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‘Change the List’: People have spoken

June 18th, 2013 cnn No comments

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CNN asked readers to vote on the stories columnist John D. Sutter will cover as part of his Change the List project. More than 32,000 votes were cast. Here are the winners: 1. Widest rich-poor gap, 16,789 votes. What’s happening to America’s middle class? One state may yield answers.

2. Illegal animal trade, 13,276 votes. Illicit trade in animal parts lines pockets and empties ecosystems.

3. Where rape is common, 12,996 votes. Women in some communities face disproportionate rates of rape and violence.

4. Children in poverty, 12,820 votes. Kids in extreme poverty may suffer stunting and malnutrition.

5. America’s most endangered river, 12,002 votes. Most U.S. rivers are unsuitable for aquatic life, the EPA says.

Editor’s note: John D. Sutter is a columnist for CNN Opinion and head of Change the List. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. E-mail him at ctl@cnn.com.

(CNN) — Remember that scene at the end of that Facebook Movie (“The Social Network”) when Mark Zuckerberg’s character sits alone at a computer screen hitting the refresh button over and over again — stuck in a loop of anxiety and longing?

That’s how I felt last week.

On June 10, to re-launch a CNN Opinion project called Change the List, my editors and I put forward 20 story ideas for your consideration — and I agreed to do whatever five stories got the most votes. Meantime, a colleague of mine created an internal Web page so I could monitor, in all-the-time-real-time, which stories were leading the race. That internal website, which had a yellow banner that said, “CONFIDENTIAL: For internal use only” at the top of it, was titled “How John’s going to be spending the rest of 2013.”

I was nervous about the results because I was excited to know what I would be reporting on, of course — but, more importantly, because the topics CNN’s editors put forward really do matter: the most dangerous roads in the world; America’s failing education system; the country where 1 in 100 live births kills the mother.

These stories could make a difference.

So I checked that website again and again, to the point I briefly developed an eye twitch. This isn’t like me, by the way. I’m the kind of person who (usually) sits through dinner without reading texts. But for the seven days the poll was open I turned into some sort of one-function cyborg. Must. Check. Leaders.

I’m pleased to tell you the wait is finally over. My eye twitch has subsided and normal life can resume. At 2 p.m. on Monday we closed the poll. And here are the results. These are the Change the List stories for the next year — with one wild-card topic still to be determined by my editors (who I’m being reallllly nice to this week).

1. America’s widening rich-poor gap (16,789 votes)

2. Illegal animal trade (13,276 votes)

3. Where rape is most common (12,996)

4. The world’s poorest children (12,820)

5. America’s most endangered river (12,002)

Each story will focus on an extreme case — the state with the widest rich-poor gap or the place where rape is most common. Together we’ll try to start a conversation that could, in the long run, bump these places off the bottom of their respective lists.

I’ll announce the first story soon and will reveal the focus of each story (which river is the most endangered, for instance) during the reporting process.

I love that each of these stories was chosen by you. I see that as a mandate of sorts. When journalists pitch big projects they sometimes wonder, “Is this really the best use of my time?” I don’t have those doubts with Change the List. I know I’m working on your behalf — on the topics you’ve deemed most important.

This is journalism as democracy — rebalanced to give you power.

You’re the boss. That’s the way it should be.

I also think this vote created a pact between us. I know that you’ll have my back as I tackle these subjects and ask for your help in gathering info and pushing for change. These are subjects that are too massive to take on alone. I’ll need your help.

I’ll leave you with the rest of the list just so you can get a sense of what your peers on the Internet value. As I wrote last week, I was surprised by these numbers — not the fact that 32,546 ballots were submitted, but because a story about the economy finished at the top of the list, and several ideas I found to be most interesting (the country with 100,000 new cases of leprosy per year; the place in the United States without Internet access) received relatively few votes. About half of you picked the income inequality story, the winner, which would have been near the bottom of my ballot. Only 9% of the ballots submitted included the leprosy story, which would have been my top pick.

All these are worthy subjects. But the vote gave me pause. It made me re-evaluate my news judgment — and realize how interesting and rewarding it can be to include your perspectives in the story-selection process. You see things I’d miss on my own. And during the vote, you also gave me at least 97 story ideas that could be the basis for the wild card sixth story. How cool is that?

I hope you’ll follow this project over the coming months — and participate in its creation. The Change the List homepage — http://cnn.com/changethelist — is one place to look for updates. We also have Tumblr, and my personal social networks are listed in the editor’s note at the top of the story. Thanks to all who voted. I’m excited for this journey. I must have the best job in journalism. And it’s because I have all of you guiding me.

Here’s the rest of the list, including vote totals:

6. Where conflict is never-ending (11,566)

7. The state with the highest drop-out rate (10,372)

8. America’s most drug-dependent state (8,614)

9. The country ranked lower for free speech than North Korea (8,380)

10. The world’s deadliest roads (7,864)

11. Where women aren’t in government (7,197)

12. Where you’re most likely to be locked up (6,810)

13. Where 9 in 10 don’t have toilets (6,332)

14. Where mothers die in childbirth (4,753)

15. Malaria at its deadliest (4,648)

16. Landmines still end lives (4,125)

17. Three countries stand in the way of polio eradication (3,901)

18. No Internet — in the United States (3,823)

19. The saddest of the rich countries (3,682)

20. Where leprosy is still a scourge (2,781)

Follow @CNNOpinion on Twitter.

Join us at Facebook/CNNOpinion.

Was your top story chosen? Let us know in the comments.

The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of John D. Sutter.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/18/opinion/sutter-ctl-vote-results/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: ard, Child, cnn, com, computer, Google, Page, Rank, site, title, top stories, top story, world

Why land rights help Africa feed itself

June 18th, 2013 cnn No comments

Editor’s note: Mark Bowman is managing director of brewing company SABMiller Africa.

(CNN) — Nothing better sums up Africa’s extraordinary mixture of challenges and opportunities than agriculture. On the one hand, Africa is home to one in four of the world’s hungry and is the only continent which fails to grow enough food to meet its own needs.

Yet it has also half of the world’s unused land suitable for farming. Better still, increasing yields on existing farmland by 50% — still far below the global average — would not only meet Africa’s own food requirements but provide a sizable surplus for export. With global food supply needing to increase by an estimated 70% by 2050, the continent is at the heart of the challenge of food security.

