LIONEL MESSI returned from his injury layoff to score his 13th and 14th MLS goals and contribute his 14th assist, and Inter Miami overcame an early deficit to earn a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.
Luis Suarez added his team-leading 17th goal in second-half stoppage time to keep him two behind DC’s Christian Benteke for MLS Golden Boot and maintain Miami’s lead in the Supporters’ Shield race.
Jordi Alba contributed his 11th and 12th assists on Messi’s goals on a night Miami (19-4-5, 62 points) became the first team across the 60-point threshold.
Drake Callender made seven saves in the Herons’ fifth consecutive victory and ninth out of 10 despite playing the previous nine of those without Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Mikael Uhre scored in the opening moments for the Union, who began the night in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and two points beneath the playoff line.
Philadelphia offered a better performance than the final score indicated, besting Miami 20-9 in shots and 8-4 in efforts on target, but being thwarted at times by Callender and others due to its own wastefulness.
Messi last played for Miami on June 1 before departing for Argentina’s Copa America campaign, and he hadn’t played any competitive minutes since suffering an ankle ligament injury in the Copa America final on July 14.
But it didn’t take him long to assert himself and erase Miami’s early deficit.
In the 26th minute, Suarez took Alba’s entry pass with his back to the goal and laid the ball to his left with his first touch. Messi took the layoff, evaded Kai Wagner’s challenge then drilled a low strike to beat Andrew Rick.
Four minutes later, it was Alba providing the cross directly for Messi to run onto at the penalty spot and guide in. Rick dove low and touched the ball, but couldn’t keep it out.
Miami weathered considerable second-half pressure before Messi made his final contribution, laying the ball off for Suarez to curl in the bottom left corner on Miami’s final foray forward of the evening. — Reuters
SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain — Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe converted second-half penalties to give the champions a hard-fought 2-0 win at Real Sociedad in LaLiga on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side took the lead in the 58th minute with Vinicius netting a penalty after an Arda Guler shot from the edge of the box hit the hand of midfielder Sergio Gomez, who raised both arms in a reflex move to protect his face.
Mbappe secured the three points by putting away his spot kick in the 75th after Vinicius was stomped on by a defender in a late challenge that was not spotted by the referee but was penalized after a VAR review.
Real remain second but now have 11 points, one behind Barcelona who visit fifth-placed Girona on Sunday. They must now rally their players with only three days before their Champions League opener at home to Stuttgart on Tuesday.
It was a high-paced, entertaining affair in the Basque Country with both sides missing a string of chances, including three strikes off the woodwork by the hosts.
Facing a selection headache with defender David Alaba and midfielders Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos and Aurelien Tchouameni still recovering from injuries, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made three changes from the team that beat Real Betis before the international break.
But the Italian was hit with another injury to one of his key players early in Saturday’s game when Morocco attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz had to come off with what looked like a right leg muscle injury in the 24th minute. — Reuters
THE Indiana Fever will take the court for their final regular-season home game of a franchise-changing campaign Sunday when they host the Dallas Wings.
Though the Fever are coming off a 78-74 loss to the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Friday, rookie Caitlin Clark made more history by setting the WNBA single-season record for assists by passing Alyssa Thomas’s mark of 316. Clark set the rookie assist record in August.
She’s averaging 8.4 assists per game along with 19.1 points and 5.8 rebounds for Indiana, which has clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2016.
The Fever (19-19) are looking to snap a two-game skid when it takes on the Wings (9-29), who have the league’s second-worst record after their 83-81 home loss to the Seattle Storm on Friday.
For Dallas, Sunday’s game is about putting an end to a 15-game road losing streak. The Wings have won just twice away from home, the last on May 26 with an 84-83 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. — Reuters
For a long, long time, Jerry West and the Lakers were inseparable. He led their cause as a player for 14 years, and he was so good that his image and likeness were used by the National Basketball Association for its logo. And for all the exploits of all the marquee names in the 78-year history of the league, he remains the only recipient of the Finals Most Valuable Award as a member of the losing side. Needless to say, he remained influential when he could no longer ply his trade on the court; among other astute moves he made in the front office, he orchestrated the acquisitions of icons Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, leaders of their two three-peats since the turn of the millennium.
Considering West’s myriad imprints, the Lakers were only right to push for a season-long celebration of his name. Through all their 82 games in the 2024-25 campaign, they will wear uniforms with a band bearing his number 44. On Opening Night, they will likewise give fans at Crypto.com Arena a replica of his jersey. Not coincidentally, he will be recognized by the Basketball Hall of Fame as an executive this year — his third such enshrinement in Springfield. Well deserved, to be sure, and just too bad that these will happen posthumously.
