British Open 2013 Tiger Woods opens with 2 under 69

Tiger Woods eyes his tee shot at the sixth hole during the first round of the 2013 Open Championship at Muirfield Golf Club.(Photo Paul Cunningham USA TODAY Sports)

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It's been five years since Tiger Woods has won a major championship. And despite four victories and a return to No. 1 in the world in 2013 majors are how he is measured now.

After his first 18 holes of the 142nd British Open Woods at least found himself in contention.

Woods shot an up and down 2 under 69 to leave him three shots behind early leader Zach Johnson.

SOLID START Mickelson opens with a 69

BRITISH OPEN Zach Johnson takes early lead

LEADERBOARD 142nd British Open

Woods played the first round with 2010 U.S. Open champ Graeme McDowell (Louis Oosthuizen withdrew after nine holes with an injury). We'll track their progress hole by hole throughout the first round.

No. 18 470 yards par 4 The closing hole has been a beast playing to a par of 4.44. Uh oh ... two tee shots miss the fairway Woods just barely McDowell farther off line. McDowell is forced to lay up Woods with a better lie swings violently and fires it out of the rough and just short of the green. McDowell's third is a beauty and he'll have a chance to save par. Woods' putt from off the green about 90 feet is decent and he will have 6 feet to save par. McDowell misses his putt and finishes up with a 4 over 75. Not his best. Woods makes his par and is in with a 2 under 69.

No. 17 575 yards par 5 This hole has taken a beating as expected downwind from the tee. It was playing to a par of 4.6 when Woods and McDowell got there. Woods finds the fairway McDowell ends up in a fairway bunker. McDowell chops out of the bunker and then fires his third which rolls and rolls and rolls ... and despite landing in a bunker off the tee he will have a good look at birdie. Woods knocks his second onto the green and will have 25 feet uphill for eagle. He gets it close enough for a tap in birdie and is back to 2. McDowell can't get the birdie try to go ... another par to stay at 3.

No. 16 186 yards par 3 Woods misses long off the tee and will have to get up and down for par. McDowell who needs something good finds the green off the tee. Woods knocks his tricky second to within 3 feet to save par. McDowell's putt gets in the vicinity of Woods' ... each should save par. Woods stays at 1 McDowell stays at 3.

No. 15 448 yards par 4 Woods hits his 3 metal off the tee and splits the fairway. McDowell found the rough with his tee shot and a fairway bunker with his second ... he was trying to lay up. Woods fired a 6 iron high in the air and landed it relatively softly about 25 feet from the flag. Woods cozies it up for a tap in par to stay at 1. McDowell ends up with a double bogey and is now at 3.

No. 14 475 yards par 4 Woods finds the fairway again with an iron ... meaning he'll have a long second. McDowell with a fairway metal finds the fairway too. Woods had about 240 to the flag and finds the front of the green with his second. Long birdie putt but safely on the putting surface. McDowell was 15 yards short of the green after two but will have about 5 feet for par. Woods putted it off the green Now he will have a not so easy up and down to save bogey. His par putt goes past leaving 4 feet to save bogey. He got that one for his three putt but drops back to 1. McDowell is at 1.

No. 13 190 yards par 3 Woods knocks it onto the green safely enough a 9 iron to about 25 feet above the hole ... but the birdie putt will be no picnic. Or maybe it will be .... Woods bends it in for his third birdie in four holes with a great par save as the other and now he's at 2. McDowell makes par to stay at 1.

No. 12 379 yards par 4 Woods hits the stinger off the tee and finds the fairway again. He's hit the green in regulation five holes in a row. It should have been six in a row but from 148 yards Woods flares it left and trickles it into a greenside bunker. Trouble brewing. After going birdie birdie then this he can't stand prosperity. McDowell came up short of the green with his second. He pitches it up to about 4 feet for par. Woods' ball is near the wall one foot in the bunker one knee on the ground outside. He improvises blasts it out to about 6 feet. Not an easy par save ... but he makes it. He will stay at 1. McDowell stays at 1.

GALLERY THURSDAY AT THE BRITISH OPEN

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No. 11 387 yards par 4 Another solid tee shot from Woods iron off the tee. (We should point out that Shiv Kapur of India is 6 under through seven holes.) His second from 128 is solid bouncing it softly and getting it to stop about 10 feet under the hole. He'll have a look at birdie. Bottom. Back to back birdies for Woods and he is under par for the first time in the tournament 1. McDowell makes another par to stay at 1.

No. 10 469 yards par 4 Woods and McDowell both find the fairway with their tee shots McDowell because he got a good bounce out of the rough. A good approach from Woods a good putt and a birdie. Amazing how that happens when you find the fairway and then the green. Woods moves to even par. McDowell makes par and stays at 1.

No. 9 554 yards par 5 Oosthuizen has just withdrawn from the Open. It could be wrist pain from weeks ago but there is not real indication. It could also be his neck. Chance for everyone to get healthy with the final par 5 on the front and final hole on the front period. McDowell with the wind in his face puts it into the left hand rough. Woods puts his right but he's not buried. Going to probably take three to get on the green. Woods would end with par to remain a 1. That is back to back missed opportunities for Woods. Worse was McDowell who took double bogey and is also 1 now.

No. 8 441 yards par 4 Nice and safe on the tee shot for Woods. His approach shot from 161 yards is nothing short of fantastic. Easily his best shot of the day. For pessimists the 5 foot putt is above the hole and that has caused problems for some players today as they go downhill. McDowell gets the third birdie of the day on No. 8 with a 25 footer. Just a perfect touch. He's now 1. Woods' short birdie putt is wide left and he'll settle for a disappointing par to remain 1. The putt never was on line as he trailed left from impact. Opportunity missed. Oosthuizen continues to go south with another bogey and he's 4.

No. 7 184 yards par 3 Woods finds the green without incident. The birdie putt is close but not close enough. Par. He will stay at 1. McDowell also is in with par. Oosthuizen made double bogey.

No. 6 461 yards par 4 Woods' tee shot with a 3 wood finds fairway. He had 169 yards to the hole back right and he was long and right with the approach. Balls are just not stopping. McDowell from just in front of Woods in the fairway can't stop his approach on the green either. Uh oh. Woods chips it up but he didn't give it enough oomph and it rolls back down off the green and into the rough. Clearly unhappy Woods released some muffled expletives. Some not that muffled. Now he better be careful or double bogey is in play. McDowell meanwhile chips up from off the green and will have a only a few feet for par. Alas he missed it. Woods' fourth just ends up at the top of the crest and on the green. Making a mess of this one. Woods makes the 12 footer to save bogey. Could have been worse but my goodness it could have been better. He was in fine position off the tee. McDowell bogeys too to fall to even. Woods drops to 1. Oosthuizen also is at 1.

No. 5 559 yards par 5 Woods and McDowell end up OK off the tee. Oosthuizen's tee shot with an iron won't stop running and rolls into a bunker. Oosthuizen can't reach in two so he just plays it safe out of the bunker. Woods and McDowell have to wait for the green to clear ... they can reach in two. McDowell finds the green and will have a look at eagle. Tiger from just in the rough has a good angle ends up 20 yards short of the green. He could putt chip and run or lob one up there. His lob was not outstanding and his putt slips 4 feet past. Tricky par save now. The greens are fast like putting on a tabletop. Woods saves par to stay at even for the day. McDowell has his first birdie of the day to get to 1. Oosthuizen makes par to stay at 1.