All this explains why agriculture in Africa is finally getting the attention it deserves from both the continent’s governments and donors.

The recent Nutrition for Growth summit generated pledges of $4.1 billion to fight malnutrition and hunger. This builds on the commitments made at Camp David 12 months ago when we, along with other local and multinational companies, committed to collectively invest over $3 billion across the agricultural value chain in Grow Africa countries.

There is now increased pressure on G8 leaders, meeting this week in the UK, to tackle the issues at the heart of food insecurity, including “land grabs.”

Read this: African land grabs, mirage in the desert

In the worst cases, local communities and farmers have been evicted from land they long regarded as their own. Farmland which was once productive can be left idle. Plans to grow crops for export in the future can also be difficult to stomach when local people don’t have food to eat today.

Land purchases which ignore the interests of local communities and the local landscapes are both morally wrong and commercially short-sighted. We need action both nationally and globally to stop them.

But there is a danger that these clear-cut cases fuel opposition to all outside investment or create a false choice between large-scale commercial farming and smallholders. The truth is Africa desperately needs to maximize the potential of both to meet the needs of its citizens.

With smallholder farmers still producing 80% of the food and supporting 65% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa, they are central to any successful sustainable solution. We need to lift the barriers which have seen them locked out of the developments in agriculture from which farmers around the world have long benefited. Where this has happened, the results can be remarkable.

Read this: Africa can feed itself in a generation

As a company, we have been working with African farmers for many years. We buy our raw materials from all sorts of farming systems, from large-scale commercial barley farmers right through to near-subsistence cassava farmers who we are keen to help become viable commercial operators — and at least half of the grains we use come from local farmers.

African farmers key to growing economies

Farm Radio Malawi boosts agriculture

A green revolution for Africa?

The challenge for all who want to see African agriculture drive prosperity for its people is to maximize the benefits which both smallholder and large-scale commercial farming can bring. There is no single answer to preventing land grabs but at the heart of any solution is the need to improve land rights. It is no coincidence that many of the most questionable acquisitions have taken place in countries with the weakest system of land rights in place.

As much as 90% of the land in sub-Sahara Africa is untitled. The result is that communities which may have lived and farmed the land for many generations have no enforceable legal claim to it. In the worst cases, this can allow land to be sold off by governments from under their feet without any hope of compensation.

Read this: Land grabs really water grabs?

Improved land rights which go at least some way to recognize history and usage would help prevent this from happening. Nor is it impossible to put in place. Countries such as Botswana and Ghana have already improved their laws so customarily held lands have the force of private property.

Giving people the protection of legally enforceable land rights does not only give them security. It also gives them greater incentive to invest in their farms and an easier route to get this investment. The lack of legal paperwork to their land remains a major reason for the refusal of banks to lend to farmers.

Improving land rights would also help commercial organizations who want to invest and farm in a responsible way. The present position gives us the worst of all worlds. While bad investors can get away with riding roughshod over the rights of smallholders and communities, the present free-for-all makes it difficult for good investors who want to farm in a way which is beneficial to local people and the environment from accessing land.

It is not just weak land rights which are holding back African agriculture, and the solutions are complex and multi-faceted. But work to put in place a fair and enforceable system would be a major step to helping the continent fulfill its rich potential.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of Mark Bowman.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/18/opinion/land-grabs-africa-mark-bowman/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: ard, cnn, com, National, Plain, title, today, top stories, world

The Mideast war for Angry Birds rights

June 18th, 2013 cnn No comments

Abu Dhabi and its lesser-known sibling, Ras Al Khaimah, are battling it out with Doha to get the rights to build the largest Angry Birds theme park in the world.

While Dubai may not be a contender, it has other ambitious plans in the works, including IMG Worlds of Adventure (a working title). The theme park is set to be the largest temperature-controlled indoor theme park, and will open in the long-delayed Dubailand development. Zones dedicated to animatronic dinosaurs and Marvel comic and Cartoon Network characters are in the works.

Dubai has long been obsessed with unusual theme parks. One of the city’s landmark tourist destinations is Aquaventure at the Atlantis Hotel on the Palm island. The Shark Attack ride — whereby visitors slide through a shark-filled aquarium — is particularly popular.

Dubai has also been an innovator when it comes to creating adventure parks within retail settings. Ski Dubai, a 22,500 square-meter indoor ski resort, is a a feature inside the Mall of the Emirates.

Not content to reside in Dubai’s adventurous shadow, in 2010 Abu Dhabi opened Ferrari World, the first Ferrari theme park and the largest indoor park in the world. Features include a children’s speed-racing school and Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in… (you guessed it) the world.

Just next door to Ferrari World, visitors can cool off at Yas Waterworld, the largest water park in Abu Dhabi.

Ras al-Khaimah — Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s often overlooked neighbor — is no stranger to wacky tourist attractions. Ice Land Water Park, which claims to be the largest theme park in the region, offers visitors a a variety of rain showers, including ones that double as a disco and another as a soccer pitch. There is also a fictional backstory to explain all the penguin sculptures (the penguins were moored at the park after climate change melted their home).

Jordan, meanwhile, is hoping to corner the geek market with the Red Sea Astrarium, a $1 billion, 184-acre resort that is partially dedicated to Star Trek. The sci-fi portion of the park will feature a space-flight adventure.

(CNN) — Those countries in the Middle East that have been spared political upheaval find themselves enmeshed in a different sort of battle of late. As Qatar, the UAE and Jordan split what’s left of the region’s tourists, each is fighting to pull in the lion’s share. Their weapon of choice? Theme parks.

Currently, Abu Dhabi and its scrappier sibling, Al Ain, are duking it out with Doha for the rights to build the region’s first Angry Birds theme park.

Not surprisingly, the Middle Eastern version of Angry Bird Land (there are already outlets in Finland, Singapore and the UK) would also be the world’s largest.

“[The competition] is getting quiet fierce,” says Nigel Cann, director of operations and development at Gebal Group, the local agents for Lappset, who first developed the brand’s entertainment complex.

“They all want to find a space for it, and to do it as soon as they can. They all want to be first.”

