Online Pretty News

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Could the Celtics land Russell Westbrook?

Russell Westbrook When Kevin Durant Left

By: Nate Scott| July 5, 2016 9:19 amFollow @aNateScott

Boston Celtics fans, if there was ever a time to get Russell Westbrook, it would be now.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been left reeling by the news that former MVP Kevin Durant will leave the team to join the Golden State Warriors, but with Russell Westbrook reportedly uninterested in signing an extension, the team needs to act fast before he becomes a free agent next summer.

Told emphatically by league source there"s no chance Russell Westbrook will do a renegotiation/extension of his contract (one yr remaining).

David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 4, 2016

The team just got a max return when they traded Serge Ibaka for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and No. 10 overall pick Donatas Sabonis. Aweek later the Thunder lost Kevin Durant and gotabsolutely nothing in return.

If they dont think they can get Westbrook back, the Thunder need to act before the trade deadline in February and the Celtics have been waiting for a moment like this.

Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

For years Danny Ainges acquisition of assets countless assets, all of the assets hasnt resulted in the superstar he wanted it to. But with a bunch of just-drafted first round talent, including No. 3 overall pick Jaylen Brown and several stashed European players, future picks (including a pick swap in nextyears draft with Brooklyn, the Nets first-round pick in 2018, and the Grizzlies first-round pick in 2019), and established talent on affordablecontracts in Avery Bradley, Jonas Jerebko, Marcus Smart and others, the Celtics have the pieces to make an offer that is extremely enticing.

If youre the Thunder, do you listen to a deal of Bradley, Jerebko, Brown, and the Nets first-round pick in 2018? Youre getting the No. 3 overall pick in this years draft, a 3-and-Dguy in Jerebko, and Bradley, who you can pair withOladipo in a new backcourt that will bedevastatingdefensively. All that anda future Nets first-rounder.

Im sure the Celtics dont want to do this, but they could alsoturn Jerebko into Jae Crowder in that same deal and then it becomes very hard for the Thunder to turn that down. (That one I actually think the Celtics would balk at. Westbrook could always leave after the season.)

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Thunder cant afford to wait too long. Westbrook could leave whatever team hes traded to, and while I dont know if the Celtics do the above trade for half a season with no guarantees they might go for it with only one year promised.

In the Eastern Conference next year, a team built around Westbrook and new signing Al Horford could make a run. It would almost guarantee the Celtics a date in the ECF with LeBron and the Cavs. Why not make it happen now?

The Thunder should trade Russell Westbrook. Here"s why.

Boston, Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook, NBA

Source: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/07/russell-westbrook-celtics-boston-thunder-trade

Eid Mubarak: A Special Menu to Celebrate Eid 2016 in India

Happy Eid 2016- Eid Mubarak wishes, Eid Greetings, Eid Ul Fitr E-card, Eid Whatsapp Video 2
Eid Mubarak! Make Eid 2016 extra special with our lavish menu, including 7 delicious recipes.

Eid is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Islam. Billions of Muslims across the world joyously await the sight of the crescent moon to break their final fast, celebrating the end of Ramadan. The evening is usually spent thanking the Almighty, offering holy prayers followed by the ultimate food feast. Were talking melt-in-your-mouth seekh kebabs served with chutney,baida rotis, nihari, the works. And did you know that Eid quite literally translates to the Festival of Sweets? Think: bubbling hot plates of seviyan, clay pots brimming with phirni and saffron-spiked kheer. Spruced up with toasted nuts, these sweet treats are nothing short of decadent. As they say, no meal is complete without something sweet and when it comes to Eid, traditional desserts are a strict mandate on the menu.

This year, Eid has been declared on 6th July 2016, Wednesday in Saudi Arabia. Eid in India usually falls on the same day, or sometimes a day later, but it will be declared only with the sighting of the crescent moon. Here are the 7 delectable dishes you can prepare for your Eid 2016 table to set the festive mood.

For Starters:

1. Lahori RaseelayRecipe from Foodistan

Made with minced chicken and flavoured with desi masalas, these juicy kebabs are served with plum-tamarind sauce to balance the flavours.

2. Dates ShakeRecipe by Henry Dimbleby

A drink that will leave you delighted. Take a handful of dates and blend it with milk and bananas. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom for extra flavour.

For Main Course:

3. Nihaari Gosht with Varqi ParathaRecipe by Foodistan

Nihaari is a staple and a must at every Muslim feast. Team this feisty mutton dish with varqi parathas and go straight to foodie heaven. Tip: Garnish with a squeeze of lime, thin julienne slivers of raw ginger and green chillies this Eid Ul Fitr 2016.

