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Articles by Justin Lester
Justin Lester
Why SMEs are buying takeaways instead of eating from the pantry While businesses watch the pumps tick over with anxiety, many are overlooking a massive, internal cost multiplier sittin...
Why SMEs are buying takeaways instead of eating from the pantry
On April 20, 2020, the global energy sector witnessed a mathematical impossibility: the price of crude oil futures collapsed into negative territory, settling at -$37 per barrel. It was a moment of absolute glut where companies were paying to have oil taken away. Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape has flipped entirely.
Seller finance legal forms
While approaching leads for seller financing, I’m nervous I don’t have all the legal documents for kinds of deals I haven’t done yet. Needing documents like “Deed in lieu of payment” Hoping to get them here instead of dropping what is sure to be thousands on an attorney to draw them up… Any treasure trove of useful documents that we share with each other?!
You can’t keep a great city down
by Justin Lester I love Wellington. I wasn’t born here, but I choose to live here because it’s the best city in New Zealand. Don’t get me wrong. I really like Dunedin, where I studied; Christchurch, where my family lives; and Auckland, where my uni mates ended up. But I love Wellington. Why do I love it so much? I love watching the Kākā and Tūī that flitter and squawk at home, or the trail runs in the hills, which make for the best commute in the world.
I want our central library back as much as anyone
Alexander Turnbull Library REF: 1/1-015911-F Looking across Mercer St, circa 1940, at the Wellington Public Library, which is now the City Gallery. ''It's clear our city needs libraries today more than ever,'' says mayor Justin Lester. OPINION: In 1893, while Kate Sheppard and the suffragists were mobilising supporters around New Zealand to descend on Parliament, the Wellington Central Library first opened.
Race to MVP: Breanna Stewart Tops Final Ballot
Note: WNBA.com’s Race to the MVP is the opinion of this writer and does not reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs. When Breanna Stewart entered the WNBA in 2016, we knew it was only a matter of time. A four-time Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four at UConn, Stewart was destined to become one of the league’s best players from the moment she got drafted. She finished sixth in the MVP voting as a rookie and looked like a surefire candidate for many years to come.
Game Time Changed for Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Friday’s game between the Washington Mystics and the Las Vegas Aces will tip off at 8 p.m. at Capital One Arena. The game time, originally scheduled for 7 p.m., had to be moved due to the travel issues experienced by the Aces. Doors will open at 6:00 pm.
Race to MVP (Week 10): Stewart the Favorite Heading into All-Star Break
Note: WNBA.com’s Race to the MVP, released every Wednesday during the season, is the opinion of this writer and does not reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs. The WNBA All-Star break is upon us, providing some time to reflect on what’s happened so far and make predictions for end-of-season awards. Looking at the standings, Seattle has a comfortable lead at the top with just eight games to go.
Diggins-Smith Earns Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award
NEW YORK, July 19, 2018 – Dallas Wings guard Skylar Diggins-Smith has earned the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award for her extraordinary work in the community in 2017 and the most recent offseason, the WNBA announced today. The award, which is named in honor of WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Dawn Staley, recognizes a player who reflects Staley’s spirit, leadership, charitable efforts, love for the game and inspirational presence in the community.
Maya Moore, Elena Delle Donne Lead After First Returns of All-Star Voting
Fan-Voting Closes on Thursday, July 12; All-Stars to Be Revealed by ESPN2 on July 17 Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018 Set for Minneapolis on Saturday, July 28 Live on ABC NEW YORK, July 5, 2018 – Former WNBA MVPs Maya Moore of the Minnesota Lynx and Elena Delle Donne of the Washington Mystics are the leading vote-getters after the first fan returns of WNBA All-Star Voting 2018 presented by Verizon.
Elena Delle Donne, Breanna Stewart Named Players of the Week
NEW YORK, June 18, 2018 – Elena Delle Donne of the Washington Mystics and Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm today were named the WNBA’s Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played June 11-17. Delle Donne was selected Player of the Week for the 13th time in her six seasons. She averaged a WNBA-high 27.0 points per game last week as Washington went 1-1.
FAQ: WNBA "Take A Seat, Take A Stand"
Ahead of its 22nd season, the WNBA launched “Take A Seat, Take A Stand.” Here’s what you need to know about the initiative. What is Take a Seat, Take a Stand? Take a Seat, Take a Stand is the WNBA’s new women and girls empowerment program for its 2018 season. This season, WNBA fans’ tickets will do more than support women’s sports – they will support organizations that are changing the game for women and girls. Which organizations is the WNBA partnering with for Take a Seat, Take a Stand?
WNBA Joins Women’s Pro Sports Leagues in Taking "SheIS" Pledge
On Tuesday, a group of leading executives in the sports industry launched the “SheIS” movement, an initiative centered on empowering female athletes, with the release of a PSA. The WNBA is at the forefront of the movement, working with other professional women’s leagues to support each other and use the power of sports to create a future of strong women.
2018 WNBA Offseason Roundup: Recap the Biggest Moves
With WNBA Draft 2018 in the books, the next wave of young talent is in place and rosters are beginning to take shape. All eyes now shift to May 18 — WNBA Tip-Off 2018 presented by Verizon — and May 20 — #WNBAAllDay — with all 12 teams in action beginning at 1 PM ET. Before the WNBA’s 22nd season begins, catch up on the biggest moves of the offseason, including trades, free agent signings and more.
After Eventful Year, DeShields Ready For Fresh Start in Chicago
NEW YORK – While many WNBA draftees will soon head to the city of the team that selected them, Diamond DeShields has other plans. About 16 hours after being drafted No. 3 overall by the Chicago Sky on Thursday in WNBA Draft 2018, DeShields will be on a flight back to Turkey where she continues a unique basketball journey. DeShields had a chance to be the top pick in last year’s WNBA Draft.
Under Bird's Guidance, Canada Looks to Become Next Great Storm Point Guard
NEW YORK – She always knew it was a strong possibility. Just about every media outlet had Jordin Canada going to the Seattle Storm in Thursday’s WNBA Draft, and it made too much sense considering their familiarity with the Pac-12 product. Thus, it came as no surprise when WNBA President Lisa Borders announced her name for the No. 5 overall pick. Still, she couldn’t help but smile while holding up the Seattle jersey for the first time.
WNBA Draft 2018: Mock Draft Roundup
After a memorable Final Four in women’s basketball, the excitement is building for the 2018 WNBA Draft on April 12. There seems to be an agreement over who will be the first pick, as South Carolina’s A’ja Wilson is atop most draft boards. However, after UConn’s Azura Stevens declared for the draft a year early, the remaining lottery picks could go in a number of directions. Here are mock drafts of the first round from four media outlets: 1.
WNBA Draft 2018 Presented By State Farm to be Held on April 12 in New York
– ESPN2 and ESPNU to Televise Draft Live from New Nike New York Headquarters – – Las Vegas Holds Top Pick, Followed by Indiana (No. 2) and Chicago (Nos. 3 and 4) – NEW YORK, March 12, 2018 – The WNBA Draft 2018 presented by State Farm will be held on Thursday, April 12 at the Nike New York Headquarters. ESPN2 will air the first round beginning at 7 p.m. ET, followed by coverage of rounds two and three on ESPNU at 8 p.m. ET. The draft will also stream live on the ESPN app.
Las Vegas Aces Re-Sign All-Star Guard Kayla McBride
Las Vegas (February 28, 2018) — Las Vegas Aces President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Bill Laimbeer announced today that the team has re-signed All-Star guard Kayla McBride. “We are obviously pleased that Kayla has chosen to sign a multi-year deal with the Aces,” said Laimbeer. “She has proven to be a consistent scorer in the WNBA, and every year works on improving additional aspects of her game.
Lisa Leslie Joins FOX Sports Florida As Analyst For Orlando Magic - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2018) — FOX Sports Florida, the exclusive television home of the Orlando Magic, today announced Lisa Leslie has joined its roster of Magic on-air talent for the remainder of the 2017-18 season. In her new role, Leslie will serve as studio analyst on select Magic Live! pre- and postgame shows.
Former WNBA Players Allison Feaster and Stacey Lovelace on the NBA's Basketball Operations Associate Program - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
Former WNBA stars Stacey Lovelace and Allison Feaster are involved with the league once again, as they recently completed a program to prepare them for positions at the NBA office in New York. Along with former NBA players Brian Cardinal, Drew Gooden, Corey Maggette and Troy Murphy, Lovelace and Feaster completed the first-ever Basketball Operations Associate Program.
2018 WNBA Draft Lottery Presented by State Farm® to Take Place on ESPN2 on Nov. 13 - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
— Las Vegas, Indiana and Chicago Will Vie for No. 1 Overall Draft Pick — NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2017 – The 2018 WNBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm will be conducted on Monday, Nov. 13, in Secaucus, N.J., the WNBA announced today. The results of the lottery will be announced on ESPN2 during the 6 p.m. ET edition of SportsCenter prior to the network’s telecast of the NCAA women’s basketball game between South Carolina and Maryland at 7 p.m. ET.
Lindsay Whalen, Sue Bird and Cynthia Cooper to Join Kevin Garnett on Area 21 - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
TNT’s NBA regular season coverage will continue Thursday, Nov. 2, with the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors in action against their Western Conference rivals, the San Antonio Spurs, at 8 p.m. ET.
Sacramento Kings Add Former WNBA Head Coach Jenny Boucek to Coaching Staff - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacramento Kings today have added Jenny Boucek as an Assistant Player Development Coach on Head Coach Dave Joerger’s staff. With 18 years of professional coaching experience and two WNBA championships under her belt, Boucek returns to Sacramento after most recently serving as the head coach of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm for three seasons (2015-17).
Defensive Player of the Year Alana Beard Headlines 2017 WNBA All-Defensive Team - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2017 – Los Angeles Sparks guard/forward Alana Beard, this season’s WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, leads the 2017 WNBA All-Defensive Team, the WNBA announced today. This marks the fourth All-Defensive First Team selection for Beard, who became the second Sparks player to win Defensive Player of the Year (Lisa Leslie, 2004 and 2008). Beard received 11 First Team votes (55 points) from a panel of the WNBA’s head coaches, making her the only unanimous pick.
Race to MVP: Why Sylvia Fowles Stands Out From the Rest - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
Note: WNBA.com’s Race to the MVP is the opinion of this writer and does not reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs. When Sylvia Fowles topped this season’s weekly MVP rankings for the first time on May 24, few could have predicted she would still be on top in September. Maya Moore is the most valuable player on the Lynx, right? Could a teammate of Moore actually win MVP?
WNBA Scores Highest Attendance In Six Years During Record-Breaking Season - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
– WNBA on FanDuel Receives Over 2.2 Million Entries During Inaugural Season – NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 – The WNBA scored its highest attendance in six years and set records for social media and merchandise during the 2017 regular season. The WNBA’s 21st season featured many new platforms for fans to engage with games, players and teams.
The Ultimate Teammate: Maya Moore is Biggest Supporter of Sylvia Fowles’ Career Season - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
NEW YORK – Sunday’s contest at Madison Square Garden was a rare one to forget for Sylvia Fowles. She had maybe her worst game of the entire season, scoring just seven points in 39 minutes and committing five turnovers as Minnesota lost to New York. Fowles was double-teamed almost every time she touched the ball, and she struggled to produce against a Liberty team that is very stout defensively.
Atlanta's Brittney Sykes Named WNBA Rookie of the Month - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2017 – Atlanta Dream guard Brittney Sykes today was named the WNBA Rookie of the Month for games played in July. The seventh overall pick in WNBA Draft 2017 presented by State Farm led all rookies in scoring for the month with 17.8 points per game, good for third overall in the Eastern Conference and eighth in the WNBA. Sykes also paced first-year players in rebounding (5.3 rpg), three-pointers made (15) and minutes (30.6 mpg).
Connecticut's Curt Miller Named WNBA Coach of the Month - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA
NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2017 – The Connecticut Sun’s Curt Miller today was named the WNBA Coach of the Month for games played in July. Miller guided the Sun to an Eastern Conference-best 7-2 record for the month as Connecticut finished July tied with the Washington Mystics for the East lead at 14-9. Connecticut is 13-4 since a 1-5 start and has already equaled last year’s win total.
Ann Rodriguez Named Senior Vice President, WNBA League Operations
NEW YORK, July 27, 2017 – The WNBA announced today that Ann Rodriguez, an accomplished operational leader with more than 15 years of management experience, will join the league as Senior Vice President, WNBA League Operations, effective Aug. 7. She will report to NBA President, League Operations Byron Spruell, with a dedicated focus on the WNBA. In her role, Rodriguez will oversee all on-court basketball operations, including playing rules, scouting, scheduling and venue compliance.
