Nov 7 - George Clooney

We get more paranormal activity this week in The Men Who Stare at Goats, starring George Clooney, Jeff Bridges and Stephen Lang about a reporter's efforts to reveal the story of an Army unit (supposedly real) seeking to harness the parapsychology for the benefit of the U.S. The movie, writes Steven Rea in the Philadelphia Inquirer, "has a glorious good time satirizing the extravagant lengths to which the military and intelligence establishments will go if they think there's a payoff at the other end." That's especially true in the case of Clooney, several critics observe. Roger Moore in the Orlando Sentinel , for example, observes that "'Wacky' isn't George Clooney's strong suit as an actor.

But it's always at least amusing to watch the suave, silky leading man let his freak flag fly." In the San Francisco Chronicle Mike LaSalle writes that the movie shows just how far Clooney has come in his acting ability, "building a screen identity that's as specific and engaging as that of any classic film star. Like a James Stewart or a John Wayne, Clooney represents something just standing there - integrity, shrewdness, irony and self-deprecation. Or, to put it simply, today's American man." But Kenneth Turan in the Los Angeles Times writes that although the movie may have initially been conceived as a showcase for Clooney, "more or less stealing the picture from Clooney is Jeff Bridges, an actor you can never see often enough.
11/06/2009 8:48 pm Casey Alexis

Nov 7 - Beating it to the ground

Chris Brown has heard what Rihanna has said about her beating – and while he supports her right to speak out, he wishes she had kept quiet. 'I maintain my position that all of the details should remain a private matter between us," he said in the statement to MTV. "I do appreciate her support and wish her the best."

In a 20/20 interview Friday, Rihanna offers a graphic account of the Feb. 7 fight with her then-boyfriend Brown, describing what she calls the terrifying blankness that seemed to come over him as he assaulted her. "He was clearly blacked-out," she says. "There was no person when I looked at him."

Although Brown declined to respond to her specific comments, he again took responsibility.

"I am extremely sorry for what I did, and I accept accountability for my actions," he tells MTV. "At this point, I am taking the proper steps to learn about me and grow from my mistakes. I only hope that others in similar situations can learn from our experience as well. Abuse of any kind is always wrong. The rest I leave it to God."
11/06/2009 8:45 pm Casey Alexis

Nov 7 - Seperated!

On top of her health problems, lawsuits and financial woes, this is the last thing she needs! Singer Toni Braxton is separating from her husband of eight years, Keri Lewis, formerly of Mint Condition. Poor thing! Although no details have been released about why the couple is seperating, we are praying it was a mutual decision and not another hollywood drama. Sorry Toni!!! We are sending positive thoughts your way!
11/06/2009 8:43 pm Casey Alexis

Nov 7 - 'Precious' displays power of film

The title character of "Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire" is a hushed, damaged, morbidly obese 16-year-old African-American girl from the lower depths of Harlem. It's 1987, and Claireece Precious Jones is poor and ignorant, a depressed, withdrawn shell of a human being, with a face so inexpressive it might be a visor clamped down over her features.

Gabourey Sidibe, the startling newcomer who plays Precious, is actually softly pretty, with catlike eyes that narrow into a tensely focused glare. Precious speaks to us in voice-over (we hear her flowery notions of running off with a math teacher to suburban Westchester), and the film keeps cutting to her fantasies, which are spangly, TV-addict daydreams in which she whirls around in silk and feather boas, adored by the world.

Outside those fantasies, Precious can't imagine a life. She rarely talks, never smiles, and hardly even frowns; she looks like it would take too much effort. Sidibe plays her with barely visible tremors of feeling that cue us to what this arrested girl is holding back. She's an almost totally passive protagonist, cut off from everyone, including us.

In her first dramatic role, the comedian Mo'Nique acts with such force that she burns a hole in the screen. Her Mary is raging and defeated, a woman who treats Precious as a slave -- and I don't use the word lightly, since part of the film's power is its perception that these two are living out patterns of cruelty that go back for generations. Their agony has roots.

What's terrifying about the abuse here is how casually it's accepted as a fact of life, by both perpetrator and victim. Mary hates her daughter because she thinks that Precious has "stolen" her man. Yet she also exploits her as a welfare ticket. How to escape this hell?

One night, the two get a visit from a school administrator, who wants to enroll Precious in a special program for problem students. Quietly, almost instinctively, Precious signs up. The program becomes her pathway out of the madness and into a real life. And if that sounds like a facile feel-good scenario, the way that Daniels stages it, sticking to the merciless outline of Sapphire's novel, it's more like a slow walk of redemption marked by tiny roadside bombs that keep going off.


11/06/2009 8:22 pm Arianaisha

Nov 7 - Are your favourite stars lip-synching?

While it's hardly news these days that certain stars lip-synch on-stage, particularly those whose live shows involve complicated and (literally) breathtaking choreography, you could argue it's a bit cheeky to do it on TV shows or when your gigs aren't so involved. Check my list, who have all be busted faking their vocals.

Mariah Carey, Miss Mimi recently raised the ire (once again) of professional nit-picker Perez Hilton after she appeared to be lip-synching during two April 2008 performances, first during the German version of Idol, then on the Paul O'Grady Show.

Madonna, lton John had plenty to say when Madonna won Best Live Act at the Q Awards in 2004. An outraged La John exclaimed, "Madonna, best f****** live act? F*** off. Since when has lip-synching been live? Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay to see them should be shot."

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz began "singing" Autobiography, her second song during an appearance on America's Saturday Night Live. The only problem was, Simpson had her mouth shut. Instead of retreating with dignity, she decided to cover up her embarrassment by barn-dancing. "Acid reflux disease" (what else?) was later blamed for the stuff up, before it was less-than-sensationally revealed that her drummer had cued the wrong song.


11/06/2009 5:11 pm Arianaisha

Nov 7 - Judge OKs plea deal for 'Girls Gone Wild' founder

A judge sentenced "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis on Friday to 301 days already served and a year of probation for filing false income tax returns and bribing Nevada jail workers. U.S. District Judge S. James Otero accepted plea deal between Francis and prosecutors, who struck the agreement after learning that a key witness had withheld information.

Francis was indicted by a federal grand jury on tax evasion charges in 2007. Francis pleaded guilty in September to two misdemeanor counts of filing false tax returns and one count of bribing Nevada jail workers in exchange for food.

He admitted to omitting more than $500,000 in interest income on his 2003 tax returns and said he gave more than $5,000 in goods to the jail employees. Francis has to pay $250,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
11/06/2009 4:13 pm SMMurphy PhotoArt

Nov. 7 - Steven Tyler out?

Aerosmith are considering replacing Steven Tyler with a new vocalist, according to guitarist Brad Whitford. After Tyler fell offstage during a gig in Dakota in August, Aerosmith postponed a South American tour, and lead guitarist Joe Perry admitted that Tyler had 'got to get his act together' if the band are to survive.

