toronto Sun reported late Wednesday it has obtained a new and 'raunchy' audio recording of Ford 'ranting and swearing' in a Toronto-area bar, while the Globe and Mail claims to have seen a second video, shot over the weekend, of Ford smoking what is said to be crack.<br/><br />The news comes amid a rocky re-election campaign in which Ford has repeatedly described himself as a changed man who has learned from the mistakes of his first term as mayor.<br/><br />The Sun posted its recording online. It was reportedlymade Monday night at SullieGorman's, a restaurant in Toronto's west end - deep in Ford's home territory and across the street from a park named for his father, Doug Ford Sr. The mayor is heard being unruly, complaining about his wife, Renata, and making lewd comments about mayoral contender Karen Stintz.<br/><br />Ford is reported to have said, 'I'd like to f-----g jam her,' in reference to Stintz.<br/><br />Ford also complains about Ontario's political leaders agreeing to fly a flag 'ahead of our Canadian flag' - presumably alluding to the rainbow flag flown at the provincial legislature during the Sochi Olympics.<br/><br />Specifically, he criticizes Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak for voting in favour of the motion to fly the flag.<br/><br />'Tim Hudak comes out and says, 'Yeah, I agree with all the gays,'' Ford is heard to say. 'Right there, he lost my vote.'<br/><br />Ford also speaks candidly of the Toronto mayoral race, mentioning that it's really between him and opponent Olivia Chow.<br/><br />The mayor even entertains the notion of losing the election.<br/><br />'I'd rather lose to Olivia Chow than lose to anyone, man,' he said.<br/><br />Ford said then he wouldn't be 'coming back.'<br/><br />'Once I'm done, I'm done. I'm going to California.'<br/><br />​​Stintz's campaign spokesman called Ford's remarks 'deeply offensive' in a statement released Wednesday night.<br/><br />'The comments released tonight by Mayor Rob Ford are deeply offensive to everyone living in Toronto. That a sitting mayor would make such shocking and bigoted remarks is disgusting,' Karl Baldauf said.<br/><br />He said Stintz will address the comments directly 'in the coming days.'<br/><br />John Tory, another contender for Ford's job, said he was 'relieved' to hear the mayor was getting help, but called on Ford to resign.<br/><br />'Like Torontonians across the city, I am deeply disappointed by these revelations of Mayor Ford's behaviour. For the good of the city, I call on Mayor Ford to resign,' Tory said in a statement. Globe claims second crack video<br/><br />The Globe and Mail reported Wednesday it had seen a second video of Ford smoking what appears to be crack cocaine, which the paper said was shot early Saturday morning.<br/><br />The paper said the footage shows Ford smoking from a 'long, copper-coloured pipe, exhaling a cloud of smoke, his right arm convulsing.'<br/><br />The paper said a man who resembles Alessandro'Sandro'Lisi, the mayor's former driver, can be seen in the background. Ford's sister, Kathy, is seen sitting next to Ford.<br/><br />The Globe said the videos were offered for sale by a 'self-professed drug dealer.'<br/><br />Exclusive: New drug video of Rob Ford filmed in his sister's basement; mayor to take leave http://t.co/tonnGFfaKh pic.twitter.com/ai60iYfsUX- The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) May 1, 2014<br/><br />The U.S. gossip site Gawker, which, together with the Toronto Star, was at the centre of Ford's original crack video scandal, said Wednesday it had also been offered the video described by the Globe. The site posted a number of stills.<br/><br />Ford has long denied allegations that he is addicted to drugs or alcohol, though he admits having used crack cocaine during his tenure.<br/><br />The mayor also admitted he had been drinking during an incident in which he was filmed using Jamaican swear words and other profanities at a Toronto restaurant.<br/><br />He vowed last year that he had given up alcohol - part of a campaign to rehabilitate his image in light of his admission.<br/><br /><cite>With files from Jamie Strashin and The Associated Press</cite><br/><br />Post By http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/rob-ford-taking-leave-of-absence-seeking-help-for-substance-abuse-1.2627832</div>

Hot News: Rob Ford taking leave of absence, seeking help for substance abuse

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is taking a leave of absence to seek help for substance abuse amid reports that two new recordings - one of unruly be...

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Hot News: Atlético Madrid blitzes Chelsea to reach the Champions League final

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/penno.gif?w=1000" width="100%"/><br/><br />In the second leg of a Champions League semifinal, where all Chelsea had to do was win at home to earn a spot in the final, it was all too easy to bet on Jose Mourinho. When maligned striker Fernando Torres scored the opening goal to put Chelsea ahead 1-0 on aggregate, it seemed Chelsea was conjuring the same magic that drove them to the 2012 Champions League title.<br/><br />All it took was one defensive mistake from in the final moments of the first half to change everything, and spark Atlético Madrid to the Champions League final in Lisbon.<br/><br />Adrián tucked in a goal past Chelsea backup Mark Schwarzer in the 44th minute after a far-post run and cross from Juanfran, who blazed past a sleeping Eden Hazard.<br/><br />John Terry, who lost his footing at the worst possible time, barely missed deflecting Juanfran's cross. Chelsea, now down an away goal, needed to chase the game in the second half.<br/><br />Atlético never gave Chelsea a chance. Substitute Samuel Eto'o conceded a penalty on the edge of the area just minutes after coming on the pitch, taking out Diego Costa with a poorly timed tackle. Costa stepped to the spot and converted after receiving a yellow card for time wasting.<br/><br />Chelsea had chances to even the game - David Luiz hit the post with a header from a Willian free kick - but Atlético's Arda Turan put the game out of reach in the 72nd. Turan's header from another devastating cross was pushed off the bar, but it rebounded right back to him for an easy finish.<br/><br />It will be an all-Madrid final in Lisbon, as Atlético tries to win its first-ever European Cup. With a four point lead in La Liga, 2014 could be the best year in Atlético's long history by the end of May. It's the fastest-growing sports site ever.<br/><br />Like FTW on Facebook. Follow it on Twitter.<br/><br />Post By http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/04/atletico-madrid-chelsea-mourinho-champions-league</div>

Hot News: Atlético Madrid blitzes Chelsea to reach the Champions League final

In the second leg of a Champions League semifinal, where all Chelsea had to do was win at home to earn a spot in the final, it was all too e...

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Hot News: Charges laid in deadly Nanaimo shooting

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://i2.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videothumbnails/452/643/GBCBC1140430Mayorphoner_tnb_1.jpg?w=670" width="100%"/><br/><br />VANCOUVER - A shooting in south Nanaimo has left four people injured this morning. There are unconfirmed reports two of the victims have died.<br/><br />Global News has yet to confirm the fatalities.<br/><br />Nanaimo RCMP say four people were shot and taken to hospital. The Vancouver Island Health Authority say one person is in critical condition and one is listed as stable but referred questions about the remaining victims to either the coroner and the RCMP, neither of which provided any additional information.<br/><br />The victims were transported to hospital via ground and air. One person was airlifted to Victoria General Hospital while the other three were taken to Nanaimo Regional Hospital.<br/><br />Ian Howat, Nanaimo's acting city manager, alerted councillors that a shooting occurred at the Western Forest Products Mill on Nanaimo's Assembly Wharf at about 7 a.m. Wednesday morning.<br/><br />Global BC viewer Cheryl Johnson contacted us on Facebook as her husband works at the mill. She says a man came into the mill this morning. '[My husband] called me from work at the mill this morning, and a guy came in with a shotgun and a handgun, and shot four people,' she says.<br/><br />A suspect has been arrested, but he has not been identified. There are rumours the man was an ex-employee but that has not been confirmed.<br/><br />About 30 to 40 people work at the mill, but there were less people at work this morning because the mill was not planning on shipping any items today.<br/><br />Captain Edward Dahlgren, director of operations and harbourmaster, says there is no ongoing safety concern and staff have been sent home. They are also asking family members to stay home as well.<br/><br />'We deployed a member to assist in CPR after initial reports,' says Dahlgren, adding that they are now reviewing internal security protocols. <strong>WATCH: Capt. Dahlgren speaks to Sonia Sunger on BC1:</strong><br/><br /><br/><br />Pat Kinney of the United Steelworkers, which represents workers at the mill, also confirmed there had been a shooting but knew little else.<br/><br />'At this point, we don't know if there are any fatalities or the status of the individuals,' he says.<br/><br />'We don't have any names either at this point. (There has been) no mention of the shooter other than he has been apprehended.'<br/><br />Work at the Assembly Wharf has now been shut down with no word on when it will reopen.<br/><br />Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan says it has been an emotional morning in the city.<br/><br />'We're shocked and disappointed obviously,' he says.<br/><br />The mill has undergone a series of restructuring operations over the last decade beginning with closure of its Silvertree sawmill in 2005.<br/><br />It then acquired Cascadia mills and Englewood, and further restructuring took place in 2009 and 2010 in response to weak worldwide lumber markets.<br/><br />The company's corporate office was also relocated to Vancouver. The company has sold off a number of non-core assets since 2008 to pay down long-term debt.<br/><br />We will update this post when more details become available. Nanaimo RCMP will be holding a press conference at 12 and we will be livestreaming it here. - With files from The Canadian Press<br/><br />© Shaw Media, 2014<br/><br />Post By http://globalnews.ca/news/1301120/police-incident-in-south-nanaimo/</div>

Hot News: Charges laid in deadly Nanaimo shooting

VANCOUVER - A shooting in south Nanaimo has left four people injured this morning. There are unconfirmed reports two of the victims have die...

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Hot News: Toronto Raptors see not one, but two lint-roller promotions for Game 5 — one ...

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/f2095aff2fed83480616c863370f4089?s=34&d=mm" width="100%"/><img height="300" src="http://wpmedia.sports.nationalpost.com/2014/04/ikea.jpg?w=620" width="100%"/><br/><br />In the middle of the Toronto Raptors' first playoff win in years, Drake, sitting courtside, pulled out a lint roller and began cleaning his pants with surprising enthusiasm.<br/><br />It turned into a bit of a thing. People made jokes. Fans mimicked the Toronto rapper. Even former NBA star Charles Barkley weighed in.<br/><br />Now everyone's favourite Swedish low-cost furniture retailer is doing its part to make sure the Raptors' playoff run is free of lint.<br/><br />IKEA Canada announced on its Twitter account Wednesday afternoon that it would be giving out lint rollers before the Raptors' game against the Brooklyn Nets that evening.<br/><br />No lint in our house! We're giving out IKEA lint rollers before tonight's game. Details to come. Go T.O. #WeTheNorth http://t.co/zbw78amwFO- IKEA Canada (@IKEACanada) April 30, 2014<br/><br />After splitting games on in Brooklyn, the Raptors return to Toronto for Game 5 with the first-round playoff series tied 2-2.<br/><br />No word on whether Drake, the team's global ambassador, will be in attendance for Wednesday's game. Or the state of his pants.<br/><br />Post By http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/04/30/ikea-to-give-out-lint-rollers-ahead-of-toronto-raptors-game-5-vs-brooklyn-nets/</div>

Hot News: Toronto Raptors see not one, but two lint-roller promotions for Game 5 — one ...

