cablecold1-blog

[cablecold1-blog]

Lakers big man JaVale McGee lists Encino home he bought from Marc Anthony

Lakers center Javale McGee is shooting his shot in Encino, where his Mediterranean-style home of four years is on the market for $3.3 million.

The two-time NBA champion isn’t the only big name tied to the place. He bought it from Grammy-winning singer Marc Anthony in 2015 for $2.425 million, The Times previously reported.

Ideal for entertaining, the two-story home holds 6,263 square feet of indoor-outdoor living spaces, as well as a movie theater, recording studio and wet bar. There’s a bigger bar in the resort-like backyard, which sits under palm trees and hanging lights next to a swimming pool, spa and gazebo.

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

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The two-story home holds a recording studio and movie theater inside and a wet bar, swimming pool and gazebo outside.  (Realtor.com)

Past a Saltillo tile patio with a fountain, the interior goes heavy on Spanish style. A sweeping staircase of wrought-iron anchors the foyer, and arched doorways lead to common rooms with tile floors and dark hardwood accents.

The master suite, one of six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, is a space all its own. Complete with heated floors and a marble fireplace, the master bedroom expands to a private balcony, dual closets and a chic bathroom with a raised spa tub.

Elsewhere, there’s a gym, yoga studio, chandelier-topped living room, green tile chef’s kitchen and column-lined family room with French doors and a fireplace. The grounds cover 0.4 acres a block from the 101 Freeway.

After being drafted by the Wizards in 2008, McGee has spent time with the Nuggets, 76ers, Mavericks, Lakers and Warriors, with whom he won back-to-back NBA titles in 2017 and 2018. The 31-year-old will spend his second season with the Lakers beginning this year.

Stephanie Solomon Browne of SGE Realty holds the listing.

Source: https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2019-08-02/lakers-big-man-javale-mcgee-lists-encino-home-he-bought-from-marc-anthony

[cablecold1-blog]

Report: USA Basketball invited more than 50 players to World Cup training camp before settling on 15

Team USA will lack its usual star power in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

Just how deep did the Americans go into the reserves?

Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press:

It took more than 50 invitations – and probably that many revisions of plans – to get to Sunday, the day where 15 members of the current national team arrived in Las Vegas for meetings and final preparations before the first training camp practice under new USA Basketball coach Gregg Popovich starts Monday.

That article repeatedly quotes USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo. Though the 50-invitation fact is uncited, it seemingly came from Colangelo.

Fifteen players are slated to attend the training camp as under consideration for the 12-man World Cup roster:

Several other players – including James Harden, Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard – accepted an invitation then withdrew. And there are an untold number of players who just declined in the first place. You’d have to think stars like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Curry were at least asked.

That’s how you get to more than 50.

Now, how will the Americans get to a gold medal with this roster filled with consolation invites? It won’t be easy.

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/report-usa-basketball-invited-more-120002536.html?src=rss

[cablecold1-blog]

Expect Wizards trade rumor reboot with upcoming arrival of LeBron James, Lakers

Expect Wizards trade rumor reboot with upcoming arrival of LeBron James, Lakers originally appeared on nbcsportswashington.com

LeBron James is coming to town. Normally the focus remains with the four-time MVP whenever he makes an appearance. Those looking beyond Sunday's Lakers-Wizards meeting in Washington might split their concentration. Think trade.

The Wizards (11-17) are still trying for a foothold after early-season wobbles. Now 9-8 since a 2-9 start, they enter Friday's game at Brooklyn having lost three in a row. The notion of adding help or breaking up the band exists. There are also salary cap concerns going forward.

Possible trade partners vary, but the Lakers may target All-Star level help to pair with James. The rumor mill is aware of those factors and constantly churning out ideas typically involving John Wall or Bradley Beal. All will take the court together this weekend.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith offered his own Washington-centric take to NBC Sports Washington following Wednesday's Celtics-Wizards overtime thriller.

 "You have to trade Bradley Beal," Smith said.

"The reason why you have to trade Bradley Beal is he's three years younger (than Wall), he's got two years less left on his contract, and if you scour the league every executive will tell you he's the higher commodity because John Wall's game is predicated on athleticism and speed and conditioning. Usually, father time says that dissipates, which means you're going to lower in value."

Wall's four-year, $170 million contract extension begins next season. Beal, 25, signed a five-year, $128 million contract in 2016. Otto Porter is the highest paid player on the roster this season ($26.011 million). His deal includes a player option for the 2020-21 season.

Those salary numbers combined with production shines a light on Beal.

"He's a shooter in a game where shooting is incredibly important in this day and age," Smith said of Beal. "His value will only elevate. The fact is with Wall the perception is there's a bad contract. In Porter, the perception is there's a bad contract. In Beal, no one has called it a bad contract.

"So when you look at it from that perspective, he's the guy that you may need to move in order to acquire the attributes that you need in order to make this team better down the line or at least get enough cap space so you can somewhat start over because you're not going to get anybody to take John Wall's contract right now."

