KaaGee Notes

With two games to play, the United States could be in peril of failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. But the U.S. is not the only Cup perennial that could miss out on Russia 2018. Several other prominent teams are also struggling and might be sitting it out next summer, depending on the results of the final games in October. Europe When the qualifying draw was made in 2015, it was clear that at least one giant would be in a difficult position about now. Italy, which has made 14 consecutive World Cups, and Spain, which has made 10 straight, were drawn into the same group, with only one automatic qualifying spot available. Spain drubbed Italy, 3-0, last weekend, and at 3 points up with two games to play, is very likely to get the spot. That puts Italy in the position of having to play a home-and-home playoff against another group runner-up to qualify. Italy will be favored to win its playoff, but the opponent could be tricky: A team like Slovakia,

Togo shuts down internet amid protests Internet access in Togo has been severely restricted as opposition supporters gather to protest against the rule of President Faure Gnassingbé. Some users say internet speeds are slow and access to social media platforms has been limited. Protesters have rejected a government proposal to bring about a two-term presidential limit, saying it is a ploy to extend the president's rule. They want Mr Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005, to step down. He became president after the death of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who had been at the helm for 38 years. Government spokesperson Gilbert Bawara told a local radio station that there was an ongoing internet restriction: "Even in most developed countries, authorities take control of telecommunications in some cases," he said. AFP news agency reports that mobile internet had been shut down in the capital, Lomé, but added that wi-fi networks are still working. BBC Afri

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers this evening jointly announced the following: In conjunction with finalizing the trade involving Kyrie Irving, Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and a 2018 1st round pick the Celtics acquired via Brooklyn, the Celtics and Cavaliers have agreed to modify the terms of the trade such that Boston will also send Miami’s 2020 2nd round pick to Cleveland.  The trade is now complete.

You're a daughter. The other day, a repairman came to our house to fix the air conditioner. When he came in, he didn't sit down on the couch and make himself at home. He went straight to the air conditioner and fixed the problem. But when my daughter comes in, she doesn't ask for permission to watch TV or get something to eat; she acts as though she owns the place. The truth is, she does. she's my daughter Everything I have is hers, and she's confidently bold in what belongs to her. It's easy to have the wrong image of ourselves. Rather than seeing ourselves as sons and daughters of God, too many times we've developed a slave mentality. We live as though we're at a disadvantage. We don't pray bold prayers, we don't believe for our dreams, and we don't expect good breaks. Some people don't think they deserve to be blessed because they've made too many mistakes, been through too much, or come from the wrong family. They may n

The other day, I pulled out some stain remover to clean a little spot on our carpet. I noticed that on the bottle the directions read, "Get to the spot as quickly as possible, hopefully while it's still wet." Why? Because the longer it stays there, the more difficult it is to remove. Do you know that it's the same way with us? When anger, bitterness or offense comes, it's like a stain on your mind. If you allow it to set hour after hour, day after day, it's going to get harder and harder to remove. It's so much easier to forgive right when the incident happens. And it doesn't matter what the other person does, you can choose to forgive and give your mind a clean slate. In Ephesians six, the Bible talks about how we should put on the armor of God. One of the most important pieces is the shoes of peace. In the same way that shoes protect our feet, peace protects our spiritual walk. But I've found that too many people are going around spirit

Cleveland Browns tight end Seth DeValve -- the first white NFL player to kneel during the national anthem -- says he demonstrated on Monday night to support his African American teammates. 12 Browns players in total knelt in a circle before Cleveland took on the NY Giants -- the players included stars like Jabrill Peppers, Calvin Pryor, Isaiah Crowell, Kenny Britt and Duke Johnson. But DeValve made the biggest splash ... just days after Michael Bennett said a white player kneeling would make the protest more effective. DeValve -- who's married to a black woman -- heard Bennett loud and clear and heeded the call. After the game, the Browns protesters explained their demonstration -- saying they wanted to come together as men to combat all the hate and injustice in the world.