Tuesday 31 March 2015
Riker Lynch and Allison Holker “Salsa” Dancing With The Stars Season 20 Week 3 (VIDEO)
Riker Lynch and Allison Holker “Salsa” Dancing With The Stars Season 20 Week 3 (VIDEO)
Monday 30 March 2015
Former feds charged with stealing Silk Road bitcoin
Former DEA agent Carl Force, 46, of Baltimore, the task force agent charged with going undercover to communicate online with Silk Road operator Ross Ulbricht, known as Dread Pirate Roberts, allegedly used several online aliases to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of bitcoin from Ulbricht, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday. Force is charged with money laundering, wire fraud, theft and conflict of interest.
Prosecutors also charged Shaun Bridges, 32, of Laurel, Md., a former special agent with the U.S. Secret Service, who allegedly accessed Silk Road accounts using password information from a Silk Road customer service representative arrested in a drug sting. Bridges, who joined the Secret Service in 2009, is charged with wire fraud and money laundering.
The FBI shut down Silk Road and arrested Ulbricht on Oct. 2, 2013. Silk Road, a dark Web black market that traded in illegal drugs, counterfeit IDs and computer hacking software, required its buyers and sellers to do business in bitcoin, an anonymous digital currency that is difficult to trace.
A federal jury in New York convicted Ulbricht last month on drug conspiracy charges. Ulbricht, who will be sentenced in May, was also the target of an investigation in Maryland. Force and Bridges worked on the Maryland investigation.
Prosecutors say Force, in addition to his official undercover identity as "Nob," created several unauthorized online aliases, so he could conduct complex bitcoin transactions to steal from the government and Ulbricht.
In one transaction, Force, using his second alias, allegedly demanded Ulbricht pay him $250,000 in bitcoin not to disclose information to the government. Posing as a woman named Carla under the alias "French Maid," Force allegedly offered to sell Ulbricht information about the government's investigation in exchange for $100,000 worth of bitcoin.
Ulbricht paid the money, and Force deposited it into a personal account, IRS Special Agent Tigran Gambaryan wrote in an affidavit. Force allegedly converted some bitcoin to dollars and wired the money to his personal overseas bank account in Panama, the affidavit said.
Force also worked for and invested $110,000 in the California-based digital currency exchange company CoinMKT while still working for the DEA. The company featured Force in its pitches to venture capital investors as CoinMKT's anti-money laundering and compliance officer.
E-mails between Force and CoinMKT's CEO indicated that Force planned to stay at the DEA until the bitcoin exchange "hits it 'big time.' "
"I have a lot of down time at DEA so I am confident that I can handle all that needs to be done regarding Legal and Compliance on a daily basis," Force wrote.
Prosecutors say Force used his position at the DEA to steal money from accounts at CoinMKT. In one instance, Force allegedly directed CoinMKT to freeze a customer account. He then seized 223 bitcoins worth about $297,000 and transferred them to his personal Bitstamp digital currency account. He then exchanged the bitcoins for dollars and put the money in his personal checking account, court papers say.
Force, who earned about $150,000 a year as a DEA agent, made $757,000 in deposits to his personal bank account from April 2013 to May 2014, court papers show. During that time, Force paid off his mortgage and a government thrift savings loan while investing in real estate and bitcoin businesses, court papers say.
Authorities arrested Force on Friday. Force, a 15-year veteran, resigned from the DEA in May. He is in jail and will appear in court Thursday for a detention hearing.
Bridges, the computer forensics expert on the Baltimore investigation, allegedly stole more than $800,000 worth of bitcoin that he controlled during the Silk Road investigation and placed it into an account with Mt. Gox, a digital currency exchange in Japan. Silk Road reported a massive bitcoin theft Jan. 25, 2013, the same day Bridges attended an interview with the Silk Road administrator caught in the sting.
Bridges allegedly wired the funds to a personal U.S. investment account through nine transfers from March 6, 2013, to May 7, 2013. The final transfer on May 7, 2013, came two days before he personally sought a $2.1 million seizure warrant for Mt. Gox's accounts, court papers say.
Bridges, who joined the Secret Service in 2009, resigned from the Secret Service on March 18. He surrendered to authorities Monday and was released under pretrial supervision.
Bridges intends to fight the charges, his attorney Steven H. Levin said. Bridges "had an unblemished career in law enforcement for several years. He maintains his innocence," Levin said.
Former feds charged with stealing Silk Road bitcoin
Saturday 28 March 2015
Iran nuke talks enter critical phase this weekend
The talks are reaching a climax as leaders from across the world, including Israel and the U.S. Congress, watch to see if a historic deal emerges to curb Iran's nuclear program in return for a lifting of U.S. and Western sanctions. Negotiators are trying to conclude a general agreement by a self-imposed March 31 deadline, with details to be filled in by June.
Israel and many in Congress have warned that the Obama administration may grant too many concessions to get a deal that would allow Iran to violate an agreement and develop nuclear weapons once the punitive sanctions that have crippled its economy are lifted.
Congressional leaders have threatened to vote on increased sanctions if they do not like the terms. Israel has threatened military action to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons that could threaten the entire region.
In a sign of congressional skepticism about an agreement, the Senate voted 100-0 Thursday for a non-binding resolution that calls for new sanctions against Iran if it is caught cheating on any deal that is
reached.
Iran has insisted that its nuclear program is peaceful and that its technological quest to produce energy and medical isotopes is a sovereign right. The oil-rich nation wants the sanctions lifted so it can rejoin the global financial system and sell oil on the open market again
The United States has not changed its bottom line regarding a deal, and it is still committed to making sure Iran would need at least a year to produce enough highly enriched nuclear material for a bomb if it broke the agreement, a senior administration official told USA TODAY. The official, who was not authorized to comment on the sensitive negotiations, asked not to be identified.
On Friday, Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told Mehr News that "a mutual understanding" covering much of the deal has been reached.
"A couple of technical issues are still remaining unresolved which we are working on," Salehi said. "There are difficult issues to be resolved."
Although the U.S. has taken the lead in the Iran talks, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China also are participating.
In Washington, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the parties were "better than halfway" to a deal, according to the Associated Press.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told reporters in New York on Friday, "There has been some progress, but there are things which are not yet solved." Fabius arrived in Lausanne on Saturday. His British and Russian counterparts have said they will join the talks over the weekend as well.
Issues still to be resolved involve the number and types of centrifuges Iran can use to produce nuclear fuel, the ability of inspectors to gain access to all possible nuclear sites and Iran's willingness to discuss past efforts to produce nuclear weapons.
Iran nuke talks enter critical phase this weekend
The talks are reaching a climax as leaders from across the world, including Israel and the U.S. Congress, watch to see if a historic deal emerges to curb Iran's nuclear program in return for a lifting of U.S. and Western sanctions. Negotiators are trying to conclude a general agreement by a self-imposed March 31 deadline, with details to be filled in by June.
Israel and many in Congress have warned that the Obama administration may grant too many concessions to get a deal that would allow Iran to violate an agreement and develop nuclear weapons once the punitive sanctions that have crippled its economy are lifted.
Congressional leaders have threatened to vote on increased sanctions if they do not like the terms. Israel has threatened military action to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons that could threaten the entire region.
In a sign of congressional skepticism about an agreement, the Senate voted 100-0 Thursday for a non-binding resolution that calls for new sanctions against Iran if it is caught cheating on any deal that is
reached.
2 remain missing after deadly NYC blast
Using cranes, rakes, face masks and hard hats, officials scoured the area and dug through debris. No fatalities were reported, but police officials said two people who had been at a sushi restaurant in one of the buildings were missing. Mixed-use, commercial and residential buildings at 121, 123 and 119 Second Avenue were destroyed, and another adjoining building was badly damaged.
"We are still actively searching for two individuals," NYPD spokesman Sgt. Carlos Nieves said Saturday afternoon. "We have two canine, cadaver seeking dogs at the location assisting in the recovery efforts."
Meanwhile, four of the injured remained in critical condition Friday afternoon at local hospitals, 24 hours after a suspected gas explosion rocked the area and triggered a seven-alarm blaze that firefighters continued to mop up, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said during an afternoon City Hall news conference.
Authorities also were exploring whether a third person was unaccounted for, NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said, according to the Associated Press.
With the fire still smoldering and the building debris dangerous, investigators have not yet been able to get into the basements of the devastated buildings, said de Blasio. However, he said preliminary investigation results showed "there may have been an inappropriate accessing" of the gas line that serves the building where the blast occurred.
"There's certainly a possibility of impropriety," added de Blasio, who also praised firefighters, police and other emergency responders, and said "our hearts go out to the families of all who are affected, and the people of the neighborhood."
The firefighting and cleanup work at the scene of the Second Avenue disaster scene near East 7th Street may continue for as long as a week, said city Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. Once the site is declared safe, firefighters will sift the debris searching for potential victims and clues to the disaster's cause, he said.
The City Hall news briefing presented a clearer but still incomplete overview of the explosion, ensuing inferno and chaos that forced scores of residents, workers and visitors to scramble from the buildings.
