Florida reports highest single-day jump in COVID-19 deaths

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida marked another grim COVID-19 milestone Thursday when health officials reported 120 new deaths from the coronavirus — the highest one-day jump yet amid a surge in new infections that continues to befuddle the state’s attempts to contain the outbreak.

The number of deaths announced Thursday was the highest since the 113 reported in early May. The cumulative death toll has now surpassed 4,000 as confirmed cases climbed by nearly 9,000 to more than 229,000.

The state also reported on Thursday the biggest 24-hour jump in hospitalizations, with more than 400 patients being admitted.

Intensive care units are quickly filling up including in some hospitals with the largest bed capacity such as the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville and Tampa General Hospital.

Data from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration shows statewide about 14% of the total ICU beds were available Thursday.

Dr. Elizabeth Ransom, chief physician executive at Baptist Health in Jacksonville, said hospitals are on high alert and preparing to bring in temporary staff and trying to secure more rapid test kits, anticipating the numbers will continue to rise.

“We worry if we’re going to see a bump from the recent Fourth of July weekend,” she said.

The uncertainty over the state’s ability to contain the outbreak is undermining its efforts to steady its fragile economy.

Although two of Disney World’s four parks are expected to reopen Saturday, Bank of America earlier this week shuttered dozens of its branches in central and South Florida.

While the number of new jobless claims in Florida again fell — dipping by 67,070 last week, according to federal data — there were fresh worries that the ranks of the unemployed could again swell as restaurants and other establishments reclose to stave off new infections.

Hundreds of thousands of jobless Floridians could face deepening financial turmoil as their unemployment benefits run out.

Scott King filed for unemployment near the end of March, waiting two months before he received any money from Florida’s besieged unemployment system. He ran his own pet grooming business, but has been out of work, depleted his savings and now may be sick with the virus.

“I have just been applying for anything and everything that’s out there,” said King, who came down with flu-like symptoms last week and is now waiting for COVID-19 test results. “It’s very discouraging.”

Since mid-March, more than 2.3 million Floridians have sought unemployment benefits from the the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity. The department said it has paid out about $9 billion in benefits on nearly 1.7 million processed claims, according to the state’s unemployment dashboard.

After moving to reopen the state’s economy, Gov. Ron DeSantis has left it to localities to decide if closures and other stricter measures are warranted — and heavily populated areas have done so. He has resisted calls to impose mandatory face mask in public spaces statewide, even as other governors have moved to do so.

The majority of Florida’s roughly 229,000 cases of COVID-19 have been concentrated in Florida’s most populous regions, with the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas among the state’s most intense hot spots.

The surge in hospitalizations in certain areas has spawned pleas for Floridians to wear masks and maintain social distancing to keep the virus from further spreading. It has also prompted some local officials to retrench.

As of Thursday, restaurants in Miami-Dade County won’t be allowed to serve patrons at indoor tables. Mayor Carlos Gimenez also ordered banquet halls to close until further notice, but he allowed gyms to remain open to customers who wear masks.

Bradley Kilgore, the chef and owner of the Kilgore Culinary Group, said he has had to close five of his restaurants and laid off more than 100 employees.

“It will be extremely difficult, as it already is, to look these people in their eyes,” he said, “and let them know that they don’t have a job anymore and we don’t have any answers.”

He called the recent restrictions a “nail in the coffin” for some restaurants.

___

AP reporters Kelli Kennedy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Adriana Gomez Licon in Miami contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Tragedy hits eSports with NFL video game tournament shooting

The rapidly expanding eSports world of competitive videogaming was struck by tragedy Sunday with a mass shooting at a Madden NFL 19 Classic tournament in Jacksonville, Florida.

Events streamed online allow hundreds of millions of fans around the world to watch video game teams and players just as they would go to a stadium or arena and view a beloved local sports club.

Madden NFL 19 is the latest edition of the video game series named after retired NFL Super Bowl champion coach and long-time television commentator John Madden.


The game, considered one of the most realistic digital NFL games, was released by manufacturer EA Sports earlier this month ahead of the 2018-19 NFL campaign that begins September 6.

Tournaments of various styles of video games have grown in popularity in recent years, with shooting, strategy, and fighting for multi-player teams evolving into some major arena events.

The Florida event was a regional qualifier for a Madden NFL 19 Classic tournament that would deliver a $25,000 top prize to the eventual champion at the main event in Las Vegas later this year.

Games feature soundtracks and realistic player motion for rushers, blockers and quarterbacks and receivers.

“This is a horrible situation and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved,” EA Sports tweeted.

The NFL said in a statement, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy today in Jacksonville. Our hearts go out to all those affected.”

The boom in eSports has caught the attention of such sports groups as FIFA and the NBA, who boast popular video games and leagues, and eSports is a demonstration sport in the Asian Games currently ongoing in Jakarta, expected to move to full medal status in 2022.

The International Olympic Committee has studied the possible future inclusion of eSports medals in its offerings.


There was minor controversy over the Madden 19 release having the name of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick censored, a move EA Sports said was required because with him no longer in the NFL and not a member of the NFL Players Association, they did not have the rights to use him in the game.

