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Dancing with the Stars Results 11 may 2010

2010-05-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Seriously, with five couples left, how do they manage to still to make this an hour long show? I wonder what we’ll get tonight as filler? UC San Diego VS Purdue in a college dance championship apparently.

As usual, we start with Len’s critique/recap of last night. Len wasn’t sure about Evan’s Waltz and he thought that Evan’s Waltz was too much to the era and not enough of the dance. Erin’s tango was fantastic and became a contender while her Rhumba had too many jerky stops and starts. Niecy and Chad are the pretenders according to Len. Chad’s posture was poor in the ballroom dance and their Latin dance was great. Niecy’s Waltz was lovely while the Latin round worried Len cause it was missing the wow factor. He think’s Niecy is the true underdog. Len was mesmerized by Nicole’s Fox Trot and thought the Paso was genius. He picks the Paso as the dance to perform tonight. I do think it’s absolutely amazing how Derik combined the dance with the era.

Up next, the gypsie kings…OOOhh and Dance center returns…awesome! The paso that went with the Gypsie Kings song = awesome! Though I still think Cheryl’s a little sleezy. Brooke’s outfit however = a disco ball with a pony tail through the middle…

Kenny Main, Len Goodman and Jerry Rice are back with Dance Center. This is one of my favorite parts. It makes me giggle and roll my eyes all at the same time. Results time. First couple in the semis is Nicole Scherzinger and Derik. No surprise there. The first couple in the bottom two is Chad and Cheryl. Again, no surprises other than the fact this is the first time they have been in the bottom two…

Now we watch UC San Diego dance the Samba. Not bad for a bunch of self-proclaimed nerds. Interesting to watch five couples coordinate a dance together. They get good feedback overall from the judges, mostly about the formations. Apparently we are voting for these guys too…they get 8’s from the judges. And break…seriously, I love this show, but I’m even getting bored with all the hubbub in the middle…Now we get to watch Purdue Mambo. Again, not too bad. They get feedback about their lack of formations 8,7,7. Don’t worry, we’ll get to see more team dancing as this is something that will follow us for the next couple shows…

Gypsie Kings are back. I wish I understood Spanish… next is the final segment of Dance Center. Not quite as funny. And back to the results. Next couple safe is Evan Lysacek and Anna. Another non-surprise. Since there is still 10 mn left, we have to break again before we get to the rest of the results…

The final results…The next couple safe is Erin Andrews and Maks, leaving Niecy and Louis in the bottom two with Chad and Cheryl. No surprises.

The couple leaving this week is Niecy Nash and Louis. I’m not surprised by this as Chad seems to have upped his game lately. I still think that he is going to be gone next week, as long as all is right with the world! Tune in next week…

Source : http://unrealityshout.com/blogs/dancing-the-stars-results-11-may-2010
Posted by : Abby Simon

Beyoncé Pregnant?

2010-03-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

Is the famously bootylicious Beyoncé adding a new curve to her figure? The New York Post picked up a report from Mediatakeout.com citing that a "ROCK SOLID source" has confirmed that the singer is pregnant. Husband Jay-Z is said to be delighted to be having his first child with her. Beyoncé's publicist, however, declined to comment to the New York Post because, "We don't respond to private-matter inquiries."

Read it at New York Post

Source : http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheat-sheet/item/beyonceacute-pregnant/rumor-mill/

Brigitte Daguerre, another one of Jesse James mistresses revealed

2010-03-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Posted by : Marci Stone

Brigitte Daguerre is the latest woman to come forward and say that she had a fling with Jesse James while he was married to Sandra Bullock. Brigitte Daguerre made it clear that her relationship with James was more of a fling and less of an affair, according to her interview released Thursday with TMZ. The ‘net buzz on this story is hot because she is the third mistress to come forward in the last week.

Daguerre is an LA photographer said that she was hired by Jesse James’ company West Coast Choppers in 2008 for a photo shoot. Daguerre met James and she said that they began to email and text each other, but that they did not sleep together until a year after they met. She claimed that they only slept together four times after that and then she ended it. Daguerre also said that she kept around 200 of the text messages they exchanged.

Wednesday, Melissa Smith came forward and said that she had a two year affair with Jesse James. James had been married to Sandra Bullock for one year at the time. For more on that story, click here.

According to the National Enquirer, Smith has the names of 11 other women that Jesse James had affairs with.

Michelle "Bombshell" McGee was the first person to come forward and she told In Touch magazine that she had an affair with Jesse James. To see a video and photos of Michelle "Bombshell" McGee, click here.

Saturday, the police were called to Sandra Bullock and Jesse James home, for more on that story, click here.

Last Thursday, Jesse James made a public apology to Bullock and his three children through a statement released to People magazine. To read more about that story, click here.

To see photos from the Oscars, including Sandra Bullock's gown, click here.

Source : http://www.examiner.com/x-28317-Net-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m3d25-Brigitte-Daguerre-another-one-of-Jesse-James-mistresses-revealed

Gooden Was Greatest - Briefly

2010-03-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

By Thomas Van Riper

More legal trouble for former major league pitcher Dwight Gooden, who was recently cited by New Jersey police for driving under the influence of drugs. It's just the latest in a series of drug and alcohol incidents the former strikeout king has dealt with over the years.

It's a true shame, because no pitcher in modern history burst on to the scene the way Gooden did with the New York Mets in the mid-1980s. Not Roger Clemens, not Randy Johnson, not Greg Maddux.

As a 19-year-old rookie in 1984, Gooden's record stood at 9-8 on August 6. He finished with a flourish, going 8-1 with a 1.07 earned run average the rest of the way, including a September one-hitter over the division leading Cubs. He followed with a 24-4, 1.53 ERA season in 1985, running away
with the NL Cy Young Award.

Gooden's overall numbers from August 1984 through September 1985: 32 wins, five losses, 1.43 ERA, with 373 strikeouts in 353 innings. There may never have been a better pitcher for a season and a third. And he was still only 20. Who knew he'd never be the same again.

Source : http://blogs.forbes.com/sportsmoney/2010/03/gooden-was-greatest-briefly/

Jesse James Scandal: Are Sandra Bullock and Jesse James Getting Divorced Over Michelle "Bombshell" McGee?

2010-03-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Posted by Crimesider Staff

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) Sandra Bullock and Jesse James are "lawyering up" and may be seeking a divorce, according to celebrity gossip site TMZ.

PICTURES: Sandra Bullock vs. Porn Star
PICTURES: Michelle "Bombshell" McGee

Rumors surfaced last week that Sandra Bullock and her husband have split after tattoo model Michelle "Bombshell" McGee claimed she had an affair with James while Bullock was making her Oscar-winning film "The Blind Side." Now, TMZ reports that they've heard from multiple sources that the two have been interviewing divorce lawyers.

On Thursday, James, celebrity motorcycle builder and reality-TV star, apologized to his wife and three children from previous relationships through a statement issued to People magazine and later obtained by The Associated Press.

"It's because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way," he said. "This has caused my wife and kids pain and embarrassment beyond comprehension and I am extremely saddened to have brought this on them."

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20000971-504083.html

Sandra Bullock and Jesse James Split

2010-03-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

We all loved them, even that fight for custody, however news explodes that Sandra Bullock and Jesse James may have split.

Rumors has it that Jesse James is having an affair with "ink-stained hellcat" Michelle "Bombshell" McGee. To make the news stronger was the fact that Sandra Bullock bailed on the British Premier of "the Blind Side", the film where she recently won the Oscars for Best Actress.

The reason, they say, for the actress not attending the said premiere was due to personal undisclosed issues which were followed in by news that she moved out of the house which she and James shared.

The said rumor however continues to receive skepticism especially after the couple were seen close during awards season.

Obama to tap Yellen as Fed vice-chairman

2010-03-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

By Alan Rappeport in New York and Tom Braithwaite in Washington
Published: March 12 2010 16:08 | Last updated: March 12 2010 16:08

The Obama administration is set to nominate Janet Yellen, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, as vice chairman of the central bank, according to a person familiar with the selection process.

The move would fill one of three vacancies at the Fed and represents a “dovish” selection by President Barack Obama. Ms Yellen, who has been a strong supporter of Fed chairman Ben Bernanke’s near-zero interest rate policies, replaces Don Kohn, who announced earlier this month that he would retire as of June.

Ms Yellen, who is also an economics professor at the University of California, Berkeley, is Mr Obama’s top pick but the vetting process is ongoing and she has not been officially nominated.

She served from 1994 to 1997 as a member of the Fed’s board of governors and in 1999 was chair of President Bill Clinton’s Council of Economic Advisers. Ms Yellen took the helm of the San Francisco bank in 1994.

The resignation of Mr Kohn, a 40-year veteran of the central bank, represented a challenge to the Obama administration, which has moved carefully in shaping the Federal Reserve at a time when the economy remains fragile. Other candidates widely speculated to replace him included Obama economic advisers Christina Romer, Austan Goolsbee or Larry Summers.

Since taking office Mr Obama’s has selected Dan Tarullo as a new Fed governor and reappointed Mr Bernanke, who faced a tough confirmation battle.

Ms Yellen, who holds a PhD in economics from Yale and is married to Nobel Prize winning economist George Akerlof, has written widely on income inequality, trade liberalisation and the goals of monetary policy.

In a speech last month in San Diego, Ms Yellen warned that a “V” shaped economic recovery might not be in the cards because the fourth-quarter surge in economic output overstated the economy’s momentum.

“The bottom line is that we are already unwinding the emergency programs we set up during the financial crisis,” Ms Yellen said. “When the day comes to start raising rates again, we have tools at the ready.”

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2010. You may share using our article tools. Please don't cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web.

Source : http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/af1e5476-2ddb-11df-a971-00144feabdc0.html

CALIFORNIA DREAMS the Reunion

2010-03-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

It seemed like only yesterday when Saturday was all about getting fixated in front of the television ready to watch that youth oriented show. Years later California Dreams are back together.

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon presented the cast reunion of that teen flick California Dreams. It can be remembered that the said show started year 1992 and lasted till 1996. The first season was focused on the Garrison family, their eldest son, Matt, was the guitarist and lead of the band while their daughter, Jenny, was the vocals. It was only at the second season that the focus of the show turned toward the teens which led to their band's name being "California Dreams".

The show tackled social issues from drug addiction, divorced parents dating, illnesses, even forgiving people. These were usually problems faced by the youth.

From the original cast only three remained namely Tiffany Smith (bass player), Tony Wicks (Drummer), and sly Winkle (the manager).

The show was aired every Saturday morning and was considered a success American teen oriented program. It was written by Ronald B. Solomon and Brett Dewey.

LISA ELLIS: CAUSE OF TROUBLE FOR WYCLEF AND HIS WIFE?

2010-03-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

Lisa Ellis’ nude pictures are the reason why Wyclef Jean may have trouble with his wife.

It was said that Ellis' nude pictures were found in Jean's cell phone by "Fugees" star's wife Marie Claudinette. At the discovery of the said photos, Marie demanded her husband to fire Ellis as his manager, believing that there is something goes between the two.

Due to the jealousy firing up in Marie, she even sent emails of the said photos to personalities in the music industry. This was to embarrass Ellis.

Ellis' reaction to the said issue is clear: her relationship with Jean was strictly professional. Her resignation as his manager was not even to it. According to Ellis, Jean was not listening anymore to her advices and does not like by how he was conducting himself. Ellis has no issue whatsoever with Marie.