Image Credits: www.finelychopped.net

4. Shahi BiryaniRecipe by Niru Gupta

With layers of saffron-milk induced rice and juicy mutton pieces, this wholesome biryanicooked dum-style is an absolute crowd-pleaser.

5. Chicken Korma with SheermalRecipe by Gunjan Goela

Winner winner, chicken dinner! This hearty curry brimming with distinctive flavours like that of jaifal, javitri, gol mirch, kaju and kevar is sure to draw recipe requests. Serve with Sheermal, a traditional sweetened bread.

For Dessert:

6. Sheer KhurmaRecipe by Niru Gupta

Sheer Khurma is an authentic version of vermicelli pudding especially prepared for the festival of Eid. "Sheer" is Persian for milk and "khurma" translates to dates. Its flavoured with cardamom, raisins, grated coconut and comes close to heaven.

7. Meethi SeviyanRecipe by Chef Marut Sikka

Eid without Meethi Seviyan? No, can"t do. Seriously, theres no better way to celebrate than a bowl full of seviyan, soaked in milk and topped off with almonds and pistachios. Chef Marut Sikka uses khoya to enhance the flavours, and takes this dessert to a whole new level this Eid Ul Fitr.

Source: http://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/eid-mubarak-a-special-menu-to-celebrate-eid-2016-in-india-1428073

"Who pays?" Trump blasts Clinton"s Air Force One lift from Obama

LIVE Stream: Hillary Clinton Rally With President Obama in Charlotte, North Carolina (July 5, 2016)

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump return to campaigning after a July Fourth break. Both presidential candidates are visiting the battleground state of North Carolina, and for the first time in this race, Clinton will have President Obama by her side.

He will bring his former secretary of state to Charlotte on Air Force One, as her campaign seeks a lift from Mr. Obama with voters about four months to the general election. Clinton and Mr. Obama last traveled aboard Air Force One together on a 2012 trip to Burma, reports CBS News correspondent Chip Reid.

Her Republican opponent, Trump, is not happy about that.

Trump aired his grievances about the flight over Twitter Monday and asked, "Who pays?"

In 2014, the Air Force, responding to a FOIA request, said the cost to taxpayers to operate Air Force One is $206,337 an hour.

In order to comply with federal election law, the Clinton campaign, according to the New York Times, will share the cost of the trip with the White House.

Clinton won"t be traveling back to Washington with Mr. Obama after this afternoon"s rally. She"ll be campaigning in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Wednesday.

Clinton is slightly more popular than her opponent, with 42 percent of those polled calling Trump "highly unfavorable," according to Gallup. The latest presidential poll from USA Today shows Clinton leading Trump by five points. That same poll found Trump trailing by double digits just two months ago.

Clinton"s campaign could be bolstered by Mr. Obama"s 51 percent approval rating.

"She was an outstanding secretary of state. She is my friend. I think she would be an excellent president," Mr. Obama said of Clinton at a 2015 news conference in Panama.

When Clinton lands in Charlotte Tuesday afternoon, she"ll return to a state Mr. Obama won in 2008 but narrowly lost in his re-election effort. The joint appearance is Mr. Obama"s pitch to all Democrats to rally around their candidate.

From Charlotte, Mr. Obama will praise Clinton"s performance and is likely to unload on Trump, shutting down recent attacks from the presumptive nominee that claim the president is unable to fight terror effectively.

Back in May, Mr. Obama took aim from Japan.

"A lot of the proposals that he"s made display either ignorance of world affairs or a cavalier attitude," the president said at the time.

On Friday Clinton will campaign with Vice President Joe Biden in the city where he was born -- Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/elections-2016-president-obama-hillary-clinton-air-force-one-controversy/

How to celebrate Eid 2016 in the UK as the countdown to the annual Muslim festival commences

LUX Style Check | Eid 2016 | Episode 11

Tuesday 5 July marks the final day of Ramadan 2016, when Muslim followers around the world will begin the countdown to "breaking the fast", better known as Eid al-fitr.

There are almost three million Muslims in the UK, and since midnight on Monday June 6, they"ve been observing the spiritual month of Ramadan - a 30-day fast which sees worshippers partake in extra prayers in the name of Allah.

On Wednesday 6 July, the first morning of Eid, worshippers will gather in local mosques or open-air locations for special prayers called Salat al-Eid, before eating their first daylight meal in a month.

Their prayers will thank Allah for the strength, the will and the endurance he"s offered to them during Ramadan, and will be followed by the exchange of gifts, food and family prayers.

This year, a host of cities around the UK will be marking the joyous festival with celebrations, including fireworks, delicious foods and Arabic arts - with a London event hosted by Mayor Sadiq Khan in Trafalgar Square on 9 July.

Here"s our pick of the best events in Britain to celebrate Eid, to discover more about Ramadam itself, click here.

