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The Ranji Trophy is set to spill over into March for the first time since the 2004-05 season, following the BCCI’s decision to advance the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the domestic T20 competition, prior to the IPL auction, which is generally held in December-January. As per the preliminary fixtures for the 2019-20 season, the Ranji Trophy will begin on December 9, with the final slated from February 28, 2020. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, meanwhile, will run from November 8 to December 1.

At the conclave for domestic captains and coaches held in May, several captains were unhappy that the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was being conducted after the IPL auction. They were of the opinion the existing schedule not only denied players opportunities to impress IPL talent scouts but also robbed the tournament of its relevance. The timing of some of these matches, too, raised a few eyebrows.

The much-debated Duleep Trophy, which was also being re-looked at for the lack of context, will kick-start the domestic season in the same format, running from August 17 to September 8. However, it’s yet to be decided if the pink ball trial will continue at the tournament, as has been the case over the last three seasons.

The limited-overs competitions – the Vijay Hazare Trophy (50 overs), Deodhar Trophy (50 overs) and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20s) – will follow the Duleep Trophy, before the first-class season begins.

The women’s calendar, too, has no surprise additions, despite the call from senior state captains and coaches to include an additional inter-zonal 50-overs competition besides the existing 50-overs inter-state tournament. This, they felt at the time, would provide more match-time and help widen their talent pool.

However, with the Women’s T20 World Cup in mind, the board has introduced the T20 Challenger Trophy in a new format, with each side playing the other two over two rounds followed by a final. In the previous avatar, each team played the other two over one round followed by the final.

The tweaked format could help the national selectors scout players for the national side that will then head to Australia for a T20I tri-series, also including England, which begins on January 31. This tournament will also serve as the team’s build-up to the T20 World Cup, also to be held in Australia, from February 21 to March 8.

Not only is LinkedIn painfully boring, but it often feels like a sausage party filled with senior level white men. And research backs this up: in 2017, a study by LinkedIn revealed how sexist norms infiltrate the way men and women present themselves on LinkedIn. By analyzing over 141 million profiles in the US, it found women promote themselves and their successes a lot less than men do. 

In a bid to give women a better professional platform, Girlboss CEO and Founder Sophia Amoruso launched the company’s first-ever, free social networking site — professional networking 2.0, dubbed as a “LinkedIn for women.”

On Girlboss’ new professional site, which is available in the US, women entrepreneurs, creatives, and freelancers can connect directly with like-minded peers and notable industry leaders. Its members already include the likes of Jen Rubio, Payal Kadakia, and Bozoma St. John, who are participating in a Q&A session as part of the platform’s launch. 

Amoruso built this platform after finding out just 23 percent of millennials are on LinkedIn, reinforcing Girlboss’ belief that the traditional resume is antiquated and doesn’t serve today’s generation. “We are so much more than our experience, trading on our personalities, ideas, and creativity in ways we didn’t years ago,” Girlboss stated in its press release.

Unlike LinkedIn, Girlboss sees the member profiles as an updated, more comprehensive take on the standard resume. Users can share their work experience alongside a snappy fill-in-the-blank bio, their horoscope reading, and their favorite “Girlboss moment.”

But, do women need a platform like Girlboss?

Although there’s no denying the odds are against women when it comes to VC funding, discrimination in the workplace, and pay parity, we have to question whether women-oriented projects like Girlboss’ professional networking site are helpful or hurtful in achieving gender equality. 

Another example of this is the multitude of women-oriented events that have launched in order to fight gender parity in tech. Events like these seek to create a safe space, free from discrimination and with a focus on women-specific challenges. But some have raised concerns these events create a bigger gap between the genders, and exclude men from the conversation. 

Girlboss’ site claims it’s “open to everyone,” which presumably includes men. But like in conversations regarding feminism, it’s important to point out that most women-focused projects, events, and platforms aren’t really about excluding men — they merely put women in the spotlight, which rarely happens naturally in the workplace, specifically in STEM fields, or on LinkedIn. 

With many similar women-focused networks recently popping up — including Bumble Biz, the dating app’s professional platform that puts women first, and The Wing, a community and co-working space designed for women — it’s encouraging to see women’s professional advancement finally being prioritized.

Girlboss also has plans to launch an app for its professional networking site soon. You can check out their platform here.

Saying goodbye to Woody was emotional for Tom Hanks. 