No. 4 226 yards par 3

Woods fires a beauty off the tee and knocks in his birdie putt to get back to even par. So after the disaster off the tee at No. 1 all is well again. For now. Another par for McDowell and a bogey for Oosthuizen. Woods and McDowell are even Oosthuizen is at 1.

No. 3 377 yards par 4 After a great tee shot Woods' approach finds a greenside bunker leaving a very awkward stance. The blast out stops a couple of feet from the hole. A tap in par for Woods. Pars all around. Woods 1 Oosthuizen and McDowell even.

No. 2 364 yards par 4 Woods finds the fairway with his tee shot iron off the tee then knocks his approach to within birdie range. Oosthuizen also from the fairway knocked his approach inside Woods' to within about 3 feet for birdie. Woods' putt a downhiller with 6 inches of break slips past on the low side. He taps in for par. Oosthuizen makes birdie to get back to even and McDowell adds another par. Woods 1 McDowell and Oosthuizen are even.

No. 1 447 yards par 4 Well Woods' British Open started about as bad as it could have ... a tee shot with a 3 wood into waist high rough. It was his first shot in competition since the U.S. Open ... where he was last seen dealing with a strained left elbow. The tee shot was so bad Woods hit a provisional. The ball was found but Woods had to take an unplayable lie. He took his drop and chopped it out of the thick rough and into a greenside bunker. His blast out of the bunker stopped about 3 feet short of the hole and he ended up with a bogey. Not the worst score possible after that dreadful tee shot. Oosthuizen also made bogey McDowell after a fine tee shot makes a safe par.

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NCAA football celebrity Johnny Manziel just wants to play football

Texas Aamp M quarterback Johnny Manziel fights his way through a crowd of photographers and reporters as he arrives for the Southeastern Conference football Media Days in Hoover Ala.(Photo Dave Martin AP)

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HOOVER Ala. When the circus ended a jet whisked the rock star off to Los Angeles for the ESPYs.

Just another day Johnny Manziel said several times during his appearance Wednesday at SEC media days.

And although the hot controversial topic was how he spent last weekend for almost three hours the Texas AM quarterback fielded dozens of questions on the hows and whys of his premature exit from the prestigious Manning Passing Academy the entire event seemed like a continuation of a seemingly nonstop victory tour that began when the Texas AM quarterback won the Heisman Trophy last December.

CHRISTINE BRENNAN Enough with the Johnny Football obsession

RELATED Manziel feels like Bieber

Manziel 20 disputed accounts that he was asked to leave the camp early. He deflected questions about whether he'd been drinking alcohol saying several times there were social events associated with the camp. He said he simply overslept when he missed scheduled events last Saturday morning. He said he couldn't be reached by camp officials because his cellphone died. Was he hung over

That's absolutely untrue he said.

Manziel was unapologetic about an offseason filled with extracurricular activities and yet said several times he wanted to continue to live like a normal 20 year old college kid. Never mind that as he spent the morning trailed by a considerable entourage tracked by an even larger media contingent he compared himself with LeBron James and also with Justin Bieber.

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The immediate comparison was with another former SEC quarterback who drew similar attention at media days the summer after he won the Heisman. But not even Tim Tebow created this kind of spectacle. Longtime SEC radio voice Paul Finebaum called Johnny Manziel's appearance the biggest moment in SEC media day history and if it was hyperbole it still covered a lot of ground. Although the annual event is largely canned and Manziel's latest controversy seems mostly manufactured at least in the moment it was hard to argue. This was too

There's no more talk after this Manziel said. Let's play football.

When kickoff arrives we'll finally begin to find out what impact if any Johnny Football's offseason will have on the field if those were red flags or just overwrought adults. My offseason will have no effect on this season Manziel insisted.

SKY HIGH EXPECTATIONS

After setting records and upsetting Alabama in 2012 en route to an 11 2 season and becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman expectations have skyrocketed. Expectations for Texas AM are similar assuming the Aggies' best player is ready to get back to work.

The entire scene was incredibly different than last summer. When Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin participated in his first SEC media days Manziel was a relative unknown who hadn't even won the starting job. The theme then was how AM would possibly compete in its new league. And now It's a great time to be at Texas AM Sumlin said. There's a lot of expectations on our program. For us that's a good thing.

HIGHLIGHTS JOHNNY FOOTBALL'S CAREER AT AM

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That includes Sumlin said Manziel's newfound celebrity status. And as for the main topic Wednesday Sumlin said Manziel has made some mistakes but defended him.

Is he perfect No Sumlin said. I think he's done some things he's not very proud of has made some poor decisions. He's made some good decisions. Unfortunately the poor decisions are the ones that are really publicized.

Seemingly everything about Manziel's offseason got publicized. His online classes. His courtside seats at NBA games and visits with LeBron and other stars. His spring break in Cabo. His round of golf at Pebble Beach. And his tweet last month apparently after he got a parking ticket that (expletive) like tonight is a reason why I can't wait to leave college station whenever it may be.

Aggies head coach talks about QB Johnny Manziel's maturity.

Manziel's premature departure from the Manning camp where he was a counselor became a controversy at least in part because of timing. It was the most recent incident suggesting Manziel's goal of enjoying life to the fullest might have been overachieved. Four days later he faced 1 200 credentialed reporters and ESPN's giant amplifier. Manziel said he was aware of some public backlash but if his offseason pursuits maybe seemed too much like his playing style barely controlled chaos he didn't appear to care.

Crazy is a good way to describe how others see it he said. For me it's been fun working out living life and just enjoying it.

'I'M NOT TEBOW'

And Manziel who said he's traded voicemails with Tebow noted I'm not Tebow. I'm different in many ways.

But he admitted to mistakes saying although some things were blown out of proportion ... I've tried not to make the same mistake twice.

Manziel drew a parallel to the weeks last season between the Heisman ceremony and the Cotton Bowl when people watched him vigorously enjoy his newfound celebrity and then saw him dismantle Oklahoma. And he said he did not believe he had lost his teammates' trust in his ability to lead the team.

Absolutely not he said. These guys know where my head is at and where my heart is at.

Across the room Texas AM offensive tackle Jake Matthews said fame hadn't changed Manziel.

You're not gonna see me doing any of the stuff he does Matthews said. I'm a little more of a laid back guy. But I've got all my faith in Johnny. I know he's gonna be a great player. I know he's gonna be ready for the season. He's just so competitive he loves playing so much he puts so much pressure on himself he wants to be the best.

I know he wouldn't do anything to mess that up.

Manziel said he was eager to get back to football and to shut down the extracurricular activity The season's coming up so everything changes during the season. All that goes away.

Then when all the interviews were finished he left for Los Angeles and the red carpet. A couple of hours later via Twitter came some praise one star to another.

Drake You handled yourself well today. Proud of you brother

Manziel who hadn't tweeted in a full month retweeted it.

George Schroeder a national college football columnist for USA TODAY Sports is on Twitter GeorgeSchroeder.

PHOTOS JOHNNY MANZIEL OFF THE FIELD

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Johnny Manziel Its time to grow up

HOOVER Ala. Johnny Manziel strode into Southeastern Conference Media Days and was swarmed by hundreds of reporters and dozens of television cameras.

He shook some hands and the cameras flashed as he settled into his seat the star of the SEC s latest must see TV show.

If the Texas AM quarterback was troubled by all the attention he didn t show it.

Maziel answered every question thrown his way during the 30 minute QA some were even about football. He said he largely enjoys the spotlight that comes with winning the Heisman Trophy even if it sometimes includes unsavory headlines.

This is just another day Johnny Football said with a grin.

