NBA to account for misspelled players’ names in social media All-Star votes
Ginebra teammates show love for Slaughter Smart hosts first 5G-powered esports exhibition match in PH Shanghai officials reveal novel coronavirus transmission modes The premiere basketball outfit confirmed to both The Boston Globe and NBC News on Sunday (Monday in Manila) that there will be a prescribed system in place that will pick up the incorrectly spelled versions of player names—with Giannis’ being the primary casualty.Aside from ‘The Greak Freak’, the Toronto Raptors’ star point guard Kyle Lowry’s stock has also taken a hit, as some fans mistakenly posted his name as ‘Kyle Lowery’, while the correct spelling of ‘Dwyane Wade’ has continued to puzzle most vote-casters.The overall balloting, meanwhile, will also take in account votes from players and select members of the press, which will compromise 50 percent of the total count.READ: NBA adds players, media vote to All-Star Game selectionsAfter the voting deadline on January 18, the numbers will then be computed using a slightly complicated mathematical formula.ADVERTISEMENT EDITORS’ PICK Giannis Antetokounmpo on all-star votes: “imagine how many votes didn’t count… if they could spell my name I would have a million votes” 😲— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) January 6, 2017FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra teammates show love for SlaughterSPORTSFreddie Roach: Manny Pacquiao is my Muhammad AliSPORTSWe are youngJust a few days after the Greek standout’s statement, the NBA has announced that they will now take into account the spelling errors for their social media All-Star balloting practice.The fan-friendly move, which has taken effect for the first time this season, has given fans the power to vote on different social media platforms by simply posting a player’s name along with the hashtag “NBAVOTE”. Smart’s Siklab Saya: A multi-city approach to esports Senators to proceed with review of VFA Where did they go? Millions left Wuhan before quarantine Despite his meteoric rise to fame this season, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name remains difficult to pronounce, let alone to spell for casual NBA fans. (AP/Jeffrey Phelps)Giannis Antetokounmpo believes his All-Star votes might be doubled if only fans knew how to spell his name right, and the league thinks that he may have a point.“Imagine how many votes didn’t count. If they could spell my name I would have a million votes,” the lanky-young Buck told ESPN’s Michelle Steel over the weekend.ADVERTISEMENT NBA: Embiid, Covington lift 76ers over Nets for 10th win
We are young PH among economies most vulnerable to virus Reached out to the NBA offices for clarification on how exactly All-Star voting will work this year, and here’s what they shared: pic.twitter.com/c6U42s7Xgt— Andrew Lynch (@AndrewLynch) January 5, 2017There is no limit as to how many times fans and players alike can vote for their preferred choices through Twitter.On Monday, the league’s premiere superstar LeBron James also exercised his privilege and voted for his three closest friends in the league—Wade, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony. Khristian Ibarrola Screen grab from Twitter/@KingJamesSports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Taiwan minister boards cruise ship turned away by Japan PLAY LIST 01:31Taiwan minister boards cruise ship turned away by Japan01:33WHO: ‘Global stocks of masks and respirators are now insufficient’01:01WHO: now 31,211 virus cases in China 102:02Vitamin C prevents but doesn’t cure diseases like coronavirus—medic03:07’HINDI PANG-SPORTS LANG!’03:03SILIP SA INTEL FUND Chinese-manned vessel unsettles Bohol town View comments Chinese-manned vessel unsettles Bohol town Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. MOST READ
ehovah’s Witnesses around the world will tomorrow Friday, October 23, begin their annual conventions at various locations under the theme, “Imitate Jesus,” Adam Brown, spokesman for this year’s convention in Liberia said. During the course of the convention, Brother Brown said Jehovah’s Witnesses will discuss the keys to family happiness. He said the Witnesses’ three-day convention series will demonstrate how Jesus’ example can give parents and children the tools to build stronger and more united families. The program will also include a stimulating examination of Jesus’ famed Sermon on the Mount. Brown explains: “Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount offers timeless advice that can help parents to better use their time and resources to build a more secure and loving family environment.”In Monrovia, for example, the Witnesses’ will converge at the Mount Barclay Assembly Hall at 9:30 a.m. Accordingly, an estimated 2,000 persons are expected to come to the Mount Barclay Assembly Hall for the bible