Daily News 4U

Keyshia Cole Gives Birth to Baby Boy

2010-03-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

R&B singer Keyshia Cole and fiancé Daniel Gibson welcomed a new baby boy to the family late Tuesday night. Daniel Hiram Gibson Jr. was born at 11:54 PM and weighed in at 7 lbs. 30 oz.

Cole confirmed long-running rumors she was pregnant with the Cleveland Cavaliers player's baby in January, revealing the couple is also planning to wed after becoming engaged on New Year's Eve.

The delivery comes a month after Cole was admitted to a Cleveland hospital for a "false alarm," sparking rumors she had gone into labor early.

However, a spokesperson for the couple insists Cole had a healthy delivery, telling Usmagazine.com: "Both mother and baby are doing great."

"The proud couple would like to thank everyone for giving them privacy during this special time. Keyshia would also like to give a special thank you to her fans that have been with her since the beginning sharing in her growth as a woman and an artist.

Michael Jackson Autopsy Report 2010

2010-02-09T19:23:00.000-08:00

The full autopsy report on the late Michael Jackson shed light on the King of Pop like never before - and the results are probably even stranger than you're thinking.

The pop icon's death last June not only ignited waves of new and rekindled interest in his musical legacy, but posed dozens of questions about his bizarre lifestyle.

The examination showed the 5ft 10in star — once famed for his on-stage athleticism — had:

PLUNGED to a “severely emaciated” 8st 1oz. It is understood anorexic Jackson had been eating just one meagre meal a day.

Pathologists found his stomach empty aside from partially-dissolved pills he took before the painkiller injection which stopped his heart. Samples were sent for toxicology tests.

LOST virtually all his hair. The pop pin-up was wearing a wig when he died and pathologists said little more than “peach fuzz” covered his scalp.

A scarred section of skin above his left ear was entirely bald — apparently the result of a 1984 accident when his hair caught fire as he filmed an ad for Pepsi.

SUFFERED several broken ribs as frantic rescuers pumped his chest after he collapsed in cardiac arrest. Four injection sites were found above or near to Jacko’s heart.

All appeared to result from attempts to pump adrenaline directly into the organ in a failed bit to restart it.

Three of the injections had penetrated the heart wall — causing damage — but a fourth missed and hit one of the 50-year-old star’s ribs.

The autopsy also found unexplained BRUISING on Jackson’s knees and on the fronts of both shins. And there were CUTS on his back, indicating a recent fall.

Photograps of the autopsy had leaks, And we are still looking for them for you to see it. And lastly that will shock all of you guys is the part where Dr. Conrad Murray gets accused off, After pleading not Guilty, in the Michael Jackson Autopsy Report 2010 it was found that Michael Jackson had been administered a propofol,a sedative and the weird part is there was no resuscitation equipments that probably killed the Pop King.

Heroes Season Finale - “Brave New World”

2010-02-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

Heroes Season Finale - “Brave New World”

You will get a chance to watch the Heroes s04e19 season Finale which is entitled “Brave New World”. It’s the season finale for Heroes and this is going to be expected to be great. Get to watch Heroes online and see how this season ends on its finale moment.

We find out heroes in the brink of chaos as they struggle to stop Samuel’s disaster. We will see all of them bond together just to save the lives of thousands. Peter will have new sets of allies that will join him in the fight against Samuel.

This could either be the season finale or the series finale of Heroes.
The cast seems pretty confident that the show is coming back, however NBC has been pretty mum about the whole thing.

Either way it goes down, this season has definitely been…interesting and filled with ups and downs. Let’s see what kind of note we end on.Noah and Claire are still buried under ground and Noah determines they’re down about 40 or 50 feet. The plan is for Claire to have to watch her father suffocate to death while she lives. Lauren walks right over the trailer and obviously can’t hear them screaming from that far down. Claire starts digging, but it’s pretty pointless, and Noah wants to give his death speech even though Claire just wants to get them out of there. She thinks that maybe the world is more ready to accept people with abilities than he thinks, but he points out all it takes is one Sylar to ruin the whole thing.

At the end of the episode, Emma tells Peter that Sylar saved her, and while we’re expecting Sylar to have killed the hell out of Doyle, instead he’s strung him up in lights so that he can’t use his ability. When a camera crew comes out to ask questions about what happened, Claire takes the opportunity to jump off the top of the Ferris Wheel. SECRET’S OUT!

Spidey confident over Spiderman 4

2010-01-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

Spidey confident over Spiderman 4

Tobey Maguire doesn't think Spider-Man 4 has become a tangled mess. The 34-year-old star of the web-slinging superhero franchise said preproduction snags aren't dampening his mood about the fourth instalment.

The next Spider-Man film had been scheduled to swing into theatres on May 6 2011, but that seems unlikely now that Thor - another big-screen Marvel superhero adaptation - has hammered out the same release date.

Maguire, who has played Peter Parker in all three films, said the plan is to still release the movie in 2011, but wasn't more specific about the date. Whatever happens, he's enthusiastic about Spidey's future.

"Not only do I have specific ideas, but the ideas are evolving on the page," he said.
"It's all happening right now. It's all sort of coming together. It's very exciting to me.
"I think the evolution of the character is really exciting, to be rooted in the history of what we've done already and to have a continuity, yet have a progression or evolution."
After glowing reaction to the first two chapters, critical response to 2007's Spider-Man 3 was so-so.

The axing comes after director Sam Raimi told the studio he couldn’t make a planned May-2011 release date.Sony will now reboot the franchise, with a new director and cast and a new script that puts the superhero in high school.Will you watch Spider-Man 4, with a new hero in the webbed suit? Have your say below.The new Spider-Man 4 won’t be released until mid-2012. Rumours suggest that the movie could be shot in 3-D after the spectacular success of Avatar.

“Working on the Spider-Man movies was the experience of a lifetime for me. While we were looking forward to doing a fourth one together, the studio and Marvel have a unique opportunity to take the franchise in a new direction,” Raimi, who directed all three instalments of the Spider-Man franchise, said.

Taylor Swift on the view video

2009-09-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

taylor swift on the view video

Here is the Taylor Swift on The View video from September 15, 2009 along with photos. Two days after the incident with Kanye West at the 2009 MTV VMAs Awards, the country-pop star performed two of her hit singles, You Belong to Me and Fifteen on the ABC talk show.

Additionally, she sat down with the co-hosts and discussed the incident which saw the rapper seize the microphone from her as she as making her acceptance speech for the MTV VMA Best Female Video Award, and tell the audience that Beyonce should have won the award. West has since apologized publicly via his blog as well as on The Jay Leno Show.

Taylor Swift was on “The View” recently, this Tuesday and declared to the ladies out there that Kanye has not apologized to her yet personally and she is waiting for him to say something. Taylor said that she was quite rattled by the experience.

Taylor confessed,”I’m not going to say I wasn’t rattled by it, but I had to perform live five minutes later so I had to get myself back to the place where I could perform. I mean, he has not personally reached out or anything but, if he wanted to say hi.”

She further said,”"I think my overall thought process was ‘Wow, I can’t believe I won, this is awesome … don’t trip and fall, Oh, Kayne West is here … cool haircut, what are you doing here? And then, ‘Ouch’, and then ‘I guess I’m not going to get to thank fans.’”

Even though Kanye has apologized to Taylor Thrice indirectly, however i am not surprised to see Taylor demanding the apology quite directly that is face to face. The whole controversy started when Kanye snatched the microphone from Taylor and said that Beyonce song is the best this year.

Jay Leno says thanks and goodbye on 'Tonight Show'

2009-05-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

Jay Leno says thanks and goodbye on 'Tonight Show'

Jay Leno ended his final “Tonight Show” on Friday not with a surprise guest or a selection of his vintage comedy bits, but with what he called “the greatest thing we’ve ever done.”

What followed was an onstage parade of the children — 68 in all — who had been born to people who had met because they worked on the program.

"Goodnight, everybody," Jay Leno began when it appeared doubtful that the rabid standing ovation would ever cease.

After more than a minute of hoots and applause, the audience finally quieted down so that Leno, after 17 years behind the wheel of the late-night staple, could welcome the crowd to "the exciting season finale of the Tonight Show."

"I want to thank all the people that made it possible—Michael Jackson, Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton." But as the Leno faithful know, it was the easygoing charm and spot-on delivery of the prominent-chinned, uniquely coiffed comedian who kept millions tuning in night after night. (That and a certain 1995 mega-get named Hugh Grant, whom Billy Crystal paid tribute to in his farewell song for tipping the ratings in Jay's favor forevermore.)

