‘Destiny 2: Shadowkeep’ has a NASA Easter egg buried on the moon – Mashable

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When Destiny 2 players touch down on the moon to explore Shadowkeep starting Oct. 1, they might also stumble across a piece of our IRL future buried in the airless wastes.

The Lunar Polar Hydrogen Mapper, which shortens to LunaH-Map, is one of 13 CubeSats that is scheduled to head to the moon in 2021 aboard Artemis-1. It's one of several specialized satellites built to look for the presence of water-ice on the moon.

Once that mission is complete, LunaH-Map will crash somewhere in the Lunar South Pole and that future crash site also happens to be tucked away somewhere in Shadowkeep's moon map.

It's a little Easter egg for players to hunt down, one of the many that have graced the two Destiny games over the years. They're added to encourage people to really explore every nook and cranny of the new spaces. Shadowkeep heads to the moon for the first time in Destiny 2 (it was a location in the first game), and a nod to NASA just made sense.

This one comes with a little bonus: an emblem, one of Destiny's cosmetic items. Find and interact with the crash site, and you'll unlock the below emblem, which is modeled after the LunaH-Map's mission logo. Here's a look at that logo:

And here's a look at the actual emblem you can unlock. Don't be alarmed by the "graphic content" warning; this is a perfectly safe image. I added that barrier just to protect anyone who would rather skip the more spoiler-y parts of this Easter egg.

Bungie didn't tell us exactly where to look, but we already know the new season's Shadowkeep content unfolds around the Lunar South Pole. You'll want to keep your eyes open for the distinctive angular edges and black-and-yellow surfaces of the crashed satellite.

"As we know, the LunaH-Map spacecraft will crash into the moon at the end of its mission. After laying silent for many centuries, its remains are still there, for Guardians to discover," Destiny 2 "seasons" art lead Rob Adams said in a statement provided to Mashable. "Anyone exploring the Moon will have a chance at stumbling across this curious piece of pre-Golden Age human exploration history."

Here's a couple images of what a deployed LunaH-Map would look like, compliments of the Arizona State University team charged with building the satellite.

LunaH-Map spacecraft with solar arrays deployed

LunaH-Map spacecraft with solar arrays deployed

It's a relatively tiny thing, weighing just 30 pounds and measuring out to roughly 4 in. x 8 in. x 12 in. Once fully deployed, LunaH-Map will circle the moon in a polar orbit, piecing together a high resolution map and scanning the region for signs of hydrogen up to one meter beneath the surface of the moon.

An ASU landing page for the LunaH-Map mission explains how the aim is "to discover how much water-ice is hidden in the permanently shadowed regions of the Moon." The satellite, which is roughly the size of a "large shoebox," is fitted with a neutron spectrometer designed to help the team see into those darkened areas.

There's also a bigger goal at play here: to show NASA how a small and nimble scientific vessel like LunaH-Map can tag along as a complement to larger and more elaborate missions.

"If successful, LunaH-map will significantly add to our knowledge of how water formed and evolved at the poles, and will help future missions that wish to exploit lunar water," the mission profile reads. "LunaH-Map will demonstrate that small, highly focused, science-driven, agile spacecraft can serve as secondary payloads on bigger NASA missions and will enhance the primary mission science... or even make unique discoveries of their own."

Here's a look at the LunaH-Map in its stowed configuration, with a ruler included for scale.

In other words, don't expect to find some big, messy crash site. The wreckage of this diminutive satellite is tucked away on the surface in a less-than-obvious place. Players will likely find it quickly we Destiny fans are a dedicated bunch but this is an Easter egg. It's not meant to be a gimme.

If you want an even more specific peek, here's what the LunaH-Map crash site looks like in-game. The screenshot isn't enough to tell you exactly where to find it, but it should put you on the right track.

The Bungie-NASA team-up (it's technically a Bungie-ASU team-up) came about because, well, lots and lots of people play Destiny. One of those people, Dr. Craig Hardgrove, is the Principal Investigator for the LunaH-Map mission. He's been working on the project at Arizona State University since 2015, when NASA awarded the school with a contract to develop the satellite.

As one knowledgeable Destiny fan pointed out on Reddit, Hardgrove has more of a history with Bungie tha

Dr. Hardgrove holding the flight LunaH-Map propulsion system. The propulsion system is very low thrust but is incredibly efficient. Over time, the low thrust is enough to allow the LunaH-Map spacecraft to enter lunar orbit and map south pole ice deposits.

Miniature Neutron Spectrometer (Mini-NS) for LunaH-Map. The Mini-NS is the only scientific instrument on the spacecraft and will be used to identify enrichments of ice buried at the lunar south pole.

Dr. Hardgrove's work found its way into Shadowkeep thanks to Rob Adams, the art lead for the new expansion at Bungie. The two are friends, and together along with the talented team at Bungie they hatched this plan for repping a NASA mission inside the game. Hardgrove is also hoping to see some kind of Destiny tribute head to space when the real LunaH-Map mission launches in 2021, but that's still a ways off.

No matter what happens, he and his whole team at ASU are thrilled to see the fruits of their efforts appearing in the most unexpected of places: a video game about alien visitors and space magic.

Dr. Hardgrove (far right) with the LunaH-Map Mini-NS instrument team at ASU.

Destiny's connection to NASA became more concrete earlier in 2019 when astronomers discovered an anomaly beneath the Lunar South Pole. Shadowkeep had only just been announced, and fans, prompted by Destiny 2's Twitter feed, leapt on the opportunity to make Destiny jokes.

History repeated on Saturday when NASA tweeted out a bit of hype for the Artemis mission, led by a GIF exclaiming "We're going to the moon to stay." Destiny fans hopped into the fray once again, no doubt puzzling NASA's social team with an avalanche of "moon's haunted" jokes.

Shadowkeep kicks off a new era in Destiny 2 starting Oct. 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Launching alongside the new content season is Destiny 2: New Light, a free-to-play version of the game that gives players access to all of the Year 1 content released from Sept. 6, 2017 until Year 2 began with Forsaken in Sept. 2018.

You can find a full rundown of what's included in New Light, which will be available for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, right here.

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'Destiny 2: Shadowkeep' has a NASA Easter egg buried on the moon - Mashable

Building on international relations through space | Science – Gulf News

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Naser Al Hammadi, Head, International Organisations and Relations, UAE Space Agency Image Credit: Clint Egbert | GN Focus Highlights

Naser Al Hammadi, Head, International Organisations and Relations, UAE Space Agency, tells Sankar Sri Pillai why knowledge sharing with others nations in space research is critical to the UAE space programme

The UAE Space Agency is the first organisation from the Arab world to be a member of the International Space Exploration Coordination Group. What does this mean for the agency and the UAE?

The mandate of the UAE leadership and the government is clearly stated in the UAE Vision 2021, for the need to enhance the international reputation of the UAE. This means that we need to attain leading positions within various sectors, including space exploration. The International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG), made up of 14 partners including the UAE Space Agency, NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency and others, is a non-binding forum that enables space agencies to share information about their space exploration plans, objectives and interests with the goal of strengthening individual agency exploration programmes and the collective effort.

That said, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tasked us to communicate and collaborate with our neighbours in the Arab region as well. Collaborating and working together ensures better results and this is an international practice. From the Asian countries to Europe and the American nations, they all have communities and alliances. The Arab nations at least in the space sector were lagging behind the other global regions. As an individual nation, though, the UAE has advanced within the space sector. It has a mature space programme today, but this does not mean that we should work alone. So, we have a clear mandate from Shaikh Mohammad that we should strengthen ties with Arab nations in the space sector as well. Hence, the founding of the first Arab Space Cooperation Group by Shaikh Mohammad in March of this year is a milestone for the UAE and the regional space sector.

