Mandatory News

Saturday, August 13, 2016

New Balance 5th Avenue Mile to Feature Olympians and Runners of All Ages and Abilities on Saturday, September 3

Emma Coburn: Dreams and Dedication
Press Release from New York Road Runners:New Balance 5th Avenue Mile to Feature Olympians and Runners of All Ages and Abilities on Saturday, September 3

New York, July 21, 2016--The most iconic road mile race in the world will return to New York City"s most prestigious thoroughfare for its 26th running on Saturday, September 3, with Team New Balance Olympians Jenny Simpson and Emma Coburn set to lead the way at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, it was announced today by New York Road Runners.

"Bringing in professional athletes such as Jenny and Emma -- both Team New Balance Olympians -- to race a historic 20-block stretch of New York City is a terrific way to kick off the inaugural New Balance 5th Avenue Mile," said Peter Ciaccia, president of events for New York Road Runners and race director of the TCS New York City Marathon. "New York Road Runners and New Balance share a powerful commitment to helping athletes and giving back to the communities they are a part of, and we are excited to partner with USATF.tv to ensure fans everywhere will have the chance to watch the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile."

Simpson, 29, of Boulder, CO, is the only four-time women"s champion of the 5th Avenue Mile, and has won the event each of the last three years. The New Balance athlete is a two-time IAAF World Championship medalist over 1500 meters, and earlier this month she finished first in the distance at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials to qualify for her third Olympic Games. Before shifting to the 1500 meters, Simpson was the American record-holder in the 3000-meter steeplechase, placing ninth in that event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"For the sixth year in a row, the finishing stretch of my summer season will be the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile," Simpson said. "I can"t wait to return to the most iconic road mile in the world to try to take home my fifth title. There"s nothing in our sport that quite compares to the electricity of running a straight mile in the heart of New York City within the wall of fans cheering us on. It"s an experience I cherish each year, as it signals the end of one season and reminds me how hard I want to continue to work so that I can return for the next one."

Coburn, 25, also of Boulder, CO, is training partners with Simpson and is fresh off winning the 3000-meter steeplechase final at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, her fifth national title in the event. At the 2012 London Olympics, Coburn was the youngest runner on the U.S. track and field team at age 21, and finished ninth in her event. This May, she broke Simpson"s American record in the steeplechase with a mark of 9:10.76 at the Prefontaine Classic.

The rest of the world-class professional athlete field for the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile will be announced following the conclusion of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in August.

"Thousands of runners of all ages will run the world"s most iconic road mile, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 80th Street to Grand Army Plaza at 60th Street," said Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. "This is a fantastic opportunity with New Balance to show its support for runners of all ages and abilities -- from kids to Olympians -- in New York City during its first year as title sponsor of the event."

The New Balance 5th Avenue Mile will be comprised of 23 races this year, including specialty heats such as the NYPD/FDNY Mile, the George Sheehan Memorial Miles for runners 60 to 69 and 70+, and the women"s and men"s NYRR Road Mile Championships, featuring top local athletes. There will also be kids" races for kids ages 2-6.

NYRR and New Balance have gradually launched a new relationship in 2016 that will reach full engagement in 2017, covering a wide range of areas including event sponsorship, youth programming, global licensing, and e-commerce and retail rights for footwear and apparel. This year, New Balance has become the title sponsor of both the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile and the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, and is also working together with NYRR on the opening of a new NYRR running center, set to open in late 2016 near Columbus Circle.

In 2017, New Balance will become an NYRR Foundation Partner and the Official Athletic Footwear and Apparel Partner of NYRR. The year-round engagement will feature sponsorship of the NYRR Five-Borough Series (United Airlines NYC Half, Airbnb Brooklyn Half, NYRR Queens 10K, New Balance Bronx 10 Mile, and NYRR Staten Island Half), NYRR Heritage Races (NYRR New York Mini 10K, New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, and the NYRR Midnight Run), and the TCS New York City Marathon.

Source: http://www.flotrack.org/article/43915-jenny-simpson-and-emma-coburn-headline-new-balance-5th-avenue-mile

Hope Solo: "We played a bunch of cowards"

Hope Solo needs to grow up - "Speak For Yourself"

Tough loss for the U.S. women"s soccer team Friday in Rio. The U.S. were eliminated from the Olympics bySweden on penalty kicks following an Olympic quarterfinal game that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Apparently, it"s not sittingwell with goalie Hope Solo.

