What Evan Mathis' release will reveal about the Giants

A Pro Bowl guard is on the free-agent market after the Eagles released Evan Mathis on Thursday.

The Giants offensive line, as currently constituted, doesn't need a guard. Arguably their two best linemen, Geoff Schwartz and Justin Pugh, are running with the first team at organized team activities this spring.

Yet the availability of Mathis should expose just how the Giants feel about their current offensive line.

The Giants are trying to determine this spring whether their offensive tackles are sufficient without Will Beatty (out until at least mid-October with a torn pectoral muscle). First-round pick Ereck Flowers is being thrown into the fire at left tackle. Veteran journeyman Marshall Newhouse is manning the right tackle spot. The goal was to get through the spring and re-evaluate then, if necessary.

"We'll see what happens," coach Tom Coughlin said several weeks back about the need to add another lineman. "We'll see how we finish the spring here and so on and so forth."

Before the Giants even hold their line mandatory minicamp this offseason, they will be forced to show their hand. Mathis' availability will display just how comfortable they are with their current situation.

Do they seriously make a play for the proven guard and throw Pugh back at tackle? General manager Jerry Reese has always said this team is willing to look at everything and, right now, this could be their top option for this season. If they think that is the case, they will enter the mix.

An argument can easily be made that Pugh, in his third season, or Schwartz are the best healthy tackles the Giants have on the roster, even if their best positions may be guard. Pugh played right tackle his first two seasons in the NFL, and showed signs of being a quality player at that position. A hobbled Schwartz filled in admirably at right tackle for a game when he returned from a toe injury.

More on Mathis' release: What now for the Eagles?

There will undoubtedly be a market for Mathis. Even at 33 years old, he's better than a lot of current penciled-in starters around the league. That's why he was unhappy with his contract in Philadelphia, even though he was scheduled to make north of $5 million this season.

The Giants aren't going to break the bank for Mathis. They're not going to guarantee big money and commit for several seasons to a linemen who isn't an ideal fit (at 6-5, 298 he's not their typical mauling guard).

But if they do anything more than make an exploratory inquiry ‐ which is the norm on almost all free agents ‐ it will be awfully telling. It says the Giants are not content with their first-team offensive tackles.

All offseason the Giants shied away from the "big name" guards. Even after losing Beatty, they never made a play for veteran Justin Blalock, a solid starter for years with the Falcons who was released for salary cap reasons. Blalock remains a free agent. They wanted Pugh at guard and stuck to the plan even with Beatty injured.

But the Giants did bring in veteran tackle Jake Long several weeks back. That alone said they were at least somewhat interested in upgrading that position. They don't seem to have closed the door on that either.

"He's a veteran, he's played a lot of football, and so we brought him in, gave him a physical to see where he was," Reese said last week. "We'll keep an eye on him."

A push for Mathis would speak loud and clear. Despite Reese's hope that the selection of Flowers would put an end to talk about upgrading a questionable line, it would prove that it's still a serious concern. Not just with large contingent of fans who remain skeptical, but with the opinions that matter within the walls of the Quest Diagnostics Training Center as well.

Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.

Source: http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2015/06/what_evan_mathis_release_will_reveal_about_the_gia.html

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Ric Flair Remembers Dusty Rhodes, Says He Was The Definition Of Heart And ...

Ric Flair wrote the following on Facebook yesterday about the tragic passing of Dusty Rhodes:

All I wanted to be in 1972 was Rambling Ricky Rhodes. The Dream told me "you can make it on your own." He mentored me and taught me how to be a star. Dusty used to say "If you are going to pass by... why not in a Cadillac??" He's the man who invented A Flair for the Gold and was a genius way ahead of his time. Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream.

Flair also released this statement on Dusty:

Today I lost one of my greatest opponents and greatest friends. He was the definition of heart and soul and I'm honored to have shared the ring with him countless times.

He became the 'American Dream' because wrestling needed a hero they could respect, and he was the man for the job. Dusty Rhodes, I will miss you my mentor and friend.

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Source: http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0612/596190/ric-flair-remembers-dusty-rhodes/

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Ellen Pao's appeal is now about the money

Ellen Paos gender discrimination and harassment case against venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers has been heralded as a seminal moment for Silicon Valleys male-dominated technology and investment communities. It highlighted issues of inequity that went far beyond the litigants and, perhaps, will ultimately lead to actual change.

In the process, Pao herself became something of a poster child for gender equality. A lot of it had to do with statements she made during the trial about her motives for bringing the suit, which had a decidedly altruistic bent. A lot of it had to do with others who felt that they had experienced discrimination, and were inspired by a woman who was willing to so publicly take on not just an alleged perpetrator, but one that also was one of Silicon Valleys most storied and powerful investment firms.