"Nobody could replace Steven or imitate him – he's one of a kind. But if somebody was willing to do it and the chemistry was right, why not?"


11/06/2009 2:31 pm Waitman Gobble

Nov 7 - Fannie Mae offers borrowers option to Foreclosure

Can't pay the mortgage? You still might be able to stay in your home. Government-controlled mortgage company Fannie Mae is going to give borrowers on the verge of foreclosure the option of renting their homes for a year. The new "Deed for Lease" program will allow homeowners to transfer title to Fannie Mae and sign a one-year lease, with potential month-to-month extensions after that.

Fannie Mae executives said the rental program is to help delinquent homeowners who don't qualify for a loan modification, but still want to stay in their homes. To qualify, homeowners have to live in the home as the primary residence and prove that they can afford the market rent which are based on current market rates.

The plan is expected to be particularly good where homeowners are stuck paying large mortgage bills on homes that are now worth less than they originally paid. Rrents have been falling so by renting the same house, the former homeowner could end up paying less every month.
I
n the first nine months of the year, Fannie Mae took ownership of nearly 2,000 properties through a process known as a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
Experts say Fannie Mae's new policy could make sense, even if prices don't rebound quickly. The company will get rental income while avoiding costly foreclosure expenses.

It will also help to safeguard the homes, which are less likely to be vandalized when occupied.

11/06/2009 1:04 pm SMMurphy PhotoArt

Nov 7 - Van stolen 35 years ago in Wash. State Recovered

A Volkswagen van stolen 35 years ago in Washington state has been found in a shipping container at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. Customs agents found the 1965 van on Oct. 19 when they opened a shipping container bound for The Netherlands, The Spokesman-Review newspaper reported. They ran the vehicle identification number and discovered it was listed as stolen.

Law officers said the van, which is in great shape, was stolen from an upholstery shop in Spokane on July 12, 1974 — while Spokane was hosting the 1974 World's Fair.

Authorities have not been able to find the original owner, whom they would not identify.

The operators of a vehicle restoration business in Arizona were the latest to have possession of the van, which they refurbished and planned to sell overseas, said Michael Maleta, an investigator with the California Highway Patrol. Maleta said the shop is also considered a victim in the case, and he declined to identify it.

The van now legally belongs to Allstate Insurance Co., which paid off the original owner's theft claim back in 1974. The Highway Patrol turned over the van to Allstate this week.

Maleta said the van had been restored to pristine condition.

"Now it's probably worth 27 grand," he said. "It's a beautiful van."

Megan Brunet, a spokeswoman for Allstate, said the company is looking through old records trying to find the original policy and theft claim.

"Trying to find paper files from that far back can be pretty challenging," she said.

The company will likely have the van appraised and go through the process of getting a replacement title before selling it at auction, she said.


11/06/2009 12:05 pm KASI

Nov 7 - Rock Icon May Get $10 Million for Tell-All

Bruce Springsteen is reportedly at work on an autobiography that could earn the rocker $10 million. The 60-year-old rocker is said to be chipping away at a manuscript that book publishers would love to get their hands on. "It could be the biggest rock music autobiography of all time," a major publishing insider told the New York Post. "He could get $9 million to $10 million for the world rights."

Through the years there have been a number of books written about Springsteen, including officially-sanctioned bios penned by his unofficial historian, Dave Marsh. There's no word on whether Marsh -- who is married to Springsteen's co-manager Barbara Carr -- will be involved in the project.

The anonymous source claims, "Springsteen is a better writer than Marsh." That opinion aside, Springsteen is said to be interested in hiring a researcher to work with him on the project.

Insiders tell the paper that a bidding war could easily surpass the $8 million advance Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards landed from Little Brown for his memoir, which was twice the $4 million Broadway Books ponied up for Eric Clapton's autobiography.


11/06/2009 10:56 am Maddox

Nov 7 - 'The Tourist' Attracts Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie

Two of the most beautiful stars in the world, Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, may be teaming up for the first time to co-star in 'The Tourist,' a thriller that has gone through several permutations since it was announced last year, Variety reports. The film centers on an Interpol agent (Jolie) who draws an American tourist (Depp) into a web of intrigue as she tracks down a criminal who was once her ex-lover.

The film, a remake of the 2005 French thriller 'Anthony Zimmer,' originally was to be directed by Bharat Nalluri with Tom Cruise and Charlize Theron in the leads. Sam Worthington replaced Cruise and then Jolie took over the female role from Theron. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck then took the directing reins but left over creative differences, as did Worthington.

According to Variety, now that Depp and Jolie are a possibility, several directors, including Alfonso Cuaron, are interested in the project.

'Tourist' has a February production date with a 2011 release through Sony
11/06/2009 10:51 am Maddox

Nov 6 - The sorry state of Windows 7 Gaming

Windows 7 is finally upon us, leaping off retail shelves in little blue- and green- and black-lined plastic containers in a matter of hours. With the critical plaudits, expect enthusiastic midnight sales, curious micro-throngs of buyers and swollen message boards deluged by "impressions" confessionals from first-timers who somehow missed the endless betas and previews and release candidates foisted on us like fistfuls of Halloween candy. No Rolling Stones or Jerry Seinfeld this time, true, but that's all part of Windows 7's unassuming shtick, less whiz, more bang. But what about gaming?

You've heard how Windows 7 is what Windows Vista should have been sleeker, nimbler and less in your way. I've been using the public preview of Windows 7 since last spring, and speaking as a guy who's cheated on Vista with an old copy of XP Home, I won't be retreating into the arms of that antediluvian paramour anytime soon. As for gaming, however, Windows 7's release feels almost funereal. Read the reviews and you'll learn all about the streamlined taskbar, the smarter security system that leaves you alone, the slick new touch-based input features, and the friendlier approach to media-hub device management.







11/06/2009 8:46 am Photography By Glenn

Nov 6 - House vote may be Pushed Back

A House leader says Democrats haven't yet lined up enough votes to pass their health care overhaul bill. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland says the vote that House Democrats had scheduled for Saturday could slip to Sunday or early next week. Hoyer acknowledged to reporters Friday that Democratic leaders don't yet have the 218 votes needed to pass President Barack Obama's historic health overhaul initiative. He said he still expects passage Saturday night.

But he added that some Democrats are still looking to get a comfort level with the bill. Republicans are unanimously opposed to the sweeping legislation. Voting was set for Saturday on the 10-year, $1.2 trillion legislation that embraces Obama's goals of extending health coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and putting tough new restrictions on insurance companies.