Here"s more of what Solo had to say after the game concluded:

"We played a creative game. We had many opportunities on goal. We showed a lot of heart. We came back from a goal down. Im very proud of this team."

We played a bunch of cowards. The best team did not win today. I strongly, firmly believe that.

"Sweden dropped back. They didn"t want to open play. They didnt want to pass the ball around. They didnt want to play great soccer, entertaining soccer. It was a combative game. A physical game. Exactly what they wanted. Exactly what their game plan was. We had that style of play when Pia was our coach. I think it was very cowardly. But they won, theyre moving on. And were going home,"

Meanwhile, Swedish coach and former U.S. national team coach Pia Sundhagehad a stern reply to Solo.

According to Hope Solo, I think you should define what is a good team. Well, usually especially with the Americans a good team is when theyre winning.

And theyre winning all the time. Thats the best team in the world. But for once they didnt go the whole way through. We won the game. They played more attacking football than we did. We defend very well. And the fact thatit went to penalty kicks says something about our defending. U.S.played better in the attack, we played better in the defense. And at the end of the day we won the game and thats what all counts.

Its OK to be a coward if you win.

After the initial outburst, Solo tried to soften her earlier comments.

"Youve got to take your hat off to them because they beat us. So theyre going on, like I said, and were going home. They dont have as quality of players as the American team does or as Brazil does, so they have to play a way thats going to give them hope to beat a team like Brazil or the USA."

"And I think thats part of the tactical side of things. And Pia is somewhat of a tactician, so she dropped her team into a 50 and tried to hit long b***s. They could only really score on the opportunity for a long ball or on set pieces.So I guess you can say its smart, but I dont think its respectful to the game."

Source: http://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/la-sp-oly-rio-2016-hope-solo-doesn-t-hold-back-after-u-s-1471031683-htmlstory.html

Tributes pour in as Star Wars legend Kenny Baker dies: "The greatest droid in the Galaxy"

R2-D2 Actor Kenny Baker Dies at 83

Iconic R2-D2 actor passed away after a long illness, aged 83

KENNY Baker, the man behind Star Wars" legendary R2-D2, has died.

He passed away, aged 83, after a long illness.

The late actor shot to fame back in 1977, when he first played the robot character in the first film, A New Hope.

He retained his role in The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.

Kenny Baker has died, aged 83 [Wenn]

As well as the blockbusters, he also appeared in The Goonies, Time Bandits and Flash Gordon, as well as a number of other hits.

Speaking to The Guardian, his niece, Abigail Shield, paid tribute to the actor, saying: "It was expected, but it"s sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life.

"He brought lots of happiness to people and we"ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. He did extremely well in his life.

"He was very ill for the last few years so we had been expecting it. He had been looked after by one of his nephews, who found him on Saturday morning."

Tributes poured in for the late actor [Getty]

Fans took to Twitter to mourn the iconic actor, with one writing: "RIP Kenny Baker. The greatest droid in the galaxy #R2D2," while another commented: "Tell me it"s not true #kennybaker."

A third said: "Though Kenny Baker became one with the force, we remember him for what he gave us and who he was"

ActorKenny Baker, who playedR2-D2 in the Star Wars films, died on 13 August, age 83, after a long ilnness [Getty ]

A look at the celebrities from the UK and around the world who have sadly passed away this year

"#RIP Kenny Baker. Thanks 4 bringing 1 of the greatest film characters to life R2D2,Will never be forgotten #Starwars," a fan added.

Our thoughts are with Kenny"s family and friends at this tragic time.

Source: http://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/586760/tributes-pour-in-as-star-wars-legend-kenny-baker-dies

Keith Tisdell and Shemar Moore (Instagram)

‘Criminal Minds’ Actor Thomas Gibson Could Be Fired For Kicking Writer

Keith Tisdell and Shemar Moore (Instagram)

*Criminal Minds is suddenly living up to its name off camera.

On a day that star Thomas Gibson was fired for allegedly assaulting a writer, his former co-star Shemar Moore is awaiting repayment of around $60,000 stolen from him by a guest actoron the series who was sentenced Wednesday for felony grand theft.

Moore, who played FBI agent Derek Morgan for 11 seasons, was victimized by fellow actor Keith Tisdell after befriending the man and inviting him to work with his retail company, a prosecution source told the New York Daily News.

Tisdell was arrested in January for stealing from Moore through the actors retail merchandise company Baby Girl LLC, which gives a portion of its sales to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, authorities said.