The 20 year old sophomore and face of college football spent most of his three hour stay at the Wynfrey Hotel bouncing from one interview session to another. He mostly talked about an eventful offseason that has frequently made him a trending topic.

I don t feel like I've done anything that s catastrophic Manziel said. Of course I've made my mistakes. It s time to grow up.

The most recent misstep came last weekend at the Manning Passing Academy. Manziel was one of many college quarterback counselors at the camp for high school prospects run by Archie Peyton and Eli Manning in Louisiana but he left before it was over.

He says he missed activities because he overslept and his absence had nothing to do with being out the night before.

I was not asked to leave. It was a mutual decision Manziel said.

He said that while there were social events every night with the Mannings he did not miss his meetings because of too much partying.

The speculation of me being too hung over and that s the reason I missed the meetings is absolutely incorrect he said.

Manziel said he fell asleep without setting his alarm and his phone died during the night. He said he was rooming with Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron but that McCarron didn t wake him up.

I'm definitely not going to pin it on him Manziel said. It s my fault 115 120 percent.

He said he was disappointed he missed camp activities but that there were no hard feelings between him and the Mannings. He said he s already been invited back to next summer s camp and looks forward to attending.

The early exit from the Manning camp is just part of Manziel s offseason in the public eye.

He pleaded guilty on Monday to a misdemeanor of not identifying himself to a police officer following a 2012 altercation at a bar near campus in College Station.

He sent out an update on Twitter in June saying that he can t wait to leave College Station before quickly deleting the updated. He later apologized.

He also created a minor stir in February when he said he took most of his classes online and didn t go on campus very much.

None of the transgressions were huge but they combined to keep Johnny Football in the news and raise questions about his character.

I think handling the Heisman spotlight is a learning experience a growing experience said Texas AM coach Kevin Sumlin. Because quite frankly it s something that nobody s ever been through at that age.

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Lindsey Vonn and Jason Dufner do some British Open Dufnering

Paul Cunningham/USA TODAY Sports

Lindsey Vonn s Open Championship adventure continued Wednesday morning with Jason Dufner and Nadine Moze girlfriend of Fred Couples as the trio relaxed with some post practice Dufnering.

LindseyVonn/Instagram

The Dufnering phenomenon in case you missed it began in March when this photo of the golfer sitting in a classroom emerged.

Haha I don t know what to say. This is the best picture ever. duffdaddy pic.twitter.com/PEcFuNP0UH

Keegan Bradley ( Keegan_Bradley) March 28 2013

Keegan_Bradley dufnering pic.twitter.com/X2rTul7jqP

Rory Mcilroy ( McIlroyRory) March 29 2013

Hey Keegan_Bradley just Dufnering in the garage pic.twitter.com/TWlM1FyyOV

bubba watson ( bubbawatson) March 29 2013

Dufnering Keegan_Bradley BrandtSnedeker pic.twitter.com/ncB7OZd3Ty

Dustin Johnson ( DJohnsonPGA) March 29 2013

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Dont stone Rolling Stone over Boston bomber cover

Cult leader Charles Manson on the June 15 1970 cover of 'Rolling Stone'.(Photo Rolling Stone)

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While the magazine may not have the cachet it did back in the day the cover of the Rolling Stone has had an iconic role in American pop culture since Dr. Hook the Medicine Show sang about their lust to be on it back in 1973.

So it's no surprise that Rolling Stone's decision to devote that hallowed real estate to Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has triggered widespread outrage. Feelings about the hideous crime remain raw. Choosing as cover art a selfie of Tsarnaev with tousled hair and a vaguely come hither expression rather than the aura of a fearsome alleged mass murderer didn't help never mind that the photo has appeared everywhere including on the front of The New York Times.

CONTROVERSY Tsarnaev cover stirs firestorm

The comments in such venues as Twitter Facebook and Boston.com are brutal lambasting the magazine for glorifying terrorists and calling for readers to boycott it in the future.

But while it's understandable that people are upset by the attention to Jahar I'm not sure Rolling Stone is guilty of any journalistic war crimes.

Some commenters have wondered what a magazine that tends to feature on its covers musicians like er the Rolling Stones is trying to tell us by putting an alleged terrorist out there. But Rolling Stone has a long history of featuring serious news coverage as well as rock 'n' roll.

Just three years ago Gen. Stanley McChrystal lost his job as commander of the U.S. forces in Afghanistan because of an article in Rolling Stone that featured caustic comments about President Obama by the general and his aides. Back in the 1970s it featured the groundbreaking political coverage of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. And speaking of mass murderers Charles Manson was once on the cover of Rolling Stone.

While the full text of the article isn't scheduled to be released until Friday it hardly sounds like a puff piece. Here's the cover type THE BOMBER followed by How a Popular Promising Student Was Failed by his Family Fell Into Radical Islam and Became a Monster.

I don't know about you but to me calling somebody a monster doesn't sound much like glorifying him.

Rolling Stone posted five revelations from the article on its website and said the author contributing writer Janet Reitman had spent two months interviewing dozens of sources for the piece.

It sounds like a serious effort to find out what could impel a young man to kill indiscriminately. That's an important journalistic mission not an effort to glamorize evil.

As for the cover itself it has already achieved its goal even before appearing on a single newsstand. Magazine covers are designed to attract attention and this one certainly has.

Editor Tina Brown established herself as a magazine megastar with her buzz generating covers at Vanity Fair and The New Yorker.

And magazine covers frequently stir up controversy. Often it's because they make some people uncomfortable the breast feeding mom on the cover of Time a very pregnant and very naked Demi Moore on the cover of Vanity Fair Bert and Ernie snuggling on a couch as they watch the Supreme Court justices on TV (right after the Defense of Marriage Act decision) on the cover of The New Yorker.

And sometimes the brouhaha ensues because of journalistic malfeasance as when Time darkened a picture of O.J. Simpson.

Oh and in case you were wondering Dr. Hook the Medicine Show saw their dreams come true. They made the cover of the Rolling Stone on March 29 1973 with the caption What's Their Names Make The Cover.

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Amber alert wakes thousands of New Yorkers at 3 51 a.m. Wednesday morning ...

Is it a needless interruption or a valuable life saving tool

Thousands of New Yorkers were awoken early Wednesday morning when their cell phones began blaring because of an amber alert notifying them of a missing child.

Accompanied by the screeching tones employed by the emergency broadcast system a message appeared on cell phones across the five boroughs that read 3 51 am AMBER Alert Manhattan NY Amber Alert UPDATE LIC/GEX1377 (NY) (1995) Tan Lexis ES300.

New York police said that a 7 month old boy had been snatched by his biological mother Marina Lopez 25 from a Harlem social service facility on Tuesday afternoon. Lopez who police said was bipolar was deemed a threat to the child s well being and and the cell phone Amber alert was issued in New York City for just the third time in the past year.

RELATED BI POLAR MOM ABDUCTS SON

New York Times Amber alerts automatically sound on phones purchased after 2011.

When a child under the age of 18 has been abducted and is in imminent danger of death or serious harm immediacy can help save lives a public information officer for the New York State Police which issued the alert told the Daily News in an email.

By Wednesday afternoon the boy had been located and returned unharmed to the Harlem facility where he lives police said leaving some residents to question whether the automatic alert was necessary.

While I am sensitive to the importance of Amber alerts a 4 a.m. emergency alarm causing momentary panic and ruining a night's sleep over a domestic matter involving a child and his biological mother seems way over the top Brooklyn resident Sam Erickson 46 told the Daily News. I know that the federal government added amber alerts to the list of things that would be blasted out on the system but either that is a bad idea or they need to be more selective about which ones and when.

