Well, the Oklahoma City Thunder once again failed to make it to the NBA Finals. After arriving well ahead of schedule in 2012, the Thunder havent been able to make it out of the gauntlet out West, even with all-world talents like Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant on the squad. Taking the defending, 73-9 champs to seven games is nothing to shake a stick at, but its those failures that have opened the door for the rumors to swirl on KDs impending free agency. The wishful thinking goes that KD might leave for greener, more championship-smelling pastures, and few teams offer as convincing a case as the Warriors.
It may seem strange to tab the team that knocked Durant out of the playoffs as his most likely destination if he indeed leaves Oklahoma City, but why would KD mess around building another super-team if he knows that the best squad in the NBA wants him? And if youre wondering if they do indeed want him, allow Andre Iguodalas Freudian slip after the game to convince you.
He made some really tough shots, which is what I expected, Iguodala said of Durant. Hes a fighter and competitor and fought to the end. It must be fun playing with a guy like that.
Iguodala quickly added a follow-up: Unless Im not playing with him.
Donald Trump Assassination Is What Glenn Beck And Guest Said! Beck Suspended On Sirius
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SiriusXM hosts Stephen K. Bannon and David Webb announced on Breitbart News Daily that SiriusXM has suspended Glenn Beck and Webb will temporarily take over Becks 9AM to noon Eastern time slot on SiriusXMs Patriot Channel 125.
SiriusXM issued the following statement:
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SiriusXM encourages a diversity of discourse and opinion on our talk programs. However, comments recently made by a guest on the independently produced Glenn Beck Program, in our judgement, may be reasonably construed by some to have been advocating harm against an individual currently running for office, which we cannot and will not condone. For that reason, we have suspended The Glenn Beck Program from our Patriot channel for the coming week and are evaluating its place in our lineup going forward. SiriusXM is committed to a spirited, robust, yet responsible political conversation and believes this action reflects those values.
The suspension is in response to the interview Beck did with fiction author Brad Thor last Wednesday, in which Thor likened the GOPs presumptive nominee Donald Trump to a South American-style dictator who would cause an extinction-level event for the country if elected. Thor then declared that in such a case, Congress would not be able to remove Trump from office by legal means through impeachment, so Thor asked what patriot will step up and do that if Trump oversteps his Constitutional restraints. Beck agreed with Thors assessment.
Here is the exchange:
THOR: He is a danger to America and I got to ask you a question andthis is serious and this could ring down incredible heat on me becauseIm about to suggest something very bad. It is a hypothetical I am going to ask as a thriller writer.
With the feckless, spineless Congress we have, who will stand in the way of Donald Trump overstepping his constitutional authority as President? If Congress wont remove him from office, what patriot will step up and do that if, if, he oversteps his mandate as president, his constitutional-granted authority, I should say, as president.
If he oversteps that, how do we get him out of office? And I dont think there is a legal means available. I think it will be a terrible, terrible position the American people will be in to get Trump out of office because you wont be able to do it through Congress.
BECK: I would agree with you on thatand I dont think you actually have the voices weve been talking about and weve been talking about this off-air for a while. I think the voices like ours go away. I dont think we are allowed especially if things, and I believe the economy is going to go to c**p, even if Jesus was in office. Its going to naturally reset. It has to.
Read the rest of the exchange here.
After receiving criticism for these comments from people who believed Thor and Beck were suggesting or at least implying assassination, Beck offered a lengthy defense of his statements. You can read the full transcript of his defense here.
Listen to Bannon and Webbs announcement of the suspension below:
Breitbart NewsDailyairs on SiriusXM Patriot 125 weekdays from 6AM to 9AM Eastern.
WASHINGTON -- An influential group of Asian-American lawmakers endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clintonin Los Angeles on Tuesday, giving her a boost ahead of next week"s California primary.
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Leadership PAC, which includes several representatives and senators from California, urged Asian-American and Pacific Islander voters to back Clinton to combat presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump"s anti-immigrant rhetoric.
"There is so much at stake in this election, and we cannot tolerate any presidential candidate who promotes fear tactics, hateful rhetoric against immigrants and bullying," CAPAC chair Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) said on Tuesday, alluding to Trump.
"We AAPIs must turn out the vote and ensure that our voice matters," Chu said. "We must support the candidate who will bring us together, and make our nation more equal and just for everyone -- and that person is Hillary Clinton."
