Mens JournalDrug War On the High Seas: Onboard the Coast Guard’s Billion-Dollar BustsThe thwap, thwap, thwap of a rotor’s blades is the first indication that the smugglers are screwed. Out in the Pacific, 200 miles southwest of Guatemala, three Ecua… — *Mens Journal*
Drug War On the High Seas: Onboard the Coast Guard’s Billion-Dollar Busts
The thwap, thwap, thwap of a rotor’s blades is the first indication that the smugglers are screwed. Out in the Pacific, 200 miles southwest of Guatemala, three Ecuadorean men look up to see an orange helicopter locked onto their 35-foot boat. If successful, their weeklong drug run would have netted each of them a year’s income. Instead, they are now heaving $25 million of cocaine overboard. We forget that we’re still fighting an $85 billion coke war. And these days it’s the Coast Guard, the fifth, forgotten branch of the military, that’s on the front lines. Between 2010 and 2015 the CG captured more than 500 tons of uncut cocaine, with a wholesale value of nearly $15 billion.

he Houston ChronicleAs LSU plays home football opener, reminders of floods' lasting traumaA gurgling sound coming from the bathroom roused Alisa and Russell Gage Sr. out of bed around 4 a.m. Days of storms had swelled the nearby Amite River in rural… — *he Houston Chronicle*
As LSU plays home football opener, reminders of floods' lasting trauma
A gurgling sound coming from the bathroom roused Alisa and Russell Gage Sr. out of bed around 4 a.m. Days of storms had swelled the nearby Amite River in rural Baker, La., 20 minutes north of Baton Rouge. The water had climbed over ridges, rushed through forests, blanketed roads, surged up a sloped lawn and infiltrated the Gage's elevated house. Russell Sr. discovered sewage belching from the toilet.

The Houston ChronicleWithout a home, daughters get loving surprise at their AAU track meet The home of Tonia Handy and her three young daughters is packed up inside a storage unit. A shopping cart full of books. A cherry wood futon. Two garbage… — *The Houston Chronicle*
Without a home, daughters get loving surprise at their AAU track meet
The home of Tonia Handy and her three young daughters is packed up inside a storage unit. A shopping cart full of books. A cherry wood futon. Two garbage bags of summer clothes. Two boxes of shoes. Three pairs of roller blades. Three bicycles. Handy's sturdy dresses, the kind she claims will never fall apart and could be worn by her great-granddaughters some day. A pretty, green dining room table. For almost a year, they have been homeless in Brooklyn, N.Y., after being evicted for late rent payments. They lost so much in the last year, but a track team stepped in to help them make strides toward a more promising future.

The Houston ChronicleCan Art Briles, like some have done, revive his blemished career?Rarely does a coach entangled in controversy simply give in.Art Briles is facing the sort of accusation that can end a coaching career: that he was complicit in he… — *The Houston Chronicle*
Can Art Briles, like some have done, revive his blemished career?
Rarely does a coach entangled in controversy simply give in.Art Briles is facing the sort of accusation that can end a coaching career: that he was complicit in helping protect football players accused of sexual assault.

The Houston ChroniclePitchers who hit 100 mph are blessed and often cursedThere is a before and an after for every man who has ever thrown 100 mph. Reaching triple digits redefines him forever. A reputation for rarified power becomes his identity. K… — *The Houston Chronicle*
Pitchers who hit 100 mph are blessed and often cursed
There is a before and an after for every man who has ever thrown 100 mph. Reaching triple digits redefines him forever. A reputation for rarified power becomes his identity. Ken Giles had not merely pitched 100 mph. He was 100 mph.

The Houston ChronicleSports soap box becomes soap operaGood equity built by connecting with fans or posting benevolent sentiments is easily razed when the confluence of immaturity, impulsiveness and a false sense of invincibility leads to one regret… — *The Houston Chronicle*
Sports soap box becomes soap opera
Good equity built by connecting with fans or posting benevolent sentiments is easily razed when the confluence of immaturity, impulsiveness and a false sense of invincibility leads to one regrettable post.

The Houston ChronicleAli's impact strong at famed NYC gymIt's been only hours since Muhammad Ali's death shocked the world. Inside Gleason's Gym, the hallowed boxing temple in Brooklyn, it still stings like a fresh gash. — *The Houston Chronicle*
Ali's impact strong at famed NYC gym
It's been only hours since Muhammad Ali's death shocked the world. Inside Gleason's Gym, the hallowed boxing temple in Brooklyn, it still stings like a fresh gash.