In the middle of the Toronto Raptors' first playoff win in years, Drake, sitting courtside, pulled out a lint roller and began cleaning ...

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Hot News: Ariana Grande's 'Problem' Video Throws Major Shade (Literally): Watch Now

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://t.flux.com/tracking.gif?CUR=mgid:wordpress:post:articles.mtv.com:1818163&CMU=D3FCFFFF0002D51D0002FFFFFCD3&WN=ContentView" width="100%"/><br/><br /><br/><br />The <i>problem</i> before today was that we were hearing a lot of Ariana Grande, but not seeing her. But Ariana solved all of that on Wednesday (April 30) with the lyric video premiere of ' Problem' featuring Iggy Azalea on RollingStone.com.<br/><br />Trust me, there's nothing wrong with listening to the 20-year-old diva. In fact, everything is easy breezy as you listen to her notes reach higher and higher until they finally drift away. But seeing her sing and flirt with us through the camera makes it even better. Did You Hear All The Throwback References In Ariana's 'Problem'? Find Out Here!<br/><br />The black-and-white video throws shade (literally) over Ariana's and Iggy's face as they sing, rap and wink at us underneath a kaleidoscope of light. Their attitude is exuded through an innocent playfulness - a smirk here, some eyelash fluttering there - and you'd never guess they are about to leave their bad-boy boyfriend.<br/><br />'I fell in love with Iggy when I saw this video of her performing 'Work' live, and I just thought she was so original and I loved the way she pronounced her words,' Grande told <i>Rolling Stone</i>. 'I thought we would make the perfect girl-power duo for 'Problem', so I'm very grateful that she did it with me. I love meeting people I admire and discovering that they're really chill human beings and nothing's gone to their head.'<br/><br />Post By http://www.mtv.com/news/1818163/ariana-grande-problem-lyric-video/</div>

Hot News: Ariana Grande's 'Problem' Video Throws Major Shade (Literally): Watch Now

The problem before today was that we were hearing a lot of Ariana Grande, but not seeing her. But Ariana solved all of that on Wednesday (A...

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Hot News: Atletico ease past Chelsea to set up all-Spanish Champions League final

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/af5/incoming/article18344530.ece/ALTERNATES/w140/AA15-SOCCER-CHAMPIONS+.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br />Atletico Madrid produced an inspired display of counter-attacking soccer to beat Chelsea 3-1 in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday and set up an all-Spanish final against city rivals Real.<br/><br />Goals from Adrian Lopez, a penalty from Diego Costa and Arda Turan gave Atletico a 3-1 aggregate victory after last week's goalless draw in Madrid and put them into the final of Europe's elite competition for the first time since 1974.<br/><br /><br/><br />Chelsea's Fernando Torres is congratulated by Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring a goal against Atletico Madrid during their Champion's League semi-final second leg soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London April 30, 2014. Reuters In photos<br/><br />Chelsea took the lead after 36 minutes when former Atletico favourite Fernando Torres scored with a deflected shot, but the goal inspired the La Liga leaders who will meet their neighbours in the first European final to feature two clubs from the same city in Lisbon on May 24.<br/><br />Chelsea midfielder Willian started the move that led to the opening goal and turned his marker wide on the right before Cesar Azpilicueta, playing in an unfamiliar midfield role, set up the chance for Torres who clipped the ball home via a deflection off Mario Suarez.<br/><br />Atletico took advantage of poor Chelsea defending for the equaliser a minute before halftime when the home team failed to clear a floated cross from Thiago to the unmarked Juanfran who stole in at the far post.<br/><br />He crossed for Adrian Lopez whose shot bounced down on its way into the net in the 44th minute.<br/><br />Veteran Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer rolled back the years in the second minute of the second half with a stunning two-handed reflex save from Turan who took advantage of more poor defending to rifle in a blistering angled shot.<br/><br />Atletico, who held the away goal advantage with the score at 1-1, refused to sit back and were rewarded after an hour when Samuel Eto'o, who had replaced Ashley Cole, fouled Diego Costa to concede a penalty.<br/><br />Diego Costa blasted the ball past Schwarzer to make it 2-1 before Turan sealed a glorious victory with the third goal as Chelsea collapsed at the back.<br/><br />David Luiz hit the post for Chelsea but they were totally outplayed in the second half and Atletico ran out deserved winners.<br/><br />Post By http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/atletico-ease-past-chelsea-to-set-up-all-spanish-champions-league-final/article18347558/</div>

Hot News: Atletico ease past Chelsea to set up all-Spanish Champions League final

Atletico Madrid produced an inspired display of counter-attacking soccer to beat Chelsea 3-1 in the Champions League semi-final second leg o...

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Hot News: 'The Voice' Top 10 Results: One Contestant Gets Saved By a Landslide

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/publish-images/music/2013-10-16/de1bd55b-3cb4-4274-8f6d-3f187f8734af_lparker.png" width="100%"/><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br />Not to gloat, but on Monday, I predicted this week's 'Voice' bottom three would be Bria Kelly, Tess Boyer, and Kat Perkins. And on Tuesday, on the top 10 live results show, the bottom three comprised Bria Kelly, Tess Boyer, and Kat Perkins.<br/><br />No, I don't have any psychic powers. My name is not Miss Cleo. Even before this week's iTunes numbers were tallied (Bria and Tess were the only two contestants who didn't make the top 100), it was easy to guess that Bria, whose Avril cover had been a manic mess, and Tess, whose Paramore performance had been competent but forgettable, would be in trouble. As for Kat, her 'Landslide' performance was fantastic, and she actually charted on iTunes at a respectable number 32, but she sang first Monday, in the 'death spot'... and besides, female hard-rock singers generally don't tend to do well in TV singing competitions.<br/><br />So the bottom three performed once last time Tuesday, before fans (well, East Coast fans, at least) could tweet to instantly save one of them. Bria, her confidence shattered and her youthful fragility on full display, practically sobbed her way through a screechy cover of Heart's 'Crazy on You' that was not only nowhere near an Ann Wilson level, but wasn't up to par with her past great performances. She'd completely lost her mojo.<br/><br />Then Tess sulked through a lackluster cover of Pink's 'Who Knew,' seemingly deflated after having to sing for her life for the second time this season. Only Kat truly brought it, delivering a fiery version of Grace Potter's 'Paris (Ooh La La)' that had, according to an onscreen graphic, 58 percent of the 'Voice'-tweeting public hashtagging in Kat's honor. Kat was leading by a landslide, so to speak.<br/><br />While host Carson Daly killed some time before the final verdict was announced, Blake Shelton told Bria: 'If you would've told me at the beginning of this season that you'd be in this situation right now, I'd say you were crazy. You were always one of the frontrunners and favorites.' Gee, I am sure this made Bria, who was choking back tears, feel even worse.<br/><br />Usher probably didn't make Tess feel any better when he issued this passive-aggressive kiss-off: 'I'm so happy that you made it this far, but unfortunately, your back is up against the wall. It's great to know that you've been able to grow here. Everybody on this panel had a part in you being who you are and helping you in your process.' (Translation: Buh-bye.)<br/><br />So, yes, of course Team Adam's Kat got the Instant Save, and deservedly so. Adam Levine boldly declared, 'Typically when someone is in the bottom three, it usually means the week after, they tend to go home. But this girl deserves to go all the way... She's going to beat the odds by staying till the end, I'll tell you right now.'<br/><br />We'll see if Adam's prophecy comes true, but it should be noted that after just the second live elimination night of Season 6, popular original coaches Adam and Blake have totally intact teams, while newer coaches Usher and Shakira are already down to only one contestant apiece. Yes, Usher's Delvin Choice and Shakira's Kristen Merlin - two of this week's best performers - each have a shot of winning, but it's beginning to look like there will be a gloating Adam or Blake in the winner's circle again, on this season's finale. Those two are just unstoppable.<br/><br />Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani sure are going to have their work cut out for them when they join this show next season.<br/><br />Post By http://embed.ly/docs/explore/extract?url=https://music.yahoo.com/blogs/reality-rocks/-the-voice--top-10-results--one-contestant-gets-saved-by-a-landslide-013646089.html</div>

Hot News: 'The Voice' Top 10 Results: One Contestant Gets Saved By a Landslide

Not to gloat, but on Monday, I predicted this week's 'Voice' bottom three would be Bria Kelly, Tess Boyer, and Kat Perkins. And ...

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Hot News: Why 'Mean Girls' Still Matters, 10 Years Later