Leno, 59, took the reins of the venerable program in May 1992 from Carson.

After initially struggling in the ratings against late-night counterpart David Letterman, who

had been his rival for the "Tonight Show" job, Leno grabbed the lead in viewership about 13 years ago and become a mainstay of American TV.

He has taken jabs at four presidents, from George H.W. Bush to Barack Obama, who in March became the first sitting U.S. chief executive to appear on a late-night talk show.

He made audiences laugh through an era that included natural disasters, wars and the September 11 attacks.

Jay Leno with his final guest, Conan O’Brien, on Friday night.

Notable moments included Arnold Schwarzenegger's announcement of his candidacy for California governor in 2003 and British actor Hugh Grant's first public appearance after being arrested with a Los Angeles prostitute in 1995.

Leno's comic segments such as "Jaywalking," in which he joked with everyday people on the street, became popular staples.

Honduras Earthquake 7.1 Magnitude May 28, 2009 (Maps, Video)

2009-05-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

One killed, many injured in Honduras earthquakeA strong earthquake struck off the coast of Honduras early Thursday, May 28, 2009, causing people to run into the streets in their pajamas as far away as Guatemala City.

The magnitude 7.1 quake struck at 3:24 a.m., collapsing shacks in Belize and Honduras.

One death has been reported by Carlos Gonzales, deputy director of the Honduras Permanent Emergency Commission. A man was killed after his house collapsed in Pineda de la Lima, 120 miles north of the capital.

The U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Colorado indicates that the epicenter was 80 miles northeast of La Ceiba, Honduras, and 200 miles from Tegucigalpa, the capital city.

The quake was felt strongly across the Honduras Caribbean coast. A tsunami watch for Honduras, Belize and Guatemala was issued but has since been lifted.

According to firefighter Juan Sevilla, wooden homes collapsed in Puerto Cortes, 120 miles north of Tegucigalpa, as well as a stadium wall in Comayagua, 60 miles north of the capital.

A major bridge across the Ulua River suffered major damage. A water tower toppled in the town of Independence. Electricity was out all the way to the Mexican border.

Dozens of workers were evacuated from factories in San Pedro Sula after cracks were discovered in the buildings. In the same city, a two-story warehouse caught fire. The roads in several cities are reported to have sustained cracks.

National Emergency Minister Melvin Hulse made a radio plea, “I urge you not to panic, but to remain calm. Your government is monitoring the situation and will be keeping you informed.”

The USGS is reporting that a magnitude 4.8 aftershock hit off Honduras about three hours after the initial quake.

At least one person was killed and scores of others were injured when a 7.1-magnitude quake hit Honduras early Thursday, radio reports said.

A 15-year-old boy died when his house collapsed in La Lima 265 km north of the capital Tegucigalpa, the police said, adding that several people were also injured in San Pedro Sula in the north. The quake, which measured at least 7.1 points, was followed by several aftershocks.

Following the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami warning in the Caribbean comprising Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and other Caribbean areas except for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

However, only government agencies had the authority to take decisions on official alerts, the centre said. The 30-second quake was caused by a collision between the Caribbean and North American plates, said seismography expert Gonzalo Cruz from the Honduras National Autonomous University. US seismology officials said the quake struck at a depth of 10 km and some 320 km northeast of the capital

Taysha Valez, The Youngest Billionaire

2009-05-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

Taysha Valez, The Youngest Billionaire

There is nothing much we can find online about Taysha Valez, except that she is The Youngest Billionaire and she is 27.

What makes her special is that she is a Self Made Billionaire !!!!!!!!

Although there is not much info online from her, we know that she has written a book called “Young Black Millionairess” and she is owner of H. Couture Beauty LLC.

She has been recently on theybf.com when she was spotted in Hawaii.

She is said to own a telecom company called “Tri-myTAY Telecom Company”. She is also said to have her own beauty product collections by her name and own a haute vintage department store Taysha’s in New York.

But I have never seen any of her products in my life.

Apparently it’s rare to see her on public!

Rocking the new Hermes Fall 2009 riding leggings and Rena Yip alligator green soled pumps I see.

And that pink vintage Birkin bag will make you want to cut a chick. The vintage queen (she also owns the By Appt.

Only haute vintage department store Taysha’s New York) is rocking vintage 1979 python rimmed Dior shades (costing $5,600), and a ridiculous amount of vintage jewelry–worth over $250k.

These cereal box jewelry rappers need to take note. And I’m mad Usher really though he could get at her a while back. By the way, TNY is my personal obsession for my vintage shade collection. And no, “vintage” does not equal 1 season ago.

Rena Yip shoes will so be the future of separating the posers from the real chicks with dough who hate mainstream ish everybody’s rocking.

These are 100% custom made and molded for the person ordering–and they’re no less than $8,000 a pair. Word has it Jennifer Lopez is one of the only celeb chicks who’s ordered a pair so far–even though many are asking about them. Take that Christian Louboutin.

Tyson's daughter, 4, dies after 'tragic accident'

2009-05-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Tyson's daughter, 4, dies after 'tragic accident'

The 4-year-old daughter of boxer Mike Tyson died at a hospital on Tuesday, a day her neck apparently got caught in a treadmill cord at her Phoenix home, police said.

Exodus Tyson had been on life support and police have said their investigation showed her injury on Monday was a "tragic accident."

"There are no words to describe the tragic loss of our beloved Exodus," the family said in a statement. "We ask you now to please respect our need at this very difficult time for privacy to grieve and try to help each other heal."

Police said Exodus either slipped or put her head in the loop of a cord hanging under the console. Her 7-year-old brother found her and told their mother. She took Exodus off the cord, called police and tried to revive her.

Responding officers and firefighters performed CPR as they took the girl to the hospital.

Former heavyweight champion Tyson was in Las Vegas at the time of the accident and flew on Monday to Phoenix, where he was seen entering the hospital.

Tyson spokeswoman Cynthia Schwartz said the family had not arranged a funeral yet.

“The Tyson family would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for all your prayers and support, and we ask that we be allowed our privacy at this difficult time.”

Mike Tyson's daughter critical after mishap

2009-05-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Mike Tyson's daughter critical after mishap

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson's 4-year-old daughter is in critical condition after she was found with a cord around her neck following an accident, according to media reports on Monday.

Exodus Tyson was playing near some exercise equipment when she accidentally got tangled in a cord or rope hanging from a treadmill, the Arizona Republic reported on its website.

The Phoenix Police Department did not immediately return phone calls.

ABC News reported that the child was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in central Phoenix, where she was listed in critical condition on life support.

Police said that based on the initial investigation, the incident appeared to be "a tragic accident," ABC reported.

According to police, the victim's 7-year-old brother discovered the child in distress, and alerted their mother. She found the girl with a cable around her neck, hanging from the treadmill, and immediately called 911.

"Somehow the little girl got something caught across her throat, she became unresponsive, the boy went and got the mother, and the mother came out and found the child," says Phoenix Police Sgt. Andy Hill.

Phoenix Police are investigating. So far, they believe the incident was accidental.

Neighbors were stunned and saddened to hear of the accident. "It's just very sad. The mom is very sweet, very doting... they're just lovely, they ride their little bikes down the street," says neighbor Heather Brodhurst.

The 4-year-old victim is the daughter of former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, who was out of town this morning but has made his way home and is at the hospital.

Tyson has been living in central Phoenix for about 5 years with his girlfriend and their two children.

ABC Has Chosen Tyler to Host Talk Show Pilot

2009-05-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

ABC Has Chosen Tyler to Host Talk Show Pilot

Actress-comedian Aisha Tyler, who most recently starred in Bedtime Stories, will headline her own talk show, The Aisha Tyler Show, for ABC.

ABC is giving actress-comedian Aisha Tyler a chance to join legendary hosts like David Letterman and Oprah Winfrey by giving Tyler her own talk show pilot, which is set to begin production soon.

Aisha Tyler, who has been on numerous talk shows such as The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Last Call with Carson Daly is going to have her chance to ask the questions since ABC has chosen her to host a talk show pilot for their network.

According to an article in Hollywood Reporter, “‘The Aisha Tyler Show’ is described as a hybrid that will incorporate aspects of a traditional talk show with comedic political commentary, produced comedy segments and other elements usually associated with late-night shows.”

The show is attempting to reach a younger audience, which is why fans and viewers of the show will be able to communicate with Tyler through popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

The Hollywood Reporter article states, “The pilot is being produced by ABC Media Prods. (formerly Buena Vista TV), which develops and produces nonscripted original programming or syndication and cable.”