Kaepernick began the kneeling protest before US anthems at NFL games while a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, a move that has continued despite harsh criticism from US President Donald Trump.

source: technology.inquirer.net

Hillary, in Miami, gets Adele on her team

MIAMI—Hillary Clinton took time off from storming the campaign trail in the key state of Florida Tuesday to take in a pre-birthday concert by pop icon Adele.

Campaign spokesman Nick Merrill said the award-winning British singer, who can’t vote in the United States, is “100 percent for Hillary Clinton,” adding: “I love her. She’s amazing.”


Merrill says Adele told the audience that while she is British, “what happens in America affects me too.”

Clinton turns 69 on Wednesday.

Reporters were not allowed to join Clinton for her concert treat — so we don’t yet know whether the White House hopeful belted out a few of her Adele favorites in the dark.

On a possibly wackier note, the former top US diplomat and ex-senator hours earlier appeared on a Spanish-language entertainment show, where she shared her favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies.

Hosts of the Univision show “El gordo y la flaca,” gave Clinton a bottle of tequila to celebrate the last year of her sixties.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Florida nightclub attack just the latest US mass shooting

A GUNMAN took hostages and opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, early Sunday morning, killing approximately 20 people and wounding 42 others before SWAT officers killed him, authorities said. Police Chief John Mina said the shooter had an assault-style rifle, a handgun and a “suspicious device” with him during the attack, which is being investigated as an act of terrorism.

Here’s a look at some of the nation’s deadliest rampages since 2012:

— Feb. 25, 2016: Cedric Ford, 38, killed three people and wounded 14 others lawnmower factory where he worked in the central Kansas community of Hesston. The local police chief killed him during a shootout with 200 to 300 workers still in the building, authorities said.

— Feb. 20, 2016: Jason Dalton, 45, is accused of randomly shooting and killing six people and severely wounding two others during a series of attacks over several hours in the Kalamazoo, Michigan, area. Authorities say he paused between shootings to make money as an Uber driver. He faces murder and attempted murder charges.

— Dec. 2, 2015: Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and Tashfeen Malik, 27, opened fire at a social services center in San Bernardino, California, killing 14 people and wounding more than 20. They fled the scene but died hours later in a shootout with police.

— Oct. 1, 2015: A shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, left 10 people dead and seven wounded. Shooter Christopher Harper-Mercer, 26, exchanged gunfire with police, then killed himself.

— June 17, 2015: Dylann Roof, 21, shot and killed nine African-American church members during a Bible study group inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Police contend the attack was racially motivated. Roof faces nine counts of murder in state court and dozens of federal charges, including hate crimes.

— May 23, 2014: A community college student, Elliot Rodger, 22, killed six people and wounded 13 in shooting and stabbing attacks in the area near the University of California, Santa Barbara, campus. Authorities said he apparently shot himself to death after a gunbattle with deputies.

— Sept. 16, 2013: Aaron Alexis, a mentally disturbed civilian contractor, shot 12 people to death at the Washington Navy Yard before he was killed in a police shootout.

— July 26, 2013: Pedro Vargas, 42, went on a shooting rampage at his Hialeah, Florida, apartment building, gunning down six people before officers fatally shot him.

— Dec. 14, 2012: In Newtown, Connecticut, an armed 20-year-old man entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and used a semi-automatic rifle to kill 26 people, including 20 first graders and six adult school staff members. He then killed himself.

— Sept. 27, 2012: In Minnesota’s deadliest workplace rampage, Andrew Engeldinger, who had just been fired, pulled a gun and fatally shot six people, including the company’s founder. He also wounded two others at Accent Signage Systems in Minneapolis before taking his own life.

— Aug. 5, 2012: In Oak Creek, Wisconsin, 40-year-old gunman Wade Michael Page killed six worshippers at a Sikh Temple before killing himself.

— July 20, 2012: James Holmes, 27, fatally shot 12 people and injured 70 in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

— April 2, 2012: Seven people were killed and three were wounded when a 43-year-old former student opened fire at Oikos University in Oakland, California. One Goh was charged with seven counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder, but psychiatric evaluations concluded he suffered from long-term paranoid schizophrenia and was unfit to stand trial.

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Rafael dos Anjos stops Donald Cerrone in 1st round

ORLANDO, Florida—Rafael dos Anjos stopped Donald Cerrone at 1:06 of the first round Saturday night to retain the UFC lightweight title.

Dos Anjos hurt Cerrone with a left kick to the midsection, moved in and unleashed a flurry of shots against the fence. Cerrone managed to escape and get back to the center of the octagon, but the fight went to the ground and dos Anjos finished it there.

Dos Anjos improved to 35-7 in his first title defense and second victory of Cerrone.

“I just proved that I am here to stay,” dos Anjos said. “I’m here with my belt. It’s just the beginning.”

Cerrone dropped to 28-7 after winning eight straight fights.

“I didn’t show up to work,” Cerrone said. “Couldn’t find my gear. He showed up and I didn’t. He did a good job.”

After the fight, dos Anjos delivered a message to featherweight champion Conor McGregor, who has said he plans to also fight in the lightweight division.

“Conor McGregor has said he wants to come to my division,” dos Anjos said. “I don’t think that would be a smart decision for him, but I would be happy to welcome him.