A Consolidated Edison crew was in the basement at 121 Second Ave. at about 2 p.m. Thursday to meet with contractors about pipes that had been installed in preparation for a planned upgrade of the building's gas service, a police official and utility executive said.
The utility crew told the contractors additional work was needed and left at approximately 2:45 p.m. without noticing any signs of a gas leak, officials said. Con Edison President Craig Ivey said the gas utility crew's findings meant gas was not yet flowing to the new pipes on Thursday.
The owner of the Sushi Park restaurant located on the building's first floor smelled gas at approximately 3 p.m., officials said. He notified the building owner, who in turn contacted one of the contractors, Boyce said. The city fire department received the first emergency 911 alert about the blast roughly 17 minutes later.
No one called 911 or Con Edison before the explosion, said de Blasio. He urged New Yorkers to contact the emergency hotline or the utility immediately if they smell gas. The mayor is also now accepting donations to help those affected by the building collapse.
One of the building contractors and a relative of the five-story structure's owner were among those injured in the explosion and fire, officials said. Police had not yet issued official missing persons reports on the two people who haven't been located, di Blasio's office said earlier on Friday.
Firefighters poured gallons of water Friday over the wreckage, a giant wave of crumbled brick, twisted metal and splintered wood.
Tyler Figueroa told the Associated Press Thursday night that his 23-year-old brother, Nicholas, disappeared after going on a date at the Sushi Park restaurant.
Figueroa said that the couple was paying for their meal when the explosion rocked the building and surrounding area. Nicholas Figueroa's date, who has been hospitalized with injuries, remembers only stumbling outside before losing consciousness, the brother told the Associated Press.
"I just pray my brother shows up," he said. "We just hope my brother comes back."
Contributing: Yamiche Alcindor and Ashley Day. Marisol Bello reported from McLean, Va.
2 remain missing after deadly NYC blast
Using cranes, rakes, face masks and hard hats, officials scoured the area and dug through debris. No fatalities were reported, but police officials said two people who had been at a sushi restaurant in one of the buildings were missing. Mixed-use, commercial and residential buildings at 121, 123 and 119 Second Avenue were destroyed, and another adjoining building was badly damaged.
"We are still actively searching for two individuals," NYPD spokesman Sgt. Carlos Nieves said Saturday afternoon. "We have two canine, cadaver seeking dogs at the location assisting in the recovery efforts."
Meanwhile, four of the injured remained in critical condition Friday afternoon at local hospitals, 24 hours after a suspected gas explosion rocked the area and triggered a seven-alarm blaze that firefighters continued to mop up, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said during an afternoon City Hall news conference.
Authorities also were exploring whether a third person was unaccounted for, NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said, according to the Associated Press.
Clinton wipes server after handing over e-mails
Former secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton decided to "wipe her server clean" and permanently delete all e-mails from the personal server, according to the head of a House committee investigating the terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya.
Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., said Clinton also has refused to turn over the server for an outside review as he and other Republicans have sought.
"Not only was the secretary the sole arbiter of what was a public record, she also summarily decided to delete all e-mails from her server ensuring no one could check behind her analysis in the public interest," Gowdy said in a statement issued Friday.
Clinton, who is likely to announce her candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination soon, has faced intense scrutiny over her use of a private e-mail account, hdr22@clintonemail.com, and a personal server for official business during her time at the State Department.
Her lawyer David Kendall said there's nothing for the committee to see on the server from Clinton's time in office. Clinton had given the State Department all work-related e-mails covering her tenure at the department from Jan. 21, 2009, through Feb. 1, 2013, he said.
In a six-page letter released Friday, Kendall said it would serve no purpose for Clinton to relinquish her server because Clinton's IT advisers have confirmed "there are no hdr22@clinton.com e-mails from Secretary Clinton's tenure as Secretary of State on the server for any review, even if such review were appropriate or legally authorized."
After Clinton's team determined which e-mails were to be turned over to the State Department last year, Clinton choose to delete her personal e-mails and asked her aides to change the settings on the account to retain e-mails for only 60 days, Kendall said. The account was no longer in active use at that point, he said.
Clinton has called on the State Department to release the more than 30,000 work-related e-mails her lawyers handed over to the agency on Dec. 5, 2014. It's up to the department to review them for sensitive information and decide what to share with the public.
Gowdy seems prepared to take further action, saying he would work with the GOP leadership in the House on "next steps." Earlier this month, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, demanded Clinton turn over her server to an independent arbiter but stopped short of saying the House would seek a subpoena for the server.
Gowdy said Clinton would have to answer questions from lawmakers — something her aides say she is prepared to do.
Clinton is "ready and willing to come and appear herself for a hearing open to the American public," her spokesman Nick Merrill said in a statement.
He added that Clinton's representatives have been in touch with Gowdy's committee and the State Department to make it clear Clinton would like the State Department to publicly release her work-related e-mails "as soon as possible."
Clinton wipes server after handing over e-mails
Former secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton decided to "wipe her server clean" and permanently delete all e-mails from the personal server, according to the head of a House committee investigating the terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya.
Co-pilot 'obsessed' with Alps; flew crash area as a boy
Andreas Lubitz, the co-pilot who authorities say flew a Germanwings plane with 150 people aboard into the French Alps, was "obsessed" and "passionate" about the mountainous region and had flown it several times as a child, French and German media report.
Lubitz and his family, along with other members of a gliding club in his hometown of Montabaur, Germany, would take trips with other members to a club in the town of Sisteron, France, about 30 miles from where the Airbus A320 went down Tuesday,
The area, with its numerous peaks and valleys and stunning panoramas, is popular with glider pilots. In the final moments of the Germanwings flight, Lubitz overflew the major turning points for gliders flying from one peak to another, according to local glider pilots, the Associated Press reported.
French investigators said the plane, with Lubitz at the controls and the locked-out pilot trying desperately to break through the cockpit door, flew for about 10 minutes after leaving its 38,000-feet cruising altitude, finally descending into the side of the mountains.
Francis Kefer, a member of the local French gliding club, told France's i-Tele television that the Lubitz family and other members of the Montabaur club came to the region regularly between 1996 and 2003.
Dieter Wagner, a member of the Montabaur club, said he recalls that Lubitz had participated in one of the gliding courses in the Alpine region with Wagner's niece, who was a good friend, Le Parisien reported.
"He was passionate about the Alps and even obsessed," Wagner said. "I'm sure he knew the crash area because he had flown it in a glider."
Ernst Müller, 70, and another member of the German club, said he is "certain that Andreas has participated in at least one or two internships with us in Sisteron," Le Parisien reported. Officials at the club would not comment Saturday, the AP reports.
Lubitz and his family, along with other members of a gliding club in his hometown of Montabaur, Germany, would take trips with other members to a club in the town of Sisteron, France, about 30 miles from where the Airbus A320 went down Tuesday,
The area, with its numerous peaks and valleys and stunning panoramas, is popular with glider pilots. In the final moments of the Germanwings flight, Lubitz overflew the major turning points for gliders flying from one peak to another, according to local glider pilots, the Associated Press reported.
French investigators said the plane, with Lubitz at the controls and the locked-out pilot trying desperately to break through the cockpit door, flew for about 10 minutes after leaving its 38,000-feet cruising altitude, finally descending into the side of the mountains.
Dieter Wagner, a member of the Montabaur club, said he recalls that Lubitz had participated in one of the gliding courses in the Alpine region with Wagner's niece, who was a good friend, Le Parisien reported.
"He was passionate about the Alps and even obsessed," Wagner said. "I'm sure he knew the crash area because he had flown it in a glider."
Ernst Müller, 70, and another member of the German club, said he is "certain that Andreas has participated in at least one or two internships with us in Sisteron," Le Parisien reported. Officials at the club would not comment Saturday, the AP reports.
Co-pilot 'obsessed' with Alps; flew crash area as a boy
Andreas Lubitz, the co-pilot who authorities say flew a Germanwings
plane with 150 people aboard into the French Alps, was "obsessed" and
"passionate" about the mountainous region and had flown it several times
as a child, French and German media report.
Lubitz and his family, along with other members of a gliding club in his hometown of Montabaur, Germany, would take trips with other members to a club in the town of Sisteron, France, about 30 miles from where the Airbus A320 went down Tuesday,
The area, with its numerous peaks and valleys and stunning panoramas, is popular with glider pilots. In the final moments of the Germanwings flight, Lubitz overflew the major turning points for gliders flying from one peak to another, according to local glider pilots, the Associated Press reported.
French investigators said the plane, with Lubitz at the controls and the locked-out pilot trying desperately to break through the cockpit door, flew for about 10 minutes after leaving its 38,000-feet cruising altitude, finally descending into the side of the mountains.
Francis Kefer, a member of the local French gliding club, told France's i-Tele television that the Lubitz family and other members of the Montabaur club came to the region regularly between 1996 and 2003.
Dieter Wagner, a member of the Montabaur club, said he recalls that Lubitz had participated in one of the gliding courses in the Alpine region with Wagner's niece, who was a good friend, Le Parisien reported.