Ellis had been helping Jean run his Carnival House entertainment company. Before that she had been the Executive VP of Sony Music Label Group of Sony Urban Music.

CHILE QUAKE BRINGS TSUNAMI ALERT FOR OUTSIDE COUNTRIES

2010-03-02T06:17:00.001-08:00

Before February ends a certain Tsunami alert rang around countries around the Pacific.

February 27, 2010, Chileans were hit by a massive 8.8 earthquake killing hundreds on its path; death toll increasing consistently. The said quake has triggered a tsunami warning in countries that stand open or are in the coastal belt of the Pacific Ocean.

Since the start of the year, the world has witnessed two huge quakes that have left quite devastation: the first one which gave out more than magnitude 7 was in Haiti last January; the second one the recent magnitude 8 quake in Chile. With the two earthquake events that has happened people can't seem to help but compare them especially with the destruction the two countries has faced. It is undeniable that the magnitude faced by Chile is indeed far greater than that of Haiti yet the damage done was lesser. This result was due to the fact that with Chile being a part of the countries within the "ring of fire” has been prepared with stronger infrastructures whereas Haiti was always known as one of the poorest countries in the world.

With the said quake from Chile, other countries that face the Pacific are given an alert on a possible Tsunami hit on their coast. People within the said regions are advice to watch out for updates from their respective national forecasters with regards to the tsunami. After hours since the alerts were given, especially after the said time when the tsunami was hit, families that were asked to evacuate, were allowed to go back to their homes.

The said occurrences of the natural disasters such as the quake are what experts call as a result of global warming.

GROWING PAINS' ANDREW KOENIG AKA BONER FOUND DEAD

2010-02-26T10:52:00.000-08:00

They believed he claimed his own life.

Andrew Koenig, also known as Boner of the 80s TV show Growing Pains, was found dead in Stanley Park in Vancouver. It was said that the last time the actor was spotted by was last February 14, near a bakery, also found in Vancouver.

Reports said that Koenig was supposed to have gone back to the States but had missed his flight last February 16. It was only last February 25 when Koenig was found dead did the whole mystery of his disappearance was answered.

At first the authorities were involved in the search operations. It was only when the family did their own private search did they found Koenig’s body. It was indeed hard to discover it as it was off the trail in the Stanley Park.

Authorities who confirmed the news said that there was no evidence of foul play involved in Koenig’s death. According to the actor's parents, before his disappearance, there were already evidences of depression involving their son. This was reason enough to believe that Koenig claimed his own life.

At this point Koenig's pictures of his Growing Pains time are shown on the internet--reporting his death and how this great talent will be missed, especially by those who loved Boner.

CR JOHNSON DEAD DUE TO SKIING ACCIDENT

2010-02-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

CR Johnson was killed at Squaw Valley, California while skiing. Reports say that the 26 years old Johnson was caught on an edge rock while entering the Light Towers area just above the Cornice II lift.

Reports about the accident say that Johnson fell hundred yards just below the entry before falling through the rocks. Ski patrol were there minutes later but was unable to revive him. He received injuries especially on his head that caused his death.

CR Johnson became famous for his phenomenal comeback after suffering traumatic brain injury last December 2005. He was in a coma for 10 days and in total stayed 34 days in the hospital where he afterwards went to rehab for months. After his fight he came back on the snow and finished third place last winter in the prestigious Red Bull Line catcher event.

Johnson became first known as a park and pipe skiing prodigy showed great skills on twin tip skis. He won the Winter X Games two times plus took home a bronze for the 2001 Big Air. The same year he also got silver for slope style.

With the said tragedy current Olympians and the rest of the skiing community are mourning for the loss of one of their comrades. CR Johnson will never be forgotten.

GENERATION ZERO-THE REALITY OF WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE WORLD'S ECONOMY

2010-02-24T08:07:00.001-08:00

October 18 2008, is the day that changed many people's way of living. At this point we are forced to see reality as it should be seen with the how we question the economy and with the way we see everyday life.

Firstly the issue on jobs has flooded people's minds across the globe. True that there are millions of positions available at the moment but it may only cater a few who have finished a degree in college. Secondly the issue on the new meaning of poor comes as more people seem to be at hardship compared to how they were before. Thirdly is the undeniable fact that budgeting has become a trend in today's society.

Generation Zero is a video documentary that may help us see why the things stated above happened. It takes us in an exploration on the cultural roots of the global financial meltdown; the narcissism that was said to have started during the 1960s and spreading its spawn through the "self-indulgent" 90s.this has exploded across the world in what we know as the present economic cataclysm.

The said documentation goes beyond today's economic nightmare as it gives us sound information as to how these things started and why it seems that even with the said progress people are still without jobs (at the most).

It is cry for reality--a tangible truth of how history has affected us and our way of life.

1 DEAD AND 1 INJURED AT SHOOTING INCIDENT IN LUKE AIR FORCE BASE

2010-02-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

a shooting and fatal car crash occured on Luke Air Force Base in Litchfield, Arizona leaving one person dead and another injured.

According to Officer Karen Gerardo, public information officer at the Glandale Police Department, the incident started when two men who were found inside a previously reported stolen car. the two men ran the said vehicle towards the entrance gate of the main base.

Security forces officer who tried to confront the two men, was hit by the car as they drove it directly at him. the officer then shot the car which later on crashed.

One of the two men inside the car was killed although the cause has not yet been determined. the other however was left injured. these two are not suspected of terrorism and was said to be just regular car thieves.

the said base where the incident happened is trains pilots to fly F-16s.

THE LATE ILLUSTRATOR, HER ASHES AND HER ESTATE: DIVISION BETWEEN THE TUDOR CHILDREN

2010-02-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

After two years since Tasha Tudor died at the age of 92, her ashes were finally set to scatter on the grounds--different grounds that is.

the ashes of the famed illustrator, who had given us great delight through her water colored artistry in books like "Little Women", "The Secret Garden", and her very own "the Corgiville affair", was finally scattered by her four children after a long dispute over where she should be buried and the division of her properties.

It was a war of the Tudors: since her death Tasha Tudor’s children has quarreled over her remains and her $2 Million estate. Last Oct 17 her sons Seth and Thomas, and daughters Bethany and Efner, buried her ashes at her beloved rosebush, on Seth's neighboring property, and where her precious Pembroke Welsh corgi dogs are buried.

the order to divide the ashes of Tasha Tudor was ordered by the judge after the children couldn't agree where and how to settle it--just like the late illustrator's properties.

Until now the fight continues as her children quarrels over who should rightfully own the estate; the proper divisions of her it due to one of the children's claims that there's a possibility that their brother Seth (who has been with their mother) might have been plotting the renaming of the tutelage in the will under his name.

It seems that the rest of the children are said to be estranged that caused most of her property to be under Seth's name, however Thomas says otherwise and that he had never been estranged with his mother.

At the moment the quarrel continues, and with the next court schedule for the deposition of Amelia Stauffer, a close friend of the author, there's hope that all this issue regarding the will, will definitely end.

US President Obama unveils new health proposals

2010-02-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

US President Barack Obama has unveiled new plans to advance legislation to overhaul the US healthcare system.

One of the key proposals gives the US government new power to block health insurers from imposing excessive premium increases.

Mr Obama has made healthcare reform a centrepiece of his presidency, but has so far failed to get a new law passed.

On Thursday, Mr Obama is to hold televised, bipartisan talks at the White House to discuss the issue.

The proposal "helps over 31 million Americans afford healthcare who do not get it today - and makes coverage more affordable for many more," the White House said on its website.

It gives the federal Health and Human Services Department - in conjunction with state authorities - the power to deny substantial premium increases, limit them, or demand rebates for consumers.

Mr Obama's latest plan requires most Americans to carry health insurance coverage, with federal subsidies to help many afford the premiums.

I ask members of both parties to seek common ground in an effort to solve a problem that's been with us for generations

Barack Obama
Q&A: US healthcare reform
Heath bills: House v Senate

It bars insurance companies from denying coverage to people with existing medical problems or charging them more.

A tax on high-cost health insurance plans objected to by House Democrats - and trade unions - is to be scaled back.

Mr Obama says reform of the healthcare system is crucial for the US economy to rein in costs over the long term.

The plan would put "our budget and economy on a more stable path by reducing the deficit by $100bn [£64.5bn] over the next 10 years - and more than $1tn [£644bn] over the second decade - by cutting government overspending and reining in waste, fraud and abuse", he said.

One senior Republican rejected the proposal.

"This is not a serious attempt to address the concerns the American people have expressed about the Democrats' bills and does not truly include important policy changes Republicans have been pushing to address them, like ending junk lawsuits that drive up healthcare costs," Dave Camp, the top Republican on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement.

Bitter debate

The Democrats' loss of a Senate seat in Massachusetts to Republican Scott Brown in January deprived them of their filibuster-proof 60-seat majority in the Senate, although they still control both houses.

Thursday's debate is seen as a key moment in Mr Obama's bid to pass new legislation, and comes after months of often bitterly-contested congressional debates.

Mr Obama referred to the talks in his weekly radio address on Saturday, saying: "I don't want to see this meeting turn into political theatre, with each side simply reciting talking points and trying to score political points.

"Instead, I ask members of both parties to seek common ground in an effort to solve a problem that's been with us for generations."

The House of Representatives and the Senate adopted different versions of the bill at the end of last year, and they must now be combined into a single bill Mr Obama can sign into law.

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8528100.stm

Illinois stops payments to university system, mass furloughs result

2010-02-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

The state of Illinois, confronting a deficit estimated at nearly $13 billion, has ceased making scheduled payments to multiple state agencies, among them the University of Illinois, which is owed more than $436 million in unpaid bills. The state is also behind in payments to all other Illinois public universities, including $125 million owed to Southern Illinois University and $62 million to Northern Illinois University.

In response, the University of Illinois has ordered a series of furloughs. All administrators, academic professionals and faculty—more than 11,000 employees at the campuses in Chicago, Champaign-Urbana, and Springfield—will be required to take 10 unpaid days of leave by mid-June of this year. Interim University of Illinois President Stanley Ikenberry announced the furloughs in a January 5 press release and e-mail to university faculty members and staff.

The press release also announced freezes on hiring and salary raises not deemed “of critical importance to ongoing operations.”

These emergency measures will do little to resolve the university’s funding shortfall caused by the state’s withholding of promised payments. While the university incurs expenditures of an average $11 million per day, the furloughs and related measures are predicted to save it a mere $17 million.

Ikenberry has suggested that layoffs and cuts to department funding may follow, and he extended a warning to students attending the state school system of the possibility of a substantial tuition hike in 2010. Ikenberry has even hinted that the university may not be able to finish its school year without the state providing a proportion of its outstanding payments.

Since July 1, 2009, the University has only received $51 million, 7 percent of the fiscal year’s $743 million allotment from the state.

According to current Illinois comptroller and failed Democratic candidate for governor, Dan Hynes, the state has $5.1 billion in unpaid bills, and the figure is growing rapidly.

Other agencies operating with unpaid bills from the state include an untold number of local offices that contract with Springfield to provide services, as well as the state’s library system and public school districts.

Stateline.org reported that the Vermilion Country Health Department, which covers the city of Danville and surrounding areas, was short $800,000 in state funding as of December 1, 2009.