The Lakers may seek immediate help with the West wide open beyond the dominate Warriors. They also may not want to add long-term money or trade potential player assets including Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball or Josh Hart. Los Angeles is expected to make plays for headliners Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson or Kawhi Leonard this summer.

As for the Wizards, reports of potential deals does not mean the team is actively shopping Wall and Beal or even considering such moves. Washington, Boston, and Philadelphia are the only Eastern Conference teams with at least two All-Stars from last season. If the Wizards are going to rally, those are the types of players needed. Does such thinking change if 11-17 turns into 22-28 as the Feb. 7 trade approaches? We'll see.

All we know for sure is that James and crew will be in Chinatown Sunday night. We should probably just focus on that. Good luck with that.

 MORE WIZARDS NEWS:

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/expect-wizards-trade-rumor-reboot-150740262.html?src=rss

[cablecold1-blog]

Mitchell dominates, Jazz beat Lakers 113-95

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Utah Jazz played without point guards Ricky Rubio, Dante Exum and Raul Neto because of injuries, and it was no big deal.

Not with Donovan Mitchell showing off his ball-handling skills.

Mitchell had 33 points and a career-high nine assists, helping Utah beat the Los Angeles Lakers 113-95 on Friday night. The second-year guard helped make up for his missing teammates with a flurry of game-changing plays on both ends of the court.

''My biggest thing is just trying to make the right reads,'' Mitchell said. ''That's been my thing since I first got here. Just continuing to play under control and just find guys.''

Utah (22-21) made 15 3-pointers in its fourth win in five games. Rudy Gobert had 12 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. Joe Ingles collected 14 points and a career-high 12 boards, and Derrick Favors finished with 15 points and a season-high 13 rebounds.

The Jazz enjoyed a 65-55 advantage on the glass, marking the eighth time in franchise history they had at least 65 rebounds.

Michael Beasley scored 17 points for the Lakers. Brandon Ingram added 15 points and Kyle Kuzma had 11 points and eight rebounds.

Los Angeles (23-20) lost for the sixth time in nine games without LeBron James in the lineup. James is out with a groin injury.

The Lakers shot just 36 percent from the floor.

''We couldn't ever get a rhythm going,'' coach Luke Walton said. ''We couldn't find it. Once we were struggling to score, we let that affect our overall energy, which is something we talk about. It's a good learning experience for our guys.''

Utah broke the game open in the second quarter by holding Los Angeles without a field goal for nearly seven minutes. The Lakers trailed 41-34 after Ivica Zubac scored back-to-back baskets with 7:35 left. They did not get another basket until Javale McGee hit a short jumper with 55.1 seconds left in the half.

Utah took advantage of the drought. The Jazz used an 18-4 run to open a 59-38 lead. Mitchell fueled much of the run with his play on both ends of the court. He drove for a pair of baskets, blocked a layup attempt by Kyle Kuzma, and fed a no-look pass to Ingles in the corner to set up his first 3-pointer of the night.

''We guarded,'' Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. ''We defended well. We still have to work at scoring off our defense.''

Los Angeles trimmed Utah's lead to 76-66 in the third quarter after Beasley made back-to-back baskets and hit a pair of free throws as part of a 10-0 run. The Lakers couldn't cut it to single digits.

Utah used a 14-5 run, capped by a layup from Gobert, to put it out of reach again and take a 95-73 lead with 7:03 left in the fourth quarter.

PERIMETER PRECISION

Royce O'Neale made his fourth start of the season after Neto's groin injury against the Magic on Wednesday forced Snyder to shuffle his starting lineup yet again.

O'Neale responded with 17 points, including a career-high five 3-pointers.

''People don't know that Royce is one of the best shooters on the team,'' Mitchell said. ''Tonight was a night where people could see that.''

BEASLEY INJURED

The injury bug continues to bite the Lakers. Beasley hurt his right hand when he fouled O'Neale with 4:27 left in the fourth quarter. Rookie center Moritz Wagner replaced him.

Walton said the veteran forward will get X-rays.

BOOM

Mitchell's big night included a hard right-handed jam over McGee with about three minutes left in the second quarter.

TIP-INS

Lakers: James did not travel to Utah. ... Kuzma went 0 of 8 from the field in the first half and shot just 4 of 18 (.222) from the floor overall. ... Ingram scored just three points over the final three quarters. ... The Lakers outscored Utah 52-22 in bench points.

Jazz: Favors now has 3,986 career rebounds with Utah and passed Greg Ostertag (3,978) for fourth place on the Jazz rebounding list. ... Mitchell scored 25-plus points for the fourth consecutive game. ... Gobert is second in the NBA with 34 double-doubles this season. . Utah has made 10 or more 3-pointers in eight consecutive home games.

UP NEXT

Lakers: Host the Cavaliers on Sunday.