Others were more sympathetic to the Wireless Emergency Alert program.

RELATED DAD LOOKED AWAY TODDLER WENT MISSING COPS

Bates Susana Freelancer Police said the child was found unharmed and returned to the Harlem center where he lives.

I actually thought oh wow that s a great tool that it sends out a text message. I didn t even realize I was signed up for that so there you go Jacqueline Kirwin 24 said. I thought it was helpful and it s a good way to reach the masses. Everyone has their cell phone and everybody has it nearby and it s I think it s a good thing.

Brooklyn mother Rebecca Bauer 45 agrees.

I thought it was spam. Then I got a second. Scared the crap out of me. Bauer said. I get extreme weather alerts why not that

Many New Yorkers do not realize that if they purchased a cell phone after 2011 it is automatically set to receive the emergency alerts such as those issued during Hurricane Sandy. Those too however can be altered.

Cell phone users can opt out of receiving WEA messages the New York State Police told the News. Most cell phones are now automatically enabled depending on your cell phone provider. For instructions on how to opt out of the program customers should contact their cell phone provider.

DKnowles nydailynews.com

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Rolling Stone Tsarnaev cover stirs firestorm

Magazine says negative response is similar to cover 40 years ago on mass murderer Charles Manson.

Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is profiled in the upcoming edition of Rolling Stone.(Photo Rolling Stone)

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Rolling Stone hit by a storm of criticism and boycotts over its cover treatment and glam photo of Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev defended itself Wednesday saying it was within its tradition of serious and thoughtful coverage of important cultural and political issues.

Readers particularly from the Boston area slammed the magazine on its Facebook page charging that the cover treatment turns the accused killer into a rock star.

Walgreens the CVS pharmacy chain and the Massachusetts based Tedeschi convenience stores said they are refusing to sell copies of the magazine which goes on sale Friday.

The article by contributing editor Janet Reitman is titled The Bomber How a popular promising student was failed by his family fell into radical Islam and became a monster.

The lengthy piece draws upon interviews with childhood and high school friends teachers neighbors and law enforcement agents.

In a statement Rolling Stone editors said their hearts go out to the victims of the April 15 bombings but that the cover story was an attempt to grapple with an important issue.

The fact that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is young and in the same age group as many of our readers makes it all the more important for us to examine the complexities of this issue and gain a more complete understanding of how a tragedy like this happens the statement said.

The Bob Dylan style photo which riled many on social media shows the 19 year old Tsarnaev with long curly hair mustache and goatee staring straight ahead.

RIEDER 'Rolling Stone' no stranger to controversy

As the image made the rounds on social media the anger grew particularly in Boston and New England where Rolling Stone was trending all day on Twitter.

Tedeschi Food Shops which is based in Rockland Mass. is refusing to sell the edition of the magazine at its nearly 200 outlets saying on its Facebook page that it cannot support actions that serve to glorify the evil actions of anyone.

Music and terrorism don't mix the company said.

Woonsocket R.I. based pharmacy chain CVS also said it was boycotting the edition. As a company with deep roots in New England and a strong presence in Boston we believe this is the right decision out of respect for the victims of the attack and their loved ones the company said on its Facebook page.

Walgreens tweeted simply that it will not be selling this issue of Rolling Stone magazine thanking people for sharing your thoughts with us.

Rolling Stone's own Facebook page was also flooded with comments most of them negative.

A sampling

I think it's wrong to make celebrities out of these people. Why give the guy the cover of Rolling Stone TIME gave Charles Manson the cover and all the magazines carried pictures of the Columbine shooters on the covers too. Don't make martyrs out of these people.

Jeff Bauman who lost both legs should be on cover

The best example yet of why Facebook needs a 'dislike' button.

Look at these comments... what an awful mentality this country has... too brainwashed to read read the article or have an intelligent conversation regarding both sides of the story... I wonder how many of you would like to see him dead on the cover of THIS magazine without a trial

Is this for real Why don't the VICTIMS get the cover instead It's sick that no one cares that people died real people with lives and families they just care about whatever will sell

I hope not a single person from Boston or New England ever buys your magazine again. the most copies. Want to see true terrorism Look to the media.

I am so disappointed with Rolling Stone Magazine. I have enjoyed your magazine up until now. I will no longer buy/read the mag. You have just made him a rock star . How could you

The editors of Rolling Stone issued a statement Wednesday afternoon in response to the wave of criticism

'Our hearts go out to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and our thoughts are always with them and their families. The cover story we are publishing this week falls within the traditions of journalism and Rolling Stone's long standing commitment to serious and thoughtful coverage of the most important political and cultural issues of our day. The fact that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is young and in the same age group as many of our readers makes it all the more important for us to examine the complexities of this issue and gain a more complete understanding of how a tragedy like this happens. THE EDITORS'

Rolling Stone earlier told USA TODAY that the outcry is reminiscent of another polarizing cover more than 40 years ago on cult leader and mass murderer Charles Manson.

That cover in June 1970 including a prison interview with Manson became one of Rolling Stone's biggest selling issues and won a National Magazine award.

PHOTOS A look at controversial 'Rolling Stone' covers

As for the article itself the profile provides new insight into Tsarnaev's life.

Excerpts

FBI negotiators were able to get a wounded Tsarnaev to surrender April 19 while huddled in a boat in the backyard of a Watertown Mass. home by relaying a plea from his former wrestling coach to give up.

In the months leading up to the bombings Dzhokhar was increasingly isolated with his parents away and his relations with two sisters strained. When a friend asked to meet Dzhokhar's 27 year old brother Tamerlan the suspected mastermind of the Boston Marathon attack the younger brother said No you don't want to meet him.

Around 2008 his older brother Tamerlan confided to his mother that he felt like two people were inside of him. A friend had suggested to her that he might need a psychiatrist but his mother instead pushed Tamerlan deeper into Islam in hopes it would cure his inner demons and growing mental instability.

Dzhokhar also known as Jahar never spoke about the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center but did slip once and told a high school friend he thought the attacks could be justified. He pointed to U.S. policies toward Muslim countries and U.S. drone strikes.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev died during a shootout with police three days after the April 15 bombings that killed three people and injured over 200 others.

Tsarnaev has pleaded not guilty to 30 counts of a federal indictment in connection with the bombings at the marathon finish line. He is being held at a prison medical facility outside Boston.

Contributing Steph Solis and Liza Collins

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Amber alert Bi polar mom Marina Lopez abducts son Mario Danner

A Queens mom snatched her 7 month old child during a supervised visit in a foster care agency Tuesday officials said.

Police sources say Marina Lopez 25 somehow managed to walk out of the agency on Seventh Ave. near W. 125th St. in Harlem with little Mario Danner.

An NYPD update Wednesday morning said the suspect may be driving a tan 1995 Lexus ES300 with the New York license plate GEX1377.

carsforsale.com A tan 1995 Lexus ES300 the make model and color of the car Lopez is believed to be driving. Her New York license plate is GEX1377.

Lopez who is bi polar lost custody of Mario more than three months ago after she was caught brawling in front of the baby sources said.

Administration for Children s Services officials said they are working with police to find Lopez who is described as 5 feet 7 and 130 pounds with brown hair. She was last seen wearing a pink t shirt and floral shorts.

Mario is described as 20 inches tall and 25 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray t shirt and black shorts.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or contact the Amber Alert tips line at 866 NYS AMBER.