As one of the most downloaded apps of all times (the game has amassed 1.7 billion downloads since launching in 2010), Angry Birds’ name recognition is almost unbeatable.

Though is a global phenomenon, it’s proved particularly popular in the region. Over a fifth of all downloads come from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Rovio Entertainment, the developers of the game, are even toying with the idea of creating a localized version of the game.

“Everyone recognizes the game, from little kids to adults,” notes Cann. “It’s a brand new concept to the region. No one has it, and everyone wants it. They want to be ahead of their neighbors all the time — they want to beat them at everything.”

At $60 million, the budget for Angry Birds Land is fairly modest, by entertainment complex standards. According to John Gerner, a theme park consultant and the managing director at Leisure Business Advisors, it makes for a fairly inexpensive investment.

“It’s really a great concept for the Middle East, especially for areas looking to grow their attractions,” he says. “The scale is small, but it still has a brand name associated with it, and a very current one at that. It gives [whoever wins it] a name attraction without the risk of a more expensive brand.”

Syria official: Political solution possible

June 18th, 2013 cnn No comments

Damascus, Syria (CNN) — Ali Haidar has a job title that may sound more like a pipe dream than an official post: Syria’s minister for national reconciliation.

In a country that has seen two years of bloodshed and more than 92,000 deaths, Haider believes Syrians can still unite for a political solution.

In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen, Haidar said all parts of the Syrian government should be up for negotiation.

“The best compromise that we can achieve today is that the regime and … the homeland peaceful opposition agree to the negotiating table without any preconditions, without excluding anybody from the opposition — which means everything is subject to discussion,” Haidar said.

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Obama, Putin disagree on Syrian solution

UK, Russia differ over Syria

On front line with al-Assad fighters

And that includes the presidency.

“The office of the president is a matter related to the whole political structure of the country … and we believe the shape and structure should be discussed among Syrians and should be decided by the Syrians in a referendum because only the Syrian people can decide what happens.”

But Haidar, who was appointed by President Bashar al-Assad, emphasized there can’t be any preconditions to political talks between the opposition and government.

Preconditions have been a major sticking point, as members of the opposition have said they won’t negotiate with the regime unless al-Assad steps down from four decades of family rule. Similarly, the government has said it won’t deal with “terrorists” — a term often used to describe rebels.

So the fighting on the ground rages on, killing about 5,000 people a month, according to the United Nations. Thousands of children have died in the conflict.

“The military problems on the ground only deal with the problem of violence. It does not resolve the political crisis,” Haidar said. He said the only solution is a political one, not a military one.

Haidar’s comments came days after the United States announced it will start arming Syrian rebels, who have begged the world for more weapons to fight al-Assad’s better equipped military. The Obama administration said Syria’s government had crossed a “red line” by using chemical weapons — including sarin gas — against the opposition.

But Haidar challenged assertions by the United States, Britain and France that the regime used chemical weapons.

“The talk about chemical weapons is only for political reasons,” Haidar said. “So far, no one has proved anything about who used them and where they were used, and who was behind using the chemical weapons.”

But with a precondition of having no preconditions for a political dialogue, it’s unclear if or when “national reconciliation” will take place.

CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen reported from Damascus; Holly Yan reported and wrote from Atlanta.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/18/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: al-Assad, Child, cnn, com, dow, National, Obama, title, today, top stories, world

Report: Now, N. Korea wants to talk

June 18th, 2013 cnn No comments

Seoul, South Korea (CNN) — North Korea has proposed high-level talks with the United States to “ease tensions in the Korean Peninsula,” its state news agency reported early Sunday.

The topics that “can be sincerely discussed” include easing military tensions, changing a truce treaty to a peace treaty, and nuclear matters, according to a statement from the North’s National Defense Commission, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency. It left some details — like where and when the talks might be held — up to Washington, and insisted U.S. officials should not lay out any preconditions for talks.

“(The United States should) not lose the opportunity that is laid out and should actively agree with our resolute step and good intention,” the commission said.

A spokeswoman for the National Security Council said the United States has always been willing to talk.

“We will judge North Korea by its actions and not its words, and look forward to seeing steps that show North Korea is ready to abide by its commitments and obligations,” Caitlin Hayden said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects a military factory in this undated picture released by the Korean Central News Agency on Friday, May 17. North Korea launched several short-range guided missiles into the sea off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast May 18, South Korea’s semi-official news agency Yonhap cited the South Korean Defense Ministry as saying.

Kim Jong Un visits the Ministry of People’s Security on Wednesday, May 1, as part of the country’s May Day celebrations.

A North Korea soldier gestures to stop photographers from taking photos from a Chinese tour boat as other soldiers look on along the North Korean bank of the Yalu River near the town of Sinuiji across the Chinese city of Dandong in Liaoning province, China, on Saturday, April 6.

North Korean soldiers gather by the docks in Sinuiju near the Chinese border on Thursday, April 4.

North Korean soldiers patrol along the Yalu River in Sinuiju across the border from the Chinese city of Dandong on April 4.

Kim Jong Un is briefed by his generals in this undated photo. On the wall is a map titled “Plan for the strategic forces to target mainland U.S.”

Kim Jong Un works during a briefing in this undated photo.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects drills by the Korean People’s Army navy at an undisclosed location on North Korea’s east coast on March 25 in a photo from the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

Kim makes his way to an observation post with North Korean soldiers on March 25.

Kim uses a pair of binoculars to look south from the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment near South Korea’s Taeyonphyong Island on March 7.

Kim is greeted by the family of a soldier as he inspects Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment near South Korea’s Taeyonphyong Island in South Hwanghae province on Thursday, March 7, in a photo from the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

Kim is surrounded by soldiers during a visit to the Mu Islet Hero Defense Detachment near South Korea’s Taeyonphyong Island on March 7. North Korea has escalated its bellicose rhetoric, threatening nuclear strikes, just before the U.N. Security Council passed tougher sanctions against the secretive nation on March 7.

Kim arrives at Jangjae Islet by boat to meet with soldiers of the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment near Taeyonphyong Island in South Hwanghae province on March 7.

Soldiers in the North Korean army train at an undisclosed location on March 6.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, poses with chiefs of branch social security stations in this undated picture released by North Korea’s official news agency on November 27.