As a result, Vermilion County public health administrator Stephen Laker “had to cut programs he had built up over a 39-year career,” including maternal and child care programs.

“For the last three recession cycles, it’s been common for states to reduce financial support for local governments during the recession, and once they come out of it, they restore most of what they’ve cut,” said Michael Pagano, dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

But, as Stateline notes, “This time is different. Now local officials are wondering whether that money will ever come back.”

Funded through the state budget by the Illinois State Library and the secretary of state’s office, Illinois libraries have received only a third of their allotted budget for the current fiscal year. The unpaid bills come after a 17 percent budget reduction from 2009 that forced staff layoffs and the shutting down of programs and services such as inter-library lending.

Federal stimulus funds have provided a temporary funding source allowing most scheduled payments from Illinois to its public schools to go forward. However, state grants for student transportation and special education programs were not received until January, and even then provided a small portion of the millions owed.

Its inability to make payments to its colleges, agencies, and contractors demonstrates that the state of Illinois is functionally bankrupt—-in spite of two years of cutbacks targeting social program and the jobs and pay of state workers.

The worst is yet to come. The state budget review released January 22 places the current deficit at $12.8 billion, third in the nation behind New York and California.

State lawmakers reject meaningful tax increases on the wealthy and Illinois’ large number of big businesses. They offer no solution beyond more budget cuts—and accounting gimmickry. Governor Pat Quinn’s proposal for the 2010 fiscal year does not balance the budget, but proposes transferring a $334 million deficit into the state’s Fiscal Year 2011.

The state’s budget cuts, furloughs, and failure to make payments will only exacerbate the suffering of millions in the state, and will likely further dim long-term fiscal prospects.

Illinois’ unemployment rate, 11.1 percent, is the highest in over 26 years. The budget deficit has been caused by a falloff in both income and sales tax revenue, which have, in turn, been caused by layoffs and wage cuts.

Illinois’ fiscal and social crises are being transmitted into the political sphere, and especially the state Democratic Party, which has dominated the state capital for years. The Republican Party, which has been unable to win statewide elections for the better part of a decade and remains extremely unpopular, is now perceived to have a good chance to win the governor’s mansion in 2010 and also the senatorial election—the seat formerly held by President Obama.

Source : http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/feb2010/illi-f18.shtml

Over 75,000 PCs victims of Cyber Attack

2010-02-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

malicious software--Trojan--recently caused much trouble as it infects over 75,000 corporate computers. around 2,500 organizations world wide were infested by the said botnet.

botnet is a malicious program that can commandeer the operating systems of both residential and corporate computing systems through the internet. these are usually used by cyber criminals who usually send this virus via email spam or by stealing digital documents and password from infected computers.

in recent news regarding the said infestation, Wall Street Journal reported that some of the companies that are said to have the targets of the said attack are Merck,Cardinal Health, Paramount Pictures and Juniper Networks. there are presently specultions from NetWitness that said Eastern Europe who uses command-and-control server in Germany were the one who sent the said Malware via attachment in emails.

NetWitness also reports on their discovery of 75 gigabytes worth of stolen data. this was discoverd during routine analytic tasks as part of their evaluation of client network last January 26. the stolen data includes 68,000 access codes to email systems. banking sites. Facebook. Yahoo, and 2,000 SSL certificate files.

the said attack is one proof of the troubling reality that crime has reached even cyberspace. at this point what seems to be something that has benefited greatly of mankind has been polluted by the same crimes we try to escape from.

Radio and TV Personality Bo Griffin Dies at 51

2010-02-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

She was once known as "Bo the Party Animal" back in the 80s and 90s. Bo Griffin, one of the country's celebrated media personalities, died of Intestinal Cancer last Tuesday, February 16. She was 51 years old.

Griffin is one talent that will be greatly missed. She propelled Power 96's Mindy and Bo Morning Show into one powerful program in South Florida radio. However it was when she left South Florida that her career really blossomed after she appeared on Good Day Live and guest-hosted at the travel series Blue Ribbon on Turner South. She was also in the home makeover show The Big Reveal for HGTV as well.

The cancer that claimed the 51 year old Griffin was diagnosed after her doctor ordered her to stay at the hospital after complaining of pain at her back. It all happened just last January of this year.

Griffin died after three weeks of hospitalization. Before her death she recently owned a successful boutique shop which she named Goddess in Greenville which is set up in Greenville, South Carolina her hometown. She however sold the business as she plans on moving back to Los Angeles for good. She was said to have just signed a contract as a work correspondent for Extra a news magazine show where she once done stints as well.

Bo Griffin is one amazing talent that shared herself to the people. She will always be dearly remembered.

Jeff Bridges a man with a smile

2010-02-16T08:37:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 15, 2010--From the Santa Barbara Independent:
In Honor of their hometown's famed resident, Jeff Bridges, Santa Barbara celebrated Jeff Bridges Day.

Santa Barbara International film Festival gave tribute to Jeff Bridges by having a day-long film viewing of all the movies the actor starred on including the recently released "Crazy Heart". This was all shown in Lobero theatre.

The screening of Crazy Heart made the Lobero Theater packed than ever which was followed with a series of Q and A with Jeff Bridges. He came on stage with cheers thundering from the crowd.

Jeff Bridges was always one of the best loved actors, portraying his role with such pizzazz that definitely earned him much consideration to star the films he starred on.

TheAustralian.com even commented Jeff Bridges, on their February 17, 2010 release, as a natural with Crazy Heart. As was once said by American critic Pauline Kael Jeff Bridges "may be the most natural and least self-conscious screen actor that has ever lived". Further more in the story Bridges was also claimed to likely win the Academy Awards. The film has recently earned him his fifth nomination to the Oscars which he is thrilled.

Picking up awards will hopefully be Jeff Bridges thing this year. Crazy heart is a film focusing on the life of Bad Blake, a hard-living country singer who's been married many times. It was only through the help of Jean (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal who also got a nomination), a journalist, did he receive salvation from his weary life.

A dramatic plot that turned the awakening of people's interest to the beauty of country music plus a role that definitely meant established in the mind--Jeff bridges is definitely one of the best actors that people should salute. Santa Barbara truly is lucky to have him as its son.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/bridges-just-a-natural-with-a-crazy-heart/story-e6frg8n6-1225831104727

John Mayer Playboy Interview Text Too Raw Even for Mayer

2010-02-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

by : Robert Dougherty

The John Mayer Playboy interview text is still getting the singer in trouble. Thanks to the John Mayer Playboy interview text, he has had to apologize for his use of the n-word, among other things. For once, Playboy is making more headlines for an interview than for naked pictures - but these kinds of headlines are nothing new for Mayer. These days, he may be best known for his off-stage antics and comments than his actual singing. Now that the John Mayer Playboy interview text has gone down in infamy, this is truer than ever.

It says something that in the Playboy interview, John Mayer's comment about his penis being a white supremacist may not be his wildest one ever. Of course, since the quote involved race, it garnered more outrage than Mayer's average comment. But his history of being raw and uncomfortably open in interviews is starting to overshadow his career.

Even before the John Mayer Playboy interview text started, he is quoted as saying 'I think the world would be better off if I stopped doing interviews.' Given the backlash of the last several days, Mayer could be considered a prophet.

Though most of the outrage is over his comments about a "n***er pass" and his "white supremacist" penis, it actually overshadowed his words about exes Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Simpson. Not much can make people forget about Mayer calling Simpson "sexual napalm" and saying he still loves Aniston. Yet his racial comments have put a new spin on his usual media firestorms.

John Mayer's Playboy interview is just one of many texts where he shocked fans and readers. In the past, he slammed the 'hatrix' of the Internet media and just had a rambling Rolling Stone cover story, which asked "why can't rock's biggest playboy shut up and enjoy?"

Mayer himself is becoming all too aware about the problem, as he said he needed to "stop being so raw in interviews" in his apology. In addition to apologizing on Twitter, he apologized again at a performance in Nashville last night, announcing that he would 'quit the media game.'

He now says that he just wants to play his guitar, but thanks to his reputation, people just don't want to see him do that anymore. Nowadays, audiences want to hear his next wild comment more than his next song - but after the John Mayer Playboy interview text came out, that might have changed a bit.

In the end, Mayer may not be able to quit the 'media game' cold turkey, at least not right away. But he may want to write another hit song before he lets himself go again - or stick to making comments about sex and not

Sources

Playboy- "John Mayer: Playboy Interview"

MTV.com- "John Mayer's Playboy Interview Caps A History Of TMI"

Gossip Cop- "John Mayer Breaks Down On Stage: 'I Quit The Media Game"

Source : http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2694583/john_mayer_playboy_interview_text_too.html?cat=33

Fashion Designer Alexander McQueen Found Dead

2010-02-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

By GINA DINUNNO

Top British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead at his London home Thursday morning, his family said. He was 40.

Check out photos of celebs wearing McQueen

"On behalf of Lee [Alexander] McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family," said a statement released by McQueen's office.

A Scotland Yard spokesman, who asked that his name not be used, declined to comment on the cause of death until a post-mortem exam can be completed.

One of McQueen's contemporary lines, McQ, was scheduled to be shown next week at New York Fashion Week, People reports.

McQueen was one of the youngest designers to earn the title of British Designer of the Year, which he won four times. His unconventional early runway collections earned him the nickname "the hooligan of English fashion."

Celebrities including Rihanna and Lady Gaga often wore McQueen's pieces.

source:http://www.seattlepi.com/tvguide/415309_tvgif11.html

DeKalb Earthquake Sycamore and Virgil IL !

2010-02-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

DEKLAB, CHICAGO - Today’s 2010 earthquake struck Virgil and Sycamore in DeKalb County.

The earthquake hitting Virgil and Sycamore in DeKalb County struck just before 10 AM local time as broke by LALATE NEWS first this morning.

Under Mayor Mundy, Sycamore describes itself as the following:
“A major factor in strengthening the Sycamore Community is having people living and working in Sycamore or in the immediate area. Those who can do both quickly become vested in the community and have time, energy and resources to volunteer and participate in bettering our “Home Town”.”

Chicago Illinois Earthquake 2010 Maps
Chicago Illinois Earthquake 2010 Map 1
Chicago Illinois Earthquake 2010 Map 2
Chicago Illinois Earthquake 2010 Map 3

The quake was located just four miles both Sycamore and Virgil.

Sycamore sits on Route 64 and had a 2005 census popululation under 15,000. It’s also know by itsannual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, a pumpkin festival established in 1962 that attracts tens of thousands.

Data from the USGS includes the following:

4.3
Date-Time

* Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 09:59:34 UTC
* Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 03:59:34 AM at epicenter
* Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones

Location 41.978°N, 88.597°W
Depth 5 km (3.1 miles) set by location program
Region ILLINOIS
Distances

* 6 km (4 miles) WNW (292°) from Virgil, IL
* 8 km (5 miles) E (94°) from Sycamore, IL
* 8 km (5 miles) N (1°) from Maple Park, IL
* 35 km (22 miles) NW (315°) from Aurora, IL
* 77 km (48 miles) WNW (282°) from Chicago, IL

Reports of injuries and damage have not yet been reported. The quake struck at 9:59 AM local time. The earthquake while not substantial - 4.3 magnitude - did have a nominal depth of only 3.1 miles below the earth’s surface causing it to be felt a greater distance.