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Amber Alert Issued For Missing NY Boy

Staff Report The Hartford Courant

5 53 a.m. EDT July 17 2013

NEW YORK Police in New York have activated an Amber Alert in the search for a 7 month old boy who was abducted in Manhattan Tuesday afternoon.

Police said the infant Mario Danner was taken by Marina Lopez his non custodial mother during a supervised visit around 3 p.m. Tuesday. The boy was removed from his mother's care due to mental health issues. Lopez is bipolar and has had recent outbreaks of violence police said.

Lopez is described as a Hispanic female who is about 25 years old with brown hair and brown eyes. She is approximately 5 foot 6 and 130 pounds and was last seen wearing a pink T shirt and floral shorts police said.

Topics Manhattan (New York City) Maps New York NY USA

Mario is described as Hispanic 20 inches long 25 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Lopez was last seen traveling on foot and possibly heading for the Shorefront Parkway in Rockaway N.Y. She may be driving a tan 1995 Lexus ES300 with the New York license plate GEX1377 police said.

Anyone with information on this abduction is asked to call 911. Visit http //www.amber.ny.gov for more information.

Copyright 2013 The Hartford Courant

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Talia Castellano Ellen DeGeneres honorary CoverGirl dies at 13

The Orlando Fla. teenager became a YouTube sensation with her motivational makeup tutorial videos which captured the attention of the TV host. Talia died Tuesday at Arnold Palmer Hospital with the announcement coming from her official Facebook fan page.

It is with a heavy heart that we share with all of you that Talia has earned her wings at 11 22am the post read. Please lift her beautiful soul her beautiful light to heaven and please send your love and prayers to her family during this most difficult time. God speed little one may you be free from pain and suffering may your soul feel the light and love that you brought to so many of us on this Earth during the short time you were here with us. We will miss you more than you will ever know baby girl.

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In 2007 Castellano was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma an aggressive cancer. She was 7. She underwent chemotherapy and went into remission for 13 months but the cancer returned the next year. The cancer went in and out of remission for several years. In August 2012 her cancer spread to her bones and she developed pre leukemia.

However during her bouts with the disease after she lost her hair the affectionately called professional YouTube Makeup Guru refused to don a wig. Instead she chose to boost her self confidence by experimenting with makeup at the behest of one of her mom's friends who also battled cancer. Castellano then started taping herself giving makeup tutorials and posted the videos on YouTube. One clip reached more than 8 million views and numerous videos earned more than 500 000.

One of her dreams was to meet DeGeneres and do her makeup. In September 2012 the Emmy winning comedienne granted the teary eyed teen her wish and then some.

I'm a CoverGirl DeGeneres said on her show. And CoverGirl heard your story and they want to make you an honorary CoverGirl. And they also want to give you something.

A stagehand appeared carrying a huge portrait of Castellano posing for the makeup brand in addition to a $20 000 check. Castellano's image went viral online soon after.

When DeGeneres asked Castellano how she stayed positive in the face of cancer the young girl gave a bubbly reply.

When people ask me that I m like what do you want me to do be depressed she said. A little fishy told me 'Just keep swimming just keep swimming ' referring to the catch phrase of DeGeneres' forgetful but inspiring fish Dory from the Disney Pixar film Finding Nemo.

Last year when she was additionally diagnosed with pre leukemia Castellano posted a video predicting that she would die within the year.

This is not fair to me anymore. I'm only 13. I shouldn't really have to be doing this. No one should have to do this not even adults. And it's really not fair for kids to have cancer and it really freakin' sucks. It sucks so badly.

Castellano poured out her heart to fans explaining why she decided not to pursue further treatment and asking them to understand where she was coming from.

Having cancer has been a gift yet a horrible horrible terrifying thing she added. But I've gotten so many benefits from it ... having a YouTube channel and having to inspire people and having people look up to me and explaining to you guys how I adore and love makeup using it as my wig and having so much self confidence and going out to the grocery store without a wig. It's amazing but the journey of having cancer was amazing but every journey has an end.

Her videos are live on the video sharing site.

DeGeneres publicly mourned Castellano on Tuesday.

This year I met a very special girl and today we lost her. Sending my heart to Talia's family. I'm so sad DeGeneres tweeted.

Thinking of my friend she added posting a Castellano's CoverGirl portrait on Instagram.

CoverGirl Sofia Vergara also shared her condolences.

My heart and thoughts are with Talia the most beautiful inspiring Covergirl ever and with her loving family and friends RIPTalia she wrote on WhoSay.

Talia Castellano was the meaning of a true COVERGIRL a statement said on the official CoverGirl Twitter account. Please join me in sending love and honoring her memory.

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Talia Castellano Ellen DeGeneres honorary CoverGirl dies at 13

The Orlando Fla. teenager became a YouTube sensation with her motivational makeup tutorial videos which captured the attention of the TV host. Talia died Tuesday at Arnold Palmer Hospital with the announcement coming from her official Facebook fan page.

It is with a heavy heart that we share with all of you that Talia has earned her wings at 11 22am the post read. Please lift her beautiful soul her beautiful light to heaven and please send your love and prayers to her family during this most difficult time. God speed little one may you be free from pain and suffering may your soul feel the light and love that you brought to so many of us on this Earth during the short time you were here with us. We will miss you more than you will ever know baby girl.

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In 2007 Castellano was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma an aggressive cancer. She was 7. She underwent chemotherapy and went into remission for 13 months but the cancer returned the next year. The cancer went in and out of remission for several years. In August 2012 her cancer spread to her bones and she developed pre leukemia.

However during her bouts with the disease after she lost her hair the affectionately called professional YouTube Makeup Guru refused to don a wig. Instead she chose to boost her self confidence by experimenting with makeup at the behest of one of her mom's friends who also battled cancer. Castellano then started taping herself giving makeup tutorials and posted the videos on YouTube. One clip reached more than 8 million views and numerous videos earned more than 500 000.

One of her dreams was to meet DeGeneres and do her makeup. In September 2012 the Emmy winning comedienne granted the teary eyed teen her wish and then some.

I'm a CoverGirl DeGeneres said on her show. And CoverGirl heard your story and they want to make you an honorary CoverGirl. And they also want to give you something.

A stagehand appeared carrying a huge portrait of Castellano posing for the makeup brand in addition to a $20 000 check. Castellano's image went viral online soon after.

When DeGeneres asked Castellano how she stayed positive in the face of cancer the young girl gave a bubbly reply.

When people ask me that I m like what do you want me to do be depressed she said. A little fishy told me 'Just keep swimming just keep swimming ' referring to the catch phrase of DeGeneres' forgetful but inspiring fish Dory from the Disney Pixar film Finding Nemo.

Last year when she was additionally diagnosed with pre leukemia Castellano posted a video predicting that she would die within the year.

This is not fair to me anymore. I'm only 13. I shouldn't really have to be doing this. No one should have to do this not even adults. And it's really not fair for kids to have cancer and it really freakin' sucks. It sucks so badly.

Castellano poured out her heart to fans explaining why she decided not to pursue further treatment and asking them to understand where she was coming from.

Having cancer has been a gift yet a horrible horrible terrifying thing she added. But I've gotten so many benefits from it ... having a YouTube channel and having to inspire people and having people look up to me and explaining to you guys how I adore and love makeup using it as my wig and having so much self confidence and going out to the grocery store without a wig. It's amazing but the journey of having cancer was amazing but every journey has an end.

Her videos are live on the video sharing site.

DeGeneres publicly mourned Castellano on Tuesday.

This year I met a very special girl and today we lost her. Sending my heart to Talia's family. I'm so sad DeGeneres tweeted.