Please share some details about the UAEs collaboration internationally in the field of satellite launches

In less than six years we have successfully managed to build collaborations and strategic relationships with 25 space agencies worldwide through agreements. Of course, more than the number, we are following up on the valuable results that we are gaining from these relationships. The Russian space agency Roscosmos, for example, shares a close bond with the UAE and its space programme thanks to the strong political ties shared by the UAE and the Russian Federation.

We signed an MoU with Roscosmos in 2015 that is helping generate tangible results. For instance, our first Emirati astronauts were trained in Russia to prepare them for their first space mission to the International Space Centre. Other examples include collaborating with Japanese space agency JAXA to launch the UAE Mars probe, Hope, next July, part of the Emirati Mars Mission programme. We also have projects on the anvil with French space agency CNES, as well as other global bodies, in the field of education and research.

The UAE space programme may be young but we consider ourselves to be very ambitious and aggressive enough to attract global players to look at and gain inspiration from what we are doing in the space field. For instance we are soon going to be building the Mars Science City in Dubai, which I believe is the best practice model that we have on the ground in the UAE, that will definitely open up avenues for other nations, global entrepreneurs and the private sector to come and study and invest in our programme.

Various delegations representing space industries of other nations have visited the UAE for knowledge sharing purposes, starting with the visit of the NASA team that visited the UAE on the personal invitation of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1976. How has the UAE space mission benefited from similar visits?

I consider this as the start of the UAE space programme and this meeting between the US Apollo Mission team from NASA and the UAEs Founding Father, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in 1976 is a conversation starter that we coincidentally always use during our presentations to global space agencies and international organisations, about how ideating on space exploration actually started in the UAE. Today, what started as a dream is now a reality. Over the years we have had similar exchanges with various other space agencies on a knowledge sharing basis and the results have been very beneficial for the visiting nations and of course for the UAE. But it all goes back to that meeting that happened in 1976, which was the start.

What global events have the UAE Space Agency partnered with to promote its space mission projects?

Since the establishment of the UAE Space Agency in 2014, we have already managed to host the Global Space Congress in March this year in Abu Dhabi. We also regularly attend meetings hosted by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), which are held regularly in Vienna, Austria. In 2017 the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre hosted the High Level Forum for UNOOSA in which we participated, and that was attended by the UN Secretary General as well as the international community.

Next year, for the first time in the Middle East, we are hosting the International Astronautical Congress in Dubai with global space agencies, professors, scientists and the international research body in participation. The current edition is being held in Washington DC in the US this year.

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Building on international relations through space | Science - Gulf News

Fall Colors and Space Exploration at Crossroads – Door County Pulse

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Crossroads at Big Creek is focusing on water, fall colors and outer space!

On Sept. 27, 3:30 pm, attend a showing of Water 101, the lecture that Professor Gregory Kleinheinz presented during the 2019 Water Summit to provide an overview of the regions water issues.

On Sept. 28, 4 pm, meet at the Collins Learning Center for an adult fall-color hike.

A family program Sept. 29, 1:30 pm, will be all about the solar system. Families will hike the Crossroads trails to consider the amount of space that exists in space by exploring a scale model of the solar system. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

Friends of Crossroads will hold a meeting Sept. 30, 6:30 pm, in the Collins Learning Center to vote on a proposal to change the groups structure. Public input is appreciated.

The Door Peninsula Astronomical Society will meet Oct. 1, 7 pm, in the Stonecipher Astronomy Building to hear a talk on Messier II by Dave Leinus and see a documentary on the Hubble telescope. Refreshments will be served.

Crossroads will host a varsity cross-country meet Oct. 3, 4:30-7:30 pm, starting in the Collins Learning Centers parking lot. The public is invited.

The Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, is open weekdays, 10 am 4 pm; weekends, 1-4 pm; and during scheduled events.

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Fall Colors and Space Exploration at Crossroads - Door County Pulse

What Will Happen if We Put Microorganism on Mars? – Asgardia Space News

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As humans going to Mars is getting more and more realistic, with new spacecraft able to carry people and cargo to the Red Planet being successfully developed, we cant help but wonder what living there would be like. Those of us who feed our imagination on sci-fi stories about Mars can almost see ourselves walking Martian settlements ' brand-new streets Scientists, however, remain down-to-earth on the matter. Some of their research is far from optimistic. But is this to discourage humanity from going there at all, or to help us be better stewards of the planet for its sake as well as our own?

What will it be like when humans will have started settling on Mars? Among other things, there will have to be science laboratories, where experts will be able to conduct unique research vital for further space exploration and colonization, as well as for life on Earth. Those who work there will, of course, need to live their lives there, eating, drinking, socializing Thinking of the promise theRed Planetholds is a thrill.

However, big things start small and the smallest things are the easiest to overlook. Have you ever thought that Mars first population from Earth could be microscopic organisms?

In August, the FEMSMicrobiology Ecology journal publisheda research listing bacteria, viruses, and fungi responsible for life processes on Earth as Mars 'first colonists'.

'Life as we know it cannot exist without beneficial microorganisms. To survive on a barren sterile planet, we will have to take beneficial microbes with us,' author of the paper, prof. Jose Lopez from Nova Southeastern University, says in apress release.

But what about the strict non-contamination guidelines NASA and all space programs have always respected? All things that are sent to space are first thoroughly sterilized, and protection from all sorts of contamination and microorganisms is ensured. These policies arent there for nothing: we cant put at risk the extraterrestrial environments we study.

However, prof. Lopez and his team insist that beneficial bacteria are necessary for a terraforming process to begin on Mars, and for life to thrive in its naturally harsh environment.

'Microbial introduction should not be considered accidental but inevitable. We hypothesize the near impossibility of exploring new planets without carrying and/or delivering any microbial travelers,' they write.

This stands to reason. Here onEarth, all biological processes around us and in us, even ourclimate, are determined by, and happen due to, microorganisms activity and on any other planet, including Mars, life would likewise require their support. However, a lot of complex research will have to be done before putting organisms on the Red Planet. Once there, they will be exposed to radiation exceeding by large what they can take. Humans, if they are to survive there, will have to adapt to their new habitat by evolving - and fast.

Thus, the new research argues that the attitude to having microbes in space must change through seeing the benefits. However, at present it is unknown which microbes would be required to help terraform Mars - and cause no damage. Lopez and team believe that extremophiles could be a possibility as they are not merely hypertolerant to very extreme environments, but also thrive in them.

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What Will Happen if We Put Microorganism on Mars? - Asgardia Space News

Photos This Is Exactly What It Takes to Become an Astronaut 24/7 Wall St. – msnNOW

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Do you have the right stuff to be an astronaut?

These are NASAs basic requirements: a bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics; at least three years of related professional experience after completing your degree or at least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in a jet aircraft; the ability to pass the NASA long-duration physical; and 20/20 vision or the means to correct for 20/20 for each eye, such as eyeglasses.

But its more than that. Astronaut candidates have to endure a grueling, time-consuming process of tests to see if they can make the grade. To find out exactly what it takes to become an astronaut, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the formal requirements listed by NASA, career readiness reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other sources such as space.com, sbs.com, and astronaut.com.