For continuing coverage of this and other potential earthquakes, click here: http://news.lalate.com/category/earthquakes.

Source:http://news.lalate.com/2010/02/10/dekalb-earthquake-sycamore-and-virgil-il/

Doritos Sizzles, Tim Tebow Fizzles

2010-02-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

The Monday after the Super Bowl should be considered National Ad Day. USA Today's Ad Meter says Snickers' Betty White commercial was tops last night. We're not so sure, and neither are those of you hitting up Google for the big game's best ads. This is What You're Searching for Today...

Tim Tebow Super Bowl Ad – Did the "controversial" 30-second spot leave you disappointed? Did you miss it altogether while microwaving nachos during the commercial break? If so, we don't blame you. The internet was ready to pounce on Focus on the Family's pro-life commercials. But then the ads kinda just popped up (one shortly before the game, another during the first half) and fizzled away. No mention of "abortion," or even "pro-life" – though Timmy is called a "miracle baby" by his mum. The ad's closing directs you to Focus on the Family's homepage, where you can get the full, and considerably more religious, story of the golden boy's birth.

Super Bowl Doritos Commercial – Frito-Lay aired four user-generated Doritos ads during the Super Bowl. If you're like the rest of America, then you're probably trying to hunt down "House Rules," which according to TiVo, was the most-watched ad during this year's game. It was also the most tweeted commercial, according to Squawq. TiVo ranked Snickers' "Betty White" ad second, Focus on the Family's ad third, and Doritos' "Snack Attack" took fourth. But USA Today's Ad Meter ranks "Underdog" tops among Doritos spots, and second overall behind the Snickers ad. Count Doritos among Sunday's big winners among the Saints, CBS and Snickers.

E-Trade Super Bowl Commercial – Perhaps no company has benefited more from advertising during the Super Bowl than E-Trade. The online brokerage firm debuted its trademark talking baby in 2008. Last year the tyke's friends joined in the fun. And this year talking baby's girlfriend jumps in the picture. This campaign may never get old.

Posted By Sam Brand
Source: http://www.popeater.com/2010/02/08/super-bowl-commercials-tim-tebow-doritos-e-trade/

Thoughts of the day: February 2, 2010

2010-02-03T11:18:00.001-08:00

By Franz Beard • Permalink

few thoughts to jump start your Tuesday morning.

1. IF IT’S FEBRUARY, THAT MEANS MAT DRILLS HAVE BEGUN: For 58 returning scholarship players, 11 early enrolled freshmen and a few walkons, the next month is all about experiencing hell on earth and living to tell about it. The drills might seem sadistic, but they serve a purpose of teaching toughness and getting players to exert themselves beyond what they perceived as their physical and mental limits. It’s not unusual for the garbage cans that line the walls of the strength and conditioning complex to be filled with puke at the end of one of the 5 a.m. sessions. If Mickey Marotti is satisfied with the progress the team made when March 1 arrives, then that’s a pretty good sign the Gators are going to have a terrific season in the fall.

2. ONE MORE DAY: Faxes start pouring in at 7 a.m. Wednesday, which means the silly season comes to an end for 2010 with the Gators finishing with the top class in the country. While I doubt Florida will lose any commitments, I think it’s possible the Gators will get a surprise on signing day. I think Chaz Green, Darrin Kitchens and Adrian Coxson are definitely signing with Florida. The surprise? I think either James Louis or Ivan McCartney will choose UF. A month ago, writers and recruiting analysts alike were predicting the end of the world as we know it for the Gators. Looks like a few folks were wrong, doesn’t it?

3. JILTED AT THE ALTAR: Georgia lost committed linebackers B.J. Butler and Deon Rogers to Louisville last week and Monday night got the news that Lowndes County linebacker Telvin Smith, who got the class A treatment in Athens, has decided to stick with his commitment to the Seminoles, and defensive tackle Jeff Whitaker of Warner Robins spurned Georgia for Auburn. As if that isn’t bad enough, the Poodles figure to lose wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers to Tennessee and Frostproof do-everything athlete Nickell Robey to South Florida. Even though his dad (Hiram Green) says Georgia is very much in play, Tampa Catholic’s Christian Green will probably jilt the Poodles in favor of the Tallahassee Trade School as well. There is also a very good chance stud defensive tackle Mike Thornton will pick either Auburn or Penn State over the Poodles. Looks like the Suicide Prevention Center in Athens better add some extra staffers for Wednesday.

4. STILL ON THE BOARD: The five big names still uncommitted are Seantrel Henderson (6-8, 350 St. Paul MN Cretin Derham-Hall, #8 ESPNU 150); Demar Dorsey (6-1, 180, Lauderdale Lakes, FL Boyd Anderson #12 ESPNU 150); Owamagbe Odighizuwa (6-3, 235, Portland, OR David Douglas #17 ESPNU 150); Marcus Lattimore (6-0, 214, Duncan, SC Byrnes #19 ESPNU 150); and Markeith Ambles (6-2, 185, McDonough, GA Henry County #23 ESPNU 150). Henderson seems likely to announce for Ohio State but Miami seems very confident after the big guy paid a visit this past weekend. With Dorsey, who knows? The folks in Tallahassee are confident but so is Lane Kiffin. I’m going with Kiffin and Southern Cal on this one. Odighizuwa seems a lock for Nebraska. It’s a tossup for Lattimore but the folks in the Spartanburg area where he lives think he stays in-state. Ambles was once committed to Tennessee but he backed out of that commitment when Kiffin bolted for USC. USC seems the likely choice but don’t be surprised if he puts on a North Carolina hat on signing day.

5. FINISHING FAST: In the SEC, that’s Auburn, which could finish strong with defensive tackle Michael Thornton (6-1, 280, Stone Mountain, GA Stephenson), stud tailback Marcus Lattimore (6-0, 214, Duncan, SC Byrnes #19 ESPNU 150) and defensive end Corey Lemonier (6-4, 221, Hialeah, FL #94 ESPNU 100). The Tigers already have tailback Michael Dyer (5-9, 200, Little Rock, AR Little Rock Christian #5 ESPNU 150) so it’s unlikely they get Lattimore. Auburn’s best signee is former Gator quarterback Cameron Newton (6-6, 245, Atlanta, GA/Blinn, TX Junior College), who is a perfect fit for Gus Malzahn’s version of the spread offense. If Alabama loses wide receiver Keenan Hubbard (6-2, 190, Greensboro, NC Northern Guilford #33 ESPNU 150) to Clemson and Auburn manages to land Lattimore, Lemonier and Thornton, it’s entirely possible Gene Chizik will finish with a higher-ranked class than Nick Saban. Now that will turn some heads.

6. ALSO FINISHING FAST: Jumbo Fisher has a chance to come up big Wednesday if he lands Dorsey, Christian Jones (6-4, 230, Casselberry, FL Lake Howell #27 ESPNU 150), Christian Green (6-1, 190, Tampa, FL Catholic #53 ESPNU 150) and Corey Lemonier (6-4,221, Hialeah, FL #94 ESPNU 150). Getting all four would be a coup for the Seminoles. The bet here is that three out of the four wind up in Tallahassee. Jones and Green look to be Seminole locks ... Tennessee’s class fell apart when Lane Kiffin went to Southern Cal, but the Vols have a chance to finish fast if they can land Ambles (6-2, 185, McDonough, GA Henry County #23 ESPNU 150), Da’Rick Rogers (6-2, 205, Calhoun, GA #30 ESPNU 150), defensive tackle James Stone (6-5, 300, Nashville, TN Maplewood #100 ESPNU 150) and Damien Robinson (6-8, 320, Olive Branch, MS #104 ESPNU 150). If Derek Dooley lands those kids, he’s pulled off a minor miracle.

7. BASEBALL HAS BEEN VERY GOOD TO ME: That’s what Florida baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan must be saying these days. The Gators are ranked #7 nationally in the preseason polls and with hitters like Preston Tucker and Matt den Dekker, the offense should be better than last year. What will definitely be better than last year is the pitching. Last year, the Gators made the Super Regionals with just enough pitching to get by. This year, O’Sullivan has a staff that is deep enough and talented enough to take the Gators all the way to Omaha. It’s going to be a fun year at the Mac.

8. AT $3 MILLION A POP: If you were hoping to buy a 30-second Super Bowl ad, you’re a little late. CBS announced Monday that all the 30-second ads have been sold, some at a mere $3 million a pop. If you’re disappointed and wondering what you’re going to do with all that cash, there are still a few pre-game show ads available. The 2009 game brought in approximately $213 million in ad revenues for NBC even though there were unsold 30-second slots and only 69 ads sold altogether. This year CBS figures to easily surpass that total. Makes me wonder how much money would be changing hands if there were a couple of higher profile teams than the Colts and Saints.

9. KISS AND MAKE UP: Supposedly, the rift between John Wall and John Calipari lasted only a day or so. After Kentucky’s win over Vanderbilt Saturday, a game in which Wall shot poorly (4-12) and turned the ball over often (7 times), Wall lashed out a bit at Calipari, saying, “He’s [Calipari] probably going to say I played bad today too so I don’t know. I just try not to listen to him and go out and play basketball and try and help my team win.” Monday, Wall said everything is cool and Cal was acting like nothing happened. Back in his high school and AAU days, Wall had a habit of doing his own thing and ignoring coaches, so while Wall and Cal probably kissed and made up, Wall was probably telling the truth that he just doesn’t listen.

10. RANDOM THOUGHTS: Reserve forward Jordan DeMercy announced he is leaving the basketball team at the Tallahassee Trade School just a day after scoring six points in ten minutes off the bench in the Seminoles’ win over Boston College Saturday ...

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Scott McCarron, who is accused of calling Phil Mickelson a cheater for using a wedge with square grooves that the PGA says is legal, was called out. His response is rather interesting. McCarron said, “I responded, ‘It’s cheating and I am appalled Phil has put it in play. I never called Phil Mickelson a cheater.”

Have a great Tuesday.

Franz

Source: http://www.gatorcountry.com/interim/article/thoughts_of_the_day_february_2_2010/

John Murtha hospitalized, political future in doubt?

2010-02-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

The news that Rep. John Murtha is in intensive care following complications from gall bladder surgery last week is sure to stoke rumors that the longtime Pennsylvania Democrat may choose to retire rather than run for re-election to a 19th full term in November.

Murtha's hospitalization, which was first reported by Politico's David Rogers, lands just days after his fourth quarter fundraising report -- just $100,000 raised in the final three months of 2009 with $388,000 in the bank -- had raised some eyebrows among national strategists about the possibility that Murtha, at 77 years old, might not be fully committed to running again.

The simple fact -- as Republicans acknowledge privately -- is that as long as Murtha is on the ballot in the western Pennsylvania 12th district, he cannot be beaten. Murtha was first elected to the seat in a 1974(!) special election and since then has rarely faced a real challenge -- with the exception of a redistricting-forced primary fight in 2002 against then Rep. Frank Mascara (D) that Murtha easily won.

Without Murtha seeking re-election, however, the district would be extremely competitive. In 2008, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) carried it by less than 1,000 votes (out of more than 260,000 cast) while Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) won the 12th by a narrow 51 percent to 49 percent margin four years earlier. The trend line in the district is not moving in the right direction for Democrats, however, as the Vice President Al Gore carried Murtha's seat with 55 percent in 2000.