SKoreans mourn death, pay respect to ex-president

2009-05-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

SKoreans mourn death, pay respect to ex-president

South Korea – Thousands streamed to a village in rural South Korea on Sunday to pay their respects to ex-President Roh Moo-hyun a day after he killed himself by jumping off a rocky cliff overlooking his home.

In central Seoul, mourners laid white chrysanthemums — a traditional Korean symbol of grief — and bowed before a portrait of the 62-year-old ex-leader at a makeshift memorial outside the 16th-century Deoksu Palace.

Roh, who relied on pluck and hard work to rise from his impoverished youth in rural Gimhae to become leader of this nation of 49 million in 2003, died Saturday morning. He left behind a note describing his suffering and asking to be cremated.

His suicide, just 15 months after he left office, came as he and his family faced intense questioning about $6 million given to the Rohs during his presidency by a Seoul businessman implicated in a number of bribery scandals.

The allegations weighed heavily on a man who prided himself on his "clean" record in a country struggling to shake a cultural tradition of corruption.

Prosecutors grilled him for hours three weeks ago, and said Roh denied the bribery allegations. They were to announce soon whether they would seek his arrest.

"What's left for me for the rest of my life is just to be a burden to others," Roh wrote in the note found on his computer. "Don't be too sad. Aren't life and death both part of nature? Don't feel sorry. Don't blame anybody. It's destiny."

His death stunned the nation. South Koreans were glued to TV monitors across the country. Many snapped up special newspaper editions about Roh. Tens of thousands flooded his Web site, posting condolences.

"Roh's life — fraught with challenge and glory and disgrace — ended like this. We pray for Roh's soul," the conservative Chosun Ilbo newspaper said in an editorial Sunday. The paper, which had an uneasy relationship with Roh, had called for a thorough investigation of the liberal ex-leader.

Pregnant at 66, and Loving It

2009-05-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

Pregnant at 66, and Loving ItA British woman, Elizabeth Adeney, has apparently become pregnant through in-vitro fertilization at 66. She's no Octomom, but her pregnancy is bound to raise eyebrows, as well as debate. A 66-year-old is set to become the oldest woman to give birth in Britain, it was reported last night. She is four years older than the previous record holder, Patricia Rashbrook, who gave birth in 2006, aged 62.

Elizabeth Adeney, a 66-year-old woman from Suffolk, England, is eight-months pregnant. Yes, pregnant at 66, and loving it.They're running a poll on whether it should be illegal to provide fertility treatments to women who are too old to conceive naturally.

You may raise your eyebrow because getting pregnant at her age is somewhat questionable but Elizabeth really wanted to have a baby. She is a very rich divorcee who has been wanting to have a child for years. She travelled al l the way to the Ukraine just to visit the controversial IVF clinic there which has helped a n umber of women get pregnant using donor eggs and sperm.

Next month, Elizabeth Munro will give birth. At 66 she is Britain's oldest pregnant woman. She surpasses the record of Patricia Rashbrook who became pregnant at 62.

A friend of Adeney told the Daily Mail she was still working a five-day week, in perfect health and looking forward to what is thought to be her first child. Adeney, a divorcee from Lidgate near Newmarket, Suffolk, runs her own textile company. She had been desperate to conceive for years, the unnamed friend said.

Last night Adeney declined to discuss her condition in any detail. "I am a private person and while I appreciate there may be some publicity I will just ignore it," she told the Mail. "This has been a very personal decision and I do not feel I have to give interviews or talk to anyone in the media about what I have decided to do and where I have done it."

The world's oldest woman to give birth was Omkari Panwar, 70, from India, who gave birth to a twin boy and girl last year.

Professor Severino Antinori, who treated Rashbrook and has pioneered the IVF techniques involved in impregnating older women, said Munro, who will be 67 in July, was too old.

"I am shocked by the idea of a 66-year-old woman giving birth," he said. "I respect the choice medically but I think anything over 63 is risky because you cannot guarantee the child will have a loving mother or family.

"It is possible to give a child to the mother up to the age of 83 but it is medically criminal to do this because the likelihood is that after a year or two the child will lose his mum and suffer from psychological problems."

Cynthia Nixon Engaged To Girlfriend Christine Marinoni

2009-05-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Cynthia Nixon Engaged To Girlfriend Christine Marinoni!

Cynthia Nixon announced her engagement to girlfriend Christine Marinoni on Sunday at a rally for gay marriage, a source on the scene told Access Hollywood.

According to the source, the "Sex and The City" star told the crowd at the Love, Peace and Marriage Equality rally in New York City that she became engaged last month. The "Sex and the City" star has been dating Marinoni, an activist, since 2003, shortly after splitting from her longtime boyfriend, Danny Mozes, with whom she has two kids.

Nixon was joined at the rally not by her fiancee, to whom she became engaged last month, but by her "Sex and the City" costar Kristin Davis, David Hyde Pierce and New York Governor David Paterson. Nixon has said that she had her first boyfriend at 14, and settled down at 22 with her high-school sweetheart, Danny Mozes, now an English teacher.

For many years, the relationship seemed harmonious. He did not want to get married, and she said she also mistrusted taking that step. She became really famous when Sex And The City first aired in 1998, and he appeared proud of her achievements. The birth of their children seemed to set a seal on their happiness. But, to the surprise of many, they split in 2003, the year their son was born.

A few months later it emerged that she had started to date Marinoni, whom she had known for a year through a campaign to reduce class sizes in New York schools. A confidante says: "For years, she felt trapped by her mother who was pushing her career, and then for 15 years with Danny she was a housewife and mother."

The relationship was, then, a liberation and a joy. Friends say she has never been happier. The woman who has brought her this security hails from a wealthy family who live on Bainbridge Island near Seattle. Marinoni's father is a well-respected university professor and she has two younger siblings.

Unlike Nixon, she has never really had a heterosexual past. Schoolfriends say she wasn't one for dating, although she was popular socially with both boys and girls (you aren't voted homecoming queen unless you are the acknowledged social hit of your year group).

Marinoni, who is extremely bright, discovered radical feminist politics and joined a gay-lesbian club after enrolling at Seattle University in 1986. From there, it was a relatively small step to come out, which she did after graduating when she developed a close friendship with a female carpenter.

Marinoni went on to open a lesbian and gay bar in Brooklyn, and was living in that district when she met Nixon on a rally in May 2002. It has been claimed that, in the anonymity of Marinoni's Brooklyn flat, Nixon felt she could truly be herself and not the glossy creature of popular imagination.

Marriage equality legislation passed the assembly last Tuesday by a vote of 89-52, but its outcome remains uncertain in the closely divided senate, where Democrats hold a slim 32-30 majority. Current estimates put the number of votes for the legislation around 25. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, who did not attend either rally on Sunday, has vowed not to bring the legislation to a vote unless its passage is assured in advance.

New York Governor David Paterson, who made a last-minute appearance at the rally in support of marriage equality, also stressed the time element, characterizing the issue repeatedly as a “race.”

“We’re in a race right now in New York,” Paterson said. “When are we going to admit that LGBT people do not have the same rights as straight people right now?”

Speakers also delivered a message to attendees of a larger rally against marriage equality held hours earlier outside Governor Paterson’s office.

“What I want to say to you is you are not the ones being attacked, we are,” said Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon, who announced her engagement last month to long-time partner Christine Marinoni. “The only thing that diminishes you is an insistence on keeping us as second-class citizens.”

Latest Earthquakes News

2009-05-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

Latest Earthquakes News

We had an earthquake today in Cow Town (Fort Worth). It was centered around Euless but felt as far West as Fort Worth. And there was an aftershock as well. Witnesses said it scared the heck out of them. It was mild, a 3.3 on the Richter scale. But when you’re talking about a loud sonic BOOM! followed by the furniture shaking about—it follows that should unnerve a person pretty quick. We also had one recently this past October.

The Metroplex is not an earthquake area. The largest earthquake in Texas’ history was near Valentine in 1931 (Valentine is SE of El Paso). That one destroyed most of the brick buildings but left the wood frame houses intact. When I went looking for info on Texas earthquakes I found conflicting info on the Valentine quake. One report states that quake had a richter reading of 5.80, another said it was a 6.0. And that there was another strong one registering 5.8 which occurred much later in 1995 (also occurring in West Texas) and was felt all the way in Austin. (This from the Institute for Geophysics at UT at Austin.