"He was passionate about the Alps and even obsessed," Wagner said. "I'm sure he knew the crash area because he had flown it in a glider."
Ernst Müller, 70, and another member of the German club, said he is "certain that Andreas has participated in at least one or two internships with us in Sisteron," Le Parisien reported. Officials at the club would not comment Saturday, the AP reports.
Lubitz and his family, along with other members of a gliding club in his hometown of Montabaur, Germany, would take trips with other members to a club in the town of Sisteron, France, about 30 miles from where the Airbus A320 went down Tuesday,
The area, with its numerous peaks and valleys and stunning panoramas, is popular with glider pilots. In the final moments of the Germanwings flight, Lubitz overflew the major turning points for gliders flying from one peak to another, according to local glider pilots, the Associated Press reported.
French investigators said the plane, with Lubitz at the controls and the locked-out pilot trying desperately to break through the cockpit door, flew for about 10 minutes after leaving its 38,000-feet cruising altitude, finally descending into the side of the mountains.
Dieter Wagner, a member of the Montabaur club, said he recalls that Lubitz had participated in one of the gliding courses in the Alpine region with Wagner's niece, who was a good friend, Le Parisien reported.
"He was passionate about the Alps and even obsessed," Wagner said. "I'm sure he knew the crash area because he had flown it in a glider."
Ernst Müller, 70, and another member of the German club, said he is "certain that Andreas has participated in at least one or two internships with us in Sisteron," Le Parisien reported. Officials at the club would not comment Saturday, the AP reports.
Friday 27 March 2015
Test Drive: 2016 Mazda6 is sexy outside, classy inside
Despite its much-improved appeal, which generated much-improved sales, Mazda6 remains an afterthought among midsize sedans, outsold nearly eight-to-one by the Honda Accord, which seems most like the Mazda, and almost three-to-one by the oft-overlooked Subaru Legacy.
The freshened 2016 version now is upon us, and the model's sales jumped 28% in February, the month it went on sale.
Mazda wisely left the 2016's outsides almost untouched — modified grille area and that's it — while attending to the interior with richer materials, nicer dashboard and instruments.
Test Drive: 2016 Mazda6 is sexy outside, classy inside
Despite its much-improved appeal, which generated much-improved sales, Mazda6 remains an afterthought among midsize sedans, outsold nearly eight-to-one by the Honda Accord, which seems most like the Mazda, and almost three-to-one by the oft-overlooked Subaru Legacy.
The freshened 2016 version now is upon us, and the model's sales jumped 28% in February, the month it went on sale.
Mazda wisely left the 2016's outsides almost untouched — modified grille area and that's it — while attending to the interior with richer materials, nicer dashboard and instruments.
Facebook to provide Internet using solar-powered drones
These days, it feels drones are everywhere: drone lifeguards in Tuscany, a drone delivery service through Amazon and drone selfies.
In the latest in the dronevolution, Facebook continues to investigate the use of solar-powered drones that would supply Internet to the two-thirds of the world that remains disconnected. The plan could also include satellites and lasers.
USA TODAY
Amazon urges faster FAA approval of drones
Falling under the domain name Internet.org, the project is run by Facebook's Connectivity Lab, comprised a team of experts from NASA and communication technology gurus. It also includes members from the UK company Ascenta, which built the longest flying solar-powered unmanned aircraft.
As the drone gets developed, Internet.org has made its app available in six states in India and Ghana this year, which provides free access to a series of services and websites covering topics like maternal health, education, and job listings. To make this possible, Facebook partnered with local carriers like Reliance Communications.
Get ready world! Facebook is taking over the Internet…again.
Facebook to provide Internet using solar-powered drones
These days, it feels drones are everywhere: drone lifeguards in Tuscany, a drone delivery service through Amazon and drone selfies.
In the latest in the dronevolution, Facebook continues to investigate the use of solar-powered drones that would supply Internet to the two-thirds of the world that remains disconnected. The plan could also include satellites and lasers.
USA TODAY
Amazon urges faster FAA approval of drones
Falling under the domain name Internet.org, the project is run by Facebook's Connectivity Lab, comprised a team of experts from NASA and communication technology gurus. It also includes members from the UK company Ascenta, which built the longest flying solar-powered unmanned aircraft.
As the drone gets developed, Internet.org has made its app available in six states in India and Ghana this year, which provides free access to a series of services and websites covering topics like maternal health, education, and job listings. To make this possible, Facebook partnered with local carriers like Reliance Communications.
Get ready world! Facebook is taking over the Internet…again.
Astronaut Kelly launches on record-setting trip
By doubling that mission duration for two crew members for the first time on the International Space Station — four cosmonauts lived for at least a year on Russia's Mir station — NASA and its partners hope to learn more about the issues astronauts might face on even longer voyages to Mars.
An eventual mission to Mars would last at least 500 days.
"The world is excited about your mission," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden told the crew before it departed for the launch pad. "It's the beginning of a new phase of exploration between our two countries ... and takes us a little bit farther on the journey to Mars, and that's really important for us."
The space agencies are discussing assigning more astronauts to yearlong missions.
Kelly, a 51-year-old father of two daughters ages 20 and 11 who spent nearly six months on the station ending in early 2011, was not enthusiastic about the idea at first.
Astronaut Scott Kelly and girlfriend Amiko Kauderer prepare for ultimate long-distance relationship. Kelly will make history as NASA's first astronaut to spend an entire year in space. VPC
"I'll be honest with you, I wasn't all that interested," he said. "After mulling it over, talking to my family, friends, girlfriend, I decided that the challenges that staying in space for a whole year presented was appealing to me even considering the sacrifices."
Kornienko's wife cried upon learning about his second long spaceflight — this time for an entire year — but later supported the decision. The 54-year-old grandfather will fly with pictures of his family and his deceased parents.
"We have the chance to be the first to spend a whole year on the space station, and it will be of great use for future generations for science and for those who might fly further to Mars and to outer space," he said through a translator.
Kelly does not conceal how difficult he expects living on the station for nearly a year — 342 days, to be precise — to be. But he hopes he'll experience nothing like the family crisis he confronted during his first expedition.
Halfway through that flight, he learned about the shooting of his sister-in-law, then-Rep. Gabby Giffords, who is married to his twin brother, former astronaut Mark Kelly. Giffords continues to recover, but that day both Kellys endured early media reports that she had died.
Mark Kelly came to Central Asia to see his brother launch.
"This mission will push the limits of what Americans can do in space," Mark Kelly. "I hope it will advance our understanding of what happens when people leave the planet for a long time and help pave the way for sending Americans beyond low-earth orbit."
Researchers will take advantage of a twin's involvement in the mission to study spaceflight's long-term effects. They'll compare how Scott Kelly responds during the year in microgravity to Mark Kelly, a four-time shuttle flier, back on the ground.
Months in space are known to cause loss of bone and muscle mass, weakened immune systems and impaired vision, but the upcoming mission will track those health effects over more time and with better medical technology than was available during Russia's previous year-plus missions.
"That's one of the reasons why we're doing this flight and flying for longer than we have before, to better understand some of these effects and how to mitigate them for our future exploration goals," Scott Kelly said.
NASA astronauts have ventured back outside the International Space Station for more cable work and a lube job.
Based on experience and advice from cosmonauts who have flown longer — the longest single trip lasted 438 days — Scott Kelly expects his biggest challenge will be pacing his workload to avoid burnout.
Appropriately, the mission patch for his Soyuz crew features marathon runners.
"I hope I get six months into this and I have six months of energy left in the battery to get to the end," he said. "I think I will."
However, on his last flight he found that he began feeling mentally ready to return home about two-thirds of the way through — after just four months, in that case. He hopes not to feel that way so soon this time.
It might help that Kelly will participate in a busy period involving what he calls the station's "reassembly." A module and other components will be rearranged, and he'll likely perform his first spacewalk.
USA TODAY
Sarah Brightman looks for her 'space song'
During free time he plans to talk to family and friends with a Skype-like phone connection, see them in occasional video conferences, send e-mails, read books and watch TV shows uplinked to him, including Houston Texans football games.
"It hasn't escaped me that I'll watch a whole baseball season, which is very long, and a whole football season," he said.
He plans to maintain a daily journal to document his thoughts and feelings as the lengthy mission progresses, experiences he'll share with scientists.
USA TODAY
Age is no barrier for astronaut Peggy Whitson
In addition to Kornienko, Kelly will spend parts of his year in orbit with 13 others coming to and going from the outpost, including the three crew members there now: American Terry Virts, Italian Samantha Cristoforetti and Russian Anton Shkaplerov. But he knows he'll miss the variety of people and weather on Earth and will grapple with the monotony of being in the same place for so long.
"You'll miss your friends and family on Earth," he said. "You also miss being able to leave, being able to go outside your place of work. It's kind of like you're at work 24/7 for a whole year."
At the same time, he's looking forward to seeing how parts of the planet change over an entire year, its thin, fragile atmosphere and visually stunning space weather phenomenon like the aurora.