Jazz: Host the Bulls on Saturday.

---

More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/mitchell-dominates-jazz-beat-lakers-113-95-055621923--nba.html?src=rss

[cablecold1-blog]

What $2 million buys right now near the ocean in Orange County

Here’s a look at what roughly $2 million buys in the waterfront cities of Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and Dana Point.

HUNTINGTON BEACH: A change of pace near downtown Huntington Beach, this three-story Victorian features period details such as English wainscoting, tin ceilings and clawfoot tubs.

Address: 309 21st St., Huntington Beach, 92648

Listed for: $2.199 million for three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms in 3,476 square feet (2,938-square-foot lot)

Features: Rounded balconies; movie theater; rooftop deck; three blocks from beach

About the area: In the 92648 ZIP Code, based on 33 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $1.35 million, up 14.5% year over year, according to CoreLogic.

1147 Miramar St., Laguna Beach

(Realtor.com)

LAGUNA BEACH: Perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, this modern home wrapped in stained wood features stark designer-done living spaces and a chic backyard with a garden wall.

Address: 1147 Miramar St., Laguna Beach, 92651

Listed for: $1.999 million for three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms in 1,775 square feet (2,500-square-foot lot)

Features: Open floor plan with polished concrete walls; second-story balcony; floating staircase; spacious master suite

About the area: In the 92651 ZIP Code, based on 39 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $1.835 million, down 3.9% year over year, according to CoreLogic.

33851 Blue Lantern St., Dana Point

(Realtor.com)

DANA POINT: Many of the highlights here are found outside, as this custom home opens to a koi pond, outdoor shower, trellis-topped patio, lush landscaping and a lagoon-style pool and spa with waterfalls and a sun shelf.

Address: 33851 Blue Lantern St., Dana Point, 92629

Listed for: $1.995 million for four bedrooms, four bathrooms in 3,438 square feet (7,500-square-foot lot)

Features: Beamed ceilings; den with fireplace; bonus room; master suite with chandelier-topped spa tub

About the area: In the 92629 ZIP Code, based on 30 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $1.390 million, up 9.8% year over year, according to CoreLogic.

16695 Bay View Drive, Sunset Beach

(Realtor.com)

HUNTINGTON BEACH: This canal-side contemporary emphasizes minimalist design and natural light throughout its split-level floor plan.

Address: 16695 Bay View Drive, Sunset Beach, 92649

Listed for: $1.995 million for three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms in 2,702 square feet (2,250-square-foot lot)

Features: Custom stained-glass windows; two corner fireplaces; sauna; waterfront deck with boat dock

About the area: In the 92649 ZIP Code, based on 25 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $899,000, up 2.7% year over year, according to CoreLogic.

31674 Seacove Drive, Laguna Beach

(Realtor.com)

LAGUNA BEACH: Fresh off a remodel, this single-story beach cottage on a bluff expands to a wraparound deck that takes advantage of the waterfront location.

Address: 31674 Seacove Drive, Laguna Beach, 92651

Listed for: $1.999 million for three bedrooms, two bathrooms in 1,107 square feet (3,250-square-foot lot)

Features: Refinished hardwood floors; mirrored walls; open floor plan; one-car garage

About the area: In the 92651 ZIP Code, based on 39 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $1.835 million, down 3.9% year over year, according to CoreLogic.

34081 Chula Vista Ave., Dana Point

(Realtor.com)

DANA POINT: Second-story decks span both sides of this remodeled home with hardwood floors, a sweeping staircase and billiards room.

Address: 34081 Chula Vista Ave., Dana Point, 92629

Listed for: $1.999 million for four bedrooms, four bathrooms in 2,678 square feet (5,000-square-foot lot)

Features: Formal living room; ocean-view family room; master suite with private deck; two-car garage

About the area: In the 92629 ZIP Code, based on 30 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $1.390 million, up 9.8% year over year, according to CoreLogic.

jack.flemming@latimes.com | Twitter: @jflem94

Source: https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hp-what-money-buys-20190718-story.html

[cablecold1-blog]

Asbestos found during Roosevelt demolition

Air quality officials are monitoring asbestos cleanup efforts at Roosevelt High School after workers discovered the toxic substance while demolishing a historic building last week.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District ordered “strict containment measures” to be put in place at theBoyle Heights campus, which is currently undergoing a $173 million modernization project.

Inspectors visited the site on Oct. 25 and 26 after a contractor working to tear down a 1920s-era building found steam piping wrapped in asbestos, a material commonly used for insulation but which can cause cancer if inhaled.

School district officials said there is no danger to students, staff or the surrounding community, adding that construction was halted once the pipe was discovered between the second and third floor of the building. In a statement, LAUSD Chief Communications Officer Shannon Haber said that ongoing air monitoring data showed no evidence that the asbestos had traveled through the air away from the site.

 “L.A. Unified continues to work with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to ensure that this unforeseen asbestos material is addressed in the safest possible way,” Haber said in the statement. “The safety of students and staff remains to be our highest priority.”