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://blogs-images.forbes.com/scottmendelson/files/2014/04/23lo028.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br />Today is the tenth anniversary of Mean Girls. The film, directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, opened on April 30th, 2004 and earned a surprising $24.4 million over its debut weekend. The Paramount Pictures release had garnered solid reviews and eventually went on to earn a terrific $129m worldwide off a $17m budget. The picture of course lived on via DVD and endless television loops. Ten years later, still ranks as one of the very best films ever made about high school girls. More importantly, it is worthwhile in both the story it chose to tell and who got a career bump. It was a female-centric comedy, with copious well-written female characters, where romance wasn't the central issue and where the main female characters were not man-hungry lunatics. And it was the women associated with the picture who got career boosts. Ten years ago, Mean Girls was a great movie. But that it now counts as an important movie is arguably not entirely worthy of celebration.<br/><br />I would never ever call any actor failing to get consistent high-quality work a good thing, but it is notable that it was the girls, rather than the boys, who got career boosts. It helped launch the careers of Amanda Seyfried and Rachel McAdams, while giving ever-more credibility to a pre- 30 Rock Tina Fey. It launched Lindsey Lohan into (perhaps premature) stardom. Even Lizzy Caplan eventually became a cult favorite in the indie crowd. But the men associated with Mean Girls didn't get any real bump from the picture. There aren't a ton of men in the film in the first place, which is something else worth noting. Conversely, Jonathan Bennett (as Lohan's crush and eventual squeeze) and Daniel Franzese (as Lizzy Caplan's gay best buddy) didn't exactly shoot to the upper ranks of Hollywood, while Rajiv Surendra basically never acted again. Tim Meadows, already a longtime Saturday Night Live veteran, works relatively steadily but was (make of this what you will) still willing to reprise his role as the principal in the direct-to-DVD (and terrible) Mean Girls 2 in 2011.<br/><br />The break-out stars of Mean Girls were the girls themselves, which is rarer than you'd think. What makes Mean Girls interesting from a narrative point-of-view is that it's a female-centric picture that tells what would usually be a male escapist fantasy. If you're wondering why film critics often seem to judge female-centric films on a harsher scale than male ones, it's partially (aside from the whole 'we judge female characters in a different morality scale because girls have cooties' bit) because of the difference in what qualifies as a female escapist fantasy versus a male escapist fantasy. To put it (very) simply, one variation of the male escapist fantasy usually involves selfish men who learn to be a little less selfish and get respect and a hot girl as their prize ( Die Hard, Transformers, Iron Man, etc.). The female escapist fantasy is more along the lines of female characters indulging in their own selfish desires without being judged or punished. Think Twilight, Sex and the City, Labor Day, or the million romantic comedies that are about a woman's relentless pursuit of guys.<br/><br />In simplistic terms (I wrote about this in far more detail this one back when I first started blogging), one indulges in a guy's desire to be the hero without changing too much about himself, while the other indulges a woman's desire to not be the responsible party and throw caution to the wind. Men, who are expected in society to be selfish, are given a selfless arc while women, expected to be the caregivers and the selfless ones in society, are given films that celebrate a little selfishness. One is about selfish people stepping up for the greater good of others while the other involves selfless people being allowed to be selfish for awhile. Thus romantic comedies often seeming celebrate the selfish female lead while male fantasies celebrate a selfish boy becoming a slightly less selfish man through a hero's journey. If you're now screaming at the screen that 'Wait, girls want to be the hero too!' and/or 'Not all men are selfish pigs!', I agree with you. And that, I'd argue is part of what makes Mean Girls resonate beyond merely the hearty laughs and sharp character work. It acknowledges both of those primal truths.<br/><br />It's the rarest of rare things, a female-centric film that operates as a traditional male-escapist film yet tells its hero's journey without resorting to giving the female lead a weapon and screaming 'Empowerment!'. Lohan's lead grows up just a little, sacrifices just a little, and becomes a better person while also snagging the token hot guy at the end. It's a female centric film that operates on the rules of male escapist fantasy. It is an empowering film not because the female lead kills people, is in an arbitrary position of authority or even stands up to men in authority, but because it is a female comedy about women and about issues arguably specific to young women as they grow up in the educational system. It is the very definition of nutritious and delicious. It would be a great film if it were merely hilarious. It would be a worthwhile film purely for its thematic elements. But that it has both is what makes it a genuinely important motion picture.<br/><br />What's also notable about the ten-year anniversary of Mean Girls is what's dispiriting about the ten-year anniversary of Mean Girls. One of the reasons we're still talking about it is because there were so few other films like in over the last ten years. The success of <i>Mean Girls</i> didn't see a stampede of female-centric comedies. In fact, give or take an occasional Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Mean Girls arrived right on the tipping point of when female-centric mainstream cinema truly started to become a niche. As the DVD market slowed down and studios began chasing the four-quadrant global blockbuster, which usually male full of dudes with one or two hot girls to put on the poster, the kind of female-centric film that might make $150 million worldwide became an afterthought in the industry priority list.<br/><br />In the late 1990′s and early 2000′s, we saw mainstream female-centric comedies like Bring It On, Legally Blonde,and Dick and didn't give it much mind. Even the 1980′s had films like Dirty Dancing and Working Girl as a matter of course, or gender-neutral adventures like Space Camp (three guys, three gals). Today a film like Mean Girls would be seen as a genuine aberration and some kind of cultural milestone by virtue of its very existence, which is beyond sad. That Mean Girls is as good as it is should be celebrated. That Mean Girls became something of a remnant of a bygone era should be mourned. Ten years later, Mean Girls remains one of the great mainstream comedies of the last decade. It inspired a legion of catchphrases and gave a boost to nearly every single female in the cast ( Lacey Chabert was the unlucky one). It was not just a great film and a genuinely laugh-out-loud comedy, but it is a shining example of the fact that female-centric films that don't revolve around men or even stereo typically male-centric war/action scenarios can make money and can have an impact on the cultural zeitgeist.<br/><br />It is everything we claim we want in our female-centric pop entertainment, in terms of quality, in terms of gender representation, and in terms of how it tells its story. It is not a story about a 'strong-willed and independent female' in a male-dominated landscape. It is a story about a bunch of distinct, three-dimensional, and explicitly fallible female characters going through their own respective journeys with boys on the side if present at all. I adore Mean Girls and consider it a genuine 'modern classic.' My generation grew up with the blazing feminist and progressive Dirty Dancing. The last generation grew up with Mean Girls. I sincerely hope the young women of today get a 'new classic' of their own to grow up with. Or, even better, more than just one. Ten years ago, Mean Girls proved female-centric comedies could be critically-acclaimed, make real money, and make stars out of its female leads. Today, I still challenge Hollywood to do better.<br/><br />Post By http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/04/30/why-mean-girls-still-matters-10-years-later/</div>

Hot News: Why 'Mean Girls' Still Matters, 10 Years Later

Today is the tenth anniversary of Mean Girls. The film, directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, opened on April 30th, 2004 and earn...

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Best External Protective Battery iPhone 2400mAh

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><center><br /><h2>Best uNu Power DX PLUS External Protective Battery Case for iPhone 4S and 4 2400mAh - MFI Apple Certified (Matte Black, Fits All Models iPhone 4S/4)</h2><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href='http://tinyurl.com/lzegvrt' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img alt="uNu Power" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41z6-C7lK2L._SL2000_.jpg" vspace="0"/> </a> </center><br /><br/><br /><div style='clear:both;text-align:center;' class='separator'><a href='http://tinyurl.com/lzegvrt' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img border="0" height="53" src="http://goo.gl/l551sS" width="320"/> </a> </div><br /><br/><br /><h3>This is My Opinion About This Product</h3><br /><br/><br />After I buy this New uNu Power DX PLUS External Protective Battery Case for iPhone 4S and 4 2400mAh - MFI Apple Certified (White/Sliver, Fits All Models iPhone 4S/4) (Wireless Phone Accessory)<br /><div class='reviewText'><br /><div style='float:left;padding:3px 20px 10px 0px;'><br /><div class='flashPlayer' id='cv_mo2YNET0WCQ46F5flashPlayerID' align='left'><br /><table cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0'><br /><tr><br /><td align='center' valign='top'><br /><table cellspacing='0px' cellpadding='0px'><br /><tr><br /><td valign='top'><br /><div id='cv_mo2YNET0WCQ46F5chiDiv'> </div><br /><div style='display:none;' id='cv_mo2YNET0WCQ46F5hiddenPre'><br /><div style='' id='cv_mo2YNET0WCQ46F5videoPlaceholder'><br /><div style='overflow:visible;' id='cv_mo2YNET0WCQ46F5clipDiv'><br /><div id='cv_mo2YNET0WCQ46F5flashcontent'><img alt="Click to watch this video" border="0" id="cv_mo2YNET0WCQ46F5preplayImageId" name="cv_mo2YNET0WCQ46F5preplayImageId" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71u3qH75gSS._SX320_PHcustomer-video-vignette_PIvideo-reviews-bottom,BottomLeft,0,43_OU01_PIcustomer-video-play,BottomLeft,130,-12_CR0,0,0,0_.png"/> </div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><noscript><img alt="Click to watch this video" border="0" id="cv_mo2YNET0WCQ46F5preplayImageId" name="cv_mo2YNET0WCQ46F5preplayImageId" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71u3qH75gSS._SX320_PHcustomer-video-vignette_PIvideo-reviews-bottom,BottomLeft,0,43_OU01_PIcustomer-video-play,BottomLeft,130,-12_CR0,0,0,0_.png"/> </noscript> </td><br /></tr><br /></table><br /></td><br /></tr><br /></table><br /></div><br /><div id='cmuVideoCaption' class='cmuCaption'> </div><br /></div><br /><span class='tiny'>Length:: 4:53 Mins<br/> </span>I've had such positive experiences with the DX-1700 by uNu that when I saw the DX Plus I knew I had to get my hands on it and see for myself if the DX Plus is a worthy successor. Dissatisfied by the majority of existing reviews on the DX Plus, I decided to create something that would give the average consumer, like me, a glimpse of the product before committing to a purchase.<br/><br />As a consultant, I run a hectic schedule that demands mobility and flexibility. Being on a conference call for an hour while driving or working at a client site can be taxing on my iPhone's battery, which initially led me to look for a viable solution to additional battery power. Enter the DX Plus.<br/><br />The Good:<br/><br />1. Competitively priced with a great balance of quality and reliability.<br/><br />2. The DX Plus echoes the aesthetics of the iPhone's design, especially the glossy white and silver trim. And speaking of design, the battery case feels like a cohesive unit. No clumsy wires or additional cables to carry around.<br/><br />3. It works, and then some. I can go an entire day without plugging in my phone to a wall charger, and that includes web surfing, sending/reading emails, and running various apps.<br/><br />The Bad:<br/><br />1. The DX Plus will add some considerable bulk to your slim iPhone.<br/><br />2. The DX Plus adds extra weight.<br/><br />Bottom-line:<br/><br />At 2,400mah, the DX Plus was aimed at a specific target market - power users. That's 10 hours of extra talk time! I've checked the power capacities of other brands and the DX Plus has more juice than most. Indeed, this thing will make your iPhone feel like a mini-tank, but in my humble opinion that's a small tradeoff for the convenience and peace of mind in knowing that you won't be stuck without power when you need it most.</div><br /></div>

Best External Protective Battery iPhone 2400mAh

Best uNu Power DX PLUS External Protective Battery Case for iPhone 4S and 4 2400mAh - MFI Apple Certified (Matte Black, Fits All Models iPho...

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Hot News: Chris Paul nearly tearful in Clippers' first home game since Donald Sterling's ...