Cristian Roldan ‘something special’ for UW men’s soccer
Freshman midfielder was Gatorade National Player of the Year, but escaped recruiters before leading Huskies resurgence. 5) U-Dub depth: The Huskies have plenty of depth, especially at the attacking positions. Twelve different UW players have scored, eight more than once. 4) Goalkeepers galore: UW lost preseason All-American goalkeeper Spencer Richey to an injury, but 6-foot-7 sophomore Ryan Herman has performed well in his place. Herman has seven shutouts in 15 games as the starter.
Storm vs. Lynx Takeaways: Despite Loss, Seattle Making Steady Improvements Early in Season
Justin Lester, StormBasketball.com May 23, 2016 Save for the final score, Sunday’s home opener against the defending champion Minnesota Lynx was a success in many ways for the Seattle Storm. In front of a raucous group of 9,686 fans at KeyArena, the Storm went back and forth with the WNBA’s best team throughout the night, ultimately losing 78-71 and dropping to 1-2 on the season. Here are some of the things we learned from Sunday’s contest.
3A girls basketball: Auburn Riverside clamps down on Bonney Lake to stay undefeated
It was a night full of frustration for the undefeated Ravens. Bonney Lake held them to their lowest scoring output of the season. And yet, the Ravens improved to 8-0 thanks to their stifling zone defense in a 39-31 win. AUBURN – With three minutes to go in the first half on Friday, Auburn Riverside girls basketball coach Derek Pegram screamed at his team while the ball was in play. It was a night full of frustration for the undefeated Ravens.
Lakeside girls basketball gets big game from Kimijah King to beat Cleveland
Thanks to a monster performance from Lakeside senior Kimijah King, Lakeside knocked off Cleveland in a Metro League showdown. King, a University of Alaska Anchorage commit, paced the Lions with 26 points, 15 rebounds and six steals in their 51-32 victory. Last season, the Lakeside and Cleveland girls basketball teams played a pair of hotly-contested games. One resulted in Cleveland’s first home loss since 2010, and the other was a double-overtime win for the Eagles in the Metro playoffs.
Off-Camera Observations: Steve Zakuani on Sounders FC at Houston Dynamo
After a two-week break from MLS play, Sounders FC meets the Houston Dynamo on Sunday in a match with huge postseason implications (2:00 p.m. PT / ESPN, AM 770 KTTH, El Rey 1360 AM). Here to provide his thoughts on the game is Steve Zakuani, former Sounders FC midfielder and current team broadcaster. Tactically, they haven’t changed much over the years. Houston is always a tough place to play. They’re a physical team.
Match Profile: Sounders FC 2, Toronto FC 1
Man of the Match: In his return to the pitch after missing four games due to injury, Clint Dempsey was instrumental in Sounders FC picking up three points at home. The All-Star forward set up Obafemi Martins’ early goal and scored the late game-winner when it seemed as if the two teams were destined to draw. After Saturday’s win, the Sounders improve to 10-3-1 when Dempsey starts and 8-2-0 when he records either a goal or an assist.
Richard Sherman shows the Sounders some love in blog post
Even as his team prepares to make a run at a third straight Super Bowl appearance, Richard Sherman is paying close attention to the team that shares CenturyLink Field with the Seahawks. Wednesday evening, Sherman shared a blog post via Twitter about Sounders FC, the club's dedicated supporters and Obafemi Martins' return to the lineup. Sherman regularly writes his own blog posts, but they usually consist of his thoughts on a Seahawks game.
U.S. National Team continues Gold Cup action with match against Haiti
Looking to maintain its lead atop Group A in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the U.S. Men’s National Team is back in action on Friday against Caribbean nation Haiti. Clint Dempsey, Brad Evans and the Americans can clinch a spot in the knockout round with a second straight victory on Friday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The match kicks off at 5:30 p.m. PT with national television coverage on FOX Sports 1.
Match Profile: Sounders FC 0, Philadelphia Union 1
Man of the Match: Despite the ending result, Stefan Frei kept Sounders FC in the game with several diving saves and clearances throughout Wednesday’s contest. His best save of the night came late in the first half, when the Seattle goalkeeper stopped Maurice Edu’s penalty kick by guessing correctly and pouncing on the rebound. Frei remains atop the MLS leaderboard in saves (63), shutouts (eight) and wins (nine).