1. Trafalgar Square, London

Mayor Sadiq Khan will host this year"s Eid celebrations in Trafalgar Square on 9 July, and the event - which is free to attend - will include a variety of special activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Highlights include a food festival where you can sample a host of delicious cuisines from across the world. You can also enjoy live music and watch exclusive performances throughout the day.

Other highlights for children include face-painting, henna, calligraphy, story-telling and art exhibitions.

Date: Saturday 09 July 2016

Time: 12am to 6pm

Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN

Tickets: No ticket required

2. Brent Cross, London Traditional sweets "Kahk" are prepared, as part of celebrations Eid al-Fitr festivities in Cairo

On Saturday 16 July, Brent Cross Shopping Centre will treat children and family to an entire day of storytelling to celebrate Eid - with humorous fables told by a renowned theatre group.

There will also be henna artists, fun craft activities designed to encourage children to think about their community, face painting, sweet treats and calligraphy workshops.

Date: Saturday 16 July 2016

Time: 9-5pm

Venue: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Hendon, London, NW4 3FP

Tickets: No ticket required

3. Small Heath Park, Birmingham

Celebrate Eid will take place in Small Heath Park, Coventry Road, Birmingham, on Wednesday July 6. The event is also being called Eid in the Park.

With more than 60,000 people attending, this is one of the biggest Eid events in the UK and Europe. You can read all about the Birmingham event here.

Date: Tuesday and Wednesday, 5-6 July 2016

Time: 8-6pm

Venue: Small Heath Park, 569 Coventry Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0EF

Tickets: No ticket required

4. Eid in the Park, Blackburn

The Eid in the Park Blackburn committee is back with its mission to unite the communities of Blackburn and the surrounding areas for three days this July.

On day one - Eid Al-Fitr itself, brothers, sisters and children will gather for Eid prayer in the park. The following weekend is reserved for the family fun festival, with activities, food and music to entertain the public.

Date: Saturday and Sunday 9-10 July 2016

Time: 9-5pm

Venue: Witton Country Park, Preston Old Road, Blackburn BB2 2TP

Tickets: No ticket required

5. Eid Festival Manchester - Old Trafford

Taking place at Old Trafford itself, Manchester has left no stone unturned this Eid, with an exciting line-up of stalls, entertainment, funfair rides and "tantalising food" on the cards at its very own Eid Festival, Manchester event.

Date: Saturday and Sunday 9-10 July 2016

Time: 9-5pm

Venue: Old Trafford Football Stadium, Car Park W3

Tickets: No ticket required

6. Bradford Eid Festival 2016 Devout Muslims undertake extra prayers as a means to grow closer to Allah during Ramadam

On 9-10 July, Bradford will host the North"s largest Eid festival at Bradford Moor Park, with the aim to bring the community together in celebration of Eid. Entertainment will include henna artists, face painting, bazaars, a fairground and food court.

Date: Saturday and Sunday 9-10 July 2016

Time: 9-5pm

Venue: Bradford Moor Park Killinghall Road BD3 7JD

Tickets: No ticket required

Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/best-places-celebrate-eid-2016-8346221

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Celebrates July 4th With Baywatch Motion Poster

President Obama marks July 4th, sings Happy Birthday to daughter Malia

Today, as the United States of America is celebrating Independence Day, DwayneThe Rock Johnson wished everyone a happyFourth of July with a new, patriotic motion-poster for his Baywatch movie, which doesn"t arrive in theaters until next year.

The poster features the main cast: (from left to right) Kelly Rohrbach as C. J. Parker, Alexandra Daddario as Summer Quinn, Jon Bass as Ronnie, Dwayne Johnson as Mitch Buchannon, Priyanka Chopra as Victoria Leeds, Ilfenesh Hadera as Stephanie Holden, and Zac Efron as Matt Brody.

With the exception of Chopra, who is reportedly playing the film"s villain, the rest of the cast is wearing their red and blue lifeguard uniforms/swimwear. Also of note: The Rock is holding a blue sparkler and wearing an Uncle Sam top hat, Bass -- the chubby English comedian -- is partaking in the July Fourth tradition of stuffing his face with a hotdog, and Efron has an American flag painted on his muscular chest.

BAYWATCH follows devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Johnson) as he butts heads with a brash new recruit (Efron).Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay.

Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief) is directing the film from a screenplay most recently written by Damian Shannon & Mark Swift and Barry Schwartz. Beau Flynn (San Andreas, Hercules), Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Up In the Air), and Michael Berk, Doug Schwartz (Soul Surfer) & Greg Bonann, creators of the iconic Baywatch television series, are producing. The executive producers are Michele Berk (Bandits, Kill the Sparrows),Louise Rosner (The Big Short, The Hunger Games franchise), Tom Pollock (Up In The Air, Oold School),and Ali Bell (Hitchcock). Eli Roth is a co-producer.

