It is 9:30 a.m. on a Wednesday, and Ashley Graham has nominated me to go first. Our mission: to shimmy up a glorified scarf until we can reach out and touch the double-height ceiling above us, using nothing but grip strength and a fancy foothold technique, after which we will wrap the silk around our ankles and let go, sending our bodies into free fall. The goal is to come to rest dangling upside down well above the floor, like a bat in a cave. Obligingly, I wriggle up the fabric. Our instructor, Amanda Topaz, with whom Graham occasionally trains, swiftly wraps the fabric around my feet and tells me to release my grip. My right leg is shaking. My ankles are throbbing. But Graham has offered to capture this on video, so I smile as I hang there, swinging to and fro. " Wowwww! There she goes," she says for the benefit of a potential social media audience. When I return to earth, she hands me her phone so I can record her, then gamely goes through the same motions. She hasn't tried this particular trick either but seems fearless. Later, once my heart rate has resettled to subpanic levels, I ask Graham what her biggest fear is. "Roller coasters and bungee jumping," she says. I remind her that it was her idea that we spend our morning flinging ourselves into the air, aided by nothing but a bolt of fabric. Graham is just as I imagined her. She's carrying a bag I recognize as Prada, but she stays in athletic wear for our brunch and wears little makeup, save for a few swipes of mascara and dots of concealer. I think of all those photos I've seen of her, up close, all freckles and full lips, big eyes and elegant brows. That is exactly what she looks like in person. But what you can't tell from the photos is that she laughs. A lot. A big, guttural laugh that makes people look her way. And she gives unreservedly. In the space of about 20 minutes, she offers me a bite of her food, the phone number of her "parasite doctor" (because I travel a lot and she once got hookworm abroad), the name of a biblical devotional she thinks I'll like, and her personal email address. But the 31-year-old, unlike many other of-the-moment models, isn't settling for being benignly beautiful and nice. When she was approached to host a reality TV competition for makeup artists and hairstylists called American Beauty Star , she asked to be one of the show's executive producers. "Being [a judge] on America's Next Top Model , I got to see firsthand how Tyra [Banks] produced and hosted the show all at the same time," Graham says. "There wasn't even a teleprompter   she had everything memorized. She would deliver it three different ways, and then she would tell everybody on set: 'I want this angle; I want that light on me here.' And she did it all without apologizing." Graham took mental notes and put them into practice on American Beauty Star . "I wasn't apologetic. I was very matter-of-fact, but I did it with a smile on my face. That's how people run businesses," she says. Graham started her first business venture, a size-inclusive lingerie line with Addition Elle, when she was 23 years old. "Everybody asks me if I have any regrets in my career. The only regret I have is not starting that business sooner," she says. A lot has changed since then. Early in her career, Graham cited fellow model Crystal Renn as her mentor. Today, she mentions Cindy Eckert, a pharmaceutical executive she met at a media event. "She's who I call," Graham says. "She doesn't know anything about fashion, but she knows contracts, how to grow businesses, and how to get what you want when you're very certain about it." She also looks to Bozoma Saint John , the chief marketing officer at talent agency Endeavor, and journalist Gayle King for advice. "Gayle and I had a couple of impactful conversations while I was walking into Pretty Big Deal ," Graham says, referring to her podcast. Though Graham is known for being open and off-the-cuff about personal details (bowel movements, sex), she's used the platform to probe guests like Kim Kardashian West , Noor Tagouri , and Serena Williams about topics far beyond sleepover fare, such as the intersection of race and parenting, tokenism, and coded sexism, respectively. They're touchy subjects, and ones that are close to home for Graham, who is married to a black man (cinematographer Justin Ervin), champions the body-positivity movement , and has balanced on the knife's edge between empowered and objectified throughout her modeling career, the success of which she still credits to her first Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover. But she's ready to take the questions head-on. "I see what my husband has to go through every day. We had gone to Italy, and a man spat on him." Graham says. "It's heartbreaking. It can make you really angry. But it's like, how are you going to change that anger into a teachable moment?" Graham believes the best path is to listen and learn as much as possible. "Read books; have conversations. Educate yourself," she says. "The more you have conversations with people around you that are different than you, [the more] you're going to learn and you're going to grow. No one who isn't black is going to understand a black person's life, but they don't have to be ignorant toward [what it's like]. I want to know as much as I can as a white woman who is going to be raising black children. We're going to have to have that conversation of 'Mommy's white, Daddy's black,' and I want to be prepared." Not that she plans to have children in the near future, Graham assures me, when a group of women bouncing babies on their knees sits down a table away. "It's just too far down the road for me to even think about," she says. But she hopes the world looks different when that time comes. In particular, I ask her about comments she's made about changing the face of beauty. "The biggest thing that we have to conquer is diversity and inclusion . You can't just check the box and be like, 'Oh, we did it.'" But it raises the question: Where do you draw the line between tokenism and representation? "I'm the first curvy girl of my generation to get a [mainstream] beauty contract," Graham told me last year in a phone interview, shortly after she was named a Revlon brand ambassador . Unfortunately, there hasn't been another "curvy girl" announced as the face of a major beauty brand since then. And this, according to Graham's metric, is problematic. "I have never looked at tokenism as a bad thing, as long as the brand, the client   whoever has the mission   continues to branch out and say, 'This was our first time; next time we're going to add more of the race, the gender, the sexuality, the religion, the disability,' whatever it is," Graham says. And a group isn't truly represented, she continues, if it's only outward-facing. True representation is when a type of diversity is considered "not just through the advertisement, but internally," among the company's employees and executives. "Stop talking about hiring [diverse candidates] and just do it." For her part, Graham has brought on an all-woman team to help manage her businesses. "I'm proud of it. I feel like a boss when I walk in   it's me and my girls. I imagine the beginning of Entourage : We're walking in slow motion; everyone's hair is blowing. It's like, 'We're here to own this!'" And that's the thread running through it all: Whether she's hosting her podcast, helping to shape the direction of an American Beauty Star episode, or sitting down with a photographer to point out dimples and stretch marks she doesn't want Photoshopped off of her body, Graham is being heard. "My body has always been treated as a thing and not mine," she says. "You're the sexy girl. You're the naked girl. Men are going to idolize your hourglass figure. It was always about what others thought about my body, until I gained a voice. Now I get to tell people what I think of my body." Having a voice is empowering. And so are numbers. "Women are actually paid more than the male models," Graham says. "I don't know if there's any other industry where women get paid more." Which is why it's easy to see that while Graham is planning for the future   expanding her business ventures, maybe writing another book   she still feels powerful exactly where she stands. "Now, as a model, you have a voice; you have a brain; they want to hear what your platform is and what you stand for." But Graham is more than a model. And she's more than a businesswoman, or any of the titles ascribed to her. Earlier that day, I watched her ascend the two-story-high silk in the aerial studio, mind and muscle united in a singular undertaking: climbing as high as possible with nothing but a little sticky spray on her hands and feet. She reached the height from which I performed our fanciest (and most frightening) trick, only to find out it wasn't enough. "Go a little higher," our instructor yelled. Graham pulled herself further up the silk. "Here?" she asked. "A little more," was the reply. And Graham kept climbing. Fashion: Alex White. Hair: Bob Recine. Makeup: James Kaliardos. Manicure: Momo Qin. Set design: Jack Flanagan. A version of this article originally appeared in the July 2019 issue of Allure .