Clinton is preparing to officially clinch the Democratic presidential nomination after the California primary on June 7, and is hoping for a substantial victory that day. However, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has also invested heavily in the state, and the race may be tighter than expected.
Clinton"s campaign has focused on outreach to Asian-Americans, and she has outperformed Sanders with minority voters in other states. The fastest growing minority group in the country, Asian-Americans make up a significant voting bloc in California, comprising over12 percent of the state"s eligible voting population.
In addition to touting endorsements from the state"s Asian-American lawmakers, Clinton"s campaign is running targeted ads and conducting voter outreach in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Korean.
Damian Dovarganes/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Clinton at an Asian-American voter outreach event in San Gabriel, California in January.
by: c*x Media Group National Content Desk Updated: May 30, 2016 - 9:04 AM
Jan Crouch, co-founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network, is in the hospital after she had a significant stroke. (TBN Trinity Broadcasting Network/Facebook)ORLANDO
Jan Crouch, co-founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network, has died Tuesday after suffering a significant stroke last Wednesday night.
She was 78.
Her children Matt and Laurieshared their thoughts on her death on their website.
"Laurie and I have just watched the transition of our precious Mother from this world to the next; watched her step into the presence of Jesus and into her heavenly reward. Jan Crouch, known around the world as Momma Jan, has gone home."
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Earlier reports indicated that herprognosis for recovery was poor.
Crouch, along with late husband, Paul Crouch, founded TBN in 1973. TBN bills itself as the largest religious network. The channel offers 24-hour inspirational programming. Crouch is known for her big hair, and dramatic makeup and wardrobe. Her charismatic personality attracts followers from all over the world.
CHICAGO (Christian Examiner) The Christian satire "Babylon Bee" website is known for its edgy humor, but some fans said it went too far Tuesday when it posted a story about the death of TBN co-founder Jan Crouch.
The 78-year-old Crouch died shortly after suffering a stroke, and two and a half years after her husband, TBN co-founder Paul Crouch, passed away in November 2013.
The Babylon Bee said a satirical Hinn told reporters "that Crouch must have spoken her own death into existence."
The Crouches were well-known for being leaders in the health-and-wealth or prosperity gospel movement a point the Babylon Bee story noted under the headline "Top Prosperity Theologians Puzzled Over Death Of Jan Crouch."
"Various baffled prosperity gospel preachers have begun offering theories Tuesday on how Crouch could possibly have passed away, given her overabundance of faith, her supernatural ability to name and claim health and wealth at will, and her decades of collecting donations while promising that G*d"s will is for everybody to be wealthy and healthy," the story read.
Like other Babylon Bee stories, this one carried no byline.
It included fake quotes from prosperity gospel preachers Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, T.D. Jakes and Kenneth Copeland.
"Maybe she read a really mean tweet or some criticism of her theology, and she spoke the words out loud and gave them life. How else can you explain someone who possessed supernatural health from G*d dying four years before the average female life expectancy in the U.S.," the satirical Osteen quote read.
The Babylon Bee said a satirical Hinn told reporters "that Crouch must have spoken her own death into existence."
"I can"t think of a single other reason that can explain why she would die of a stroke during "healing month" on TBN, when the network is reminding its fans that "G*d wants them well and whole,"" the satirized Hinn quote read.
The story concluded: "Whatever the reason for Crouch"s sudden passing, Trinity Broadcasting Network has announced an upcoming month of solemnly and aggressively seeking donations in her honor."
Barry McCarty, professor of preaching and rhetoric at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, told the Christian Examinerthat the story should not have been posted.
This is not a day to poke fun on the day she died. I think it would have been best to have said nothing than to have lampooned and satirized someone on the day she died. She was a wife and mother and people love her. Today is a day to extend condolences to those who grieve her loss.
- Dr. Barry McCarty, professor of preaching and rhetoric, SWBTS
"I have been a fan of the Babylon Bee. I have appreciated their sometimes irreverent and stinging satire. I would also say that ordinarily I appreciate wit and satire and I am no fan at all of prosperity gospel and televangelists but this struck me as being beyond the pale today," McCarty said.
"This is not a day to poke fun on the day she died. I think it would have been best to have said nothing than to have lampooned and satirized someone on the day she died. She was a wife and mother and people love her," McCarty added. "Today is a day to extend condolences to those who grieve her loss."