Becoming an astronaut is harder than getting into an Ivy League school. Only 338 have even been selected by NASA. In 2016, more than 18,300 people applied for 14 or fewer spots in NASA's astronaut class. They are hoping to leave their footprint in space. Here are the most unforgettable moments in space exploration.

NASA selects astronauts from a diverse pool of applicants with various backgrounds. This is in contrast to its pioneering crew in 1959, the storied Right Stuff group that was the subject of the Tom Wolfe book and movie of the same name. Those trailblazers were all white American males, all with military experience. They would gain fame as astronauts on the Mercury and Apollo missions during the 1960s. Here are the biggest milestones in the space race.

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UAE in space: UAE Mission 1 a revered milestone in nation’s space exploration goals – Gulf News

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Hazzaa AlMansoori arrives at the International Space Station. Image Credit: Nasa

The arrival of the Emirati astronaut, Hazza AlMansoori, at the International Space Station, ISS, after a journey closely followed by the entire world, is a milestone in the UAEs efforts to become a leader in the international space sector.

This day is full of well-deserved joy and pride in the UAE, as well as in other Arab and Islamic countries, as the Soyuz spacecraft reached the ISS with AlMansoori carrying the flag of the UAE, inspired by the experience of the Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the first Arab astronaut to orbit around Earth.

The message tweeted by Hazza AlMansoori, which was seen by millions of youth around the world, stated, "A few hours before launch and Im filled with this indescribable feeling of glory and awe. Today I carry the dreams and ambition of my country to a whole new dimension. May Allah grant me success in this mission."

On Wednesday, 25th September, the world saw Al Mansoori via a live feed with the "Zayed Ambition Logo" on his shoulder, and while preparing for his historic journey, and gave the UAE's three-finger salute -- symbolising win, victory, and love -- highlighting the two-year achievements of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

AlMansoori, who was an F-16 pilot, travelled to space holding the flag of the country of tolerance and achievement, as well as the flag of Russia, in a historic mission adding to the UAEs soft power.

First Arab on ISS

AlMansoori is the first Arab astronaut qualified to work onboard the ISS, where he will conduct a series of scientific experiments, adding to humanitys scientific knowledge, while representing the UAE space sector.

He will also take photos of the Earth as part of his mission, which will be a momentous occasion in the UAEs history and will inspire many others.

During a press conference held at the Yuri Gagarin Centre, AlMansoori sent a message to the youth of the world stressing his pride in representing the UAE and the Arab region on the ISS, and affirming his belief that the "Zayed Ambition" will empower the Emirati youth to achieve their goals and overcome their challenges.

AlMansoori, who will orbit the Earth around 100 times during the eight-day trip, will present to the world a visual introductory message in Arabic about the ISS.

The Emirati astronaut was not alone when he travelled to space, as the hearts of the UAEs leadership, government and people were with him.

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Shape Shifting Robots The future of Space Exploration – TMR BLOG

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Robots have a critical job to do in space exploration. And, the job will only get more significant in times to come. This is because new missions involve seeking knowledge of worlds that are far away.

The Shapeshifter

So, NASA is developing a new robot that could be the next level in robotic space exploration. It is noteworthy that this is the kind of robot that can overcome terrain challenges. Exploration of Saturns moon, Titan, is one such challenge. One of the reasons is that the environment is unlike any other. The issue is not just frigid temperatures but also cryovolcanoes, caves, and lakes and seas. Moreover, there is rain of liquid hydrocarbons. It would be nave to think that MSL Curiosity-style rover would come through in such an environment.

Thus, NASAs robot would also be able to shift shapes to overcome challenges mentioned above. Currently, the idea is to use many small robots that can put themselves together when required. It does not come as a surprise here that NASA calls it Shapeshifter. However, it is important to note here that researchers are using semi-autonomous version of Shapeshifter as of now.

The Cobots

Cobots are the numerous robots that make a shapeshifter. Interestingly, they cant just change shapes but also fly, swim and roll, when required. This is what makes it suitable for exploration of Titan the one place that has liquid on it.

About the Team

The team at work here includes researchers from Stanford and Cornell Universities. Robotics Technologist, Ali Agha, explains the mission succinctly. He states that while they know there are challenges, uncertainty prevails. And, so, the idea was to make something versatile enough to change with the need. But, they also wanted to make it small enough so they could launch it from a rocket. Ali Agha is JPLs Principal Investigator of Shapeshifter.

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Shape Shifting Robots The future of Space Exploration - TMR BLOG

Will There Ever Be Another Classic Air Jordan? – Complex

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Every year, the sneaker community collectively goes through the same motions. Jordan Brand drops off a mysterious image on social media teasing the latest addition to the Air Jordan line. Primarily fueled by nostalgia of the brands glory days, rumors swirl about what the shoe will look like. What will be new this year? What NBA players will be wearing it? In 2019, there are people who still hope the new Air Jordan will look like their favorites from the 80s and 90s.

Jordan Brand has tried to channel the feelings of yesteryear with some of its more recent installments. The XXXI took elements of the Air Jordan 1. The XXXII took aspects of the Air Jordan II. The XXXIII followed suit, and even gave Travis Scott his own ad campaign and collaboration to drum up some excitement. It didnt work. All of them were rarely seen anywhere besides the hardwood. Sure, Jordan Brand continues to innovate from a performance perspective with its annual releases like it always has, but these new school Air Jordans are lacking the cultural significance that makes the originals so cherished by the masses, so timeless.

Earlier this month, Jordan Brand unveiled the Air Jordan XXXIV (thats 34 for those who cant count that high in Roman numerals). The model introduces the Eclipse Plate, a cushioning system in the midsole to aid in explosiveness and stability. Its something hardcore basketball players will care about, but the masses probably wont notice.

They will notice the player who helped unveil the shoe, 2019 No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson. He helped usher in the model recently with his freakish athleticism, throwing down a bevy of dunks at an event at Dunlevy Milbank Center in Harlem in front of an enthusiastic crowd of children and media members. The 19-year-old hasnt played a single minute in the NBA yet is already one of its biggest names. He will be the flag-bearer for the XXXIV this upcoming season.

Williamson made his much-talked-about decision to sign with the Jumpman back in late July. If things pan out, he could very well be the face of Jordan Brand for years to come, and he should be. That being said, the XXXIV will not be Zions Air Jordan 1. The current generation of fans will probably care more about the retros Williamson arrives to the Smoothie King Center wearing than the pair he runs up and down the floor in on a nightly basis.

Its pretty obvious why the new models will never be held in the same regard. The story crafted by the early Air Jordan models is just insurmountable. Michael Jordan, the man a large majority believe to be the greatest to ever play the sport, played in the original Air Jordans. He created moments in them. We will always be able to look at him leaping from the free throw line in the 1988 dunk contest wearing the Air Jordan III. The Last Shot Air Jordan XIV will always be tied to the clip of Bryon Russell getting crossed up by him in the 1998 NBA Finals. The new models just dont have that type of relevance. Russell Westbrook averaged a triple-double and was awarded league MVP honors in 2017. He wore the Air Jordan XXXI for a large chunk of that campaign. Ray Allen hit one of the most clutch shots in NBA history in the 2013 Finals in the XX8. But does anyone actually remember they were wearing them? Not really.

Air Jordans were a large factor in the birth of sneaker culture as we know it today. Im probably not getting paid to write this without the cultural phenomenon that Air Jordans evolved into since debuting in 1985. The new silhouettes just dont feel as special. Jordan Brand has itself cornered. It cant overcome its own legacy.