Kim celebrates with staff from the satellite control center in Pyongyang, North Korea, during the launch of a rocket carrying a satellite, in a photo released by the official North Korean news agency on December 12.

A crowd watches as statues of the nation’s founder, Kim Il Sung, and his son Kim Jong Il are unveiled during a ceremony in Pyongyang on April 13, 2012. Photos from North Korea are rare, but the country was on full display in April 2012 as it celebrated the 100th birthday of Kim Il Sung.

A North Korean soldier stands guard in front of an UNHA III rocket at the Tangachai-ri Space Center on April 8, 2012.

In April 2012, Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket, which broke apart and fell into the sea. The UNHA III rocket is pictured on its launch pad in Tang Chung Ri, North Korea.

A closer look at the UNHA III rocket on its launch pad in Tang Chung Ri, North Korea.

A military vehicle participates in a parade in Pyongyang on April 15, 2012.

North Koreans wave flags in front of portraits of Kim Il Sung, left, and his son Kim Jong Il during celebrations to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang on April 16, 2012.

North Korean soldiers relax at the end of an official ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un at a stadium in Pyongyang on April 14, 2012.

Kim Jong Un applauds as he watches a military parade in Pyongyang on April 15, 2012.

A North Korean soldier stands on a balcony in Pyongyang on April 16, 2012.

North Korean soldiers march during a military parade in Pyongyang on April 15, 2012.

Soldiers board a bus outside a theater in Pyongyang on April 16, 2012.

North Korean performers sit below a screen showing images of leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on April 16, 2012.

North Korean soldiers salute during a military parade in Pyongyang on April 15, 2012.

Kim Jong Un visits the Rungna People’s Pleasure Ground, which is under construction in Pyongyang, in a photo released on July 3, 2012, by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency.

North Korean soldiers listen to a speech during an official ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un at a stadium in Pyongyang on April 14, 2012.

Members of a North Korean military band gather following an official ceremony at the Kim Il Sung stadium in Pyongyang on April 14, 2012.

North Korean military personnel watch a performance in Pyongyang on April 16, 2012.

A North Korean controller is seen along the railway line between Pyongyang and North Pyongan province on April 8, 2012.

A North Korean military honor guard stands at attention at Pyongyang’s airport during a diplomatic visit on May 2, 2001.

Photos: Kim Jong Un’s military

High-level Korean talks called off

China changing tone on North Korea?

2012: Time to vacation in North Korea

A senior administration official said Washington will discuss the reports with Japan and South Korea at an upcoming meeting.

For years, North Korea has been at odds with many in the international community, including the United States, over its missile and nuclear programs.

Whether Pyongyang’s offer is accepted — and if so, on what terms — and whether the talks will happen remain to be seen.

Last Tuesday, North Korea called off what were supposed to be the first high-level talks between North and South Korean officials in years. That meeting was supposed to start the next day.

High-level talks between Koreas called off

South Korea’s Unification Ministry said the North dropped out after a dispute about who should be involved in the talks, after each side contended that the other wasn’t sending a sufficiently high-level official.

The talks were to focus on, among other things, reviving joint economic activities. Amid a spike in tensions, the North in April halted activity at the Kaesong Industrial Zone, a shared industrial complex and major symbol of cooperation between the two countries.

North Korea removes missiles from launch site, U.S. official says

It was not immediately clear what might be on the agenda if U.S. and North Korean officials meet. Washington has been at the forefront of those demanding an end to Pyongyang’s nuclear program, pushing for sanctions and rallying other nations to its side.

Tensions in and around the Korean Peninsula surged in December — one year after Kim Jong Un assumed power after his father’s death — when North Korea launched a long-range rocket, then conducted an underground nuclear test two months later.

Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, the top U.S. commander in the Pacific, said in April that North Korea’s missile and weapons programs posed “a clear and direct threat to U.S. national security and regional peace and stability.”

Why North Korean intelligence is so hard to read

That same month, North Korea set out demanding conditions for talks. They included calling for the withdrawal of U.N. sanctions against it and a permanent end to joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises.

The United States and South Korea “should immediately stop all their provocative acts against the DPRK and apologize for all of them,” the North’s National Defense Commission said in a statement carried by state-run media, using the shortened version of North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

But those talks never came to be, with South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho Tai-young describing the North’s demands as “preposterous.”

The United States has said that, in order for it to engage in talks, North Korea would have to show a serious commitment to moving away from its nuclear program.

If new talks actually happen, it will be the second senior-level meeting between the U.S. and North Korea since Kim Jong Un took power.

The first talks were in February 2012, when North Korea’s first vice minister, Kim Kye Gwan, held talks in Beijing with Glyn Davies, the U.S. envoy for North Korea policy.

At the time, North Korea agreed to stop nuclear activity at its main facility in Yongbyon and impose a moratorium on nuclear tests and long-range missile launches in exchange for 240,000 tons of food assistance.

However, the agreement fell apart after the U.N. imposed sanctions in response to North Korea’s failed long-range rocket launch in April 2012.

Article source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_world/~3/vDEaux48LPI/index.html

Categories: World News Tags: ard, cnn, com, japan, National, site, strike, title, world news

Spurs one win from NBA triumph

June 18th, 2013 cnn No comments

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs vies for the ball with Mike Miller of the Miami Heat on Sunday, June 16. The Spurs won Game 5 and lead the series 3-2.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat shoots over Boris Diaw of the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs won 114-104.

Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat goes for a layup as Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs stands helpless.

The Heat’s LeBron James gets a breather in the fourth quarter while taking on the San Antonio Spurs

Ray Allen of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs.

Dwyane Wade goes up for a dunk over Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat shoots under pressure from Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs during Game 5.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs runs into tight defense from Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Shane Battier of of the Miami Heat.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot against Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs sits on the scorer’s table.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat and Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs wrestle for the ball.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Ray Allen of the Miami Heat.

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Shane Battier of the Miami Heat in the first half.

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat grapple over a loose ball.

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs dunks.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot as Ray Allen of the Miami Heat looks on.

Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat boxes out Danny Green in the first half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat dunks in front of Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot against Ray Allen of the Miami Heat in the second quarter.

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call with referee Tony Brothers.

The Heat’s Ray Allen lays against the basket in the second quarter.