Jimmy Garoppolo writes reminders on the sweatband he wears on his left wrist during practice. "See safety's protection first," was one reminder this past week. "Robot mind-set," was another. "It's just kind of a thing that I keep in my head just to stay locked in," Garoppolo said on Thursday. "You don't want to be distracted by the fans or the music or anything like that. As a quarterback, that's what you have to do. You have to have that robot mind-set." Garoppolo needs that tunnel vision as he enters the 2019 season. This is a big year for Jimmy G. Video by NFL.com Garoppolo still has to prove that he can play, and that he can stay healthy. He has started only 10 games in his five NFL seasons, and he is coming off a massively disappointing 2018 season, when he tore his left ACL in the 49ers' third game of the season. That big contract Garoppolo signed before the 2018 season? It means very little. The 49ers structured it in a way that they easily can cut bait after the 2019 season if he doesn't pan out, or if they don't believe he's worth the final three years and $76.3 million. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has a saying for his team this year: "We've built the culture. Now it's time to win." The saying applies to Shanahan, who has gone 6-10 and 4-12 in his first two seasons as coach. But the saying applies very much to Garoppolo, too. "I mean, he's right," Garoppolo said. "Bottom line, that's what this game is about. It's about production, going out there and getting wins, and playing good football out on the field. It's that time of year again." What a difference a year makes for Garoppolo, who entered 2018 as the 49ers' potential savior. Garoppolo went 5-0 as a starter to end the 2017 season after being acquired in a trade from the Patriots, then signed a five-year, $137.5 million contract last offseason that at the time was the largest in the NFL. A year later, Garoppolo still is unproven, in several ways. He needs to prove he wasn't a flash in the pan. Garoppolo was completing just 59.6 percent of passes and led the 49ers to a 1-2 start last year before his injury. And he needs to prove he can stay healthy. Garoppolo injured his shoulder in his second start with the Patriots in 2016, then he tore his ACL in Week 3 last year. Related: Jimmy Garoppolo says there is no comparison to learning from Tom Brady Garoppolo said he was lucky in that the ACL injury happened to his left knee. For a righthanded thrower such as Garoppolo, most of his power comes from his right, plant foot. He participated in 7-on-7 drills in the spring, and has been a full participant at training camp. Garoppolo said he got advice from ex-teammate Tom Brady this offseason about coming back from knee injuries. "I talked to him about my knee rehab earlier this offseason, and he helped me there," Garoppolo told The Sporting News. "It's a great relationship, and I'm thankful I have him to help." Garoppolo won't play in the preseason opener, but Shanahan said Garoppolo will play in the preseason. "My knee feels good, I feel good going into it," Garoppolo said. "I think mentally I'm in a good spot. Now we've got to go out there and perform. That's what it's all about now." And Garoppolo needs to perform this year, because his future is far from certain. Even though the 49ers gave him a then-record contract, they protected themselves by front-loading the deal, and didn't burden themselves with a massive signing bonus. Garoppolo made $42 million last year, and is set to make another $18.6 million this year. But if he doesn't have a good season, the 49ers could release or trade Garoppolo before April 1 with almost no penalty   just $4.2 million in dead cap money, a pittance in the NFL. April 1 is when Garoppolo gets $15.7 million of his $23.8 million salary fully guaranteed for 2020. Garoppolo, remember, wasn't the 49ers' first choice   he just fell in their laps when Patriots coach Bill Belichick called at the 2017 trade deadline. Shanahan always had his eyes set on Kirk Cousins , whom he coached in Washington. 49ers general manager John Lynch said at the NFL Combine that Shanahan was "like in mourning" after the Garoppolo trade, because it meant the 49ers would no longer pursue Cousins. So 2019 is a big season for Garoppolo if he wants to remain the 49ers' quarterback and stay on his current contract. Fortunately, Lynch and Shanahan have surrounded Garoppolo with a nice complement of weapons. He has George Kittle , a.k.a. Gronk 2.0, plus speedster Marquise Goodwin , an up-and-comer in Dante Pettis , rookies Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd , and a talented trio of pass-catching running backs: Tevin Coleman , Matt Breida , and Jerick McKinnon coming back from a torn ACL of his own. Garoppolo knows he has everything to prove, just a year after he was the darling of the Bay Area. "It's crazy what a year can do," he said. "I have so much motivation in myself, and I push myself so much, that that's all I need. All the noise on the outside, you kind of just tune it out. It's always going to be there. So, like I said before, it's a good thing when people are talking about you." VETERAN LEADER Fitzpatrick early choice in Miami In a newsy week at Dolphins camp, one item slipped through the cracks a bit: Coach Brian Flores said Tuesday that Ryan Fitzpatrick is the clear leader in the team's quarterback competition with Josh Rosen . While this may just be a motivational tactic with regard to Rosen, the coaches have definitely become smitten with Fitzpatrick. "He's been more productive," Flores said. "That's what it comes down to. I think he runs the offense very efficiently. He has a great rapport with the entire team. He has some leadership   not some, a lot of leadership ability." The news gives me a bit of a chuckle. Nobody owns August quite like Fitzpatrick. He seems to ooze charisma and leadership. His Dolphins coaches and teammates love him so far. Just like they did the last two years in Tampa Bay. And before that, in New York. And pretty much everywhere he has been in his 15-year NFL career. Fitzpatrick is just what a young team with a young quarterback needs in the offseason and training camp. "He gets it, man," one Dolphins player told the Miami Herald. "That's one reason guys were buying into him before training camp even began. And every day, what he does out here convinces everyone he's our guy." Fitzpatrick owns August, and he thrives in September. Last year, he had an 11:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio, a 114.4 rating, and averaged a ridiculous 10.5 yards per attempt in September. Over his career, September is Fitzpatrick's best month, by far, in passer rating, yards per attempt, and completion percentage. And then it all falls apart after September. Last year, Fitzpatrick mostly sat out October, then had a dreadful November   four touchdowns to seven interceptions, a 73.8 rating and 8.0 yards per attempt. Over his career, Fitzpatrick's stats plummet after September. So while Fitzpatrick is taking the early lead in the quarterback race, Rosen shouldn't get discouraged. Fitzpatrick will turn into a pumpkin soon enough. LINE DANCE Dolphins turn to DeGuglielmo Speaking of the Dolphins, they brought back an old friend when they hired Dave DeGuglielmo as their offensive line coach. DeGuglielmo, who coached with Brian Flores in New England from 2014-15, replaced Pat Flaherty , who was surprisingly fired this past week. DeGuglielmo, a Lexington native and Boston University graduate, has had quite a coaching journey in 15 NFL seasons. He has been hired eight times and has worked for three of the four AFC East teams, missing out on just the Bills. He's the first coach in Dolphins history to get three stints with the team (2009-11, 2017, 2019). DeGuglielmo won Super Bowl rings with the 2007 Giants and 2014 Patriots, but also has switched teams in each of the last five years: Patriots (2015), Chargers (2016), Dolphins (2017), Colts (2018), Dolphins (2019). And DeGuglielmo's reward for turning the Colts' offensive line around last year, allowing the fewest sacks in the NFL? The team sacked him a week after the season ended. But now "Guge" gets another chance to prove himself in Miami, and perhaps get a little bit of stability. ETC. Patriots could use Veldheer ■ Jared Veldheer's body must really have broken down, because he would be the Patriots' starting left tackle right now. Presumed starter Isaiah Wynn hasn't participated in team drills following last August's torn Achilles', and there is some doubt that he will be ready to play in Week 1. The Patriots, thin at tackle, have been using left guard Joe Thuney and third-year practice squad journeyman Dan Skipper at left tackle. Related: Dan Skipper making a big impression for Patriots When the Patriots signed Veldheer in May, the one-year deal included $3 million in playing-time incentives, a sign that both the player and team expected Veldheer to play a lot. But Veldheer retired after one day, later saying that his body had broken down after nine NFL seasons. All the respect for Veldheer for walking away from a great opportunity. But the Patriots were certainly including him in their plans. ■ Meanwhile, put me down as a "no" for Redskins left tackle Trent Williams , who is holding out from camp. Williams is due an $11 million salary, and the Patriots only have $7.5 million in cap space. The Patriots could make it happen, but they'd have to redo several contracts: that of Tom Brady , Devin McCourty , or Williams himself. Plus, they'd have to give up something in a trade. It's more trouble than it's worth. And the equation just doesn't add up for the Patriots. A 31-year-old who has missed nine games in the last two seasons, and costs $11 million, which would make him the second-highest-paid player on the Patriots? No, thank you. ■ A few readers asked me what the salary-cap ramifications would be if Brady signed a contract extension this year but then retired after the 2019 season. Let's assume the Patriots tack two more years on Brady's deal, and it comes with a $21 million signing bonus. If he retires before 2020, it would leave the Patriots with $14 million in dead cap money. That is definitely a big chunk, but A) the salary cap keeps increasing by $10 million each year, mitigating that impact, and B) the Patriots could make Brady a post-June 1 retirement, in which they would carry $7 million of dead money in 2020, and $7 million in 2021. That's not unreasonable. And if Brady retires before 2021, that would leave just $7 million in dead cap space for that year. None of that should prevent the Patriots from doing an extension. Related: Tom Brady sounds as curious as the rest of us about an extension ■ Patriots safety Patrick Chung has been wearing a red, noncontact jersey during training camp, but not for the broken arm he suffered in the Super Bowl. Chung also had surgery on his left shoulder shortly after the season. But he has participating in full 11-on-11 drills and there shouldn't be concern about his availability for the season. First impressions of rookie class ■ The top 24 picks in the first round all got fully guaranteed four-year deals, which represents a win for the agents. From 2011-17, no more than the top 21 picks got the full guarantee. But in 2018, the 22nd pick got one, and this year, picks 23 (Texans tackle Tytus Howard ) and 24 (Raiders running back Josh Jacobs ) got the full guarantee. The other eight first-round picks get three fully guaranteed years, and partial guarantees in the fourth year. ■ The battle over "offset language" is pretty much dead, with the teams earning a decisive victory. Thirty-one of the 32 first-round picks got offset language in their contracts, meaning if they are released and claimed by another team, they can't double dip on salary. The only player to get no offset language was No. 7 pick Josh Allen . The Jaguars, for whatever reason, have been the lone team to not care about offset language over the years. ■ Yes, it's fair to say Kyler Murray made the right decision to forgo his $5 million deal with baseball's Oakland Athletics and choose football instead. Murray's four-year, fully-guaranteed deal as the No. 1 pick is worth about $35.16 million, which includes a signing bonus of $23.6 million. And Murray should hit free agency around the same time that he would have just made it to the major leagues. Extra points With kicker Phil Dawson retiring on Thursday, it left Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri as the last active NFL player who appeared in the 1990s. Dawson began his career as a Patriots practice squadder in 1998, and kicked for 20 years with the Browns, 49ers, and Cardinals. Brady is the only other NFL player left from the 2000 season . . . Aug. 6 is supposed to be a key date for players holding out of training camp, but it should really only affect Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue . The collective bargaining agreement states that if a player under contract doesn't report within 30 days before the start of the regular season, the player forfeits a year of service toward free agency. That