Jeremy Lin News: Slowly Turning ‘Linsanity’ Switch On?

Jeremy Lin is definitely one of the most watched storylines in the NBA, even after his reduced game time and his failure to meet expectations early in the season.

Christian Post Report – However, after the All Star Break, it seems Lin has gotten in a groove. During the Lakers previous games, Lin is averaging 23.1 points per game on a hot 51 percent field goal percentage.

Jeremy Lin (Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) battles for the ball with Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) and Wizards forward Kris Humphries (43) in the first quarter at Verizon Center, Washington, D.C., Dec, 3, 2014.

According to ESPN’s stats details, Lin is also shooting 35 percent from deep, which is an improvement.

In addition to his scoring, the 26-year-old former Harvard standout is also letting his teammates involved in the game, showcased by his 7.1 assists during the latest stretch.

The “Linsanity” star is also grabbing more rebounds this time of the year, 4.2 rpg, and his steals output has increased as well at 1.7spg.

“Right now I feel pretty good & the team is playing in a way that is very helpful for me & coach is letting me go a little more & I’m trying to stay aggressive & find my rhythym & get to the basket,” Lin said in an interview with Lakers Nation.

With all of the improvements Lin has done these past weeks, it may now be a concern for the Lakers management whether they will re-sign Lin when he officially becomes a free agent.

Lin is an explosive point guard that runs the pick-and-roll extremely well. Reports mentioned that he had a hard time making such plays with Kobe Bryant on the floor.

But now that both Bryant and Nick Young are injured, the star point guard has no more alibis but to play at a high level to give Los Angeles a respectable exit.

Source : Christian Post

Controverial Scientology Film’s Maker on How He ‘Infiltrated’ Organization

More than 1,000 Scientologists and guests gathered in lower downtown Denver on June 16, 2012, to celebrate a new Church of Scientology. (Photo: ScientologyNews.org)

More than 1,000 Scientologists and guests gathered in lower downtown Denver on June 16, 2012, to celebrate a new Church of Scientology. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, dedicated the new Church, which will serve Scientologists and the city and county of Denver.

Christian Post Report – “Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief” is set to air on HBO March 29, and filmmaker Alex Gibney has opened up about how he managed to infiltrate the relatively secretive organization.

After reading the book by the same name, Gibney contacted journalist Lawrence Wright and together they decided to make the documentary. The film focuses on the organization’s beginnings, founder L. Ron Hubbard, the celebrities who have made Scientology famous, and the stories of abuse from former members.

“I was like Larry, he wanted to find out what people got out of it,” Gibney told Business Insider. “And from my previous films, I got very interested in noble cause corruption and how when people are convinced of the nobility of the belief system they can do the most appalling things.”

Gibney decided to exclusively focus on a few aspects of Scientology for his documentary: the group’s decision to fight to be recognized as a tax-exempt religious organization, how Scientology has used famous celebrities to bring attention to it, and several members who left the organization.

He worked hard to protect those he interviewed for the camera, even using “throw-away phones and encrypted e-mail” because “people were so frightened,” Gibney said. The filmmaker also did not use any footage related to Scientology for fear of being sued for licensing. Despite his best attempts, news of the documentary got out and several scientologists staged protests at the Sundance Film Festival premiere in January and also bought a full-page ad in The New York Times to discredit Gibney and comparing his work to that of the Rolling Stone story about rape at the University of Virginia.

Celebrities such as John Travolta and Tom Cruise, two of the highest-ranked and well-known members of Scientology, have refused to comment about the film. They are remaining mum and loyal to the group.

“They are playing a PR game with them to say, ‘Look at these evil people who are attacking us. Look how valiantly we are trying to defend our organization,'” Gibney said. “There is palpable sense that the storm is turning. Something is changing.”

“Going Clear” will debut in limited theaters on March 13 and on HBO March 29.