Looking over the excellent records kept by the Institute For Geophysics, I was very surprised to find that Texas has experienced MANY earthquakes over the years, though mild, causing little damage and not taking any lives (except for the bizarre incident where a Mexican man who’s adobe hut collapsed in on him across the Border).

Here’s the number of recorded earthquakes that UT at Austin gives by area of the state that registered at a 3.0 or greater: West Texas—53 Panhandle—30 North East Texas—28 South Central Texas—20 Note that there have not been any (stress NOT any) recorded quakes in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area until this past October 30th 2008. It was registered at 3.0 on the Richter. Today’s (May 16th 2009) clocked in at 3.3 and was in the same area as the one from this past October: Euless, Bedford, Irving, Fort worth, and Dallas.

No significant damage has been reported in the wake of Sunday night’s M5.0 earthquake that was centered 10 miles south of the Los Angeles Civic Center and two miles northeast of Hawthorne. Seismologists say because the epicenter was more than eight miles below the surface, shaking was minimized. Items fell from shelves and some ceiling tiles came down at a mall in Redondo Beach.

Aishwarya Rai: Red Carpet Beauty

2009-05-17T04:57:00.000-07:00

Aishwarya Rai: Red Carpet Beauty

Aishwarya Rai walked down the red carpet with grace while wearing a strapless white Roberto Cavalli train gown at the opening of the 62nd International Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday (May 13).

The L’Oreal brand ambassador appeared with husband, Abhishek Bachchan, who looked handsome while he matched his wife in white.

The red carpet is unfurled and the crowds are gathering on the French Riviera for the start of the world's most prestigious event, the 62nd Cannes Film Festival. Some stars arrived for the release of Disney Pixar's upcoming 3-D adventure 'Up' being shown in the animation category of the Cannes Film Festival.

Also joining her walk down the red carpet was Elizabeth Banks, the new L’Oreal world spokesperson.

The 35-year-old Aishwarya looked breathtaking with a ruffled gown that had ruched bodice and accented with Swarovski crystals, that caught all eyes.

Helen Phillips Wins The Biggest Loser !

2009-05-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Helen Phillips Wins The Biggest Loser !!!!

"140 pounds! Yes! Yes!" exclaimed Helen Phillips, 48, on tonight's season finale of The Biggest Loser: Couples upon learning how many pounds she lost.

With a 54.47% total weight loss and current weight of 117 pounds, the retired retail manager and mother of two from Sterling Heights, Mich., was named The Biggest Loser, took home the $250,000 prize and came away with a brand new attitude.

"I haven't worn a dress in at least 10 years," she said on tonight's show. "It was just wonderful. I actually feel beautiful today. I haven't felt that in a really long time."

“My mom is really motivated,” said Phillips’s daughter Shanon Thomas, who lost 92 pounds herself as part of The Biggest Loser: Couples. “She is just as tough mentally as she is physically. I knew she had just as good of a shot as anybody. She’s come such a long way — when I look at her I have to do a double-take. I’m so proud of her.”

Here is a rundown of how much top 10 of the contestants lost this season.

Contestant/Start Weight/End Weight/Pounds Lost /Percentage Lost:

Helen: 257-117=140 (54.47%)
Mike: 388-181=207 (53.35%)
Tara: 294-139=155 (52.72%)
Jerry: 369-192=177 (47.97%)
Kristin: 360-193=167 (46.39%)
Nicole: 269-146=123 (45.72%)
Ron: 430-238=192 (44.65%)
Sione: 372-226=146 (39.25%)
Dane: 412-258=154 (37.38%)
Filipe: 364-229=135 (37.09%)

Parachute, VA - She Is Love Lyrics&Video

2009-05-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

Parachute, VA - She Is Love Lyrics&Video

I've been beaten down, I've been kicked around,
But she takes it all for me.
And I lost my faith, in my darkest days,
But she makes me want to believe.

They call her love, love, love, love, love.
They call her love, love, love, love, love.
She's all I need.

Well I had my ways, they were all in vain,
But she waited patiently.
It was all the same, all my pride and shame,
And she put me on my feet.

They call her love, love, love, love, love.
They call her love, love, love, love, love.
They call her love, love, love, love, love.
She is love, and she is all I need.

Cause when that world slows down, dear.
And when those stars burn out, here.
Oh she'll be there, yes she'll be there,
They call her love, love, love, love, love.
They call her love, love, love, love, love.
They call her love, love, love, love, love.
They call her love, love, love, love, love.
She is love, and she is all I need,
She is love, and she is all I need,
She is love, and she is all I need.

Adam Lambert sang “Feeling Good”- Rat Pack night

2009-04-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

Adam Lambert sang “Feeling Good”- Rat Pack night

We are only three weeks away from the finale and the Idols are really fighting hard to join Adam in the top two. Really does anyone doubt Adam’s place in the finale?

Adam Lambert rocked “Feeling Good” and once again gave an amazing vocal performance- by far, one of the top performances of the final 5. Can Adam Lambert win American Idol?

"The way he's singing that song now, he's going to knock everybody's head off," Jamie Foxx says of Adam Lambert's performance of Feeling Good, probably the least known song of the night. (It was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1965 musical The Roar of the Greasepaint -- The Smell of the Crowd.)

The song has a bouncy 6/8 feel, and Adam, dressed in a white suit, starts simply but quickly vamps it up. It's flashy and sensual, and when Adam goes for the glory note, it's spectacular -- maybe the biggest, longest glory note in Idol history (anybody got a comparison)?

Randy feels he's sounding a like a broken record -- it was a little too theatrical, a little drama-filled -- but he's in the zone. Kara finds him shocking and confusing and sleazy and superb (she's very confused). Paula says words cannot describe: "You make me feel better than good."

Simon says Randy talking about Adam being too theatrical is like complaining that a cow moos. Simon says he gets the feeling that Adam wants to wins, wants to prove a point and wants to entertain. He also thinks it was Adam's best entrance of the year.

Feeling Good Lyrics

Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Reeds drifting on by
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me..
And I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea
You know how I feel
River running free
You know how I feel
Blossom in the tree
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me...
And I'm feeling good

Dragonflies out in the sun
You know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all having fun
You know what I mean
Sleep in peace
When, ah, this day is done
And this old world
Is a new world
And a bold world
For me...

Stars when you shine
You know how I feel
Scent of the pine
You know how I feel
Oh, freedom is mine
And you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me...

yeah, ooh
Oh, ooh...

Oooh, ooh..free, Freer than you...
Oooh, oooh
Feeling good

Swine Flu - general informations, symptoms and precautions

2009-04-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

Swine Flu.

The current situation regarding the outbreak of swine influenza A(H1N1) is evolving rapidly. As of 27 April 2009, the United States Government has reported 40 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A(H1N1), with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection with the same virus, including seven deaths. Canada has reported six cases, with no deaths, while Spain has reported one case, with no deaths.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

What is swine flu?

Like people, pigs can get influenza (flu),but swine flu viruses aren't the same as human flu viruses. Swine flu doesn't often infect people, and the rare human cases that have occurred in the past have mainly affected people who had direct contact with pigs. But the current swine flu outbreak is different. It's caused by a new swine flu virus that has spread from person to person -- and it's happening among people who haven't had any contact with pigs.

What are swine flu symptoms?

Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

Those symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, and that means that you and your doctor can't know, just based on your symptoms, if you've got swine flu. It takes a lab test to tell whether it's swine flu or some other condition.

If I think I have swine flu, what should I do? When should I see my doctor?

If you have flu symptoms, stay home, and when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterward, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. That will help prevent your flu from spreading.

If you've got flu symptoms, and you've recently been to a high-risk area like Mexico, CDC officials recommend that you see your doctor. If you have flu symptoms but you haven't been in a high-risk area, you can still see a doctor -- that's your call.

Keep in mind that your doctor will not be able to determine whether you have swine flu, but he or she would take a sample from you and send it to a state health department lab for testing to see if it's swine flu. If your doctor suspects swine flu, he or she would be able to write you a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza. Those drugs may not be required; U.S. swine flu patients have made a full recovery without it.

How does swine flu spread? Is it airborne?

The new swine flu virus apparently spreads just like regular flu. You could pick up germs directly from an infected person, or by touching an object they recently touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose, delivering their germs for your own infection. That's why you should make washing your hands a habit, even when you're not ill. Infected people can start spreading flu germs up to a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after getting sick, according to the CDC.

The swine flu virus can become airborne if you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth, sending germs into the air.

The U.S. residents infected with swine flu virus had no direct contact with pigs. The CDC says it's likely that the infections represent widely separated cycles of human-to-human infections.