The Houston ChronicleJack Johnson: champion boxer defies racial strifePersecuted, exiled, nearly assassinated and damned by a world determined to squelch his rebellious rise, Jack Johnson became boxing's first black champion but spent his life battl… — *The Houston Chronicle*
Jack Johnson: champion boxer defies racial strife
Persecuted, exiled, nearly assassinated and damned by a world determined to squelch his rebellious rise, Jack Johnson became boxing's first black champion but spent his life battling bigotry.

The Houston ChronicleBy any name, Dallas Keuchel has Yankees' numberOn Tuesday, many Yankees diehards returned on opening day with the scars left from that demoralizing playoff loss. Dallas Keuchel ripped those wounds open when he took the mound aga… — *The Houston Chronicle*
By any name, Dallas Keuchel has Yankees' number
On Tuesday, many Yankees diehards returned on opening day with the scars left from that demoralizing playoff loss. Dallas Keuchel ripped those wounds open when he took the mound again and pitched seven innings in a 5-3 victory.

The Houston ChronicleCarlos Correa earns a cheer from Bronx Puerto RicansThe cheers for Carlos Correa during his electric opening series at Yankee Stadium resonated beyond the ballpark confines. They carried throughout The Bronx, where the country's… — *The Houston Chronicle*
Carlos Correa earns a cheer from Bronx Puerto Ricans
The cheers for Carlos Correa during his electric opening series at Yankee Stadium resonated beyond the ballpark confines. They carried throughout The Bronx, where the country's largest Puerto Rican community has adored him since last season.

The Houston ChronicleLionel Messi brings unique excitement to HoustonLionel Messi has catalyzed a rarefied fervor in Houston, the kind only the best soccer player in the world can inspire. — *The Houston Chronicle*
Lionel Messi brings unique excitement to Houston
Lionel Messi has catalyzed a rarefied fervor in Houston, the kind only the best soccer player in the world can inspire.

Rolling StoneINSIDE CHICAGO'S CYCLE OF GUN VIOLENCE:How the death of a basketball star led to more killingEarly in the evening on July 26, 2012, Michael Haynes was cruising around Morgan Park on Chicago's Far South Side when he and his fri… — *Rolling Stone*
**INSIDE CHICAGO'S CYCLE OF GUN VIOLENCE:**
How the death of a basketball star led to more killing
Early in the evening on July 26, 2012, Michael Haynes was cruising around Morgan Park on Chicago's Far South Side when he and his friends, Harry "Slick" Fullilove and Lester "Doogie" Freeman, got word of a fight about to break out. Haynes — who went by Mikey, though also answered to "Big Bro," "Lil' Bro," and "God Bro," because so many Morgan Park residents considered him family — was a 22-year-old basketball star five days away from heading to Iona College in New York. Slick owned the Buick and was letting Mikey drive to take a farewell victory lap of the neighborhood.

The Wall Street JournalWhy NBA Players Bristle at the WhistleUtah Jazz forward Joe Ingles was stretching on the court before his first game in the NBA when he was suddenly terrified by a disturbing sound: the referee’s whistle. — *The Wall Street Journal*
Why NBA Players Bristle at the Whistle
Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles was stretching on the court before his first game in the NBA when he was suddenly terrified by a disturbing sound: the referee’s whistle.

New York TimesA Waiter Who Serves Up Food, Drinks and a Classic Holiday SongFor the past 30 or so years during the final three weeks of December, the restaurant has erupted into Christmas carols during Wednesday, Friday and Saturday dinners, most re… — *New York Times*
A Waiter Who Serves Up Food, Drinks and a Classic Holiday Song
For the past 30 or so years during the final three weeks of December, the restaurant has erupted into Christmas carols during Wednesday, Friday and Saturday dinners, most recently with Michael Pollard playing the concert master. It is a disruption that has charmed droves of loyal diners.