Today, I have to wonder if those folks are feeling disheartened.

Following a March jury verdict that found in favor of Kleiner Perkins, Pao said in multiple interviews that she had not yet decided on whether or not she would appeal. In response, Kleiner Perkins said that it would seek nearly $1 million in legal fees from Pao, but would drop the request if Pao waived her right to appeal (a move that was sound in law, but steeped in spite). That was followed by Pao, earlier this week, filing a notice to appeal. The move didnt necessarily mean she would appealnor did it reveal grounds for appeal but seemed to indicate that she had rejected Kleiners officer.

Today, however, it looks more like a negotiation tactic.

Kleiner Perkins this morning filed court paperwork claiming that Pao offered to waive her appeal rights if the venture capital firm agrees to pay her $2.7 million to cover her fees and costs. It also said, in a subsequent statement, that it has no intention of accepting this unreasonable demand.

None of this, of course, should be terribly surprising. Legal disputes related to employment often boil down to money. But this case was elevated to something much grander, due largely to Paos own statements. If Kleiners contention is true, she has either betrayed those words for the sake of financial expediency, or they were largely a ruse in the first place.

To be clear, neither sides motive in this case should ever have mattered. Paos charges against Kleiner Perkins were quite serious on their face, and deserved the open hearing they received.

But for those who focused on the motive over the substance, it must be unsettling to learn about the $2.7 million request. Its one thing to not appeal because your attorneys say that there is little viable pathway to victory, and that youd be throwing good money after bad. Its quite another to publicly keep your options open as a de facto way of saying the cause of gender equality was not well served by the jury, while privately asking for a payout to make the whole thing go away.

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Source: http://fortune.com/2015/06/05/ellen-paos-appeal-is-now-about-the-money/

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Raven-Symone Explains How Her 3-Year 'Early Retirement' Prepared Her for ...

Raven-Symon became the newest co-host of "The View" Wednesday, after not working at all for a few years.

That time, which she calls her "early retirement," was crucial for this new chapter to be possible, she said.

"Those three years took off every single piece of dead skin that had been growing on me that I had not been able to shed because I was still in the public view," she told ABC News Wednesday. "From [ages] 3 to 25 [I worked]. I said, 'That's a lot of gunk on top of me.' Purged it: Sat in my house, went to school, traveled, fell in love. Just did what I needed to do. And now I'm able to be myself, and not a brand that was concocted to sell something. Now I'm who I want to be in the public eye."

The former child star, now 29, is back to working full-time, and not just at "The View." She recently appeared in TV shows including "Black-ish" and "Empire," has begun producing various projects, and is taking online classes at the Academy of Art University.

"One of the reasons I said yes to 'The View' is because the filming schedule is the best job anyone in the industry could ever have," she explained. "I work from 8 or 9 until, what? 12ish? 12:45pm at the latest, and that's on a one-show day. After that, when I start my next semester, I'm going to do my school and homework. Meetings in L.A., that's a Facetime call. Quick. And I have wonderful people out there to help me facilitate any producer credits that I'm going to be working on now."

The entertainer, who admitted her only immediate celebration plans involved a glass of champagne with the "View" crew and a much-needed nap, is also going to have to start the process of relocating to New York City. Since she was little, Raven-Symon has lived on the West Coast, but now that her position at "The View" is official, she said she'll phone her real estate agent in the next few days.

"I'm looking for a loft because I'm a painter and I want a lot of space," she said. "I want to be able to get paint on my ground and the people not to get mad at me. I need space and windows and light for painting, so mostly when I go home, I'll go back to my other life."

-- This embed didnt make it to copy for story id = 31673894.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/raven-symone-explains-year-early-retirement-prepared-view/story?id%3D31673894

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Bryce Dallas Howard Wants You to Know 'I Am Not Jessica Chastain'

Bryce Dallas Howard has uploaded a video to let you know that she is not Jessica Chastain!

The 34-year-old Jurassic World actress is often confused with Oscar nominated actress as they both have red hair and look vaguely similar to each other.

In the video, which was created with the help of Dubsmash.com, Bryce sings a little song to let you know that she isnt Jes!

Everyone get it yet? : ) performance by #BryceDallasHoward not #JessicaChastain Bryce captioned the video on her Instagram account. Watch the video below!

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Source: http://www.justjared.com/2015/06/09/bryce-dallas-howard-wants-you-to-know-i-am-not-jessica-chastain/

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Publix Children's Miracle Network campaign kicks off

Monday, May 25, 2015

(WRDW) -- Publix is teaming up with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals to raise money for life-saving equipment and training programs.

The annual Miracle Balloon fundraiser kicked off on Monday and will run through June 12. Balloon coupons can be purchased for $1, $3, and $5.

The money will go towards the children's hospital medical equipment, research, education, and outreach programs.

It is the 23rd year Publix has partnered with Children's Miracle Hospital for the fundraiser.

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Copyright WRDW-TV News 12. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished without express written permission.

Source: http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/Publix--304924021.html

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Facing Elimination, the Rangers Expect to Go Home, for Game 7

Photo Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman shooting against Henrik Lundqvist during Tampa Bays 2-0 win in Game 5 on Sunday. Game 6 will be Tuesday night. Credit Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

The Rangers are all too familiar with their predicament against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference finals. They are facing elimination again, trailing a series by three games to two for the sixth time over the last four postseasons.

But four times in those series, the Rangers emerged victorious. Their belief is strong that they can win Game 6 at Tampa Bay on Tuesday and take the series back to Madison Square Garden for Game 7 on Friday.

We just have to go down there and play confident, play our best game and try to get a win, said defenseman Marc Staal, who has been through the teams many playoff battles since 2008. Everyone believes in here that we can do it, so we just have to go down there, step up, give our best effort and try to get one.

The Rangers, who finished the regular season with an N.H.L.-best 113 points, will have to counter the numerous weapons of the speedy and opportunistic Lightning, who have beaten the Rangers with offensive wizardry and stifling defense.

Photo Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has a 14-3 record in games in which the Rangers have faced elimination. Credit Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

But after Tampa Bays 2-0 victory in Game 5 on Sunday at the Garden, the second playoff shutout for goaltender Ben Bishop, the captain Steven Stamkos emphasized how difficult it would be for his team to win the clincher.

We understand the magnitude of the next game, and were going to get their best game there is no doubt about it, said Stamkos, who scored for the fourth straight game Sunday and assisted on Valtteri Filppulas game-winner. We need to find a way as a group to not just match that but give even more.

The Rangers, as always, will be counting on goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to lead them. Since the 2012 playoffs began, he has a 14-3 record in games in which the Rangers have faced playoff elimination, including an 8-1 mark the past two seasons.

The Rangers rallied from a 3-1 series deficit against the Washington Capitals in the last round.

But this showdown against the Lightning has been peculiar, with vastly different styles and outcomes in each game. The Rangers won a tight-checking opener, 2-1, and were bombarded, 6-2, in Game 2. They lost a topsy-turvy Game 3, 6-5 in overtime, but grabbed a surprising 5-1 win in Game 4. The Lightning rebounded with their best defensive effort in Game 5.

Usually it happens as you get closer to the end of a series; its more thinking behind the plays, more than just go-go-go, Lundqvist said. Thats what we saw in the first four games. Im not really sure what to expect down in Tampa in the next one, but we just have to prepare.

At stake is a trip to the Stanley Cup finals, where the Rangers lost in five games last June to the Los Angeles Kings. The Lightning have been to the finals only once, in 2004, when they won the Cup.

The will is there for the Rangers, who are set to play their 75th playoff game in the last four years, the most in the league. If physical or mental fatigue is a factor the Rangers have played 14 games decided by one goal in these playoffs the players are not letting on.

Its a race to four; it doesnt matter how many games the other team wins, said Derek Stepan, who scored the overtime winner in Game 7 to oust the Capitals in the second round. We have to beat them to four games. We have to go into their building and find a way to get it done.

The Rangers also rallied from a 3-2 series deficit against the Ottawa Senators in the first round in 2012, and they came back from the same deficit with back-to-back shutouts to beat Washington in the first round the next year. In 2014, the Rangers overcame a 3-1 deficit in the second round against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Their elimination-game moxie has become a team trademark. The only three losses when they have faced elimination have been an overtime crusher against the Devils in Game 6 of the 2012 conference finals, a Game 5 defeat against the Boston Bruins in 2013 in the second round, and last Junes Game 5 two-overtime loss on the night the Kings raised the Stanley Cup. All three of those losses were on the road.

Lundqvist, who is seeking to add a Stanley Cup to his career accomplishments, relentlessly preaches the importance of winning one game at a time.

We just have to go out there, leave everything out there, and see how far it takes us, he said.

Lundqvist also credited the Lightning for their undeniable skill at both ends of the ice.

Its a big part of their game, how they move the puck, he said. They made it tough for us to just be in good position, and thats what they do. We played well; we had good speed. It was just hard to create chances.

The Rangers have already played seven postseason series under the second-year coach Alain Vigneault, and he lauds their mental toughness.

I have a lot of faith and trust in my players, he said. They know how to prepare, and they know how to get ready for games. There is going to be no bigger game than the next one. Im confident were going to be ready for it.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/26/sports/hockey/from-a-deep-hole-the-rangers-summon-a-familiar-moxie.html

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