On the Babylon Bee"s Facebook page, fans were divided.
"Being in the funeral industry, the bee has lost me on this one," wrote Brad Root, who noted he"s not a fan of TBN theology. "She does have a family who is grieving her loss. Pray for her family that they may see the truth and be brought closer to G*d. Don"t make fun of her after she passed. What would Jesus do? I love ya bee, but you crossed the line this time."
Angela Gabrielle Soles wrote, "I normally think everything BB posts is gold.... but this was completely insensitive. Satire and jokes are fun, but this crossed the line."
Rhett Kelley wrote, "Normally a big fan, but this is way too soon. Regardless of their heretical doctrines, we could demonstrate some charity as her family and friends mourn. There"s plenty of time for satire later."
Others, though, said the story did not go too far.
"Satire works because it offends and in offending shocks our senses to the reality behind the joke," wrote Nate Schlomann. "It is in the very moments of life and death and pain and suffering that the hellacious Prosperity Gospel does its most damage. Sad to have seen this pastorally first hand too many times. So this is the perfect time, there can be no other. Go BB."
Mike Chaney wrote: "Truth is not always comforting and can be offensive. The post sarcastically addresses a legitimate question. It is far less offensive than teaching a doctrine that causes people to live in doubt, guilt and shame for not having enough faith to claim perfect health and abundant wealth."
The Windy City Blue with Maya Rudolph and Martin Short
Minnie Riperton is an American singer-songwriter, and the mother of actress and comedian Maya Rudolph. Originally from Chicago, the soul singer was the youngest of eight children in a family that loved music. She was married to songwriter and music producer Richard Rudolph until her death on July 12, 1979.
Read about Ripertons personal life and career accomplishments below.
1. She Sung Backup for Etta James and Chuck Berry
Ripertons association with Chess Records enabled her to sing backup for many legendary singers, like Etta James, Fontella Bass, Ramsey Lewis, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, and Muddy Waters.
Stevie Wonder was also a huge fan of the singer, and co-produced her album, Perfect Angel, in 1974. In an interview with NPR in 2012, Maya Rudolph discusses what it was like growing up with such musically gifted parents. My mom was music. Music poured out of my mother, and Im sure I heard it before I even got here when I was in her belly.
2. Shes Famous for Being Able to Sing in the Whistle Register
Minnie Riperton and her children, Marc and Maya Rudolph. (Pinterest)
The whistle register is the highest possible register a person can sing; its above a modal and falsetto. So, put simply, its really, really high. According to MTV News, Minnie is famous for her ability to sing in this incredibly high register, which she does in her hit single Lovin You. My Island Sugar writes, She has also been credited for her ability to sustain notes in the sixth and seventh octave for long periods of time, as in Reasons, Could It Be Im in Love, Adventures in Paradise, and Inside My Love, and also Love Me Now with the Rotary Connection. Minnie was able to hit her highest note, an F7, on the song You Take My Breath Away.
In the aforementioned NPR interview, Maya Rudolph says, I feel like my mom was part of a generation of people who [had] incredible gifts. There was no sweetening of vocals. There was no Pro Tools then. So I feel like people like her really shone because they were just so incredibly gifted and one of a kind. She was very revered for that reason and very well-respected. My mom was a special, cool lady.
3. Shes Best Known for Her 1975 Single Lovin You
The #1 hit single Lovin You was released in 1975 as part of Ripertons gold album, Perfect Angel. As a child, the soul singer was very involved in the arts, and practiced ballet and modern dance at an early age. She was also trained in opera by Marion Jeffery at Chicagos Lincoln Center.
When Riperton graduated from Hyde Park High School, she decided to attend Loop College (now known as Harold Washington College), in Chicago, Illinois, where she was part of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. Riperton dropped out early to pursue her singing career.
4. She Died at Age 31 from Breast Cancer
Riperton was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 1976, and underwent a radical mastectomy. Unfortunately, doctors caught the cancer late, and it had already metastasized when they found it. Riperton was told she only had six months to live, but that didnt keep her from singing and recording music.
Minnie Riperton was one of the first celebrities to come forward about her breast cancer, which she disclosed on The Tonight Show on August 24, 1976.