11/06/2009 8:39 am Photography By Glenn

Nov. 6 - You and Your Debit Card

With the Frantic Holiday Shopping season closing in upon us here are a few things you need to know about your debit card. They may make you want to think about using your credit cards again. 1)This one should be a no brainer but I don't know ANYONE who is not guilty of it : Debit cards should NOT be linked to any account with a large amount of money in it. Link them to an account with just enough money to cover your purchases/ Less chance of you losing all your cash to thieves. 2) Do NOT use your debit card for major purchases. They do not offer the same protection as your credit cards. 3) When given the option and if your debit card works this way, always choose credit and sign for your purchases. Often you can reap the same rewards and protections of a credit card when you do. 4) Do NOT use a debit card online. If you use a credit card, your liability for unauthorized charges is capped at $50, no matter what. If your debit card is lost or stolen, it must be reported within two business days to limit liability to $50. If a lost or stolen debit card is reported within 60 days, liability can go up to $500. If an unauthorized transaction is not reported within 60 days of the statement date (and the card hasn’t been reported lost or stolen), you’re on the hook for charges made after the 60th day until the report is made. Now that you are armed with this info go out and have a safe and fun holiday shopping season.
11/06/2009 6:10 am Mobaygirl

Nov 6 - Obesity, Cancer and Survival

More than 100,000 cases of cancer each year are caused by excess body fat, according to a report released Thursday in Washington. Researchers with the American Institute for Cancer Research looked at seven cancers with known links to obesity and calculated actual case counts that were likely to have been caused by obesity.

Specifically, the report says that 49 percent of endometrial cancers are caused by excess body fat. That number is followed by 35 percent of esophageal cancer cases; 28 percent of pancreatic cancer cases; 24 percent of kidney cancer cases; 21 percent of gallbladder cancer cases; 17 percent of breast cancer cases; and 9 percent of colorectal cancer cases.

"This is the first time that we've put real, quantifiable case numbers on obesity-related cancers," said Glen Weldon, the American Institute for Cancer Research educational director. In addition, he said, it's not just causing cancer that's an issue.

"Obesity not only raises the risk for getting cancer," Weldon said. "It also has a negative effect on survival and can make treatment more difficult."

11/05/2009 10:58 pm Bob Anderson

Nov 6 - Google Releases Privacy Tool

Ever wonder what information Google knows about you? With a click or two, now you can find out. Google released a feature Thursday that lets users see and control data that the Web giant has collected about them. Called Google Dashboard, the service provides an online summary of a user's Google files -- Gmail, Google Docs, Picasa photos and so on -- by collecting pre-existing privacy controls in one place.

Dashboard users can review and delete recent Google searches, see recently opened and shared documents and survey their interactions with other Google-powered sites such as YouTube.

Google, which has come under fire from politicians and privacy advocates for its data-collection practices, announced the service with a blog post headlined, "Transparency, Choice and Control -- now complete with a Dashboard!"

11/05/2009 10:52 pm Bob Anderson

Nov 6 - Calle 13 Wins 5 Latin Grammys

Puerto Rican duo Calle 13 won all five awards it was nominated for Thursday at the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas, including two of the top awards of the night and honors in both urban and alternative categories.

The awards show ran late because Mexico's ''Divo of Juarez,'' Juan Gabriel, sang for 40 minutes straight while mariachis stomped on stage and the audience clapped and sang along.

Calle 13 won album of the year its innovative collaborations and politically charged reggaeton. Left with little time to accept the golden gramophone for the top honor, lead singer Rene Perez, who raps as ''Residente,'' dedicated the award to Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa, who died in October at age 74.

''May she rest in peace. An applause for Mercedes Sosa, please,'' he said.

Rene Perez (pictured) , also known as Residente, of the musical group Calle 13, performs at the 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards


11/05/2009 10:46 pm Bob Anderson

Nov 5 - SUV Slams into an Elephant

A couple driving home from Sunday night services on Hwy 81 near Enid Oklahoma had the shock of their lives when they saw an 8 foot 4,500 pound elephant in the middle of the road. Bill Carpenter the driver was able to swerve but not avoid hitting the elephant.

The couple flagged down a passing motorist to ask to use a cell phone to call the police to report the incident. The dispatcher did not believe the couple and responded with a "You Hit A WHAT?". The elephant had escaped from the Family Fun Circus at the Garfield County Fairgrounds earlier Wednesday after something spooked it while it was being loaded into a truck with another elephant.

The local vet said he didn't believe the elephant sustained any real injuries but he didn't have an x-ray machine big enough to know for sure.
It's not uncommon in rural Oklahoma to hit a deer or even a cow, but an elephant is one for the record book.

11/05/2009 3:39 pm Mobaygirl

Nov 5 - Air Jordans cost UCF future deal with Adidas

A fight over the shoes Michael Jordan's son will wear at the University of Central Florida has cost the school any future sponsorship with adidas.
``The University of Central Florida has chosen not to deliver on their contractual commitment to adidas,'' adidas spokeswoman Andrea Corso wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

``As a result we have chosen not to continue our relationship with them moving forward.'' Freshman guard Marcus Jordan wore a pair of white Air Jordans during UCF's 84-65 win in an exhibition game against Saint Leo on Wednesday night. Jordan said he will only wear his father's Nike Air Jordan shoes because they hold special meaning to his family.

UCF is in the final year of a five-year contract with adidas that requires coaches and athletes to use the company's apparel and equipment.
``We are disappointed to learn that adidas has chosen to discontinue its relationship with UCF Athletics,'' the school said in a statement Wednesday night released by spokesman Joe Hornstein. ``Once we receive official notice we will be able to further respond.''

11/05/2009 2:08 pm SMMurphy PhotoArt

Nov 5 - Glenn Beck Hospitalized

Conservative political commentator Glenn Beck began to feel ill Wednesday. He left his radio show and was taken to an undisclosed hospital where it was found that he had appendicitis. Christopher Balfe, President of Mercury Radio Arts, Beck’s production company, confirmed to NTSMediaOnline.com that Beck was having his appendix removed.

“Before going under Glenn asked the doctor to draw out the surgery procedure on a blackboard,” Balfe joked.

Beck is expected to make a full recovery and return to both his radio and TV shows soon. The 45-year-old hosts the nationally syndicated “Glenn Beck Program” on Premiere Radio Networks as well as the “Glenn Beck Show,” weekdays on the Fox News Channel.

11/05/2009 2:01 pm SMMurphy PhotoArt

Nov 5 - Fannie Mae to Rent Homes

Fannie Mae is giving home owners on the verge of foreclosure the option to rent their homes rather then lose them . In a deal they call Deed for Lease homeowners would transfer the title to their home back to Fannie Mae and sign a one year lease and then sign a month to month extension after the end of the year.