deadline matters for Ngakoue, who only has three years of service and would be a restricted free agent, rather than unrestricted, after this season if he doesn't report. But it doesn't matter for Chargers running back Melvin Gordon , who already has four years of service and thus will be an unrestricted free agent no matter what. Same applies for Williams. The Texans' Jadeveon Clowney isn't under contract and can't be compelled to report. And Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is two years away from free agency, so he is trying to get a new contract before the service requirement applies to him . . . This is the NFL's 100th season, but not its 100th birthday. That doesn't happen until Sept. 17, 2020, and the NFL is planning a "blow out the candles" event for that day. Quote of the Week 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan to radio station KNBR on if Jimmy Garoppolo looks good at camp: "He always looks good . . . And he's playing pretty good, too." Ben Volin can be reached at ben.volin@globe.com . Follow him on Twitter @BenVolin . Material from interviews, wire services, other beat writers, and league and team sources was used in this report. Related slideshow: Best photos from NFL training camps (Provided by imagn)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lady Gaga electrified thousands of revelers who gathered in New York on Friday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the LGBTQ rights movement, exhorting the crowd to honor the past by using its "power" to extend and defend a half-century of progress. Her warm-up speech and a subsequent rally, part of a series of World Pride events in New York this week, commemorated the so-called Stonewall uprising of June 28, 1969. Early that morning, patrons of a Greenwich Village gay bar called the Stonewall Inn rose up in defiance of police harassment, triggering days of rioting. Their resistance gave birth to the national and global movement for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other queer people. Lady Gaga, a Grammy Award-winner whose signature song "Born This Way" has become an LGBTQ anthem, fired up the crowd, which began gathering in the park and public square outside the Stonewall hours earlier. Appearing with a rainbow-colored jacket and thigh-high boots, she declared that Stonewall was the moment when LGBTQ people said "enough is enough." "I may not, to some people, be considered a part of this community, even though I like girls sometimes. I would never degrade the fight you have endured," she told the cheering crowd. "You have the power. You are so, so powerful, and I hope you feel that power today." Later the rally alternated between political speeches and block-party gaiety. Musical performances and rhythmic dancing rattled windows in the low-slung neighborhood. Drag queens sang '80s hits like "I'm So Excited" in between speeches by activists from countries such as Uganda and Chechnya. U.S. politicians including presidential hopefuls Kirsten Gillibrand, one of New York state's two U.S. senators, and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also took the stage ahead of what organizers are calling the largest gay pride parade in history set for Sunday, when some 150,000 marchers and 4 million spectators are expected. In between featured speakers, impromptu rallies formed and dispersed outside the bar, with people waving homemade signs such as "Closets are for Clothes!" and "Gay Liberation Front," paying homage to the radical group that formed immediately after Stonewall. "Get laid, get drunk, and have a party," said Martha Shelley, one of the Gay Liberation Front founders. "And then go home, roll up your sleeves, and fight." While the anniversary has a celebratory air, activists see the occasion as a way to protest U.S. President Donald Trump's record, which many consider hostile to LGBTQ people. They also want to highlight the still-precarious position of LGBTQ people in many parts of the world. Police raided the Stonewall, a Mafia-owned gay bar, ostensibly to crack down on organized crime. But their mistreatment of the patrons, part of a pattern of abuse against LGBTQ people, touched off the uprising. While celebrating 50 years of progress, many LGBTQ activists are sounding the alarm about Trump administration initiatives, including a ban on transgender people in the military, cuts in HIV/AIDS research and support for so-called religious freedom initiatives that eliminate LGBTQ protections. The White House claims Trump has long advocated LGBTQ equality, noting that he has backed a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality. "President Trump has never considered LGBT Americans second-class citizens," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement. The message has been lost on many LGBTQ people, as the Trump administration opposes extending anti-discrimination protection to gay or transgender workers under federal employment law, a legal issue currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, with a ruling due within a year. In nearby Washington Square Park, some 500 pro-transgender activists staged a Trans Day of Action, where some held up "Black trans lives matter" signs, lamenting that 10 transgender people have been murdered in the United States in 2019 after 26 were killed in 2018 and 29 in 2017, according to the LGBTQ advocacy right Human Rights Campaign. "Trump has really proliferated this hate towards us," said Qweenb. Amor, 30, a trans Latina. "It's something we're going to have to face every single day for the next 20 years, despite who wins the next election because these people who put Trump in power are people we have to work with every day of our lives." (Reporting by Matthew Lavietes, Jonathan Allen and Daniel Trotta in New York; writing by Daniel Trotta; editing by Jonathan Oatis, Matthew Lewis and Lisa Shumaker)


As the Formula One world pays its respects to two drivers lost 25 years ago on a dark weekend for motorsport, Edd Straw and Adam Cooper lead the tributes to the life and career of Roland Ratzenberger. Tuesday 30th April 2019 marked the 25th anniversary of the death of Formula One racing driver Roland Ratzenberger, who was tragically killed during qualifying for the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. The equally-devastating death of Ayrton Senna on the following day added to what was already a grievous weekend for the sport. Whilst Senna was at the peak of his Formula One powers, Ratzenberger's career in the sport had only just begun, and his tale was one of determination to defy the odds and make it to top-level single-seaters, despite not being born into wealth or motor racing lineage. His career, which was followed closely by motor racing journalist Adam Cooper, spread across Formula Ford, endurance racing, touring cars and Japanese Formula 3000 before he finally made his breakthrough into Formula One, aged 33. Listen: Adam Cooper joins Edd Straw on the Autosport Podcast to look back on the life and career of Roland Ratzenberger, remembering him on a personal level. Whilst looking back at the finer points of his early career, Cooper recalls: "He was just someone who was a really charming, funny, intelligent, articulate guy. He always had a big smile. He was always good with media, good with sponsors, and he was very, very good with the ladies...a bit of a legend really!" The latest podcast episode also features a rare archive interview with Ratzenberger, and tributes from those who worked with him and raced against him, including former rival Eddie Irvine, who spoke of Ratzenberger's resolve to achieve a Formula One drive. "He would've done a good job in Formula One, as he did in any formula he ever raced in. He was a bloody good driver, and very determined," said Irvine. "He loved Formula One. He was addicted to Formula One. It was amazing how much he wanted that. He had a great career in Japan, but he still kept pushing and pushing for Formula One." What are your memories of Roland Ratzenberger or Ayrton Senna? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.


Long Beach is a "walker's paradise" and is quite bikeable, according to Walk Score's rating system . So what does the low-end rent on a rental in Long Beach look like these days   and what might you get for the price? We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments in Long Beach via rental site Zumper to find out what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find in this Long Beach neighborhood. Read on for the cheapest listings available right now. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 1549 Linden Ave. First up, there's this studio apartment at 1549 Linden Ave., listed at $1,150/month. Unfortunately, cats and dogs are not permitted in the unit. The building offers on-site management and on-site laundry. (See the listing here .) 1536 Locust Ave. Check out this 400-square-foot studio apartment at 1536 Locust Ave., listed at $1,150/month. Look for in-unit laundry in the residence. Sadly, neither cats nor dogs are permitted at this time. Look out for a $1,050 deposit. (Here's the listing .) 445 W. 15th St. This studio apartment, situated at 445 W. 15th St., is listed for $1,195/month. You'll see carpeted floors in the unit; however, neither cats nor dogs are allowed. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. (See the listing here .) 1350 E. Hellman St. And here's a studio condo at 1350 E. Hellman St., which, with 400 square feet, is going for $1,200/month. Building amenities include garage parking. Pet lovers are in luck: this rental is both dog and cat-friendly. (Check out the listing here .) This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide , then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


The same technology that's revolutionizing video games is being used to develop new drugs and fight some of the world's deadliest diseases. Chemists at C4X Discovery are using the virtual reality technology behind popular game Fortnite to visualize the structure of complex molecules. The tool, called 4Sight, has already been used to create a drug that is now in development to treat addiction. Biochemists are also using the technology to develop drugs to tackle other diseases, such as cancer and Parkinson's. Visualizing molecules Scientists traditionally used physical models to visualize drugs. But 4Sight allows drug developers to grab hold of virtual molecules and see how they move and respond to stimuli. The key to drug design is finding the right shape for the molecule to fit inside the targeted protein pocket. If you get the wrong shape, the molecule could fail to attach or even lodge in a different pocket, causing side effects. "Moving molecules around that are very complicated is so much easier by grabbing them than by trying to use a mouse on a keyboard," says Craig Fox, chief scientific officer at C4X Discovery. The company claims that the technology could help to reduce the margin of error during the drug discovery process and enable scientists in different locations to work on drug models in the same virtual room. "It takes about 10 to 12 years to take a drug from the concept to the market," says Fox. "It's often described as trying to find a needle in a haystack." It's also exceedingly expensive. It costs $2.6 billion on average to develop a new prescription medicine that gains market approval, according to the Tufts Center for Study of Drug Development . Gamification Anything that helps speed up the development process and make it less laborious for scientists is welcome. That's why C4X Discovery hired former video game developer Phil Muwunga for the job of lead coder. "The software is the same as a game," says Muwunga, "we have a user base, we're trying to get them to do tasks over and over again. And we're trying to do it in a fun and intuitive fashion." 4Sight enables scientists to visualize the unique 4-D data (measuring space and time as well as length, width and depth) that C4X Discovery has accumulated on small drug molecules. "We are making a scientific tool that scientists will use to improve their daily lives," says Muwunga. "That being said I am from the games industry and I do treat this as a game   people interact with it in the same way." Other applications Virtual reality has shown its potential in other areas of health care. It's been used as a tool for medical training , with students learning about the human anatomy through simulation. Surgeons can use it to prepare for complicated surgeries, and it's even been used as a tool for pain relief . The global market for artificial and virtual reality in health care is projected to reach $5.1 billion by 2025, according to a 2017 report by Grand View Research. The biggest pharma companies recognize potential of virtual reality tools. Novartis is using them in the drug design process, and Pfizer has experimented with applications from clinical trial design to manufacturing. "We believe immersive technologies can in the future provide cognitive behavioral assistance and even telehealth," says Jim Mangione, Pfizer's director of emerging technologies.