The 62-year-old actor recalled what it was like voicing the Toy Story character Woody for the very last time. 

Hanks, who was a guest earlier this week on The Graham Norton Show said to the host that saying those last couple of lines really hit him hard.

“It was terrible, it was terrible,” Hanks said. “I started recording Woody in 1991. That’s when we got together to do the first one.”

He continued: “You record these things over about four years, and the last session — I thought it would just be odds and ends — but I was in the same studio with the same microphone, and they said ‘OK, great, thanks.’ And just like that, 20 however many years were over.”

“My lip started quivering. You ever do this, when you’re so uncomfortable all you can say is, ‘Well, oh, my my. Oh my, my my my my. Oh, well.’ And the only thing to do was to go and get in my car and drive away.”

Hanks has been a part of the franchise for the better part of the last 25 years. The latest installment, Toy Story 4 hit theaters June 20 and has dominated the weekend box office since its premiere. 

Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone has sold the largest home in Los Angeles for a record-breaking £95 million.

The daughter of Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone bought the home, known as The Manor, for £67.5 million ($85 million).

After taking ownership of the home, Petra has since given the property an eccentric make-over, overhauling many of its staggering 123 rooms – even adding a nightclub in the basement and several large tanks filled with exotic fish.

The heiress originally listed the 56,500-square-foot chateau in Holmby Hills for sale in 2016, adjusting the asking price twice before a suitor was found, but details of the sale is yet to be published. A source told the Los Angeles Times that the purchase was a ‘done deal’.

Petra won’t be moving too far away, with records showing that she recently bought a new mansion for $22.7 million just a few miles west of Holmby Hills, in Brentwood.

It comes just weeks after Petra, who was married to James Stunt until two years ago and went through a torrid divorce, was pictured on her hen-do as she prepares to marry car salesman Sam Palmer. 

Located in Holmby Hills the sprawling 56,500-square-foot chateau, known as Candyland, has become the most expensive home ever sold in LA County

The daughter (pictured right) of Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone (pictured left) bought the home, known as The Manor, for £67.5 million ($85 million)

A view of the 57,000 square-foot-mansion owned by Formula One heiress which has now been sold to an anonymous buyer 

The home was previously owned by director Aaron Spelling and had a bowling alley. But was given a lavish makeover by Petra, who has now put a nightclub in the basement

A picture of the luxurious swimming pool at the mega property. After taking ownership of the home, Petra has since given the property an eccentric make-over, overhauling many of its staggering 123 rooms – even adding a nightclub in the basement and several large tanks filled with exotic fish

The property was purchased by the daughter of Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone for £67.5 million ($85 million). As well as the swimming pool there is also a tennis court

There’s also a tanning room, solarium and a games room. Rolling lawns, rose gardens, citrus orchards, statues and grandiose fountains all fill out the The Manor’s grounds (pictured) which also include a swimming pool, spa and tennis court

The large dining room is just one of many features of the enormous 123 bedroom property that has now been sold for £95 million by Petra Ecclestone

Petra was granted a divorce in 2017 after a bitter legal fight over their £5.5 billion fortune, with the couple’s assets including a £100 million Chelsea mansion and a £158 million home in Los Angeles. 

A court hearing heard details of how their marriage broke down, including hotly disputed allegations that Stunt was abusive and violent. 

Petra, who has three children with Mr Stunt, moved to LA from Chelsea to get a fresh start and leave her marriage woes behind.

The sprawling 56,500-square-foot chateau, known as The Manor, was built in 1991 for Spelling’s wife, Candy, and later given the nickname ‘Candyland’ in tribute.

During the Spellings’ years of ownership, the 14-bedroom, 27-bathroom mansion had a room dedicated to Candy’s vintage doll collection, a bowling alley, a room dedicated specifically to cutting flowers and even an entire climate-controlled chamber for storing silver.

The house also included a barbershop, multiple gift-wrapping rooms, and a French wine and cheese room, complete with French music and side-walk tables.

But Petra was not a fan of the decor and embarked on a huge redesign that took more than nine weeks and required 500 workmen. 

Candyland’s former wrapping rooms have since been swapped out for a hair salon and massage parlor.

There’s also a tanning room, solarium and a games room. Rolling lawns, rose gardens, citrus orchards, statues and grandiose fountains all fill out the The Manor’s grounds, which also include a swimming pool, spa and tennis court.