The effort is likely to affect a relatively small number of homeowners. In the first half of the year, Fannie Mae took back about 1,200 properties through this process, known as a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. That pales in comparison to the 57,000 foreclosed properties the company repossessed in the period.
11/05/2009 1:54 pm Mobaygirl

Nov 5 - Seven dead in Dual Attacks in Fort Hood, Texas

A Fort Hood spokeswoman says one shooter is in custody after a mass shooting on the Texas Army base. Army officials say at least seven people are dead and 20 wounded. Fort Hood spokeswoman Sgt. Rebekah Lampan says authorities believe at least two gunmen were involved in the attack on Thursday.

She says it is not known whether the shooters were soldiers or civilians. Lt. Col. Nathan Banks, an Army spokesman in Washington, says there was a pair of shootings at the base.

Banks says the first shooting was at 1:30 p.m. (CT) and at personnel and medical processing office. He says the second incident took place at a theater on the base.

Update: CNN is now saying 11 or dead.
11/05/2009 1:46 pm KASI

Nov 5 - Five Concept Cars To Keep Your Eyes On

Unveiled at this years Tokyo Auto Show are five concept cars that are worth keeping your eyes on. What do you think of these cars?

1. Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV, It combines a 1.5 liter gas engine with a rechargable battery pack. This midsized crossover is based on the Outlander.

2. Nissan Land Glider, I am sure I am dating myself but think of Mork's spaceship in miniature. It's narrow stance will help with congested streets and it's Lithium Ion battery keeps this little auto humming.

3. Daihatsu basket concept, It's minimalist boxy shape conveys the rugged outdoor spirit of an SUV. It has a sparse interior and seats 4 small adults.

4.Honda Skydeck Concept, a futuristic mini van with scissor style front doors and a sleekly styled exterior.Skydeck retains traditional sliding side doors, these panels also swing away and down from the vehicle slightly further to aid access to the large passenger cabin.

5. Lastly is the earlier reported on Honda 2011 CRZ which is one of the best EV designs coming out of the Tokyo auto show. The price is yet to be revealed on this little beauty
11/05/2009 6:35 am Mobaygirl

Nov 5 - Yankees win the World Series

The Yankees built not only a new stadium but also a World Series winner. New York claimed its 27th title by dethroning the Phillies in six games. The shortest curse in baseball history is over. Third-graders everywhere who had never seen the Yankees win the World Series in their lifetime can now sleep easy.

The Yankees ended nine years of title-less slumber — granted, a mere catnap for some franchises — when they beat the defending champion Phillies 7-3 Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium to win the 2009 World Series in six games.

Hideki Matsui (pictured), in what could have been his final game with the Yankees, drove in six runs to break the game open by the fifth inning. Matsui, the DH who couldn't even start the three games played by NL rules in Philadelphia, had eight hits, three homers and eight RBI in only 13 at-bats. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the World Series.

11/04/2009 9:11 pm Bob Anderson

Nov 5 - Oscars To Be Hosted by 2 Old White Guys

The 82nd Academy Awards will be hosted by... Okay, Alec Baldwin is barely past the half-century mark, and doing what many consider the best work of his career on "30 Rock," but Steve Martin will be eligible for Medicare next year. (Man, now I feel old.)

Martin has proven his chops writing as well as performing, and it's a good bet they'll make at least a few references to the comedy "It's Complicated," which comes out this Christmas and stars Baldwin and Martin as rivals for Meryl Streep's affections. And Baldwin will probably take a jab at his co-host by mentioning his 2004 Oscar nomination, as Best Supporting Actor for "The Cooler," a few times: Martin has never received a nod from the Academy, not even for his marvelous screenplay for 1987's "Roxanne."

As for hosting, Baldwin is something of a novice, but Martin hosted the Academy Awards in 2001, earning an Emmy nomination, and again in 2003.

The "mature" pair probably won't dance about the stage as Hugh Jackman did last year, though there's a good chance Martin will pull out his banjo at least once... and they're definitely both funny. How do you think they'll do as Oscar hosts? The show will air March 7.
11/04/2009 8:56 pm Bob Anderson

Nov 5 - Kirstie Alley New Reality Show

Kirstie Alley has always had a public battle with her weight, but next year, the actress will get real in a new way: in a reality television show on A&E. The network has ordered 10 half-hour episodes of the as-yet-unnamed series that will open the once-private doors of the Emmy-winning actress's life, A&E announced Tuesday.

The reality series is scheduled to air in 2010 and will be produced by FremantleMedia, the hit-making minds behind "American Idol."

Over the 10 episodes, cameras will trail Alley as she juggles producing a feature film, sticking to a new weight-loss program and raising her two daughters True and Lillie, all while looking for love.

Although it's the first time Alley has laid her personal life bare on reality television, it's not the first time she's exposed her weighty issues to the world. She was a Jenny Craig spokeswoman for three years until 2007, dropping 75 pounds along the way. The actress stripped down to a bikini and a sarong to show off her success on "Oprah" in 2006.

Two years after she left the weight-loss company, Alley had regained the 75 pounds she lost, plus an additional 10. "I just sort of went wild," the actress admitted to People magazine in May

11/04/2009 8:34 pm Bob Anderson

Nov. 4 - Best Buy Exec Denied Airplane Seat

A corporate executive says he was denied a first class seat on United Airlines because he was wearing a track suit, according to an exclusive story by myfoxdc.com. Armando Alvarez said he wanted to use his miles to upgrade to first class on a flight from Dulles to Connecticut. Instead, the Best Buy vice president said the gate agent told him that he was dressed "too casually" for seating in first class, the story said. Alvarez has sent e-mails to United Airlines and the airline's board of directors, but he has not received a response from them, the story said. "I was humiliated and embarrassed," Alvarez, who is not seeking compensation, told myfoxdc.com. "If this happened to me and I'm a United Airlines Red Carpet Club member then I believe it's happening to other people and this must stop." I have never heard of a dress code in First Class.
11/04/2009 12:19 pm Maddox

Nov. 4 - 75% of Youth Can’t Join Military

Are America's youth too fat, dumb or dishonest to defend the nation against its enemies? The latest Army statistics show a stunning 75 percent of military-age youth are ineligible to join the military because they are overweight, can't pass entrance exams, have dropped out of high school or had run-ins with the law. So many young people between the prime recruiting ages of 17 and 24 cannot meet minimum standards that a group of retired military leaders is calling for more investment in early childhood education to combat the insidious effects of junk food and inadequate education. "We've never had this problem of young people being obese like we have today," said Gen. John Shalikashvili, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He calls the rising number of youth unfit for duty a matter of national security. "We should be concerned about how this will impact this overstretched Army and its ability to recruit." Shalikashvili is among dozens of retired generals, admirals and civilian Pentagon officials who have banded together as Mission Readiness: Military Leaders for Kids. The group, which includes former NATO commander and presidential candidate Wesley Clark, will appear with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the National Press Club on Thursday to urge immediate action to reduce dropout rates and improve the physical and moral fitness of the nation's youth.
11/04/2009 12:16 pm Maddox

Nov 4 - Usain Bolt Adopts a Cheetah

Usain Bolt is, without question, the fastest man in the world. He owns the record for the 100-meter (where his record is a ridiculous sub-10 seconds), the 200-meter, and, as MDS mentioned, he may as well go ahead and try to add the 400-meters and the long jump trophies to a case that includes 2008 Athlete of the Year.