Notes & Quotes: Martins scores another ridiculous goal as Sounders beat Rapids
In the 73rd minute of Saturday night’s match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, three Colorado Rapids players closed in on Andy Rose near midfield. Rose then played a ball over the top to the feet of Obafemi Martins, who had two Rapids defenders right next to him when he received the pass. Not even Rose could have predicted what would happen next. With his back turned to the goal, Martins split the defenders by doing a 360 spin and taking one dribble towards the penalty area.
Alonso’s return revitalizes the Sounders’ central midfield
After starting at central midfield in the first four matches of the season, Sounders FC veteran Gonzalo Pineda will miss Sunday’s clash with the LA Galaxy while serving a one-game suspension. Pineda was issued a red card for his tackle on Ricardo Clark in the second half of last weekend’s win over the Houston Dynamo. The good news for Seattle, though, is that Osvaldo Alonso is back in the mix and the club has viable options for the open spot in the midfield.
Match Profile: Sounders FC 2, Club Tijuana 2
Man of the Match: Aaron Kovar served up numerous well-placed crosses against Xolos, two of which led to Sounders FC goals. The 21-year-old midfielder became the second player in club history to record two assists in a friendly, picking up his first on Lamar Neagle’s goal in the 11th minute. Kovar sent a cross from the left flank to the far post, where Cristian Roldan got a head on the ball and played it back to Neagle in the middle of the box.
Match Profile: Sounders FC 3, New England Revolution 0
Playing against his former team, Clint Dempsey was an integral part of all three Sounders FC goals Sunday night, starting the year with two goals and an assist. Dempsey got Seattle on the board in the 25th minute with a penalty kick after being taken down inside the box, and then the veteran forward set up Obafemi Martins’ goal four minutes before halftime. For the team’s third goal, Martins found Dempsey for an easy finish into an open net in the 67th minute. 14.
Schmid pleased with his team’s progress heading into final preseason match
Friday morning in Tucson, Sounders FC completed the final training session of its final camp of the preseason. The team is returning to the Emerald City on Sunday. Seattle’s regular-season opener versus the New England Revolution – the defending Eastern Conference champions – is one week from Sunday. Head Coach Sigi Schmid is pleased with his team’s mindset as it wraps up the trip to Arizona and makes final preparations for the season. “The team mentality is good. The spirit is good,” Schmid said.
S2 set to take on University of Washington in preseason scrimmage
The inaugural S2 match is less than a month away. As the squad gears up for its first USL campaign, Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson is challenging his players by setting up scrimmages with various opponents. Tuesday night, Hendrickson’s team could be facing its toughest challenge yet. S2 will square off with the Washington Huskies, a team that was recently labeled by USA Today as one of the top 10 collegiate programs in the country.
Dempsey feeling sharp following his return from National Team camp
Fresh off becoming just the second player to score 40 goals for the U.S. Men’s National Team, Clint Dempsey was back at training with Sounders FC this week. Dempsey returned to the club on Wednesday, doing some light jogging that day before participating in his first full training session Friday morning. The technical staff is taking it slow with Dempsey because he just finished training with the National Team for nearly a month.
With new president Steiner at the helm, Alliance Council begins preparations for 2015 season
Stephanie Steiner can recall her first Sounders FC match as if it was yesterday. Six years ago, in the early stages of the club’s inaugural MLS season, Steiner had no idea what to expect when she arrived at CenturyLink Field. Once the game started, the people sitting behind her were cheering so loud and persistently that she had to turn around and see whom it was coming from.
Expansion teams generate realigned Western Conference in 20th MLS season
The arrival of expansion teams in New York and Orlando has more of an impact on Sounders FC than one might think. Chivas USA is no longer in MLS, while both Sporting Kansas City and the Houston Dynamo are headed to the Western Conference starting in 2015. This means that nine of the last 10 MLS Cups were won by a team in Seattle’s conference. Head Coach Sigi Schmid views the path to his club’s first MLS Cup as more challenging with Sporting KC and Houston in the mix.
Combine brings talent in front of Sounders FC staff ahead of SuperDraft
After a historic season in which the club captured the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and Supporters’ Shield, Sounders FC is searching for players that can help bring more trophies to Seattle in 2015. One way the club seeks out young talent is the annual Sounders FC Invitational Combine. Held in Las Vegas every offseason, the combine features players eligible for the upcoming MLS SuperDraft as well as others from around the world.
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