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/388/2012/05/28/01-expert-feat-posts-70x70-png_230455.png" width="100%"/><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br />LOS ANGELES - Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers players ran onto the floor for warm-ups for the first time in the Donald Sterling-less era with no idea how their fans would react. They didn't even know if there would be fans in Staples Center to react.<br/><br />But with Drake's song, 'Trophies,' blaring in the background, the weary Clippers ran out to a roaring standing ovation from a packed house that nearly brought Paul to tears.<br/><br />'I'm an emotional person,' Paul said. 'So running out for warm-ups, it took everything not to break down. That is something I will never forget forever.'<br/><br />It hasn't been easy to be a Clippers player since news broke last Saturday that the owner, Sterling, told a woman in a taped conversation that she shouldn't publicly display pictures taken with black people nor take them to Clippers games. The report brought anti-Sterling reaction from President Obama, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Jesse Jackson and LeBron James, among others.<br/><br />Clippers players and coaches contemplated boycotting Game 4 against the host Golden State Warriors in response. Clippers players quickly decided against such action that would have evoked memories of past memorable athletic stances for blacks made by Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, John Carlos and Jim Brown. Instead prior to tip-off of Game 4, the Clippers players opted for a silent protest by tossing their warm-up jackets with the word 'Clippers' on the front, wore their shooting shorts inside out and wore black socks and wristbands.<br/><br />Worn down from the Sterling news, the Clippers were hammered 118-97 in a series-tying loss to the Warriors in Game 4.<br/><br />'We didn't air it out enough because Sunday we weren't as locked in as we should've been,' Clippers guard J.J. Redick said. 'Whether it was private conversations that guys had or with their families, guys just had to get their emotions off their chest.'<br/><br />When asked why the Clippers didn't boycott Game 4, Paul said: 'That's something I'll probably talk about later. It crossed my mind. But we played. We play for each other. We play for our fans.'<br/><br />NBA Players Association vice president Roger Mason, Jr., told Yahoo Sports he is confident that the Clippers would have boycotted Game 5 if the NBA didn't have a strong ruling on Sterling. Mason said the minimum punishment sought by the players' union was Sterling being removed as Clippers owner. Without that, Mason said the six NBA teams playing in the playoffs on Tuesday were prepared to boycott their games.<br/><br />New NBA commissioner Adam Silver cooled the boycott talk by announcing early Tuesday afternoon that Sterling would be banned from the NBA for life, would face a maximum fine of $2.5 million and the league would try to force him to sell the team. The Clippers got the news during a post-shootaround film session and breathed a deep sigh of relief afterward.<br/><br />'I thought the commissioner and the NBA was going to take some action,' Griffin said. 'I honestly didn't think it was going to be as big as it was. But I think it definitely made sense and I think it was the right thing to do.'<br/><br />Paul said that Silver, who replaced the now-retired David Stern in February, is the 'right man for the job' and has been 'amazing' so far.<br/><br />'It put a lot of guys in that locker room's minds at ease,' Paul said. 'It definitely has been tough the last few days. But we've been getting through it.'<br/><br />Said Clippers guard Jamal Crawford: 'I'm just glad we do have closure.'<br/><br />The strongest voice for the Clippers through the Sterling situation wasn't any of the players. Rather, Clippers first-year coach Doc Rivers. While Paul said his family gave him strong support, Paul also credited Rivers for keeping the players sane through it all.<br/><br />'We are blessed and fortunate to have a guy like Doc Rivers leading us through this,' Paul said. 'I couldn't imagine having another coach who was there to communicate with us through this and ask us how we feel and not just tell us we're going to do this and we're going to do that. He actually listened to us throughout this entire thing. It was pretty special.'<br/><br />A force of police and security were inside and outside of Staples Center just in case there were some protests or tomfoolery. The Silver announcement, however, calmed a lot of the Clippers fans' anger and fears, and made them comfortable cheering their team in Game 5's 113-103 victory over the Warriors on Tuesday night. Clippers fans wore T-shirts and held signs condemning Sterling and expressing their love for the team by chanting, 'We Are One.'<br/><br />The Clippers can advance to the second round with a Game 6 win over the host Warriors on Thursday.<br/><br />'I thought they had great mental toughness [Tuesday night] and really wanted to win this game,' Rivers said. 'And [Tuesday night], they did that. So I'm really proud of them.'<br/><br />Said Redick: 'It would be ideal not to come back here for Game 7. Obviously, the pressure is on them.'<br/><br />The NBA did make a decision on Sterling, but nothing is etched in stone right now.<br/><br />Clippers ownership is up in the air. Long-time team executive Andy Roeser is suddenly running the Clippers in the interim. While Rivers said the NBA's decision on Sterling helped, he didn't commit to returning to next season. But even with all the uncertainty, the Sterling decision at least allows the Clippers players to finally concentrate on their lone safe haven of late in the game of basketball.<br/><br />'This thing isn't over,' Paul said. 'Right now it's about the healing process and us getting back to what we're supposed to do. And that's play basketball.'<br/><br />Post By http://embed.ly/docs/explore/extract?url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/chris-paul-nearly-tearful-in-clippers--first-home-game-since-donald-sterling-s-racist-remarks-085611005.html</div>

Hot News: Chris Paul nearly tearful in Clippers' first home game since Donald Sterling's ...

LOS ANGELES - Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers players ran onto the floor for warm-ups for the first time in the Donald Sterling-less...

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Hot News: British actor John Boyega is set to appear in Star Wars VII - but who is he?

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article3477356.ece/alternates/s615/John-Boyega.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br />The relative unknown will be joining veteran Star Wars cast members Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher<br/><br /><br/><br />Rex John beat off stiff competition for a 'main role' in the latest Star Wars flick<br/><br />After month of anticipation, the cast list of Stars Wars VII has finally been announced.<br/><br />And the roll call is a mixture of familiar faces, like Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, as well as a few 'who?' moments.<br/><br />One surprise is 22-year-old British actor John Boyega, best known for the 2011 film Attack the Block, about a teenage gang defending their neighbourhood from aliens.<br/><br />So, what do we know about him?<br/><br />John was born in Peckham, London, to Nigerian parents. He caught the acting bug early and made a compelling appearance as a leopard in a primary school play when he was five.<br/><br />The new cast of Star Wars VII make small talk<br/><br />He went on to study acting at the Identity Drama School in Hackney and won roles in productions with the National and Tricycle Theatres before his breakthrough role in Attack the Block.<br/><br />The cult film helped launch his career and he went on to star in 2012 film My Murder, gangster movie Imperial Dreams earlier this year and is set to appear in the upcoming season of 24, called 24: Live Another Day.<br/><br />John is rumoured to have bagged a 'main role' in Star Wars VII, and is thought to have beaten off competition from the likes of Breaking Bad's Jesse Plemons and Downton Abbey's Ed Speleers.<br/><br />He'll be the first black lead in the series, if you don't count James Earl Jones who voiced Darth Vader.<br/><br />Did you know we have a TV & film page on Facebook? Check us out here.<br/><br />Post By http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/star-wars-7-john-boyega-3478326</div>

Hot News: British actor John Boyega is set to appear in Star Wars VII - but who is he?

The relative unknown will be joining veteran Star Wars cast members Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher Rex John beat off stiff competition for ...

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Hot News: Chelsea v Atletico Madrid, Champions League semi-final live

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02897/trophy_2897421a.gif" width="100%"/><br/><br /><strong>18.23</strong> Chelsea have informed Uefa that they will be handing in their team-sheet at 6.29pm. This is the latest possible moment. More mind games from Chelsea?<br/><br /><strong>18.05</strong> As part of the general Uefa-ness that seems to accompany the latter stages of this competition, the Champions League trophy got taken for a walk today. Squint and you could just about convince yourself that it was Romelu Lukaku and Rafa Benitez doing the heavy lifting.<br/><br /><br/><br /><strong>17.30</strong> The Big Bang, most scientists now seem to agree, took place about 13.7 billion years ago - or 4,600 years ago if you're reading this in the United States.<br/><br />So intense was the explosion that created the known universe - they named it well! - that most of the cosmic background radiation it created is still around today. In fact, it accounts for around 99.9 per cent of all the light particles in the known universe. (The rest is stars, nebulae and galaxies - in other words, the stuff you actually see.)<br/><br />Here on Earth, where there's plenty of other matter like air and water and fried food to distract us, the afterglow radiation isn't at all easy to detect. It was only discovered in 1965, when scientists at Bell Labs in New Jersey noticed some strange radio interference that they couldn't quite explain.<br/><br />At first they thought it was bird crap. Instead, it was radiation left over from the Big Bang. Still, they realised their mistake and won themselves a Nobel Prize.<br/><br />There may not be that much of it, but it is still there. On average, there are around 300 photons of Big Bang radiation in every cubic centimetre of space. It accounts for about one per cent of the static on your television.<br/><br />That background radiation is a lot like football. It may not be that easy to detect amid the wash of press conference chatter, the clanking fists of a billion pub bores, the monotonous churn of a thousand verbally incontinent ex-pros, the silent swill of internet comment forums, the cynical bleating and brainless publicity stunts of the betting industry and the idle ire of social media, but it is definitely there. And it's on nights like this - a Champions League semi-final, the tie in the balance, glory so close you can also sniff it - that it becomes a little easier to identify.<br/><br />Either Atletico Madrid or Chelsea will reach the Champions League final tonight. A minimum of 90 minutes of football will be played to decide which it is. Can't put it any simpler than that, really. Enjoy.<br/><br />---<br/><br /><strong>Chelsea</strong> are ready for the<strong>Champions League</strong> semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid following their 2-0 triumph at Liverpool, writes <strong>Jeremy Wilson</strong>.<br/><br />'<strong>The Chelsea manager</strong> has claimed that Brendan Rodgers backed down from his outspoken criticism of Chelsea's style of football during an exchange of text messages on Tuesday and believes that the<strong>Liverpool</strong> manager now understands why his team were defeated 2-0 on Sunday.<br/><br />'Rodgers had accused <strong>Chelsea</strong> of 'parking two buses' at Anfield and, after the two managers did not shake hands on the final whistle, pointedly contrasted his philosophy with that of the Chelsea boss.<br/><br />'He will probably shove his CV and say it works but it's not my way of working,' Rodgers said. 'I like to take the initiative in games and let players express themselves.'<br/><br /><strong>Read the rest of the article...</strong><br/><br />Post By http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/champions-league/10798030/chelsea-atletico-madrid-champions-league-live.html</div>

Hot News: Chelsea v Atletico Madrid, Champions League semi-final live

18.23 Chelsea have informed Uefa that they will be handing in their team-sheet at 6.29pm. This is the latest possible moment. More mind gam...

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Hot News: Bob Hoskins dead at 71 2:08

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://i.cbc.ca/1.1891571.1380781413!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_620/hi-bob-hoskins-1974631-8col.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br />British actor Bob Hoskins, whose varied career ranged from noir drama Mona Lisa to animated fantasy Who Framed Roger Rabbit, has died aged 71.<br/><br />A family statement released Wednesday by agent Clair Dobbs said Hoskins died in a hospital after a bout of pneumonia. <strong>Bob Hoskins: partial filmography</strong><br/><br />A versatile character actor capable of menace, quiet poignancy and Cockney charm, London-raised Hoskins appeared in some of the most acclaimed British films of the past few decades, including gangster classic The Long Good Friday.<br/><br />He specialized in tough guys with a soft centre, including the ex-con who chaperones Cathy Tyson's escort in Neil Jordan's 1986 film Mona Lisa. Hoskins was nominated for a best-actor Academy Award for the role.<br/><br />His Hollywood breakthrough came as a detective investigating cartoon crime in the part-animated 1988 hit Who Framed Roger Rabbit. He also played the pirate Smee in Steven Spielberg's 1991 Peter Pan movie Hook.<br/><br />In 2012 Hoskins announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and was retiring from acting.<br/><br />His last role was as one of the seven dwarves in Snow White & The Huntsman, starring Kristen Stewart.<br/><br />'We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Bob,' said a statement from wife Linda and children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack.<br/><br />Post By http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/bob-hoskins-dead-at-71-1.2626773</div>

Hot News: Bob Hoskins dead at 71 2:08

British actor Bob Hoskins, whose varied career ranged from noir drama Mona Lisa to animated fantasy Who Framed Roger Rabbit, has died aged 7...