(CNN) — The San Antonio Spurs are one win away from winning the 2013 NBA championship after a 114-104 victory over the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Finals.

Spurs star guard Tony Parker showed no signs of the hamstring injury which hampered him during Game Four, scoring 26 points to delight the AT T Center crowd.

“It was a physical game. Great game. I was just trying to pace myself better, if I can say that, during the game,” the Frenchman told reporters.

“Or else I’d be out of gas like I did in Game Four, where in the second half I didn’t have enough juice and my hamstring was kind of fatigued. In this game I was trying to take my time and it helped.”

Miami Heat players LeBron James and Dwayne Wade hug after the Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 109-93 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, June 13. The series is tied at 2-2. See photos from Game 3.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat tries to pass around Manu Ginobili during the fourth quarter.

Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat drives past Manu Ginobili in the fourth quarter.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs drives on Miami’s Norris Cole in the second half of the game.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Chris Bosh in the third quarter.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat battles for the ball against Tim Duncan of the Spurs in the first half.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs reacts in the third quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Tim Duncan during the first half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat takes a shot over Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs’ Tony Parker lays the ball up against Udonis Haslem of the Heat.

LeBron James boxes out Kawhi Leonard.

LeBron James of the Heat defends the ball against Kawhi Leonard.

The Heat’s Chris Bosh goes up for a shot against Tim Duncan, left, and Manu Ginobili.

Tim Duncan of the Spurs puts pressure on LeBron James as he vies for position.

Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the first quarter.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs loses his footing as Dwayne Wade goes for the ball.

Photos: Game 4 of the NBA Finals

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates with teammate Gary Neal as they take on the Miami Heat during Game 3 of the 2013 NBA Finals on Tuesday, June 11, in San Antonio. The Spurs defeated the Heat 113-77 and lead the series 2-1. See photos from Game 2.

From left, Miami Heat’s Mike Miller, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James talk during a break in the game.

Miami’s Chris Andersen goes for a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan, right, and Danny Green, left.

San Antonio’s Tim Duncan and Miami’s LeBron James battle for position.

Gary Neal of the San Antonio Spurs makes a three-pointer over Mike Miller of the Miami Heat during the second quarter.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a three-pointer. Green has hit 12 straight threes going back to Game 2 and finished with 27 on the night.

Cory Joseph of the San Antonio Spurs and Norris Cole of the Miami Heat go after a loose ball in the second half.

The San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat face off in Game 3 of the 2013 NBA Finals on Tuesday, June 11, in San Antonio.

Mario Chalmers of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles under pressure from Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat.

Manu Ginobili, right, congratulates Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs after scoring during the first half.

Chris Bosh, left, and LeBron James, center, of the Miami Heat box out Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs drives on Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat in the first quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat reacts after a call in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball over Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat looks to pass as he is guarded by Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Udonis Haslem, center, and Chris Bosh, left, of the Miami Heat.

Photos: Game 3 of the NBA Finals

Mike Miller of the Miami Heat reacts after making a three-pointer in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 2 of the 2013 NBA Finals on Sunday, June 9, in Miami. The Heat defeated the Spurs 103-84 to tie the series 1-1. See photos from Game 1.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs bows his head while taking on the Miami Heat during Game 2.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat tries to drive around Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs in the third quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat blocks the shot of Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs uses a screen from Tim Duncan to get around LeBron James of the Miami Heat in the third quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat shoots over Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs during Game 2.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs go after a loose ball.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat during Game 2.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs makes a three-pointer over Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat in the first quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat drives against Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs.

Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot between Chris Bosh, left, and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

It’s a packed-in crowd at Game 2 of the 2013 NBA finals at American Airlines Arena in Miami.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat go for the jump ball at the start of Game 2.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat reacts in the first quarter while taking on the San Antonio Spurs.

Chris Andersen of the Miami Heat dunks the ball in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a three-pointer in the first quarter against the Miami Heat.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot over Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat blocks the shot of Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter.

Photos: Game 2 of the NBA Finals

Read: LeBron and Kobe among top-paid athletes

Argentine Manu Ginobili turned in his finest performance of the series so far, adding 24 points and 10 assists.

The Spurs opened up a 20-point lead in the third quarter, with the crowd showing their appreciation with chants of “Ma-nu” as Gregg Popovich’s team closed on a first NBA title since 2007.

“I was having a tough time scoring, and I needed to feel like the game was coming to me, and I was being able to attack the rim, get to the free-throw line, and make a couple of shots,” said Ginobli.

“So it felt great when I heard that. To feel that I really helped the team to get that 20-point lead, it was a much-needed moment in the series. So I’m glad to see it happen.”

For the Heat, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade both scored 25 points as Miami continued a run which has seen the 2012 champions alternate between wins and losses over its last 12 playoff games.

Tuesday’s Game Six will see the series return to Miami’s American Airlines Arena, which will also stage Game Seven if it is required.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/17/sport/tony-parker-manu-ginobili-san-antonio-nba/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: ard, cnn, coach, com, site, title, top stories

World crisis: Who will emerge stronger?

June 18th, 2013 cnn No comments

Editor’s note: CNN’s John Defterios is reporting from the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum from June 20. Watch his show, Global Exchange, Sunday to Thursday 1900 UAE and follow him on Twitter. CNN’s Irene Chapple will also be in St. Petersburg reporting from the forum. Follow her on Twitter.

London (CNN) — The BRIC nations were the ones tagged to drag the globe out of economic despair. But, as the world struggles to recover from the credit boom and bust, they too are stumbling.

Ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum June 20 to June 22, CNN is hosting a tweet chat with authors and representatives from Google, the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development to debate which economies might emerge strongest out of the financial crisis.

The tweet chat will take place on June 18, 1400 BST/1300 GMT using the hastag #emergeCNN.

Join CNN Global Exchange anchor John Defterios, on @jDefteriosCNN, CNN’s Irene Chapple on @IreneCNN and Lauren Said-Moorhouse on @LaurenMoorhouse to discuss the issues with participating experts:

Emerging market upgrades

BRICs living up to their potential?