In the meantime though, he's busy with a new, ahem, pet project: he just adopted a cheetah, which, as you may know, is the world's fastest animal. Seriously.

The Jamaican sprinter's sponsorship of the 3-month-old male cheetah is part of an effort to boost Kenyan conservation efforts of its famous wildlife, whose survival is threatened by trophy hunting, climate change and human encroachment.

But the best part is his name: Lightning Bolt! Get it? His first name is Lightning (because he's fast) and then because he's Usain's "child" his last name automatically becomes Bolt!

Know what else is awesome? Bolt is doing this as part of an effort to PROMOTE nature conservation and to help animals and although I'm sure PETA will find a way to get angry with Bolt, it's really cool to see someone who doesn't need to help out this cause do so anyway.

Particularly when you consider that Bolt paid $13,700 for the cheetah and will pay $3,000 a year to care for LB, who will be placed in a Narobi conservatory. And let me tell you one other thing: if I wouldn't feel like a total wuss for saying "OMG, THAT CHEETAH IS SOOO CUTE!"
11/04/2009 12:13 pm Maddox

Nov 4 - Pair Arrested in Thefts of Bags at Airport

Two people suspected of stealing up to 1,000 pieces of luggage from baggage claim carousels at Phoenix's airport have been arrested by police who found heaps of the stolen bags strewn throughout their home. There were so many suitcases that Phoenix police could only give a rough estimate of their number Tuesday as they pulled them out one by one and gathered them in the yard of Keith Wilson King and Stacy Lynne Legg-King's suburban residence. A piece of luggage here, a piece of luggage there, I would imagine gets stolen out of airports all the time," Phoenix police Detective James Holmes said Tuesday. This is a livelihood. There's a lot of luggage and there's a lot of victims. King, 61, and Legg-King, 38, were arrested Monday, and each was booked into jail on charges of theft of property and possession of stolen property. Legg-King also was arrested on suspicion of tampering with evidence. It was not immediately clear how the two are related. Both denied requests to be interviewed, and it was unclear whether they had attorneys.


11/04/2009 8:10 am Photography By Glenn

Nov 4 - Clinton: Israel must stop Building Settlements

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton defended the U.S. stance toward Israeli settlement building to worried Arab allies on Wednesday, saying Washington does not accept the legitimacy of the West Bank enclaves and wants to see their construction halted forever. Still, she said an Israeli offer to restrain, but not halt construction represents, positive movement forward toward resuming Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Clinton met for an hour with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during a hastily arranged stopover in the Egyptian capital to soothe Arab concerns that Washington is backing off demands for an Israeli settlement halt.

The fears were sparked on Saturday when Clinton, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at her side in Jerusalem, praised his government's offer as unprecedented. She has since tried to clarify the remarks, saying that the Israeli offer does not got far enough. Still, she has indicated that the Palestinians should resume negotiations with Israel without a full settlement halt as they demand. On Wednesday, Clinton insisted "our policy on settlement has not changed."




11/04/2009 8:03 am Photography By Glenn

Nov 4 - Carrie's Love

Carrie Underwood may sing about heartbreak, but in real life she's found love with boyfriend Mike Fisher, giving the hockey player a shout-out on the liner notes of her new CD, Play On. "Thank you #12," she writes in the notes, referring to the Ottawa Senator player's jersey number. "You are the most amazing addition to my life! You are such a wonderful person and have had such an amazing hand in the building of this album and in the growth of me as a person. I love you so much! You make my life better in every way! I thank God for you every day... xoxo, Carrie."

Though the couple have mostly remained under the radar, recently they've been more open about their nearly year-long relationship. Last month Fisher talked to The Sens Show, a Web news program for his team, saying the busy twosome work hard to spend time together.

"Obviously it's tough with our schedules to see each other," he said at the time. "But we always find a way to make it work."
11/03/2009 3:11 pm Erik

Nov 4 - In Bloom, New Fragrance

Reese Witherspoon is definitely in bloom! The star, 33, has just released a new fragrance, In Bloom, for Avon, and she says she is proud that the scent reflects her new attitude toward life. "When we came up with In Bloom, it just sounded like a great name," Witherspoon said. "I thought it should evoke a feeling that was reflective of what was going on in my life. I think that In Bloom captures the idea that I'm at a time in my life where I feel very confident with my work, with my personal life -- and that it's a time to really blossom."

The star -- who was involved in practically all aspects of the "incredibly complicated process" of creating a fragrance over the past two years -- also says she incorporated memories from her childhood.

"We started with a set of ideas ... about sensory memories," she says. "What it was like growing up in Tennessee and what I remember of my mother and my grandmother wearing perfume-wise. A large part of my childhood was spent in my yard with a gigantic magnolia tree, so I knew it had to have magnolia in it."

In Bloom also incorporates peach tea leaves and gardenia, a nod to the perfume her mom used to wear.



11/03/2009 3:09 pm Erik

Nov 4 - Man Sues Over Unnecessary Artificial Rectum

A man in Japan claims a hospital misdiagnosed his cancer and unnecessarily gave him an artificial rectum. The man underwent surgery in March at a hospital in western Miyazaki to remove the tumor, the Mainichi Daily reported.

But his doctor told the man, whose age and name were not reported, that a later examination found no cancer cells in the removed tissue, the report said. The man, who now has an artificial rectum, is demanding $416,171 in compensation, the report said citing the complaint filed with the Miyazaki District Court.

"We realize the complaint has been filed,'' a hospital official said. "We will take appropriate action after examining the case.''
11/03/2009 2:47 pm Melissa Ilievski

Nov. 3 - Recession “Hits Rap” Says 50 Cent

The downturn in the global economy has extended to hip-hop, says Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who admits to losing millions during the recession. While being unlucky on some investments, Jackson said he is in good shape and is willing to be a financial adviser to President Obama, if called upon.

11/03/2009 1:47 pm Arianaisha

Nov. 3 - NFL Player Suspended for Twitter Comments

An apology wasn't enough as Kansas City Chief player Larry Johnson was suspended by the team for derogatory comments and gay slurs he made on Twitter about his coach after the team lost by 30 points on Sunday. Johnson will lose more than $600,000 during his two-week suspension. Johnson's agent said the 29-year-old running back will appeal.

11/03/2009 1:44 pm Arianaisha

Nov. 3 - Cage in financial trouble?