VICE.comPublic Sex and Hidden Knives: The Nightmares of a Club Halloween PartyHalloween emboldens costumed partiers to embrace false constructs for a night, discarding their identities as well as their inhibitions. They consume more and care less, m… — VICE.com
Public Sex and Hidden Knives: The Nightmares of a Club Halloween Party
Halloween emboldens costumed partiers to embrace false constructs for a night, discarding their identities as well as their inhibitions. They consume more and care less, making them extremely volatile headaches for employees at bars and nightclubs throwing Halloween parties.

MaximBaseball's Dangerous Obsession With the 100-MPH FastballIt's baseball’s Faustian deal: If a pitcher can throw 100 mph, he’ll become an instant star—and then, almost certainly, he’ll be destroyed. The speed made Detroit Tigers reliever Bruce Ron… — *Maxim*
Baseball's Dangerous Obsession With the 100-MPH Fastball
It's baseball’s Faustian deal: If a pitcher can throw 100 mph, he’ll become an instant star—and then, almost certainly, he’ll be destroyed. The speed made Detroit Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon a star, because baseball lusts for the 100-mph arm. “I tried forgetting about 100 mph," Rondon said, "and I felt like I was pitching without love.”

(Photo: Fulvio Maiani for Forbes)Justin Verlander Brings the Heat in Double-Breasted SuitsJustin Verlander had a mantra: You’re not famous until _____. The 32-year-old Detroit Tigers righthander claims he cannot remember his first feat because it “h… — (Photo: Fulvio Maiani for Forbes)
Justin Verlander Brings the Heat in Double-Breasted Suits
Justin Verlander had a mantra: You’re not famous until _____. The 32-year-old Detroit Tigers righthander claims he cannot remember his first feat because it “happened pretty quickly.” Still, it is safe to assume that a teenager with a fastball chasing 100mph who frequently filled and replaced that blank with several rarefied accomplishments.

ForbesAdam Carolla's Paul Newman RacecarsBefore breaking into Hollywood, comedian Adam Carolla spent 12 years in construction. Now he spends 12 hours a week on his podcast venting about everything from government handouts to specious “service” … — *Forbes*
Adam Carolla's Paul Newman Racecars
Before breaking into Hollywood, comedian Adam Carolla spent 12 years in construction. Now he spends 12 hours a week on his podcast venting about everything from government handouts to specious “service” dogs on airplanes to proper pizza toppings. He approaches everything with an I-can-do-it-better-myself attitude. It drives his most passionate pursuit: restoring Paul Newman’s race cars. He has spent nearly $1 million acquiring and will spend another $1 million rebuilding seven of Newman’s race cars–the largest known collection in the world.

The Wall Street Journal One Last Fight For a PolicemanFor the final boxing match of his life on Saturday night, Todd Velten wanted to savor everything. “I want to pay attention, to hear the crowd and hear the yells,” Velten said before the… — *The Wall Street Journal*
One Last Fight For a Policeman
For the final boxing match of his life on Saturday night, Todd Velten wanted to savor everything. “I want to pay attention, to hear the crowd and hear the yells,” Velten said before the bout at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Velten fought in the 32nd annual Battle of the Badges between New York City's fire and police departments.

The New York Times Hollywood Swoops YouTube’s PartyA swarm of Hollywood agents and managers have descended: The middle men and women have arrived, eroding YouTube’s status as the quintessential do-it-yourself enterprise. — *The New York Times*
Hollywood Swoops YouTube’s Party
A swarm of Hollywood agents and managers have descended: The middle men and women have arrived, eroding YouTube’s status as the quintessential do-it-yourself enterprise.

NationalGeographic.comThe Battle to Be King of the LumberjacksIn a backstage dressing room, giant, bearded, thick-necked men are getting ready to compete. Once a year, these rugged brutes who can look something like mercenaries compete with tools th… — *NationalGeographic.com*
The Battle to Be King of the Lumberjacks
In a backstage dressing room, giant, bearded, thick-necked men are getting ready to compete. Once a year, these rugged brutes who can look something like mercenaries compete with tools that can sound something like race cars for the U.S. championship in lumberjacking.