Republicans believe Pennsylvania is shaping up as very friendly territory for them. The party has united behind state Attorney General Tom Corbett in the governor's race and former Rep. Pat Toomey in the Senate contest. On the House side, Republicans see Pennsylvania's 4th, 7th, 8th, 10th and 11th districts as potential pickup opportunities. Democrats see the 6th and 15th districts are chances for them to gain Republican-held seats in the fall.

Posted By Chris Cillizza | February 2, 2010; 1:33 PM ET
Source: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/house/john-murtha-hospitalized-polit.html?wprss=thefix

UIL Realignment 2010 List Released

2010-02-01T14:15:00.000-08:00

The official 2010 UIL realignment list has been released this morning, Monday at 9.00am. It is thought that many American schools are concerned about where they would fall for the 2010-2011 season, and with the changes, the UIL have moved two Palestine school districts back to familiar ground as part of District 20-3A. Palestine and Westwood will be joined by Fairfield, Mexia, Madisonville, and Groesbeck.

A number of other interesting changes are set to occur, with the Longview Lobos, who will open the University Interscholastic League realignment season with Marshall. This will be the second year in a row that the Lobos will feature a Class 5A state champion.

FHS remain in AAA and will play in Region IV District 26 AAA with others such as Boerne, Canyon Lake, Bandera, Geronimo Navarro, San Antonio Hawkins, and Wimberly.

According to a press release from UIL, they say that schools may appeal against their realignments, and must do so before February 11. Realignment happens on a two year basis, and the UIL try and group similar size schools, in neighbouring districts.

Dallas News has the entire list.

Source: Merinews

Jordan Hicks to make announcement today

2010-01-29T12:37:00.000-08:00

By Tim Griffin

Heralded linebacker Jordan Hicks of Lakota West High School in West Chester, Ohio, is expected to make his announcement later today on which scholarship offer he will accept.

Hicks will reveal his decision between Ohio State, Florida and Texas at his school at 1 p.m. ET. He is ranked as ESPNU's No. 4 prospect nationally.

It would mark the first time that Mack Brown has ever attracted a player out of Ohio and would be his biggest victory there since he upset Ohio State at Ohio Stadium early in the Longhorns' 2005 national championship run.

It will be hard to beat Jim Tressel and Ohio State for a top Ohio recruit -- and would be a rare occurrence during Tressel's recent coaching tenure with the Buckeyes.

Florida's influence in the recruiting battle has waned since Charlie Strong, who had been in charge of recruiting Hicks, accepted the head-coaching job at Louisville.

It will be an interesting announcement and one that potentially has huge ramifications for Texas and its defense. Attracting Hicks, who won the Dick Butkus Award, which is given to the nation's top high school linebacker, would be the biggest recruit for Texas so far.

source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/18684/jordan-hicks-to-make-announcement-today

Joyce Maynard In Spotlight With J.D. Salinger's Death

2010-01-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

Joyce Maynard is gaining plenty of attention today in light of J.D. Salinger's death at 91.

Maynard's memoir "At Home In The World" in 1998 detailed her eight-month affair with Salinger in the 1970s, when she was 18 and he was 53.

Salinger retired from public life for many years. He made his last public appearance when he wrote a letter to Maynard, responding to concerns about a recent piece she wrote for the New York Times and discussing the dangers of publicity.

Maynard, an author like Salinger, started her writing career when she was 14. She has written two memoirs, as well as novels including To Die For (made into a movie starring Nicole Kidman) and The Usual Rules.

Maynard famously said of Salinger:

"Although Salinger had long since cut me out of his life completely and made it plain that he had nothing but contempt for me, the thought of becoming the object of his wrath was more than I felt ready to take on. "

Source : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/28/joyce-maynard-in-spotligh_n_440815.html

Ed Hill found guilty in Election night dispute in speedy trial

2010-01-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Ed Hill, a candidate for the Utica Common Council, has been found guilty of harassment in the second degree after he hit a poll worker on Election night.

It was a speedy trial: testimony was heard, a verdict rendered and the defendant sentenced, all within the space of about two hours Thursday afternoon.

Several witnesses took the stand and said that First Ward Utica Common Council Candidate Ed Hill had swung at opponent Frank Vescera, but that Vescera ducked and poll watcher Michael Colon took the shot to the face. Colon was among today's witnesses. Ed Hill himself took the stand and said he never hit anyone.

In the end, Utica City Court Judge Gerald Popeo believed the other witnesses, and found Ed Hill guilty of second degree harrassment- - a violation.

Judge Popeo sentenced Hill to 50 hours community service and imposed a $120 state surcharge.

"God is Ed Hill's judge period," said Hill following the verdict. Hill also said today's testimony was "orchestrated."

"I think it was the correct outcome and I think the judge stated it very well; in the heat of the political fight sometimes you go over ...over...out of the boundaries," said Vescera.

Hill's attorney says they might appeal the verdict, considering Hill's reputation and future in public life.

Posted by : JOLEEN FERRIS
Source : http://www.wktv.com/news/local/81580097.html

Can The Mets Upgrade?

2010-01-26T12:57:00.001-08:00

Pitching is a huge problem for the New York Mets. Behind ace Johan Santana, who is also coming off of elbow surgery, the rotation is full of players who were a bunch of low rewards last season. With the recent losses of John Lackey, Joel Piniero and Randy Wolf to contending teams, the rest of the market is now full of the same type of players, but they are players who are big names, with a track record of winning which the Mets should take a shot at.

- Ben Sheets: Why not? If Sheets is indeed healthy this time around than he and Santana will be one of the best 1-2 punches in Baseball. With Oakland now leading the race of his arm, the Mets can sure change that just by opening a check book.

- Jon Garland: Garland would look great as a Met, yet he is rarely linked to this team. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Mets land him.

- Chien-Ming Wang: Just like Sheets, if healthy Wang and Santana can be dynamite for this organization. He is worth the risk.

- John Smoltz: Smoltz is still brewing about the Braves letting him go, so why not bring him back to the NL East as a long man in the bullpen who can spot start when Perez loses his head or Maine sits out with a paper cut. It's a good gamble.

For the bench and IF/OF, the Mets need big upgrades. With the rumblings of yet another Fernando Tatis return, it's pretty sickening. Here are a few players that will make the Mets a better all around team.

- Xavier Nady: He knows the city well, he was a Met and Yankee so why not grab him back. He can platoon at 1st with Daniel Murphy and also play the OF positions.

- Ryan Garko: Young player with promise, a change of sceneary will do him good plus he can hit lefties.

- Hank Blalock: Someone I wanted on the Mets for quite some time now.

- Eric Byrnes: Okay, you can chew me out about how injury prone he is but on the Mets he wouldn't start. Let him know his role. The Mets have been missing an outspoke player like Byrnes on this team for quite some time, plus he is full of grit. The Mets locker room needs a Byrnes type player, and while he is available after an Arizona Diamodbacks release, give him a 1 year shot with incentives.

Source : http://www.mvpgotham.com/featured-news/437-can-the-mets-upgrade.html
Written by Jonathan Ragus

Identity more than skin deep

2010-01-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

By Lara de Matos

"Genetics is like a deck of cards: you can shuffle the cards as many times as you want, but eventually, all the figures and numbers in that deck will pop up at one point or another."

The analogy (as presented by acclaimed South African geneticist Professor Himla Soodyall, during a presentation marking the recent launch of the History channel's forthcoming documentary Skin Deep) is one with which Sandra Laing is all too familiar.

Thanks to the buzz generated by the feature film version of the documentary, called Skin, after its numerous award-winning turns at a number of international film festivals last year, Sandra's story has swiftly gained momentum worldwide.

Still, many people remain perplexed by just how it was that a woman with such distinctly coloured-cum-African attributes could have been born to white parents - themselves descended from Caucasian family trees.

Or so they thought.

As Soodyall elucidates though, it's not only possible, but quite probable, in light of the fact that recent scientific findings reveal that every person on this planet - irrespective of outward appearances - is ultimately interlinked, thanks to this eons-long meshing of our chromosomes.

Most of us are vaguely aware of our lineage dating back to our great-grandparents.

Soodyall's genetic-testing methods allow us to determine our ancestry from as far back as 150 000 years ago. And what her studies have revealed would undoubtedly see Hendrik Verwoerd and his fellow pro-apartheid ilk turn in their graves.

"The fact is virtually every lineage in Southern Africa became mixed after the arrival of the Europeans in 1652, who procreated with people of ostensibly different racial backgrounds, including the local Koi women, as well as slaves of Asian heritage brought into the country at the time," she explains.

"So while Sandra's parents and the rest of her family may have all been 'pure white' in their outward appearance, they obviously carried recessive genes from these African ancestors going back to the 1600s, which finally 'manifested' themselves in Sandra."

Skin Deep, Sunday on History Channel at 8.30pm.

Source : http://tonight.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=349&fArticleId=5320965

Diane von Furstenberg To Launch Designer Home Goods Line

2010-01-22T12:23:00.000-08:00

Diane von Furstenberg, perhaps best-known for her famous wrap dress, will soon be branching out into home goods.

The Belgian-American fashion designer is partnering up with the home furnishings company, Springs, and will release an international line of furniture, bedding, tablecloths, and bath accessories in January 2011.

“The design of your home is a reflection of who you are,” said von Furstenberg. “I am thrilled to be able to express the DVF spirit through this new collection.”

Source: http://www.longislandpress.com/2010/01/22/diane-von-furstenberg-to-launch-designer-home-goods-line-2/

John Edwards admits paternity

2010-01-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Updated 7:21 a.m.
Posted By : Garance Franke-Ruta

Former senator John Edwards on Thursday admitted paternity of a daughter with former mistress Rielle Hunter, despite his previous denials, in a statement given to the "Today" show.

Harrison Hickman, a trusted Edwards adviser, went on the show to discuss the statement from the former presidential candidate, who also served as the vice presidential nominee for the Democratic Party in 2004.

"I am Quinn's father," Edwards said in the statement. "I will do everything in my power to provide her with the love and support she deserves.... It was wrong for me ever to deny she was my daughter."

He also apologized to his daughter, now nearly two, saying he hoped she could forgive him one day, and to the public. "To all those I have have disappointed and hurt, these words will never be enough. But I am truly sorry," he said.

"I know it's not possible," Edwards previously said over the question of whether Frances Quinn Hunter was his child.

Hickman said that Elizabeth Edwards, who is battling cancer, and John have separated and that she is supportive of him coming forward about the child. "Elizabeth thinks he should acknowledge this," Hickman said.

"Today" reported that Edwards did not come on the show himself because of the ongoing federal investigation into whether he used campaign money to cover up the affair.

His statement comes less than two weeks in advance of the publication of a tell-all book by former aide Andrew Young, who previously claimed to be the father of Rielle Hunter's child. Young reportedly was set to recant that story and say Edwards is the father in "The Politician: An Insider's Account of John Edwards's Pursuit of the Presidency and the Scandal That Brought Him Down," scheduled for publication Feb. 2.

John Edwards's full statement follows:

I am Quinn's father. I will do everything in my power to provide her with the love and support she deserves. I have been able to spend time with her during the past year and trust that future efforts to show her the love and affection she deserves can be done privately and in peace.

It was wrong for me ever to deny she was my daughter and hopefully one day, when she understands, she will forgive me. I have been providing financial support for Quinn and have reached an agreement with her mother to continue providing support in the future.