Earlier, Alistair Overeem (40-14) scored a technical knockout win over former UFC champion Junior Dos Santos (17-4) in a heavyweight fight.

The two combined to land just 11 strikes in the first round, with Overeem managing seven to Dos Santos’ four, but the action picked up late in the second. After Dos Santos pressed Overeem against the cage with a combination, the two moved back across the octagon where Overeem dropped Dos Santos with a left hook. Overeem, who picked up his third consecutive win, pounced on his downed opponent and landed four hammer fists before the fight was stopped.

“Junior is a very dangerous opponent,” Overeem said. “He throws bombs. He throws strong, so we had to have game plan and figure out his rhythm then slowly pick him apart.”

In a lightweight fight, Nate Diaz (18-10) picked up a unanimous decision over Michael Johnson (16-10) in a standup battle.

It was Diaz’s first fight in over a year, and only his second win in his last five fights, but he looked sharp over the final two rounds to earn the decision. The two kept it standing the entire fight, and the lightning-quick Johnson got the better of the exchanges in the first, out-striking Diaz 36-24. But Johnson slowed in the second, and Diaz began to land combinations as the two slugged it out in the second and third rounds.

“I planned on him coming out fast and hard, so I figured he’d probably slow down,” Diaz said. “I was just making sure I wasn’t in a hurry and trying to make sure he didn’t get too far ahead. I heard my coach and my corner telling me to open up a bit more, so I was just coasting and trying to be smart instead of reckless.”

Johnson, who suffered his second consecutive loss, said that Diaz’s in-fight taunting took him out of his strategy.

“He sucked me in, and congrats to him,” Johnson said. “As far as unanimous … I don’t think it should’ve been that. It was a really close fight.”

source: sports.inquirer.net

28,000 brick models make Legoland Florida a unique theme park

Get drenched in an interactive water ride, have fun on a “dragon coaster” that zips through a castle with smoke-belching creatures, and take all the selfies you want with larger-than-life mascots.

If you think these are just the latest offerings from the usual theme parks in Orlando, Florida, guess again.

As central Florida’s premier resort city, Orlando hosted recently the International Pow Wow (IPW) 2015, America’s largest gathering of travel-related industries, agencies and professionals.

Last year 68 million foreign and domestic tourists visited Orlando, making it America’s top travel destination.

As expected, a huge chunk of these visitors went to Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. But there’s more to Orlando than the “big three.”

Less than an hour’s drive from downtown is the smaller city of Winter Haven, host to one of the biggest Legoland theme parks in the world—a 60-hectare attraction with close to 50 rides and dining, shopping and entertainment options, including the newly opened Legoland Hotel.

Legoland Florida is aimed at children between ages two and 12, according to the park’s spokesperson, Brittany Williams. “We’re able to create a great experience that suits this particular age group. It’s a great park to grow up with—from Duplo Valley for toddlers, to the Dragon Coaster for older children.”

Even without the rides, Legoland has 28,000 brick models—some as big as a two-story house—that are attractions in themselves.

Weatherproof

Consisting of 58 million Lego blocks, these weatherproof models come in all shapes and sizes—from dragons to giraffes, buses to fire trucks, divers to policemen.

Some are built around natural elements such as trees and rocks, while others blend seamlessly into rides and public spaces like restaurants, souvenir shops and Legoland Hotel’s lobby and check-in counter.

Bound by special cement to ensure people’s safety, majority of these miniature and larger-than-life Lego pieces are left outdoors.

One of our favorites is a whimsical section called Miniland USA.

Much like our old Nayong Pilipino, though smaller, the section has iconic landmarks and buildings from such places as Florida, Washington DC, New York, and Las Vegas.

The last two are the most interesting subsections of Miniland USA because of their iconic structures: Empire State Building, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Plaza in New York; and iconic theme hotels like New York, New York, Paris, Mirage, Treasure Island, Luxor and MGM Grand on the Las Vegas strip.

Apart from capturing details, Lego designers went to great lengths to add such visual flourishes as New York’s yellow taxis, tiny jets of water shooting up from the Rockefeller Plaza fountain, and actual sounds of street life recorded in Las Vegas.

Legoland Florida, which opened in late 2011, grew from an older theme park called Cypress Gardens. Because of its strategic location and beautiful setting, Cypress Gardens lent Legoland a unique look and ambiance not found in other theme parks.

Landscaping

“The setting gives Legoland Florida a very lived-in look, with mature landscaping,” said Williams. “We’ve completely restored the botanical gardens, which offer guests a unique experience.”

Offering a respite from this summer’s soaring temperatures is one of Legoland Florida’s most popular attractions, the World of Chima. Be ready to get wet!

The water attraction has small boats and a viewing deck equipped with water canons. Families on boats are free to spray water at each other and at spectators, all in the spirit of fun. Since they’re also equipped with water canons, spectators can fire back.

Legoland has “milder” roller-coaster rides such as Dragon Coaster and Technic Test Track. The latter simulates a testing site for cars similar to the one found in certain Lego box sets.

What’s Legoland without its trademark learning tools?

The nerve center of building Lego sets is Imagination Zone. It focuses on exploring and creation, with some of the most visually exciting Lego models, including a huge replica of Albert Einstein’s head that serves as the building’s facade.

The Hero Factory is another immersive play area, while Build & Test allows guests to build a Lego car and test it against the competition on a digitally timed track.

“While we’re a park for kids, adults really enjoy learning about the models, especially in Miniland,” said Williams.

Legoland Florida’s botanical gardens can soothe the nerves of even the most harried parents.

Located “130 kid steps away from the resort,” Legoland Hotel is essential to Legoland Florida’s expansion, as it allows guests to savor the theme park experience.

“From the smoke-breathing dragon made of 445,000 Lego bricks to the Lego Castle, brick pit, Lego carpet and 5,000 mini figures behind the check-in counter, every detail in the hotel was designed with Lego in mind,” said Williams.

Before the summer is over, visitors can spend time and have their pictures taken with Lego Friends at the newly opened Heartlake City.

Inspired by a Lego sub-brand for older girls, Heartlake City goes beyond Legoland’s world of primary colors into a realm of pinks, purples, horses and, yes, a shopping mall!

For details log on to www.legoland.com. Delta, one of the official airline partners of IPW 2015, flies daily from Manila to Orlando.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Djokovic defeats Dolgopolov in Miami; Venus Williams loses

KEY BISCAYNE, Florida—Before the first set ended Tuesday, Novak Djokovic had busted a racket in anger, drawn jeers from the crowd and received two code violations, which cost him a point penalty.

There were no further outbursts, and as Djokovic’s play improved, so did his mood. He rallied from a break down in the second set and beat Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-0 in the fourth round of the Miami Open.

“The first set and a half, he was dominating from the baseline,” Djokovic said. “I was frustrated and nervous and wasn’t showing composure on the court.”

Dolgopolov led 4-1 in the second set before Djokovic mounted a comeback to remain in contention for his fifth Key Biscayne title. Dolgopolov required treatment from a trainer after the second set and lost 36 of the final 41 points.

Venus Williams’ recent resurgence stalled when she lost in the quarterfinals to No. 12-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro 0-6, 6-1, 7-5. The 34-year-old Williams was broken six times in the final two sets and double-faulted twice in the final game.

“Too many errors, and I was going for it the whole match,” Williams said. “Toward the end, I just never found the happy medium between being aggressive and putting the ball in the court.”

Williams is a three-time Key Biscayne champion, but her most recent title came in 2001. Her sister, seven-time champion Serena Williams, will play in the quarterfinals Wednesday against No. 27 Sabine Lisicki.

With Rafael Nadal already eliminated and Roger Federer skipping the tournament, the No. 1-seeded Djokovic’s most likely opponent in the final would be No. 3 Andy Murray, who became the ninth active man to win 500 matches by beating Kevin Anderson 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

The milestone made Murray’s victory especially sweet. Afterward he was presented with a cake large enough to feed many of the players he has beaten.


Murray will face unseeded Dominic Thiem in the quarterfinals, while Djokovic will play No. 6 David Ferrer.

No. 22 John Isner, the last American in the men’s draw, reached the Key Biscayne quarterfinals for the first time by outlasting No. 5 Milos Raonic in a serving duel, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5). Isner, who has yet to be broken in three matches, next faces No. 4 Kei Nishikori, who beat No. 18 David Goffin 6-1, 6-2. Nishikori has lost 10 games in his three matches.

Others advancing included unseeded Juan Monaco and No. 8 Tomas Berdych, who won when No. 17 Gael Monfils fell, hurt his right hip and retired in the second set.

In other women’s play, No. 9 Andrea Petkovic swept No. 14 Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 6-2.

Djokovic received a warning for ball abuse early in his match, and when he netted a forehand to fall behind 5-4, he slammed his racket against the concrete to earn a second code violation. The crowd hooted as he walked to his chair, and Djokovic raised both arms in response.

“That was a gesture of just feeling bad for what I have done,” Djokovic said. “I was fighting a battle inside of myself, I would say. That was the biggest battle that I fought today.”

Djokovic quickly regained his composure, but it took him awhile to find his range against Dolgopolov, who slices his groundstrokes as if hitting them with a sand wedge.

“He was playing well,” Djokovic said. “He has a very unorthodox game—tricky opponent, mixes up the pace, and can easily get you out of the rhythm.”

After the second set, a trainer bandaged the soles of Dolgopolov’s feet. He moved poorly after that and won only three of 27 points in the final set.

Murray’s round-number victory was more straightforward. He improved to 500-155, becoming the 46th man to reach the milestone during the Open Era, and the first from Britain.

“I don’t know why, but getting to 500 gives me motivation to go on and try and win more,” Murray said. “I hope I’ve still got a lot more wins in me.”

To beat the 6-foot-8 Anderson, Murray relied on lots of defense and just enough offense. He scrambled all over the court to keep points going, and in the final game made improbable saves to extend rallies on consecutive points, winning both.

When Murray broke for a 3-1 lead in the final set, he screamed “Come on!” loud enough to startle any sunbathers across the street on Crandon Beach. He easily held from there, winning 12 of 13 points in his final three service games.

Murray plays again Wednesday, while Djokovic is off until Thursday and glad to be. He has already played 38 matches this year, which may be why he has dropped a set in each of his first three rounds at Key Biscayne.

“I’ve played a lot of matches,” he said. “It’s taking a little bit of a toll mentally on me. I don’t feel that I’m very fresh on the court, even though I’m trying. The day off will definitely serve me and help me to recover mentally mostly, because physically I’m fine.”

source: sports.inquirer.net

Spectacular Chinese Lantern Festival Travels to Tampa Bay for Three-Month Stay

Imagine stepping into a world where the night is as bright as day, and witnessing breathtaking illuminations representing historical landmarks, nature, folklore and groups of larger-than-life animals. This spring, a 2,000-year-old tradition will bestow its light on Tampa Bay for Zoominations, a Chinese Lantern Festival of Lights. The centuries-old Chinese Lantern Festival brings magnificent, illuminated art to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo February 28-May 31.

Previously seen in London, Beijing and Toronto, the Lantern Festival has arrived in Florida for an authentic celebration of the Chinese New Year. Zoominations promises to be one of the largest and most spectacular light festivals ever held in the United States. Spectators can view 30 remarkable scenes spread across 26 acres of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

A team of 40 highly-skilled craftsmen and women from the village of Zigong, the birthplace of the Chinese Lantern Festival, traveled 7,500 miles and spent four weeks creating the large-scale, illuminated displays. Artisans of the utmost skill and talent design and weld 3-D wire frames to create the forms, insert LED lights into the framework, and apply silk fabric over the frames with meticulous precision. Other magnificent structures are made with thousands of pieces of traditional blue and white porcelain – each painstakingly applied by hand.

Along with the brilliant art installations, Zoominations features performances by Chinese acrobats and an artisan market with unique handmade crafts. Zoominations is a nighttime event that carries a separate ticket from Zoo daytime admission. Tickets are available at www.TampaLanternFest.org.

source: smarterlifestyles.com

Murray, Djokovic to meet again at Key Biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE, Florida  — Even with his surgically repaired back still nowhere near perfect, defending champion Andy Murray needed only 73 minutes to beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-1 at the Sony Open on Tuesday and set up a quarterfinal with Novak Djokovic.

“My game is getting there,” said Murray, the No. 6 seed, who acknowledged he was dealing with a sore back. “The last six sets I’ve played, very high-level tennis, very few errors.” 


He’ll need to keep it that way against Djokovic, who eased past Tommy Robredo 6-3, 7-5.

The second-seeded Djokovic even gave back a point in the second set. A groundstroke from Robredo clipped the baseline and Djokovic couldn’t handle it, but the ball was erroneously called out. After a review showed the ball was in, the point was ordered to be replayed.

Djokovic shouted “It’s OK, it’s OK” as the fans applauded his sportsmanship.

“For me, it’s something that is part of the sport, fair play,” Djokovic said. “I expect everybody else to do the same. Of course, not everybody’s the same, but for me, that’s something that’s normal. Just a normal, natural reaction.”

Top-seeded Rafael Nadal downed 14th-seeded Fabio Fognini 6-2, 6-2. Nadal has dropped a total of nine games in six sets so far in this tournament.

Singles players with a combined 66 Grand Slam victories were in action Tuesday, including Roger Federer — a winner of 17 of them himself. And he looked very much like the Federer of old, needing only 49 minutes to beat ninth-seeded Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-2.

“Look, things went well out on the court today,” Federer said, clearly understating matters.

Federer, the No. 5 seed, had 25 winners to Gasquet’s eight, converted five of his six break chances and won 92 percent of his first-serve points in the second set. Next up for Federer is 20th-seeded Kei Nishikori, who upset No. 4 David Ferrer 7-6 (7), 2-6, 7-6 (9).

Ferrer had beaten Nishikori in the same round at Key Biscayne a year ago, their most recent meeting before Tuesday. No. 22 Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine also pulled off an upset, topping third-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals.

The last American in the men’s draw was ousted when 10th-seeded John Isner lost to No. 7 seed Tomas Berdych 6-3, 7-5.

On the women’s side, Maria Sharapova rallied from a break down in the first set to oust Petra Kvitova 7-5, 6-1 and earn a spot in the semifinals. She’s been a finalist at Key Biscayne five times, but never the champion.

“I love the energy here,” she said.

The fourth-seeded Sharapova, who needed three-setters to get through her two most recent matches at Key Biscayne, feasted on 30 unforced errors by the eighth-seeded Kvitova. Sharapova won 11 of the final 13 games and moved into a semifinal matchup with Serena Williams, the defending champion who won 62 of 100 points in her 6-2, 6-2 romp over fifth-seeded Angelique Kerber.

Williams broke Kerber twice in each set, faced only one break point and held a more than 2-to-1 advantage in winners.

“It’s really special,” said Williams, who makes her home in South Florida and has been wearing outfits with Miami Dolphins NFL colors in this tournament. “I live so close to here. I can drive here … it’s a great opportunity to play at home.”

Also, former No. 1 Martina Hingis teamed with Sabine Lisicki to reach the doubles quarterfinals.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Jordan’s wife gives birth to twin daughters

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina—Michael Jordan’s wife Yvette has given birth to the couple’s identical twin daughters, Jordan’s spokeswoman Estee Portnoy told The Associated Press.

Portnoy said Tuesday that Yvette Jordan, 35, gave birth to Victoria and Ysabel on Sunday in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“Yvette Jordan and the babies are doing well and the family is overjoyed at their arrival,” Portnoy said.

Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, is now the owner of the National Basketball Association’s Charlotte Bobcats, who are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since he took over as majority owner in 2010.

Jordan, who turns 51 next Monday, married former model Yvette Prieto on April 27 of last year in Palm Beach, Florida The reception took place at a private golf club in Jupiter, Florida, designed by Jack Nicklaus. Jordan owns a home near the course.

The couple met six years ago.

Jordan has three children—two sons, Jeffrey Michael and Marcus James, and a daughter, Jasmine—with former wife Juanita Vanoy. They divorced in 2006.

Jordan won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and was a 14-time All-Star and five-time league Most Valuable Player.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Paris Hilton’s brother assaulted at Miami party

MIAMI BEACH, Florida – Authorities said the brother of socialite Paris Hilton was assaulted at a Miami Beach party.

A police report says 24-year-old Barron Hilton told authorities a man struck him in the face after the two had an argument at a party Friday in a Miami Beach home. Hilton suffered deep cuts on his forehead and nose. He posted a photo of the injuries online.

Neither Hilton nor two witnesses could identify the suspect. According to the report, witnesses told police that the suspect wanted Hilton to leave and hit him in the face with an unknown object. The suspect then fled in a dark green SUV.

The report said Hilton refused treatment from fire rescue workers.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Tiger Woods tops world rankings

LONDON—Tiger Woods is back at the top of the world rankings for the first time in two and a half years following his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida.

The 37-year-old American was last in that position in October, 2010 before a tangle of personal problems, injuries and changes to his swing pattern sent him tumbling down the table.

He eventually bottomed out at 58th in the world in November 2011 before finally starting to find his way again.

Three wins in five USPGA tournaments so far this year, including back-to-back wins in his last two outings, have seen him move past Rory McIlroy to claim the number one spot.

The Northern Irishman could, however, regain top spot should he win this week’s Houston Open, with Woods opting not to take part as he prepares for the year’s first major, The Masters, which starts at Augusta National on April 11.

England’s Justin Rose meanwhile has moved up to a career-best third place in the rankings on the back of his runner-up finish behind Woods in Florida on Monday.

Leading world rankings:

1. Tiger Woods (USA) 11.87pts

2. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 11.29

3. Justin Rose (ENG) 7.11

4. Luke Donald (ENG) 6.86

5. Brandt Snedeker (USA) 6.39

6. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 6.05

7. Adam Scott (AUS) 5.82

8. Steve Stricker (USA) 5.74

9. Matt Kuchar (USA) 5.38

10. Keegan Bradley (USA) 5.25

11. Phil Mickelson (USA) 5.24

12. Ian Poulter (ENG) 5.15

13. Lee Westwood (ENG) 5.12

14. Bubba Watson (USA) 5.07

15. Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 5.01

16. Graeme McDowell (NIR) 4.87

17. Sergio Garcia (ESP) 4.83

18. Jason Dufner (USA) 4.73

19. Webb Simpson (USA) 4.57

20. Dustin Johnson (US) 4.41

source: sports.inquirer.net

Small plane crashes at US parking lot; 3 die

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — A small plane crashed into a parking lot near a South Florida airport Friday afternoon, killing all three people onboard and burning about a dozen vehicles. No one on the ground was hurt.

Fire-Rescue Division Chief John San Angelo said the Piper Navajo, a twin-engine turboprop, began experiencing engine trouble shortly after taking off from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at about 4:30 p.m.

The plane tried to turn around and make an emergency landing, but it didn’t make it back to the airport, he said. The plane hit a tree and a fence as it crashed into a parking lot, part of a busy industrial area near blocks of tightly packed warehouses and stores.

The victims’ names weren’t immediately available. Seven cars and a boat caught fire.

“It looks like a junk yard that burned up,” said Matt Little, a spokesman for Fort Lauderdale fire and rescue.

Terry Knowles, owner of R.J. Asset Recovery, said he and another one of his employees were in the repossessed auto lot when the plane crashed.

“I was working on a car, and I heard the engine behind me. I turned around and saw the plane coming right over the building in front of me,” he said.

Knowles said the plane appeared to be banking around to head back to the airport, but it just couldn’t get the lift.

“It hit the ground and exploded,” Knowles said. “It was an instantaneous fireball.”

Knowles said he yelled to check on his employee, who had been on the other side of the lot, and the two opened a gate for the presumed arrival of firefighters.

Rick Blackburn was outside working on a race car when he saw the plane tilting sideways in the air as it rapidly descended down. “It dropped like a rock. Boom!” he said.

“The plane hit really hard. We knew the pilot hadn’t survived. It was too intense of an impact,” said the 55-year-old Blackburn.

He took video with his phone as flames devoured a row of cars, thick blankets of black smoke billowing out.

“It was a ball of flames,” he said.

Blackburn said it was immediately clear to those who ran over to help that “it was over.” The heat coming from the blaze was intense, he said.

“There were a lot of explosions going off at first. Pop, pop, pop,” he said.

About 40 firefighters were at the scene. San Angelo said smoke and the flames were so heavy that when firefighters first arrived, they couldn’t tell where the plane was.

Television images showed heavy black smoke rising from the crash scene. Later video footage show a parking lot with vehicles in a corner that were burned-out shells, a smoldering heap covered in foam spread by firefighters on the scene. The cars were by a chain-link fence, and a building on the other side was streaked with black.

A storage facility and an indoor go-kart track are among the businesses listed nearby.

The airport serves smaller planes rather than the larger commercial flights at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

The crash happened at the start of rush hour alongside Interstate 95, the major north-south route along Florida’s Atlantic coast. It’s also near Fort Lauderdale Stadium, where the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles once held spring training, and Lockhart Stadium, where the defunct Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Miami Fusion soccer teams played.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler said he’s amazed no buildings were damaged.

“It’s a terrible scene. It’s the scene of a tragedy,” he said after walking through the wreckage.

National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Keith Holloway said an investigator should arrive in Fort Lauderdale by Saturday.

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Cities in Southern US found to be the 'most vain'

With their balmy weather, sandy beaches and aging population southern U.S. cities, particularly in Florida, are among the vainest in the country, according to a new ranking.

Tampa topped the list and Miami, St. Petersburg and Orlando were among the top 20 cities most concerned about appearance in a report in Men's Health magazine that studied what people are willing to do to look their best.

Other southern cities also ranked high including Plano, Texas, which captured the No. 2 spot, followed by Atlanta at No. 3 and Dallas, which came in fifth.

Matt Marion, the executive editor of the magazine, said the weather is a huge factor in explaining why southern cities are so vain.

"In Florida you have some of the highest average temperatures year round and people aren't hiding under sweaters and bulky clothes. Their bodies are on display a lot more often than elsewhere in the country," he said in an interview.

"You are on display, warts and all, and if you can get rid of some of those warts through surgery, all the better."

The magazine looked at a variety of factors to compile the ranking, including the number of cosmetic dentists, plastic surgeons and tanning salons per 100,000 people.

"It turns out that there are a lot of ways to measure vanity," said Marion, adding that ranking reflected how cities rank in relation to each other.

It also compared the use of Botox and sales of hair dyes, teeth whiteners and shapewear clothing, rates of cosmetic surgery, and surveys in which people said what they would do to look better and younger.

"In Florida you have a demographic that could embrace procedures to help them look younger, everything from surgical to non-surgical, even dying gray hair," Marion explained.

The state's high unemployment rate may also play a part, he added, with people eager to look their best in a competitive job market.

While southern cities dominated the top, Midwestern urban areas were in abundance at the bottom of the list with Des Moines, IA, Lincoln, NE and Sioux Falls, SD, ranked as the least vain U.S. cities.

"You can interpret a lot of things from it. One is that it is reflective of a Midwest sensibility of being more practical and down-to-earth," said Marion.

Despite being the center of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles was No. 60 on the list, way behind New York and Washington, which ranked 17th and 18th.

Marion stressed that the ranking did not reflect any value judgments about the cities at the top or the bottom of the list.

"It is good, obviously to a certain degree, to care about your appearance and to try to look good. By the same token you can also take it to an extreme. Obsessing too much can be bad." - Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Real Estate Affordability: What Is The State Of Affairs On The Field Today?

While certain areas in California have experienced some pricing stabilize, pushing the Affordability Index lower, there nonetheless are many Southern California sub-markets that remain at historically top levels of affordability. As an example, at the same time as the rest of the State was at more or less a 60percent average, all of Riverside County was experiencing affordability levels of over 70percent . Riverside and areas of San Bernardino counties still have incredibly great inexpensive priced new properties, significantly better than the higher urbanized centers in the State.

In larger Texas areas such as Dallas and Austin, costs have also dropped for housing; although, not as greatly as in small to medium sized communities. Across the globe, it has been declared that, 'now is the moment to invest'. With prices down roughly in all states, and the chance of owning in areas that were sky-high in pricing before, who wouldn't desire to purchase their own little portion of homes for sale in Florida?

New dwelling sales continue to improve, specially for first time buyers and those who could benefit from the tax credits. It occurs that the State is well on its way to extending the State tax credit, which is planned to comprise credits for both new and resale residences. The mixture of the lowest past pricing, low interest rates and tax credits, make the current market an excellent purchasers market and a positive time to purchase a new dwelling. Look for Florida homes for sale.

Though sales of new residences have been developing, historically the amount of gross sales are well below the previous 15 year average, at around 60% lower. New home supply has been reduced a lot over the 12-18 months and we can witness supply in some sub-real estate markets will not be able keep pace with the existing recovery and demand. This seems to also be the case for finished lots for builders. The finished lots in prime market locations have been insistently pursued by the big builders and the remainder supply is spotted in mostly the secondary market locations.

What does all this involve? The equilibrium amid supply and demand has definitely enhanced and complete pricing has stabilized, meaning that those who need a home should be out searching. Interest rates and tax credits will possibly be great for this year, but hard to say for the outlook.

A housing affordability market index price is your income capacity to home price percentage that defines if you can pay for a real estate, what sort of property you can shoulder, and whether or not your income array will make you noticeable to lenders. These indices can be put in print by growing communities, states, cities, and by a collection of other resource in an effort to help you evaluate your probability to be a property owner. Some affordability index kinds also consider how living in specific places may lessen your expenditure or enhance them for things like transports.

If you investigate real estate property you can trust Brevard County real estate.

When you investigate real estate turn to Best Homes for Sale in Florida.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Gregg Allman Delays Book Tour for Cardiac Testing

Gregg Allman will undergo diagnostic cardiac testing tomorrow at the Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonsville, Florida to determine whether he needs additional care stemming from his recent hernia operation. Allman received a liver transplant at the same facility back in 2010.

As a result of this testing, Allman will delay the publicity tour for his forthcoming memoir, My Cross to Bear. "I've been working on the book for years and am grateful for all the support I've received in putting it together," the rocker said in a statement. "As soon as doctors give me the thumbs up to go back on the road, I will be heading out onto my book tour and I can’t wait to meet all of my fans." Allman was set to appear on The Colbert Report and Piers Morgan Tonight.

Allman's summer tour with the Allman Brothers Band is not expected to be affected by this testing. The band recently sold out a run of concerts at the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan and will announce more tour dates on May 1st.

An exclusive excerpt from My Cross to Bear appears in the new issue of Rolling Stone, on newsstands Friday.

source: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gregg-allman-delays-book-tour-for-cardiac-testing-20120426

Monkees Singer Davy Jones Dead at 66

Davy Jones, Manchester-born lead singer of the 60s band The Monkees died Wednesday morning while sleeping at his home in Florida. His publicist, Deborah Robicheau, said he had had a massive heart attack. He was 66 Years old.



Davy Jones born David Thomas Jones on December 30, 1945 was named by Yahoo Music in 2008 as the number one teen idol of all time, he is also known for his acting career and in fact at the age of 11, he appeared on a british soap opera "Coronation Street" playing Ena Sharples’s grandson.

University of Florida suspends fraternity for 'serious physical hazing incident'

Gainesville, Florida (CNN) -- The University of Florida has temporarily suspended its chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity after learning about a hazing incident involving fraternity members, a university spokeswoman said Tuesday.

University President Bernie Machen called it a "serious physical hazing incident" in an e-mail to students. University authorities learned about the incident on Saturday, said UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes.

"We believe the incident took place several weeks prior," she said. "The hazing incident is currently under investigation with the University of Florida police."

When contacted by CNN, Alpha Phi Alpha referred all questions to the university.


Alpha Phi Alpha is a historically black fraternity, founded in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. According to its website, the fraternity "has a zero tolerance level in regards to hazing/pledging and strongly prohibits these illegal activities in any form."

The alleged hazing incident happened off campus, according to Machen's e-mail to UF students, obtained by CNN.

"As that investigation proceeds, I want to reinforce the university's prohibition against all forms of hazing -- and ask each of you to help us guard against this dangerous and destructive behavior," Machen wrote. "Hazing is specifically prohibited by UF regulations, and it is also classified as a crime in Florida. We cannot tolerate hazing on our campus or in our university community, and anyone found responsible will face the gravest possible consequences, including expulsion and criminal penalties."

Machen did not provide any specifics about the incident. He urged anyone who has experienced or witnessed any hazing incidents to contact campus police.

An e-mail from the university's Office of Sorority and Fraternity Affairs sent to UF's fraternity and sorority members said Alpha Phi Alpha would be placed "on interim suspension pending the outcome of a formal hearing."

"Alpha Phi Alpha has been a strong member of the Florida Greek Community for many years," the e-mail stated. "While we are all disappointed to learn of such allegations, we all need to respectfully allow our Greek Conduct process to take place before making decisions or speculations of the fraternity's responsibility in this matter. We will share information with the community as and when that is appropriate."

The incident comes less than a month after four students at Florida A&M University were arrested after the hazing-related death of the school's drum major in November. Robert Champion's death prompted FAMU's board of trustees to approve a three-part plan to tackle the issue of hazing on campus, including an independent investigation panel. FAMU is located in Tallahassee, Florida.

The FAMU incident prompted Florida Gov. Rick Scott to order all Florida universities to examine their hazing and harassment policies in December. Scott also asked all university presidents to remind their students, faculty and staff "how detrimental hazing can be."

source: CNN

Gene Hackman VIP Treatment at FL Hospital

Gene Hackman spent the night at the Florida hospital where he was treated for injuries he received in a car vs. bike accident Friday ... but TMZ has learned he was treated like the VIP that he is.

Informed sources tell us ... Hackman was assigned to a special hospital room for important patients where doctors could keep a close eye on the 81-year-old.

We're told doctors were concerned about a large gash on his forehead ... coupled with the fact that he's an older gentlemen who was HIT BY A CAR!!!

Sources tell us Hackman has made tremendous progress in his recovery since he was airlifted to the Miami hospital from the the Florida Keys, where the accident took place.

source: TMZ