ForbesThe Adventures Of Exotic Tea Hunter Rodrick MarkusAs his SUV ventured deeper into the remote northeast corner of India known as Chicken’s Neck, Rodrick Markus noticed his security force multiply. A local guide explained that this was “hard-cor… — *Forbes*
The Adventures Of Exotic Tea Hunter Rodrick Markus
As his SUV ventured deeper into the remote northeast corner of India known as Chicken’s Neck, Rodrick Markus noticed his security force multiply. A local guide explained that this was “hard-core” Third World, the sort of place where “at any moment it can erupt into something insane.” More SUVs arrived, and when the convoy finally pulled up to an estate, 40 armed men poured out of the vehicles and led him inside. With his signature all-black ensemble–his suit, shirt and pocket square are always coordinated–and with slicked-back hair, manicured 5 o’clock shadow and Mykita glasses, Markus looked like a nuclear arms dealer. But he was just here for some tea. Some very exotic tea. Part Indiana Jones, part Willy Wonka, the 42-year-old Markus helps America’s best restaurants maintain their reputations for James Beard Award-winning cuisine by importing the world’s rarest ingredients.

Forbes.com

How to Shuck Oysters and Clams with Chef Ed McFarland

Chef Ed McFarland of Ed's Lobster shows how to shuck oysters and clams. Story here: http://bitly.com/1qEZW8r

Forbes.comDr. Drew on Prostate CancerTo kick off Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Drew is promoting the cause by sharing his own experience overcoming the disease. — *Forbes.com*
Dr. Drew on Prostate Cancer
To kick off Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Drew is promoting the cause by sharing his own experience overcoming the disease.

Forbes.comGoing Gluten-Free Revitalized Major Leaguer Mike MorseHow the Giants slugger cut out gluten and bounced back from injury. — *Forbes.com*
Going Gluten-Free Revitalized Major Leaguer Mike Morse
How the Giants slugger cut out gluten and bounced back from injury.

Forbes.comHarlem's Shake ShackThe American foodscape is in the middle of a Burger Renaissance. New York is Florence, Danny Meyer is Rafael and a legion of inspired followers is producing delicious art. Harlem Shake captures the greasy spoon goo… — *Forbes.com*
Harlem's Shake Shack
The American foodscape is in the middle of a Burger Renaissance. New York is Florence, Danny Meyer is Rafael and a legion of inspired followers is producing delicious art. Harlem Shake captures the greasy spoon goodness of the past and capitalizes on the Pat LaFreida-supplied beef of the present

Maxim.comRichard Sherman Is on the OffensiveThe Seattle corner’s trash-talking and playmaking has put him center stage. He likes it that way. — *Maxim.com*
Richard Sherman Is on the Offensive
The Seattle corner’s trash-talking and playmaking has put him center stage. He likes it that way.

Forbes.comThe Best Bites at the U.S. OpenWith the first week of the U.S. Open over, we can already name some champions: the best bites of the tournament. — *Forbes.com*
The Best Bites at the U.S. Open
With the first week of the U.S. Open over, we can already name some champions: the best bites of the tournament.

Forbes.comShooting Tips from All-Star Stephen CurryThe 26-year-old guard for the Golden State Warriors is arguably the best shooter in the game. For me, a wannabe athlete, receiving a shooting lesson from Curry is like a community theatre actor rece… — *Forbes.com*
Shooting Tips from All-Star Stephen Curry
The 26-year-old guard for the Golden State Warriors is arguably the best shooter in the game. For me, a wannabe athlete, receiving a shooting lesson from Curry is like a community theatre actor receiving directions from Daniel Day Lewis. But Curry is so laid back, quick-witted and precise with his advice that he can help even the most hopeless cases put up a perfect shot.

Forbes.comA Glutton's Guide to the U.S. Open: Bacon on a ClotheslineThe U.S. Open has evolved from a summer sports tradition into a glutton’s paradise. Each year the quality and quantity of food increases, driven by a seemingly competitive spirit to… — *Forbes.com*
A Glutton's Guide to the U.S. Open: Bacon on a Clothesline
The U.S. Open has evolved from a summer sports tradition into a glutton’s paradise. Each year the quality and quantity of food increases, driven by a seemingly competitive spirit to top everything offered in the past and increase the decadence.

Forbes.comThe Homeless-Chic Pirate Boots that Johnny Depp WearsJohnny Depp blurs the lines between his life and his films. His wardrobe is more befitting of an eccentric character he might play, perhaps a sad-sap vagrant or a struggling grunge guita… — *Forbes.com*
The Homeless-Chic Pirate Boots that Johnny Depp Wears
Johnny Depp blurs the lines between his life and his films. His wardrobe is more befitting of an eccentric character he might play, perhaps a sad-sap vagrant or a struggling grunge guitarist, than the star of the highest grossing films in history. His outfits are clothes that he has self-reportedly worn out over time, with a recent exception: his A.S. 98 boots.