To all those I have disappointed and hurt, these words will never be enough, but I am truly sorry.

Original Post : http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/01/john-edwards-admits-paternity.html

Graco Strollers Recalled on Fingertip Amputation, Laceration Concerns

2010-01-20T09:09:00.000-08:00

Graco Children's Products today announced a voluntary recall of 1.5 million strollers sold at major retailers, including Target and Wal-Mart.

The announcement, made in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, said that hinges on the strollers' canopies "pose a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is opening or closing the canopy." To date, the agency has received seven reports of injuries associated with this issue, including five finger amputations and two lacerations.

The CPSC indicated that the recall applies to Graco Passage, Alano, and Spree Strollers and Travel Systems with specific model numbers and mechanisms. For a list of those, please reference this Web site.

Posted by: Jeremy Nisen--HispanicBusiness.com
http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/newswire/2010/1/20/graco_strollers_recalled_on_fingertip_amputation.htm

Zogby: Coakley will win by less than a point

2010-01-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

Via Allahpundit’s Twitter feed and Chris at HAP, John Zogby throws a little cold water on the Election Day vibe for Scott Brown. Or does he? Zogby isn’t known so much for deadly accuracy in polling as he is for tossing high-risk predictions that fail to meet reality. Conservatives have long taken Zogby predictions with a grain of salt — although while quoting him when the predictions suit us, of course. Has Zogby seen something every other pollster has missed? Or is he just looking to stake out the turf that has been left to him?

John Zogby Coakley Win
by hotairpundit

In either case, it’s a good reminder that the election isn’t won until the votes are cast. And even if Coakley wins this by less than a point, does anyone think that the lesson here will be lost on Democrats facing constituencies less blue and more red than Massachusetts — which would be just about every other constituency possible outside of San Francisco and New York City?

Update: Jim Geraghty reminds us on Twitter of Zogby’s record: “Just remember, Zogby’s final 2004 poll, unveiled on Election Day, showed Kerry winning by a wide margin.”

Posted by : Ed Morrissey
Original Post : http://hotair.com/archives/2010/01/19/zogby-coakley-will-win-by-less-than-a-point/

Major Exhibition of Photographs by Timothy H. O'Sullivan Opens at the Smithsonian American Art Museum

2010-01-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON, DC.- “Framing the West: The Survey Photographs of Timothy H. O’Sullivan” is the first major exhibition devoted to this remarkable photographer in three decades. The exhibition is on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., from Feb. 12 through May 9. The museum is the only venue for the exhibition.

“Framing the West”—a collaboration between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Library of Congress—offers a critical reevaluation of O’Sullivan’s images and the conditions under which they were made, as well as an examination of their continued importance in the photographic canon. It features more than 120 photographs and stereo cards by O’Sullivan, including a notable group of King Survey photographs from the Library of Congress that have rarely been on public display since 1876. The installation also includes images and observations by six contemporary landscape photographers that comment on the continuing influence of O’Sullivan’s photographs. Toby Jurovics, curator of photography, is the exhibition curator.

“Timothy H. O’Sullivan is widely recognized as an influential figure in the development of photography in America, so I am delighted that we have partnered with our colleagues at the Library of Congress to present this new assessment of his work and to expose a new generation to his forceful images,” said Elizabeth Broun, The Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

“In the years following the Civil War, the West was fertile ground for American photographers, but Timothy H. O’Sullivan has always stood apart in his powerful and direct engagement with the landscape,” said Jurovics. “Almost a century and a half after their making, his photographs still speak with an unparalleled presence and immediacy.”

O’Sullivan was part of a group of critically acclaimed 19th-century photographers—including A.J. Russell, J.K. Hillers and William Bell—who went west in the 1860s and 1870s. O’Sullivan was a photographer for two of the most ambitious geographical surveys of the 19th century. He accompanied geologist Clarence King on the Geologic and Geographic Survey of the Fortieth Parallel and Lt. George M. Wheeler on the Geographical and Geological Surveys West of the 100th Meridian. During his seven seasons (1867–1874) traversing the mountain and desert regions of the Western United States, he created one of the most influential visual accounts of the American interior.

His assignments with the King and Wheeler surveys gave O’Sullivan the freedom to record the Western landscape with a visual and emotional complexity that was without precedent. His photographs illustrated geologic theories and provided information useful to those settling in the West, but they also were a personal record of his encounter with a landscape that was challenging and inspiring.

Of all his colleagues, O’Sullivan has maintained the strongest influence on contemporary practice. The formal directness and lack of picturesque elements in his work appealed to a later generation of photographers who, beginning in the 1970s, turned away from a romanticized view of nature to once again embrace a clear, unsentimental approach to the landscape. Observations about his images by Thomas Joshua Cooper, Eric Paddock, Edward Ranney, Mark Ruwedel, Martin Stupich and Terry Toedtemeier appear in the exhibition and the catalog.

O’Sullivan (1840-1882) was born in Ireland. He emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of two, eventually settling in Staten Island, N.Y. Biographical details about O’Sullivan are spare, yet he is thought to have had his earliest photographic training in the New York studio of portrait photographer Mathew Brady. He is believed to have accompanied Alexander Gardner to Washington, D.C., to assist in opening a branch of the Brady studio in 1858, and when Gardner opened his own studio in Washington in 1863, O’Sullivan followed. O’Sullivan first gained recognition for images made during the Civil War, particularly those from the Battle of Gettysburg, and 41 of his images were published in Gardner’s Photographic Sketch Book of the War. O’Sullivan’s experience photographing in the field helped earn him the position as photographer for King’s survey. After his survey work, he held brief assignments in Washington with the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Treasury. O’Sullivan died of tuberculosis on Staten Island at the age of 42.

Original Post : http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=35564
Smithsonian American Art Museum | Timothy H. O'Sullivan | Framing the West |

Jimmy Fallon’s Pants on The Ground And The Remix

2010-01-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Fallon is slowly but surely finding his identity in late night television, and his dead on impersonations are one of the reasons why. The host recently did a hilarious, creepy, and entertaining cover of “Pants on the Ground,” using the true spirit of Neil Young. And he wasn’t the only one capitalizing on this new internet jam, the song was too good to pass up so we’ve also uncovered the new “Pants on the Ground Remix.”

They say the highest form of flattery is imitation, and that’s happening in spades here. How many different times can one song be done? The possibilities are endless, so we have both Fallon’s version and General Larry Platt’s (who got his 15-minutes of fame on “American Idol“) remix of “Pants on the Ground.” At any point during the remix it felt like Soulja Boy was going to hop on the mic and say “super soak that h**!” But that was just wishful thinking.

First we’ll give you Fallon’s take in this video courtesy of NBC, then we’ll hit you with the club banging version of the remix. Check both of them out here…

Posted By krystalclark
Original Post : http://beatcrave.com/2010-01-15/jimmy-fallons-pants-on-the-ground-and-remix/

Teddy Pendergrass, Philadelphia Soul Singer, Dead At 59

2010-01-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

R&B legend suffered a difficult recovery following colon cancer surgery.

One of the world's great soul men, singer Teddy Pendergrass, died at age 59 on Wednesday after a long battle with colon cancer. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Pendergrass, who was paralyzed after a 1982 car accident, died in a Philly hospital eight months after undergoing colon cancer surgery and suffering through a difficult recovery.

In his prime in the 1970s, Pendergrass was one of the premier R&B singers in America, leading Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes to the top of the charts with indelible soul classics such as "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and "I Miss You."

After leaving the Blue Notes in 1976, Pendergrass recorded a series of solo hits for the legendary Philadelphia International label into the 1980s, including his signature between-the-sheets hit, "Love T.K.O." Unlike some of the other velvety Philly-sound singers such as Al Green, Pendergrass' deep baritone had a gritty, masculine edge that he worked out on seductive slow jams like "Feel the Fire, "Close the Door," "Come Go With Me," "Turn off the Lights" and "It's Time for Love." He created a new template for the modern R&B singer with his aggressive brand of soul and smooth, ladies-man image on songs that were sexually charged but never coarse or vulgar.

The singer's life was forever altered in 1982, when he crashed his Rolls Royce in Philadelphia, leaving the then-31-year-old singer paralyzed from the waist down. After a year of rehabilitation, he returned in 1983 with the album Love Language and performed from his wheelchair at Live Aid in 1985, but his musical career would never regain its momentum. The powerful, seductive persona that Pendergrass had honed in his peak years had been diminished in the aftermath of the crash, as was the strength of his voice, but Pendergrass was not entirely deterred by his challenge. He continued to record sporadically throughout the 1980s, and in 1998, he formed the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to benefit victims of spinal cord injuries.

Like many Philly stars, Pendergrass' hits were written and produced by the legendary team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who recounted Pendergrass' solo debut at a Los Angeles nightclub in an interview with Philly radio station WDAS. "That night I saw the coming of a superstar," Huff said. "When Teddy walked out on the stage, he didn't even open his mouth and the place went crazy with screaming females. He was just so dynamic, and when he started singing, he just blew them away."

Gamble and Huff said in a statement on their Web site that they were "deeply saddened" by the death of the man they called their best friend and "one of the greatest."

"He had about 10 platinum albums in a row, so he was a very, very successful recording artist and as a performing artist," Gamble told The Associated Press. "He had a tremendous career ahead of him, and the accident sort of got in the way of many of those plans. ... He never showed me that he was angry at all about his accident. ... In fact, he was very courageous."

Pendergrass was born in 1950 in North Philadelphia, where he was raised by his mother, Ida Epps. He began singing early, honing his chops at the ripe age of 2 by belting out gospel standards at the Glad Tidings Baptist Church alongside his mother.

Pendergrass got his start as a drummer, working behind the Philly band the Cadillacs and then joining Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in 1970. He was promoted to lead singer of that group the next year after vocalist John Atkins quit. The act was signed to Gamble and Huff's Philadelphia International label in 1972 and began releasing a string of hit singles that included "Don't Leave Me This Way" and "Bad Luck."

Pendergrass left the Blue Notes at the peak of their success in 1976 to go solo. His first post-crash album in 1984 featured a duet with the then-unknown Whitney Houston on the song "Hold Me." He released his autobiography, "Truly Blessed," in 1998 and retired from music in 2006.

Among those paying tribute to Pendergrass was fellow Philly native ?uestlove of the Roots, who tweeted, "Sad loss. Just heard the immortal Teddy Pendergrass has just gone to a better place. Soul will never be the same."

Original post : http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629669/20100114/pendergrass_teddy.jhtml

MTV NEWS
Posted by : Gil Kaufman

Layla Kiffin to shift to Los Angeles with her husband Lane Kiffin Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/layla-kiffin-to-shift-to-los-

2010-01-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

Tennessee, Jan 13 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Lane Kiffin has left the job of the Tennessee coach and has now taken up the post of the head coach of the USC Trojans. So he will need to shift to Los Angeles and accompanying him in this move, will be his gorgeous wife Layla Kiffin. She is said to be the most beautiful of all the coach’s wives and hence her pictures are quite in demand.

Layla Kiffin is the wife of former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin. She is also the daughter in law of respected defensive Monte Kiffin. Layla Kiffin and Lane Kiffin have been married for around 8 years. The beautiful couple has three children together. The whole family is all set to shift to Los Angeles as Lane has taken up the responsibilities of the head coach there.