South African aviation business takes off

Turkey’s economic outlook

Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and former prime minister of New Zealand, on @HelenClarkUNDP

Mohammad Gawdat, vice president of emerging markets for SEEMEA at Google, on @googlearabia

OECD economists, on @OECDeconomy

Shaun Rein, founder and MD of China Market Research Group and author of The End of Cheap China on @shaunrein

Ronaldo Lemos, founder of the Center for Technology and Society at the Law School of the Getuli Vargas Foundation, on @lemos_ronaldo

The discussion will center around the BRICs and their claim to be the world’s future powerhouses. We will discuss if they still deserve to hold that title as they slump while other markets show resilience.

China, the globe’s second largest economy, was tipped to overtake the U.S. as the world’s economic leader by 2016, but its growth outlook has been downgraded by forecasters including the International Monetary Fund.

The IMF pointed to the country’s rapid expansion in credit, which some analysts worry is reaching a growth-sapping scale.

The ease of credit is also raising concerns in Brazil, and there is a debate over whether it even deserves to be a BRIC nation. Brazil grew by less than 1% in 2012, the lowest of the BRIC countries.

Growth in Russia and India, the other two members of the BRIC club, are also slowing as investments fall and commodity prices drop.

In the West, the U.S. and Europe are emerging from the crisis at two speeds: Slow in the U.S., but even slower in Europe.

Meanwhile focus is turning to economic brights lights elsewhere in the world. Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy, for one, is expected to grow by 5.6% this year, well ahead of the global average.

At the forum, John Defterios will discuss the potential for other emerging players such as Indonesia and Vietnam.

So which economies will emerge from the crisis as winners, and which will be left behind? Join our chat to have your say.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/15/business/tweet-chat-emergecnn-st-petersburg-forum/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: cnn, com, dow, Google, National, technology, title, top stories, world

Victorious Spain ‘world’s best team’

June 18th, 2013 cnn No comments

Roberto Soldado celebrates after scoring Spain’s second goal in the 2-1 win against Uruguay at the Confederations Cup.

Pedro had put Spain ahead in the 20th minute when his shot took a wicked deflection off Uruguay captain Diego Lugano.

Luis Suarez, out of shot, gave Uruguay a late consolation in Recife when he curled a free-kick past Spain’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring Italy’s winner in the Group A match against Mexico, but was booked for taking his shirt off.

The AC Milan striker fired past Jose Corona in the second half at Rio’s Maracana Stadium.

Mexico striker Javier Hernandez had leveled the score in the 37th minute from the penalty spot.

Andrea Pirlo celebrated his 100th appearance for Italy when he scored the opening goal from a free-kick.

(CNN) — The score looked close, but Spain’s domination was all too apparent as the world champions began the Confederations Cup with a 2-1 victory over Uruguay on Sunday.

The eight-nation tournament is a warm-up for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, but on this evidence Vicente del Bosque’s team will once again be favored to lift the trophy.

“It’s very difficult to generate any kind of danger when you don’t touch the ball,” said Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who scored a superb late consolation with a curling free-kick that matched the one by Italy’s Andrea Pirlo against Mexico earlier in the day.

“Spain is the best side in the world. They are a candidate to win the World Cup,” Suarez added.

His team trailed after 20 minutes of the Group B opener in Recife when Pedro’s volley was diverted into the net by captain Diego Lugano, completely wrongfooting goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

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If that effort had a slice of luck, Spain’s second in the 32nd minute was straight from the counter-attacking guidebook.

Suarez lost the ball deep inside the opposing half, and seconds later it was in the Uruguay net as striker Roberto Soldado finished off a clever pass from Cesc Fabregas which beat the offside trap.

Read: Neymar stunner sets up Brazil win

With Spain in control, Uruguay’s frustrations grew — and the team which finished fourth at the 2010 World Cup and won the South American title the following year could have gone 3-0 down as Fabregas hit the inside of the post.

Suarez, who has been publicly courting a transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid, showed flashes of the brilliance which made him one of the top scorers in the English Premier League last season.

His 88th-minute set-piece was too good for keeper Iker Casillas, who started the match despite being frozen out at Real in 2012-13 under the Spanish club’s former coach Jose Mourinho.

Italy joined hosts Brazil on three points in Group A after beating Mexico 2-1 at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

Veteran Juventus midfielder Pirlo celebrated his 100th international appearance with the opening goal in the 27th minute, curling a superb right-foot shot past goalkeeper Jose Corona.

Read: ‘The man who made Brazil cry’

Javier Hernandez leveled before halftime from the penalty spot after Andrea Barzagli brought down Giovani dos Santos, but striker Mario Balotelli showed great strength to hold off two defenders and fire a 78th-minute winner.

However, he was booked for taking his shirt off in celebration — earning a rebuke from coach Cesar Prandelli.

“Mario needs to stop showing off his muscles. With celebrations like that, he’s only going to pick up pointless yellow cards,” Prandelli said.

“As for Pirlo, I don’t have words to describe what he did today. He’s the epitome of football and an example to everyone. He deserves a big round of applause. He gave us the lead and controlled the game.”

Mexico coach Manuel de la Torre said his players had hoped to play a cautious game and wear down the four-time World Cup winners.

“But we were up against a great side who were very well organized and made the most of their individual assets. That’s what made the difference,” said De la Torre, whose team suffered a first defeat since August.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/16/sport/football/spain-italy-confederations-cup-football/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: ard, cnn, coach, com, dow, National, site, strike, title, today, top stories, world

Can ‘Engineer’ fix Man City?

June 18th, 2013 cnn No comments

Last week the 59-year-old Manuel Pellegrini signed a three-year contract with Manchester City and will begin his role as Roberto Mancini’s successor on June 24.

“Manuel shares the club’s approach to football and our ambition to achieve on-field success, coordinating with the wider football support teams to ensure natural progression from the academy to senior level,” said Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano of the club’s new manager.

The Chilean possesses 25 years of managerial experience and came close to guiding Malaga into the European Champions League semifinals last season before losing to eventual runners-up Borussia Dortmund.

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini steered City to its first top-flight title in 44 years in 2012, but last season his team lagged 11 points behind Manchester United, struggled in Europe and suffered a shock defeat to Wigan in the FA Cup final.

Mancini had numerous run-ins with Mario Balotelli, who left City to join AC Milan in the January transfer window, as well as Argentine Carlos Tevez.

After completing a reported $300 million takeover of Manchester City in 2008, Sheikh Mansour has proceeded to spend more than $600 million on players such as Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure.

City has already made two major signings in the off-season, acquiring Spanish winger Jesus Navas from Sevilla and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk for a total believed to be $70 million. Navas is pictured scoring for Spain in Euro 2012.

Fernandinho has five caps for Brazil. “I’m sure we have the best squad in the Premier League, we have wonderful players and can win more titles in the next three or four seasons,” said Pellegrini after his appointment.

(CNN) — It is one of the world’s richest clubs — and it needs fixing.

Enter Manuel Pellegrini — a man who knows his nuts and bolts when it comes to putting together a racing machine to rival those across Europe.

The 59-year-old Chilean, nicknamed “the engineer” thanks to a university qualification in civil engineering, is the coach Manchester City believes will get its new “holistic” project firing on all cylinders.

A year after leading City to its first league title in 44 years, Roberto Mancini was relieved of his duties and cast aside with the club’s patience finally exhausted with the Italian.

Read: Manchester City appoint Pellegrini

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Bust-ups with key players, disillusionment with the club’s transfer policy and fury at the board’s refusal to dampen speculation over his future sealed Mancini’s fate.

“Last season, City was a bit like a car which had all the best parts and was great when it fully functioned,” Times football writer Rory Smith told CNN.

“But it didn’t function enough and that has been the problem. They’ sleepwalked through most of the season.”

City are at a crossroads — the club’s owner Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak were left to watch great rival Manchester United wrestle back the league title, while the club’s European ambitions were blown apart.

Read: Mancini sacking no surprise for Balotelli

The impotent showing of Mancini’s team in the FA Cup final defeat by Wigan proved the final straw.

“The club was not where it needed to be,” a source close to the City owner told CNN.

Winning is a must — but City are looking to build a project and a long-term future to avoid becoming something of a Chelsea — a club which chops and changes managers more often than any other in the Premier League.

Holistic approach

In its statement issued following Mancini’s sacking, City claimed it wanted to “develop a holistic approach to all aspects of the football club.”

That word, “holistic” caused much mirth on social networking sites, with images of scented candles being used as floodlights and the sounds of dolphins being piped into the stadium through the PA system being thrown around on Twitter.

“I can see why the word made people laugh, but ‘holistic’ is the right word,” Smith added.

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“My view on the holistic approach is that all leaders must take responsibility for everything that goes on in their organization,” CEO of RunAClub and holistic business expert Sally Higham told CNN.

“That does require an extremely high level of commitment and focus from that leader – and although much may be delegated, particularly in larger organizations, the leader must maintain full throttle at all times.

“They simply can’t afford to sit back and relax and neither must they blame others for business shortcomings.

“Fantastic team work is essential – but even the strongest of teams won’t work without someone driving them forward.”

“It’s a bit ‘new age’ perhaps, but my question is, why haven’t City already been adopting a holistic approach? Why all of a sudden?

“To me, it smacks of excuses or short-sightedness.”

Read: City dismiss Roberto Mancini

Mancini didn’t do holistic. Just ask Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli — two men to have rubbed their former manager up the wrong way.

The arrivals of chief executive Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain, both previously of Barcelona, had initially been welcomed by the Italian.

But a perceived lack of support from the board during last year’s transfer window caused friction between Mancini and those in the higher echelons of the club.

A series of poor relationships with players, which included publicly criticizing them and a failure to bring through any youth players from the academy, appeared to be at odds with City’s new-found approach.

Maximizing potential

Driving the club forward is exactly what City expects Pellegrini to do — especially after enjoying such great success at a Malaga club ravaged by financial difficulties.

Less than a year ago, Malaga was in an almighty mess with the consequence that UEFA has banned the club from European competition next season for failing to meet the organization’s licensing rules.

And yet, after securing a fourth place finish in La Liga last season, Pellegrini steered Malaga to within two minutes of a place in the semifinals of the European Champions League only to lose out in dramatic fashion to Borussia Dortmund in heartbreaking fashion.

Read: Pellegrini joins manager merry-go-round

“When people say he maximizes the potential of his team and players, that’s definitely what he does,” Malaga season-ticket holder Christian Machowski told CNN.

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“Pellegrini’s man management skills are excellent and people really look up to him.

“He won’t take any trouble from players either, players who talk back or who criticize him public.

“Mario Balotelli wouldn’t have lasted as long under Pellegrini.”

City’s superstar players won’t faze Pellegrini — egos will be left at the front door and those who fail to comply will quickly be shipped off elsewhere.

Record total

During his reign at Real Madrid four years ago, in which he led the side to a second place finish with 96 points, Pellegrini successfully dealt with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Kaka and Xabi Alonso.

Critics point out that he spent over $300 million only to finish second — but he did that with a total of points only four fewer than the La Liga record after finishing runners up to a magnificent Barcelona side.

It should also be pointed out that Pellegrini had little say in the purchases of those star players — with the orders coming from club president Florentino Perez.

Not even the “Special One” Jose Mourinho managed as many points in his debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite spending millions more in an effort to catch Barcelona.

Read: Man City right to ax Mancini?

But it is Pellegrini’s work with the likes of Villarreal and Malaga which has caught the attention of the City hierarchy.

In 2006, he led Villarreal to the semifinals of the Champions League with the likes of Diego Forlan, Giuseppe Rossi and a revitalized Juan Roman Riquelme blossoming on the European stage.

Second and third place finishes in La Liga enhanced his managerial profile further and after keeping his dignity intact following a year at Real, Pellegrini quietly went about his work resuscitating Malaga.

Cultured man

“I think it’s a very sensible appointment by City,” added Smith.

“He is loyal, tactically astute and speaks English which is crucial because Mancini never really mastered that.

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“But I do have a couple of reservations. First, Pellegrini has always appeared to do better at smaller clubs, which can be built up such as Villarreal and Malaga.

“And also, the style of football is more South American than European. It’s more technical and isn’t really the ‘Barcelona way’.

“But he’s a very thoughtful and cultured man, he likes reading and he’s into his art and by all accounts is a very nice guy. I think he’ll be accepted by journalists, but what about the fans?”

Mancini’s departure has been welcomed with dismay by a large section of City’s support and Pellegrini’s rather quiet demeanor may do little to placate those who had already flirted with the prospect of luring the charismatic Mourinho, before his appointment by Chelsea.