How could one of Hollywood's highest paid actors find himself owing $6.3 million in back taxes and deep in money troubles? The answer is, "Easy," if you believe Nicolas Cage. In a lawsuit filed Oct. 16 in Los Angeles, the National Treasure star, 45, claims that his longtime business manager, Samuel J. Levin, "lined his [own] pockets with several million dollars in business management fees while sending Cage down a path toward financial ruin." That journey began in 2001 when Cage – whose next movie is the crime drama Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans – hired Levin to oversee his investments and finances. Levin did not return calls seeking comment. A rep for Cage had no comment.
11/03/2009 10:24 am Casey Alexis

Nov. 3 - Kate's settlement

Academy Award winner Kate Winslet said Tuesday she was "delighted" to win a payout of about $40,000 from a British newspaper that said she lied about her exercise regime. "I strongly believe that women should be encouraged to accept themselves as they are, so to suggest that I was lying was an unacceptable accusation of hypocrisy," the 33-year-old mother of two said in a statement. In January, Winslet told reporters she was going "easy" on herself and not exercising at all during the hectic awards season. She has frequently stated women should be proud to accept how they look, so when the Daily Mail ran the report, which her lawyers claimed was "misleading the public," she had to act.
11/03/2009 10:22 am Casey Alexis

Nov 3 - Dogs Not as green as an SUV?

Dog owners are reacting with giggles to a new report that dogs create a larger ecological footprint than an SUV. The study by Robert and Brenda Vale, two sustainable-living researchers from New Zealand, bases its claim mostly on what dogs eat. The study says the land it takes to produce the 360 pounds of meat and 210 pounds of grain a medium-sized dog consumes each year, is twice as much land that would be required to produce the energy to power an SUV for a year. Some local researchers are snickering at the premise and its narrow scope.
11/03/2009 8:31 am Mobaygirl

Nov. 3 - Airlines ratchet up holiday surcharges

If you plan to travel around the upcoming holidays, prepare to pay a little more again. Most of the largest U.S. airlines have increased a surcharge for travel on the busiest travel days to $20 each way, up from $10. The surcharges apply to a large number of flights within the U.S. on more than a dozen peak days around holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Delta, American, United, US Airways and Northwest all boosted their surcharge on some routes, said Tom Parsons, who runs the discount travel site Bestfares.com. Tim Smith, spokesman for Fort Worth-based American Airlines, confirmed the higher surcharges Monday. He said that although airlines are filing the increases as a surcharge this time, fares on those peak days have always tended to be higher. It's a matter of supply and demand. Smith said the increases started late last week with US Airways, and most other airlines, including American, have matched.

11/03/2009 5:23 am Photography By Glenn

Nov 3 - Buses, subways halted by Philly transit strike

The Philadelphia transit system's largest union went on strike early Tuesday, bringing the city's bus, subway and trolley operations to a halt a day after the World Series shifted to New York. The strike by Transport Workers Union Local 234 will all but cripple a transit system that averages more than 928,0000 trips each weekday. The union represents more than 5,000 drivers, operators and mechanics of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

There will be people waking up this morning needing to commute into work. And unfortunately, there's not going to be service for them, said SEPTA spokeswoman Jerri Williams. The union had threatened to go on strike during the World Series. But over the weekend Gov. Ed Rendell ordered the union and SEPTA to remain at the bargaining table or risk consequences.




11/03/2009 5:17 am Photography By Glenn

Nov 3 - Taylor Swift Falls for TV Prank

Ellen DeGeneres takes pride in her ability to scare the dickens out of her guests. Whether she's crouched in the bathroom or hiding under something, the TV host's ability to make her guests jump in fear -- and then laugh in humiliation -- is uncanny, and makes for some quality television.

Last week, Ellen's victim was the innocent Taylor Swift. As Taylor made her way into the green room bathroom, Ellen sat crouched in the corner just to the left of the door. Once Taylor was inside the room, Ellen jumped out with a screeching yell, causing Taylor to fall to the floor in fear. Thankfully, she was a good sport, quickly started laughing and hugged it out with the sneaky host.

11/03/2009 12:33 am Maddox

Nov 3 - Happy Birthday Internet!

"It's the 40th year since the infant Internet first spoke," said University of California, Los Angeles, professor Leonard Kleinrock, who headed the team that first linked computers online in 1969. On October 29, 1969, Kleinrock led a team that got a computer at UCLA to "talk" to one at a research institute.

Kleinrock was driven by a certainty that computers were destined to speak to each other and that the resulting network should be as simple to use as telephones. US telecom colossus AT&T ran lines connecting the computers for ARPANET, a project backed with money from a research arm of the US military's Advanced Research Projects Agency.

ARPANET grew into what is known today as the Internet. Internet you've come a long way baby!
11/02/2009 6:34 pm Mobaygirl

Nov 3 - A-Rod Less of a Jerk?

Remember in late 2007 when sports fans blamed Jessica Simpson for the poor performance of her then-boyfriend Tony Romo (of the Dallas Cowboys)? Well, Kate Hudson is no Jessica Simpson. The columnist has observed fun-loving Hudson outside Yankees Stadium, too. "I've seen her out, and she likes to have fun, so why can't A-Rod do that? And don't worry about what people think about you."

Indeed, sources close to the couple (together since May) have told Us Weekly that "Kate is changing him for the better . . . he's less of a jerk. He's also more free-spirited." A sports columnist for the New York Post credits Hudson for the outstanding performance of her boyfriend Alex Rodriguez throughout the 2009 baseball season and now in the World Series.

"There were so many distractions in Alex Rodriguez's life before this year," writes David Wells -- referring, perhaps, to a steroids scandal, his affair with Madonna and his high-profile divorce from wife Cynthia in 2008. "But he's got a good woman with him now in Kate," Wells says, calling the actress "a good luck charm" and "the perfect complement to him."

Wells praises the Bride Wars star for being a "down-to-earth chick," and for her boisterous presence at Rodriguez's games. "She's just supportive of him, and that empowers him with an 'I don't give a damn' attitude."


11/02/2009 6:09 pm Casey Alexis

Nov 3 - Bon Jovi tickets are Too High Fans Say

Bon Jovi have been slammed by fans over the band's upcoming London residency - with many devotees branding the tickets "overpriced."
The rockers are set to make the British capital their home while they play 10 gigs at the The O2 venue, starting June 10. Tickets went on sale on Friday Oct 30, but the group's most loyal followers were left angry over the prices - with the highest priced seats on offer for a staggering $2,080.

And fans are calling for Bon Jovi to rethink their prices - with many insisting they simply can't afford the hefty charges. On the group's website, one devotee writes, "I have been a fan for the past 24 years... and today is the saddest day as for the first tour since then I am unable to get tickets due to the ridiculously over stated prices! The only tickets available are $320 + booking in London. And very disappointed!! Have they not heard we are going through a recession!"