Make a few simple changes to what you eat, what you do, and how you exercise to go from flab to fab. The 30-Day Plan to Get a Flat Belly By Summer The official start of summer is about seven weeks away, but if you aren't in tip-top shape just yet there's no need to worry. Why? Because by making a few simple changes to what you eat, what you do, and how you exercise, you can go from flab to fab in about a month. Since the best way to lose weight and stay in shape involves a combination eating right and exercising, we've included both types of tips on our list, and also interspersed some valuable habits to keep in mind if you're looking for a flat belly. While tossing some berries and nuts into your oatmeal is a great way to boost your intake of satiating protein and fiber that will transform your tummy for the better, so too is doing some core-engaging flat planks. Couple those adjustments with ensuring you get a solid eight hours of sleep each night, and watch the belly fat disappear faster than the sunscreen you can never seem to buy enough of. For more words of belly-blasting wisdom, keep reading. And if time is flying by faster than you thought, you also have the option of our 10-Day Rapid Weight Loss Plan, Crafted by Dietitians . 1. Do Some Flat Planks To start off your quest for a flat belly this summer, why not begin with a simple and versatile exercise you can do whenever you have a spare 5 minutes? Flat planks engage your core, and they are the single most effective move that works every muscle in your body. Whether you're doing some flat planks while you watch TV at night or in your office during some downtime, they will have your abs (and the rest of you) looking fit and toned in no time. "If you can only do it for 30 seconds before collapsing, try to add 10 seconds to it each time you attempt it," Mark Langowski , NASM, ACSM, celebrity trainer and CEO of Body By Mark Wellness, advises. "Do this for three sets every other day and you'll start seeing results!" RELATED : Learn how to fire up your metabolism and lose weight the smart way. 2. Sleep 7 to 8 Hours In addition to exercise, getting in shape quickly will require some habit changes. For starters, make sure you're getting enough sleep each night. According to Wake Forest researchers , dieters who sleep five hours or less put on two and a half times more belly fat, while those who sleep more than eight hours pack on slightly less than that. Though that might not sound like much, when you have a regular bedtime and stick to it, you set yourself up for day-in, day-out weight loss. "Proper sleep is crucial for weight loss. Too little sleep leads to poor food choices, largely due to increased levels of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. Too little sleep also decreases levels of leptin, a hormone that helps satiate your appetite. Lack of sleep also clouds judgment and causes impulse decision making, which inevitably leads to poor food choices," adds founder and Certified Sleep Science Coach at SleepZoo , Chris Brantner. 3. Snack On Popcorn For a flat belly, put down the chips and cookies and snack on some air-popped popcorn instead. The air-popped stuff doesn't have the salt and fat that comes with unhealthy microwave popcorn that's usually doused in butter, and it's also an excellent source of satiating fiber and protein. In fact, one cup of popcorn popped fresh in olive oil and lightly salted has 2 grams of fiber, one gram of protein, and is only 40 calories. To add some flavor to the tasty, low-calorie treat, make use of metabolism-boosting spices such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper. For more ways to boost your fiber intake, check out high fiber foods ! 4. Try Flutter Kicks And Criss Crosses If you want a flat belly in a matter of days, you better be ready to work for it and feel the burn. That's where the killer combo of flutter kicks and crisscrosses comes in. According to Mark, this exercise "practically draws the lines right down the sides of your midsection as you are doing them." In addition to engaging your abs, the motion of your legs required by this exercise also works your inner and outer thighs. If you're looking to wear short shorts and bathing suits this summer, this routine is for you! 5. Drink Water Before Each Meal Given the rising temps it's to be expected that you may drink more water than usual in the coming months, just make sure your H2O intake occurs before you chow down. According to a British study , sipping 16 ounces of water before each meal can lead to substantial weight loss. Researchers enlisted 84 obese adults for a three-month experiment and broke the participants into two groups. The first group was told to drink 16 ounces of water half an hour before each of their meals while. the other group was told to imagine that they were already full prior to digging in. When the study concluded, the water group lost about 9 pounds, while their imaginative peers shed approximately three fewer pounds. Scientists suspect loading up on H2O before meals is an effective weight loss strategy because it helps increase satiety. If you're less hungry when meal time rolls around, then you're more inclined to make smarter food choices. 6. Toss Some Berries And Nuts Into Your Oats Studies have shown that people who eat oats for breakfast feel full longer, and whether you prefer oatmeal or overnight oats, try tossing some berries and nuts into the already protein-packed meal to make it even more nutritious. The tasty additions are both great sources of satiating fiber, which is an excellent weight loss ally, and are healthier than brown sugar of syrup, which can cause the formation of belly fat. For an added boost, sprinkle some cinnamon on top. New research suggests the comforting spice improves metabolic health by acting directly on fat cells, inducing them to start burning energy via thermogenesis. 7. Pair Split Lunges With Bicep Curls Sure, summer is all about the flat belly hello bikini season! but why not tone some other parts of your body while you're at it? By pairing split lunges with bicep curls you'll be giving your legs, abs, and arms a workout. Mark, who advises doing this exercise with 1-liter water bottles, says, "Even though you aren't actively moving your abs, they play a huge role in keeping your spine upright during this exercise, so please make sure you keep them engaged throughout the entire movement. This one makes your entire body tremble so get ready!" 8. Cut Your Sugar Intake And Increase The Amount Of Fiber You Eat Cutting the amount of sugar you eat is one of the quickest and easiest ways to flatten your belly, especially if you replace that unhealthy added sugar with more fiber. In a review of 68 clinical trials and studies, New Zealand researchers reported in the British Medical Journal that increasing sugar intake meant increasing body weight while reducing sugar meant reducing body weight. Similarly, increasing fiber is another way to keep your belly lean. In a study of 1,114 people over five years, researchers reported that for every 10 grams of soluble fiber people ate, their belly fat accumulation was reduced by nearly 4 percent even if they did nothing else to lose weight. Eat more soluble fiber with these overnight oats recipes ! 9. Make Hummus Your Go-To Dip Speaking of fiber, another great source of the satiating nutrient is hummus and vegetables. Dippable veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli are packed with fiber and an array of other vitamins, and they pair perfectly with the creamy chickpea dip, which has 2.5 grams of fiber per ¼ cup. By skipping unhealthy cheesy dips in favor or hummus, you'll be doing your belly (and the rest of your body) a massive favor. 10. Experiment With Varied Cardio With the weather getting warmer it's the perfect time to go for a walk or run, but remember to vary your speeds. Why, you ask? Research has shown it will help you shrink your belly. In an Ohio State University study reported by Biology Letters , walking at varying speeds as opposed to a steady speed can burn up to 20 percent more calories. 11. Stay Away From Stress When you're continually stressed out, it's bad news for your belly. Stress triggers the release of a hormone called cortisol, and because cortisol is evolutionarily linked to alerting your body to external dangers (like that buffalo headed straight for you) and low blood-glucose levels, it forces your body to store fat and makes you feel hungry. In other words, if you're stressed, you'll start craving that afternoon candy bar even if your stomach is actually full. To avoid stress, try simple things like yoga, taking deep breaths and meditating for a few minutes each day. 12. Eat Eggs Instead Of Cereal There's arguably nothing easier than pouring some cereal into a bowl to start your day, but loading up on Frosted Flakes in the a.m. is detrimental for your belly. Tony the Tiger's favorite cereal, while tasty, is packed with sugar and empty calories that are keeping you from having the body you want. Forgoing the Frosted flakes in favor of eggs is an easy way to change that. Since they are an excellent source of protein, eggs have the power to keep you fuller, longer. In fact, in one International Journal of Obesity study with 21 participants, half were fed a breakfast of bagels while half ate eggs. The egg group had a lower response to ghrelin (the "hunger hormone,") were less hungry three hours later, and consumed fewer calories over the course of the next day than the bagel eaters. What's more? Egg yolks contain choline, a nutrient with powerful fat-burning properties. 13. Work A Medicine Ball Into Your Gym Routine Seated medicine ball twists are a great way to get a toned midsection because they target your obliques while also engaging your abdominals and lower back muscles. When doing this exercise, Mark advises people to keep their feet on the ground. "This one is all about form, so keep your feet on the ground, lean back just enough to feel an engagement in your abdominals, and make a nice full turn with your shoulders," he explains, noting you should feel that satisfying core burn in no time. 14. Be Mindful Shrinking your belly isn't just about what you put in your body, it's about what's going on in your brain, too. In a 2015 study, Brown University researchers asked nearly 400 people to complete a mindfulness-awareness survey, which asked whether subjects agreed with such questions as "I find it difficult to stay focused on what's happening in the present." Then, they X-rayed the subjects' bellies to determine their degree of belly fat. The results showed that the higher people scored on the mindfulness survey, the less visceral fat they were likely to have. People who are less mindful have, on average, an extra pound of fat inside their bellies than those who are more in tune with their everyday lives and the world around them. 15. Choose Greek Yogurt Over Regular Yogurt Regular yogurts tend to be loaded with belly-bloating sugar, but that's not the case with protein-packed plain Greek yogurt . Per a study in the journal Appetite , researchers from the University of Missouri compared the satiety effects of high-, moderate-, and low-protein yogurts on women aged 24-28, and found Greek yogurt, with the highest protein content, to have the greatest effect. For a boost of flavor (and fiber!) toss some fresh berries on your yogurt and eat up! 16. Build More Muscle Via Strength Training Strength training is a great way to stay in shape and build up muscle, and because muscle mass burns more calories than fat (every pound of muscle uses about 6 calories a day just to sustain itself), the more muscle on your skeleton, the quicker you will lose the fat throughout your body, especially around your abdomen. If you can pack on just five pounds of muscle and sustain it, you'll burn the caloric equivalent of three pounds of fat over the course of a year, and be even closer to obtaining that lean physique you've always wanted. A simple way to build up muscle via strength training is to do push-ups or planks. 17. Know Your Go-To Foods As it turns out, there's something to be said for being a creature of habit and eating the same foods day in and day out, especially if you're on a mission to shrink your belly. When University of Texas researchers looked at the diets of 6,814 people, they found that the more diverse one's diet, the more likely one was to experience weight gain. In fact, those who ate the widest range of foods showed a 120 percent greater increase in waist circumference compared with those who had the least diversity. 18. Embrace Meatless Monday Starting a Meatless Monday tradition is a great way to drop a few pounds because it increases your intake of fiber and a host of other nutrients. Numerous studies have shown that those who eat the least amount of meat are less likely to be obese, have lower BMIs, and the lowest body fat levels. Though it's perfectly fine to eat meat a few times a week, these high-protein foods tend to fill you up before you can work your way over to the veggies, which are known to possess fat-fighting, waist-trimming powers, so try spotlighting just greens and healthy grains a few times a month. 19. Try High-Intensity Interval Training High-intensity interval training (or HIIT) is a great belly-blasting option for those who already feel comfortable in the gym because it helps you drop fatty tissue and build muscle simultaneously. "High-intensity interval training is when you perform an exercise at or close to your maximum ability for a short period of time and then take a brief respite and do it again. HIIT should usually be done on a 2:1 interval, meaning if you did an exercise for one minute, you rest for 30 seconds and then repeat," explains Dr. Alex Tauberg , DC, CSCS, EMR. To use HIIT to shrink your belly, do workouts that engage your core such as abdominal crunches or bridges. "By performing core workouts using a HIIT plan, you can burn calories and build muscle at the same time," Alex adds. "This can be a great way to flatten that stomach when you don't have too much time to work out." 20. Ditch Artificial Sweeteners Simply put, artificial sweeteners cause belly fat. A 2015 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that increasing diet soda intake is directly linked to greater abdominal obesity. In the study of older adults, researchers found those who drank diet soda each day experienced more than triple the increase in waist size over the course of nine years, so put down the Diet Coke and don't even think about reaching for some Equal to put in your morning coffee. 21. Add Apple Cider Vinegar To Salad Dressings According to a study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, & Biochemistry , consuming apple cider vinegar each day can lead to weight loss, reduced belly fat, waist circumference, and lower blood triglycerides. More specifically, the study of obese Japanese participants found that those who consumed 1 tablespoon of ACV over a three month period lost 2.6 pounds, and those who consumed 2 tablespoons lost 3.7 pounds in the same time frame. Toss a spoonful of ACV into a homemade salad dressing or smoothie and watch the weight melt off! 22. Hop On A Trampoline Sure, trampolines are built for kids, but as an adult using one for rebounding is a great way to flatten your tummy. "Not only is it a great cardio workout (which is the first step to tightening up your midsection) but it makes your core work like crazy so you are getting the cardio plus the toning," explains Hope Pedraza , a Certified Personal Trainer through American College of Sports Medicine "Everything you need for a tight tummy!" To get a comprehensive workout using a mini trampoline, Hope suggests jumping, lifting your knees up high, twisting, adding some light weights to move around while you're jumping, and moving in all directions in different planes. 23. Ditch The Refined Grains When it comes to grains, whole is the way to go. Why, you ask? Because unlike the refined stuff white rice, white pasta, and white flour which is stripped of valuable nutrients in the refining process, whole grains are packed with satiating, heart-healthy fiber and they won't negatively affect your blood sugar or weight the way their whiter counterparts do. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that substituting whole grains for refined grains in the diet increases calorie loss by reducing calories retained during digestion and speeding up metabolism. So if you're on a quest to lose weight, ditch the white stuff and stock up on whole grains such as buckwheat, brown rice, and quinoa 24. Add Some Almonds To Your Salad The next time you're making a salad or eating some yogurt, add some almonds to the dish. Not only will the nuts add a nice crunch to your food, but their high protein and fiber content makes them ideal for weight loss. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that consuming 1.5 ounces of almonds daily (as opposed to a carb dense muffin) along with a heart-healthy diet, helped to improve cholesterol and lipid profiles among the research participants. The study also found that eating almonds reduces belly fat, too. 25. Do Squats With A Bicycle Crunch What's better than squats if you're looking to get a flat belly? Pairing those squats with a bicycle crunch. This combo is one of Mark's favorites because of all the different muscle groups it targets. "This compound movement not only hits your legs, but also works lower abdominals, upper abdominals, and obliques all in one fun move!" he explains. Do a handful of sets a few times a week to start seeing results. 26. Let Your Healthy Belly Bacteria Thrive There are healthy belly bacteria, and then there are bad belly bacteria, the later of which studies indicate overweight people have more of in their gut. To keep the fat-causing bugs at bay, you need to eat a variety of foods that support their healthy counterparts the kind found in the bellies of slim people. Examples of probiotic-rich foods that help you lose weight by aiding digestion include kefir, kombucha, and yogurt. 27. Add Beans To Your Meals Beans can help boost feelings of fullness and manage blood sugar levels, making them an excellent ally in your weight loss battle. In fact, a recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found eating one serving a day of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils could contribute to modest weight loss . And if you need another reason to bulk up on beans, remember that the fiber and protein-rich legumes are an excellent source of genistein the same compound found in peanuts and lentils that aids weight loss. To up your bean intake, toss some of 'em in a soup or salad and eat up! 28. Just Dance! "Dance cardio really is an amazing way to trim belly fat because it is going to help shed fat on the body as a whole. It is obviously a cardio workout, but because your body is forced to move in all different directions in different planes, it is making every single muscle in your body work. Similar to the benefits of a HIIT workout, you get the cardio plus toning benefit all in one," Hope explains. So try a dance-centric class at your gym or turn up your iPod and bust some moves at home. 29. Snack Smart Munching on the right snacks throughout the day is one of the best ways to shrink your waistline. Need proof? According to a recent study, researchers found participants lost significantly more body weight when they incorporated low-sugar, high-protein snacks into their daily food routine. Fitting in healthy, high protein snacks (such as a handful of unsalted almonds) helps to maintain blood-sugar levels which keeps your brain from triggering hunger pangs and stops your body from indulging in unhealthy foods after what feels like a long day of starvation. 30. Use Avocado Instead Of Mayo On A Sandwich A dry sandwich is no good, but neither is one smothered in high-calorie mayo. Swap the popular condiment for avocado instead and help blast fat. Just half of an avocado contains 4.6 grams of belly-filling fiber, and its satiating powers are so potent that a study in the Nutrition Journal discovered that folks who added half a fresh avocado to their meal reported a 40 percent decreased desire to eat for hours afterward. And unlike mayo, which is basically void of nutrients, avocados contain metabolism-enhancing monounsaturated fats that have been shown to reduce hunger, and unsaturated fats, which seem to prevent the storage of belly fat. For more ways to blast your belly fat, take a look at ways to lose your belly in 10 days !


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Philadelphia? We've rounded up the latest rental listings via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to locating an apartment in Philadelphia if you're on a budget of $2,100/month. Take a peek at what rentals the city has to offer, below. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 1023 Spruce St. (Washington Square) Listed at $2,100/month, this 1,100-square-foot two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is located at 1023 Spruce St. Apartment amenities include hardwood floors, a dishwasher and a ceiling fan. This property welcomes cats and dogs. According to Walk Score's assessment, the surrounding area is extremely walkable, is quite bikeable and has excellent transit. (See the complete listing here .) 2308 Lombard St., #4 (Fitler Square) Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment situated at 2308 Lombard St., #4. It's also listed for $2,100/month for its 700 square feet In the apartment, there are hardwood floors, a dishwasher, in-unit laundry and high ceilings. The building has secured entry. For those with furry friends in tow, know that cats and dogs are welcome. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. Walk Score indicates that the surrounding area is extremely walkable, is great for biking and is a haven for transit riders. (Check out the complete listing here .) 1111 Locust St., #3D (Washington Square) Here's a 717-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo at 1111 Locust St., #3D, that's going for $2,100/month. In the unit, you'll get a dishwasher, air conditioning and high ceilings. When it comes to building amenities, anticipate garage parking and a fitness center. Pets are not permitted. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is a "walker's paradise," is convenient for biking and is a haven for transit riders. (Check out the complete listing here .) 3600 Lancaster Ave. (University City) Next, check out this studio that's located at 3600 Lancaster Ave. It's listed for $2,099/month. This studio comes furnished. The building features a fitness center, storage and a breakfast bar. Good news for animal lovers: Both dogs and cats are welcome here. Expect a broker's fee equal to one month's rent. Per Walk Score ratings, this location is extremely walkable, is great for biking and has excellent transit. (See the complete listing here .) 1701 Arch St. (Logan Square) Next, there's this two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment situated at 1701 Arch St. It's listed for $2,095/month for its 732 square feet of space. In the unit, there are hardwood floors and carpet, a dishwasher and air conditioning. The building offers a fitness center and storage. Pet lovers are in luck: cats and dogs are permitted. There is a $350 pet fee. Walk Score indicates that the surrounding area has excellent walkability, is convenient for biking and boasts excellent transit options. (Check out the complete listing here .) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


After a state of New York publicly owned course hosts this year's PGA Championship followed in five years by the Ryder Cup, a distinct era in American golf will come to a close. Following the biennial team matches on Long Island in the fall of 2024, there are no traditional American municipal courses on the major championship or Ryder Cup schedule. Yes, the PGA of America's new facility in Frisco, Texas, could be considered a city course in 2027, when it hosts the PGA Championship. And anyone can play Pinehurst No. 2 or Pebble Beach - resort courses - if they are wealthy enough. But genuine municipal courses? No longer desired in the world of major championship golf. But do not fret, it's been a fantastic, if sometimes embarrassingly expensive experiment for several facilities. The end of munis on the major schedule is hardly an indictment on the experiment that brought golf's biggest events to such places as Bethpage, Torrey Pines and next year's PGA Championship to TPC Harding Park after significant renovation work. Past tournaments were financial successes and enjoyed way more energetic celebrations of the sport when played at the people's courses. The tournaments generally have left facilities in a much better place than the USGA or PGA of America found them. But gouging golf course contractors, excessive bureaucratic demands and irrational expectations for one week of tournament golf drove up costs at times. For all of the embarrassing excesses spent to make these places play up to the standards of country clubs, majors at munis opened our eyes to the many publicly owned venues with the potential to inspire. Some of these historic places merely needed an excuse in the form of a tournament to turn things around, and in doing so gave the golfing public access to an inspiring but difficult course. No. 16 at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, site of the 2020 PGA Championship. (Golfweek) As awareness of historically significant architecture has grown over the last two decades and a younger generation has become more interested in a fun day at a centrally located course over the lavish theatrics of upscale daily-fee "experiences," we are on the cusp of a municipal-course renaissance. Restorations and fierce battles to save important courses are happening all over the United States. It's a pure grass-roots effort fueled in part by these championships, especially the Bethpage Black experiment that debuted at the 2002 U.S. Open. A new organization called the National Links Trust has formed in a battle to resurrect endangered and neglected Washington D.C.-area courses. The trust has an eye on helping others around the country looking to protect and improve munis with the potential to be community centerpieces without tournaments in mind. Will Smith, co-founder of the highly successful Outpost Club, is part of the movement and acknowledges the help of the Bethpage era. But he does not want to mimic what goes along with trying to attract majors. "Restoring munis with the goal being to host a major tournament often ends in a course that is too difficult for the local golfer and too expensive to maintain for the municipality," Smith said. "It can adversely affect the affordability and accessibility of the course and ultimately not serve the role it was meant to play within a community." Smith says Bethpage worked in part because the complex has other courses of varying difficulty to offset the Black's legendary difficulty. It never hurt that the course had a magnificently talented early caretaker in Craig Currier. At Torrey Pines, Smith notes, golfers simply gravitated to the more-enjoyable-to-play North Course. A new generation of golfer unencumbered by strange elitist peccadillos - as changing shoes in the parking lot or believing that low green fees equal bad golf - also understands many cities, counties and states have quality facilities by famous architects often commissioned during the Works Progress. Administration of the 1930s and '40s. They are usually centrally located, too. The idea of fighting to save and improve something close to home versus going to far-away places for golf is proving more attractive, even if the bureaucratic fight can be maddening. While it is disappointing that the "grow the game" crowd has not put more of its resources to use restoring munis instead of launching glossy ad campaigns, the USGA and PGA of America efforts to bring majors to publicly owned venues has worked. Just not the way they imagined. But if the end result is a golf nation finally coalescing around the venues it should be protecting instead of clamoring for something new, then taking majors to munis will be viewed as an even greater success than anyone ever could have imagined. Gwk ( Note : This story appears in the May 2019 issue of Golfweek .) View embedded content MORE: Joel Embiid left the court in tears after Kawhi Leonard's astonishing buzzer-beater NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Video confirms reports of Chris Paul's attempt to sabotage Steph Curry Ex-GM: Giants got it right with Daniel Jones at No. 6 Unique Tony Pollard would be lucky to have Marion Barber-like impact


Want to know where to go when it comes to boxing in Houston? As luck would have it, there's no shortage of popular boxing options to choose from in and around Houston. To find the top boxing gyms in the area, Hoodline analyzed data from Yelp, Facebook and ClassPass to identify which studios are the most popular. Read on for the results. (Bonus: You can try them all out if you're a member of ClassPass , a monthly fitness membership that provides access to thousands of different studios, gyms, and wellness offerings.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Heritage Muay Thai 1604 W. 34th St., Central Northwest Heritage Muay Thai is Houston's favorite boxing gym by the numbers, with 4.8 stars on ClassPass , five stars out of 19 reviews on Yelp , and 4,364 fans on Facebook . "Houston Muay Thai is your home for authentic Muay Thai training, offering classes for everyone from beginners to advanced competitors," explains the business' ClassPass profile. "Muay Thai is the ultimate and most devastating striking art. Known as the 'Science of the 8 limbs,' it utilizes knees, elbows and more in addition to the typical punches and kicks you'll find in any kickboxing workout." Owner Michael Chase Corley "grew up in Spring, TX and began training in Martial Arts/Boxing at 16 years old," according to the business' Yelp page. "His impressive career, which began in 1989, saw an overall 46 wins and seven losses, with fights against five world champions and greats like George Forman, Evander Holyfield, and Mike Tyson." "Our Houston martial arts school believes that martial arts is more than fitness and combat… We believe it makes people better on the inside, too," it continues. "For thousands of years, people have held this belief about martial arts. They've developed stronger characters, experienced more joy in life, and, of course, learned powerful self-defense and become very physically fit." Learn more about Heritage Muay Thai's different classes on ClassPass here . Savarese Fight Fit WestU 4215 Bellaire Blvd., Braeswood Place Also among Houston's favorites is Savarese Fight Fit WestU, with 4.9 stars on ClassPass , five stars out of one review on Yelp , and 317 fans on Facebook . "By combining the experience and skill of professional boxing champions with world-class trainers, Savarese Fight Fit offers a unique approach to semi-private training," explains the business' profile on ClassPass. "Not only are they passionate about maintaining personal health, but Savarese Fight Fit looks to reinvigorate the sport of boxing as a base for fitness for all ages while also bettering their community. Whether it's a single class, a private boxing session, or joining our Founders Club, they strive to build confidence, self-worth and a better life for every individual that walks through their gym." "Our location in WestU is our newest state-of-the-art facility," Savarese Fight Fit WestU's Yelp page states. "Our innovative equipment alongside our intimate classes and highly professional trainers make it easy to get a personalized workout when you want it. Drop your children off in our Kids Room and be a part of our empowering Youth Fight Fit community." Learn more about Savarese Fight Fit WestU's different classes on ClassPass here . Title Boxing Club 9630 Westheimer, Suite 600, Mid West With 4.9 stars on ClassPass , four stars out of 33 reviews on Yelp , and 5,132 fans on Facebook , Title Boxing Club has garnered plenty of local fans. "TITLE Boxing Club is dedicated to giving you the most empowering boxing workout of your life!" states the business' ClassPass profile. "All of their classes are taught by instructors who will show you the ropes from the beginning. They'll help you wrap your hands and walk you through the basic fundamentals." "The company was founded in Kansas City by a retired boxer/promoter," Title Boxing Club's Yelp page explains. "He wanted to bring the boxers workout to everyone. So he created TITLE Boxing Club and the POWER HOUR and watched his members, in the first open club, sculpt their bodies and become fit." "On top of having an outstanding calorie burning, strength developing workout, we promote empowerment and a sense of community within our club," it continues. "TITLE Boxing Club Houston-Westchase combines the fun and excitement of a group fitness class with hard-hitting boxing and kickboxing workouts that produce real results fast." Learn more about Title Boxing Club's offerings on ClassPass here . Women's Elite Boxing Club 6423 Richmond Ave., Suite E, Mid West With 4.5 stars out of 31 reviews on Yelp and 2,274 fans on Facebook , Women's Elite Boxing Club holds its own among the competition. "Women's Elite Boxing Club (WEBC) is a woman's only boxing and training club founded by Nigel Stokes in 2011," according to the business' profile on ClassPass. "Boxing is a combination of cardio and strength training, so it works and tones every muscle in your body   from your arms, core and down to your legs. It doesn't matter if you want to box for physical fitness or self-defense (or even become an amateur fighter), WEBC is your first step towards a better you." Learn more about Women's Elite Boxing Club's selection of classes on ClassPass here . Main Street Boxing & Muay Thai 1612 Austin St., Downtown With five stars out of 10 reviews on Yelp and 413 fans on Facebook , Main Street Boxing & Muay Thai is another popular local pick. "Main Street Boxing & Muay Thai / Savarese Fight Fit is your home for authentic Muay Thai, Boxing, and MMA programs," states the business' ClassPass profile. "Whether you want to shed a few pounds, learn self-defense, or get in the ring/cage, Main Street Boxing & Muay Thai / Savarese Fight Fit is for you!" Check out reviews of Main Street Boxing & Muay Thai's selection of classes on ClassPass here . HTX FightCamp 827 W. 34th St., Central Northwest With five stars out of three reviews on Yelp and 558 fans on Facebook , HTX FightCamp is worth checking out. "TX FightCamp is a boxing inspired cardio and resistance training program that provides an excellent workout for all fitness levels," according to the business' profile on ClassPass. "The name 'FightCamp' is derived from combining boxing with a bootcamp style training environment. Their classes mimic an 8 round boxing match: 3 minutes per round with a 1 minute rest period in between rounds." "HTX FightCamp is here to provide youth and adults a safe, clean, positive and motivating training environment to achieve desired fitness levels," it continues. "We use Boxing Fitness as a tool to teach our members lifelong fitness and how to creatively motivate themselves to achieve a desired level of fitness and strength." Learn more about HTX FightCamp's offerings on ClassPass here . This story was created automatically using ClassPass and other local business data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


It's been three years since Chelsea signed N'Golo Kante from Leicester City, and it's be fair to say that the move has gone fairly well for both the Blues and the Frenchman. Kante's won another Premier League title, pocketed the FA Cup and lifted the Europa League trophy since making the move to Stamford Bridge. Not to mention the small matter of Chelsea's number seven playing a pivotal role in France's World Cup winning squad in 2018 - 'allez les bleus' indeed. Surprisingly, for a club like Chelsea , with a history of splashing the cash on blockbuster signings, Kante came to London for an impressively small sum. With Kante's former Leicester teammate Danny Drinkwater costing Chelsea £35m, and Riyad Mahrez going to Man City for £60m, Kante's transfer price of £32m seems like it's missing an extra zero on the end. Kante's ability would undoubtedly see him walk into any and every single top European club. When a central defensive midfielder can finish 11th in the Ballon d'Or, you know he's the real deal. This is a fairly unique situation for Chelsea, even with the likes of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois donning the blue shirt in recent times, their talent was always bought into question by opposing fans. Somehow, Kante has managed to ascend above these club rivalries and is seemingly admired by anyone with a love for the beautiful game. Kante's price tag must surely be considered the best bargain of the Premier League era. If not for his tireless workrate and defensive capabilities, then for his no-nonsense attitude that will surely see him go down as a Chelsea great. As only the ninth player to win the Premier League with two clubs, Kante has the very real potential as going down as one of the greats, this certainly isn't harmed by his international successes either. Most importantly however, Kante's position as a defensive midfielder is one that is often held by older players and thankfully for Kante being at the age of just 28, he's got many more years of playing to come. Though the Frenchman was kept from playing in his usual position and style under Maurizio Sarri, new Chelsea manager Frank Lampard will almost certainly restore Kante's role as a defensive midfielder. This will be great news to both fans and Kante alike, with last season's more advanced role in the midfield only bringing the World Cup winner four goals and four assists. With Kante's contract currently running until 2023, Chelsea fans will be jubilant about being able to watch the little Frenchman work his magic at Stamford Bridge for many years to come.


HONG KONG   Riot police officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets in downtown Hong Kong on Wednesday as they repelled tens of thousands of protesters who tried to swarm the city's legislature in anger over proposed legislation that would allow extraditions to mainland China. The street confrontation began on Wednesday afternoon when a small number of protesters stormed police barricades outside the Legislative Council and hurled bricks, bottles and umbrellas at the officers. The riot police responded by firing rubber bullets, beanbag rounds and tear-gas canisters at the protesters. The large-scale clashes   rare in this financial hub   underscore both the deep-seated anger that protesters feel about the erosion of liberties in the territory and the police's resolve to maintain order. Sign Up For the Morning Briefing Newsletter It was a sharp escalation of violence in a protest movement that took off in earnest on Sunday when an estimated one million people marched against the extradition bill and China's growing influence in the territory. That march ended with small clashes in the early hours of Monday, but protesters began pouring back into the area around the legislature on Tuesday night ahead of a debate on the bill scheduled for the next day. Carrie Lam, who was selected by China's leaders to govern Hong Kong two years ago, stood firm on Wednesday against what she called an "organized riot" and said she would not withdraw the contentious bill. She also compared the demonstrators to stubborn children, in remarks made before the protests turned violent. "If my son was stubborn and I spoiled him and tolerated his stubborn behavior every time, I would just be going along with him," Ms. Lam told a local television station. The widespread public outrage puts Ms. Lam, Hong Kong's chief executive, in a delicate position. Retreating could make her look weak and risks drawing the ire of her party benefactors, who support the bill, but moving ahead with a vote on the proposal could incite even more protests and unrest. President Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House after the demonstrations turned violent, said on Wednesday, "I hope it all works out for China and Hong Kong." The officers fired round after round of tear gas on Wednesday, sending protesters fleeing, in a response that recalled the start of the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement five years ago. Back in 2014, the use of tear gas on student-led demonstrators prompted tens of thousands of people to pour onto the streets in anger. Demonstrators said they were shocked and dismayed to see tear gas used against them again. The police also fired rubber bullets into the crowd for the first time in decades, and wounded a driver for a radio station with a shot in the eye. "These are not the scenes I want to see," said Phoebe Ip, 31, who took the day off from a marketing job to join largely peaceful demonstrations, but found herself dodging flying tear-gas canisters. "We just want to communicate, but there is no way for us to talk with them. They just want to push us away." On Wednesday afternoon, Stephen Lo, the police commissioner, described the demonstrations as "riots" and called on protesters to go home, warning that those who refused "might regret your decision for your entire life." With a volley of tear gas canisters, the police forced the protesters to retreat from the Legislative Council and into the streets. There, the protesters engaged in several skirmishes with riot officers, who hit them with batons. At least on one occasion, in full view of reporters watching from a bridge, one officer severely beat a protester who fell down during the retreat, steps away from the Legislative Council. The police had cleared some of the area by early Wednesday evening, but not entirely, and the smell of tear gas still hung over downtown. Hong Kong's Hospital Authority said that 22 people had been taken to public hospitals with injuries sustained in the demonstrations. Few in Hong Kong will believe that the demonstrations were riots, in part because they came on the heels of a mass protest in the city against the extradition bill three days ago, said Victoria Hui, a political scientist at the University of Notre Dame who studies nonviolent resistance movements and Hong Kong politics. But it was strategically unfortunate for the protest movement that some demonstrators resorted to violence on Wednesday, Ms. Hui said, if only because it gave the authorities an excuse to crack down harder. "A lot of young people, and not-so-young people, will be really scared of going back again" to future protests, she added. The bill would allow Hong Kong to detain and transfer people wanted in countries and territories with which it has no formal extradition agreements, including Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. The bill has sparked anger in recent months across a broad swath of society in this former British colony, and concerns from around the world. Jeremy Hunt, the British foreign secretary, urged Hong Kong on Wednesday to "pause and reflect" on the bill. But the bill is likely to pass soon, possibly next week, because pro-Beijing lawmakers hold 43 of 70 seats in the Legislative Council. On Thursday morning, the council's president announced that it would not meet that day . The protests outside the council's downtown headquarters began on Tuesday evening with vigils and modest demonstrations against the bill, a day before it was to have a second reading in the council. By Wednesday morning, the multilane highway that runs past the council's headquarters and through a canyon of skyscrapers   normally packed with businesspeople and patrons of a luxury mall   was filled with a raucous crowd. Many were young people who wore black T-shirts and wielded tools to help ward off pepper spray and tear gas, including hard hats, goggles and umbrellas, the enduring symbol of the 2014 Umbrella Movement. Several protesters said in interviews that they had little hope of forcing the Hong Kong government to back down on the extradition bill. But they said they also recognized that it might be their last time to take such a public stand on incursions by the Chinese government into their way of life. If the extradition bill passes, "they'll think you're a suspect and send you back to China," said Daniel Yeung, 21, a protester who stood atop a cement barrier wearing black clothing, a white surgical mask and green gardening gloves. Since Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997, the territory has operated under a "one country, two systems" arrangement that allows it to keep its own institutions. But critics say that under President Xi Jinping of China, who came to power in 2012, Beijing's supporters here are chipping away at the independence of the territory's judiciary and news media. The demonstrators on Wednesday had support from across Hong Kong society. Small businesses across the territory closed their shops in solidarity, for example, and a hotel chain offered rooms where protesters could shower and rest free of charge. Carol Ng, the chairwoman of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions and a union representative for the Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation, said early on Wednesday afternoon that about 30 flight attendants from Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon and other airlines were at the demonstration, albeit not as part of an official protest. Ms. Ng warned that the extradition bill, if passed, could affect "each and everyone in the city," including passengers in transit at Hong Kong's international airport. "No one is safe," she said. At some companies, including the marketing firm where Ms. Ip works, managers let their employees leave work to join the demonstrations. Ms. Ip, who was 8 years old when Hong Kong returned to Chinese control, said she did so Wednesday out of love for her city. But as the sun set over the Legislature Council, under the crackle of tear gas canisters, Ms. Ip looked weary and disillusioned. On her shoulder hung a towel that she had used to wipe pepper spray and tear gas from her eyes. "This is not the Hong Kong I know," she said quietly. Reporting was contributed by Tiffany May, Katherine Li, Alexandra Stevenson, Russell Goldman, Gillian Wong and Daniel Victor.