“He is very distant with the press,” journalist Dani Marin, who covers Malaga for El Desmarque, said of Pellegrini.

“He doesn’t normally have any dealings with journalists; he’s polite but also very cold.

“He has a good concept of journalists and all the rumors which appear in the press. His teams normally train behind closed doors and he rarely gives big interviews.

“He is always with his coach Rubén Cousillas, who he worked with at Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga.

“Cousillas is always praying on the sidelines, they have many photos of the Virgin Mary and of different saints. Both men are very religious, but not overly so.”

While divine intervention was not enough to save Mancini, himself a devout Catholic, Pellegrini will hope god given talent prevails.

The prodigiously talented Fernandinho has already arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk, but the real saviour is still to arrive.

That man is Isco — the Spain Under-21 and Malaga midfielder who has also reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid.

But if Pellegrini can persuade his former player to join him in England then City will boast one of world football’s most exciting individual players.

Not a bad way to heal a team in need of a holisitic approach.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/17/sport/football/pellegrini-manchester-city/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: ambitions, ard, cnn, coach, com, dow, signi, site, title, top stories, world

San Antonio one win from NBA title

June 17th, 2013 cnn No comments

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs vies for the ball with Mike Miller of the Miami Heat on Sunday, June 16. The Spurs won Game 5 and lead the series 3-2.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat shoots over Boris Diaw of the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs won 114-104.

Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat goes for a layup as Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs stands helpless.

The Heat’s LeBron James gets a breather in the fourth quarter while taking on the San Antonio Spurs

Ray Allen of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs.

Dwyane Wade goes up for a dunk over Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat shoots under pressure from Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs during Game 5.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs runs into tight defense from Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Shane Battier of of the Miami Heat.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot against Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs sits on the scorer’s table.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat and Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs wrestle for the ball.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Ray Allen of the Miami Heat.

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Shane Battier of the Miami Heat in the first half.

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat grapple over a loose ball.

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs dunks.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot as Ray Allen of the Miami Heat looks on.

Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat boxes out Danny Green in the first half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat dunks in front of Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot against Ray Allen of the Miami Heat in the second quarter.

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call with referee Tony Brothers.

The Heat’s Ray Allen lays against the basket in the second quarter.

(CNN) — The San Antonio Spurs are one win away from winning the 2013 NBA championship after a 114-104 victory over the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Finals.

Spurs star guard Tony Parker showed no signs of the hamstring injury which hampered him during Game Four, scoring 26 points to delight the AT T Center crowd.

“It was a physical game. Great game. I was just trying to pace myself better, if I can say that, during the game,” the Frenchman told reporters.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat tries to pass around Manu Ginobili during the fourth quarter.

Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat drives past Manu Ginobili in the fourth quarter.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs drives on Miami’s Norris Cole in the second half of the game.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Chris Bosh in the third quarter.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat battles for the ball against Tim Duncan of the Spurs in the first half.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs reacts in the third quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Tim Duncan during the first half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat takes a shot over Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs’ Tony Parker lays the ball up against Udonis Haslem of the Heat.

LeBron James boxes out Kawhi Leonard.

LeBron James of the Heat defends the ball against Kawhi Leonard.

The Heat’s Chris Bosh goes up for a shot against Tim Duncan, left, and Manu Ginobili.

Tim Duncan of the Spurs puts pressure on LeBron James as he vies for position.

Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the first quarter.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs loses his footing as Dwayne Wade goes for the ball.

Photos: Game 4 of the NBA Finals

From left, Miami Heat’s Mike Miller, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James talk during a break in the game.

Miami’s Chris Andersen goes for a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan, right, and Danny Green, left.

San Antonio’s Tim Duncan and Miami’s LeBron James battle for position.

Gary Neal of the San Antonio Spurs makes a three-pointer over Mike Miller of the Miami Heat during the second quarter.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a three-pointer. Green has hit 12 straight threes going back to Game 2 and finished with 27 on the night.

Cory Joseph of the San Antonio Spurs and Norris Cole of the Miami Heat go after a loose ball in the second half.

The San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat face off in Game 3 of the 2013 NBA Finals on Tuesday, June 11, in San Antonio.

Mario Chalmers of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles under pressure from Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat.

Manu Ginobili, right, congratulates Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs after scoring during the first half.

Chris Bosh, left, and LeBron James, center, of the Miami Heat box out Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs drives on Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat in the first quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat reacts after a call in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball over Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat looks to pass as he is guarded by Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Udonis Haslem, center, and Chris Bosh, left, of the Miami Heat.

Photos: Game 3 of the NBA Finals

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs bows his head while taking on the Miami Heat during Game 2.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat tries to drive around Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs in the third quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat blocks the shot of Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs uses a screen from Tim Duncan to get around LeBron James of the Miami Heat in the third quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat shoots over Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs during Game 2.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs go after a loose ball.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat during Game 2.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs makes a three-pointer over Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat in the first quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat drives against Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs.

Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot between Chris Bosh, left, and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

It’s a packed-in crowd at Game 2 of the 2013 NBA finals at American Airlines Arena in Miami.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat go for the jump ball at the start of Game 2.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat reacts in the first quarter while taking on the San Antonio Spurs.

Chris Andersen of the Miami Heat dunks the ball in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a three-pointer in the first quarter against the Miami Heat.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot over Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat blocks the shot of Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter.

Photos: Game 2 of the NBA Finals

Read: LeBron and Kobe among top-paid athletes

Argentine Manu Ginobili turned in his finest performance of the series so far, adding 24 points and 10 assists.

The Spurs opened up a 20-point lead in the third quarter, with the crowd showing their appreciation with chants of “Ma-nu” as Gregg Popovich’s team closed on a first NBA title since 2007.

“So it felt great when I heard that. To feel that I really helped the team to get that 20-point lead, it was a much-needed moment in the series. So I’m glad to see it happen.”

For the Heat, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade both scored 25 points as Miami continued a run which has seen the 2012 champions alternate between wins and losses over its last 12 playoff games.

Tuesday’s Game Six will see the series return to Miami’s American Airlines Arena, which will also stage Game Seven if it is required.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/17/sport/tony-parker-manu-ginobili-san-antonio-nba/index.html?eref=edition

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