Another angry supporters adds, "The prices of the tickets are ludicrous. You really let us down this time, guys." One devotee attacks Bon Jovi for writing about the current global economic crisis on their latest record: "Writing an album about the world problems with recession, then doing what they've done could lose (them) a lot of respect. The prices are just a mockery."




11/02/2009 6:07 pm Casey Alexis

Nov 2 - Seacrest Suspect Charged with Stalking

The L.A. County District Attorney's office has charged Chidi Uzomah with felony stalking in the stalking of Ryan Seacrest. The 25-year-old was also charged with two misdemeanor counts of disobeying a prior court order, after assaulting a guard at Children's Hospital in Orange County and ordered to stay clear of Ryan Seacrest.

Uzomah is accused of stalking Seacrest between September 15 and October 30. The day Uzomah arrested at the E! building where Ryan does a daily radio and TV show. If Uzomah is convicted he faces a maximum of four years in state prison.

11/02/2009 5:07 pm AMURUA MANAGEMENT

Nov 2 - Rihanna Finally Will Speak Out

On Good Morning America, Rihanna will open up about the incident with boyfriend Chris Brown! Yes, and just when you thought Mr. Chris Breezy was making a comeback. Rhianna steps up to the plate and knocks his balls right out of the park. In an exclusive interview after 9 months of silence about the situation, Rhianna speaks out! The exclusive interview with Good Morning America Rihanna will tell ‘Her Story’ about the incident with Chris Brown.This is an interview that must be seen! We all have been waiting on this! Rihanna will tell all on ABC’s Good Morning America Thursday November 5, 2009 at 7am and also Friday night 10/9 CST airing on 20/20.
11/02/2009 4:57 pm AMURUA MANAGEMENT

Nov 2 - Giving Food

Haiti has a great program in place for students who are attending school. In Haiti, the teacher distributes food to his students at a school. The school is one of the schools which is being used as a World Food Program distribution center. Last year 2008 this program gave out food to more than 2.5 million Haitians, according to U.N. figures.
11/02/2009 4:48 pm AMURUA MANAGEMENT

Nov 2 - Dakota Fanning crowned!

15-year-old actress Dakota Fanning was crowned Homecoming Princess at her high school's away game this weekend in Encino, California. A member of the Viking cheer squad at Campbell Hall Episcopal in North Hollywood, Dakota was all smiles as she accepted her crown. It's pretty cool that she can be a successful Hollywood actress AND just a normal high school girl. How refreshing & rare!

11/02/2009 1:57 pm H E A T H E R

Nov 2 - Reunion time for Ally McBeal?

Get ready for the return of the dancing baby! An Ally McBeal reunion is coming! This morning, the whole gang reunited on Good Morning America to talk about the good old days of unisex bathrooms and the release of the series to DVD. Unlike the show, nothing too exciting came of the interview. Jane Krakowski joined the conversation via satellite, while Calista Flockhart started rambling on about her biological clock! Despite the shananigans, Ally is reuniting!


11/02/2009 1:54 pm H E A T H E R

Nov 2 - Ford Post One Billion Profit

Ford, the only Detroit automaker to dodge direct government aid and bankruptcy court, surprised investors with net income of nearly $1 billion in the third quarter and forecast a "solidly profitable" 2011. The automaker said Monday earnings were fueled by U.S. market share gains, cost cuts and the Cash for Clunkers program, which drew flocks of buyers to showrooms this summer. Ford's shares rose 58 cents, or 8.3 percent, to $7.58 in pre-market trading.

The latest results signal that Ford's turnaround is on more solid ground. The company lost more than $14.6 billion last year and hasn't posted a full-year profit since 2005. While it made a profit in the second quarter, that was mainly due to debt reductions that cut its interest payments.
11/02/2009 10:45 am Bob Anderson

Nov 2 - Mel Gibson and girlfriend welcome a Baby Girl

Actor Mel Gibson and his Russian girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva are celebrating the birth of a daughter, according to media reports. Gibson, 53, announced in May that his girlfriend was pregnant. Celebrity website RadarOnline.com said 39-year-old Grigorieva gave birth on Friday, a few weeks early. There were no further details.

The Australian-raised actor already has seven children from his first wife Robyn who filed for divorce in April this year after 28 years of marriage. Grigorieva has a teenage son with former James Bond actor Timothy Dalton.

Gibson has said that he and his wife split up three years ago, shortly after he was arrested in Malibu for drunken driving and launched into an alcohol-fueled tirade against Jews. He later apologized and sought treatment for alcoholism.

He told TV talk show host Jay Leno that he met Grigorieva, a former model who is now a singer and pianist, in 2008 when she had been signed to his Icon Records label. Her debut album, "Beautiful Heartache," was released this year.


11/02/2009 10:42 am KASI

Nov 2 - Ship built with WTC steel comes to Namesake City

The new Navy assault ship USS New York, built with World Trade Center steel, arrived in its namesake city Monday with a 21-gun salute near the site of the 2001 terrorist attack. First responders, families of Sept. 11 victims and the public gathered Monday at a waterfront viewing area, where they could see the crew standing at attention along the deck of the battleship gray vessel.

The big ship paused. Then the shots were fired, with a cracking sound, in three bursts. The bow of the $1 billion ship, built in Louisiana, contains about 7.5 tons of steel from the fallen towers.

"It's a transformation ... from something really twisted and ugly," said Rosaleen Tallon, who lost her firefighter brother, Sean, on 9/11. "I'm proud that our military is using that steel." Tallon said her brother, who was a Marine, would have been proud.

JoAnn Atlas, of Howells, N.Y., who lost her husband, fire Lt. Gregg Atlas, draped a flag-themed banner along the fence. The names of emergency workers who died were written on the red stripes.

"We have to remember. It's a way to honor them," she said. The USS Arlington was named to honor the attack on the Pentagon. The USS Somerset was named after the county in Pennsylvania where United Airlines flight 93 crashed.


11/02/2009 10:39 am KASI

Nov 2 - Five Evil Things Your Credit Card Company Can Do

5. Fewer Rewards: Credit card companies are slashing the rewards you can now earn. Cards that use to give a 2% reward just for using your card are now give just 1%. Many are cutting the types of rewards they are giving so say goodbye to easy vacations and electronics just for swiping your card.

4. Slashed Credit Limits: Without so much as a phone call or a letter some credit card customers are finding their credits limits slashed as much as 75% or their accounts simply closed.

3. Raising The minimum Payment: Several companies have hiked that minimum payment from 2% to 5%. Making it harder for some of their already cash strapped customers to make their monthly payments.

2. New Fees: If they can dream it they will charge a fee for it. I have a company branded credit card for a company that has NO outlets in the US and when I used the card at that company the bank slapped me with a "Foreign transaction fee" I was very surprised but kept my cool. Called the credit card issuing company and explained it was a branded card used at that company and there was NONE of those companies in the US and it was not right a fee should be charged. The customer service rep did reverse the fee. SO look over those statements and calmly dispute anything you don't feel is right.