Astronaut Kelly launches on record-setting trip
By doubling that mission duration for two crew members for the first time on the International Space Station — four cosmonauts lived for at least a year on Russia's Mir station — NASA and its partners hope to learn more about the issues astronauts might face on even longer voyages to Mars.
An eventual mission to Mars would last at least 500 days.
"The world is excited about your mission," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden told the crew before it departed for the launch pad. "It's the beginning of a new phase of exploration between our two countries ... and takes us a little bit farther on the journey to Mars, and that's really important for us."
The space agencies are discussing assigning more astronauts to yearlong missions.
Kelly, a 51-year-old father of two daughters ages 20 and 11 who spent nearly six months on the station ending in early 2011, was not enthusiastic about the idea at first.
Astronaut Scott Kelly and girlfriend Amiko Kauderer prepare for ultimate long-distance relationship. Kelly will make history as NASA's first astronaut to spend an entire year in space. VPC
"I'll be honest with you, I wasn't all that interested," he said. "After mulling it over, talking to my family, friends, girlfriend, I decided that the challenges that staying in space for a whole year presented was appealing to me even considering the sacrifices."
Kornienko's wife cried upon learning about his second long spaceflight — this time for an entire year — but later supported the decision. The 54-year-old grandfather will fly with pictures of his family and his deceased parents.
"We have the chance to be the first to spend a whole year on the space station, and it will be of great use for future generations for science and for those who might fly further to Mars and to outer space," he said through a translator.
Kelly does not conceal how difficult he expects living on the station for nearly a year — 342 days, to be precise — to be. But he hopes he'll experience nothing like the family crisis he confronted during his first expedition.
Halfway through that flight, he learned about the shooting of his sister-in-law, then-Rep. Gabby Giffords, who is married to his twin brother, former astronaut Mark Kelly. Giffords continues to recover, but that day both Kellys endured early media reports that she had died.
Mark Kelly came to Central Asia to see his brother launch.
"This mission will push the limits of what Americans can do in space," Mark Kelly. "I hope it will advance our understanding of what happens when people leave the planet for a long time and help pave the way for sending Americans beyond low-earth orbit."
Researchers will take advantage of a twin's involvement in the mission to study spaceflight's long-term effects. They'll compare how Scott Kelly responds during the year in microgravity to Mark Kelly, a four-time shuttle flier, back on the ground.
Months in space are known to cause loss of bone and muscle mass, weakened immune systems and impaired vision, but the upcoming mission will track those health effects over more time and with better medical technology than was available during Russia's previous year-plus missions.
"That's one of the reasons why we're doing this flight and flying for longer than we have before, to better understand some of these effects and how to mitigate them for our future exploration goals," Scott Kelly said.
NASA astronauts have ventured back outside the International Space Station for more cable work and a lube job.
Based on experience and advice from cosmonauts who have flown longer — the longest single trip lasted 438 days — Scott Kelly expects his biggest challenge will be pacing his workload to avoid burnout.
Appropriately, the mission patch for his Soyuz crew features marathon runners.
"I hope I get six months into this and I have six months of energy left in the battery to get to the end," he said. "I think I will."
However, on his last flight he found that he began feeling mentally ready to return home about two-thirds of the way through — after just four months, in that case. He hopes not to feel that way so soon this time.
It might help that Kelly will participate in a busy period involving what he calls the station's "reassembly." A module and other components will be rearranged, and he'll likely perform his first spacewalk.
USA TODAY
Sarah Brightman looks for her 'space song'
During free time he plans to talk to family and friends with a Skype-like phone connection, see them in occasional video conferences, send e-mails, read books and watch TV shows uplinked to him, including Houston Texans football games.
"It hasn't escaped me that I'll watch a whole baseball season, which is very long, and a whole football season," he said.
He plans to maintain a daily journal to document his thoughts and feelings as the lengthy mission progresses, experiences he'll share with scientists.
USA TODAY
Age is no barrier for astronaut Peggy Whitson
In addition to Kornienko, Kelly will spend parts of his year in orbit with 13 others coming to and going from the outpost, including the three crew members there now: American Terry Virts, Italian Samantha Cristoforetti and Russian Anton Shkaplerov. But he knows he'll miss the variety of people and weather on Earth and will grapple with the monotony of being in the same place for so long.
"You'll miss your friends and family on Earth," he said. "You also miss being able to leave, being able to go outside your place of work. It's kind of like you're at work 24/7 for a whole year."
At the same time, he's looking forward to seeing how parts of the planet change over an entire year, its thin, fragile atmosphere and visually stunning space weather phenomenon like the aurora.
Altera shares up on Intel buyout rumors
Shares of computer chipmakers Intel (INTC) and Altera (ALTR) are up big Friday on unfounded speculation of a buyout.
If Intel were to buy peer semiconductor firm, and no one is confirming it is, that would stand to be Intel’s biggest buyout ever. Altera as a market value of $10.4 billion – meaning a buyout would need to be higher yet. News of the talks between the companies was reported by Dow Jones.
The deal, if it happens, would be unusual for Intel. Intel tends to do lots of smaller deals. Intel’s biggest buyout was its Aug. 19, 2010 purchase of computer security firm McAfee for nearly $8 billion, says S&P Capital IQ.
Shares of Intel are up $1.93, or 6.4%, to $32.02. Altera shares are up $9.88, or 29%, to $44.46. Intel had no comment.
Altera shares up on Intel buyout rumors
Shares of computer chipmakers Intel (INTC) and Altera (ALTR) are up big Friday on unfounded speculation of a buyout.
If Intel were to buy peer semiconductor firm, and no one is confirming it is, that would stand to be Intel’s biggest buyout ever. Altera as a market value of $10.4 billion – meaning a buyout would need to be higher yet. News of the talks between the companies was reported by Dow Jones.
The deal, if it happens, would be unusual for Intel. Intel tends to do lots of smaller deals. Intel’s biggest buyout was its Aug. 19, 2010 purchase of computer security firm McAfee for nearly $8 billion, says S&P Capital IQ.
Shares of Intel are up $1.93, or 6.4%, to $32.02. Altera shares are up $9.88, or 29%, to $44.46. Intel had no comment.
Antarctica is alluring and forbidding
Their beady little eyes, squarish torsos and adorable waddling make penguins one of the main attractions for tourists who come to Antarctica. But far from the surface waters where they swim with seals and whales, deep in the oceans and across thousands of miles of frozen continent is another side of Antarctica that is both forbidding and mysterious.
It's in those places that scientists study the rapid melting of icebergs and global warming, look for clues about humanity's past that could help us see the future and even find forms of life that survive and thrive in extremely harsh conditions.
Over two weeks, an Associated Press team traveled to Antarctica with scientists who were looking for hints of pollution, studying rock formations and analyzing the worrisome melting of the ice along the western side of the continent. Along the way, the team encountered awe-inspiring glaciers and jagged craters, a Russian orthodox church that doubles as a beacon of light for incoming ships and even spent several days stranded in a nasty patch of fog, the kind of volatile weather that is practically a staple of any Antarctica visit.
This selection of photos provides a window into to some of the animals, landscapes and unique people who live and work in one of the world's most inhospitable yet important places.
Antarctica is alluring and forbidding
Their beady little eyes, squarish torsos and adorable waddling make penguins one of the main attractions for tourists who come to Antarctica. But far from the surface waters where they swim with seals and whales, deep in the oceans and across thousands of miles of frozen continent is another side of Antarctica that is both forbidding and mysterious.
It's in those places that scientists study the rapid melting of icebergs and global warming, look for clues about humanity's past that could help us see the future and even find forms of life that survive and thrive in extremely harsh conditions.
Over two weeks, an Associated Press team traveled to Antarctica with scientists who were looking for hints of pollution, studying rock formations and analyzing the worrisome melting of the ice along the western side of the continent. Along the way, the team encountered awe-inspiring glaciers and jagged craters, a Russian orthodox church that doubles as a beacon of light for incoming ships and even spent several days stranded in a nasty patch of fog, the kind of volatile weather that is practically a staple of any Antarctica visit.
This selection of photos provides a window into to some of the animals, landscapes and unique people who live and work in one of the world's most inhospitable yet important places.
Italy's top court overturns Amanda Knox conviction
Italy's top court overturns Amanda Knox conviction
In a final, stunning ruling, Italy's highest court on Friday overturned the convictions of American Amanda Knox and her former Italian boyfriend in the sensational murder case of Knox's British roommate.
The six judges of the Court of Cassation announced their decision about 10:30 p.m. in Rome (5:30 p.m. ET). They began deliberating at noon after closing arguments by a lawyer for Raffaele Sollecito, Knox's boyfriend when 21-year-old Meredith Kercher was stabbed to death in late 2007.
"I am tremendously relieved and grateful for the decision of the Supreme Court of Italy," the 27-year-old Knox said in a statement from her home in Seattle. "The knowledge of my innocence has given me strength in the darkest times of this ordeal."
She thanked everyone who supported her. "Your kindness has sustained me."
Her Italian lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, said she "was crying because she was so happy" when he called to deliver the news.