Thinking of my friend she added posting a Castellano's CoverGirl portrait on Instagram.

CoverGirl Sofia Vergara also shared her condolences.

My heart and thoughts are with Talia the most beautiful inspiring Covergirl ever and with her loving family and friends RIPTalia she wrote on WhoSay.

Talia Castellano was the meaning of a true COVERGIRL a statement said on the official CoverGirl Twitter account. Please join me in sending love and honoring her memory.

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Adam Levine engaged to Behati Prinsloo report

Adam Levine wants Behati Prinsloo on his team.

The Voice judge proposed to his supermodel girlfriend Behati Prinsloo this weekend in Los Angeles and she said yes.

RELATED ADAM LEVINE GETS COZY WITH MODEL GIRLFRIEND BEHATI PRINSLOO

Adam Levine and his girlfriend Behati Prinsloo are excited to announce they are engaged to be married a representative confirmed to People.

Levine Maroon 5 s lead singer and Prinsloo a Victoria s Secret Angel started dating last year. Relationship troubles broke them apart several months ago. During their separation the 34 year old musician was seen getting cozy with Sports Illustrated model Nina Agdal.

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But Prinsloo a 24 year old from Namibia apparently didn t hold that against him when the pair reunited in June.

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Talia Castellano RIP Remembering the Late Cancer Stricken Teen CoverGirl

Michael Rozman/Warner Bros

Family friends and admirers are mourning the loss of Talia Castellano the luminous cancer stricken 13 year old who became an honorary CoverGirl after inspiring hundreds of thousands of people with her YouTube makeup tutorials.

On Tuesday fellow CoverGirl Ellen DeGeneres shared the news that Talia who battled neuroblastoma for six years had passed away and a post on Talia's Facebook page read God speed little one may you be free from pain and suffering may your soul feel the light and love that you brought to so many of us on this Earth during the short time you were here with us.

As those who love Talia celebrate her memory and vivacious spirit we look back at a brief but bright life that provided a shining light to so many.

NEWS Ellen DeGeneres mourns death of cancer stricken teen CoverGirl Talia Castellano

Michael Rozman/Warner Bros

She's the First and Only Honorary CoverGirl After racking up an impressive following on her YouTube page Talia was invited by Ellen DeGeneres to be a guest on her show in September 2013. There the budding makeup artist got a major surprise when DeGeneres revealed that Talia had been named an honorary CoverGirl. The host then unveiled Talia's very own campaign photo and the cosmetics giant presented her with an array of makeup products a makeup table...and a check for $20 000.

PHOTOS 2013's fallen stars

YouTube

She Was as Prolific as She Was Loved In a span of a year Talia posted almost 200 YouTube videos most of them gamely sharing makeup tips and tricks she picked up along with reviews of beauty products like makeup brushes and mascaras. Talia clearly clicked with her fan base She racked up 750 000 subscribers and her clips garnered more than 15 million views.

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She Was Quite the Fashion Risk Taker Even at her young age Talia had no qualms about pushing the fashion envelope. Her entertaining videos included tutorials on how to make fire eyes pink candy cane eyes galaxy smoky eye ice princess and dramatic Ke$ha smoky eye.

PHOTOS Injured celebs

Instagram

Beauty Was in Her DNA Talia was the daughter of an esthetician something that the teen acknowledged led to her love of cosmetics. My mom's an esthetician so growing up beauty has always been in the house she once said. YouTube happened to provide the perfect outlet for her boundless creative energy. Finding the guru community on YouTube was huge for me I decided to start making videos because it looked like they were having so much fun. Indeed as her videos will attest Talia had lots and lots of that.

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She Openly Shared Her Health Struggles Although the bulk of her videos focused on makeup Talia didn't shy away from discussing her cancer battle She also used her YouTube page as a forum for what she called her CancerVlog. In her last entry which was dated May 22 she spoke candidly about her hospitalization. I've been in the hospital for the past four weeks and it's been very dreadful she said with characteristic honesty and directness as she touched on the anxiety and pain that she was experiencing. Still her spirit never wavered She vowed to upload more makeup videos despite her waning health. Hopefully I'll try to film some tutorials for you guys she said.

PHOTOS See the stars who stand up for cancer

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Star Zimmerman prosecution witness Rachel Jeantel disappointed upset angry

The George Zimmerman prosecution's star witness Rachel Jeantel went on CNN's Piers Morgan Live Monday night and said she was disappointed upset and angry about the outcome of the trial and that Zimmerman was weak and scary and should have had the courage to testify to his own version of events.

Morgan asked Jeantel 19 how she felt about having been mocked for her speech and appearance in social media including apparently on an Instagram photo posted by defense attorney Don West's daughter.

She replied that she has a speech impediment caused by an underbite and also said she doesn't think people understand the world she and Trayvon Martin come from. Jeantel was the last person to talk to Trayvon a moment before the confrontation that ended in the 17 year old's shooting death on Feb. 26 2012.

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Zimmerman was found not guilty Saturday of second degree murder.

As for West who grilled her for hours on the witness said she said she could not give her opinion because her parents had raised her well.

He's lucky I'm a Christian Jeantel said.

During the interview Jeantel said Trayvon smoked marijuana a couple of times a week but it never made him violent.

Weed don't make him go crazy she said. It makes him go hungry.

Jeantel's hair which was pulled up with bangs during the trial was worn down during the interview and her makeup appeared softer. Her attorney sat beside her but did not speak.

Jeantel spoke deliberately and with humor at times admitting that she displayed some attitude on the witness stand.

She also said she has been grieving since the shooting and said death creep me out.

I don't do death at all Jeantel said. I told my parents I'm not going to their funerals.

Morgan asked Jeantel about the term creepy ass cracker that she testified Trayvon used to describe Neighborhood Watch volunteer Zimmerman as he followed the teen in Zimmerman's gated community.

Jeantel replied that in her neighborhood the term is cracka and it means a person who acts like a police officer.

Jeantel had suggested to Trayvon that Zimmerman might have been a rapist she said.

sjacobson tribune.com or 407 540 5981

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For Fans at Home Run Derby Its Back Back Back to Their Youth

Ardolina said it had been more than 20 years and 600 games since he had taken a mitt to a game. But now he had a chance to be part of the action by being more than 450 feet away from it.

This was my only shot at going to the Home Run Derby so I might as well take advantage he said from his seat in the next to last row on the Pepsi Porch an elevated area from which batters look so tiny that spectators tend to watch them on large televisions.

And take advantage he did as Prince Fielder hit a towering shot his second home run of the night right at Ardolina who caught it like a pro. Fielder finished with five homers in the first round and did not advance. Neither did the Mets David Wright (five home runs) nor the Yankees Robinson Cano (four) the two hometown sluggers. Oakland s Yoenis Cespedes stole the show slugging 17 homers in the opening round. Cespedes edged Bryce Harper 9 8 in a final round in which Matthew Criscuolo 32 a physical therapist from Sunnyside Queens caught one of Harper s final home run balls in right field only for his celebration to be dampened by Devin Trone 53 a fire chief from Los Angeles who caught the Derby tying shot by Cespedes to left.

Trone who boasts more than 850 ballpark catches said he caught three home runs in batting practice Monday night.

I ll be out here with my glove tomorrow night he said referring to Tuesday s All Star Game.

It was clear that as the Derby grows ever more popular so too have the fans honed their ability to capitalize on all those fresh baseballs being sprayed into the outfield seats by the dozens.

You re less of a spectator and more of a participant than at a regular game said Rob Sessions 21 a college student who traveled with his friend Brian Brown 21 from North Plano Tex.

Every group of fans sitting beyond the infield seemed to have a glove or several among them. Many fans seemed to have put a bit of thought behind where they could sit or in many cases stand to best catch a ball.

We usually sit behind home plate but I wanted to get him in the best position I could said Chris Clark 43 a real estate agent from Breezy Point Queens who took his mitt carrying son Ryan 10 and sat just beyond the center field fence.

Patrick Layer 23 of Huntington N.Y. decided not to sit in his usual seats behind home plate instead taking a place along the railing of the Shea Bridge overlooking right center field about 450 feet from the plate. He said he took his mitt a first for him because All the big boppers are here tonight not just a couple on one team.

Nearby Rick Rossi 60 of Howell N.J. had also brought his old glove because catching a home run ball was on my bucket list of things he always wanted to accomplish.

The last time I brought a mitt to a game I was 15 he said excitedly.

Adam Winters 29 an accountant from Massapequa N.Y. packed his 20 year old glove and grabbed a front row seat in Pepsi Porch. He snagged a home run ball hit by Robinson Cano in batting practice beating out his friend Ethan Bouskila.

Years from now I ll tell people I let him catch it Bouskila said.

Other than homers balls were also tossed into the stands from obliging players shagging flies during batting practice.

Eric Komorek 21 a college student from Erie Pa. who is a Cleveland Indians fan yelled Jason I love you at his favorite player Jason Kipnis the Indians second baseman patrolling right field. Kipnis reciprocated by tossing Komorek a ball.

It s a one in a million shot to catch a home run Komorek said. If nothing else comes my way tonight I ll still be happy.

Among the casual ball catchers were the ball hawks the more obsessed fans whose entire ballpark experience seems to revolve around snagging a ball. Many arrived at Citi Field before noon to be first in line to stake out one of the coveted spots along various railings. Pre Derby conversations included the trading of detailed information about players stadium logistics and infiltration strategies that involved skirting security guards and befriending ushers.

Sessions and Brown said they spent weeks researching the best spot at Citi Field. They decided upon the Shea Bridge and went with a strategy that had the 6 foot 4 Brown catch the balls while the shorter Sessions boxed out would be intercepting fans. Last year the strategy helped them catch four balls at the Derby in Kansas City Mo. they said.

It s every man for himself with some respect Sessions said. We wait long enough for our spot so if a ball comes we re entitled to fight for it.

The renowned ball hawk Zack Hample 35 varied his position throughout the night depending upon the batters. He spent batting practice in a front row seat just past the center field fence and collected six balls in part because of his coaxing of players who were shagging flies. It helped that he had in his backpack a baseball cap for every team with players on the field. He would put on the appropriate hat when asking a player for a ball.

It was easier doing that than trying to position himself in just the right spot to catch a home run ball.

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NASCAR plans to simplify rulebook focus on technology

The No. 2 Penske Racing Ford of Brad Keselowski failed pre race inspection at Texas. The team's punishment was reduced on appeal.(Photo Jerome Miron USA TODAY Sports)

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With an emphasis on efficiency innovation and transparency NASCAR unveiled a restructuring of its competition department philosophies Monday that's scheduled to be completed by 2015.

In a wide ranging series of initiatives the sanctioning body plans to simplify its dense rulebook (and possibly make it available online to fans) with more graphical examples and computer animated drawings re examine its appeals process for penalties and streamline its officiating while adding technology in the pits.

PHOTOS 10 best places to watch a NASCAR race

The responsibility for designing and developing future models of race cars also will fall under the purview of Gene Stefanshyn who recently took over as the head of NASCAR's Research and Development Center. This will allow vice president of competition Robin Pemberton and Sprint Cup director John Darby to focus on rules enforcement with enhanced deterrence and a revamping of the inspection process.

Stefanshyn and senior vice president Steve O'Donnell both hinted NASCAR whose Sprint Cup cars employ mostly outdated engine architecture would move toward its race cars being more relevant under the hood to street models. The Gen 6 car was introduced this year with exterior features more comparable to its showroom counterparts.

We want to position NASCAR ultimately for the future O'Donnell said. The goal for us would be that as cars come off the manufacturing line in the near future they certainly look like NASCAR from an aesthetic standpoint when you look at those on track but just as importantly the technology that's in those cars mirrors what's on track and we really become that proving ground from a technology standpoint.

We want to be more nimble in what we do from a technology standpoint be able to quickly react to the emerging technologies. We feel like no better sport is better positioned to really take technology (and) showcase it in front of some of the toughest conditions that exist in the world.

In trying to reduce the gray area from its rules O'Donnell said the sanctioning body will spell out what the specific punishements are for infractions a la a 5 yard penalty for being offsides in the NFL. Throughout its 65 year history NASCAR has meted out justice on a case by case manner.

NASCAR also will consider an overhaul of its appeals process which has drawn plenty of scrutiny this season as Penske Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing have had penalties reduced after challenging them.

There currently is a two tiered appeals process that starts with a hearing before a three member panel that is chosen from 48 members of the racing industry. Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook hears any final appeals.

O'Donnell said NASCAR would consider matching the expertise of its appeals board with the case.

We probably put people in some tough positions O'Donnell said. And when you look at track promoters who maybe need to work with a race team or a race owner or a team owner in future weeks and you're asking them to come in and make a ruling on a carburetor or something new that they have never heard about and they're not experts in that it puts them in a tough position.

If we can make that a better process with industry experts still to be determined how we do that that's one area we really felt like we could bring in people who have a better understanding of the emerging technology that's in the race cars.

Follow Nate Ryan on Twitter nateryan

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Cespedes tops Harper to win Home Run Derby

Yoenis Cespedes of the Oakland Athletics at bat during the Home Run Derby at Citi Field.(Photo Robert Deutsch USA TODAY Sports)

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NEW YORK No matter how the 2013 All Star Home Run Derby turned out the night belonged to Cuban sensation Yoenis Cespedes.

The Oakland Athletics outfielder set a torrid early pace blasting 17 homers in the opening round including several into the third deck in left field on his way to defeating Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals 9 8 in the final.

I don't know if they can see this in Cuba but the day before yesterday I spoke with my 4 year old son who's in Cuba and he asked me to dedicate the home runs to him Cespedes said in Spanish. So I dedicate them to him and to the rest of my family.''

HARPER Family steals the show at Derby

Cespedes needed only five outs to finish off Harper with several of his gargantuan blasts hitting off press box windows pickup truck windows and upper deck facades.

The clincher was a 455 foot blast to dead center that the 27 year old Cuban didn't even wait to see come down before celebrating.

The second batter to take the field Cespedes energized the Citi Field crowd with homers to left and center field the longest of which traveled 456 feet to dead center.

During the first round when I took my first five swings I felt I was really in a rhythm and felt that I could put on a show like I did tonight Cespedes said.

This stadium may be very difficult but it's not as difficult as Oakland and if I can do it in Oakland I thought why couldn't I do it here

Only two players in Home Run Derby history Bobby Abreu with 24 in 2005 and Josh Hamilton with 28 in 2008 have ever hit more homers in a single round.

The final certainly wasn't lacking in buzz from Cespedes' mammoth home runs to Harper's sparkling gold cleats and freshly gelled Mohawk.

With his father Ron on the mound and his brother Bryan (a pitcher in the Nats' minor league system) sporting a Rollie Fingers esque moustache in the stands Harper hit eight home runs in each of the three rounds.

DERBY Cespedes puts on impressive display

Cespedes didn't even need his second round with Harper's total of 16 the second highest over the two rounds.

He's a stud an absolute stud Ron Harper said of his son's opponent in the final. He's got a great swing. I love his swing. He's great for the game.

Harper didn't do too badly himself. He hit a 471 foot home run in the first round that was second only to Prince Fielder's 483 foot shot for the longest of the night. He was consistent throughout in the hot humid conditions hitting eight homers in each of his three trips to the plate.

During those last two rounds I was a little tired Harper admitted. But it was a lot of fun. I had a blast.''

Harper edged Colorado Rockies outfielder Michael Cuddyer by one and major league home run leader Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles by four to advance to the final.

Four players were eliminated in the first round of the competition Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez (six) and two time champion Prince Fielder of the Detroit Tigers (5) as well as both team captains David Wright of the New York Mets (5) and Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees (4).

Despite his success in his first appearance in the Derby at the tender age of 20 Harper still wasn't satisfied. I want to win he said. That's the reason you're out there. But I had a lot of fun.''

On a night in which Harper and Cespedes were the headliners leave it to the elder Harper to put things in perspective.

This probably is the first time it really hit me. It's like 'Wow this is what it's all about.' It's really cool the camaraderie with these guys even though they're in different leagues different teams they're still rooting each other on no matter what.''

Contributing Jorge L. Ortiz

GALLERY HOME RUN DERBY

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Asiana to sue SF TV station over bogus pilot names

The wrecked fuselage of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 sits in a storage area at San Francisco International Airport on July 12 2013.(Photo Justin Sullivan Getty)

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SEOUL South Korea (AP) Asiana said Monday that it will sue a San Francisco TV station that damaged the airline's reputation by using bogus and racially offensive names for four pilots on a plane that crashed earlier this month in San Francisco.

An anchor for KTVU TV read the names on the air Friday and then apologized after a break. The report was accompanied by a graphic with the phony names listed alongside a photo of the burned out plane that had crashed at San Francisco International Airport on July 6 killing three and injuring dozens.

Video of the report has spread widely across the Internet since it was broadcast.

The National Transportation Safety Board has also apologized saying a summer intern erroneously confirmed the names of the flight crew.

FAKE PILOTS NAMES TV station NTSB apologize

Asiana has decided to sue KTVU TV to strongly respond to its racially discriminatory report that disparaged Asians Asiana spokeswoman Lee Hyomin said. She said the airline will likely file suit in U.S. courts.

She said the report seriously damaged Asiana's reputation. Asiana hasn't determined whether to launch a similar suit against the NTSB Lee said.

Tom Raponi KTVU Vice President General Manager said in a statement that KTVU would not be making any further comment because of the airline's threat of a lawsuit.

Neither the station nor the NTSB has said where the names originated.

The four pilots who underwent questioning by a U.S. and South Korean joint investigation team while in the U.S. returned to South Korea on Saturday. South Korean officials plan to conduct separate interviews with them South Korea's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport said Sunday.

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Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast rewritten or redistributed.

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Innovative plan spurs NASCAR to invest in RD

CONCORD N.C. NASCAR on Monday announced a wide ranging initiative to transform the sport's competition division an effort that over the next year and a half will touch everything from the rule book to how teams roll through inspection at the race track.

NASCAR Senior Vice President for Racing Operations Steve O'Donnell said the initiative intends to build on the success of the Generation 6 car by further modernizing the sport's competition group. The goal is to make NASCAR more proactive in areas such as rule enforcement and strengthen the bonds between the sanctioning body and participants such as race teams and manufacturers.

In general if you look at it it's a little bit of a culture shift in how we've done business O'Donnell said at the NASCAR Research Development Center. Our goal is really to take a lot of the assets available to us and really reinvest and put even more money back into our RD efforts. What that will allow us to do is get ahead of things in a much more advanced way.

The initiative follows an eight month review of NASCAR's competition department overseen by a five person steering committee led by NASCAR President Mike Helton O'Donnell NASCAR Vice President of Innovation and Racing Development Gene Stefanyshyn NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton and NASCAR Chief Marketing Officer Steve Phelps along with the consulting firm McKinsey Co. and former Chevrolet executive Brent Dewar. The plan is for full adoption of 11 key points by the 2015 Daytona 500 although some will be implemented before then.

Central to that effort will be the sport's rules coming under the purview of the RD Center specifically Stefanyshyn the former General Motors executive who was hired in April as NASCAR's Vice President of Innovation and Racing Development. The plan is to rewrite the rule book and make it available in more than written form precisely a CAD (computer aided design) model preferred by teams and manufacturers.

We want the rule book to be more reflective of what teams have now with CAD drawings O'Donnell said. Some of the reasoning for that is to make it more clear in the rule book what parts are approved. It's clearly illustrated in the rule book. So when you go to the track in the event that you have a penalty not only is the part clearly illustrated but the part is clearly illustrated and the appeals process is changed as well. They all fit together. If the rule book is better understood not only by the race teams but the entire industry we feel that's a better more transparent way to go forward.

O'Donnell said it's all part of an effort to make the sport more proactive. We want to eliminate as many gray areas as possible he said. But our sport is also built on innovation. So we want to clearly define the areas where teams can go out and innovate because at the end of the day that's what our sport was founded on.

Other areas NASCAR is focusing on include a greater use of technology on pit road a formalized parts submission process a unified inspection model across all three national series and a scheduled inspection system that may allow fans to know exactly when their favorite teams are rolling through the technical area on race weekends.

If there are ways we can bring new technology and new content to the fans O'Donnell said that's first and foremost.

The modernization effort continues a movement that picked up momentum with the introduction of the Generation 6 car which debuted on the Sprint Cup Series this year. A more brand identifiable vehicle it tightened the bonds between passenger cars and their brethren on the race track. As part of this new initiative NASCAR hopes to strengthen those ties over successive generations and bring the vehicles closer together both inside and out.

We rolled out the Gen 6 car which obviously mirrors the body of that car. As we go forward the new Chevrolet car that gets rolled out three four years from now that technology that's in the car O'Donnell said NASCAR (will have) delivered on some of those technologies in partnership with GM. It looks not only like the car on the outside but on the inside as well.

It's all a sweeping initiative and dialogue continues between NASCAR teams and tracks on the details of the plan. O'Donnell said the effort is a long term play that hinges on a reinvestment in greater technology throughout the sport.

We're out talking to the race teams now. We've received some real positive feedback he said. We've still got a number of conversations to have. But I think the way initially the teams look at it is it's very similar to the way they operate they have their team that goes to the race while there's a ton of work going on for the race six months out and preparing cars and getting ready. Those engineers who are working in advance now should be a direct link to our RD Center. We've got to open those lines of communication. I think the Gen 6 was a really good start to that and we've got to expand upon the success of that and really for lack of a better tern formalize that process in everything we do.

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KEY POINTS

Governance Move rule making from Officiating to RD / Innovation Enhance effectiveness of appeals process by redefining process and appeals board member criteria

Rules Simplify rulebook and increase objectivity by replacing written rules with CAD designs Enhance parts approval by formalizing submission and approval process Increase consistency of rule interpretation across National Series

Penalty/Deterrence Strengthen deterrence model to reduce inspection required to ensure competitive racing

Officiating / Inspection Increase use of technology on pit road Maintain rigor of inspection while creating greater efficiency in the entire process Improve efficiency of process by creating race team inspection scheduling system Enhance effectiveness of inspection through data collection and trend analysis Create unified inspecting and officiating model across National Series

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