Tisdell pleaded no contest to felony grand theft in July and was sentenced to three years of formal probation and 45 days of CalTrans labor on Wednesday.

Tisdell appeared in an early episode of Criminal Minds in 2006 and later popped up in a 2013 episode that focused on Moores character.

According to the Daily News, the two became fast friends, with Tisdell posting more than a dozen Instagram photos since April 2013 showing the two attending industry events together and going on trips and bike rides.

As part of a plea bargain reached Wednesday morning in San Fernando, actor Keith Tisdell, 42, agreed to repay Moore, 46, the sum of $61,084.

Moore, 46, appeared at the sentencing and told the judge that Tisdell hurt him deeply, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Ive done a lot for him because he had me, my friends fooled, Moore told Judge Hayden Zacky. Im not here for money. Im here because he betrayed a friendship. This is not OK. You dont do this to people.

As he spoke, Tisdell occasionally shook his head in disagreement, according to the LA Times.

After the sentencing, Tisdells attorney gave Moore $5,000 worth of money orders; his client has to repay about $56,000, or he could end up in jail. If Tisdell pays back the money and stays out of legal trouble for the next three years, the conviction may be expunged from his record, the judge said.

Thomas Gibson

In other Criminal Minds news,CBS and ABC StudiosfiredGibson Friday after he allegedly kicked the writer of the episode he was directing earlier this week.

Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds," the network and production studio said in a joint statement. Creative details for how the characters exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date.

Gibson, who had been with the show since its 2005 debut, told USA Today in a statement, I love Criminal Minds and have put my heart and soul into it for the last 12 years. I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that wont be possible now. I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew, and, most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have.

Source: http://www.eurweb.com/2016/08/criminal-minds-shemar-moore-robbed-guest-actor-star-thomas-gibson-fired-alleged-assault-writer/

WATCH: Yankees prospect Aaron Judge shows off HR power

Joe Girardi on Aaron Judge and Tyler Austin

The Yankeesplan to release Alex Rodriguezafter his final game on Friday.

Perhaps that will finally clear the way for Aaron Judge to return to the majors.

Judge drilled his team-leading 18th home run of the season on Wednesday night, helping Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-BarreRailRiders beat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 10-0.

It was the seventh straight win for Judge and the RailRiders.

A-Rod"s last game in Boston

Judge"s home run to center field came in the third inning. He also had an RBI single in the first innning, scoring Ben Gamel.

Rodriguez, 41, is expected to play the final game of his career against the Rays at Yankee Stadium on Friday. The Yankees will then release him from his contract but still pay him the $27 million he"s owed through 2017.

Rodriguez is then expected to sign a contract that will make A-Rod an adviser and instructor to the Yankees" minor leagues, reporting directly to owner Hal Steinbrenner, for all of next season.

Rodriguez has repeatedly said he"ll be at peace with the decision if the Yankees decide to cut him. Then they announced on Sunday at a press conference at Yankee Stadium a deal that help them go separate ways.

Rodriguez is hitting .203 with nine homers. He"s four bombs short of 700 for his career.

The Yankees have said they need to get younger and more athletic and Rodriguez doesn"t fit into that plan.

He"ll start at designated hitter on Thursday against the Red Soxin Fenway Park. Then on Friday he"ll start again, though manager Joe Girardihas said he might let Rodriguez play the field in that game.

(NJ Advance Media"s Brendan Kuty contributed to this report.)

Maria Guardado may be reached at mguardado@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @mi_guardado. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Source: http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2016/08/watch_yankees_prospect_aaron_judge_shows_off_hr_po.html

Rafael Nadal vs Juan Martin del Potro, Rio 2016 Olympics semi-final: Watch live on TV, mobile in UK

Del Potro vs Rafael Nadal Declaraciones de Juan Martín Juegos Olimpicos Brasil 2016

Rafael Nadal takes on Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-final of the Rio 2016 Olympics on 13 August.

Where to watch live

The game is set to start at 5.30pm BST. The tennis matches of the Rio 2016 Olympics will be telecast live on BBC One, BBC Four and the BBC"s interactive Red Button service in the UK. In addition to this, there will be up to 24 HD video streams to follow the event on desktop, mobile and tabs.

Below is a list of all Olympics 2016 Tennis broadcasters from across the world.

Overview

World number three Rafael Nadal who had a pretty easy time in Rio 2016 in the first two rounds, comes into this clash on back of exhausting 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over Thomaz Belluci in the third round. Despite losing the first set and battling foot problems, the Spaniard ensure that he got a positive result to book his place in the final four.