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Hot News: Champions League: Chelsea host Atletico Madrid in semi-final second leg

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://e1.365dm.com/14/04/660x350/champions-league-chelsea-atletico-madrid_3132812.jpg?20140428164103" width="100%"/><br/><br />All to play for as Chelsea and Atletico Madrid try to reach the Champions League final<br/><br />Chelsea and Atletico Madrid meet at Stamford Bridge for the right to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final.<br/><br />Real booked their place in the Lisbon showpiece on Tuesday as they inflicted a humbling defeat on reigning champions Bayern Munich.<br/><br />Carlo Ancelotti and his troops will be interested spectators 24 hours on as they wait to discover who they will meet in the battle to be crowned continental kings.<br/><br />There is still all to play for in Chelsea's semi-final clash with Atletico, with a goalless first leg in Spain leaving the tie intriguingly poised.<br/><br />Jose Mourinho faced criticism for his lack of adventure in Vicente Calderon, but a game plan which was designed to ensure that the Blues remained in the contest ahead of a return date in west London was executed perfectly.<br/><br />Goals will now be required on home soil and Chelsea have received positive news on the injury front ahead of a crucial clash, with influential figures such as John Terry, Samuel Eto'o and Eden Hazard ready to step back into the fold.<br/><br />Mourinho has made no secret of the fact that sealing a third Champions League success in his glittering managerial career has become his top priority, but he and his players will have taken considerable heart from Sunday's 2-0 victory over Liverpool which fired them back into the Premier League title race.<br/><br />Jose - Terry and Hazard are ready<br/><br />Atletico are also in formidable form at present, though, and continue to hold a four-point lead at the top of the La Liga standings.<br/><br />They are unbeaten in their last 14 games in all competitions, with 11 victories secured during a run which has seen them dominate at home and dash the European dreams of heavyweight foes such as AC Milan and Barcelona.<br/><br />It is 40 years since Atletico last graced a European Cup final, and they have never taken the crown, while Chelsea are looking to complete a memorable hat-trick having tasted Champions League and Europa League glory in each of the past two seasons.<br/><br />Both sides also have the added incentive of wanting to face Real in the final, with Mourinho a former boss at Santiago Bernabeu and Atletico determined to prove to their cross-city rivals that they are THE force to be reckoned with in the Spanish capital. Chelsea<br/><br />Chelsea captain John Terry, midfielder Eden Hazard and striker Samuel Eto'o are all in contention for starting berths after shaking off ankle, calf and knee complaints respectively.<br/><br />Mark Schwarzer is expected to start in goal, as, despite Petr Cech (shoulder) appearing for training with the squad on Tuesday, the Czech goalkeeper will not feature.<br/><br />Branislav Ivanovic is likely to play right-back with Cesar Azpilicueta switching to the left to push Ashley Cole out of the starting XI, while Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel (both suspended) and Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah (both ineligible) are out. A Madrid<br/><br />For Atletico, midfielder Gabi will miss the second leg through suspension after picking up a yellow card in the first leg.<br/><br />Defender Javi Manquillo has been included in Diego Simeone's travelling squad, but he is not expected to play any part in proceedings as he continues to nurse a neck injury.<br/><br />The visitors have no other selection worries, with striker Diego Costa continuing his return from injury by featuring in the 1-0 victory over Valencia at the weekend. Opta stats<br/><br />Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 16 clashes with Spanish sides in the Champions League (W6 D10), with their last defeat coming against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in February 2006. Atletico have travelled to England nine times previously in European competition (excluding qualifiers); winning only once (at Leicester City in September 1997, D4 L4). Chelsea have never lost a semi-final leg in any European competition at home (W8 D4; in any of Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners Cup and Fairs Cup). Previous game's starting line-ups<br/><br />8 Garcia 9 Villa<br/><br />Post By http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/310945/preview</div>

Hot News: Champions League: Chelsea host Atletico Madrid in semi-final second leg

All to play for as Chelsea and Atletico Madrid try to reach the Champions League final Chelsea and Atletico Madrid meet at Stamford Bridge f...

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Hot News: NBA slaps big punishment on LA Clippers owner

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://i0.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videothumbnails/491/283/GNEWS-NBA-PRESSER_640x360_241036867994.jpg?w=670" width="100%"/><strong>LATEST UPDATES:</strong> NBA confirms the voice heard on the recording released was that of Donald Sterling NBA bans Sterling for life from any association with the NBA Sterling has also been fined $2.5 million Players protest, show signs of solidarity More corporate sponsors end deals with the Clippers<br/><br />The NBA has smacked down a lifetime ban and $2.5 million fine against Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling following racist and 'hateful' comments he admitted to making. <strong>NBA bans Sterling for life, Silver will push for sale of Clippers</strong><br/><br />The league launched an investigation after an audio recording of a man identified as Sterling - using racially charged comments and urging a girlfriend not to bring black people to his team's games - was obtained and released by TMZ and Deadspin.<br/><br />After facing considerable pressure to deal swiftly with the allegations against Sterling, Silver announced Tuesday he will issue a lifetime ban against Sterling, barring him from any league and team activities.<br/><br />Making no effort to hide his outrage, Silver called Sterling's comments 'hateful,' adding the NBA owner's views are 'deeply offensive and harmful.'<br/><br />'We stand together in condemning Mr. Sterling's views,' Silver said. 'They simply have no place in the NBA.'<br/><br />Sterling is immediately banned from attending any NBA games or practices. He may not be present at any Clippers facility or participate in any business involving the team.<br/><br />Silver also announced a $2.5 million fine against Sterling, the maximum amount allowable according to league rules. Silver said the money would be donated to anti-discrimination organizations that would be jointly selected by the NBA and Players Association.<br/><br />Additionally, Silver said he would do everything in his power to force a sale of the L.A. Clippers.<br/><br />The Sterling scandal is Silver's first true test as league commissioner since David Stern's retirement in February.<br/><br />Silver said that the league's investigation determined the voice on the recording was in fact him Sterling - though he offered no other comments about the content of the recordings.<br/><br />This isn't the first time Sterling has been the centre of controversy. He's faced federal charges of civil rights violations and racial discrimination. He's been sued for sexual harassment by former employees.<br/><br />Following Silver's announcement Tuesday, the L.A. Clippers website redirected users to a black screen and the words 'We Are One.' <strong>Condemnation pours in, fall-out continues following racist rant</strong><br/><br />The racist comments made by Sterling have been widely condemned within the NBA.<br/><br />Charlotte Bobcats owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan said in a statement released Sunday he was disgusted that a team owner 'could hold such sickening and offensive views.'<br/><br />'As a former player, I'm completely outraged. There is no room in the NBA - or anywhere else - for the kind of racism and hatred that Mr. Sterling allegedly expressed.'<br/><br />Hall of Famer Magic Johnson - who was referenced in the recording - tweeted that Sterling's comments are a 'black eye for the NBA.'<br/><br />'There's no room in this game for an owner like that,' said Miami Heat star player LeBron James. 'For us, as basketball players, we're all brothers. We're competing against each other and all of us want to win, but in the end, we all have to stick together.'<br/><br />Voices from outside the NBA have also joined the chorus of condemnation.<br/><br />U.S. President Barack Obama described the comments as 'incredibly offensive racist statements.'<br/><br />'When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don't really have to do anything, you just let them talk,' said Obama on Sunday.<br/><br />When asked if she had any advice for the Clippers organization, Oprah Winfrey told TMZ, 'we're all off the plantation. The plantation days are over.'<br/><br />On Monday, representatives from the L.A. branch of the NAACP announced they would no longer honour Sterling with a lifetime achievement award.<br/><br />L.A. NAACP president Leon Jenkins said donations made by Sterling to the organization would be returned. Though Jenkins wouldn't say how much money was donated he said it was not a significant amount of money.<br/><br />'There is a personal, economic and social price that Mr. Sterling must pay for his attempt to turn back the clock on race relations,' he said. <strong>Players protest, show signs of solidarity</strong><br/><br />Following a silent protest by Clippers players in their game Sunday against the Golden State Warriors - players warmed up with their jerseys inside out, hiding the team's logo - more teams have shown their support for the players.<br/><br />On Monday night, Miami Heat players mimicked the Clippers warm-up statement in their game against Charlotte.<br/><br />'We supported our Clippers tonight and showed our respect to what they're going through. For us, as a team, we can't imagine what they're going through at this point,' said James.<br/><br />Players from the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks wore black socks in recent games as a show of support for the Clippers bench.<br/><br />On Tuesday, DeMar DeRozan said the Toronto Raptors would make a 'gesture of solidarity' in their game Wednesday night. https://twitter.com/Ewingsports/status/461201573020848128/photo/1 <strong>More corporate sponsors end deals with the Clippers</strong><br/><br />Used car dealership CarMax was the first corporate sponsor to end its deal with the Clippers, calling Sterling's comments 'completely unacceptable.'<br/><br />Insurer State Farm said it 'will be taking a pause in our relationship' with the Clippers and will be monitoring the situation closely.<br/><br />More sponsors, such as Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Virgin America are backing away from advertising at the team's games. Follow @heatherloney With files from The Associated Press<br/><br />© Shaw Media, 2014<br/><br />Post By http://globalnews.ca/news/1298869/nba-bans-donald-sterling-for-life-from-league-la-clippers-organization/</div>

Hot News: NBA slaps big punishment on LA Clippers owner

LATEST UPDATES: NBA confirms the voice heard on the recording released was that of Donald Sterling NBA bans Sterling for life from any asso...

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Hot News: Emma Stone Destroys Jimmy Fallon in Lip Sync Battle on Tonight Show: Watch ...

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://assets-s3.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/article_photos/9e6d300ea46f362d4c91e5ef5a3a72109d411064.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br />She's won Spider-Man's heart (on and off screen), and now has another trophy to call her own-Lip Sync Champion! The Amazing Spider-Man 2 star, 25, visited The Tonight Show on Monday, April 28 where she challenged host <strong>Jimmy Fallon</strong> to one of the show's signature lip sync battles. PHOTOS: Emma Stone's best red carpet moments<br/><br />The Saturday Night Live alum, 39, started things off with a fresh cover of rapper <strong>Iggy Azalea</strong>'s 'Fancy,' complete with his energetic dance moves. <strong>Andrew Garfield</strong>'s girlfriend then took over with a throwback tune, Blues Traveler's 'Hook.' PHOTOS: Emma and Andrew's romance<br/><br />While her performance was impressive, it wasn't catchy enough to beat Fallon's first pick. The host quickly moved on to the Styx classic, 'Mr. Roboto,' kicking and jumping around the stage. PHOTOS: Emma Stone's hair evolution<br/><br />Despite her underwhelming first song, Stone amped up her game for her final tune, 'All I Do Is Win' by <strong>DJ Khaled</strong> and . Taking full advantage of the overhead camera, Stone hammed up her silent rendition with fierce facial expressions and spot-on 'rapping.'<br/><br />'That was the best one that's ever been done on the show!' Fallon declared, hugging the elated actress. PHOTOS: Costar couples<br/><br />Watch the clip above, and tell <strong>Us</strong>: Did Emma Stone deserve to win the battle?<br/><br />Post By http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/emma-stone-jimmy-fallon-lip-sync-battle-tonight-show-video-2014294</div>

Hot News: Emma Stone Destroys Jimmy Fallon in Lip Sync Battle on Tonight Show: Watch ...