based program. Jehovah’s Witnesses in Liberia are also organizing another 13 conventions in eight cities across the country to be delivered in two languages (Kissi and English). The cities are Monrovia, Montserrado County; Buchanan, Grand Bassa County; Ganta, Nimba County; Gbarnga, Bong County; Voinjama and Foya in Lofa County; Harper, Maryland County; and Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County. Worldwide, there are over 8,000,000 Witnesses in more than 115,000 congregations. “Jesus, the founder of Christianity, is widely considered as one of the most influential and significant men who ever lived,” Adam Brown, a convention spokesman said. As Christians, Brown said, a core belief of Jehovah’s Witnesses is that Jesus lived his life as a model for everyone to follow; therefore, this year’s conventions will examine Jesus’ life, as outlined in the Bible, and emphasize how all – regardless of their background, lifestyle, or religion – can benefit in practical ways from His example and teachings. “A highlight of the three-day program will be the keynote address on Friday morning entitled, ‘Concealed in Him are all the Treasures of Wisdom’,” Brown said.He said that “admission is absolutely free” because conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are entirely supported by voluntary donations.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has formally opened the offices of PricewaterHouseCooper (PwC) in Liberia after many years of absence from the Liberian market.In her remarks, the President stated that PwC – although established in the country long before the war – is not well known. However, she said it has taken on a new face since returning to the country two years ago.“It’s a good thing to be here today to be able to recognize a significant step in our growth of local institutions,” the President added.She further stated that she was glad that PwC, among whose core activities is auditing, has satisfied all the requirements of the Liberian law for it to be in operation in the country.President Sirleaf also expressed satisfaction that as PwC takes on a new phase in Liberia, it has involved one Liberian, Mr. Taweh Jefferson Veikai as its Country Senior Partner.Although she did not categorically cite the provisions in the Act creating the Liberian Institute of Public Accountants (LIPA), the President used the occasion to register her displeasure with some provisions in the Act. “But Arthur, I know you praised your Act, we are not very happy with some provisions of the Act. But as they say ‘all’s well that ends well,’ but there are provisions in that Act that have to be looked at,” the President stressed. Speaking earlier, Mr. Arthur Fumba, president of the Liberian Institute of Public Accountants, said he was grateful for the new Act, which now compels foreign firms of such nature that come to Liberia to be regulated by LIPA. He said he was happy that PwC has come to Liberia to help in the growth of the Liberian economy and Liberians themselves. “In times past, foreign accounting organizations only came to Liberia and after they had done their auditing without any regulation, they collected their monies, put them in their suitcases and flew out of the country without any help to Liberians. Please tell all other foreign firms that if they want our money let them come and stay with us,” he said. Also speaking, Mr. Taweh Jefferson Veikai, who now heads PwC’s office in Liberia, said PwC Liberia is a full member of the network of firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited and has unrestrained access to the global network’s vast resource base of proprietary knowledge, methodologies and experience. Mr. Veikai told the audience that as professional advisors, their core values include helping their clients solve complex business problems and aim to enhance their ability to build value, manage risk and improve performance. “We take pride in the fact that our services add value by helping to improve transparency, trust, and consistency of business processes. He disclosed that in Africa, PwC is the largest provider of professional services with close to 450 partners and 8,500 people located in 33 countries. He further stated that this enables PwC to provide its clients with seamless and consistent services wherever they are located on the continent.“PwC’s return to Liberia is a sign of the significant progress made by the Liberian government in attracting Foreign Direct Investment in an emerging economy. Liberia has a huge potential for growth due to its abundant natural resources and emerging markets,” he said.He further stated that there are immense potentials in several areas, particularly in Assurance, Tax, Advisory, Government, International Development Organizations and Global investments.