Why the Lakers took a while to put West front and center is anybody’s guess. When he passed away in June, they came out with a bland press release that barely highlighted his exploits — and well after the publication of rival Clippers’ own statements replete with apt superlatives. And this was after they made their pettiness evident to all and sundry by rescinding his season tickets two years ago, as clear a reflection as any of a relationship that went the way of the Dodo during the Phil Jackson era.
More — a lot more, really — can be noted of why a Jerry Buss favorite became a stranger to the purple and gold, but, at this point, West and his worth to the franchise and the NBA are better served by looking ahead. For the spotlight to rightly be his and his alone, the disputes and varied interpretations of their origins need to be left behind — perhaps for good. What cannot be denied is his legacy. Enough said.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
VENEZUELAN FLAG flutters outside the Torrejon de Ardoz Air Force Base outside Madrid, Spain, Sept. 8, 2024. — REUTERS
CARACAS — Two Spaniards, three US citizens and a Czech have been arrested in Venezuela on suspicion of links to alleged plans to destabilize the South American country, a top Venezuela official said on Saturday.
A spokesperson for the US State Department said “a US military member” had been detained in Venezuela and that it was aware of unconfirmed reports of two additional US citizens being detained there, but rejected a Venezuelan claim of US involvement in any plot to overthrow the government.
The Venezuelan announcement is likely to deepen the country’s already substantial tensions with Spain and the United States after Venezuela’s disputed presidential election in July.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello in a press conference said two Spaniards were allegedly linked to Spain’s secret service and planning the assassination of a mayor.
Spanish media reported that Spain’s government denied this claim.
Mr. Cabello also accused three US citizens and a Czech of involvement in terrorist acts, including alleged plans to assassinate Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and other officials.
“These groups seek to seize the country’s wealth, and we as a government will respond firmly to any destabilization attempt,” Mr. Cabello said. He added that about 400 rifles originating in the United States had been seized.
The State department said the US was not involved in an attempt to oust Mr. Maduro.
“Any claims of US involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false,” the spokesperson said. “The United States continues to support a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela.”
“We are seeking additional information. We are closely monitoring the situation,” the official added, while declining to provide additional details due to privacy considerations.
A Spanish foreign ministry source told Reuters it was asking Venezuela for more information.
“The Spanish embassy has sent a verbal note to the Venezuelan government asking for access to the detained citizens in order to verify their identities and their nationality and in order to know what they are accused of exactly,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Spanish nationals were detained while taking photographs in the town of Puerto Ayacucho, Mr. Cabello said.
“These citizens have links — we know they will say no, that it is a lie — they have links with the center,” Mr. Cabello said, referring to Spain’s intelligence arm.
“Spain will decide what to do, if it is going to keep meddling in Venezuela’s affairs.”
Venezuela recalled its ambassador to Spain this week for consultations and summoned the Spanish ambassador to appear at the foreign ministry after a Spanish minister accused Maduro of running a “dictatorship,” escalating diplomatic tensions following a disputed presidential election.
Venezuela was also angered by the decision of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to meet with Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who went into exile in Spain last week after being threatened with arrest by Mr. Maduro’s regime.
Caracas also has had fresh tensions with the United States, which recognized opposition candidate Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner of the July 28 election. — Reuters
ONLINE DATING may be partially to blame for an increase in income inequality in the US in recent decades, according to a research paper.
Since the emergence of dating apps that allow people to look for a partner based on criteria including education, Americans have increasingly been marrying someone more like themselves. That accounts for about half of the rise in income inequality among households between 1980 and 2020, researchers from the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and St. Louis and Haverford College found.
Using data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey from 2008 to 2021, when online dating quickly became prevalent, the economists found that women became slightly more selective when choosing partners based on age, while men became slightly more selective based on education.
But when the researchers compared that with data on married couples from 1960 and 1980, they found that people in the recent period increasingly went for partners with the same wage and education levels. And while many people married someone of the same ethnicity, people became less and less selective on race over time.
Who people marry has a major impact on household income. The research shows that the two main contributors to inequality through the selection of a future spouse are education and skills. They are followed, to a much lesser extent, by income and age, while race plays a relatively inconsequential role, co-author Paulina Restrepo-Echavarría, an economic policy advisor at the St. Louis Fed, said in a blog post describing the paper.
Overall, the predominance of online apps to find a future partner has led to a 3-percentage-point increase in the Gini coefficient — a widely used measure of income inequality, the research shows.
“We find that the increase in income inequality over the past half a century is explained to a large extent by sorting on vertical characteristics, such as income and skill, and their interaction with education,” the economists wrote in their paper. — Bloomberg
SEOUL — Photos of North Korea’s its uranium enrichment facility may show an undeclared site for building nuclear bombs just outside of its capital, analysts said.
North Korea for the first time showed images on Friday of the centrifuges that produce fuel for its nuclear bombs, as leader Kim Jong Un visited a uranium enrichment facility and called for more weapons-grade material to boost the arsenal.
The photos showed Mr. Kim walking between long rows of metal centrifuges, the machines that enrich uranium. The report did not mention the facility’s location.
North Korea watchers and analysts said the site, known as Kangson, is suspected to be a covert uranium enrichment plant.
Jeffrey Lewis, a non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said five images of the inside facility, including of the “big” hall and an annex released by state media, match features of satellite imagery of the nuclear site.
The annex’s odd shape and it unusual set of columns and beams are a “strong match” to the site North Korea constructed this year, he said.
“That’s likely Kangson. It is an enrichment plant,” Mr. Lewis added.
North Korea is believed to have several sites for enriching uranium.
Analysts say commercial satellite imagery has shown construction in recent years at the main Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center and the Kangson site, suggesting possible expansion in both places.
Colin Zwirko, a senior analytical correspondent with NK Pro, a Seoul-based website that monitors North Korea, said the photos and satellite imagery indicate the complex is Kangson.
In June, Rafael Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s director general, said a new annex to the main building in the Kangson complex was being built this year, adding that the complex shared “infrastructure characteristics with the reported centrifuge enrichment facility at Yongbyon.”
During the visit that was covered by North Korean media, Kim stressed the need to boost the number of centrifuges to “exponentially increase” the nuclear arsenal, and expand the use of a new type of centrifuge to strengthen the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials.
The photos that showed an advanced design of centrifuges and the hall with cascades connecting the centrifuges suggested the North Korea had made progress in uranium enrichment program, according to experts.
“The size of the cascades and hall shown also signify substantial capacity, perhaps not to the level of ‘exponential growth’ as Mr. Kim has mandated, but significant growth, nonetheless,” 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea monitoring program, said in a note.
“It is probable that these centrifuges are North Korean designed and manufactured,” it said, adding that the location showed in the photos could be Yongbyon.
The disclosure of its secretive nuclear facility could also be meant to influence the US election and send a message to the next administration that denuclearization is no longer possible, some experts said. — Reuters
THE LOGO for the G7 is visible at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at The Prince Karuizawa hotel in Karuizawa, Japan April 17, 2023. — ANDREW HARNIK/POOL VIA REUTERS
ROME — The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized powers condemned on Saturday “in the strongest terms” Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles.
Iran has provided Russia with a large number of powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, deepening the military cooperation between the two countries, which are both under US sanctions.
“Iran must immediately cease all support to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine and halt such transfers of ballistic missiles, UAVs (drones) and related technology, which constitute a direct threat to the Ukrainian people as well as European and international security more broadly,” the G7 ministers said in a statement.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to hold Iran to account for its unacceptable support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine that further undermines global security. In line with our previous statements on the matter, we are already responding with new and significant measures.”
Italy currently holds the presidency of the G7 group of wealthy nations which also includes the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France and Canada. — Reuters
Malaysia-based startup company Carching launches an application in the Philippines to help drivers earn more through ads installed on the body of cars.
“It’s just doing what they’re supposed to do during the day, and they get paid by utilizing their car,” Carching Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Thalia Bondoc said.
A front-of-package warning label (FOPWL) bill pushes to put ‘stop sign’ labels on any food and beverage items containing high amounts of nutrients of concern, including sodium, sugar, fat, and calories.
The bill is said to help address the country’s rising concern about obesity/ overweight.
“The bill will seek to establish healthy food environment where consumers can make healthier food choices,” Mikhael Laurence Millan, Project Manager of Imagine Law.
Digital tools that offer remote patient monitoring can help further preventive healthcare in the Philippines, according to Einstein C. Rojas, a board member of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations. The implementation of electronic medical records, meanwhile, can go a long way towards improving the patient’s journey, he said.