How is swine flu treated?

The new swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. The CDC recommends those drugs to prevent or treat swine flu; the drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. But not everyone needs those drugs; many of the first people in the U.S. with lab-confirmed swine flu recovered without treatment. The Department of Homeland Security has released 25% of its stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza to states. Health officials have asked people not to hoard Tamiflu or Relenza.

.I had a flu vaccine this season. Am I protected against swine flu?

No. This season's flu vaccine wasn't made with the new swine flu virus in mind; no one saw this virus coming ahead of time.

How can I prevent swine flu infection?

The CDC recommends taking these steps:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Free Today: KFC's New Kentucky Grilled Chicken

2009-04-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

Free Today: KFC's New Kentucky Grilled Chicken

To celebrate the highly anticipated launch of its new Kentucky Grilled Chicken, fast food chain KFC is giving away gratis pieces of grilled chicken to customers today.

Apparently, the new recipe is just as top-secret as the Colonel's original fried chicken recipe. It's marinated and seasoned with a blend of six herbs and spices, then slow-grilled in a proprietary oven. I've been curious about this healthier version of chicken ever since it first came out a few weeks ago, so today will be the perfect chance to put it to the test.

What about you? Are you hungry? Have you tried the chicken yet?

If not, will you be sampling it for free today?

No need to clip or print coupons, and all you need to do is walk into a location and mention this promotion. The offer is available all day.

KFC: No Free Chicken for Memphis

While neighboring cities enjoyed a complimentary taste of KFC's new "Kentucky Grilled Chicken," Memphians were left out of the finger lickin' good deal.

KFC restaurants in Collierville, Cordova, Southaven and other outlying areas to Memphis carried the deal; Memphis, however, did not.

KFC released the flowing statement:
"More than 5,000 of our 5,200 KFC restaurants across the country are selling Kentucky Grilled Chicken and participating in 'UNFry Day.' As independent business operators, franchisees do have the option to carry the product, and the Memphis franchisee has chosen not to at this time. We hope our Memphis customers will try Kentucky Grilled Chicken when they are traveling in other cities."

Salma Hayek Ties the Knot Again

2009-04-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

Salma Hayek Ties the Knot Again

Salma Hayek and French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault - who quietly wed at City Hall in Paris on Valentine's Day - have walked down the aisle again.

The two wed Saturday on the second floor at the Teatro La Fenice, an opera house in Venice, Italy.

Guests arrived by boat, with Venitian masks covering their faces. Among the celeb attendees: Penelope Cruz and beau Javier Bardem, Ashley Judd and Antonio Banderas and wife Melanie Griffith. Woody Harrelson and Edward Norton, Hayek's ex, were also spotted in Venice.

Lilies, orchids and other blooms were delivered earlier in the day, so the ceremony likely had a strong floral scent. A five-course reception banquet, also at Teatro La Fenice, is set to take place after the ceremony.

The weekend celebration began Friday with a rehearsal dinner at the historic Punta Della Dogana. Guests at the masked ball included French president Jacques Chirac and wife Bernadette and Charlize Theron and boyfriend Stuart Townsend. A farewell brunch is set for Sunday.

Asked about her feelings for her husband, 46, Hayek, 42, told April's In Style, "He's the best." The two -- who first got engaged in 2007 but called off the wedding in 2008 -- welcomed daughter Valentina Paloma in September 2007.

"She is unique, magical – definitely the most colorful person I've ever met," the actress told In Style. "I feel so connected to her, but at the same time, we are completely different. I discover something new about her every day."

But whether or not the elaborate celebration cost Hayek and her luxury-goods-mogul hubby $2 million, as some speculated, her father-in-law made sure that the family left a hefty piece of their fortune behind when the party was over.

According to People, Pinault's father acquired the lease to the historic Punta Della Dogana and has spent more than $70 million renovating the property, which will open to the public June 6 as the Pinault Foundation Centre for Contemporary Art.

Iron Man 2: Don Cheadle -Terrence Howard

2009-04-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

Iron Man 2: Don Creadle - Terrence Howard

Iron Man 2 is a movie to really look forward to. The blockbuster movie Iron Man will have a sequel- Iron Man 2. But there is controversy arising from this upcoming movie. According to E-online, Terrence Howard is being replaced in the upcoming Iron Man II movie. Terrence was replaced by Don Cheadle after a salary dispute. Here's an excerpt of the report......

Terrence said:

"Marvel made a choice, and it was a very, very bad choice. They didn't keep their word. They didn't honor my contract," Howard tells Parade magazine. "They produced a great bounty with the first one but they put it all in the storehouse and you were not allowed in.

"They did the same thing with Gwyneth Paltrow, from what I've been told. They did with almost everyone except Robert Downey. One of the things that actors need to learn to do is always stick together, one for all and all for one."- EOnline.com

Howard harbors no ill will for Cheadle, who gave Howard one of the biggest breaks of his career by helping him land a part in 2004's Best Picture winner Crash.

"I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the movie," says Howard. "I want to see Don Cheadle become me. No, I want him to do better than me. That's what I really want to see. Don Cheadle was the reason I got Crash, so I have a lot of love for him."

Downey, Cheadle, Paltrow and the rest of the Iron Man 2 crew began shooting earlier this month. Howard is currently making the rounds promoting his new film, Fighting, opening this weekend.

Personally, whenever a movie has a part 2, I always prefer seeing the same actors/actresses starring in part 1. I will still be watching Iron Man 2 when it airs but the change in the actors does have an effect on me as a movie watcher. How about you?

Roselyn Sanchez wedding with Eric Winter was a mature decision!

2009-04-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Roselyn Sanchez wedding with Eric Winter was a mature decision!

Roselyn Sanchez has revealed that his decision to marry Eric was a mature decision and “instinctive” as before. she told this to Cbswatchmagazine.

Roselyn Sanchez is the cover girl on the latest issue of CBS Watch magazine. In the article she says “My instinct was always to be attracted to guys who are handfuls, who are going to bring a lot of drama into my life. But then, for the first time, when I was 32, I had some maturity. I saw this guywho had the most loving and respectful relationship with his mom. I said, ‘This is the guy.’

Sánchez was married to actor Gary Stretch from 1998, to 2001. After her divorce, she started a relationship with Puerto Rican salsa singer Victor Manuelle, which ended in 2005. She married actor Eric Winter on November 29, 2008, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The article talks about her journey from a nobody to a star. At 4, she studied ballet. At 6, she was playing piano. By 11, the dark-eyed beauty was already modeling and landing commercial work, roles in music videos and, later, swimsuits shoots. Way to go!

Growing up in San Juan, the youngest child and only daughter of an accountant father and school teacher mother, Sanchez began discovering her talents at an early age. At 4, she studied ballet. At 6, she was playing piano. By 11, the dark-eyed beauty was already modeling and landing commercial work, roles in music videos and, later, swimsuits shoots. At only 5 feet 5, Sanchez admits modestly, her future on the fashion runways was limited. But she still managed to parlay two pageant wins-as Miss Puerto Rico Petite and then as Miss America Petite-into both a bit part as an island girl in the locally produced 1992 Martin Short and Kurt Russell comedy film Captain Ron, and more notably, a role on the island’s top sketch comedy show, Que Vacilon!

“I had been married before, and after that, it was very difficult for me to find somebody I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with,” Sanchez says about meeting her husband-to-be more than three years ago.

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T23:54:00.000-07:00

EARTH DAY 2009 : THE GREEN GENERATIONEarth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Earth Day is a time to unite around new actions. Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet.

Earth Day 2009, April 22, will mark the The Green Generation Campaign which will also be the focus of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. With negotiations for a new global climate agreement coming up in December, Earth Day 2009 must be a day of action and civic participation, to defend The Green GenerationTM’s core principles:

A carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will end our common dependency on fossil fuels, including coal.

An individual’s commitment to responsible, sustainable consumption.

Creation of a new green economy that lifts people out of poverty by creating millions of quality green jobs and transforms the global education system into

History Repeats Itself

Although the idea for Earth Day came about in the early 1960s, the first official Earth Day wasn’t held until 1970.
The purpose was to draw attention to environmental issues that we tossed to the side (air and water pollution, the dumping of toxic chemicals and the destruction of natural habitat) and received little to no federal attention at the time.
Earth Day was based on the fundamentals of grass roots organizing, and events took place around the country.
Such local efforts are still at the heart of every Earth Day celebration.