“We look forward to playing a major role in improving the quality of life of the people of Liberia by opening new opportunities for local businesses as well as providing job opportunities for the talented young workforce,” Veikai added.However, he said their focus first is to quickly build relationships and offer valuable solutions to their clients, based on both their understanding of the Liberian economy and global trends so that clients can get ahead of the business curve, as they expect their global clients to invest and expand new markets in Liberia.He also disclosed that they have plans to recruit, develop and build the capacity of young Liberian professionals from across various educational backgrounds, including chartered accountancy, tax, advisory, law, management, and many others.“We are currently working closely with the Liberian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA) to develop industry ready professionals,” he further stated; adding: “We are here to build long term relationships with clients, people, and the communities in Liberia through our new office. Our plan is to build a team of PwC professionals by recruiting the best, brightest, and talented young individuals in Liberia and expanding their knowledge base so that they can support an environment that encourages more companies to grow and expand by providing industry insight and helping clients solve important problems.”Toward this drive, an official of PwC disclosed that they will be sending some Liberians to Nigeria for a two-year training program and that they were also glad to receive 15 young ladies from some of the universities, which sent them on an internship program.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
SEA GAMES 2019: PH’s Nesthy Petecio boxing featherweight final (HIGHLIGHTS) PLAY LIST 02:11SEA GAMES 2019: PH’s Nesthy Petecio boxing featherweight final (HIGHLIGHTS)05:09Carlos Yulo bags 2nd gymnastics gold, settles for 2 silvers07:01In front of hometown crowd, Carlos Yulo captures SEA Games gold01:04Daybreak as smoke, ash billows from Taal volcano01:05Poor visibility, nakaapekto sa maraming lugar sa Batangas03:028,000 pulis sa Region 4-A, tuloy ang trabaho03:57Phivolcs, nahihirapan sa komunikasyon sa Taal01:04Sold-out: Stores run out of face masks after Taal spews ash01:45Iran police shoot at those protesting plane shootdown LOOK: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 3 takes you straight to hell with a Music Video and First Look-Images He said Filipinos could excel in almost all weight-classed sports such as boxing, taekwondo, judo, wrestling and weight lifting as well as in other sports that require intelligence, balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and endurance like gymnastics, marathon, synchronized swimming, diving, cycling, shooting, archery chess and other similar sports.Pacquiao said the smashing victories of Yulo and Petecio, compared to the performance of the country in the 2019 FIBA (basketball) World Cup, should give the country’s sports policymakers and top sports philanthropists and promoters “the right perspective on which sports should be developed and given the best possible support.”READ: Olympics-bound Yulo wins historic gold for PH in world championships READ: Nesthy Petecio wins gold in boxing world championships Pacquiao added that the Philippines had “continuously tried but failed” to clinch a gold medal during Olympic games due to the fact the country’s sports decision-makers and policymakers “give too much attention to sports where there’s practically no chance for victory.”ADVERTISEMENT Taal Volcano’s lava fountain weakens, but Phivolcs says it’s not sign of slowing down Negros Occidental gov’t, church call for prayers for safety of Taal evacuees MANILA, Philippines – Following the breakthrough world championship triumphs of gymnast Carlos Yulo and female boxer Nesthy Petecio, Senator Manny Pacquiao urged the country’s sports policymakers to focus on sports disciplines where Filipinos can excel and win.In a statement on Tuesday, Pacquiao said it is about time that Philippine sports policymakers support and develop events where Filipinos can most likely excel “instead wasting funds on sports that gives immediate advantage for big and tall athletes like basketball.”ADVERTISEMENT Ronaldo nets 700th career goal in Portugal’s loss to Ukraine Taal Volcano eruption: House to develop rehab plan for Batangas, Cavite, Laguna Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES
‘Pinoys loves basketball, but…’“Just like many Filipinos, I love basketball and there is nothing wrong with it. But as far as the government’s sports development policy is concerned, we should refocus our resources and energy on other sports because there is no way that we could beat bigger and faster players in world basketball,” Pacquiao said.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSAndray Blatche has high praise for teammate Kai SottoSPORTSBig differenceSPORTSAlmazan status stays uncertain ahead of Game 4“We should pour more support on weight-classed sports and other sports that does not give undue advantage to bigger and taller athletes,” he added.A premium on weight class, agility, endurance MOST READ LOOK: Taal Volcano island 2 days after eruption No to ‘excursionists’Pacquiao, likewise, urged sports officials to stop sending “excursionists” to international sporting events and field only athletes with potentials of winning a medal.He said that “instead of wasting taxpayers’ money to cover the expenses of ill-prepared athletes and their entourage during international sporting competitions such as the Olympics and the Southeast Asian Games,” the government should fund the modernization of sports facilities in every city and municipality across the country.He claimed that sports organizations have been sending a large delegation of athletes and support staff to international sporting competitions, many of whom, he said, “end up acting like tourists and excursionists.” /gsgSports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next No need to wear face masks in Metro Manila, says scientist Andray Blatche has high praise for teammate Kai Sotto Francis Kong, Jason Magbanua headline ‘The School for the Passionate, New Bold U 2020’ View comments
Dear Editor,The recent visit by the CEO of GWI Dr Van West-Charles in Berbice to resolve issues that are confronting Berbicians can be considered a propaganda stunt to defend himself and GWI. I am still trying to understand the reasons why the CEO came to Berbice to host a press conference to address issues which are still not resolved. The location of the press conference and the refusal to visit the affected areas is a reflection that the political alignment of the CEO influences him to make those decisions.The exorbitant bill increases, the quality of water, the unavailability of water in various areas for weeks, the promise of the CEO to disregard payments on water meters until quality water is been provided, the continuous damaging of public infrastructure eg road, streets, etc, the refusal of GWI officials to treat customers with respect, was not addressed by the CEO. The issues were disregarded and blame was transferred to other agencies.The increase rates by the Public Utilities Commission without looking at the quality of water is very much disrespectful to the Guyanese people. The Public Utilities Commission is a definite failure in its mandate to ensure that Guyanese are protected from utility companies. GT&T, GPL and the GWI are operating in blatant disregard for the quality of services it provides but ensures that the financial obligations by customers are being justified. It is factual that customers pay for quality and efficient services but receive the worst and inefficient services by these utility companies.The APNU/AFC coalition Government Ministers continue to support party activists, friends, families, and rogue Government officials in very important positions. The Health Services in Region Six continue to be plagued by this disease resulting in loss of lives and denying people the rights to efficient services. Ministers and Government officials only waste taxpayers’ money to visit and make commitments but as customary, as they leave, the promises evaporate.The recent refusal to remove the CEO of the New Amsterdam Public Hospital as was agreed and promised by Government officials is the trademark of this APNU/AFC coalition Government, where incompetence, mismanagement and cronyism prevail over the people.The Residents of Region Six continue to suffer under the APNU/AFC coalition Government because of Corruption, Incompetence, Mismanagement and Cronyism. God help Berbice.Respectfully,Zamal Hussain
The main focus of this week is the car seat roundup. It’s estimated there are hundreds of unused car seats in the region that were previously unable to be recycled. NEAT is collecting those cars seats, stripped of their fabric, belts, metal and cushions, from 9 a.m. to p.m. this week to be recycled free of charge. Dzengo Mzengeza, Executive Director of the Northern Environmental Action Team, explains that the hope is to keep what can be reused or recycled out of landfills. “Waste should actually be material that is unusable, material that is unwanted, material that isn’t recyclable, and the only way that we can tell that we are diverting from our landfills is the amount of materials that go, for our case, to the Eco Depot.” Mzengeza says that for the past three years, an average of almost 2,000 tonnes of waste has been diverted from our landfill in Fort St. John alone. That’s the highest diversion rate in the Peace Region, and it doesn’t include composting. However, he says there’s always room for improvement.- Advertisement – “It’s a good figure, but we could be doing much more than that,” he argues. “Our problem is not with the residents, our problem is basically with them ICI, the industry. We need to see more of that sector recycling and diverting waste.” NEAT offers a business waste assessment program to help any companies get started.Advertisement