She's won Spider-Man's heart (on and off screen), and now has another trophy to call her own-Lip Sync Champion! The Amazing Spider-M...

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Hot News: Reaction to NBA's decision on Donald Sterling

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.1798278!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/image.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br /><br/><br />NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the media during a news conference, in New York, Tuesday, April 29, 2014. Silver announced that he is banning Los Angeles Clipper owner Donald Sterling for life from the Clippers organization over racist comments in a recording. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)<br/><br />Maurice Cacho, CTVNews.ca<br/><br />Past and present players weighed in on NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's decision to ban LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling from the league for life and hit him with a $2.5 million fine.<br/><br />Below is a roundup of what they had to say about the decision on Twitter:<br/><br />[ View the story 'Reaction to NBA's decision on Donald Sterling' on Storify] Past and present players weighed in on NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's decision to ban LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling from the league for life and hit him with a $2.5 million dollar fine. Here's a look at what they had to say about the decision on Twitter:<br/><br />Storified by CTVNews.ca · Tue, Apr 29 2014 14:00:45<br/><br />Post By http://www.ctvnews.ca/ctv-national-news/reaction-to-nba-s-decision-on-donald-sterling-1.1798268</div>

Hot News: Reaction to NBA's decision on Donald Sterling

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the media during a news conference, in New York, Tuesday, April 29, 2014. Silver announced that he is...

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Hot News: Who Is Daisy Ridley? Everything We Could Find on the 'Star Wars' Mystery Woman

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA0LzMwLzYzL0RhaXN5UmlkbGV5LjNlYjMwLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTk1MHg1MzQjCmUJanBn/38cf83e7/03b/Daisy-Ridley.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br />Daisy Ridley is a 5-foot-7 jazz singer, dancer and strong swimmer with dark hair, a native London accent, and a few minor television credits she gathered over the past year. She's in her early 20s, and used to go by @daisyjazz on Twitter - before the account was disabled.<br/><br />That's about all we know about the lone 'unknown' member of the Star Wars VII cast. Other than that she's about to become very, very famous. <strong>SEE ALSO: 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Cast Announced</strong><br/><br />In the hours after Disney and Lucasfilm's big casting announcement, Ridley's acting reel was pulled down from Vimeo. She has no Wikipedia page; no photos on Getty Images (jeez, even I have photos on Getty Images); no U.S. representation listed in any of the entertainment databases; no bio on her imdb page; and her exact age is not listed anywhere.<br/><br />A call placed by Mashable to her agency, a boutique firm in the central London neighborhood of Clerkenwell, was promptly returned by a polite gentleman who referred every question over to Lucasfilm. And you know Lucasfilm isn't talking.<br/><br />The agency is called Jonathan Arun, named after its founder, who's pictured below, left. As these things go, Arun most likely both gained and lost a huge client with Tuesday's announcement - she's on the roster now, and the small agency will collect a handsome fee. But if her Star Wars role makes any kind of impact at all, she'll almost certainly be moving on to William Morris, Endeavor or Creative Artists Agency (no one dances with the date who brought them anymore).<br/><br />As can be expected wherever J.J. Abrams is involved, the layer of secrecy is always thicker than whatever's beneath it. Before Ridley's acting reel was yanked from Vimeo, I watched it. It was perfectly fine and should've been left up. Ridley is charming, at times intense, but with a playful streak. Big, winning, dimpled smile.<br/><br />Ridley is a relative newcomer to acting, as her credits reach back only to last year. In one of those, a sci-fi horror action short called 'Blue Season,' she plays a kidnapped girl being manipulated by an evil voice on the telephone line. For now, the entire thing is here:<br/><br />That, and a micro-budget UK film titled Scrawl in post-production are her only film credits. As for TV, her longest-running part was a two-episode arc on a pathology procedural called Silent Witness. Her four other TV credits were all one-offs. But she does appear in this music video:<br/><br />Just like any 20-something, Ridley was active on social media, though it appears she's disabled her account well ahead of Tuesday's announcement. But there are remnants out there.<br/><br />For instance, she has a younger sister who's a model:<br/><br />@kika_rose @daisyjazz twins in Guildford #PoseForPrimark pic.twitter.com/Ue97hHpW<br/><br />- Richard James-King (@RichardJ_K) November 25, 2012<br/><br />Wasn't shy about out-and-about selfies:<br/><br />@daisyjazz and @EllieSelwood I think I'm in love with this photo... pic.twitter.com/Yut197Rc<br/><br />- Annie Le Gresley (@AnnieLeGresley) November 29, 2012<br/><br />And had her picture taken at cast parties ...<br/><br />Another snap of the 'Mr Selfridge' wrap party! Great night! @daisyjazz @CHIMPSINSOCKS #MrSelfridge #andthatsawrap pic.twitter.com/F0M7x7Dwtq<br/><br />- Sophia Carr-Gomm (@SophiaCarrGomm) October 20, 2013<br/><br />As for who she will be playing in Star Wars VII, well - there are scant clues there, too.<br/><br />In the cast photo released by Disney/Lucasfilm, Ridley is sitting between Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. Is she their daughter? That seems the most likely scenario, and could be a doozy of a character: Through the Skywalker line, she has the Force. Through the Solo line, she has the mojo.<br/><br />There's also been rumor of a female continuation of the Kenobi line, which would be a nice call-back to a beloved character. Her profile on the Jonathan Arun website reveals some details: She's a native Londoner and can do Cockney and an Irish brogue as well. But nothing about an American accent. More evidence that she's a Kenobi? For now only time, and the Hollywood rumor mill, will tell.<br/><br />Post By http://mashable.com/2014/04/29/who-is-daisy-ridley-star-wars/</div>

Hot News: Who Is Daisy Ridley? Everything We Could Find on the 'Star Wars' Mystery Woman

Daisy Ridley is a 5-foot-7 jazz singer, dancer and strong swimmer with dark hair, a native London accent, and a few minor television credits...

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Hot News: 'The Voice' Recap: New Coaches In, Nervous Singers Out

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/thumbnail_570x321/2014/04/shakira_the_voice_a_l.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br /><br/><br />As The Voice continues to add coaches and mentors -- this week featured the industry mentorship of Crosby, Stills and Nash's <strong>Graham Nash</strong> and producers <strong>Busbee</strong>, <strong>Scott Hendricks</strong> and <strong>Natural</strong>, and the official announcement that both <strong>Pharrell Williams</strong> and <strong>Gwen Stefani</strong> will take a spin as coaches in season seven -- the double eliminations continued on Tuesday night, and sent home the season's serial survivor and major frontrunner.<br/><br />(To clarify, The Voice reveals three singers who received the lowest votes on Tuesdays, and then asks those contestants to sing for a second chance for whatever audience is watching live. Then, Voice fans everywhere are asked to tweet which singer they'd like to instantly save, regardless of whether the redemption performance actually affected their opinion. Remember, 'it's just where television's heading.)<br/><br />'Before we start the show, I want to make a very, very big announcement for us here -- hold on, listen! This all just happened moments ago because we're live, and we're very happy to officially announce that two superstars will be joining the next season in these coaches' chairs: Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani will be added to the Voice family,' said <strong>Carson Daly</strong> at the beginning of Tuesday night's episode. 'We're so happy to have them join our ever-growing Voice family. They're both incredible people, insanely talented.'<br/><br />Before revealing the bottom three for the week, <strong>Usher</strong> performed <strong>Lenny Kravitz'</strong> 'Always on the Run' with his singers <strong>Bria Kelly</strong> and <strong>Josh Kaufman</strong>, and Shakira took the stage with <strong>Tess Boyer</strong> and <strong>Kristen Merlin</strong> for 'The One Thing' off the coach's latest album.<br/><br />First to perform for the Instant Save was Usher's Kelly, who struggled to follow through on a tender moments of <strong>Avril Lavigne's</strong> 'I'm With You' and returned to her strong blues-rocker aesthetic on Heart's 'Crazy For You' -- which probably benefited from the emotions that come with being on the chopping block.<br/><br />Shakira's Boyer was in the bottom three for the second week in a row, following a misrepresenting performance of Paramore's 'Ain't It Fun,' and went with <strong>Pink's</strong> 'Who Knew' -- a song better suited to show off her range, but she wasn't nearly as cool when she sang for the save last week.<br/><br />Finally, <strong>Adam Levine's Kat Perkins</strong>, who really didn't belong in the bottom three after her solid stripped-down cover of Fleetwood Mac's 'Landslide,' went with Grace Potter & The Nocturnals' 'Paris (Ooh La La)' and kept herattitude as upbeat and sassy as the song -- a sign of a professional.<br/><br />Just before the #VoiceSave window closed, the onscreen progress bar revealed that Perkins had captured half of the tweets, while Kelly and Tess tied for the rest. Their fate was sealed when Daly made the official announcement, as season six frontrunner Kelly and twice-stolen, once-saved singer Boyer were both sent home.<br/><br />The Voice returns Monday on NBC, complete with Williams' performance of the new G I R L single 'Come Get It Bae,' and Stefani reprise of 'Hollaback Girl,' produced by Williams.<br/><br />What did you think of tonight's double elimination? Who did you tweet to save? Sound off in the comments below! Email: Ashley.Lee@THR.com Twitter: @cashleelee<br/><br />Post By http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/voice-recap-new-coaches-nervous-699992</div>

Hot News: 'The Voice' Recap: New Coaches In, Nervous Singers Out

As The Voice continues to add coaches and mentors -- this week featured the industry mentorship of Crosby, Stills and Nash's Graham Nash...