The agency directed the contractor leading the demolition to fence off the debris pile containing the asbestos and submit a cleanup plan. Patrick Chandler, a spokesman for SCAQMD, said the agency’s inspectors were monitoring the site to ensure compliance, but could not confirm how long it would take to remove the asbestos or whether this would create a delay in the construction plans.

“SCAQMD will take every step within our authority to ensure public health is protected,” Wayne Nastri, SCAQMD’s executive officer, said in a statement. “We will deploy all necessary measures to contain asbestos or any other air toxics at the demolition site.”

SCAQMD inspectors previously visited the site on Oct. 10 but found no violations of agency rules, according to the statement.

Source: https://boyleheightsbeat.com/asbestos-found-during-roosevelt-demolition/

[cablecold1-blog]

Inside the Nation: Pairing the Boys

It’s been almost a week since we have seen Dusty, too long in fact. But he’s back, today at Noon over on the Oilersnation facebook page. If you weren’t able to check-in at that time, fear not! we have a breakdown of what was discussed here.

What you missed:

Golf tourney build up

Jesse Puljujarvi doubling down on staying in Finland

The deals that *could* be had for him

Rasmus Ristolainen maybe?

#SummerofLineys Pairing the Boys

Jack Michaels coming in with his lineup ideas:

Spent the weekend in Barrhead for Alberta baseball provincials. Enjoyed my time there, and on the drive home, thought these are the lines I could see forming by Christmas.

Granlund-McDavid-Neal Nygård-Draisaitl-Kassian Benson-RNH-Chiasson Archibald/Khaira-Haas-Gagner pic.twitter.com/jU9Sd16e1D

— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) August 5, 2019

Dusty comes out with the first D pairing combos of the year. Evan Bouchard

Pete Chiarelli as a GM again?

That and much much more for you to check out down below and be sure to follow us on twitter for the announcement of when Dusty will go live next (likely Thursday afternoon)

Watch today’s episode below:

After having such a blast over the past two years, we absolutely knew that we were going to organize another golf tourney for the summer and, after a few months of planning, we’re psyched to finally be able to launch our third annual golf tournament.

When – August 29th, 2019 (Thursday)

Where – Cougar Creek Golf Resort

How much – $1000/team or get in on the $900 Early Bird price until July 10th

Teams – Groups of Four (4)

How – Book your team here

As always, a portion of all proceeds from your ticket purchase will be donated directly to a local charity. This time we’ve partnered up with the Gregor Foundation to make sure that our kids are at their most handsome.

Previous Episodes:

Source: https://oilersnation.com/2019/08/06/inside-the-nation-pairing-the-boys/

[cablecold1-blog]

Lakers guard Rondo cleared for full-contact practices

The Los Angeles Lakers could receive a boost to their line-up sooner rather than later after Rajon Rondo was cleared for full-contact practices.

Rondo has missed several weeks with a finger injury but the veteran guard is nearing a return, the Lakers announced on Friday.

Lakers star Rondo had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right hand three days after suffering the injury against the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, marking his second surgery on that hand in 2018.

Rondo's first surgery was on November 15 and he returned December 21 to play only three games before suffering his finger injury. 

The 32-year-old, who is in his first season with the Lakers, is averaging 8.4 points and 6.7 assists in 14 games this season, while shooting 45 per cent from the field and 35.7 per cent from three-point range.

Los Angeles also are without superstar LeBron James, who strained his groin in the same game against the Warriors and is considered “day to day."

James was cleared to practice next week, though his agent Rich Paul said the 34-year-old will not rush his return on the court. 

Los Angeles are 25-21 entering Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets (25-19).

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-guard-rondo-cleared-full-020710567.html?src=rss

[cablecold1-blog]

In the Bay Area, “affordable housing” is relative

In Silicon Valley and San Francisco, where home prices are high, affordability takes on a different meaning, a new study shows

Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale and San Francisco

Housing has become “more affordable” in some major metro areas across the country over the last year, including some unlikely places like the notoriously expensive San Francisco Bay Area.

But what does affordable mean?

In Silicon Valley and the Bay Area, it means that higher incomes among top earners have made purchasing a high-priced home more of a reality, according to Mansion Global, citing date from Realtor.com.

Activity in the housing market surged earlier this year as buyers looked to lock down a purchase before others flooded in.

The biggest rise in affordability was in San Jose-Sunnyvale, California, where the median asking price was $1.17 million. Next on the list was Des Moines, Iowa, which was substantially lower at $288,000. And third was the San Francisco Bay Area, whose median asking price was $954,000.

Dallas and Austin also saw rises in affordability despite rising prices. That was to lower mortgage rates, higher wages, and high inventory, according to Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale.

Meanwhile, home prices have stagnated and in some cases dropped over the last few months in the Los Angeles area. The median price in L.A. County dropped about 3 percent from February to March, to $525,520.

Housing remains unaffordable across most of the country. As of March, the average annual wage was not enough to afford a median-priced home in more than 70 percent of U.S. counties. [Mansion Global] — Dennis Lynch 

Source: https://therealdeal.com/la/2019/06/06/in-the-bay-area-affordable-housing-is-relative/

[cablecold1-blog]

Kings reportedly sign Tyler Lydon to two-year contract

Stretch fours are in demand around the NBA, but 2017 first-round pick Tyler Lydon could never break into Denver’s crowded lineup. He spent most of last season in the G-League, and the Nuggets declined his option, making Lydon a free agent.

What Lydon said he wanted was a chance. He got one in Sacramento, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Free-agent forward Tyler Lydon has agreed to a two-year deal with the Sacramento Kings, agent Andy Shiffman of Priority Sports told ESPN…

Lydon’s ability to shoot 3-pointers attracted the Kings, who have been on the search for floor-spacers. Teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers had discussed trading for Lydon during his second NBA season, but no trade ever materialized, league sources said.

It’s not going to be easy for Lydon to crack the rotation at the four in Sacramento, where Harrison Barnes and Marvin Bagley and even Harry Giles play minutes at that spot.

But Lydon got a foot in the door, he’s got his chance, he’s got to take advantage of it now.

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/kings-reportedly-sign-tyler-lydon-030049740.html?src=rss

[cablecold1-blog]

The giant “Baby Trump” balloon will fly over L.A.’s freeways this week

Things spotted flying above the 110 freeway this week: helicopters, a low C-17 flyover for the Dodgers game and, come Friday morning, a rotund balloon that looks like President Donald Trump wearing a diaper.

The “Baby Trump” balloon will sail over the 110 and 10 freeway interchange on Friday, October 19 at 8am. You’ll spot it near the L.A. Convention Center, with inflation set to begin at 6am. The arrival of the balloon—which features an orange-skinned Trump wearing nothing but a diaper and clutching a phone—coincides with the kickoff of Politicon, a two-day bipartisan expo being held at the convention center this weekend.

The baby blimp has been busy since it first flew over London this summer, with an appearance in Chicago just last weekend for a Women’s March demonstration.

Oh, and just a word to texting-and-driving–loving Angelenos: Please consider everyone’s safety when you think about whipping out your phone to snap a photo in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the freeway.

Source: https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/news/the-giant-baby-trump-balloon-will-fly-over-l-a-s-freeways-this-week-101718

[cablecold1-blog]

In bizarre saga of Bo Dietl’s MeToo investigative platform, Douglas Elliman is apparently not a client

In bizarre saga of Bo Dietl’s MeToo investigative platform, Douglas Elliman is apparently not a client

The announcement of the platform will now be March 6

Bo Dietl (Credit: Getty Images)

On Wednesday morning, an unexpected email hit the inboxes of New York media reporters. It said that Bo Dietl, the private eye and former mayoral hopeful, had created a “MeToo investigative platform” that would allow employees to report sexual misconduct and harassment. The email also said that Douglas Elliman was a client, and there would be a joint press conference on Thursday featuring Dietl and two top staffers at Elliman.

There was one significant problem: Elliman employees were totally blindsided, a person familiar with the situation told The Real Deal on Thursday.

The brokerage “never had and never will engage in such a platform,” the person said.

On Thursday, Dietl also backed down on the company’s participation.

“If they choose not to have a statement that they are involved with me in any way, I respect that,” he said on Thursday. “I apologize to Howard Lorber and Douglas Elliman.” He went on to say that he would not confirm or deny the identity of his clients. (On Wednesday, he told The Real Deal that Elliman was a client but hadn’t wanted to talk about it publicly.)

Dietl blamed his public relations firm, Ronn Torossian’s 5W PR, for an invitation that referred to Elliman as the first corporate client of the platform. He also said the invitation falsely stated that Elliman’s general counsel and vice president of human resources would be featured speakers at the event. 5W hasn’t commented on what happened.

The press conference — which was slated for Thursday morning — was canceled on Wednesday just a few hours after the firm sent out the invitation. According to 5W, it was canceled due to “inclement weather.”

Dietl said his firm is now hosting the press conference on March 6 and has invited the city’s top builders, real estate investment trusts and other companies to attend. Elliman won’t participate, sources said.

The announcement yesterday was surprising for several reasons. Real estate companies — and corporations in general — don’t typically advertise their human resources practices. Additionally, Dietl has repeatedly been linked to investigations involving Roger Ailes — the Wall Street Journal reported in 2017 that Fox hired Dietl to discredit two of Ailes’ accusers.

“Just because a company hires us, doesn’t mean they need it,” Dietl said. “If a corporation hires us, that does not mean there is a problem. What they are saying is ‘I want to let my employees know that there’s another avenue to report the findings.'”

He said the platform would help curb legal action against corporations by providing an independent avenue for employees to file complaints of misconduct or harassment. He added that his system could help “remediate” situations “before something happens that’s really bad.”

“We can maybe get to that person who is making those bad jokes, and say hey, wait a second, you can’t say something like “wow, you have great legs” because that’s offensive to that female. These are things that we can stop and remediate from the beginning. Times have changed with the political correctness… Look, I’m 68 years old, what I used to do when I was 23, you can’t do today. People have to realize this.”

Source: https://therealdeal.com/2019/02/21/in-bizarre-saga-of-bo-dietls-metoo-investigative-platform-douglas-elliman-is-apparently-not-a-client/

[cablecold1-blog]

Feds put Manafort’s Soho condo up for sale with $3.6M asking price

Home is part of a $22M real estate portfolio Uncle Sam seized from Trump’s former campaign manager

Paul Manafort and 29 Howard Street (Credit: Getty Images)

Federal authorities have put Paul Manafort’s Soho loft up for sale with an asking price of more than $3 million.

The fourth-floor loft at 29 Howard street is part of a $22 million real estate portfolio that the federal government seized as part of a deal that President Trump’s former campaign chairman cut when he pleaded guilty to a pair of conspiracy charges last year.

The U.S. Marshal service put the Soho condominium up for sale with an asking price of $3.66 million, the New York Post reported. According to testimony from Manafort’s federal trial, the campaign chief told his daughter and son in law to pretend they had been living in the condo, when in reality it was being rented out on Airbnb.

Halstead agent Ari Harkov told the Post that, based on photos from the condo’s listing, the $3.66 million price tag may be more than buyers are willing to pay.

He said the unit’s dropped ceilings and “suburban”-looking kitchen don’t fit the taste of Manhattan loft buyers.

“It’s fine, it’s livable, but it probably needs some work,” Harkov told the publication.

The Soho condo is part of a portfolio feds seized including a Carroll Gardens brownstone at 377 Union Street that could sell for $3.7 million, an apartment at Trump tower valued at an estimated $2.4 million and a loft near the border of Chinatown and Little Italy at 123 Baxter Street that could go for $3.8 million.

Halstead’s Harkov, who has sold units at the Baxter Street building, said that the Manafort name may turn buyers away. He pointed to shoppers who said they didn’t want to buy a Williamsburg property owned by Jared Kushner because they didn’t want to put money into his family’s pocket.

“I think there are buyers who wouldn’t buy it or would be less interested because of it,” he said.

Manafort was sentenced in March to 73 months in prison – a term he could serve out in federal prison in Pennsylvania or the jail complex on Rikers Island. [NYP] – Rich Bockmann

Source: https://therealdeal.com/2019/06/06/feds-put-manaforts-soho-condo-up-for-sale-with-3-6m-asking-price/

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Airbnb gets pushback after pulling listings from Israeli West Bank settlements

Airbnb gets pushback after pulling listings from Israeli West Bank settlements

U.S. law doesn't bar firms from doing business in disputed Israeli-Palestinian territories, but activists previously pushed Airbnb remove its listings there

November 23, 2018 10:00AM

Airbnb says it has eliminated 200 listings in the West Bank. (Credit: iStock)

Airbnb has decided to remove around 200 listings in Israeli’s disputed West Bank, and the Israeli government is crying foul.

The home-sharing giant said it was eliminating around 200 listings in the Israeli settlement, according to Reuters. Palestinians who support an independent Palestinian state welcomed the move, while Israel called it a “wretched capitulation” to boycotters.

“We will approach the U.S. government because 25 U.S. states have sanctions against American companies that boycott Israel,” said Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan.

U.S. law does not bar companies from doing business in disputed Israeli-Palestinian territories, but activists have previously pushed Airbnb to pull its listings in Israeli settlements. Most governments consider the settlements — which now number around 126 — to be illegal.

Airbnb said it had drawn a framework for dealing with listings in disputed regions. The framework includes consultation with experts and stakeholders and an assessment of safety risks in the areas. It also makes a determination of whether listings have a “direct connection to the larger dispute in the region” and whether they are “contributing to existing human suffering.”

Airbnb did not say where else it has applied the framework. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is looking at ways, including taxation, to restrict Airbnb in the country.

Airbnb is readying to go public by late 2020 , CEO Brian Chesky said in February. That statement came a year after he said  the company wanted to be ready for an initial public offering by the end of 2018. [Reuters] — Dennis Lynch 

Source: https://therealdeal.com/2018/11/23/airbnb-gets-pushback-after-pulling-listings-from-israeli-west-bank-settlements/

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Calling all agents: Reality show casts wide net for “beach junkie realtors”

Calling all agents: Reality show casts wide net for “beach junkie realtors”

The series will seek “young, attractive, fun” agents in places like Miami, SoCal, NY who sell beachfront real estate and live the beachy life

(Credit: iStock)

Know any young, hot brokers who specialize in selling beachfront real estate and are “beach junkies?”

A new reality show is looking for “young, attractive, fun” real estate agents who not only sell beachfront real estate but also live the active, beachy lifestyle.

It’s the latest in a slew of real estate-focused, unscripted series like the “Million Dollar Listing” franchise, “Bethenny & Fredrik”  and “Property Brothers” that follow brokers as they navigate the cutthroat and competitive world of luxury real estate sales. This one looks to be more “MTV Real World” aiming for a playful, upbeat vibe for audiences who may not want to geek out on square feet and floor plans.

The as yet unnamed series is casting around the country, in places like Miami, Southern California, New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina — “anywhere where there are pretty beaches,” said Jennifer Sternberg, whose New York-based Squeaky Wheel Casting put out the call this week. Sternberg has worked on reality shows like “Say Yes to the Dress: Big Day” and “I Found the Gown,” according to her IMDB page.

She declined to name the production company or network for the new show, but said the series is definitely set to run, with casting finishing within a month, filming starting early next year and the first episode airing probably in April.

Sternberg said the producers are looking for “fun, young, laid-back realtors who sell beachfront real estate. They don’t want anyone snooty — just laid-back beach people.”

Ages could range up to 35 “or a young-looking 37,” she said.

A flier sent out asks: “Are you a realtor that specializes in selling beachfront property? Do you consider yourself to be a beach junkie — surfing, paddle boarding etc.? If you’d like to participate in our show for a big-time network, email us.”

Douglas Elliman’s Oren Alexander seems to fit the description. At 31, he is co-founder of The Alexander team with his brother Tal, specializing in waterfront property in South Florida, Manhattan and the Hamptons. Oren likes to hit the water at least once a week and kite surfs “anytime there’s wind.” That includes Miami, but also on trips to Brazil, Hawaii, Turks and Caicos and St. Barts. He also eFoils — a water sport that involves an electronic hydrofoil.

But Alexander said he has “no interest” in appearing on a reality show.

“My reality show is basically watching my Instagram,” he said.

For those who are interested, Sternberg said she is casting via Skype — “just need their fun to come across” — and wants to send the first batch of about 20 Realtors to the production company. It doesn’t matter which city they are from. Each episode will feature at least one Realtor, she said.

Source: https://therealdeal.com/miami/2018/12/21/calling-all-agents-reality-show-casts-wide-net-for-beach-junkie-realtors/

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Trade Targets Part One: The Rebuilders

Now that the Oilers have a General Manager in place, I am ready to go all in on talking about some potential trades. There’s no doubt that Ken Holland needs to bring in some fresh faces and with the Oilers lack of cap space, the trade route appears to be a likely route. I think this summer could be a very busy one with the likes of Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, Matt Duchene, Erik Karlsson, and Jeff Skinner all potentially becoming unrestricted free agents. On top of that, there is are a handful of organizations who are no doubt upset with how early their seasons ended.

I think a lot of teams will be looking to make some big changes and with a savvy GM running things, the Oilers could be in a spot to bring in some good players. I have made four groups of teams that I think will be particularly busy this summer, outlined who could be moved and if the Oilers are a fit. Today, I’m starting with a crop of teams that I believe are heading towards a rebuilding phase.

OTTAWA SENATORS

I think Ottawa could be busy this summer, but I’m not sure if there’s a trade target for the Oilers to look at. I think Cody Ceci will be moved out, but if the Oilers are going to get a defenseman, they need someone more established player. The only name that sort of grabs my interest is JG Pageau. He has one more season with a $3.1 million cap hit, which is pricey for a player who only played 39 games last season and only scored four goals. However, he’s scored 19, 12, and 14 goals in the past three seasons. The Senators are in a spot where they likely wouldn’t mind retaining money, so if the Oilers could get them to keep some of Pageau’s cap hit, I think he would be a decent third line centre.

DETROIT RED WINGS

The Red Wings have a bunch of young forwards that I would love for the Oilers to get their hands on (Andrea Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Anthony Mantha) but with Steve Yzerman now running things, I doubt they’re going to move on from any of those players. They don’t really have any defenseman that fit the Oilers need either. Mike Green was a maybe, but he has a no-trade clause and he’s fairly pricey with a $5.375m cap hit. The Ken Holland connection is there, but I’m not sure if he’ll be able to pry loose any of the young forwards he drafted and developed.

LA KINGS

I’ll start this by saying that I doubt these two teams would make a significant deal because they’re both in the Pacific Division. I also understand that the labelling the Kings as a rebuilding team is a stretch, but I think they’re looking to get younger. I have always really liked Tyler Toffoli and there have been rumours about him over the last year. He scored at a 20 goal pace in four straight seasons before struggling this past season only scoring 13 goals in 82 games. He’s only 27, so he should still have some good hockey in him. I wonder what the price would be.

They also have Alec Martinez on the back-end, but after dealing off Jake Muzzin last year, I doubt they would deal Martinez. I also like Jack Campbell as a potential backup goalie option. He had a good season, shouldn’t cost very much, and the Kings have Jonathan Quick and Cal Petersen for next season. 

ANAHEIM DUCKS

Like LA, I doubt two teams within the same division would make a move. Also, these two teams don’t appear to be a fit. Anaheim needs to unload some expensive contracts and ageing veterans, which is what the Oilers are trying to avoid. Silfverberg and Rakell are very intriguing, but there’s no way the Ducks move them.

On the backend, I don’t think they’ll be moving another defenseman after they dealt Brandon Montour during the season and that’s a player I would have liked the Oilers to get, but it obviously didn’t happen.

NEW YORK RANGERS

They just acquired Adam Fox for a pair of pics, but they still have five picks in the first three rounds. They are in rebuild mode. There have been rumours about Kevin Shattenkirk, who’s under contract for two more seasons at $6.65 million, but the only way that happens is if Lucic is going back the other way.

Up front, I like Pavel Buchnevich. He’s 24-years-old and currently an RFA and despite only playing 64 games, he scored 21 goals. He would look really good in the Oilers top six. I also really like Chris Kreider who has one more year at $4.65 million. Both of those guys will probably have high acquisition costs, but no one is safe on that Rangers roster.

Got a trade proposal to throw out there? Is there another rebuilding team that I missed? Let me know!

Source: https://oilersnation.com/2019/05/10/edmonton-oilers-trade-targets-part-one-the-rebuilders/

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Protesters Delay Release Of Pakistani Woman Acquitted For Blasphemy

A Christian woman who was acquitted by Pakistan's Supreme Court after spending eight years on death row for insulting Islam is still being held in an undisclosed location. Her release was delayed after negotiations failed between the government and an extremist religious group that is demanding she be killed.

Asia Bibi's sentence was reversed on Wednesday in Islamabad. Almost simultaneously, followers of a hard-line Pakistani religious group rushed onto major highways across the country to paralyze traffic in protest of the decision.

They called for Bibi to be killed, along with the three Supreme Court judges who issued the verdict. They also called on Pakistani military forces to disobey the army chief of staffs, accusing him of not being a Muslim.

Even in a country which generally tolerates a great deal of hate speech by the religious right, the calls against the army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, seemed to stun many in Pakistan. It led to the prime minister, Imran Khan, warning the protesters in an evening televised address that the state could be forced to act against them. Negotiations began shortly after the prime minister's address to defuse the situation.

Those talks collapsed early Friday after the government refused the group's request that Bibi be forbidden from leaving the country.

Then Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the leader of the group known as Tehreek-e-Labbaik, told followers at a rally that Pakistani forces would use violence against them if they did not disperse their sit in. In response, he said, "We are ready to die to show our love for the prophet," according to The Associated Press.

Following the collapse of talks, the AP reported security was beefed up around the undisclosed detention facility where Bibi is being held. Her family was also in hiding, waiting for Bibi's release so they could leave Pakistan. Both France and Spain have offered asylum to the family.

Underscoring the threats against Bibi on Friday, thousands of followers of Tehreek-e-Labbaik, students of religious seminaries and others rallied through the capital and on a nearby intersection, vowing they would not be removed.

"What is the punishment for insulting the prophet?" the men chanted in central Islamabad. "Separate the head from the body!" they responded.

There were also demonstrations in other parts of Pakistan. Fears of violence kept schools closed Friday, local media reported. Some hospitals were on high alert and security forces shut down cellular networks to prevent militants from coordinating attacks.

Bibi's blasphemy case has long roiled Pakistan.

Bibi, an illiterate Christian farmhand, was convicted and sentenced to death in 2010 after her fellow Muslim farmworkers accused her of insulting Islam. She was held in solitary confinement for more than eight years. A previous appeal hearing was adjourned in 2016 on a legal technicality.

Bibi's case has garnered international concern and condemnation. Pope Benedict XVI called for her release. Pope Francis met with her family. Several Western countries offered her asylum. The case also underscored the power of extreme religious groups that have long claimed that Western countries were trying to weaken Islam.

The case led to the murder of a prominent governor, Salmaan Taseer, when he spoke out in defense of Bibi and against blasphemy laws in 2011. He was killed by his bodyguard – who was later executed, but is revered by many on the religious right. Two months after Taseer's death, a Christian minister, Shahbaz Bhatti, who had also been critical of blasphemy laws, was also shot and killed.

Pakistan's liberals and rights activists have long argued that the country's blasphemy laws are toxic, and even deadly. Even the accusation of blasphemy has led to vigilante lynchings. The laws have been used to settle disputes and old feuds, but they have been particularly targeted against Pakistan's embattled minorities.

Abdul Sattar contributed reporting to this story.

Source: https://www.scpr.org/news/2018/11/02/86922/protesters-delay-release-of-pakistani-woman-acquit/