The 10 actions are:
1. Use less water. 2. Commute without polluting. 3. Save electricity.
4. Reduce, reuse and recycle. 5. Test your home for radon.
6. Check your local air quality. 7. Use chemicals safely.
8. Reuse and recycle electronics. 9. Enjoy the outdoors safely.
10. Spread the word to family and friends.

Global climate change affects our water supply, and right now billions of people don’t have access to clean water. To conserve water here in the U.S., there are some easy steps you can take to reduce your consumption:

Using one drinking glass or reusable bottle per day, rather than disposable plastic bottles
Dumping ice or leftover water on plants instead of down the drain
Turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth, shaving and soaping dishes
Changing a washer’s settings to reflect the appropriate size load

Make Every Day is Earth Day........save earth........

Beijing Olympics: Faking scandal over girl who 'sang' in opening ceremony

2009-04-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Beijing Olympics: Faking scandal over girl who 'sang' in opening ceremony

Chinese officials have admitted deceiving the public over another highlight of the Olympic opening ceremony: the picture-perfect schoolgirl who sang as the Chinese flag entered the stadium was performing to another girl's voice.

But the last moment a member of the Chinese politburo who was watching a rehearsal pronounced that the winner, a girl called Yang Peiyi, might have a perfect voice but was unsuited to the lead role because of her buck teeth.

So, on the night, while a pre-recording of Yang Peiyi singing was played, Lin Miaoke, who has already featured in television advertisements, was seen but not heard.

"This was a last-minute question, a choice we had to make," the ceremony's musical designer, Chen Qigang, said. "Our rehearsals had already been vetted several times - they were all very strict. When we had the dress rehearsals, there were spectators from various divisions, including above all a member of the politburo who gave us his verdict: we had to make the swap."

Mr Chen's interview gave an extraordinary insight into the control exercised over the ceremony by the Games' political overseers, all to ensure the country was seen at its best.

Officials have already admitted that the pictures of giant firework footprints which marched across Beijing towards the stadium on Friday night were prerecorded, digitally enhanced and inserted into footage beamed across the world.

Mr Chen said the initial hopefuls to sing the anthem had been reduced to ten, and one, a ten-year-old, had originally been chosen for the quality of her voice. But she, too, had fallen by the wayside because she was not "cute" enough.

"We used her to sing in all the rehearsals," Mr Chen said. "But in the end the director thought her image was not the most appropriate, because she was a little too old. Regrettably, we had to let her go." At that point Yang Peiyi stepped up to the plate.

"The main consideration was the national interest," he said. "The child on the screen should be flawless in image, in her internal feelings, and in her expression. In the matter of her voice, Yang Peiyi was flawless, in the unanimous opinion of all the members of the team."

That was until attention turned to Yang Peiyi's teeth. Nevertheless, Mr Chen thought the end result a perfect compromise.

"We have a responsibility to face the audience of the whole country, and to be open with this explanation," he said. "We should all understand it like this: it is a question of the national interest. It is a question of the image of our national music, our national culture.

"Especially at the entrance of our national flag, this is an extremely important, an extremely serious matter.

"So we made the choice. I think it is fair to both Lin Miaoke and Yang Peiyi - after all, we have a perfect voice, a perfect image and a perfect show, in our team's view, all together."

One question remains: why was Lin Miaoke allowed to give interviews in which she lapped up the praise for her singing. Mr Chen said she might not have known that the words she was singing could not be heard. She had, in fact, only known she was going to perform at all 15 minutes beforehand.

Yang Peiyi is said to have reacted well to the disappointment. "I am proud to have been chosen to sing at all," she is reported to have said.

The girl in the red dress with the pigtails, called Lin Miaoke, 9, and from a Beijing primary school, has become a national sensation since Friday night, giving interviews to all the most popular newspapers.

But the show's musical designer felt forced to set the record straight. He gave an interview to Beijing radio saying the real singer was a seven-year-old girl who had won a gruelling competition to perform the anthem, a patriotic song called "Hymn to the Motherland".

Adam Lambert sings If I Can’t Have You on American Idol

2009-04-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Adam Lambert sings If I Can’t Have You on American Idol

Adam Lambert sings If I Can’t Have You by Yvonne Elliman on American Idol 8 Top 7

Beautiful.......Just beautiful. Good job Adam! So inspirational. So original.

Michael Orland helped Adam with the arrangement. Go Glambert!

Adam Lambert continued to wow the audience on American Idol this evening (April 21), with a unique rendition of the Bee Gees hit “If I Can’t Have You.” Lambert turned the song into more of a ballad, using his full vocal range in what was again was an impeccable vocal performance.

Lambert performed earlier in the show tonight, so we managed to land reactions from all the judges this time. Randy said he loves how he can sing everything, saying “you’ve got it majorly going on, he’s a hot one tonight, America!” Kara says Adam is brilliant, and calls it “the most memorable performance.” Paula, who looked like a puppy dog during the performance, calls Adam awesome, and says he’ll be in the finals. Simon says that Adam did something they weren’t expecting, that the mix was original and definitely memorable.

Here’s the video of Adam Lambert singing If I Can’t Have You on the American Idol April 21:

Miss North Carolina USA crowned Miss USA 2009

2009-04-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

Kristen Dalton was crowned as Miss USA 2009

Miss North Carolina USA Kristen Dalton was crowned Miss USA 2009 on Sunday, beating out 50 other beauty queens in the live pageant televised from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The 21-year-old aspiring motivational speaker from Wilmington edged out first runner-up Miss California USA Carrie Prejean, of San Diego, and second runner-up Miss Arizona USA Alicia-Monique Blanco, of Phoenix.

Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia competed in the pageant, aired live on NBC. Contestants were judged by their performance in swimsuit and evening gown modeling contests and their responses to a question asked onstage; unlike the rival Miss America pageant, Miss USA contestants do not perform a talent.

The top 15 contestants worked the stage in white string bikinis designed by pop star Jessica Simpson's swimwear line. Rocker Kevin Rudolf performed his song "Let it Rock," followed by The Veronicas, who performed their single "Untouched" as the top 10 beauties showed off their choice of glittering evening gowns.

Dalton's title comes with a year's use of a New York apartment, a public relations team, a two-year scholarship at the New York Film Academy and an undisclosed salary.

She also will go to the Bahamas in August to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, where American beauties haven't been lucky in recent years. Both Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart and her predecessor, Rachel Smith, wiped out on stage during the evening gown competition, becoming accidental YouTube stars.

Asked about the tumble during the show on Sunday, Stewart said it was a lesson in bouncing back from defeat.

"I think it was a true test of my character," said the 27-year-old Texan, who worked to raise awareness for breast cancer as she traveled the globe promoting the beauty contest.

If there is a YouTube moment from Sunday's show, it may be Miss California's answer to a question about legalizing same-sex marriage. The tall blonde stumbled some before giving an answer that appeared to please the pageant audience.

"We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage," Prejean said. "And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

Some in the audience cheered, others booed.

The pageant had enjoyed a scandal-free year until earlier this month, when Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza was skewered for a blog posting from a trip to Guantanamo Bay. The entry described having "aloooot of fun" at a base that houses the notorious military prison; it was later deleted from the pageant's Web site.

The contest, which is owned by NBC and reality TV mogul Donald Trump, was hosted by "Access Hollywood" co-anchor Billy Bush and Nadine Velazquez of the NBC sitcom "My Name is Earl." This year's judges included "Saturday Night Live" cast member Kenan Thompson, "Dancing with the Stars" winner Kelly Monaco and gossip blogger Perez Hilton.

Miss Wyoming USA Cynthia Pate, of Casper, Wyo., was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Jessi Pierson, of Milton, W.Va., was voted Miss Photogenic through an online contest on the Miss Universe Web site.

Organizers said Sunday's show kicks off "Green Week" at NBC. As part of the environmental awareness campaign, the Miss USA crown was designed by a jeweler that specializes in conflict-free and eco-friendly jewels. The crown from Diamond Nexus Labs of Franklin, Wis., is worth $202,000.

Facts about her:
Sister of Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2008, Daughter of Miss North Carolina USA 1982, 1st runner up at Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2005

Captain Richard Phillips reunited with wife, family; arrives home after pirate hijacking

2009-04-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

Captain Richard Phillips reunited with his family

Freed pirate hostage Capt. Richard Phillips, a smile on his face and his daughter's arms around his waist, enjoyed an emotional Vermont homecoming Friday with family and friends.

The self-deprecating Phillips, insisting he was no hero, waved to the delighted crowd of well-wishers, reporters and TV crews then planted a kiss on wife Andrea after the 18-1/2-hour flight from Kenya to Burlington Airport in Vermont.