OCHS hosts Loma Linda at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Woodcrest improved to 12-4. SANTA BARBARA CHALLENGE CAJON 60, SANTA BARBARA SAN MARCOS 55: Senior posts Donnelle Booker and Alex Johnson controlled the paint as the Cowboys (9-6) led virtually the entire game. Booker scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Johnson had 14 and 10 for Cajon, which opens San Andreas League play at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Arroyo Valley. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! Tyler Vanderzee scored 20 points and pulled down 15 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to help Ontario Christian in a 65-54 nonleague loss to Woodland Christian on Saturday. Bobby Nigg added 11 points and 10 rebounds for OCHS (8-8), which trailed by 19 points near the end of the third quarter only to cut Woodcrest’s lead down to seven before ultimately falling short. 
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MORECoach Doc Rivers a “fan” from way back of Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson GIRLS Eisenhower 45, Fontana 35: Jennifer Hardwick had 16 points and seven assists as the Eagles (4-8, 2-0) downed the Steelers on Friday night. Michelle Burley had 11 points and Samara Dorton added eight points and 17 rebounds to lead the Eagles to victory after trailing by 10 points at halftime. Kia McCormick scored 12 points to lead Fontana. 
1 Scott Brown has been in fine form for Celtic this season Scottish midfielder Scott Brown is on the verge of making a shock international comeback at Wembley, according to reports.Brown announced his retirement from Scotland duty in August but he looks likely to be included in Gordon Strachan’s squad for the World Cup qualifier against England on November 11.The 31-year-old said on Thursday that he was looking forward to watching the ‘Auld Enemy’ match.But reports later emerged that Brown and Strachan have held talks over the former Scotland skipper performing a U-turn, with indications late on Thursday night that he will be back next month.The Celtic player quit international football in order to prolong his club career after struggling with hamstring problems towards the end of last season.But he has been rejuvenated by an extended break and the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as Celtic boss, producing some of the best performances of his career.Asked on Thursday if he had any regrets ahead of the England game, Brown both sighed and laughed and said: “I’ll enjoy watching that game. Here’s hoping Scotland do really well down there.“It will be another great occasion to be fair and I just wish Gordon all the best.”Brown has always been close with Strachan, who took him to Celtic Park from Hibernian in 2007.And with his former boss and his country in a difficult situation after collecting four points from their opening three qualifiers, Brown looks set to resume his national service.
A prison warden she identified as Hajaj “used to drag women, their hands and feet shackled, and leave them in scorching sun for several hours,” she told the court. “Soldiers used to watch us bathe,” she added, saying the guards would also fire weapons over the women’s heads as they washed. The woman said several relatives disappeared during the offensive. “I know the fate of my family (members). They were buried alive,” she testified. The prosecution presented the court with documents showing that remains of the women’s relatives turned up in a mass grave. Saddam and his cousin, “Chemical” Ali Hassan al-Majid, are facing charges of genocide in the trial. Five others on trial face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Saddam and the other defendants sat silently as the trial resumed after a 12-day break.160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! BAGHDAD, Iraq – The genocide trial of Saddam Hussein resumed Monday with testimony that his troops buried prisoners alive and abused female prisoners by shackling them for hours in the sun and firing over their heads as they bathed. Saddam and his six co-defendants are on trial for offenses allegedly committed against Iraqi Kurds during a crackdown in the late 1980s. If convicted, the defendants could be sentenced to death by hanging. One woman, who testified behind a curtain and whose name was withheld, apparently for fear of reprisal, told the court she was 13 years old when she was detained during the crackdown. The woman said Iraqi troops destroyed her village in northern Iraq in 1988 and that she and some family members were imprisoned in southern Iraq. 
Newcastle finally broke their transfer record when they completed a £20million deal to sign Miguel Almiron from MLS side Atlanta United.That fee for the Paraguay playmaker eclipses the £15m they forked out to sign Michael Owen from Real Madrid back in 2005. LATEST Where every Premier League club needs to strengthen in January Over the years, St James’ Park has witnessed a number of great players wear the famous black and white shirt, but who has been the best?talkSPORT.com has selected five of Newcastle‘s best ever signings. LATEST TRANSFER NEWS 6 IN DEMAND 4. Hatem Ben ArfaThe mercurial Frenchman initially arrived at Newcastle on loan and soon made an impact with a stunning strike in a 1-0 win over Everton. A broken leg meant he was sidelined for the remainder of that season, but he had done enough to sign permanently.On his day, Ben Arfa was easily one of the best players in the Premier League, capable of the sublime and downright spectacular; think his strike against Aston Villa on his weaker foot or the stunning solo goal against Bolton.Hindsight is a fine thing and many Newcastle fans do wonder how he would have fared alongside the likes of Shearer, Kieran Dyer and co when Newcastle were in their pomp. 6 Given was Newcastle long-time number one 1. Alan ShearerSince a knee injury that led to his retirement 13 years ago, Newcastle have never truly replaced the great man.Record goalscorer, captain and at one time, the world-record transfer when he joined for £15m in 1996, Shearer is without doubt a Newcastle legend.A robust, old-fashioned centre forward, Shearer was the ultimate striker and could score all types of goals, blockbuster shots, ferocious volleys, tap-ins, penalties and free-kicks.An unparalleled 206 goals for Newcastle is unlikely to ever be matched and he is also the Premier League’s greatest ever goalscorer. Indeed, Shearer was the complete finisher. The talented Frenchman was a fan favourite 3. Gary SpeedKenny Dalglish struck the deal for Speed, who was the consummate professional. His impact was not only felt on the field, the Welshman was very much a respected member of the dressing room.The former Everton and Leeds midfielder quickly became a fan favourite on Tyneside following his arrival in 1998 and was a mainstay in Sir Bobby Robson’s side, making 285 appearances and scoring 40 times in his seven seasons at the club. Almiron is Newcastle’s record transfer Top nine Premier League free transfers of the decade Cavani ‘agrees’ to join new club and will complete free transfer next summer Tony Cascarino backs Everton to sign two strikers for Carlo Ancelotti LIVING THE DREAM 6
REVEALED Speed was a solid, combative midfielder targets 6 5. Laurent RobertA true fan favourite, Robert was already a French international when he arrived in 2001 and played for PSG, but it was at Newcastle he really made his mark.His wand of a left-foot was truly a sight to behold, and such was his set piece ability, he established himself as Newcastle’s first-choice free-kick taker, no mean feat with the likes of Shearer and Nolberto Solano in the team.Strikes against Derby, Manchester United and Tottenham are still fondly remembered to this day, as was his understanding down the left with full-back and fellow countryman Olivier Bernard. 6 Kevin De Bruyne ‘loves Man City and wants to keep winning’, reveals father moving on 6 Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Ndidi bid, targets named, Ozil is ‘skiving little git’ Robert had a wonderful left foot targets Man United joined by three other clubs in race for Erling Haaland RANKED 2. Shay GivenAnother Dalglish signing, Given was arguably one of the most important.He immediately established himself in the team as number one ahead of Pavel Srníček, Shaka Hislop and Steve Harper and was quickly recognised as one of the league’s best keepers.In 462 appearances, Given was one of the first names on the team sheet and was an integral member of the side in the 00’s that challenged for the title and competed in the Champions League. The biggest market value losers in 2019, including Bale and ex-Liverpool star Shearer is a Newcastle legend