The Beijing 2008 gold medal winner who has been plagued by injuries this season, admitted that he would not be playing in Rio if it was some other event. The former world number one though has looked in fine form in the tournament and already has a gold medal to his name winning the men"s doubles tournament with partner Marc Lopez on 12 August.

This means that Nadal will go home with a medal irrespective of the outcome, but he will want one last go at a gold in the singles event considering this might be his last Olympic Games.

Rafael Nadal won the men"s doubles gold with partner Marc Lopez at Rio 2016 OlympicsGetty

His opponent in the semi-final, Juan Martin del Potro was not expected to reach the last four of the tournament, and has exceeded expectations by doing so.

Del Potro who won the bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics, has struggled with injuries throughout his career, especially the wrist injury which has limited his playing time in the past two seasons.

Potro who produced arguably the biggest upset of the tournament when he stunned world number one Novak Djokovic 7-6, 7-6 in the first round has fitness issues of his own, with his body not yet acclimatised to the rigours of playing such intense tennis in recent times.

Though Nadal comes into this clash as the favourite, if del Potro can put his fitness issues behind him he could challenge the Spaniard and cause the second upset of the tournament.

Below is a list of TV channels that would air the game around the world:Country/RegionBroadcasterUnited KingdomBBCAlgeriabeIN Sports ArabiaArgentinaTV Publica, TyC SportsAustriaZDFBrazilFox Sports BrazilChileESPN, Fox SportsColombiaESPN, Fox SportsCosta RicaESPNFranceFrance 4, Foot+GermanyZDFHondurasClaro SportsHong KongTVB SportIrelandLFC TVJapanJapan ConsortiumMalaysiaHyppTVMiddle EastbeIN Sports ArabiaNew ZealandSKY GO NZNorwayTV2 SumoPortugalSport TV3SpainTVE La 1, TDPUnited StatesUSA Network, NBC Sports

Source: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/rafael-nadal-vs-juan-martin-del-potro-rio-2016-olympics-semi-final-how-watch-live-tv-mobile-1575852

Crabtree Mall suspends hoverboard sales after Cary family"s board ignites

BREAKING NEWS - Crabtree Valley Mall Shooting in Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, N.C. Crabtree Valley Mall has suspended sales of all hoverboard scooters after a Cary family said one of the boards purchased at the mall caught fire as it was charging inside their home.

The hoverboard fire in Cary continues a national trend of the popular holiday gifts igniting: The Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating at least 11 other incidents of hoverboard fires across the country, and online retailers such as Amazon and Overstock have pulled the rolling scooters due to their potential hazards.

"It started to smoke and shake, and then truly all of a sudden it ignited in flames," said the mother of the Cary family, who declined to be identified.

The mom said she watched her 16-year-old daughters hoverboard explode as it was charging in the familys living room Sunday night.

"My husband was quick to get a fire extinguisher, and he sprayed it, and then it stopped, but then it comes roaring back, and it popped," the mom said. "It sounds like fireworks when people say that, theyre telling the truth."

The hoverboard was an early Christmas gift from her daughter"s boyfriend, who got it for $427 from a kiosk vendor at Crabtree Valley Mall.

"Other than looking at this very generic user manual, we didnt say, "Huh, theres no warranty,"" the mom said.

The family said they were diligent about following the instructions not to charge the hoverboard for more than 2 hours and 15 minutes. But the hoverboard still caught fire.

Consumer Reports issued a blistering review, warning shoppers that many hoverboards are off-brand, made in small, unregulated factories in China, and have the potential to overheat and ignite.

"It"s definitely very terrifying to think that kids are going to get these for Christmas, and the same thing could happen to them," said the daughter who received the board.

The vendor of the hoverboard kiosk at Crabtree Valley Mall. who also declined to be identified, defended the products, saying theyre in use at the mall up to 14 hours a day. He said he"s never seen a problem or gotten a similar complaint. The kiosk is owned by SimcLLC.

This vendor has operated at Crabtree Valley Mall for a number of years without any issues," said Brian Asbill, a spokesman for the mall. "Prior to selling this product, the vendor sought and received assurances from its supplier that the batteries were tested and certified. However, in light of this incident, sales of this product have been suspended.

The mall said the kiosk was the only vendor selling hoverboards.

Source: http://www.wral.com/crabtree-mall-suspends-hoverboard-sales-after-cary-family-s-board-ignites/15192486/