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Hot News: Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo roll Real Madrid past Bayern Munich

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/4/29/1398802888423/Sergio-Ramos-scores-for-R-011.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br />At long last, Real Madrid can almost touch La Décima. This was an occasion when the they had been confronted by tension, the weight of history, curses and a Bayern Munich team who were supposed to pass them to death. Yet Carlo Ancelotti, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and, yes, Gareth Bale, sliced through it all with a performance of such swashbuckling brilliance that Bayern were reduced to a directionless mess.<br/><br />It was in 2002 that Zinedine Zidane sculpted the volley against Bayer Leverkusen at Hampden Park to help Madrid to their ninth European Cup. The wait for the 10th has pushed the boundaries even of obsession. The narrative for Madrid has taken in too much semi-final heartache and too many managers sacked.<br/><br />Yet they boldly wrote their own script in Bavaria, one marked by a tactical masterclass from Ancelotti and ruthless execution from his players as the team who they have feared in Madrid as the Black Beast was torn apart piece by piece.<br/><br />The expectation had been for a classic, for two of the game's super-heavyweights to work each other to a standstill. Only one turned up. Bayern had beaten Real in four of their previous five European Cup semi-final meetings but this contest was effectively over with Ramos's second thumping header before the halfway point of the first-half.<br/><br />What followed, most notably the goals from Ronaldo, merely represented a savage turn of the knife and for Pep Guardiola and Bayern, it was a night of introspection, for wondering where their rampaging football had gone. There will be no successful Champions League defence for them but for Real, who had never previously won in Munich, the possibilities are tantalising.<br/><br />The cult of possession, and Guardiola's influences from his early days at Barcelona, had become a hot topic after the first-leg when Bayern hogged it and lost. Madrid deserved their praise for how they had penetrated and they travelled here with confidence, which felt like a far cry from when the draw was made. Then, there was fear among Madrid fans; a sense that they ought to be nervous underdogs. The first-leg had removed that, which was good because one of the fundamentals of football is that Madrid have to swagger.<br/><br />Madrid believed that Bayern were vulnerable at the back, that the central defenders Jérôme Boateng and Dante had errors in them. No one, though, could have predicted Bayern's collective defensive implosion on a couple of early set pieces. Teams at any level, let alone the most rarefied, are not supposed to be breached like this.<br/><br />Ramos was the beneficiary and how he revelled in letting off steam in front of the Bayern fans, who struggled to comprehend what was happening. Two years ago, at this stage of the competition, Ramos had missed the decisive penalty in Bayern's shootout victory at the Bernabéu. He had entered this tie with five goals in 73 Champions League appearances. After 20 minutes, the bookmakers were slashing in-play odds on an outlandish hat-trick.<br/><br />His first goal came from a Luka Modric corner and if Ronaldo rose high in the centre, Ramos got even higher behind him, as Dante failed to stay tight. The header was too hot for Manuel Neuer to handle. Ramos's second, though, was even better. From Angel Di María's free-kick, Ramos reacted instinctively when the ball was flicked on to launch himself into a diving header that flashed home.<br/><br />Ancelotti had started with Di María on the left of a midfield three, making Madrid compact but, with the pace of Bale and Ronaldo in wide areas, razor sharp on the counter. He could not have judged it more perfectly. Even before the opening goal, Madrid looked threatening and Bale was off-target after Neuer had left his area to head clear. It was not an isolated bolt from the Bayern goalkeeper, and it betrayed both his anxiety and that around him. His handling and kicking was suspect.<br/><br />Madrid pulverised Bayern in the first half and it was no exaggeration to say that it looked as though they might score with every forward thrust. It was remarkable to see how many three-on-three situations developed. Madrid's runners bristled with menace. The only blot during 45 golden minutes for them was Xabi Alonso's booking that rules him out of the final.<br/><br />The third goal came when Madrid broke up an attack on the edge of their own area and Karim Benzema played Bale through the thin red line and he powered past Boateng before sliding the ball square for the unmarked Ronaldo to finish. Ronaldo gestured with his hands that it was his 15th goal in 10 Champions League ties this season.<br/><br />Guardiola did not know whether to stick or twist. He played Philipp Lahm at right-back in order to accommodate Thomas Müller in attacking midfield but there was nothing from any of his players. It felt like a trick of the mind that, a few short weeks ago, having secured the Bundesliga title with indecent haste, Bayern were widely considered to be the best team in the world.<br/><br />Bayern bubbled with rage in the first-half and there were flashpoints, with players squaring up. One followed a bad tackle from Dante on Ronaldo, for which the Brazilian was booked. But it was flat in the second-half, despite the non-stop efforts of the home crowd. Never once did those behind the goal that Neuer tended so badly in the first-half fall silent.<br/><br />The second-half became a futile search for a Bayern consolation and yet it finished with Ronaldo ramming a free-kick under the defensive wall and past Neuer. Ancelotti might wonder why on earth he should leave this team for Manchester United. Real are in the final for the first time in 12 years.<br/><br />Post By http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/29/bayern-munich-real-madrid-champions-league-match-report</div>

Hot News: Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo roll Real Madrid past Bayern Munich

At long last, Real Madrid can almost touch La Décima. This was an occasion when the they had been confronted by tension, the weight of histo...

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Hot News: New, Revamped Firefox Looks and Acts More Like Google Chrome

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="https://s.yimg.com/cd/resizer/original/am5DUDmgm1yfpqCrOZEbPWpI2d0" width="100%"/><em>(The Next Web)</em><br /><p>With version 29 of its Firefox browser, Mozilla debuts the Australis interface and a new Accounts function, allowing users to synchronize data and settings across multiple devices. All in all, the updates place Firefox more in line with Google Chrome, which is currently the world's most popular browser.</p><br /><p>Australis is characterized by its redesigned tabs, which have rounder corners and are brought forward when open, and by an intuitive and customizable menu. Located in the upper-right corner, the menu offers quick access to the browser's features, settings, and functions (add-ons, history, developer, full-screen mode, and so on). On opening the new Firefox for the first time, users will find a short guide to the changes.</p><br /><img height="300" src="https://s1.yimg.com/cd/resizer/original/vUnbBPdSWApPm4YVrzQn2TPJfAA" width="100%"/><br /><p>(The Next Web)</p><br /><p>The updated Firefox interface is unmistakably similar to that of Google's Chrome. And, like Chrome fans, Firefox fans can now create an account and sync their bookmarks, passwords, and settings in order to access them from any device.</p><br /><p>To download the latest version of Mozilla Firefox for Windows, Mac, and Linux, you can run an update on your current version or download the latest version directly from Mozilla's server <a href='http://embed.ly/docs/explore/ftp://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla.org/firefox/releases/29.0' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>here</a>.</p><br /><br/><br />(The Next Web)<br/><br />With version 29 of its Firefox browser, Mozilla debuts the Australis interface and a new Accounts function, allowing users to synchronize data and settings across multiple devices. All in all, the updates place Firefox more in line with Google Chrome, which is currently the world's most popular browser.<br/><br />Australis is characterized by its redesigned tabs, which have rounder corners and are brought forward when open, and by an intuitive and customizable menu. Located in the upper-right corner, the menu offers quick access to the browser's features, settings, and functions (add-ons, history, developer, full-screen mode, and so on). On opening the new Firefox for the first time, users will find a short guide to the changes.<br/><br />(The Next Web)<br/><br />The updated Firefox interface is unmistakably similar to that of Google's Chrome. And, like Chrome fans, Firefox fans can now create an account and sync their bookmarks, passwords, and settings in order to access them from any device.<br/><br />To download the latest version of Mozilla Firefox for Windows, Mac, and Linux, you can run an update on your current version or download the latest version directly from Mozilla's server here.<br/><br />Post By http://embed.ly/docs/explore/extract?url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/new-revamped-firefox-looks-and-acts-more-like-google-84236040079.html</div>

Hot News: New, Revamped Firefox Looks and Acts More Like Google Chrome

(The Next Web) With version 29 of its Firefox browser, Mozilla debuts the Australis interface and a new Accounts function, allowing users to...

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Best Maxboost Fusion Snap iPhone Case

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><center><br /><h2>Best Maxboost Fusion Snap-on iPhone 5S/5 Case - Yellow (Fit Fusion Battery Case for iPhone 5S/5)</h2><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href='http://tinyurl.com/kmw7vd5' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img alt="Maxboost Fusion" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31vi8g3reVL._SL2000_.jpg" vspace="0"/> </a> </center><br /><br/><br /><div style='clear:both;text-align:center;' class='separator'><a href='http://tinyurl.com/kmw7vd5' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img border="0" height="53" src="http://goo.gl/l551sS" width="320"/> </a> </div><br /><br/><br /><h3>This is My Opinion About This Product</h3><br /><br/><br />After I buy this New Maxboost Fusion Snap-on iPhone 5S/5 Case - Yellow (Fit Fusion Battery Case for iPhone 5S/5) (Baby Product)<br /><div class='reviewText'>Love the color and you can barely tell my phone has a case on it!!! Thanks Maxboost for this great free case it is greatly appreciated : )</div><br /></div>

Best Maxboost Fusion Snap iPhone Case

Best Maxboost Fusion Snap-on iPhone 5S/5 Case - Yellow (Fit Fusion Battery Case for iPhone 5S/5) This is My Opinion About This Product A...

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Hot News: Watch Emma Stone, Jimmy Fallon compete in hilarious Lip Sync Battle

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://static2.hypable.com/wp-content/themes/hypable/images/share_facebook.png" width="100%"/><br/><br />Jimmy Fallon brought back his hilarious Lip Sync Battle skit to The Tonight Show, this time competing against Emma Stone.<br/><br />The premise of Lip Sync Battle is fairly simple: Fallon and one or more of his guests do their best to lip syncing classic songs for the audience. Each contestant 'sings' twice.<br/><br />This time Fallon went first out of respect for Stone's inexperience with the game. He performed Iggy Azalea's 'Fancy,' a song which was received well. Stone went next and performed Blues Traveler's 'Hook' which brought the house down.<br/><br />To 'up his game,' Fallon next went with Styx's 'Mr. Roboto' and his performance Stone called 'incredible.' Stone then performed DJ Khaled's 'All I do is Win,' and win she did.<br/><br />Watch the skit below:<br/><br />Emma Stone was on the show to promote The Amazing Spider-Man 2 which will be hitting theaters in America this Friday. It has already been released in the majority of markets and is doing decently financially as well as critically. So far the film has brought in $132 million in the worldwide box office and is pulling a respectable 70% on the movie review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.<br/><br />Lip Sync Battle is one of the better skits Fallon has brought to The Tonight Show. Fallon has been commanding late night ever since he took over for Jay Leno in February.<br/><br />Last week Fallon led all late night shows with 3.069 million viewers over the second place Jimmy Kimmel Live which brought in 2.840 million viewers. What makes the win more impressive than it already would be is that Kimmel had a Scandal special on Thursday that brought in a season high viewership. Kimmel was off every day but Thursday and Fallon was off the entire week. Still Fallon's week of rebroadcasts winning shows nothing but good things for NBC. Which performance was your favorite?<br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br />Post By http://www.hypable.com/2014/04/29/emma-stone-jimmy-fallon-lip-sync-battle-tonight-show/</div>

Hot News: Watch Emma Stone, Jimmy Fallon compete in hilarious Lip Sync Battle

Jimmy Fallon brought back his hilarious Lip Sync Battle skit to The Tonight Show, this time competing against Emma Stone. The premise of Lip...