It’s the largest home in LA and among the largest single-family homes in the entire country, measuring more than 1,500 feet larger than the White House.

Considered to be one of LA’s priciest neighborhoods, Holmby Hills has seen the sale of a number of record-breaking homes in recent years.

The Manor is just a stones-throw away from a previous record holder, The Playboy Mansion, which sold for $100 million back in 2016.

It will now become the fourth home in the state to top a $100 million asking price, besting the $110 million Malibu beach-front home bought by Peter Morton in April last year.

Candyland is also tied for the fourth most expensive home in US history, with a $238 million Manhattan apartment purchased by Keith Griffin topping the pack.

The home was initially placed on the market for $150 million in 2014, but after receiving no offers in two years Petra inexplicably upped the price to a whopping $200 million, before lowering her expectations in 2019.

The buyer of the mansion remains unknown, but the LA Times reported that the individual was represented by Beverly Hills real estate agent Jeff Hyland of Hilton & Hyland. 

Aaron Spelling, also famed for producing Beverly Hilly 90210 and The Love Boat, died at the Manor on June 23, 2006. 

He collapsed and died on the property from complications from a stroke he’d suffered five-days prior.

In December 2011, Candy Spelling (pictured), gave a guided tour of the mansion, known as ‘Candyland’

One of the ugliest cricket matches at an ICC event ended with words of grace from each side, something that could not be said of the fans who threw punches at each other while in the stands, chucked rubbish, bottles and even a rubbish bin and finally invaded the pitch as soon as the match finished. Those outside used steel barriers on the streets as weapons. Fighting among fans – to this degree – is unheard of at modern ICC events.

It would appear, though, that the authorities either were unaware of or underestimated the animosity between the two countries and their fans. The action from on-site security and stewards was not swift or decisive enough to prevent clashes from breaking out in the stands or to stop people from entering the field of play at the end of the match. Security lapses were visible even at the start of the match as quite a few fans were seen jumping the boundary walls of the stadium to gain illegal entrance.

ALSO READ – Monga: An opportunity to keep the Afghanistan-Pakistan rivalry dignified

The pitch invasion finally raised the biggest alarm for the players. Mohammad Nabi was almost tackled accidentally by a security officer as he went after a pitch invader. This raises serious question marks over the security of the players and the fans in the ongoing World Cup.

“We are aware of some scuffles among a minority of fans and are currently working with the venue security team and the local police force, West Yorkshire Police, to ensure there are no further incidents,” an ICC spokesperson said after the first incident, which took place an hour into the match. “We do not condone this type of behaviour, and will take appropriate action against any anti-social behaviour that spoils the enjoyment for the majority of fans.”

At least two fans were evicted early in the match, but whatever action was taken was evidently not enough as rioting resumed in the dying moments.

Few of them were ejected from stadium by security, many invaded the stadium jumping the wall, occupying seats without tickets. Ugly scenes! Anti sportsmanship by Afghan fans. Disappointing. https://t.co/XKftrpLqDh

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) June 29, 2019

Geopolitical tensions have been high between Kabul and Islamabad. The two countries are divided by a porous border, the Durand Line, which was drawn up in 1893 between Afghanistan and British India. Refugees, drugs and terror and American influence moved through this border freely for about 40 years before it was closed temporarily in 2017. Cross-border movements are much more difficult now.

These tensions manifest themselves in cricket all the more because Afghanistan learnt their cricket in Pakistan but are now beholden to India for the BCCI’s help in giving their national team an adopted home ground and helping them with infrastructure.

On the field, though, the match was played in good spirit, and both teams were full of praise for each other. Representatives from both sides who spoke to the press after the game said they were not aware of what went on in the stands. Both parties asked for calm and better behaviour when informed. Pakistan’s Imad Wasim urged the fans to stop fighting because they are all Muslims, and thus brothers. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib reminded his countrymen they represent their country wherever they go.

Samsung has redesigned the Galaxy Fold to address the screen durability issues that torpedoed its launch, Bloomberg reports, with the folding phone soon to begin commercial production. The company still isn’t able to confirm a release date, however, and one person told Bloomberg that the phone is unlikely to resurface at next month’s Galaxy Note 10 event.

Samsung is said to have made the screen’s protective film “flow into the bezels so it would be impossible to peel off by hand.” Previous review units shipped with a film that looked like a removable screen protector, even though removing it would actually destroy the screen — as some reviewers found out.