The New York TimesBrooklyn Cyclones’ ‘Seinfeld’ Night a Hit, 'Soup Nazi' tosses first pitchPlayers took batting practice in puffy pirate shirts. A fan reeled in a slice of marble rye bread with a fishing rod from the suite level. George Costanza ann… — *The New York Times*
Brooklyn Cyclones’ ‘Seinfeld’ Night a Hit, 'Soup Nazi' tosses first pitch
Players took batting practice in puffy pirate shirts. A fan reeled in a slice of marble rye bread with a fishing rod from the suite level. George Costanza announced the third inning. And the first 3,000 attendees at the temporarily renamed Vandelay Industries Park received a Keith Hernandez “Magic Loogie” bobblehead. All that and more celebrated “25 years of nothing” on Saturday, when, in honor of the debut of “Seinfeld” a quarter century ago, the Brooklyn Cyclones transformed MCU Park in Coney Island into a one-night shrine to one of New York City’s enduring contributions to television comedy.

PopSci.comRobotic Exoskeleton To Kick Off The World CupIf all goes according to plan, at the 2014 World Cup opening ceremony in Sao Paolo tomorrow, a paralyzed person will rise from a wheelchair, take several steps, and kick a soccer ball into … — *PopSci.com*
Robotic Exoskeleton To Kick Off The World Cup
If all goes according to plan, at the 2014 World Cup opening ceremony in Sao Paolo tomorrow, a paralyzed person will rise from a wheelchair, take several steps, and kick a soccer ball into a goal. The feat will be accomplished thanks to the Walk Again Project, a battery-powered, mind-controlled exoskeleton developed by an international team of scientists. According to the lead scientist on the project, Duke University neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis, Ph.D., the kick will be a signal to the world that wheelchairs will soon become obsolete.

The New York TimesPerforming Without Net: Stars of YouTube Take to the StageThis was DigiFest NYC, part of a booming corner of entertainment where social media stars — people who have created mass followings on YouTube, Instagram and Vine — step out… — *The New York Times*
Performing Without Net: Stars of YouTube Take to the Stage
This was DigiFest NYC, part of a booming corner of entertainment where social media stars — people who have created mass followings on YouTube, Instagram and Vine — step out from behind their bedroom webcams. The festival, which rolled into the parking lot at Citi Field in Queens on Saturday afternoon, was headlined by Our2ndLife, or O2L, a group of guys who became famous by videotaping themselves trying to balance cotton balls on their heads and drinking anchovy and hot pepper smoothies.

SI.comIntrigue around top prospect Tyler Kolek recalls legend of Colt GriffinProjected 2014 top draft pick Tyler Kolek is in high school and throws 100 mph. His predecessor and fellow Texan Colt Griffin purportedly became the first high school pitch… — *SI.com*
Intrigue around top prospect Tyler Kolek recalls legend of Colt Griffin
Projected 2014 top draft pick Tyler Kolek is in high school and throws 100 mph. His predecessor and fellow Texan Colt Griffin purportedly became the first high school pitcher to ever reach triple digits in 2001. Griffin threw that pitch, rocketing his reputation and securing a $2.5M bonus in the draft. Six years later, falling far short of expectations, he retired at age 22. "I'm still trying to figure that out," he says, his voice rising to a fever pitch. "It's 13 years later, and it is still just kind of, 'What happened?'"

Does pitching velocity matter? The 100 mph club isn't that exclusive anymore

“Guys are just throwing the dog crap out of the ball.”

— Cubs asst. Tim Wilken

This story appears in ESPN The Magazine's May 12 NFL Draft Issue.
AROLDIS CHAPMAN, HE of the 105 mph heater, might reign as baseball's velocity king, but several other young guns, including Trevor Rosenthal of the Cardinals and Kelvin Herrera of the Royals, are aiming to at least share the crown. Simply put, the 100 mph club isn't nearly as exclusive as it once was because pitchers are now larger, their arms are stronger and their fastballs are faster.