Police have arrested a man who allegedly made terroristic threats on Facebook, where he reportedly captioned a photo post, "Sunday Gunday!!! Bout to shoot up a church during the prayer session wish me luck!!" The man has been identified by police as 27-year-old Terray Davon Myles. Authorities were called to an apartment complex in Leon Valley on Sunday just before noon. Police said Myles' mother called authorities in fear for her life, also reporting his Facebook post. Several officers responded and found Myles outside of his apartment by his car, where they held him at gunpoint. Despite being "very resistant," according to an arrest affidavit, he was placed in handcuffs. Due to the nature of the call, that being terroristic threats, they searched him for weapons. No weapons were found. Myles told police that he made the post on Facebook to seek attention and that the weapons in the post were fake "prop" guns. According to the arrest affidavit, when officers asked him to sign a consent form to search his car and home, he became upset that he would have to put the handcuffs back on after signing. officers instead received his verbal consent. During their search, no firearms were found in his vehicle or home. When officers told him they were taking him to Leon Valley PD, he became resistant again and told them to "shoot and kill him because he was not leaving," according to the affidavit. Police took him into custody. No other reports were made at the time. Myles is pending magistration; police say he will face a terroristic threat charge, a class b misdemeanor. His bond is set at $2,500.


A grab bag of interesting, seldom-seen historic images depicting myriad people, places, and things from epic achievements to small moments. The Jack Conrad Band bus, built for and featured in the 1935 film Stolen Harmony . The streamlined 36-passenger vehicle was driven by a pilot in the "crow's nest" jutting out over the front bumper, and featured a mighty tail fin above its rear observation deck. Asbestos firefighting suits, intended for use by the air arm of the Royal Navy, are modeled at the factory where they are made, in the U.K., on October 14, 1940. Original caption, from April 4, 1934: "The word Si , or yes , fills every bit of this large election billboard, except for the space taken by a huge modernistic conception of Premier Benito Mussolini. The great placard covers the front of the Palazzo Brunchi, the most modern of Rome's office buildings and home of the Fascist Party's offices." In orbit are Sister Euphemia ( front ) and her co-pilot, Sister Michael James, as they ride the Tomorrowland rocket at Disneyland in November 1962. Catholic schools were out on a special holiday, and the park invited students and teachers in a day set aside as Catholic School Day. Britain's Princess Elizabeth walks a corgi in London's Hyde Park, circa 1940. A uniquely shaped petrol pump, operated by a truck driver in London, circa 1930 Elevated trains roll above busy streets in Manhattan's Bowery neighborhood, circa 1895. Original caption: "Eleanor Roosevelt rubs noses with a Maori woman from New Zealand, circa 1940." A stuntman takes off in a customized vehicle at Alexandra Palace in London on August 1, 1930. A closer view of the stuntman in midair can be seen here . The head and shoulders of a mannequin with short, spit-curled hair, long false eyelashes, a formal dress, and a pearl necklace, from the 1920s. A child wearing goggles, held by a nurse, undergoes sun-ray treatment at Cheyne Hospital for Children, in Chelsea, in February 1928. Original caption: "A blimp casts its shadow over the the water as sailing craft follow the course in the President's Cup Regatta off Hains Point." Photo taken circa 1940, off Hains Point in southwest Washington, D.C. A pantomime camel needs the hood down to fit into a taxi cab in Kennington, London, in December 1927. Albert H. Luke ( center ), an instructor at the Sheil School, advises a student as she operates the controls of a preflight trainer called the "penguin" in Chicago, Illinois, on July 25, 1945. The penguin gives flight students the basic "feel" of flying without leaving the ground. Original caption: "Some of the creatures who make their way down Broadway in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Parade are enough to faze even a taxi driver. Here, throngs of New Yorkers jamming Columbus Circle gape as a flying fish swings onto Broadway from Central Park West." Original caption: "Thirty feet of water raging towards Beardstown, Illinois, as the levee broke under the tremendous pressure. The Illinois River at flood stage, the highest ever known, rapidly poured in the lowlands at the right. In foreground are the C.B. & Q. railroad tracks. The last connecting link between Beardstown and the outside world, just washed away." Photo was taken on April 18, 1922, by Norman W. Alley of International Newsreel Staff. A diver demonstrates how he took photographs of the wreck of the Royal Navy submarine HMS Thetis by strapping a Leica camera inside his helmet and holding the trigger between his teeth. Original caption: "American wheelmen reposing in the woods. Photograph, circa. 1890." Original caption: "John Otterman drives his cab for the last time. Otterman, 72 years of age, bade farewell to his 25-year-old horse at the end of their last run. Otterman had been driving a cab in New York City for the previous forty years, but the invasion of the taxi and the desire to retire have at last forced him out of business." Photo taken on April 24, 1922, indicating that Otterman began his career around 1882. Original caption, from 1939: "New York New York Central Railroad Yard. Photo shows three 'Hudson' (4-6-4)-type locomotives, streamlined for the 'Twentieth Century Limited' service." A fitness parade, staged by the board for promotion of physical education on the occasion of the Lord Mayor's Procession, in London, circa 1930. The motorcycle racer Roland Free lies horizontally on his bike (to reduce wind resistance) as he breaks the world speed record on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats on September 13, 1948. The MV Kalakala ferry operates in Rich Passage in Puget Sound, circa 1940. The Kalakala operated in Puget Sound from 1935 to 1967, then was retired and sold to a fish-processing company in Alaska. After decades of use as a cannery structure, the Kalakala was purchased by an individual in the 1990s and towed back to Seattle, with the intent to be restored as a museum or a working vessel. Years of missed deadlines and financial difficulties followed, and the deteriorating ferry changed hands multiple times, eventually being scrapped in 2015. A model of a prehistoric animal at Crystal Palace, London, is given its annual scrub by one of the exhibition staff standing on its back and using a broom in February 1927. Silhouetted at twilight, a gigantic sculptured rendition of a Russian robot with its hand raised in a salute, in Magnitogorsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia, circa 1931 Original caption from April 12, 1958: "Working hard to recoup recent loses, Italy's Communists are resorting to super-sales techniques to get votes in the national elections, slated for May. One of the gimmicks of the Communist campaign is this auto float on which is mounted a model of the Soviet Sputnik, complete with dog occupant. The float is equipped with flashing lights, music and a microphone and public address system - plus, of course the slogan 'vote Communist.'" Maryln Rich, suspended by a helicopter over the skyscrapers of Manhattan, performs stunts on behalf of the American Relief for Korea organization, on August 27, 1951. U.S. President Richard Nixon bowls at the Executive Office Building lanes on September 17, 1971. A test subject sits at the controls of a lunar-orbit simulator on December 5, 1961. Project LOLA, or Lunar Orbit and Landing Approach, was a simulator built at Langley to study problems related to landing on the lunar surface. Original caption from November 13, 1929: "Jack Reilly, intrepid photographer, precariously perched on the 72nd story of the world's tallest building, the 74-story Bank of Manhattan structure, in progress of construction on Wall Street in New York City. A panorama of New York's prominent business section is seen in the background, with the Woolworth building in the upper left."


Adam Gase is tired of hearing about a supposed rift between him and general manager Mike Maccagnan. Dating back to the NFL draft, reports surfaced that Gase and Maccagnan had not been seeing eye to eye since free agency. At the time of the original report, Maccagnan denied any rift between the two. On Friday, Gase met with the media at the conclusion of New York's rookie minicamp and bluntly did the same. "It kind of pisses me off a little bit," Gase said . "We have discussions on everything. That's our job. We have to work through so much stuff because that's what we gotta do. And that's all we've done since we've been here. Since we started, we're constantly in communication, whether he's coming down to my office or I'm going to his office. We're trying to make sure we're on the same page all the time. We're trying to put this thing together as well as we can. "I don't read much because I think a lot of the stuff is crap… No offense." With the Jets trying to get back on track with Gase leading the way, these are the kind of distractions they can do without. However, disagreement is part of the process of team building. Both Gase and Maccagnan are bright football minds with specific philosophies on how to build a team and how to execute on the field. With two strong minds at the forefront of the organization, disagreements are bound to happen. That does not mean there is a rift between the two, though. Gase and Maccagnan are still building their working relationship. Sometimes, that process is not a smooth one. However, the two are on the same page on this matter. Now that both Gase and Maccagnan have denied the rift, the focus can return to getting ready for the season and putting the best possible product on the field in 2019. MORE: The full story from the guy who got Danica Patrick a drink at the Bucks-Celtics game 3 Raiders players who could have breakout seasons in 2019 NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Richard Sherman: 'The secondary wasn't the issue last year' Packers rookie DL Kingsley Keke draws praise for pass-rushing potential Related slideshow: Offseason report card for each team (Provided by Yardbarker)


A Delaware man was arrested after police found him in the parking lot of a New Jersey elementary school with at least one loaded handgun and more than 130 rounds of ammunition, authorities said Friday. Thomas J. Wilkie, 46, was found holding a .45-caliber handgun with hollow-point bullets while sitting in his car at Tamaques Elementary School in Westfield, New Jersey, on Thursday afternoon, according to a statement from the Union County Prosecutor's Office released Friday. He also had two filled clips on him along with several dozen rounds of ammunition in his trunk. Wilkie went to the school looking for a female faculty member he had been in a relationship with, a senior law enforcement official told NBC News. He was unarmed when he first walked into the school to find her, but she wasn't there. When he called her, she said she would be returning to the school later, so Wilkie sat in the parking lot and called his brother, a law enforcement official said. The brother alerted authorities in Delaware, fearing his brother was not in his right mind, the official said. The New Castle County Police Department in Delaware reported to the Westfield Police Department that an armed man may be on his way to the school, the prosecutor's office statement said. The school was placed on lockdown as after-school activities were underway when police arrived at about 4 p.m. The students were released to their parents at about 5:30 p.m. after Wilkie was arrested and investigators had searched the building, according to the New Castle County Police Department. Wilkie was charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth-degree possession of hollow-point bullets, and fourth-degree trespassing on school grounds, according to prosecutors. He's being held at the Union County Jail.