The film starsDwayneThe Rock Johnson (Central Intelligence, San Andreas, Fast & Furious franchise) and Zac Efron (Neighbors, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates). Joining Johnson and Efron are Alexandra Daddario (San Andreas, True Detective), Priyanka Chopra (Quantico),Jon Bass (Big Time in Hollywood, FL, The Newsroom), Kelly Rohrbach (Caf Society),Ilfenesh Hadera (Billions), and Hannibal Buress (Daddy"s Home, Neighbors).

Baywatch will be released on May 19, 2017.

Source: http://comicbook.com/2016/07/04/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-celebrates-july-4th-with-baywatch-motion/

No. 1 pick Ben Simmons makes Summer League debut (Jul 4, 2016)

Ben Simmons Full SL Highlights 2016.07.04 vs Celtics - 10 Pts, 8 Rebs, 5 Assists in NBA DEBUT!

A look at some of the highlights from the five games on the schedule Monday at the Orlando Summer League and Utah Jazz Summer League:

NO. 1 DEBUT

No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons made his NBA debut in Salt Lake City. He finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists in just under 24 minutes of play. He left the game in the fourth quarter with the help of two teammates after cramps in both calves forced him off the floor. Simmons said he just needs to drink more fluids and thought not having played 5 on 5 in about four months contributed. Previously, Simmons showed the vision and playmaking ability in his 6-foot-10, 240-pound frame that has placed superstar expectations on his shoulders.

HIGH-FLYING BROWN

No 3 overall pick Jaylen Brown also made his debut as the Celtics faced the 76ers. He and Simmons started the game matched up against each other. Whereas Simmons" vision immediately stood out, Brown"s raw athleticism was evident. He finished with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists in the Celtics" 102-94 victory. He shot 2 for 7 from the field, but knocked down 11 of 17 free throw attempts as he regularly attacked the rim despite the presences of one or more defenders.

ORLANDO HIGHS

Mavericks guard Vander Blue and Thunder gurad Semaj Christon tied as the high scorers of the day in Orlando with 23 apiece. Christon shot 4 for 15 from the floor, but was 14 for 18 from the free throw line. Blue was 7 for 13 with a pair of triples. Christon"s six assists also led all players in Orlando on Monday.

SALT LAKE CITY HIGHS

Spurs second-year forward Kyle Anderson had the line of the night in Salt Lake City with a session-high 25 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists. Jazz second-year forward Trey Lyles had the lone double-double of the two games with 13 points and 12 rebounds. He shot just 4 for 14 from the field, though.

IN THE D

The Pistons improved to 2-0 with a 73-68 win over the Magic Blue team. It wasn"t the same type of 32-point victory that came against the Knicks, but Lorenzo Brown led the way with 19 points. Second-year player Stanley Johnson shot just 2-for-14 from the field and finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and one assist.

CELTIC PRIDE

Boston was the lone team to crack 100 points in any of the five games Monday. That was helped with five different players scoring in double figures. Terry Rozier scored a game-high 18 and second-year guard R.J. Hunter added 17. Brown scored 16 while Malcolm Miller added 14 and Ben Bentil chipped in 11.

QUOTABLE

""He sees everything,"" 76ers Summer League coach Billy Lange said of Ben Simmons. ""One time we asked him why he didn"t throw a lob. He said, `I"m just not used to throwing it with guys that can catch it." We said, well get used to it. We"ve got guys that will go up there and get it.

""He sees a lot. He sees lot.""

TUESDAY"S MATCHUPS

The Magic Blue team faces the Heat in Orlando while the Clippers play the Knicks and the Pistons take on the Pacers. In Salt Lake City, The 76ers tip off against the Spurs and the Celtics play the Jazz.

Source: http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/no-1-pick-ben-simmons-makes-summer-league-debut-070416

Pau Gasol signs a 2 year deal with the Spurs

Pau Gasol 40 pts 11 rebs 3 blks vs France 17.09.2015

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The 2 time NBA champion forward is agreeing to a contract with San Antonio.

It"s all but official, Pau Gasol is coming to San Antonio to play for the Spurs.

Whileit"s uncertain whether he will be playing with Tim Duncan or not, Gasol is a talented big man who passes, rebounds and scores. For the second straight summer,PATFO have signed an All Star forward.

We will have plenty of analysis of his fit with the team, but in the meanwhile, might as well say hello to your new Spur.

Source: http://www.poundingtherock.com/2016/7/4/12094186/pau-gasol-signs-a-2-year-deal-with-the-spurs