Source : Christian Post

Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight: Mayweather Wants Gordon Ramsay to Cook Him Dinner in Exchange for Ringside Seats

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Youtube Screenshot/ file

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Christian Post Report – It’s no surprise that a ticket for the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao fight is one of the most sought-after items by boxing fans this year. With the match barely two months away, many have been surfing the Internet for information on how to get tickets to see the two boxers live at the MGM Grand, where the fight is scheduled to take place on May 2.

Both everyday citizens and even celebrities are reported to have a hard time securing the tickets for the much awaited fight. According to Forbes, online seller SeatGeek has 422 seats for sale via ticket brokers who have relationships with the venue or other sources where they know they will have access to said tickets. The cheapest seat listed is $4,116, while floor seats start at $22,441.

Celebrities like Jack Nicholson, Will Smith, and Leonardo DiCaprio are used to getting comped tickets when they attend a big fight, but Top Rank boss Bob Arum said to Forbes that for the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout, “nobody is going to get these tickets without paying for them.” However, if you’re world renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, the price of a ringside ticket may only cost a single meal cooked for Mayweather.

According to Yahoo!, Mayweather wants Ramsay to cook him a lavish dinner in return for ringside tickets for the match. What the boxer reportedly wants in exchange, after winning the fight, is to have Ramsay himself cook him a feast of chicken wings, a burger, and cheesecake.

Meanwhile, Arum says that ringside tickets will be harder to come by.

“Because of the price of tickets, MGM, for example, will only give ringside tickets to its customers who have $250,000 line of credit,” he said.

No doubt about it, people will be flocking to Las Vegas on May 2 to watch this epic fight that has been six years in the making. Those who can’t make the trip — or part with the cash required to purchase a ticket — will be able to watch it on pay per view, which will reportedly cost $100.

Source : Christian Post

Apple iWatch Event Live Stream Free, Start Time: ‘Spring Forward’ Apple Watch Unveiling, Features and Availability Date

Apple Watch Youtube Screenshot/ file

The Apple Watch will be available in 4 metallic colors, as well as two special edition colors.

Christian Post Report – Apple is set to launch its newest device, the Apple Watch, on Monday during their “Spring Forward” event in San Francisco. The event has a start time of 1 p.m. ET and can be watched online through live stream via the Apple website (details below).

Apple sent out invitations to U.S. and U.K. tech journalists earlier this month for their March 9 “Spring Forward” special event to be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, where a new product, the Apple Watch will reportedly be unveiled.

The initial teaser reveal for the Smart Watch last September during the unveiling of iPhone 6 and Apple Pay disclosed the wearable’s sleek body, some details, and an initial price point. On March 9, the occasion will fully highlight the device, including specifics on when and where it will be available, what it will do, and how much it is going to cost.

Gold Apple Watch Reuters/Photo

While Apple did mention the starting price for a Smart Watch will begin at $349, some versions of the device are expected to be more expensive. There are currently three known versions: the regular Smart Watch, the Watch Sport, and the yellow gold or rose gold Watch Edition, the latter currently estimated to retail between $4,999 to $7,500.

The Smart Watch, which is intended as an add-on for the iPhone and will communicate with it via Bluetooth, will reportedly be available in a host of color cases and bands users can choose from.

Apart from telling time, the new wearable will activate its display with the simple motion of raising a wrist, differentiate between a touch and a press, track a user’s number of steps and other fitness data, feature a mini-sketchpad for users to draw and send small pictures to contacts, transmit heartbeat data to another Smart Watch user, support the company’s latest payment system — the Apple Pay, and like a futuristic film scenario, allow users to take phone calls via their wrist.

Battery life for the Smart Watch is expected to be pegged at 2.5 hours for heavy app use, four hours for fitness tracking, and up to a reported 19 hours of battery life with normal wear. Sources are also saying the device may be available in the U.S. as early as March 20.

The Apple iWatch event will be streamed online on Monday at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET), on the Apple website by clicking here. The event requires Safari and an Apple device to view.

Source : Christian Post

‘The Sims’ Developer Maxis Closes its Doors, DLCs for ‘Sims 4’ to Be Released as Planned

The Sims 4 Twitter/ @TheSims

Sims can now work as detectives, among others, in The Sims 4 Get to Work DLC

Christian Post Report – Electronic Arts has recently announced that Maxis, the company behind the very successful “Sims” franchise, is closing its doors.

It was reported that EA purchased the company as Maxis continued to operate independently while building all the latest games including “Sim City,” “Spore” and “Sims 4.”

The designer of Sim City Guillame Pierre expressed his sorrow over the fact that the team at Maxis and the company itself is now a thing of the past. In his Twitter account, Pierre wrote, “Well it was a fun 12 years, but it’s time to turn off the lights and put the key under the door. #RIPMaxisEmeryville.”

EA announced that they will be merging the studio with their own in Melbourne. They also confirmed that all the games, including the Sims franchise, will continue to grow with ideas from the Maxis team.

Though Maxis is shutting down, fans need not worry about upcoming expansion packs for ‘Sims 4’ being scrapped, as the game’s first DLC, “The Sims 4 Get to Work,” is about to launch sometime next month.

The expansion pack is a hybrid of two popular expansions from previous titles, namely “The Sims 3 Ambitions” and “The Sims 2 Open for Business.” In the new DLC, players will be able to guide their Sims through different careers in law enforcement, medicine, and science. Those who would prefer their Sims to take on an entrepreneurial role could guide them to open and operate their own business.

Maxis has confirmed that “The Sims 4 Get to Work” will be available in both digital and disc form and will reportedly cost $40.

Source : Christian Post

‘General Hospital’: March 9 to 13 Spoilers, Maxie Makes a Confession to Lulu About Her Love Life

General Hospital ABC/ General Hospital

Maxie makes a confession to Lulu about her love life, on General Hospital

Christian Post Report – Last Friday on “General Hospital,” Tracy celebrates the outcome of the custody hearing with Michael at the Quartermaine mansion, and she tells him that Sonny got what he deserved. Alice lets Tracy know that she has the house ready for the child, and Tracy tells her that they’ll need another nursery for Ned and Olivia’s baby.

Meanwhile, Sonny and Carly argue over what to do about Michael. Carly wants to take him to court and she says that even if what Michael did was wrong, he is a good and kind man and will take good care of Avery. Sonny refuses to let Michael take Avery, and Carly asks him what he wants to do.

At Lulu’s place, Nathan walks in on Spinelli and Maxie kissing. Maxie tells him that she can explain and says that Spinelli just kissed her without warning. Spinelli uses his laptop to shield himself from Nathan, and he says that he doesn’t feel like the kiss was unwelcome. As Nathan is about to hit him, Spinelli gets an alert on Pat on his laptop. Spinelli runs out of the apartment. Maxie tries to lighten the mood and suggests that maybe she and Nathan should go out to dinner, but Nathan says that maybe they should rethink their relationship.

Here are the “General Hospital” spoilers for March 9 to 13:

March 9 (Monday): Michael makes a shocking announcement; Nina and Franco get lured into a bad situation; Silas tells Ava that she’s dying.

March 10 (Tuesday): Maxie and Spinelli get an urgent call; Nina and Franco are questioned about the latest turn of events; Lulu informs Tracy of Luke’s latest exploits.

March 11 (Wednesday): Sam and Spinelli reunite; Maxie makes a confession to Lulu about her love life.

March 12 (Thursday): Spinelli thinks he sees someone from his past; Michael has a job offer for Sabrina.

March 13 (Friday): Julian plots to kill a member of the mob; Rick asks Elizabeth if she still has feelings for Jake.

“General Hospital” airs from Mondays to Fridays at 1 p.m. on ABC.

Source : Christian Post

‘The Young and the Restless’: March 9 to 13 Spoilers, Summer Learns the Truth About Austin

The Young and the Restless Facebook/The Young and the Restless

The cast of The Young and the Restless

Christian Post Report – Last Friday on “The Young and the Restless,” Summer is at Austin’s memorial and is screaming at the casket. She yells that it’s her fault, and she rushes out. Phyllis and Nick wonder why she’s blaming herself for his dead.

At the hospital, Christine tells Dylan that someone ran her over on purpose and that person took her baby. When Dylan asks who would do such a thing, Christine tells him that his mother would.

Meanwhile, at the station, Victor argues with Paul, who just placed Nikki under arrest. Paul says that eyewitnesses said that Nikki’s car swerved towards Chris. Dylan arrives, and Paul says that Nikki targeted Christine.

Later, Nikki visits Chris in his hospital room. Chris asks her if she’s there to gloat. Nikki denies it and says she’s devastated, and she also blames him for not looking. He screams at her to get out. Dylan and Paul arrive, and Chris tells them that he hates her.

Sage finds Nick at Austin’s memorial and complains bitterly about her marriage. He tells her to be true to herself and do what she wants to do. She says that means a divorce and no inheritance for her. She says that Gabe has changed a lot since he and Nick were at school.

Here are “The Young and the Restless” spoilers for March 9 to 13:

March 9 (Monday): Chelsea and Billy talk about the future; Adam and Sage argue; Abby seeks forgiveness.

March 10 (Tuesday): Paul worries about Christine, while Nikki asks Neil to keep their secret; Victor’s plan moves forward.

March 11 (Wednesday) Kelly makes a confession; Hilary wants answers from Devon.

March 12 (Thursday): Lauren talks to Michael; Dylan opens up to Sharon; Abby gets an upsetting message.

March 13 (Friday): Jack and Phyllis advance their relationship; Adam makes a move; Summer learns the truth about Austin.

“The Young and the Restless” airs from Mondays to Fridays at 12:30 p.m. on CBS.

Source : Christian Post

‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Sadie Robertson Rallies Prayers for Toddler Battling Cancer

Sadie Robertson (Photo: Twitter/Sadie Robertson)

Sadie Robertson posed for a Sherri Hill fashion shoot.

Christian Post Report – Sadie Robertson who stars on A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” is requesting prayers for one of her young fans who is facing a hard battle against cancer.

The 17-year-old reality star shared a photo of a young boy no more than four years old strapped into wire monitors on his hospital bed on Friday, March 6. Robertson urged her followers to pray for the child, Sam, as he endured an additional round of chemotherapy treatment over the weekend.

“This little one is going through another round of chemo and he really needs all the prayer he can get,” Robertson wrote in the caption. “He is a precious little angel… Please lift him up in prayer today #samstrong.”

The Duck Commander teen did not explain her connection to Sam, but it was not the first time she rallied prayers for those in need. Earlier this month, Robertson directed her followers to a fan-directed Sadie Robertson account, @sadiereactions, and requested prayers for the fan.

“I’m not sure who is behind the @sadiereactions account but she needs our prayers,” Robertson explained via Instagram on March 3. “Please pray for her & her family. God is always here even when we walk through the shadow of death. We have all gone through hard times & it makes the hard times a whole lot easier with support, prayers, and just feeling loved. We are all in this world together, so let’s be there for each other. Please join me in prayer for this family.”

Robertson, who penned Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values, often reminds her Twitter followers to remain faithful, offering words of inspiration and quotes from Scripture. The teen is also open about her celibate relationship with boyfriend Blake Coward.

Meanwhile, Robertson stars on “Duck Dynasty” alongside famous family members including her grandfather Phil Robertson and parents Willie and Korie Robertson. The popular reality televisions series has spawned a “Duck Dynasty” musical which begins April 15 at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Source : Christian Post

Apple Watch Set to Be Unveiled on March 9

Apple Watch www.twitter.com/engadget

Apple introduced its new Apple Watch at it’s Keynote Event in Cupertino, Calif.

Christian Post Report – Apple is about to have its first major event on Monday in San Francisco, and there are speculations that the Cupertino company may reveal more information about the hotly anticipated Apple Watch at the “Spring Forward” event from the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on May 9 at 1 p.m. ET.

The device is set to ship in April, however Apple hasn’t released an exact release date. Since Tim Cook gave everyone a glimpse of the watch last September, Apple has been dropping hints about its first wearable. The watch even got a magazine cover prior to its release as it graced the wrist of a model on the cover of November’s issue of Vogue China.

There will be three different construction styles, two different sizes, and six different watchbands, so users can mix and match. The first variant, called the Apple Watch, will come in a stainless steel case, sapphire crystal face, and a ceramic back. The Apple Watch Sport will have an aluminum body, Ion-X glass screen and composite back. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Edition will have a ceramic back, a sapphire crystal face, and as an added touch of luxury, the watch’s body will have 18-karat gold.

The watch’s sizes are 42mm and 38mm, and the band will come in a variety of designs and makes such as a metal mesh with magnets, a plasticized sport band in different colors, a leather band, and a segmented metal band.

The watch comes with Apple Pay and a wide variety of apps that can help keep the wearer informed throughout the day. It’s compatible with the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S.

The Apple Watch is expected to start at $349 for the Apple Sport Watch. The Apple Watch is expected to cost significantly more, while the Apple Watch Edition is rumored to start at $12,000.

Source : Christian Post

‘Fantastic Four’ Reboot News: Director Going ‘Darker’ Than First 2 Films

Fantastic Four FACEBOOK/ Fantastic Four

“Fantastic Four”

Christian Post Report – With movie reboots becoming a fashion these days, another superhero movie is heading that way. The “Fantastic Four,” the first superhero team that Marvel Comics introduced in 1961 and had two previous film adaptation and a sequel, will undergo a makeover and will be released in theaters on August 7, 2015.

The reboot will be helmed by “Chronicle” director John Trank, with new actors cast for superheroes. A younger actor, Miles Teller, was cast for the role of the team leader, Reed Richards or Mr. Fantastic. Kate Mara plays Sue Storm or the Invisible Woman. Probably one of the more controversial castings ever done in movies, according to some reports, is that of Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm or The Human Torch, who is also Sue Storm’s brother. The character in the comics is portrayed as Caucasian, but Trank opted to cast Jordan, who is an African-American. Actor-dancer Jamie Bell, best remembered as litte Billy Elliot, was surprisingly cast as Ben Grimm or The Thing.

Trank said he wants to avoid the “cartoonish” tone of the first two films in the Fantastic 4 universe.

“The original two films to me are very similar to a lot of recent movies that have come out, in terms of that kind of cartoonish. It’s just not something that me and Simon are interested in as storytellers,” he told Inquisitr. “There’s the opportunity to make something that is challenging and tragic and dramatic. The opportunity is right there in the material.”

“We’d rather steer it in that direction as opposed to just embracing a tone that comes right off the page,” he explained, adding that he intends the reboot to be “darker.”

When asked about his controversial casting of Jordan, he said that it was not unusual to have multi-racial families these days, but what weighed more was that for him, Jordan was the right person for the role. Trank had previously worked with Jordan in “Chronicle.”

Given Trank’s pronouncement, it is not known how much he will deviate from the comic’s storyline, but reports have come out saying that he may change the origins story a bit. Miles Teller, who will play Mr. Fantastic, also said that his character did not have full control of his powers, according to the Inquisitr. Other reports are saying that this film will be based on the “Ultimate Fantastic Four,” the “modernized re-imagining” of the original comic series.

The first film adaptation was in 1994, but was never released to the public. In 2005, a second adaptation was done, followed by a sequel “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” in 2007.

Source : Christian Post