The Verge’s unit had a different problem, however, developing a strange bulge that ultimately broke the OLED panel. It’s not clear whether Samsung’s re-engineered hinge, which is apparently now flush with the display and stretches the protective film further, would do anything for that issue.

We’ll have to see how that shakes out, but the main takeaway from the Bloomberg report is that the Fold should return sometime this year. When it does, you can expect a lot of scrutiny.

‘Haha – it’s the hope that kills England!’ Jubilant Scottish and Irish fans toast US win over Lionesses as traditional football rivalries resurface

• The Lionesses were beaten by two goals to one in a close-fought affair in Lyon 
• A tense game saw England miss a penalty and have a player sent off
• Aside from Americans, many Scottish and Irish took to Twitter to celebrate 

By Leigh Mcmanus For Mailonline

Published: 18:06 EDT, 2 July 2019 | Updated: 23:01 EDT, 2 July 2019

It all ended in tears for England with another World Cup semi-final loss as the US progressed to the women’s final. 

A tense affair ended with a missed penalty from England’s captain Steph Houghton and a red card for Millie Bright in a 2-1 defeat. 

But not everybody this side of the water were saddened. Along with the jubilant Americans, Irish and Scottish fans took to social media in their droves to toast England’s loss. 

The tears at full time were ‘sweet sweet tears’ according to one cynical Irish fan from Derry called Ruarí. 

A dejected Ellen White of England acknowledges the crowd after the Lionesses were beaten

Among many tweets congratulating the Lionesses, some rival fans couldn’t help themselves

Scotland fans celebrate the USA beating England in the Women’s World Cup from a pub in Aberdeenshire. Pictured is: Scott Cimmung, Cameron Fraser and Joe Main 

The 22-year-old, whose Twitter says he lives in the States, tweeted: ‘Haha bottle job England again! In the Semis much like their male counterparts! Those sweet sweet tears #seeya #ENGvUSA #ENGUSA #nogoal’

He was joined by a whole host of happy Scots who were very vocal, despite the Lionesses beating them in the group stage and putting six past them in the European Championships two years ago. 

One Twitter user with a Glasgow Celtic FC picture tweeted: ‘Haha it’s the hope that kills them.’ 

He was joined by another Celtic fan who admitted he didn’t even watch the match but was glad England lost regardless.

Phil Neville, the England coach, consoles his captain Steph Houghton who missed a penalty

This man admitted that he likes to watch England lose simply because he’s Scottish

An England fan queried whether Scots want England women to lose as much as they do the men

Among many tweets from Scots, Irish and of course Americans, there was even Welsh input 

He said: ‘I don’t watch women’s football but I see England got beat. I like that. Haha.’ 

Another Scot said: ‘HAHAHAHAHAHA I’m f****** loving this’, before quoting a non-existent person saying: ‘You’re just a bitter Scottish person enjoying watching England lose at a tournament your team will never win’.

He then shared a meme of a popular TV character saying: ‘You’re God damn right.’

Steph Houghton stepped up to take a penalty with the chance of levelling the scores in Lyon

Alyssa Naeher of the USA saved the penalty from Steph Houghton and Gaelic Twitter reacted

Yet another Scottish person kept it even more simple, tweeting: ‘Haha f*** England man.’ 

Even the former US First Lady and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton joined in the mocking, sharing a picture of American striker Alex Morgan’s controversial tea-sipping goal celebration. 

She accompanied the picture with the message: ‘Congrats to the #USWNT for earning that tea. On to the final!’ 

Hillary Clinton got in on the act, sharing a picture of US striker Alex Morgan’s edgy celebration

Morgan struck back to make it 2-1 to the USA, before directing her provocative celebration towards the England supporters – which Dailymail.com editor-at-large Piers Morgan called ‘bordering on a declaration of war’.

Phil Neville’s side headed to Lyon with dreams of becoming the first senior England team – male or female – to contest a World Cup final since 1966.

However, the Lionesses’ third penalty miss of the tournament proved costly.

The US will now be back at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday to take on the winners of the second semi-final between Holland and Sweden.

England – who had Millie Bright sent off for a second bookable offence before full-time – will face the loser of that match in Nice a day earlier, now hoping to achieve a third-place finish for a second successive World Cup.

 

 

 

 

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