The only sign of his ordeal at the hands of Somali pirates were scabs on his wrists where he was shackled."I can't believe this," said Phillips, sporting a gray goatee, blue jumpsuit and USS Bainbridge baseball cap.

"I'm not a hero. It just floors me."

The captain's wife and two kids, Mariah and Daniel, hugged him during a private moment aboard the corporate jet, a joyous ending that seemed uncertain during five days of high-seas drama as a hostage to four Somali pirates.

In his first public comments since the hijacking, Phillips thanked the Navy SEALs who killed his captors.

"They're the superheroes, they're the titans," said Phillips, who also hailed his bosses and fellow Vermonters.

He saved particular praise for his crew of 19, which regained control of the Maersk Alabama from the heavily armed pirates on April 8.

"We did it," he said in a message to his men. "I told you it wasn't going to be if, it's going to be when, and we did what we train to do ... I'm so proud of them."

The jet carrying the skipper touched down shortly before 4:30 p.m., with a small crowd at the airport cheering loudly as Phillips walked across the tarmac.

Mariah Phillips put a bear hug around her dad's waist, clinging to his side before they headed home. Mariah Phillips grew up hearing stories about pirates. In the back of her mind, she always knew they were there.

"My dad would always tell me and my brother about pirate activities," the 18-year-old Castleton State College graphic design student told The Spartan. "I knew they were out there in small boats. I just never thought they could overtake a 780-foot cargo boat." I was in a state of shock.This is something that happens to other people. Obviously, I am other people.It’s remarkable.You never know how strong your family can be when something like this happens.”

Budding TV reporter Damon Weaver offered full scholarship at Albany State University

2009-04-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

Budding TV reporter Damon Weaver offered full scholarship at Albany State University

Wow! Congratulations are in order to Damon Weaver today. According to NBC News in Miami, the kid reporter - whose resume includes a famously viral Joe Biden interview, official credentials to cover the Presidential inauguration, and a segment from 20/20, in addition to tons of yeoman's work done for his school's news bureau - has landed himself a college scholarship. Not bad for a kid looking forward to the sixth grade!

Before he fills out his first college application, takes his first placement test - heck - before he leaves elementary school, Damon Weaver knows he is going to college. Albany State University in Georgia has offered the fifth grader at K.E. Cunningham/Canal Point Elementary school a full ride.

Beverly Robinson, the university's vice president for student affairs, learned about Damon through a series of reports he did for his elementary school TV station during the presidential campaign, including interviews with then-presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.

Through his sometimes unintentionally funny videos, Damon has reported on real issues through the eyes of a kid. Last week, in a decidedly serious turn, he reported for 20/20 about gun violence in his Pahokee hometown.

In a letter to Damon offering a full, four-year scholarship, Albany State University President Everett Freeman wrote: "In life we do many things, but to realize a life goal at such a young age is truly a wonderful accomplishment. I am sure your family, friends and your school are very proud of you. We, too, at Albany State University have followed your young career and share the pride with citizens of South Florida."

Damon plans to accept the offer. Albany State University has also offered Dam on free summer sessions through middle and high school. "I'm really happy," Damon said in an announcement by the school district. "I didn't know how I was going to be able to afford college, and now this is a big relief to my mother and my family." The Pahokee student, 10, is a YouTube star who has interviewed a range of celebrities and politicians, including Oprah Winfrey and Joe Biden, when he was vice presidential candidate. Damon, who has been interviewed by CNN and other national networks, appeared last week on an ABC News 20/20 report about crime in America.

"In life we do many things, but to realize a life goal at such a young age is truly a wonderful accomplishment," wrote Albany State University President Everette J. Freeman in a March 30 letter to Damon. "We, too, at Albany State University have followed your young career and share the pride with citizens of South Florida."

Weaver says the scholarship "is a big relief to me and my family." I can just imagine!

Weaver remains steadfast in his pursuit of an interview with President Barack Obama. To which I say, Mr. President - seriously - you need to get yourself on the ground floor with this kid, for real.

Harry Potter Trailer

2009-04-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince Trailer

Warner Bros. have officially released a new trailer for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince". Clocking in at around two minutes and twenty seconds, the brand new trailer reels in many never-before-seen footage and is packed with tension, action and drama. Through it, a snippet of the duel between Harry Potter and Draco is put out.

Dark scenes in which Snape stands in front of Hagrid's burning hut, Katie Bell rises into air from cursed necklace and Fenrir Greyback rampages Diagon Alley are also included in the trailer. Aside from those serious scenes, other footage like the time Ginny tells Harry Potter to take her hand and Hermione hits Ron with her book can also be enjoyed.

In addition to the freshly-released trailer, AceShowbiz has captured a series of screen shots from the trailer. The screen shots give up a closer look at Georgina Leonidas' Katie Bell, Helen McCrory's Narcissa Malfoy, the Weasley family and muggles at The Millennium Bridge among other pictures.

The Final Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Movie Trailer

Warner Bros has officially released the third and likely final trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. You may have noticed that a low res version of the trailer leaked earlier today thanks to E! Online. But now the higher resolution trailer is now available, as well as HD viewing options. Watch the trailer embedded

Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry Potter suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching.

Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information.

Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry Potter finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealousy but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

Related News :

Final Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Trailer And Sneak Peak!

New Yankee Stadium

2009-04-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

Tenant: New York Yankees
Capacity: 56,937
Surface: Grass
Cost: $2.5 Million, $48 Million (renovations)
Opened: April 18, 1923
Closed: September 21, 2008
Demolished: 2009

Dimensions: 318-L, 408-C, 314-R
Architect: Osborn Engineering
Owner: City of New York
Former Name(s): None
Naming Rights: None - Named after the Yankees
Home Dugout: First Base

Yankee Stadium is a stadium located in the New York City borough of the Bronx. It serves as the home ballpark for the New York Yankees, replacing the previous - built in 1923 - Yankee Stadium. This, the new ballpark was constructed across the street, north-northeast of the 1923 Yankee Stadium, on the former site of Macombs Dam Park. The first event at the new Yankee Stadium was an exhibition game played on April 3, 2009, when the Yankees hosted one of two pre-season games against the Chicago Cubs. The first regular season game was played on April 16, 2009 when the Yankees lost 10–2 to the Cleveland Indians.

Much of the stadium incorporates design elements from the previous Yankee Stadium, while paying homage to the Yankees' history. Although the stadium began construction in August 2006, the project of building a new stadium for the Yankees is one that has spanned many years and faced many controversies. Financing for the stadium has been a very divisive issue, with New York City citizens criticizing the city's decision to use funds to build the sports venue, instead of using it for other pressing issues. The projected total cost of the stadium is $1.5 billion, making it the most expensive stadium in the world after Wembley Stadium.Throughout the world there are buildings or structures, that over time become famous, legendary or popular for a variety of reasons. The 2008 baseball season marked the end to one of the most famous stadiums in the world, Yankee Stadium. Since its opening more than eight decades ago, the stadium was the home to one of the greatest teams in sports, the New York Yankees with legendary players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle and today's stars of Alex Rodriquez and Derek Jeter.

The Yankees have a long history that dates back to Baltimore at the turn of the 20th century. They moved to New York in 1903, were known as the New York Highlanders and played at Hilltop Park until 1912 when their lease expired. They accepted an invitation to play at the New York Giants home, Polo Grounds and changed their name to the Yankees. They signed a ten year lease at the Polo Grounds in 1913 and began to outdraw the Giants at the end of the decade with the acquisition of Babe Ruth. By 1920 the Yankees became the first team to attract more than one million fans. The Giants evicted the Yankees after the 1922 season hoping that the Yankees would have to move to a borough far away so the Giants could attract more fans.