Late Friday night, Knox, surrounded by family, delivered another short statement. "You saved my life. ...I'm so grateful to have my life back," she said tearfully.
She went on to describe Kercher as a friend: "She deserved so much in this life. I... I'm the lucky one."
Knox's mother, Edda Mallas, said the family needed "time to digest" the news.
The ruling, which struck down last year's guilty verdicts by a Florence appeals court, brings the eight-year case to a close. The judges concluded that the evidence did not support a conviction, and they declined to order another trial. Their reasoning will be released within 90 days.
Knox and Sollecito had served four years in Italian prisons before a lower court overturned their convictions and set them free in 2011. But the Cassation Court reversed that decision in 2013 and sent the case to the lower Florence court.
Knox had consistently maintained her innocence and did not return to Italy for the final hearing. Her Italian lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, said she was "very worried" in the days before the ruling, and vowed to never willingly return to Italy if the conviction was upheld.
USA TODAY
Lawyer for Knox's ex-boyfriend makes final court appeal
Sollecito's lawyer made a final appeal to the court Friday, saying there were "colossal" errors in the Florence appeals court verdict.
In her two-hour argument, Giulia Bongiorno compared Sollecito to Forrest Gump, the naive, dim-witted-but-earnest fictional hero of the book and 1994 movie starring Tom Hanks.
"He is an innocent who became wrapped up in spectacular and gigantic events that, like Forrest Gump, he did not fully realize," she said, saying her client was "was watching cartoons" at home when Kercher was killed.
Amanda Knox was convicted in 2009 for the murder of her housemate, Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Umbria, Italy, where they were both students. She served four years of a 26-year sentence before the murder conviction was overturned in October 2011. Now she is working to move on with her life. (Photo: Scott Eklund, Red Box Pictures, for USA TODAY)
Italy's top court overturns Amanda Knox conviction
Italy's top court overturns Amanda Knox conviction
In a final, stunning ruling, Italy's highest court on Friday overturned the convictions of American Amanda Knox and her former Italian boyfriend in the sensational murder case of Knox's British roommate.
The six judges of the Court of Cassation announced their decision about 10:30 p.m. in Rome (5:30 p.m. ET). They began deliberating at noon after closing arguments by a lawyer for Raffaele Sollecito, Knox's boyfriend when 21-year-old Meredith Kercher was stabbed to death in late 2007.
"I am tremendously relieved and grateful for the decision of the Supreme Court of Italy," the 27-year-old Knox said in a statement from her home in Seattle. "The knowledge of my innocence has given me strength in the darkest times of this ordeal."
She thanked everyone who supported her. "Your kindness has sustained me."
Her Italian lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, said she "was crying because she was so happy" when he called to deliver the news.
Late Friday night, Knox, surrounded by family, delivered another short statement. "You saved my life. ...I'm so grateful to have my life back," she said tearfully.
She went on to describe Kercher as a friend: "She deserved so much in this life. I... I'm the lucky one."
Knox's mother, Edda Mallas, said the family needed "time to digest" the news.
The ruling, which struck down last year's guilty verdicts by a Florence appeals court, brings the eight-year case to a close. The judges concluded that the evidence did not support a conviction, and they declined to order another trial. Their reasoning will be released within 90 days.
Knox and Sollecito had served four years in Italian prisons before a lower court overturned their convictions and set them free in 2011. But the Cassation Court reversed that decision in 2013 and sent the case to the lower Florence court.
Knox had consistently maintained her innocence and did not return to Italy for the final hearing. Her Italian lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, said she was "very worried" in the days before the ruling, and vowed to never willingly return to Italy if the conviction was upheld.
USA TODAY
Lawyer for Knox's ex-boyfriend makes final court appeal
Sollecito's lawyer made a final appeal to the court Friday, saying there were "colossal" errors in the Florence appeals court verdict.
In her two-hour argument, Giulia Bongiorno compared Sollecito to Forrest Gump, the naive, dim-witted-but-earnest fictional hero of the book and 1994 movie starring Tom Hanks.
"He is an innocent who became wrapped up in spectacular and gigantic events that, like Forrest Gump, he did not fully realize," she said, saying her client was "was watching cartoons" at home when Kercher was killed.
Amanda Knox was convicted in 2009 for the murder of her housemate, Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Umbria, Italy, where they were both students. She served four years of a 26-year sentence before the murder conviction was overturned in October 2011. Now she is working to move on with her life. (Photo: Scott Eklund, Red Box Pictures, for USA TODAY)
FTW's infallible WrestleMania 31 predictions
FTW's infallible WrestleMania 31 predictions
The biggest wrestling event of the year is just three days away. WrestleMania 31 kicks off Sunday at 7 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium, and you can watch on the WWE Network. Before the show, USA TODAY Sports wrestling aficionados Josh Barnett and Nick Schwartz analyzed the card and picked winners for all nine matches.
Tyson Kidd and Cesaro vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos
Fatal four-way match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Barnett: Love tag team wrestling but there might be too many bodies in here when you count the eight in the ring, the third member of the New Day, Natalya and El Torito. Kidd and Cesaro keep the belts in what could be a fun bout.
Schwartz: I’m expecting lots of high-flying spots and constant fighting outside of the ring. I’d like to see the Usos regain the tag titles, but given that they were the champions for the majority of the last year and The New Day has been more or less a flop, it seems more likely that Kidd and Cesaro stay in the spotlight.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale
Barnett: This seems like a spot for Sheamus to make his return and win. WWE has promoted that he is returning longer than I expected. I think this is where we also see the breaking point between The Miz and Damien Mizdow with The Miz ordering his former bodyguard to jump over the top rope and Mizdow refusing. Bigger question is whether the trophy makes it unscathed past Monday’s RAW. Sports entertainment and trophies rarely have a happy ending.
Schwartz: I’m hoping this is the year that the Battle Royale title will actually mean something for the winner in the long run, as Cesaro won the inaugural match at WrestleMania XXX but never did anything with the momentum. I think the WWE cashes in on an opportunity to give the fans what they want here and have Damien Mizdow eliminate The Miz to win, and move on to join the Intercontinental title picture.
AJ Lee and Paige vs. The Bella Twins
Barnett: If WWE really wants to #GiveDivasAChance, here it is. Nikki Bella has taken on an aggressive style and improved immensely since holding the Divas title. The obvious angle is whether the “frenemies” can work together. I think another round between the top two workers in the Divas division seems like the way to go. Bellas get the win, but a split between A.J. and Paige is the story going forward.
Schwartz: AJ Lee won the only Divas match at WM last year in 6:48. I’m expecting the WWE to listen to the fans and give this match at least 10 minutes. In a perfect world, AJ Lee and Paige win on Sunday but turn on each other after the match is over, setting up a triple threat match with Nikki Bella for the Divas title on Raw the next night.
John Cena vs. Rusev
For the WWE United States championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Barnett: WWE has smartly found a way to get people — or half the people — to stop booing Cena. Hating on Cena here would be going against America and apple pie. Putting Cena in the U.S. title match provides the title instant luster and having him win it would mean even more. Rusev loses the belt but it also opens up a chance for him to do some other things. Where Lana fits in here could be interesting too. I’ve liked the build for this match.
Schwartz: It seems strange that Cena, still undoubtedly the most popular wrestler in the business, is in the running for what is the third-biggest title — but giving Cena the U.S. belt both elevates the championship and gives the WWE a chance to turn U.S. title bouts into highly anticipated pay-per-view highlights each month. Cena doesn’t need the heavyweight title to be relevant, so why not have him prop up a lesser division? Rusev is amazing, and he can be more than just the United States champion.
Seven-man ladder match for the Intercontinental championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Barnett: I am hoping we are going back to the day when the Intercontinental title is the belt held by the guy who consistently put on the best match every night. (Full disclosure: My favorite WrestleMania match of all time is Ricky Steamboat-Randy Savage for the Intercontinental title at WM3.) I think there will be tons of cool spots in this match and could open the main show. I see another “Yes-tleMania” moment and Daniel Bryan taking home the belt.
Schwartz: If WWE wants to give fans instant gratification, Bryan should win — but having him hold a title would keep Bryan out of the picture for the WWE World Heavyweight title, and there’s already a logjam of wrestlers below main event status. I think it may be wiser if Dean Ambrose or Dolph Ziggler — tremendous talents who aren’t yet ready to be the top guy in the company — take the Intercontinental belt while Bryan goes on to challenge the likes of Lesnar/Orton/Rollins. Ziggler‘s my pick.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Barnett: This match could steal the show if the match actually happens. Among J&J Security, Big Show, Kane and whomever else ends up around the ring, the action could get lost in the shuffle. That would be a shame. This is the type of match I’d want to see more than once. Figure on a funky finish (Orton by disqualification) and a rematch at Extreme Rules next month.
Schwartz: Rollins and Orton could turn in one of the best matches of the card and I hope they get enough time in the ring to really put on a show. I like Orton to win this match, mostly because I’ve got a hunch that Rollins could be cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase later in the show (there’s only a few months until the next MITB pay-per-view, so it has to happen sooner or later).