5. She Was Presented with the American Cancer Societys Courage Award by President Jimmy Carter
In 1978, Jimmy Carter presented the singer with the American Cancer Societys Courage award at the White House. Essence writes, Indeed, Minnie Riperton was one of the first public figures who decided to speak more openly about facing the disease. Her calm, grounded candor did so much to take the fearful secrecy out of breast cancer, and cancer in general, at that time and so, most appropriately, President Carter honored her with a Courage Award from the American Cancer Society in 1978.
Maya & Marty: When Does The New Variety Show Start?
Maya Rudolph and Martin Short will try to revive the variety show genre for NBC tonight.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors - Game 7 - 1st Half Highlights | 2016 NBA Playoffs
OAKLAND, Calif. Fresh charcoal gray NBA Finals cap on backward and wearing a wide grin,Stephen Currysummed up his wild, up-and-down postseason so far and reminded everybody he"s not close to done.
The MVP"s got his groove back, all right - looking healthy again at last after dealing with a troublesome ankle, right knee sprain that sidelined him and even a puffy elbow from an awkward dive into the stands.
"Now we"re four wins away from our goal, and that"s a pretty special accomplishment," Curry said Monday night after his Golden State Warriors wrapped up the Western Conference finals by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7.
Curry is taking the 73-win Warriors back to the NBA Finals with a shot at a second straight championship, his plan from the get go.
Golden State"s ultimate goal of a repeat title has been in the works since Day 1, even if the Warriors" chances of digging out of a big hole against Oklahoma City looked dire just last week. His body beat up, Curry had no choice but to watch fellow Splash BrotherKlay Thompsonand others carry the Warriors for much of this postseason run while he worked his way back.
It"s his time again.
Just as he did after the Warriors won Game 5 to stave off elimination, Curry chanted through Oracle Arena, "We ain"t going home!" as Golden State became just the 10th team to rally from a 3-1 deficit to win a postseason series with Monday night"s 96-88 Game 7 victory.
Curry and his teammates earned a day off Tuesday before preparations begin in earnest Wednesday for a Finals rematch againstLeBron Jamesand the Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost last season"s title to Golden State in six games.
For Curry, there"s just one more step to take to cap a remarkable, record-setting season.
The 28-year-old global superstar earned the first unanimous MVP award in league history, while also becoming the first player not only to make 300 3-pointers in a season but also 400 - he finished with 402 - before a series of injuries slowed him when it mattered most.
There was the injured ankle in the first-round Houston series, then he returned only to slip on a wet spot in Game 4 against the Rockets and sprained his right knee. He made a dive into the Oracle Arena stands against the Thunder and gave himself a puffy elbow, and for a few games Curry hardly looked comfortable with his typically breezy ballhandling and shoot-from-anywhere rhythm.
Until he did again.
His teammates have come to expect nothing less, even when Curry"s body is hurting and speculation swirls about whether he is playing somewhere around 70 percent. He has learned to block out the chatter along the way, knowing that just comes with being the best.
"That"s really one thing that I admire about him. He"s a person that"s never going to change for anybody. He hasn"t changed to try to prove anything," said 2015 Finals MVPAndre Iguodala. "He just stayed true to himself."
Curry scored 36 points in the deciding game while making seven 3-pointers and dishing out eight assists. He wound up with 32 3s against the Thunder, the most ever in a seven-game postseason series.
"I feel joy, for sure," he said. "This is an unbelievable accomplishment, to go back to back to the Finals and continue this journey. So I"m kind of just taking in the moment and enjoying it with my teammates."
And for anybody still questioning his toughness, Coach of the Year Steve Kerr brushes such things aside with another timely joke: "Because he looks like he"s 12."
Perhaps it"s easy to forget how Curry led the Warriors to an NBA-record 24-0 start and a record 73-9 finish.
"You have an MVP, two-time, and what he contributes every single night and what he means on the floor for them, you just have to have your antenna up even more," Cleveland"sKyrie Irvingsaid.
Four more wins, that"s all Curry cares about right now. However they come.
"The one thing with Steph is he understands that with all these accolades, MVPs, commercials, with all that comes great responsibility to his team, to the organization, the fans. He gets that," Kerr said. "He understands that if you play poorly, you"re going to get blamed if you"re the star. He"s had a rough playoff go because of the injuries. I think he finally felt right physically the last couple games. And this is who he is. Having a clutch performance in a Game 7. That"s Steph Curry."