Stadium comparison

Statistic	Old Stadium [2008]	New Stadium
Opening Day	April 18, 1923	April 16, 2009
Capacity	56,866	52,325 (includes standing room)
Seat width	18" to 22" (46 to 55 cm)	19" to 24" (48 to 61 cm)
Legroom	29.5" (75 cm)	33" to 39" (84 to 99 cm)
Concourse width (average)	17 ft (5.2 m)	32 ft (9.8 m)
Cup holders	None	All seats in general seating bowl
Luxury suites	19	56
Team stores	6,800 sq ft (630 m²)	11,560 sq ft (1,074 m²)
Restroom fixture ratio	1 per 89 fans	1 per 60 fans
Public elevators (passenger lifts)	3 (Otis Traction)	16 (KONE Traction)
Video scoreboard	25' by 33' (7.6 x 10.1 m) (Standard Definition LED)	59' by 101' (18 x 30.8 m) (High Definition LED)
Distance from Home Plate to:
Backstop	72' 4" (22.05 m)	52' 4" (15.95 m)
Left Field	318'	318' ( 96.9 m)
Left Center	399'	399' (121.6 m)
Center Field	408'	408' (124.4 m)
Right Center	385'	385' (117.3 m)
Right Field	314'	314' ( 95.7 m)

Statistic	Exhibition Game April 3, 2009	Opening Day April 16, 2009
Final Score	Yankees 7, Cubs 4	Indians 10, Yankees 2
Ceremonial First Pitch	Reggie Jackson	Yogi Berra
First Pitch	Chien-Ming Wang	CC Sabathia
First Batter	Aaron Miles (Cubs)	Grady Sizemore (Indians)
First Hit	Aaron Miles (Cubs)	Johnny Damon
First Yankees Batter	Derek Jeter	Derek Jeter
First Yankees Hit	Derek Jeter	Johnny Damon
First Home Run	Robinson Cano	Jorge Posada
First Grand Slam	-	Grady Sizemore (Indians)
First Win	Chien-Ming Wang	Cliff Lee (Indians)
First Save	Jonathan Albaladejo	-

YANKEE STADIUM STADIUM FACTS, FIGURES AND PICTURES

Heidi Klum is expecting her fourth baby

2009-04-17T04:57:00.000-07:00

Heidi Klum is expecting her fourth baby
Supermodel Heidi Klum can't hide it any longer. She's having her fourth child, her third child with singer husband Seal. This German supermodel, Heidi Klum is three months pregnant, according to reports. Seal is delighted with the news.

The pair also have a three-year-old son Henry and a two-year-old son Johan, and raise Heidi’s daughter Leni, four, together. Seal is also the adoptive father of Helene “Leni” Klum, who Klum had with Flavio Briatore. It has been claimed Heidi is planning to announce her happy news soon.

Rumours about Heidi’s pregnancy began circulating when details of couture gowns she will wear on US TV series Project Runway were posted online. The outfits have reportedly had to be re-designed in order to accommodate her growing tummy. Heidi is not the only famous face to be surrounded by pregnancy rumours.

One source claimed that the “Project Runway” host is more than three months pregnant. When contacted by Access Hollywood, a rep for Klum had no comment.

She wasn't planning on announcing her pregnancy this early, but when sketches of her in a couture gown redesigned for a growing baby bump got posted on the Internet, it was pretty easy to guess what was going on.

And the big news for PR fans is that "Project Runway" returns to the Big Apple for its seventh season with shooting starting in the summer.

Wanna bet there's a maternity challenge coming?

The really annoying thing about this fourth-baby business? After three kids, she still looks great modeling lingerie and swimsuits. And she probably will after the fourth. It's mind-boggling.

Angelina Jolie is said to be two months pregnant with her fourth biological child with partner Brad Pitt.

The actress - who already has daughter Shiloh, two, nine-month-old twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline and adopted kids Maddox, seven, Pax, five and three-year-old Zahara - was amazed when she found out the happy news.

A source told America’s Star magazine: "Yes, Angelina is pregnant. They'd been trying for another baby for months, but it was still a total shock when she found out."

Actress Callie Thorne says claws come out this season on 'Rescue Me'

2009-04-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Actress Callie Thorne says claws come out this season on 'Rescue Me'

Tough and sensual, Callie Thorne spans both the theater world and the television loop with her versatile acting expertise. Her love for her craft is evident in her effective portrayals of exigent character roles. Surprisingly, she has the ability to channel her disappointments and frustrations in life to more productive and lucrative endeavors like acting. Oozing with sex appeal, she simply catches the attention of spectators and transforms them into solid fans. Her strong presence on cam has enabled her to be part of a number of drama series. At present, she is part of the popular show Rescue Me.

On the telev ision series Rescue Me, Thorne stars as Sheila Keefe who is a 9/11 widow of Jimmy, the cousin of Tommy Gavin. She depicts a needy and troubled character that has a stormy relationship with Tommy. Her sadistic romantic interest in the lead character has certainly made the show very interesting and intriguing to watch.

This will be no powder-puff scuffle between the ladies of "Rescue Me."

The 39-year-old Thorne calls the Sheila-Janet clashes "some of the juiciest stuff that I've gotten to do on 'Rescue Me,'" which has just returned on FX for its fifth season.

These aren't sissy cat fights, says Thorne, who describes them as "down and dirty."

This will be no powder-puff scuffle between the ladies of “Rescue Me.”

“Rescue Me” airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EDT.

Biography

Callie Thorne was born in New York City on November 20, 1969. She studied theater at Wheaton College in Massachusetts and The Lee Strasberg Institute in New York. Callie had guest appearances in shows such as Law & Order, The Wire, and Prison Break. Her most recognizable film project was in 1998’s Chocolate for Breakfast.

The Golden Boy,Oscar De La Hoya-Quits Boxing At 36

2009-04-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

A superstar whose popularity transcends boxing, Oscar De La Hoya is considered to be one of the best fighters in the world at any weight - “Pound-for-Pound.” He is also the biggest non-heavyweight attraction and moneymaker at the gate, defeating 19 current or former world champions, one twice, in the process.

The Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya won 10 titles in six weight classes, been on a record 19 pay-per-view fights, has generated just shy of $700 million in pay-per-view revenue and carried his sport through thick and mostly thin. He already bronzed, announced his retirement as a boxer Tuesday. This was not so much news as it was inevitability.

He is 36, has had 45 fights, won 10 titles in six weight classes, been on a record 19 pay-per-view fights and a record 32 HBO telecasts, has generated just shy of $700 million in pay-per-view revenue, also a record, and has carried his sport, through thick and mostly thin, for much of his 17 years as a pro fighter.

More important, he has a wife and kids and knows he is reaching the stage where more fights, more blows to the head, can lead more quickly to slurring than to success.
"I want to watch my kids grow up," De La Hoya said.
Tim Leiweke, a business partner of De La Hoya's in Golden Boy Promotions, seconded that in his turn at the lectern.
"His wife, Millie, will be glad to get him back," Leiweke said, "and completely intact."

He was six years old when he first began to box. "My brother, Joel Jr., put a pair on me and the other pair on one of my cousins," Oscar recalled. " Then he yelled 'Time!' immediately, I covered my cheeks with the gloves." "The next thing I knew — wham — the first punch is a left jab that goes between my gloves and lands smack on my nose!" Oscar De La Hoya ran home, crying every step of the way.

De La Hoya never pictured himself becoming a fighter. He was always found in the park playing baseball with the other kids. It was actually his older brother Joel Jr. who many believed had the potential to become a great fighter.

Joel Jr. never pictured his younger brother as a fighter. "Oscar hated physical confrontations, he never had a street fight. He preferred to play with skateboards near the house and baseball in the park. Nothing violent." But boxing is in the De La Hoya tradition and blood. It goes back several generations when his grandfather, Vicente, a 126-pound amateur in the 1940s, and his father Joel, Sr., who fought as a lightweight in the professional ranks in the mid-1960s.

Oscar was being pushed to go to the gym and learn to defend himself. He started going to the Eastside Boxing Gym in East L.A and began training and remembers that "every time I won a fight, my cousins, aunts and uncles would give me money. A dollar here, a quarter there, half a buck."

His pro career began Nov. 23, 1992, just months after he won the only United States gold medal in boxing at the Barcelona Olympics. That pro debut, De La Hoya fighting Lamar Williams at 133 pounds, was described by boxing writer Earl Gustkey of The Times:
"Oscar De La Hoya launched his professional boxing career at 9:22 p.m. Monday night at the Forum. By 9:24, he was 1-0 and looking happily to a future more golden than his recent past."

He won his first title March 5, 1994, against Jimmi Bredahl at the Forum, at 130 pounds. And he didn't lose until Sept. 18, 1999, or 31 fights into his career, when he took a big lead and then tired and coasted at the end against Felix Trinidad, who was awarded a controversial decision.

Oscar De La Hoya
Real name	Oscar De La Hoya
Nickname(s)	"The Golden Boy"
Rated at	Light Middleweight
Height	5 ft 10 in (179 cm)
Nationality	Mexican
Birth date	February 4, 1973 (1973-02-04) (age 36)
Birth place	Los Angeles, CA
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	45
Wins	39
Wins by KO	30
Losses	6
Draws	0
No contests	0