The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt
Courtesy of WWE
Courtesy of WWE
Barnett: Hopefully, this one goes on late on the West Coast so the cool effects of each entrance happen in the dark. The Undertaker wouldn’t be back unless he was sure that he could put on an Undertaker quality match. It doesn’t even matter if Wyatt wins here — The Undertaker’s WrestleMania record is littered with guys who were greats or would go on to be greats. Being in the ring on this stage with the Dead Man makes Wyatt a winner in the long run even if The Undertaker gets his hand raised.
Schwartz: I never thought The Undertaker would be back in the ring after losing to Lesnar (it was a perfect way to go out!), and I’m still a little stunned this is actually happening. That being said, there’s no way The Undertaker loses twice in a row, if only because Wyatt wouldn’t get the same boost from the win that Lesnar did. I just hope the quality of the match is equal to what will undoubtedly be jaw-dropping entrances.
Sting vs. Triple H
Screen Shot 2015-03-25 at 5.55.36 PM
Barnett: Would it be best for business if the guy running the show behind the scenes beat Sting in his WWE in-ring debut? At 57, not sure how much Sting has left but he looks in great shape and Triple H is always in great shape despite the long layoff. I am not sure they end this after one bout. I figure an unsatisfying victory for Sting by DQ. Could you see a bat vs. sledgehammer match in the future?
Schwartz: Triple H doesn’t have much to gain by beating Sting, so I think it’s pretty safe to assume that Sting wins a match that includes at least six Pedigrees and Scorpion Death Drops. After the bell, The Game uses a sledgehammer on Sting to keep the feud running, perhaps for a rematch at SummerSlam.
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
For the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Courtesy of WWE
Courtesy of WWE
Barnett: The dynamic changes now that Lesnar has announced he is going to stick with WWE. I have seen scenarios that suggest Reigns turns heel and leaves with Paul Heyman and others where Lesnar remains Lesnar. No point in making this a Lesnar squash in the long run. This will be a great match. Seth Rollins plays into this somehow, even if he doesn’t cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. WrestleMania needs to end with a clean finish and I think Lesnar retains.
Schwartz: After putting Reigns through approximately 10 F5’s, Lesnar keeps his title in a brutal match — but after the confetti settles at Levi’s Stadium, Seth Rollins sprints down the ramp, cashes in his briefcase and becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight champion.
Best match of the show:
Barnett: If the outside the ring stuff is held to a minimum, Rollins-Orton could be a great bout with two guys who know how to tell a story and aren’t afraid to take chances.
Schwartz: I have high hopes for Sting vs. Triple H, but the match people are going to be buzzing about Monday is the seven-man ladder match. Ladder matches never disappoint at WrestleMania.
Worst match of the show:
Barnett: Would be easy to say the Divas match, but it’s WrestleMania, there shouldn’t be any stinkers here. I think the tag team bout could be in danger of falling into below expectations territory if it doesn’t get any sort of flow going.
Schwartz: Before Lesnar announced he’s staying, I was worried that the main event was going to be a dud, but everything changed when Lesnar went on SportsCenter. I’m keeping my expectations in check for the Battle Royale.
Best entrance:
Barnett: WWE is going to go all out for Sting‘s wrestling debut.
Schwartz: If you only watch 10 minutes of the WWE all year long, it should be to see The Undertaker‘s entrance at WrestleMania. It’s worth the 9.99 by itself.
The biggest wrestling event of the year is just three days away. WrestleMania 31 kicks off Sunday at 7 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium, and you can watch on the WWE Network. Before the show, USA TODAY Sports wrestling aficionados Josh Barnett and Nick Schwartz analyzed the card and picked winners for all nine matches.
Tyson Kidd and Cesaro vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos
Fatal four-way match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Barnett: Love tag team wrestling but there might be too many bodies in here when you count the eight in the ring, the third member of the New Day, Natalya and El Torito. Kidd and Cesaro keep the belts in what could be a fun bout.
Schwartz: I’m expecting lots of high-flying spots and constant fighting outside of the ring. I’d like to see the Usos regain the tag titles, but given that they were the champions for the majority of the last year and The New Day has been more or less a flop, it seems more likely that Kidd and Cesaro stay in the spotlight.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale
Barnett: This seems like a spot for Sheamus to make his return and win. WWE has promoted that he is returning longer than I expected. I think this is where we also see the breaking point between The Miz and Damien Mizdow with The Miz ordering his former bodyguard to jump over the top rope and Mizdow refusing. Bigger question is whether the trophy makes it unscathed past Monday’s RAW. Sports entertainment and trophies rarely have a happy ending.
Schwartz: I’m hoping this is the year that the Battle Royale title will actually mean something for the winner in the long run, as Cesaro won the inaugural match at WrestleMania XXX but never did anything with the momentum. I think the WWE cashes in on an opportunity to give the fans what they want here and have Damien Mizdow eliminate The Miz to win, and move on to join the Intercontinental title picture.
AJ Lee and Paige vs. The Bella Twins
Barnett: If WWE really wants to #GiveDivasAChance, here it is. Nikki Bella has taken on an aggressive style and improved immensely since holding the Divas title. The obvious angle is whether the “frenemies” can work together. I think another round between the top two workers in the Divas division seems like the way to go. Bellas get the win, but a split between A.J. and Paige is the story going forward.
Schwartz: AJ Lee won the only Divas match at WM last year in 6:48. I’m expecting the WWE to listen to the fans and give this match at least 10 minutes. In a perfect world, AJ Lee and Paige win on Sunday but turn on each other after the match is over, setting up a triple threat match with Nikki Bella for the Divas title on Raw the next night.
John Cena vs. Rusev
For the WWE United States championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Barnett: WWE has smartly found a way to get people — or half the people — to stop booing Cena. Hating on Cena here would be going against America and apple pie. Putting Cena in the U.S. title match provides the title instant luster and having him win it would mean even more. Rusev loses the belt but it also opens up a chance for him to do some other things. Where Lana fits in here could be interesting too. I’ve liked the build for this match.
Schwartz: It seems strange that Cena, still undoubtedly the most popular wrestler in the business, is in the running for what is the third-biggest title — but giving Cena the U.S. belt both elevates the championship and gives the WWE a chance to turn U.S. title bouts into highly anticipated pay-per-view highlights each month. Cena doesn’t need the heavyweight title to be relevant, so why not have him prop up a lesser division? Rusev is amazing, and he can be more than just the United States champion.
Seven-man ladder match for the Intercontinental championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Barnett: I am hoping we are going back to the day when the Intercontinental title is the belt held by the guy who consistently put on the best match every night. (Full disclosure: My favorite WrestleMania match of all time is Ricky Steamboat-Randy Savage for the Intercontinental title at WM3.) I think there will be tons of cool spots in this match and could open the main show. I see another “Yes-tleMania” moment and Daniel Bryan taking home the belt.
Schwartz: If WWE wants to give fans instant gratification, Bryan should win — but having him hold a title would keep Bryan out of the picture for the WWE World Heavyweight title, and there’s already a logjam of wrestlers below main event status. I think it may be wiser if Dean Ambrose or Dolph Ziggler — tremendous talents who aren’t yet ready to be the top guy in the company — take the Intercontinental belt while Bryan goes on to challenge the likes of Lesnar/Orton/Rollins. Ziggler‘s my pick.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Barnett: This match could steal the show if the match actually happens. Among J&J Security, Big Show, Kane and whomever else ends up around the ring, the action could get lost in the shuffle. That would be a shame. This is the type of match I’d want to see more than once. Figure on a funky finish (Orton by disqualification) and a rematch at Extreme Rules next month.
Schwartz: Rollins and Orton could turn in one of the best matches of the card and I hope they get enough time in the ring to really put on a show. I like Orton to win this match, mostly because I’ve got a hunch that Rollins could be cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase later in the show (there’s only a few months until the next MITB pay-per-view, so it has to happen sooner or later).
The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt
Courtesy of WWE
Courtesy of WWE
Barnett: Hopefully, this one goes on late on the West Coast so the cool effects of each entrance happen in the dark. The Undertaker wouldn’t be back unless he was sure that he could put on an Undertaker quality match. It doesn’t even matter if Wyatt wins here — The Undertaker’s WrestleMania record is littered with guys who were greats or would go on to be greats. Being in the ring on this stage with the Dead Man makes Wyatt a winner in the long run even if The Undertaker gets his hand raised.
Schwartz: I never thought The Undertaker would be back in the ring after losing to Lesnar (it was a perfect way to go out!), and I’m still a little stunned this is actually happening. That being said, there’s no way The Undertaker loses twice in a row, if only because Wyatt wouldn’t get the same boost from the win that Lesnar did. I just hope the quality of the match is equal to what will undoubtedly be jaw-dropping entrances.
Sting vs. Triple H
Screen Shot 2015-03-25 at 5.55.36 PM
Barnett: Would it be best for business if the guy running the show behind the scenes beat Sting in his WWE in-ring debut? At 57, not sure how much Sting has left but he looks in great shape and Triple H is always in great shape despite the long layoff. I am not sure they end this after one bout. I figure an unsatisfying victory for Sting by DQ. Could you see a bat vs. sledgehammer match in the future?
Schwartz: Triple H doesn’t have much to gain by beating Sting, so I think it’s pretty safe to assume that Sting wins a match that includes at least six Pedigrees and Scorpion Death Drops. After the bell, The Game uses a sledgehammer on Sting to keep the feud running, perhaps for a rematch at SummerSlam.
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
For the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Courtesy of WWE
Courtesy of WWE
Barnett: The dynamic changes now that Lesnar has announced he is going to stick with WWE. I have seen scenarios that suggest Reigns turns heel and leaves with Paul Heyman and others where Lesnar remains Lesnar. No point in making this a Lesnar squash in the long run. This will be a great match. Seth Rollins plays into this somehow, even if he doesn’t cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. WrestleMania needs to end with a clean finish and I think Lesnar retains.
Schwartz: After putting Reigns through approximately 10 F5’s, Lesnar keeps his title in a brutal match — but after the confetti settles at Levi’s Stadium, Seth Rollins sprints down the ramp, cashes in his briefcase and becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight champion.
Best match of the show:
Barnett: If the outside the ring stuff is held to a minimum, Rollins-Orton could be a great bout with two guys who know how to tell a story and aren’t afraid to take chances.
Schwartz: I have high hopes for Sting vs. Triple H, but the match people are going to be buzzing about Monday is the seven-man ladder match. Ladder matches never disappoint at WrestleMania.
Worst match of the show:
Barnett: Would be easy to say the Divas match, but it’s WrestleMania, there shouldn’t be any stinkers here. I think the tag team bout could be in danger of falling into below expectations territory if it doesn’t get any sort of flow going.
Schwartz: Before Lesnar announced he’s staying, I was worried that the main event was going to be a dud, but everything changed when Lesnar went on SportsCenter. I’m keeping my expectations in check for the Battle Royale.
Best entrance:
Barnett: WWE is going to go all out for Sting‘s wrestling debut.
Schwartz: If you only watch 10 minutes of the WWE all year long, it should be to see The Undertaker‘s entrance at WrestleMania. It’s worth the 9.99 by itself.
FTW's infallible WrestleMania 31 predictions
FTW's infallible WrestleMania 31 predictions
The biggest wrestling event of the year is just three days away. WrestleMania 31 kicks off Sunday at 7 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium, and you can watch on the WWE Network. Before the show, USA TODAY Sports wrestling aficionados Josh Barnett and Nick Schwartz analyzed the card and picked winners for all nine matches.
Tyson Kidd and Cesaro vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos
Fatal four-way match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Barnett: Love tag team wrestling but there might be too many bodies in here when you count the eight in the ring, the third member of the New Day, Natalya and El Torito. Kidd and Cesaro keep the belts in what could be a fun bout.
Schwartz: I’m expecting lots of high-flying spots and constant fighting outside of the ring. I’d like to see the Usos regain the tag titles, but given that they were the champions for the majority of the last year and The New Day has been more or less a flop, it seems more likely that Kidd and Cesaro stay in the spotlight.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale
Barnett: This seems like a spot for Sheamus to make his return and win. WWE has promoted that he is returning longer than I expected. I think this is where we also see the breaking point between The Miz and Damien Mizdow with The Miz ordering his former bodyguard to jump over the top rope and Mizdow refusing. Bigger question is whether the trophy makes it unscathed past Monday’s RAW. Sports entertainment and trophies rarely have a happy ending.
Schwartz: I’m hoping this is the year that the Battle Royale title will actually mean something for the winner in the long run, as Cesaro won the inaugural match at WrestleMania XXX but never did anything with the momentum. I think the WWE cashes in on an opportunity to give the fans what they want here and have Damien Mizdow eliminate The Miz to win, and move on to join the Intercontinental title picture.
AJ Lee and Paige vs. The Bella Twins
Barnett: If WWE really wants to #GiveDivasAChance, here it is. Nikki Bella has taken on an aggressive style and improved immensely since holding the Divas title. The obvious angle is whether the “frenemies” can work together. I think another round between the top two workers in the Divas division seems like the way to go. Bellas get the win, but a split between A.J. and Paige is the story going forward.
Schwartz: AJ Lee won the only Divas match at WM last year in 6:48. I’m expecting the WWE to listen to the fans and give this match at least 10 minutes. In a perfect world, AJ Lee and Paige win on Sunday but turn on each other after the match is over, setting up a triple threat match with Nikki Bella for the Divas title on Raw the next night.
John Cena vs. Rusev
For the WWE United States championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Barnett: WWE has smartly found a way to get people — or half the people — to stop booing Cena. Hating on Cena here would be going against America and apple pie. Putting Cena in the U.S. title match provides the title instant luster and having him win it would mean even more. Rusev loses the belt but it also opens up a chance for him to do some other things. Where Lana fits in here could be interesting too. I’ve liked the build for this match.
Schwartz: It seems strange that Cena, still undoubtedly the most popular wrestler in the business, is in the running for what is the third-biggest title — but giving Cena the U.S. belt both elevates the championship and gives the WWE a chance to turn U.S. title bouts into highly anticipated pay-per-view highlights each month. Cena doesn’t need the heavyweight title to be relevant, so why not have him prop up a lesser division? Rusev is amazing, and he can be more than just the United States champion.
Seven-man ladder match for the Intercontinental championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Barnett: I am hoping we are going back to the day when the Intercontinental title is the belt held by the guy who consistently put on the best match every night. (Full disclosure: My favorite WrestleMania match of all time is Ricky Steamboat-Randy Savage for the Intercontinental title at WM3.) I think there will be tons of cool spots in this match and could open the main show. I see another “Yes-tleMania” moment and Daniel Bryan taking home the belt.
Schwartz: If WWE wants to give fans instant gratification, Bryan should win — but having him hold a title would keep Bryan out of the picture for the WWE World Heavyweight title, and there’s already a logjam of wrestlers below main event status. I think it may be wiser if Dean Ambrose or Dolph Ziggler — tremendous talents who aren’t yet ready to be the top guy in the company — take the Intercontinental belt while Bryan goes on to challenge the likes of Lesnar/Orton/Rollins. Ziggler‘s my pick.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Barnett: This match could steal the show if the match actually happens. Among J&J Security, Big Show, Kane and whomever else ends up around the ring, the action could get lost in the shuffle. That would be a shame. This is the type of match I’d want to see more than once. Figure on a funky finish (Orton by disqualification) and a rematch at Extreme Rules next month.
Schwartz: Rollins and Orton could turn in one of the best matches of the card and I hope they get enough time in the ring to really put on a show. I like Orton to win this match, mostly because I’ve got a hunch that Rollins could be cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase later in the show (there’s only a few months until the next MITB pay-per-view, so it has to happen sooner or later).
The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt
Courtesy of WWE
Courtesy of WWE
Barnett: Hopefully, this one goes on late on the West Coast so the cool effects of each entrance happen in the dark. The Undertaker wouldn’t be back unless he was sure that he could put on an Undertaker quality match. It doesn’t even matter if Wyatt wins here — The Undertaker’s WrestleMania record is littered with guys who were greats or would go on to be greats. Being in the ring on this stage with the Dead Man makes Wyatt a winner in the long run even if The Undertaker gets his hand raised.
Schwartz: I never thought The Undertaker would be back in the ring after losing to Lesnar (it was a perfect way to go out!), and I’m still a little stunned this is actually happening. That being said, there’s no way The Undertaker loses twice in a row, if only because Wyatt wouldn’t get the same boost from the win that Lesnar did. I just hope the quality of the match is equal to what will undoubtedly be jaw-dropping entrances.
Sting vs. Triple H
Screen Shot 2015-03-25 at 5.55.36 PM
Barnett: Would it be best for business if the guy running the show behind the scenes beat Sting in his WWE in-ring debut? At 57, not sure how much Sting has left but he looks in great shape and Triple H is always in great shape despite the long layoff. I am not sure they end this after one bout. I figure an unsatisfying victory for Sting by DQ. Could you see a bat vs. sledgehammer match in the future?
Schwartz: Triple H doesn’t have much to gain by beating Sting, so I think it’s pretty safe to assume that Sting wins a match that includes at least six Pedigrees and Scorpion Death Drops. After the bell, The Game uses a sledgehammer on Sting to keep the feud running, perhaps for a rematch at SummerSlam.
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
For the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Courtesy of WWE
Courtesy of WWE
Barnett: The dynamic changes now that Lesnar has announced he is going to stick with WWE. I have seen scenarios that suggest Reigns turns heel and leaves with Paul Heyman and others where Lesnar remains Lesnar. No point in making this a Lesnar squash in the long run. This will be a great match. Seth Rollins plays into this somehow, even if he doesn’t cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. WrestleMania needs to end with a clean finish and I think Lesnar retains.
Schwartz: After putting Reigns through approximately 10 F5’s, Lesnar keeps his title in a brutal match — but after the confetti settles at Levi’s Stadium, Seth Rollins sprints down the ramp, cashes in his briefcase and becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight champion.