The groundbreaking ceremony, led by SPI’s leaders, marks a new step forward for the company in the real estate industry. From L-R: Shang Properties, Inc. Director for Marketing Jayme Uy; Executive Vice-President for Operations Andrew den Oudsten; Senior Project Director Clarence Tan; Executive Director Wolfgang Krueger; Executive Vice-President for Commercial Maria Rochelle S. Diaz; Chief Operating Officer Atty. Karlo Marco P. Estavillo; and Sr. Director for Group Sales Rose Morales
Shang Properties, Inc. (SPI) proudly announces the groundbreaking of Shang Summit, a trailblazing residential project set to redefine the Metro Manila skyline. Located in the quiet enclave of South Triangle, Shang Summit is SPI’s first residential project in Quezon City. It will offer a new standard for luxury living that resonates with the market’s diverse lifestyles and needs. Shang Summit is designed to cater to a wide demographic with a unique blend of elegance and practicality.
Since 1987, Shang Properties has established a reputation for excellence in property development. With a vision of being a leader in its field, SPI has consistently delivered high-rise condominium projects in prime locations, collaborating with renowned architects, designers, and artisans. Shang Summit reflects this legacy of excellence and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the project is thoughtfully crafted and flawlessly executed.
“At Shang Properties, we are true to the brand promise of creating extraordinary living spaces,” said Wolfgang Krueger, Executive Director of SPI. “Through Shang Summit, SPI reaffirms its commitment to redefining luxury living in the Metro by promising its residents an unmatched living experience and a new way to thrive in a dynamic and sophisticated environment.”
Similar to all the other developments within the portfolio, Shang Summit will be managed by the SPI Property Management team upon turnover, ensuring that the exceptional quality of living — synonymous with SPI’s developments — is meticulously maintained for its residents. “There’s something for everyone. Of course, there’s also the grand promise that when we turn over the unit, we want people to live there stress-free. We have our own property management team that caters to them.” assured Maria Rochelle S. Diaz, Shang Properties Executive Vice-President for Commercial.
A towering statement of elegance
Immerse yourself in the relaxed luxury of Shang Summit’s beautifully appointed units.
Shang Summit will be an 80-storey haven of tranquility away from the city’s hustle and bustle, yet with convenient access to everything one desires. Its prime location offers residents a rare balance of privacy and convenience within Quezon City. As a self-contained city, it seamlessly integrates diverse elements into a cohesive living experience. The city is a melting pot of commercial districts, prime educational institutions, government offices, and lifestyle offerings, ensuring that residents are never far from the fun and action.
Beyond its ideal location, the development is a creative collaboration between SPI and renowned architects and designers P&T Group, FM Architettura and CASAS + Architects, Inc. With its East and West towers, Shang Summit will grace the Quezon City skyline as it rises in the city.
The East Tower, which will be the first to rise this 2024, will offer 1,020 elegantly appointed residential units with breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the cityscape. It will feature a variety of exquisitely designed spaces, each meticulously crafted to blend classic and modern styles with the finest materials.
Shang Summit’s studio unit, spanning 37 to 39 square meters (sq.m.), will provide an intimate yet spacious living experience with its large window frames that showcase spectacular city views and ample natural light.
For those seeking additional room, the one-bedroom units (51 to 70 sq.m.) feature expansive living room configurations that seamlessly integrate open kitchens, dining areas, and outdoor balconies. The two-bedroom residences (88 to 125 sq.m.) boast private balconies, luxurious master suites, and ample wardrobe space.
The pinnacle of Shang Summit’s offerings, the three-bedroom units, offers 160 sq.m. of space and provides a serene retreat with breathtaking views from every angle, blending luxury with tranquility in the heart of the city.
Complementing its sophisticated living experience is the array of exquisite amenities that reflect the Shang Properties’ hallmark of opulence. Residents will enjoy world-class indoor and outdoor facilities, including co-working lounges, extensive play areas for children of all ages — from toddlers to teenagers, and a sophisticated lounge area for socializing.
The development will also feature the Shang Summit Gallery, which offers elegant spaces for relaxation and social gatherings, while The Alcove provides quiet, serene environments ideal for work or study. Additionally, a tropical pool with an expansive alfresco deck and a state-of-the-art fitness center by TechnoGym will immerse residents in an elevated concept of relaxed luxury living.
An heirloom for generations
Shang Summit aspires to be more than just a place to live; it envisions itself as an heirloom to be cherished for future generations. With its exceptional design, first-class amenities, and prime location, the development offers a lifestyle that is both luxurious and relaxed.
Residents will experience a beautiful oasis of unparalleled amenities at their doorstep, a signature of Shang Properties flagship residences, designed for the whole family.
“Shang Properties takes pride in creating residences that are not just beautiful but also timeless,” said Krueger. “Shang Summit is a testament to this vision. It is a space that will be a source of pride and joy for future generations.”
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