Lane Kiffin said in a press conference that unfortunately he did not have the support, which should be provided for him. He also added that he would love to stay with USC Trojans, and Southern California is the best spot for him. The Tennessee team is already on the lookout for a replacement for Lane Kiffin. After Lane Kiffin’s departure from Tennessee, it seems that Will Muschamp is the leading candidate for the vacancy. However it seems unlikely that he will leave Texas. Will Muschamp had interviewed for the Tennessee job before too, but it was handed on a platter to Lane Kiffin. But after Lane Kiffin’s abrupt departure, it seems quite unlikely that Will Muschamp will swallow his pride and ego and go join Tennessee.

Original Post : http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/layla-kiffin-to-shift-to-los-angeles-with-her-husband-lane-kiffin_100303478.html

New York strong man Joe Rollino killed by car aged 104

2010-01-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

Joe Rollino was in fine form at his 103rd birthday in March 2008

A New York strong man who once lifted 3,200lb (1,452kg) has died aged 104 after being hit by a car as he crossed a street near his Brooklyn home.

Joe Rollino sustained head and chest injuries, as well as a broken pelvis. He died hours later in hospital.

Mr Rollino, who weighed 10st 10lb (68kg) at the peak of his career, was one of the strongest men for his size.

A decorated World War II veteran and lifelong vegetarian, he could still bend coins between his fingers.

Mr Rollino started performing as a strong man in the 1920s, and was part of the Oldetime Barbell and Strongmen organisation.

He later made a living as a travelling boxer under the name Kid Dundee.

"He was known as the Great Joe Rollino, and he was great," said Louis Scarcella, 59, who knew him from the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, New York's oldest winter swimming club.

"He just had that humble confidence and strength. It shined," he told the New York Times newspaper.

Police said neither speeding nor alcohol had been factors in the crash.

Original post : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8453788.stm

BBC News

The Queen of Hollywood -- Sandra Bullock!

2010-01-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

"SUCCESS OFTEN comes to those who have the aptitude to see far down the road," said Laing Burns Jr.

SANDRA BULLOCK has always seen far down the road. She's never skidded, even when people were saying, "Has Sandra Bullock peaked?" This intelligent woman stayed the course. And now she is reaping the rewards of her patience and diligence.

Bullock just made movie history. Her film "The Blind Side" has passed the $200 million mark domestically. It is the first movie with only one female star top billed to pull in money like that. Sandra's "The Proposal" was also a smash. (Both were surprises. Nobody expected much from either film. Except perhaps Miss Bullock.)

She is up for two Golden Globes, against the likes of Marion Cotillard, Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. On Jan. 17, when Sandra makes her entrance at the Beverly Hilton, she will be the biggest female star in the world; she'll be experiencing the pinnacle of her career, so far. It's gonna be a mob scene, honey. You'll love it! And you deserve it.

HMMM ... now that we've recovered from the surprise news that Sam Mendes will be directing the next James Bond film -- the 23rd in the apparently inexhaustible series -- let's ponder this. Kate Winslet as a Bond girl!

Miss Winslet is married to Mr. Mendes, and it might be fun for them to work together on something less agonizing (material-wise) than "Revolutionary Road."

Also, it would be a nice change of pace for Winslet -- she could wear really sexy clothes, brandish a gun, and utter absurd dialogue. She wouldn't have to take any of it seriously.

Sleep on it, you two.

I HAVE no doubt that the divine Liz Rosenberg, queen of Warner Records publicity, will land on her tiny feet (tootsies usually encased in some kind of amusing shoe) if WR can't "afford" her anymore. Liz could become a free agent and work for the label as a consultant. I find it hard to believe her list of superstar clients, to whom she devotes body and soul, would let her leave them. I do mean Cher, Michael Buble, Stevie Nicks, Paul Simon, Chrissie Hynde and rising stars, blonde bombshell Katherine Jenkins, and Filipino sensation, Charice.

As for Madonna, it beggars the imagination that she won't compensate Liz, now that La Ciccone has left Warner Bros. (The Big M's "Sticky and Sweet" tour took in more than $400 million. She ain't hurting.)

I am fond of Madonna and certainly she has talent. But I do not think she could have achieved and maintained her 25-year career -- so full of Rosenberg-controlled Sturm und Drang -- without the brilliant advice and hard work of Miz Liz. And I am not alone in believing that.

THIS WEEK, the elegant Cafe Carlyle re-opened its magnificent doors to its most talented leading lady in residence -- Elaine Stritch -- in her latest drop-dead stunning presentation, called, improbably "At Home at the Carlyle: Elaine Stritch Singing Sondheim ... One Song at a Time."

To which I can only utter Wow! What an evening!

You can dismiss my lifetime of raves for Miss Stritch with the all-knowing that I am writing about one of my best friends, someone who was already a big Broadway star back in 1953 when I first met her.

But there are so many other adoring fans who really matter.

At the opening, none other than Mike Nichols, James Levine, Nora Ephron, Nick Pileggi, Patty Bosworth, Barbara Cook, Anne Reid, Arlene Dahl, Marc Rosen, Dana Taylor, Pat Kiernan, Rosie O'Donnell, Natasha Lyonne, Robert Osborne, Louise Kerz Hirschfeld and Christine Ebersole. (The latter will follow Stritch onto the Carlyle stage in February.)

I don't know if Sondheim's major music arranger Jonathan Tunick -- who did Elaine's orchestrations -- was present, but if he was -- well, he and Mike Nichols as a twosome solidify their position in show biz as being among the eight "most talented in all the land." This is Newsweek's estimate of the only big talents alive who have won entertainment's grand slam; that is to say -- Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tonys.

It is totally correct that Elaine Stritch be the one to open this month's tributes to the master Stephen Sondheim, as he celebrates his 80th birthday in March. Miss Stritch opens with "I Feel Pretty" and she's only 85 and means it. Of course, in the process, she also sings "The Ladies Who Lunch" from Steve's 1970 hit musical "Company." She fills the evening and the tiny stage with many more of Sondheim's best and least known numbers. She is totally tantalizing. One of the greatest performers of the century.

I want to congratulate the Carlyle for its handsome printed program presenting Miss Stritch as she really is -- with fabulous photos of her career -- in a role where she should have won the Tony, "A Delicate Balance" and with the master, Noel Coward, as well as her late husband John Bay. My favorite? Elaine singing "Bongo, Bongo, Bongo" from way back in 1949's "Angel in the Wings." If Alec Baldwin, who plays Elaine's son in the current "30 Rock," had been present, it would round out the Stritch career! But I don't believe it can be rounded out; she will just go on and on.

You must not miss this show. It will dazzle through the end of January.

(E-mail Liz Smith at MES3838@aol.com, or write to her c/o Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207.)

Original Post : http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/sns-201001061658tmslizsmittr--x-a20100107jan07,0,7823838.story
Posted by : Smith, Liz

Dallas School Closings

2010-01-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

Icy roads and cold weather conditions are causing problems for residents of Dallas. Due to freezing rain and snow on each and every highway, bridges and overpasses is creating problems for people and affecting their daily life routine as well. The icy roads have increased the traffic problems a lot and several schools in the districts have announced their closings. According to the officials of the Texas Department of Transportation, in all counties in the area, the sanding crews are fully deployed.

Today, dozens of school in Tarrant and Denton counties remained closed. According to a DART official,

“Ice also is causing delays around the Illinois Avenue station on the blue line. Buses are on normal schedules, but icy roads may cause delays.”

HOV lanes on I-30, I-35-E, U.S. 67 are closed, according to DART. DART also reported that High Five interchange is also close.
According to the Weather Service,

“With elevated road surfaces the most likely to be impacted, there may be sudden changes in driving conditions as commuters move from road surfaces in contact with the ground to elevated roadways.”

The Weather Service also reported that these conditions could cause very dangerous travel conditions. A few days back, the cold front was originated in Canada, but after midnight, this cold front descended on North Texas.

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Original Post : http://news.puggal.com/dallas-school-closings-17131/

Casey Johnson is dead, was reported comatose by 'wife' Tila Tequila UPDATE

2010-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Strange Hollywood stories don't come more convoluted as the weird, sad tale of Johnson & Johnson heiress Casey Johnson, the addicted daughter of Jets owner Woody Johnson, who was found dead this Monday morning.

Johnson's "wife" Tila Tequila claimed on Twitter that Casey was alive and comatose in Los Angeles.

The Associated Press is reporting that Johnson is dead. Spokesman Jesse Derris said Monday that the family is mourning the tragic loss of Casey Johnson. In a statement, the family asked for privacy "during this very difficult time."

Derris would not say how she died or when. TMZ reported that the 30-year-old Johnson was found dead Monday in Los Angeles.

Johnson, 30, was recently linked in a relationship with reality TV star, Tila Tequila, who claims to be married to the now dead heiress.

In a bizarre online video posted below, Johnson and Tequila announced they were engaged while lying in bed barely dressed.

Tila Tequila tweeted her thoughts about the first "dead" then "comatose" and now confirmed dead Casey Johnson:

R.I.P my Angel. @caseyjonsonJnJ u will forever be in my heart! I love u so so much and we will Marry when I see U in Heaven my Wifey

I'm still in shock! Once again thank U for the outpour of love and support. I just wish to have some privacy at this heartbreaking time. less than a minute ago from UberTwitter

I know u can feel me Casey! Dot let go! I'm almost home baby please hang on! We have a beautiful life planned out for us! I LOVE u! Hang on! 9 minutes ago from

I just got news that my fiance is not dead but currently in a coma!!! Omg please pray that she will make it! Hang in there my love please!!! 12 minutes ago from

This is a very heartbreaking time for me. I just want some pricacy as I deal with the loss of my Fiance Casey Johnson. I'm heart is shredded 18 minutes ago from

Everyone please pray 4 my Wifey Casey Johnson. She has passed away. Thank u for all ur love and support but I will be offline to be w family 38 minutes ago from UberTwitter.

Johnson's story is well documented by the tabloids; she adopted a child, Ava, who was taken away by her mother Sale Johnson, over Casey's alleged inability to care for her responsibly.

Johnson's trust fund was choked off as her drug abuse and failed rehab stints mounted. It was alleged by her ex girlfriend Jasmine Lennard that Casey's LA home fell into gross disrepair and her Porsche was repossessed.

It was reported by Defamer and the New York Post that Casey was arrested last year on charges of grand theft from her ex-girlfriend, Jasmine Leonard.

Casey allegedly broke into Jasmine's apartment.

According to Defamer.com, Lennard supported Sale Johnson's contention that Casey was an unfit mother, and told Page Six: "I had been caring for Ava for several months. Casey fired her nanny, then realized it was Nicky Hilton's birthday party and had nobody to look after her. She asked if I could have Ava for the night, then didn't come back for 10 days.

"Basically, she got bored of buying herself bags and shoes and bought herself a daughter from Kazakhstan in 2007, but was too crazy to look after her. Her mother, Sale, took Ava and brought her to New York, which is the best place for her."