1. Rate Hikes: With the new legislation coming up regulating how much Banks can raise your interest rates on your credit cards, the banks are treating this period of time as a "Last call". Some credit card customers have seen their interest rates soar to a shocking 36%.
What can you do? Be informed, know what's in your credit card contract. Watch your statements and call on anything you do not agree with and lastly you are not married to your current credit card company, if they get too greedy shop around.
11/02/2009 5:52 am Mobaygirl

Nov 2 - 'This Is It' Tops Worldwide Box Office

Auds around the world helped Sony's "This Is It" open to a mammoth $68.5 million at the international B.O. -- the fifth biggest foreign bow of the year -- but the Michael Jackson pic's domestic debut was more modest at $32.5 million in its first five days.

Worldwide opening haul of $101 million for five days, topped by Japan's $10.4 million, led Sony to announce it is extending the film's two-week run by three weeks in North America. Overseas, the decision to extend will be made on a territory-by-territory basis.

"This Is It" bowed Tuesday night. Domestic total included $21.3 million in weekend ticket sales from 3,481 theaters.

11/01/2009 8:46 pm Bob Anderson

Nov 2 - CIT files Chapter 11

After struggling for months to avert bankruptcy, lender CIT Group has filed for Chapter 11 protection in an attempt to restructure its debt while trying to keep badly needed loans flowing to thousands of mid-sized and small businesses.

CIT made the filing in New York bankruptcy court Sunday, after a debt-exchange offer to bondholders failed. CIT said in a statement that its bondholders overwhelmingly opted for a prepackaged reorganization plan which will reduce total debt by $10 billion while allowing the company to continue to do business.

The Chapter 11 filing is one of the biggest in U.S. corporate history, following Lehman Brothers, Washington Mutual, WorldCom and General Motors. CIT's bankruptcy filing shows $71 billion in finance and leasing assets against total debt of $64.9 billion.
11/01/2009 8:27 pm Bob Anderson

Nov 2 - American Wins the New York City Marathon

For more than 40,000 runners, the day was fit for running 26.2 miles in New York City: Gray skies and temperatures in the low 50s - warm enough to skip long sleeves, but cool enough that heat wasn't a factor.

The headlines at Sunday's New York City Marathon went to the first man and woman to race across the Central Park finish line: Meb Keflezighi, the first American winner in 27 years, and Derartu Tulu, the first Ethiopian woman ever to win the event.

The choice of jersey had not been entirely Meb Keflezighi’s, but in one triumphant surge in Central Park on Sunday, he became the perfect person to be wearing a U.S.A. shirt at the New York City Marathon. He was one of several Americans striving to break the 27-year men’s drought in the race, but he represented the American dream more than any of them.

A child immigrant from war-torn Eritrea, and one of 11 siblings in a village with no electricity, Keflezighi traveled an arduous journey to the finish line here and carried decades of American hopes with him.

Keflezighi pointed to those U.S.A. letters as he neared the finish line, riding the roar of the Central Park crowd to become the first American man to win the race since Alberto Salazar in 1982. He did it by vanquishing two Kenyans considered the favorites, a rare feat for an American in any distance race.

And he played the lead in a huge United States resurgence: six Americans finished in the top 10, a number not seen since 1979.

Keflezighi (pronounced ka-FLEZ-ghee) dropped to the ground, tears streaming down his face, when he won in his best time of 2 hours 9 minutes 15 seconds — 41 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Robert Cheruiyot, a four-time winner of the Boston Marathon and one of the most accomplished marathoners in history.

Jaouad Gharib of Morocco finished third, in 2:10:25. Then came the American wave: Ryan Hall in fourth, Jorge Torres in seventh, Nick Arciniaga in eighth, Abdi Abdirahman in ninth and Jason Lehmkuhle in 10th. They gave the 40th running of the race a new shot of American pride.
11/01/2009 8:17 pm Bob Anderson

Nov 2 - Bad Drivers, It's in their DNA

Researchers have concluded that bad driving can be linked to your DNA. In a recent study researchers found that people with a particular gene variant performed more than 20 percent worse on a driving test than people with a different DNA sequence. So hold the road rage they just can't help it. This study also puts to rest the old x y chromosome theory of bad driving.

People with this gene variant make more mistakes than those without and they also forget more of what they learn as time goes by. I wonder how soon we'll start being DNA tested at the local DMV to get our licenses renewed?
11/01/2009 7:14 pm Mobaygirl

Nov 1 - Bob Marely Heirs Defend Image

The Heirs of Legend Bob Marley have said enough is enough and they are waging a global war on trademark infringement and are enforcing their exclusive rights to an image that has grown steadily in scope and appeal since the Jamaican superstar died of brain cancer in 1981 at age 36.

The Bob Marley image, name and sound generate an estimated $600 million in pirated sales whereas legal sales are only at $4 million. To wage this war the family has hired Toronto-based Hilco Consumer Capital to protect their rights to the brand. Hilco CEO Jamie Salter believes Marley products could be a $1 billion business in a few years.

Rather than focusing on street vendors, who hawk everything from Bob Marley T-shirts to beach towels, the partnership is creating a new line of products dubbed "House of Marley" and will police the trademark vigilantly. "You're never going to stop the guys in the streets, flea markets ... but you try as much as you can," said Salter.

Snowboards and tropical Jamaica may seem an odd pairing, but they're among a wide variety of planned merchandise featuring the dreadlocked musician's image, name or message — backpacks, stationery, headphones, musical instruments, restaurants.
Items are expected to hit the market in mid-2010.
10/31/2009 8:15 pm Mobaygirl

Nov 1 - Garth Brooks to resume Music career in Las Vegas

Garth Brooks, the best-selling solo musician in U.S. history, ended his semi-retirement on Thursday and announced 15 concert dates at Wynn Resorts Ltd's Encore theater in Las Vegas.Brooks will perform on three consecutive nights beginning December 11, with another six dates in January and six in February at Wynn Resorts' hotel, casino and performance complex, which opened late last year.

Las Vegas has seen a glut of new hotels and casinos open at the same time as the recession reduced the number of visitors by 6 percent in the first seven months of the year. Brooks said the limited concert series will allow him not to miss much time with his three daughters in Oklahoma, a vow he made when he retired from touring in 2001.

"I am naturally nervous, but it feels good to be out from under the low ceiling of retirement I put on myself," he said.
Wearing his familiar black cowboy hat, Brooks announced his plans alongside resort owner Steve Wynn. The booking follows extended Las Vegas residencies by performers including Celine Dion, Reba McEntire, and Brooks & Dunn.

10/31/2009 3:55 pm ERIKA

Nov 1 - Gamer has bone to pick with online-shopping Dog

Man's best friend? