Jordan Hicks to make announcement today

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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-

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

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!

"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

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

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

Read more: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1523218.php/Casey-Johnson-is-dead-was-reported-comatose-by-wife-Tila-Tequila-UPDATE#ixzz0bj8Tvnn5

Original Post : http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1523218.php/Casey-Johnson-is-dead-was-reported-comatose-by-wife-Tila-Tequila-UPDATE

Posted By: April MacIntyre

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

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/