Theres a reason that retros still release every Saturday, and 60 Air Jordan 1s released in 2018. Customers cant get over the originals. Jordan retired 16 years ago yet he still has the most valuable sneaker deal in the NBA. He will be making an estimated $130 million this fiscal year. Its because of the retros, not the XXXIV. Fast forward ten years, and you will likely still see people running to the store for the latest Air Jordan IV colorway, a shoe that will be 40 years old at that point. And that doesnt seem shocking.

This can be said about the current basketball market as a whole. The culture has shifted. The kids want the Off-White x Nike collab LeBron James laced up in the tunnel more than they want to buy the newest LeBron signature model. Kanye West is a way bigger ambassador for Adidas with his Yeezy line than perennial All Star James Harden is. News of a new Air Jordan collab from Virgil Abloh gets more attention than anything Williamson or even Jordan would be able to do right now. Times have changed, and maybe theres nothing wrong with that.

The XXXIV is probably a great performance shoe. Nobody is arguing that. In fact, the reception seems to be fairly positive up to this point. Williamson is going to be throwing down gravity-defying windmills wearing them during his rookie campaign with the New Orleans Pelicans, but next year around the same time the brand will reveal the 35th installment to the Air Jordan lineup. Eventually, it will replace the space that the XXXIV will be occupying on shelves for the next year. The XXXIV wont get a retro run. Nobody will be asking for it. It will just be another pair to add to the isnt I-XIV archive.

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Will There Ever Be Another Classic Air Jordan? - Complex

The Air Jordan 34 Red Orbit Is Releasing On October 10th – Sneaker News

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Since kicking off with quite an amped announcement backed by newly added athlete Zion Williamson, the Air Jordan 34 has had a lot going for it with vibrant schemes matching its more futuristic designs and a Harlem-located event only adding to the buzz. With its striking Blue Void colorway closing out the month of September just days ago, the silhouette has already established plans for the near future with its more classic Bred scheme leading the way for October. Though its palettes are iconic to the Jumpman line-up itself, it doesnt heavily borrow from past notables like the AJ1; leaning more towards the neutral ends of the spectrum, the uppers mix of smooth overlays and almost translucent mesh stay a blinding white shade. Color blocking along the medial as well the rear, which bleeds from its ankle and slightly atop the tread, are dressed almost entirely in a glossy black finish; toe supports topped with signature iconography match just like the entire lace unit but mostly in tone. Deep reds, the most standout of the mix, are dispersed sparingly, only lending a hand to the various branding and piping seen at their usual spots. Grab an official look at the AJ34 Bred right here and expect to see it at Nike.com as well as select retailers on October 10th.

Air Jordan 34 BredRelease Date: October 10th, 2019$180Color: White/Orbit RedStyle Code: AR3240-100

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The Air Jordan 1 Brings Satin To A Black And Red Colorway – Sneaker News

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Often dressing up in wild materials as of late, the Air Jordan 1 has slowly become a mad science experiment for Beaverton designers with even shipping departments now arriving as inspirations. Bringing things back to basics, however, the silhouette is now set to see another reinterpretation of the iconic Bred colorway, this time being mostly made up of the neutral component. Uppers take on a construction of satin a favorite for fervent fans of the brand across much of its underlying structure: dressed in black for the most part, these layers retain intrigue through the sheen of the more luxurious fabrication despite lying adjacent to overlays of more ordinary smooth leathers. Laces and the standard assortment of iconography only act as accent notes in their bold red tone, giving a few options for those who may be looking for an all black pair to add to the rotation. Grab a detailed look right here, and if youre interested in grabbing these, then be sure to tune in for word on their release at select retailers and Nike.com.

Air Jordan 1Release Date: January 2020$160Style Code: 555088-060

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Jordan raises teachers’ pay in bid to defuse nationwide strike; union unmoved – Reuters

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AMMAN (Reuters) - Jordans cabinet on Saturday offered striking teachers pay hikes in a bid to end a damaging nationwide strike that has piled pressure on the debt-burdened country undergoing tough IMF-backed fiscal reforms amid concerns of a new round of demands by army retirees and other public-sector employees.

FILE PHOTO - Teachers gather outside one of the public schools during the first day of public school teachers' open strike in Amman, Jordan, September 8, 2019. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed

Over one and a half million students in the countrys public schools have been hit by the strike heeded by over 100,000 teachers after the government rejected a demand for a 50 percent pay rise of their basic salaries.

Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz, facing a barrage of public criticism for his handling of the strike as it enters its fourth week, announced pay increases ranging from 6 to 18 percent.

Its high time students go back to school. We hope the union will look positively at these decisions, Razzaz said, saying that the hikes would take effect at the start of next month.

The union, however, rejected the measure and criticized the prime minister.

You are imposing a solution from one side. This is an authoritarian method, Nasser Al Nawasrah, deputy head of the Jordanian Teachers Syndicate, said in a statement. We donate these bread crumbs to the government.

The government, which used tear gas to disperse protesting teachers at the start of the strike, says the unions demands would add to fiscal woes while the country grapples to curb record public debt of around $40 billion. The debt is due at least in part to successive governments adopting an expansionist fiscal policy characterized by job creation in the public sector.

Officials say Jordan can no longer afford to sustain a public sector whose salaries eat up the central governments $13 billion budget in a country with some of the worlds highest government spending relative to its economy.

Strike leaders and the government who met on Saturday in the latest round of talks were in emergency session to discuss the governments first pay offer in a deepening crisis.

The strike has turned in many of the countrys rural areas and smaller cities that are a traditional heartland of support for the government as a protest against successive governments failure to deliver on promises of economic growth.

The government has accused the teachers union of intransigence and of forcing its hand at a time when it says the economy faces a downturn and state finances are stretched.

Some officials have also accused union leaders of harboring the Islamist oppositions political agenda, a charge which the teachers union denies and says was part of a government smear campaign.

The government fears new pay demands by public sector employees, including doctors, and pension hikes to army retirees would wreck efforts to restore fiscal prudence for a sustained recovery.

Jordans King Abdullah ordered the army chief of staff on Saturday to approve a pension rise for some army retirees that would cost another 25 million dinars ($35 million) as a first stage, state media said.

Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Leslie Adler

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Another Off-White Air Jordan Collab Is Reportedly Releasing Next Year – Sole Collector

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Jordan Brand will reportedly extend itscelebratedpartnership with Virgil Abloh's Off-Whitelabel by releasingcollaborative Air Jordan 5snext year.

According to zSneakerheadz, wavegod_thelegend,andkickwhoshow, two newOff-White x Air Jordan 5 styles will arrive in February. Whilean early lookhas yet to surface, a mock-up photo suggeststhat standard Off-White details will be featured, includingthe trademark red zip tie and "AIR" branding printed on the midsole. If thereports prove to be true, this will mark the second Off-White x Air Jordan model to get a retail release.

The partnership between Off-White and Jordan Brand kicked off in 2017, featuringthe launch of a remixed "Chicago"Air Jordan 1 as part of "The Ten"collection.Prototypes of collaborative Air Jordan 4s were also on display at Abloh's'Figures of Speech' exhibit atMCA Chicago, but the pairs nevermade it to production.

As of now, twoOff-White x Air Jordan 5s arerumored to drop sometime in Februarybut keep it locked to Sole Collector for updates.

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Another Off-White Air Jordan Collab Is Reportedly Releasing Next Year - Sole Collector

Testing Nike tech: unboxing the Air Jordan XXXIV and Huarache Adapt – Yahoo Finance

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Sportswear and apparel giant Nike (NKE) is known for many things sneakers, Just do it!, Michael Jordan and, of course, the swoosh. But some say its tech that sets Nike apart. Enter the Air Jordan XXXIV and Huarache Adapt.

The Air Jordan XXXIV is the latest shoe in the Jordan signature line. It is one of the lightest basketball shoes ever made, with an adult size 9 weighing in at 13.1 oz. The Jordan brand did this by stripping away any non-essential material. As Nike puts it, the Air Jordan XXXIV leaves athletes only what they need.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: A view the Air Jordan 34 worn by Zion Williamson at the Jordan Brand launch of the Air Jordan 34 in Harlem on September 07, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Jordan Brand designer Tate Kuerbis says athletes themselves drove the brand to create the lightest shoe possible.

Athletes noted a desire to improve traction and reduce weight that became our starting point. We focused on athletes who are playing above the rim and making them more explosive, he said.

To help with stability, the Air Jordan XXXIV also sports the all-new Eclipse plate, the latest evolution on the flight speed plate that has been standard in recent Air Jordan models.Zion Williamson, the 2019 NBA draft first overall pick, will be wearing the Air Jordan XXXIV this upcoming season. It retails for $180.

In January, Nike unveiled the Air self-lacing Adapt BB. The shoe created a lot of buzz, as well as itsfair share of problemswhen some customers noted that the shoe did not work correctly on the Android system.

Nike Huarache Adapt NIKE

Nike is back with Adapt technology, but this time it has strapped it on the Air Huarache model. Nike even integrated Siri into the self-lacing process. Commands like tighten my shoes and release my shoes give runners a hands-free experience. The shoe, which sold out in minutes during a limited release, retailed for $350.

On top of cutting-edge tech, Nike continues to dominate on the financial side of things. Itreported its fiscal Q1 resultson September 24, and the company obliterated consensus expectations. The swoosh brand was expected to bring in adjusted earnings of 70 cents per share and revenue of $10.44 billion. However, the company reported an adj. earnings per share of 86 cents and brought in $ 10.7 billion in revenue.

Reggie Wade is a writer for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter at @ReggieWade.

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This is what frosty peace looks like: Israel, Jordan choose to ignore treaty’s 25th anniversary – Haaretz

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No gala or state event is currently being planned to mark the 25th anniversary of the Israel-Jordan peace treaty next month, in another sign that relations between the two neighbors have become increasingly chilly.

Among the issues dividing the two countries are Jordans decision not to renew Israels 25-year lease on the enclaves of Naharayim and Tzofar, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus recent vow to annex the Jordan Valley if reelected.

Haaretz Weekly Ep. 41Haaretz

>> Read more:Why Jordan is nixing parts of its peace deal with Israel | Explained Jordan may be the weakest link in Trump's peace initiative | Analysis

The Prime Ministers Office referred Haaretzs questions about the anniversary to the Foreign Ministry, which had yet to respond. Nor was any reply received from Foreign Minister Yisrael Katzs office.

Agenciesresponsible for the security cooperation between Jerusalem and Amman said they were not planning any event to mark the anniversary. The Institute for National Security Studies hosted on Wednesday an event to mark the anniversary, and ForeignMinistry sources said the ministry was involved in that.

Several senior Foreign Ministry officials attended the INSS event, which was organized in cooperation with the Ben-Zvi Institute. However, no senior representative of the government was there, nor was anyone present from the Jordanian Embassy.

The mood at the conference was pessimistic, and much of the focus was on the hurdles that have arisen since the agreement was signed. The invitation described the relationship as a cold peace, in which the mutual benefits of cooperation and the many common state interests are not fully understood by the Israeli and Jordanian publics.

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But the most salient symbol of the depth of the chill in the relationship was a secret panel at the conference that wasnt announced in the invitation. Two of the panel members were former Jordanian generals, who asked not to be identified by name and whose remarks could not be quoted or broadcast. Moreover, both arrived in Israel without having their passports stamped at the border. The fact that Jordanians fear to come to Israel openly epitomizes the state of the diplomatic relationship, 25 years after it began.

The experts who participated in the conference sought to identify the sources of the friction. Some focused on the conflict with the Palestinians, which hinders any possibility of a warmer relationship, while others focused on conflicts over the Temple Mount. Some noted that the two countries have always had a complicated relationship, while other speakers accused the current Israeli government of not working hard enough to rectify the relationship.

Other issues that arose during the discussion included the rift between the Jordanian people and the king, and the Trump administrations policies, which the speakers said arent helping matters.

The Israel-Jordan relationship has been cool for a long time, but it worsened following an incident in July 2017 in which an Israeli guard at the embassy in Amman shot and killed two Jordanians. The guard said he opened fire because one of them attacked him with a screwdriver. Upon returning to Israel, he was warmly welcomed by Netanyahu, which infuriated Jordanians.

Jordan allowed the embassy to reopen only after Israel expressed regret for the incident and paid compensation to the families of the deceased. The Jordanian newspaper Al Ghad reported that Israel paid around $5 million to the two families. It also paid compensation to the family of a Jordanian judge who was shot and killed at the Allenby Bridge border crossing in 2014.

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This is what frosty peace looks like: Israel, Jordan choose to ignore treaty's 25th anniversary - Haaretz

The Jordan Defy SP Adds Bold Text To Its Straps – Sneaker News

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Borrowing energy from the 33, the Jordan Defy SP infuses more futuristic design language into a kit designed for the present day; with sensibilities refusing to go full force into the next century, its lifestyle elements come through shining in a utilitarianism almost synonymous with the current market. Uppers are intricate and chaotic due to its scattered panelling with sole units rounding off its the forefoot and heel, covered by various overlays, profile supports, and a contrast cap at its rear, dressing boldly this time around in a paint job of burnt orange. Adjacent hits see the same tone though with heavily textural suede fabrications, contrasting against the translucent synthetics of the underlying base and the mesh that outfits much of the toe box. Straps, which cover from edge to edge, are now boldly adorned with huge typography, adding an element of Beavertons overbranding though doused in a styling akin to the most iconic of the science fiction realm. Grab a detailed look at the pair right here and find it available at Nike.com right now.

Jordan Defy SPAvailable$125Color: Black/Starfish/Orange Trance/White Style Code: CJ7698-008

Make sure to follow @kicksfinder for live tweets during the release date.

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Flags, rags and signs: The art of Mary Anne Jordan | The University of Kansas – KU Today

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LAWRENCE On her website, Mary Anne Jordan places her hand-dyed, quilted and stitched fiber artwork into three categories: Flags, Rags and Signs. For the show opening Oct. 4 at the James May Gallery in Algoma, Wisconsin, the University of Kansas professor of visual art will exhibit artwork created in recent years as well as new work being shown for the first time.

I have two new large pieces, she said. They're 125 inches wide and 45 inches tall. So they're long and narrow. They're a kind of banner or flag. I have also completed several small works about 25 inches square that are composed of fabric remnants and scraps with intensive hand stitching.

Jordan said she likes to think of her flags and signs as warnings or acts of resistance.

The sign series references are recognizable, she said, like the caution stripes on the back of an ambulance or a dead-end road sign. I like that idea of the sign as being a warning or a promise.

Jordan also likes the idea of revealing some of her artistic process to the viewer. On her website she states that evidence of the personal mark and human body is of the utmost importance to her work.

In an interview, she said this is so because we're removed from our bodies with technology. And so a mark using the hand to create a crooked line or a sloppy mark even handwriting, shows a kind of humanness.

In the process of making, I can make the dyes run and smear on the fabric. I control the action, but not completely. I like the idea that one can see that a person made the work and there are smudges and splotches.

Utilizing pattern and nontraditional quilting processes, Jordan tries to infuse her work with narrative content without hitting the viewer over the head with it.

Jordan said her artwork exists on a continuum that has evolved over the years without radical breaks. She learned sewing as a child, but never made clothes, for instance. She took art classes at the Toledo Museum of Art and earned art degrees at University of Michigan and Cranbrook Academy of Art while concentrating on fiber.

There's definitely a thread and a similarity and a continuum, she said. It's become more or less narrative over the years. Some of my work in the 90s was more image-oriented. I use less images now and more pattern and color. I've gone through stages where I use more color or less color. As you can see, on my website, a lot of my current work is black and white.

Things look pretty stark to Jordan these days.

Rags, she said, convey the idea of domesticity and textiles that are used. Flags can represent identity, place and allegiance. Signs are warnings, announcements, notices, pleas.

I respond a lot to the news and politics. I don't make picturesor narratives in that way, but I'm responding to contemporary issues all the time; they often converge together. I refer to contemporary issues, but I also use fabric, sewing and references to historic textiles and contemporary art to represent my feelings about current events and culture. I'm really engaged with fiber/textiles materials and processes, and I hope that they represent my ideas successfully.

Jordan said she tries to hint at the works meaning in her titles.

I also use the history of textiles and quilts in my work, she said. Sometimes I jack with the name of a traditional quilt pattern like 'Rocky Road to Kansas.' There are traditional patterns with references to fences and barriers like 'Railroad Crossing.' I play with those ideas to create my own patterns like 'Warning Sign' or 'Four Patch with Damage' or 'Red Alert.'

Jordan notes that many traditional quilt-pattern names grew from hard times like the Civil War and Great Depression.

Women were making blankets because they were cold not for decorative purposes or art, but to keep their families warm, Jordan said. I'm making quilts for the wall. I recognize this ability to concentrate on artmaking as a privilege.

Jordan will show her work at the James May Gallery with her KU colleague Marshall Maude. (See related story on him here.)

Marshall and I have many commonalities in our work, Jordan said. We both use historic references from our craft while also making artwork that is aligned with contemporary art practice.

Their work will be on display Oct. 4 through Nov. 23 at the James May Gallery.

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Flags, rags and signs: The art of Mary Anne Jordan | The University of Kansas - KU Today

On this day: Michael Jordan came out of retirement to play for the Wizards – NBCSports.com

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Exactly 18 years ago, Michael Jordan came out of his retirement a second time to join the Washington Wizards.

The 38-year-old signed a deal with the Wizards for two years in 2001, three years after his second retirement from the Chicago Bulls.

Jordan sold his 10% stake in the Wizards and stepped down from his position as their president of basketball operations in order to join the team. He also donated his first-year $1 million salary to victims of 9/11.

With Washington, Jordan started in 120 games and averaged just over a 40% field goal percentage with a 24.1% three-point percentage. Though his stats weren't as strong as in Chicago, Jordan still made some memorable plays with the Wizards, like this block/steal of Ron Mercer.

Prior to breaking his three-year retirement, Jordan had played over a dozen seasons in Chicago -- with a one-year retirement during the 1993-94 season. Four seasons later, Jordan retired for a second timebefore signing with the Wizards.

The hope was that Jordan, who led Chicago to six championships in 13 seasons, could revive Washington's role in the playoffs. That never came to fruition, and Jordan announced his retirement a third and final time after the 2002-03 season.

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WASHINGTON -- The Wizards have so many injuries going into training camp that head coach Scott Brooks needed help remembering them all atmedia day on Monday.

On his first attempt, he forgot about C.J. Miles, who is still limited after having foot surgery in July. Then there's Isaiah Thomas (thumb), Troy Brown Jr. (calf) and of course John Wall (Achilles).

But Brooks also had a new injury to report. Backup center Ian Mahinmi is dealing with Achilles pain and won't be a full participant when practices begin Tuesday.

"It's nothing serious," Brooks said of Mahinmi. "But we have some challenges ahead right now with our limited guys during training camp."

Mahinmi, of course, is not expected to play heavy minutes this season. He may not play much at all, even if he's healthy, due to depth at his position and the fact he has not been particularly productive in recent years.

Mahinmi getting this season off to an ominous start is not a great sign he will be able to rewrite the narrative of his career in Washington. This is the fourth and final year of the $64 million free-agent contract he signed in the summer of 2016 and so far he has not exactly lived up to the deal.

In three years with the Wizards, Mahinmi has averaged 4.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Certainly, the Wizards would like to see him do something to justify his $15.5 million salary this season. He's 32 and now nursing an Achilles injury, so expectations should be set accordingly.

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A select few NBA stars had the honor of receiving an invite to Kobe Bryant's exclusive training camp session back in August.

Wizards guard Isaiah Thomas was one of the 10players to participate in the camp.

A great opportunity and recognitionfor Thomas to get hand-picked by a future NBA Hall of Famer, but Thomas is not giving away many details on what happened at 'Mamba Camp.'

"We watched film with him. We did mind things with him. We did a lot. I don't want to say all the things because he might get mad. He was trying to keep like where no one knows what went down," Thomas said on Wizards media day.

Clearly Bryant is Tyler Durden and has created his own version of Fight Club. And if there is one thing we all know about fight club, you don't talk about fight club. Thomas might have revealed too much when talking to the Wizards media.

Thomas says that he and Bryant have had a relationship for a while and even called him "the best player to play the game". Never, though, had he received the instruction from the Lakers legend before this camp.

This camp could very well be exactly what the eight-year veteran needed to bounce back after the last stretch of his career. Since being traded from the Celtics in 2017 he has played in 44 games over two seasons for three separate teams. Thomas went from being a two-time All-Star in Boston to being sent around the league as an adequate backup.

In Washington, he may get the chance to start again in John Wall's absence.

From the wise words of Tyler Durden: "It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything."

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Gilligans Island star Tina Louise shares how the show ‘represented this great escape’ – Fox News

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Tina Louise, one of the last surviving members of Gilligans Island, is speaking out about the shows 55th anniversary.

The actress famously played Ginger Grant, also known as The Movie Star. The only other living cast member is Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann Summers.

In a recent interview with Closer Weekly, the 85-year-old actress said shes proud of the shows lasting legacy.

'GILLIGAN'S ISLAND' STAR DAWN WELLS SAYS SHE IS 'GRATEFUL' FOR 'FRIENDS AND FANS WHO CARE' WHILE SUFFERING FINANCIALLY

Russell Johnson (as the Professor, in white shirt), Alan Hale Jr. (1918 - 1990) (as the Skipper, in blue shirt), Bob Denver (1935 - 2005) (as Gilligan, in red shirt), Dawn Wells (as Mary Ann, hand on chin), Tina Louise (as Ginger, standing), Jim Backus (1913 - 1989) (as Thurston Howell III, holding radio), and Natalie Schafer (1900 - 1991) (as Mrs. Howell). (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)

On this 55th anniversary of Gilligans Island I want to say how wonderful it is that our show is still on the air after all these years, Louise told Closer Weekly. I honestly feel like I have so many friends out there who just love what we did and what we shared and the joy we brought. Im so happy to have been part of something that was so special to American television.

The beloved Gilligans Island explored how seven men and women are stranded on an uncharted island following a storm. It also starred Bob Denver, Alan Hale Jr., Jim Backus, Natalie Schafer and Russell Johnson. The sitcom aired from 1964 until 1967.

When we first aired, our country was in turmoil, Louise reflected. We were just past the Cuban Missile Crisis and the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The Vietnam War was escalating and I think people really needed an escape. Then we lost our beloved Martin Luther King and in a time of uncertainty, Gilligans Island represented this great escape.

CHRISTIE BRINKLEY RECREATES HER 'GIRL IN THE RED FERRARI' MOMENT FROM 'NATIONAL LAMPOONS VACATION'

Tina Louise (left), Dawn Wells and Natalie Schaefer on "Gilligan's Island." (Getty)

This sweet, silly show provided its fans with calm and joy in a frightening time and has continued to do so, Louise continued. Well done television transports people into a fantasy and no matter what turmoil exists in the world, Gilligans Island has provided that escape in an enduring way. Considering the state of everything these days, we should all be happy its still in reruns!

The magazine shared Louise originally pursued a modeling career before finding fame in Hollywood. At age 2, she appeared in an ad for her fathers candy store. By age 17, she was studying acting, singing and dancing at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City.

Louise would go on to make her acting debut in 1952s Twos Company on stage, which led to several other Broadway productions. She appeared in film with 1958s Gods Little Acre. She is still active in front of the big screen and most recently appeared in 2019s Tapestry opposite Stephen Baldwin and Burt Young.

Back in 2013, Louise told Esquire that being a redhead wasnt always easy.

A lot of men are afraid of redheads, she told the outlet at the time. Theres not that many and were different.

LUCILLE BALL ENDURED RUTHLESS CRITICISM ON LIFE WITH LUCY, SAYS CO-STAR: THEY WERE SO BLOODY

Most men are most comfortable with brunettes, she continued. Brunettes arent gonna run away from them; theyre not gonna leave. Men worry that a redhead will. Which is ridiculous! Cause if Im with you, Im with you for a darn good reason, and Im staying there.

Tina Louise circa 1960. (Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

Louise also admitted that appearing on Gilligans Island was completely different from what she learned as an actress over the years.

[Teacher] Lee Strasberg was important, she shared. Hed pick up your arm and see if and how it would drop to determine the level of relaxation in your body and spirit. Hed say, Make a sound. Some people would start to laugh and that would sometimes turn to tears. You didnt have to be sad it all came from deep relaxation. I learned a lot from Lee about deep relaxation to get at something you were working toward. And then I found myself on Gilligans Island, where somebodys telling you, Go to the right. Go to the left. That was an adjustment. Gilligans Island is what it is, and I am who I am.

'ROOM 222' STAR KAREN VALENTINE RECALLS 'AWFUL' ENCOUNTER AFTER 'THE DATING GAME'

Louise also told the outlet that aside from work, shes been happily volunteering since 1996 and is a proud member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Tina Louise attends The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children's 2018 Spring Luncheon at The Pierre Hotel on April 17, 2018, in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

I love being part of the Academy, she said. I try to see everything on the big screen. I see about two films a week. I dont eat popcorn. I loathe it when people are eating popcorn in a movie house. Im used to concentrating on a film in very quiet places.

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Age is not a number, Louise added. Some people are way older than others who are the same numerical age because of the way they carry themselves, because of the way they dont stand up straight, or the way their bellies stick out. I dont think you should label people with numbers.

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Heads must roll as Trent Bridge becomes theatre of base comedy – The Times

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Hail Essex and Darren Stevens, weep for woeful Nottinghamshire, says Michael Henderson in his county season review

County cricket, devalued over the years by a governing board that knows the price of everything and the value of nothing, is rather like Hamlet in Tom Stoppards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Its a play going on in the background while the eyes and ears of the audience are elsewhere. Yet without it there will be no Test cricketers of the future, so it is prudent to pay attention to the doings in the shires, however unfashionable they may appear to be.

It also has interest in its own right and we were granted one last golden hour of the season at Taunton. At 4.30pm last Thursday, with the floodlights on, the sun, whose rays are all ablaze, appeared for the first time since Monday morning.

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Heads must roll as Trent Bridge becomes theatre of base comedy - The Times

MotoGP heads to Thailand with Marquez on cusp of Championship victory – Mcnews.com.au

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2019 MotoGPRound 15 Thailand,Buriram International Circuit

Thailand will mark the 15th round of the season and the precursor to the three-week back-to-back tour which takes in Japan, Australia and Malaysia, making this a very busy time both in terms of logistics and racing action for the whole MotoGP paddock.

The first time MotoGP visited Buriram, the race was a duel to remember. To add a little more to the history books at the PTT Thailand Grand Prix second time around, this year the Championship hangs in the balance as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) has the chance to win title number eight. So what are the chances? Fairly high.

The reigning Champion won here last year and hes 98 points clear with only four races remaining. To boil the maths down to its simplest form, Marquez has to score two or more points more than Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and be 100 points or more clear when the flag falls on Sunday. He already has too many wins to be caught on that count.

Marc Marquez

We had a great weekend in Aragon and it was a delight to win in front of the home crowd. I want to carry this confidence and energy to Thailand so we can put in a strong weekend. Our approach doesnt change even with the circumstances, we will do our work to be as strong as possible come Sunday. Last year we had a very exciting race here in Thailand so hopefully we can put on another good show for the fans!

Winning races and Championships is far more than a numbers game, however. Its no mean feat beating Dovizioso, and Marquez knows that better than anyone. Buriram 2018 is the one last corner duel against the Italian Marquez has won, so if were on for a repeat performance, the number 93 will have to pull it off again and upend the last corner statistics once more

Grands Prix arent just about the title fight though. Last year Yamaha werent far behind the leading duo and Maverick Viales and Valentino Rossi will be gunning to put Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP back on the podium, and Danilo Petrucci, Doviziosos teammate, needs a result. After a tougher run of form in the last few races, Buriram could be a good track for the Ducati man to bounce back, and hell want to quickly.

Why? His fight for third with Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar). After Rins stunning win at Silverstone, the Spaniard has floundered on race day and hes another who needs a good haul of points, although it could be tougher going for the Hamamatsu factory machines at the venue. Hell want to at least try and take the fight to Petrucci though, with the two close in the standings fighting for third overall just a point apart.

Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) is another who will want to maximise the Ducatis potential at Buriram and take some good points. An impressive third podium of the year at MotorLand saw him deny Viales the chance to finish on the podium three times in a row for the first time in the premier class, and crucially Miller also finished two places ahead of Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT).

The ever impressive Quartararo is well on top in the fight for Rookie of the Year, but hes also fighting for top Independent Team rider and Miller is his key rival as it stands. The Frenchman is only six points clear of the Australian as we head into the flyaways

FabioQuartararo

I think itll be a little better for us than Aragon was because theres a lot of long, slow corners that will suit our bike. The more-experienced riders have less of an advantage there as its only the second time racing there, so well work hard to adapt quickly and do our best. This is my favourite time of the year, heading into the four races in Asia and Australia, because I love travelling and Ill have a chance to rest after Thailand too.

Meanwhile, KTM will want to use Buriram to hopefully see Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) back on track but also to gain some more daylight over Aprilia in the manufacturers Championship.

With Pol Espargaro sidelined through injury in Aragon and Aleix Espargaro and Andrea Iannone putting on an impressive show for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, the Noale factory closed in a little and it will be interesting to see how Mika Kallio, replacing Johann Zarco, can go in Thailand as he aims to score for KTM as well.

Of course there is also the KTM Tech3 squad of Miguel Oliveira and Hafizh Syahrin, and as always Tech3 Team ManagerHerv Poncharal gave us a great preview of the event from their pit garage.

Herv Poncharal Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team Manager

The next round of the calendar is the Thailand GP in Buriram, which is a place, where we have great memories from last year and myself personally I have to give away the trophy for the best Grand Prix organization in 2018, because it was clearly an incredible event, it was well organized, we had a nice paddock, saw great racing, met friendly people and they were very efficient. I think the whole paddock will travel to Thailand with a smile on their faces, as last year nobody knew what to expect and now we know it and we are positive about rediscovering everything there. This is obviously an important round being the first on in South-East Asia, which is the place in the world where anything related to the motorcycle business is booming and it is an important market, where all the manufacturers want to shine. Wed love to do well with KTM there. I believe that Miguel will be almost 100% fit, because he already felt so much better after just one week in Aragon, so we are quite confident, that he is almost back to his form and the understanding of the bike weve had in Spielberg and Silverstone. We are positive and confident, that Miguel can do well, also because I think he likes that circuit. This will be another interesting place to rediscover everything with our new bike and a new rider coming from Moto2. We are looking forward to see this. Hafizh, is almost a local boy there with a lot of support and fans coming to cheer for him. I know, that theres almost a love story between him and the Buriram circuit, because it was the first time he tested a GP bike in February 2018 there, he felt really good and was fast. We were truly impressed and decided to hire him for the full season, so for him everything started in this place. He likes the circuit and sure, he aims to please the crowd, plus the heat will be no problem for him, because he already flew to Malaysia straight after Aragon, therefore he will be better accustomed to the weather and the time than the other riders coming over from Europe. We also expect a lot from him, in addition he could be pleasantly surprised by a few updates coming from KTM for Hafizh. Hopefully we manage to handle that well and will receive a great result. Now its time to pack our suitcases, leave to the airport and fly to beautiful Thailand.

After a crash ruled Jorge Lorenzo out of the 2018 Thai GP, the five-time World Champion is looking forward to the prospect of racing in Buriram for the first time. Consistent times in practice during the Aragon GP showed that Lorenzos condition and feeling with the RC213V is improving and he is aiming to continue this trend in Thailand.

Jorge Lorenzo

Last year I did not have the best weekend in Thailand with a big crash ruling me out of the race. I am looking forward to completing the race there and we saw from Marc last year that the RC213V is strong at this circuit. After the difficult race in Aragon, I am hoping we can have a good weekend. During practice we showed that our pace is getting better and delivering on this potential is our objective for Thailand.

Talking Tyres

Michelin has already despatched its ranges of tyres for these four fly-away races via a mixture of sea and air freight, where the range of Michelin tyres travel in temperature-controlled containers so they arrive at the circuits in the ideal condition ready for race-action.

The first race of this fly-away tour is an especially testing one for Michelin, as the specific layout of the 4,554m, 12-turn Buriram circuit demands a special rear tyre to contend with the high temperatures that are produced due to the tracks long straights.

Available in a soft, medium and hard compound with an asymmetric design with a harder right-hand side, the Michelin Power Slick rear for the Thailand circuit has a different construction to that which is used all other racetracks throughout the season, with the exception of Spielberg in Austria. These two tracks have similar configurations and use this specific construction to control the build-up of heat that is generated and give the riders the drive and control they need and expect from a Michelin rear tyre, without any compromise to performance from overheating.

Piero TaramassoMichelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager

This is our third visit to Buriram following the test and race there last year and each time we have learned more and been able to assess the tyres and makes changes for the next visit. It is a very severe track on rear tyres and creates a lot of heat for the rubber, so we have a special construction which we also use just in Austria to counteract this situation. Last year we were told it would be cooler and wet during October, but it was hot and dry, so we have prepared a range of tyres that can contend with all conditions. There was a big crowd at Buriram last year and it was a great event, we are sure it will be the same this year and that Michelin will play a part in giving the fans a race to enjoy.

Time Schedule

Tune in on Sunday 6th October as lights go out for the MotoGP race at 1800 Sunday night for those Australian states that are lucky enough to enjoy the change to Daylight Savings Time this weekend. Full time schedule further down the page.

Two wins on the bounce had given Augusto Fernandez (Flexbox HP 40) some serious momentum in Moto2, but a mistake at MotorLand Aragon has seen the Spaniard slip to third overall and over 40 points off the top now leap-frogged by Jorge Navarro (Beta Tools Speed Up).

Is time running out for those on the chase to catch Alex Marquez?

Mathematically, it isnt, but it would likely need some serious drama to intervene in the rest of the races to really derail the story of the season so far.

That story, ultimately, is one of consistency. Marquez has lost out once through a mistake of his own, and hes reaping the rewards of the combination of speed and settling when its necessary. Navarro just behind him has been a fairly consistent presence each race weekend too, although hes yet to stand on the top step. That means that if Marquez does start to feel the pressure, Navarro could end up challenging for the crown from the rare position of not being a race winneryet.

Others have seared their way to glory, however, and theres something to be said for reeling in the wins thats what put Fernandez where he is. And Brad Binders (Red Bull KTM Ajo) two wins in the latter half of the season have helped put him just 53 points down, in fifth. Given an incredibly tough start to the season for Austrian factory KTM, thats something to really write home about and the tracks coming next get the South African grinning.

Tom Lthi (Dynavolt Intact GP), meanwhile, is still looking for a bit more of his early season form. The Swiss rider has kept reeling in the points, but hes not been on the charge like weve seen. Can he bounce back as we head into the flyaways? Will teammate Marcel Schrtter mix it up with the frontrunners again once hes back from injury? And what of Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46), the only man on the grid whos previously been on the podium at the track?

Home hero Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia), though, will likely have most of the crowd on his side. There may be a title fight happening at the top, but the intermediate class rookie will be the true hero of the hour for the Thai crowd.

At MotorLand Aragon, Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) was on fire and key rival Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) had a difficult day at the office. In short, 25 points for Canet vs an eleventh place for the Championship leader mean its almost as you were in the tightest title fight of the season, with just two points separating them on the way to Thailand. The see-saw rivalry of the summer is back and Buriram could be an interesting place to head next.

Weve only raced once at the Thai track and last years first contact makes good reading for Dalla Porta. He came second, only a tenth down, and Canet? He didnt race. The Spaniard arrives with no former knowledge of the venue after he missed the event last year due to injury, so it could prove more of an uphill struggle for him. With the rest of the grid, minus the rookies, joining Dalla Porta in having more experience, that only adds to Canets challenge.

Tony Arbolino (VNE Snipers), especially, is not yet out of reach of a charge for the top, although the Italian had a more difficult first race at Chang International Circuit last season. John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) did too, but the likes of Gabriel Rodrigo (Kmmerling Gresini Moto3) and Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing) showed some good form as did Dennis Foggia (Sky Racing Team VR46), who took his first podium. Will the rest of the field avoid the attrition of 2019?

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MotoGP heads to Thailand with Marquez on cusp of Championship victory - Mcnews.com.au