The last tweets of Casey Johnson:

@Allisha87 thanks.. Thats very sweet xo 1:13 AM Dec 29th, 2009 from web in reply to Allisha87

sweet dreams everyone... I'm getting a new car.. Any ideas? cant b a two seater cause we have a daughter...sedan, sports car, suv?? 1:12 AM Dec 29th, 2009 from web

Shes not doing the new years party anymore but lets all find something fun to do.. b by tomm or wed with books xo 1:11 AM Dec 29th, 2009 from web

@eileeneee ya!!! haha HII. We r gonna house hunt in Jan..I'm so excited that I found you... I will b by to drop off books either tom or wed. 1:10 AM Dec 29th, 2009 from web in reply to eileeneee

@Yrgrl1 Well... Tila made them get along. Elvis(my yorkie) is very fisty, but now they love each other.. Just takes time x 7:38 PM Dec 27th, 2009 from web in reply to Yrgrl1

@SkyylarJaylen haha ya...been resting. Going to airport now to pick up my baby...So excited xoxo 7:31 PM Dec 27th, 2009 from web in reply to SkyylarJaylen

@georgihel Thanks luv, Thats sweet 7:28 PM Dec 27th, 2009 from web in reply to georgihel

Sooo Excited.. Going to c my Beautiful Fiance very soon... It seems Like its been years that I have not sen her! XX 7:27 PM Dec 27th, 2009 from web

@DeepViolet40 LOL u r playing with fire right now!!!! 10:45 PM Dec 25th, 2009 from web in reply to DeepViolet40

@DeepViolet40 u r acting so fucking stupid.... Just went on semels (Courtenay Semel) page so i know who u r.. BIG MISTAKE!!! 10:39 PM Dec 25th, 2009 from web in reply to DeepViolet40

Nite All.Sweet Dreams to Everyone. Its amazing that i am in bed and my 3 pound yorkie is taking up more space tham the pitt bull xo 10:14 PM Dec 25th, 2009 from web

@DariusErvin Thanks 4 the love.. Hope u had a Great Christmas! xo 9:02 PM Dec 25th, 2009 from web in reply to DariusErvin

@sexygongy i was VERY lucky this year.. I found my soulmate. I got her for Christmas.. Best gift ever!! xo 9:01 PM Dec 25th, 2009 from web in reply to sexygongy

@DeepViolet40 u seem very angry..[erhaps u need help dealng with anger managment? 9:00 PM Dec 25th, 2009 from web in reply to DeepViolet40

@lovelyleslie33 we r really excited and Thank u thats so sweet. I'm very lucky..xo 8:58 PM Dec 25th, 2009 from web in reply to lovelyleslie33

Hope Everyone had an Amazing Christmas... Cant't wait till Sunday!!!!! XO 7:03 PM Dec 25th, 2009 from web

@DariusErvin yes..Uggggg.. LOL 7:01 PM Dec 25th, 2009 from web in reply to DariusErvin

Good AM ALLL.....Hope Santa was Good to Everyone.. and No one got a lump of coal..haha XO 9:21 AM Dec 25th, 2009 from web

RT @mtvrealityworld: Are Tila Tequila and Casey Johnson The New Heidi and Spencer? http://b5m.cc/qyR 5:05 AM Dec 25th, 2009 from web

Merry Christmas Everyone...Going to bed with all my Pups... XOXO 2:37 AM Dec 25th, 2009 from web

KGB's 'Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw' off the air

2010-01-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

SAN DIEGO — Fans of the KGB radio morning show featuring long-time host Dave Rickards and cohorts Shelly Dunn and Cookie "Chainsaw" Randolph are starting off the new year with news the show is no longer on the air.

With little fan fare, the station posted a notice on its Web site this morning announcing the following:

After extensive negotiations. and offering the DSC team a very lucrative, multi-year offer, we were unfortunately not able to reach an agreement to keep the show with KGB.

We wish Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw all the best in their future pursuits and thank them for their contribution to the station. KGB has had a special relationship with listeners in San Diego as the leading Classic Rock station for many years. We look forward to continuing that tradition.

DJ Coe Lewis, filling in for the show this morning, said she hoped listeners appreciated the economic realities that led to the decision.

"We're feeling the loss just like you," Lewis said on the air, adding the DSC cast were like family. "But we're here and we'll always be here and I just want to let you know I really appreciate you, like, listening..."

The station is among many owned by Clear Channel Communications, a media conglomerate headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.

Posted by : Andrew Kleske

Original Post : http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/04/kgb-drops-dsc/

Erik Gates, of Mythbusters Fame, Dies in Freak Accident

2009-12-29T07:09:00.000-08:00

Posted By: Mark Whittington

Erik Gates, who is most famous for having appeared on several episodes of Mythbusters in his capacity as a rocketry expert, died in a freak accident when he apparently fell off a roof where he was working through a skylight thirty feet to his death.

Erik Gates owned a firm called Gateco Electric and was working on a site owned by Xirrus Inc., the President and CEO of which is his brother, Dirk Gates. Both Erik and Dirk Gates were active in amateur rocketry and ran a website Gates Brother Rocketry.

Erik Gates was able to use his expertise in rocketry to appear as a guest expert on four Mythbuster episodes.

The first was the pilot, when the Mythbusters tested an urban legend about a man who strapped a rocket to the back of his pickup truck and fired it off. According to the legend, the man smacked into the side of a mountain, unable to stop or turn.

The second episode was about the Ming Dynasty Astronaut, which explored the story of a Medieval Chinese inventor who strapped a number of rockets to a chair, sat it in, and then ignited the rockets to fly through the air.

The third episode explored the bullet proofing properties of water. Also the episode tested whether a person on a swing could swing three hundred and sixty degrees all the way around. At one point rockets were attached to a test dummy on the swing to make it swing all the way around.

The last episode Erik Gates was on concerned the Confederate rocket. There is a story that during the closing days of the American Civil War, the Confederates were working on a rocket with which to bombard Washington DC. The result was that, using technology available at the time, the Confederates could not have hit Washington from Richmond.

Mariners acquire outfielder in deal with Cubs for Silva

2009-12-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

SEATTLE -- The Mariners' offseason renovation got a lot busier Friday, when Seattle pulled off a trade full of intrigue and potential but not without a few question marks.

The Mariners acquired volatile outfielder Milton Bradley from the Cubs in exchange for right-hander Carlos Silva, swapping similar high-salary contracts in the hopes that a change of venue will get Seattle the stellar on-field performance Bradley has produced at times in his up-and-down career -- without the temper flareups that have caused problems with umpires and fans and in various clubhouses.

"We have been looking to add offense to our club and in Milton have a player who has always gotten on base and has the ability to drive in runs," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "He is passionate about winning, as we are, and we believe he'll be a good fit here."

From a payroll perspective, it's almost a wash. Silva has two years remaining on a four-year, $48 million contract that he got prior to the 2008 season from former Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi, and Bradley is owed $21 million over two years -- $9 million in 2010 and $12 million in 2011. Silva has $25 million remaining -- $11.5 million in both 2010 and '11 and a $2 million buyout on a 2012 option. According to SI.com, the Cubs will also net $6 million over two years on the deal.

Silva has been a big disappointment for Seattle, going 4-15 in 28 starts in 2008 and 1-3 with a 8.60 ERA in eight games (six starts) in an injury-riddled 2009. Silva projected to be a long reliever on the 2010 roster.

Meanwhile, Bradley, a 31-year-old switch-hitter who projects to start in left field and occasionally at designated hitter, batted .257 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs and put up an on-base percentage of .378 for the Cubs in 2009. But he was suspended for the final 15 games for detrimental conduct. Bradley, who also has had run-ins with umpires, teammates and managers during stints with the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cubs, also has shined in stints with Oakland in 2006 and with Texas in 2008.

Bradley led the American League in OBP (.436) and on-base-plus-slugging (.999) in 2008 with the Rangers, and was third in batting average (.321) that season. He has a career OBP of .390 in the AL and started at DH in the 2008 All-Star Game.

Doug Miller is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Man Wins lottery Leaves Wife (Photo) Campbell home Foreclosed; $19 million Jackpot

2009-12-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

There was a report on Local 10 on TV about a South Florida man who won the lottery and left his wife who had their home foreclosed on. Apparently now, the wife now will be put on the streets in less than a week.

According to reports, the woman's name is Donna Campbell. Campbell was given to this passing Tuesday evening to leave her home that she once shared with her departed husband.

Her husband, Arnim Ramdass, is said to have won $19 million in a June 2007 lottery jackpot. He kept it secret from his wife apparently, and one day took off with his money so he wouldn't have to share. Since leaving, Ramdass has not payed the mortgage on their home. According to reports, Ramdass has completely disappeared with all the money. His wife though, is determined to find him and get divorced and half the money. She's been spending the last few days packing up her things. A moving company decided to move in and help Campbell after seeing her story on Local 10.

You can bet that the husband is running as fast as he can. It's obvious he has no intention of sharing that money. But there could be other circumstances we don't know about as of yet. (c) tPC

By : Jack Ryan

Original Post : http://www.postchronicle.com/news/original/article_212273790.shtml

Cuomo announces GMA departure

2009-12-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

December 10, 2009 (WLS) -- Diane Sawyer isn't the only one leaving "Good Morning America" this week.

On Thursday morning, co-host and anchor Chris Cuomo announced he, too, would be leaving ABC's daily morning show. His last day will be Firday, the same as Sawyer's

"I am leaving my position as news anchor tomorrow," Cuomo said. "I have been blessed to be at 'GMA.' I thank all of you."

Cuomo will now anchor "20/20" with Elizabeth Vargas and continue on as a reporter for ABC News.

"It is a dream job for a journalist like me," Cuomo said. "But it was a very difficult decision because I'm leaving a special place and crew and all of you."

A network executive who spoke on condition of anonymity because the executive was not authorized to talk about hiring said Tuesday JuJu Chang has been offered Cuomo's current job as newsreader at "Good Morning America."

The personnel changes mean it's likely that George Stephanopoulos will be announced as Diane Sawyer's successor on "Good Morning America" within days.

Original Post Here

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(Copyright ©2009 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

News: Brewers sign Randy Wolf

2009-12-09T12:23:00.001-08:00

by Matthew Cerrone

The Brewers and free-agent LHP Randy Wolf have agreed to a three-year deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.

…according to multiple reports, the Mets had interest in wolf, but were only willing to commit a two-year deal to him… which, is one more than he usually signs… so, good for him having some security in his career…

…for all the ripping the Omar Minaya takes for overpaying, or unnecessarily going all-in, for mediocre talent, the Brewers giving a three-year deal to wolf, Chone Figgins getting four full years, the Phillies giving two years to Brian Schneider and Ivan Rodriguez getting two years from the Nationals, not too mention $7.5 million from the Cardinals for Brad Penny, and, i’d say, at this point, he isn’t alone…

John Daly Weight Loss

2009-12-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

John Daly Weight Loss is the latest buzz. Two-time major winner John Daly’s latest bid to resurrect his career is for his own benefit and not to prove his detractors wrong, the American said on Wednesday. Daly, 43, is rehabilitating by losing weight and trying to give up a diet and lifestyle that saw him balloon to nearly 280 pounds less than three months ago. Daly, who is famously known as ‘Wild Thing’ on tour, underwent gastric band surgery in February to reduce the size of his stomach and consequently the amount of food he could eat. John Daly Weight Loss
This has resulted in the massive weight loss – including losing a whole stone in the past two weeks. Surprisingly, the change in weight has had an equally dramatic on Daly’s golf, with the man who has always advocated a ‘grip it and rip it’ mentality recently complaining of a lack of feeling in his hands.