Best match of the show:
Barnett: If the outside the ring stuff is held to a minimum, Rollins-Orton could be a great bout with two guys who know how to tell a story and aren’t afraid to take chances.
Schwartz: I have high hopes for Sting vs. Triple H, but the match people are going to be buzzing about Monday is the seven-man ladder match. Ladder matches never disappoint at WrestleMania.
Worst match of the show:
Barnett: Would be easy to say the Divas match, but it’s WrestleMania, there shouldn’t be any stinkers here. I think the tag team bout could be in danger of falling into below expectations territory if it doesn’t get any sort of flow going.
Schwartz: Before Lesnar announced he’s staying, I was worried that the main event was going to be a dud, but everything changed when Lesnar went on SportsCenter. I’m keeping my expectations in check for the Battle Royale.
Best entrance:
Barnett: WWE is going to go all out for Sting‘s wrestling debut.
Schwartz: If you only watch 10 minutes of the WWE all year long, it should be to see The Undertaker‘s entrance at WrestleMania. It’s worth the 9.99 by itself.
The biggest wrestling event of the year is just three days away. WrestleMania 31 kicks off Sunday at 7 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium, and you can watch on the WWE Network. Before the show, USA TODAY Sports wrestling aficionados Josh Barnett and Nick Schwartz analyzed the card and picked winners for all nine matches.
Tyson Kidd and Cesaro vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos
Fatal four-way match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Barnett: Love tag team wrestling but there might be too many bodies in here when you count the eight in the ring, the third member of the New Day, Natalya and El Torito. Kidd and Cesaro keep the belts in what could be a fun bout.
Schwartz: I’m expecting lots of high-flying spots and constant fighting outside of the ring. I’d like to see the Usos regain the tag titles, but given that they were the champions for the majority of the last year and The New Day has been more or less a flop, it seems more likely that Kidd and Cesaro stay in the spotlight.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale
Barnett: This seems like a spot for Sheamus to make his return and win. WWE has promoted that he is returning longer than I expected. I think this is where we also see the breaking point between The Miz and Damien Mizdow with The Miz ordering his former bodyguard to jump over the top rope and Mizdow refusing. Bigger question is whether the trophy makes it unscathed past Monday’s RAW. Sports entertainment and trophies rarely have a happy ending.
Schwartz: I’m hoping this is the year that the Battle Royale title will actually mean something for the winner in the long run, as Cesaro won the inaugural match at WrestleMania XXX but never did anything with the momentum. I think the WWE cashes in on an opportunity to give the fans what they want here and have Damien Mizdow eliminate The Miz to win, and move on to join the Intercontinental title picture.
AJ Lee and Paige vs. The Bella Twins
Barnett: If WWE really wants to #GiveDivasAChance, here it is. Nikki Bella has taken on an aggressive style and improved immensely since holding the Divas title. The obvious angle is whether the “frenemies” can work together. I think another round between the top two workers in the Divas division seems like the way to go. Bellas get the win, but a split between A.J. and Paige is the story going forward.
Schwartz: AJ Lee won the only Divas match at WM last year in 6:48. I’m expecting the WWE to listen to the fans and give this match at least 10 minutes. In a perfect world, AJ Lee and Paige win on Sunday but turn on each other after the match is over, setting up a triple threat match with Nikki Bella for the Divas title on Raw the next night.
John Cena vs. Rusev
For the WWE United States championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Barnett: WWE has smartly found a way to get people — or half the people — to stop booing Cena. Hating on Cena here would be going against America and apple pie. Putting Cena in the U.S. title match provides the title instant luster and having him win it would mean even more. Rusev loses the belt but it also opens up a chance for him to do some other things. Where Lana fits in here could be interesting too. I’ve liked the build for this match.
Schwartz: It seems strange that Cena, still undoubtedly the most popular wrestler in the business, is in the running for what is the third-biggest title — but giving Cena the U.S. belt both elevates the championship and gives the WWE a chance to turn U.S. title bouts into highly anticipated pay-per-view highlights each month. Cena doesn’t need the heavyweight title to be relevant, so why not have him prop up a lesser division? Rusev is amazing, and he can be more than just the United States champion.
Seven-man ladder match for the Intercontinental championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images
Barnett: I am hoping we are going back to the day when the Intercontinental title is the belt held by the guy who consistently put on the best match every night. (Full disclosure: My favorite WrestleMania match of all time is Ricky Steamboat-Randy Savage for the Intercontinental title at WM3.) I think there will be tons of cool spots in this match and could open the main show. I see another “Yes-tleMania” moment and Daniel Bryan taking home the belt.
Schwartz: If WWE wants to give fans instant gratification, Bryan should win — but having him hold a title would keep Bryan out of the picture for the WWE World Heavyweight title, and there’s already a logjam of wrestlers below main event status. I think it may be wiser if Dean Ambrose or Dolph Ziggler — tremendous talents who aren’t yet ready to be the top guy in the company — take the Intercontinental belt while Bryan goes on to challenge the likes of Lesnar/Orton/Rollins. Ziggler‘s my pick.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Barnett: This match could steal the show if the match actually happens. Among J&J Security, Big Show, Kane and whomever else ends up around the ring, the action could get lost in the shuffle. That would be a shame. This is the type of match I’d want to see more than once. Figure on a funky finish (Orton by disqualification) and a rematch at Extreme Rules next month.
Schwartz: Rollins and Orton could turn in one of the best matches of the card and I hope they get enough time in the ring to really put on a show. I like Orton to win this match, mostly because I’ve got a hunch that Rollins could be cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase later in the show (there’s only a few months until the next MITB pay-per-view, so it has to happen sooner or later).
The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt
Courtesy of WWE
Courtesy of WWE
Barnett: Hopefully, this one goes on late on the West Coast so the cool effects of each entrance happen in the dark. The Undertaker wouldn’t be back unless he was sure that he could put on an Undertaker quality match. It doesn’t even matter if Wyatt wins here — The Undertaker’s WrestleMania record is littered with guys who were greats or would go on to be greats. Being in the ring on this stage with the Dead Man makes Wyatt a winner in the long run even if The Undertaker gets his hand raised.
Schwartz: I never thought The Undertaker would be back in the ring after losing to Lesnar (it was a perfect way to go out!), and I’m still a little stunned this is actually happening. That being said, there’s no way The Undertaker loses twice in a row, if only because Wyatt wouldn’t get the same boost from the win that Lesnar did. I just hope the quality of the match is equal to what will undoubtedly be jaw-dropping entrances.
Sting vs. Triple H
Screen Shot 2015-03-25 at 5.55.36 PM
Barnett: Would it be best for business if the guy running the show behind the scenes beat Sting in his WWE in-ring debut? At 57, not sure how much Sting has left but he looks in great shape and Triple H is always in great shape despite the long layoff. I am not sure they end this after one bout. I figure an unsatisfying victory for Sting by DQ. Could you see a bat vs. sledgehammer match in the future?
Schwartz: Triple H doesn’t have much to gain by beating Sting, so I think it’s pretty safe to assume that Sting wins a match that includes at least six Pedigrees and Scorpion Death Drops. After the bell, The Game uses a sledgehammer on Sting to keep the feud running, perhaps for a rematch at SummerSlam.
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
For the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Courtesy of WWE
Courtesy of WWE
Barnett: The dynamic changes now that Lesnar has announced he is going to stick with WWE. I have seen scenarios that suggest Reigns turns heel and leaves with Paul Heyman and others where Lesnar remains Lesnar. No point in making this a Lesnar squash in the long run. This will be a great match. Seth Rollins plays into this somehow, even if he doesn’t cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. WrestleMania needs to end with a clean finish and I think Lesnar retains.
Schwartz: After putting Reigns through approximately 10 F5’s, Lesnar keeps his title in a brutal match — but after the confetti settles at Levi’s Stadium, Seth Rollins sprints down the ramp, cashes in his briefcase and becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight champion.
Best match of the show:
Barnett: If the outside the ring stuff is held to a minimum, Rollins-Orton could be a great bout with two guys who know how to tell a story and aren’t afraid to take chances.
Schwartz: I have high hopes for Sting vs. Triple H, but the match people are going to be buzzing about Monday is the seven-man ladder match. Ladder matches never disappoint at WrestleMania.
Worst match of the show:
Barnett: Would be easy to say the Divas match, but it’s WrestleMania, there shouldn’t be any stinkers here. I think the tag team bout could be in danger of falling into below expectations territory if it doesn’t get any sort of flow going.
Schwartz: Before Lesnar announced he’s staying, I was worried that the main event was going to be a dud, but everything changed when Lesnar went on SportsCenter. I’m keeping my expectations in check for the Battle Royale.
Best entrance:
Barnett: WWE is going to go all out for Sting‘s wrestling debut.
Schwartz: If you only watch 10 minutes of the WWE all year long, it should be to see The Undertaker‘s entrance at WrestleMania. It’s worth the 9.99 by itself.
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