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Hot News: NBA bans Donald Sterling for life 2:12

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://i.cbc.ca/1.2626130.1398812893!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_300/donald-sterling-stiviano-620.jpg" width="100%"/><br/><br />Issuing about the strongest rebuke that he could, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned LosAngeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life Tuesday for making racist comments in a recorded conversation, the first step toward forcing a sale of the club and permanently removing Sterling from the league.<br/><br />Silver also fined Sterling $2.5 million US, and again expressed outrage.<br/><br />'I fully expect to get the support I need from the other NBA owners to remove him,' Silver said.<br/><br />Several owners immediately chimed in with support of Silver's decision. Sterling, the league's longest-tenured owner and someone with an estimated net worth of about $2 billion, did not offer any immediate comment.<br/><br />The penalties, which were announced only three days after the scandal broke, are the harshest ever issued by the league and among the stiffest punishments ever given to an owner in professional sports. Silver said a league investigation found that Sterling was in fact the person on the audiotapes that were released over the weekend and immediately sent shock waves throughout the game.<br/><br />'We stand together in condemning Mr. Sterling's views,' Silver said. 'They simply have no place in the NBA.'<br/><br />Sterling acknowledged he was the man on the tape, Silver said.<br/><br />Sterling still owns the team, but going forward he is immediately barred from attending any NBA games or practices, being present at any Clippers office or facility, participating in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team, or being part of any league business.<br/><br />It's unclear how Sterling will respond.<br/><br />'This league is far bigger than any one owner, any one coach and any one player,' said Silver, who as commissioner has broad powers under what's typically called the 'best interest of the game' clause of the NBA constitution.<br/><br />But Silver works for the owners, and he will need 75 per cent of them - if all 30 teams vote, he'll need 23 on his side - to force Sterling out of the league completely.<br/><br />The fine will be donated to organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts that will be jointly selected by the NBA and the Players Association, Silver said.<br/><br />'This has all happened in three days, and so I am hopeful there will be no long-term damage to the league and to the Clippers organization,' Silver said. 'But as I said earlier, I'm outraged so I certainly understand other people's outrage. This will take some time and appropriate healing will be necessary.'<br/><br />After the announcement, the Clippers' website had a simple message: 'We are one,' it read.<br/><br />'We wholeheartedly support and embrace the decision by the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver today. Now the healing process begins,' the Clippers added in a statement.<br/><br />Sterling's comments were released over the weekend by TMZ and Deadspin, and numerous NBA owners and players have condemned them. Even President Barack Obama weighed in on the crisis, the first of Silver's brief tenure as commissioner.<br/><br />'Commissioner Silver thank you for protecting our beautiful and powerful league!! Great leader!!,' Miami Heat star LeBron James wrote on Twitter. Nash lauds NBA commissioner<br/><br />Lakers guard and Canadian Steve Nash, spoke as a representative of current NBA players at a press conference assembled by Sacramento mayor and National Basketball Players Association adviser Kevin Johnson, along with Los Angeles major Eric Garcetti.<br/><br />Nash, from Victoria, thanked Silver for 'a quick, unequivocal and concise decision made today on behalf of everyone involved in this situation.<br/><br />'It begs the bigger question: if racism is a learned behaviour, how long will it go on for?' Nash continued. 'How long will people be taught to be bigoted, to discriminate and to instill hatred in our communities?<br/><br />'Let's hope this is an opportunity for all of us ... to help educate and take one step further to eradicating racism in our communities.'<br/><br />Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Toronto Raptors, also released a statement in support of Silver's decision.<br/><br />'As a proud member of the National Basketball Association, we stand strongly in our belief that the comments attributed to Mr. Sterling have no place in our society or sport, the statement read.<br/><br />'Our organization will always work to contribute to a culture of diversity and acceptance in this league and fully support the actions taken today. We thank Commissioner Adam Silver, and all of the NBA players, for their leadership on this important issue.' Investigation began Saturday<br/><br />The league's investigation started Saturday and players immediately began expressing intense displeasure with the situation, even going so far as to ask Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to get involved on behalf of the players' union.<br/><br />'When one rotten apple does something, or if you see cancer, you've got to cut it out really quickly,' Kevin Johnson said at a news conference in Los Angeles, flanked by NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and players like Steve Nash, Tyson Chandler, Luke Walton and Roger Mason Jr., among others. 'And Commissioner Silver did that in real time. We're so proud and thankful for him.'<br/><br />The sanctions came a few hours before the Clippers were to play Golden State in Game 5 of a tied-up Western Conference first-round playoff series.<br/><br />'When you get this many Lakers to stand up for the Clippers, you know something big is happening in L.A.,' Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said. 'We are a single team here today, a team not only speaking out for what we're against - racism, hatred, bigotry, intolerance - but what we're for. We're for great basketball.'<br/><br />Before Silver took the podium, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted out a photo of the NBA Constitution, saying 'It exists for a reason.'<br/><br />Several sponsors either terminated or suspended their business dealings with the team on Monday, though individual deals that some of those companies have with Clippers stars like Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will continue and were not affected. Still, it was a clear statement that companies, like just about everyone inside the league, were outraged.<br/><br />'Commissioner Silver showed great leadership in banning LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life,' Magic Johnson, who was referenced on the taped conversation involving Sterling, tweeted shortly after the league's decision was announced.<br/><br />Johnson's role on the tape stemmed from Sterling's female companion apparently posting a photo of her and the Hall of Fame player on her Instagram account. That photo has since been deleted, but raised Sterling's ire nonetheless.<br/><br />'It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you're associating with black people. Do you have to?' Sterling asks the woman on the tape. Long history of controversy<br/><br />The issues raised when the tapes were released over the weekend represent just another chapter in Sterling's long history of being at the centre of controversy.<br/><br />In the past, he's faced extensive federal charges of civil rights violations and racial discrimination in his business dealings, and some of his race-related statements would be described as shocking.<br/><br />He has also been sued in the past for sexual harassment by former employees, and even the woman who goes by the name 'V. Stiviano' - purportedly the female voice on the tapes at the center of this scandal - describes Sterling in court documents as a man 'with a big toothy grin brandishing his sexual prowess in the faces of the Paparazzi and caring less what anyone else thought, the least of which, his own wife.'<br/><br />Stiviano is being sued by Rochelle Sterling, who is seeking to reclaim at least $1.8 million in cash and gifts that her husband allegedly provided the woman.<br/><br />Silver said when he first heard the audio, he hoped it had been altered or was fake - but also said that from his 20-year relationship with Sterling, he suspected the voice was his.<br/><br />'This has been a painful moment,' Silver said, 'for all members of the NBA family.'<br/><br /><cite>With files from CBCSports.ca</cite><br/><br />Post By http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/donald-sterling-owner-of-nba-s-l-a-clippers-banned-for-life-1.2625440</div>

Hot News: NBA bans Donald Sterling for life 2:12

Issuing about the strongest rebuke that he could, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned LosAngeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life Tue...

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New Apple ME088LL 27 Inch Desktop VERSION

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><center><br /><h2>New Apple iMac ME088LL/A 27-Inch Desktop (NEWEST VERSION)</h2><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href='http://tinyurl.com/kmogdfe' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img alt="Apple iMac" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418JEXs4ywL._SL2000_.jpg" vspace="0"/> </a> </center><br /><br/><br /><div style='clear:both;text-align:center;' class='separator'><a href='http://tinyurl.com/kmogdfe' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img border="0" height="53" src="http://goo.gl/l551sS" width="320"/> </a> </div><br /><br/><br /><h3>This is My Opinion About This Product</h3><br /><br/><br />After I buy this New Apple iMac ME086LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)<br /><div class='reviewText'>I have just switched back to a Mac after years of using a PC. The difference is night and day. The Mac is so much easier to use (although it took me a short while to get the hang of it), and has many more options and abilities. I am an artist, so I had to switch all my art files from PC to the Mac. It was easy to do and the Mac is so much more art friendly. I have to write quite a lot of documents, so I needed the Mac to handle that too, and it does.<br/><br />I happen to own an iPhone and iPad Air as well. My son set my iPad Air (he's more tech savvy than me) to show and act as my Mac's desktop. So when I am away from my Mac, I can use the iPad as my computer and work with it as if I had a mini desktop! All in all I wouldn't go back to PC if you paid me. I love it.</div><br /></div>

New Apple ME088LL 27 Inch Desktop VERSION

New Apple iMac ME088LL/A 27-Inch Desktop (NEWEST VERSION) This is My Opinion About This Product After I buy this New Apple iMac ME086LL/...

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New HP Pavilion 23 g010 23 Inch Desktop

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><center><br /><h2>New HP Pavilion 23-g010 23-Inch All-in-One Desktop</h2><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href='http://tinyurl.com/kyyv7ck' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img alt="HP Pavilion" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418YAITs3iL._SL2000_.jpg" vspace="0"/> </a> </center><br /><br/><br /><div style='clear:both;text-align:center;' class='separator'><a href='http://tinyurl.com/kyyv7ck' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img border="0" height="53" src="http://goo.gl/l551sS" width="320"/> </a> </div><br /><br/><br /><h3>This is My Opinion About This Product</h3><br /><br/><br />After I buy this New HP Pavilion 23-g010 23-Inch All-in-One Desktop (Personal Computers)<br /><div class='reviewText'>Love this computer. Really great price, was looking for a desktop but nothing REALLY fancy and at a great price. Love the fact that this uses WiFi (can hard wire if you choose to) giving me the option to put it practically anywhere in the house! Super big screen, Awesome graphics and display! We did not get the touchscreen which would be fun but not necessary to enjoy this computer! it was so simple to set up I was online in minutes! comes with Windows 8, some nice video editing software, a DVDRW drive, and a nice integrated HD webcam. Truly for the price this was an excellent purchase. I did also get the 4 year warranty along with it...just in case!</div><br /></div>

New HP Pavilion 23 g010 23 Inch Desktop

New HP Pavilion 23-g010 23-Inch All-in-One Desktop This is My Opinion About This Product After I buy this New HP Pavilion 23-g010 23-Inc...

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Hot News: Meet John Boyega: The Young Actor Just Cast In 'Star Wars: Episode VII'

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img height="300" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/535fe28b6bb3f7cd060c645c-1200-924/john-boyega-5.jpg" width="100%"/>Larry Busacca/Getty ImagesThe cast of 'Star Wars: Episode VII' was just announced.<br/><br />While many actors will reprise their roles including Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamil, the film will be filled with new stars including John Boyega.<br/><br />The 22-year-old British actor is best known for playing Moses in 2011's teen monster movie, ' Attack The Block.'<br/><br />He was also featured in Spike Lee's 2011 TV movie ' Da Brick.' Next, he will appear in Fox's upcoming miniseries '24: Live Another Day.'<br/><br />Boyega was widely rumored to star as the lead in 'Episode VII.' He was reportedly up against other young stars including Jesse Plemons from TV hits 'Breaking Bad' and 'Friday Night Lights.'<br/><br />Boyega's exact role in the film is still unknown.<br/><br />He will star alongside another newcomer Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver ('Girls'), and Oscar Isaac ('Inside Llewyn Davis').<br/><br />The casting of both Boyega and Ridley fits along with J.J. Abrams rumored decision to want to cast relative unknowns.<br/><br />This follows the casting decisions of the original film, 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope' which cast relative unknowns Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and Harrison Ford.<br/><br />'Star Wars: Episode VII' is slated for a December 18 release.<br/><br />SEE ALSO: IT'S OFFICIAL: 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Cast Announced, Original Stars Returning<br/><br />Post By http://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-john-boyega-star-wars-2014-4</div>

Hot News: Meet John Boyega: The Young Actor Just Cast In 'Star Wars: Episode VII'

Larry Busacca/Getty ImagesThe cast of 'Star Wars: Episode VII' was just announced. While many actors will reprise their roles includ...

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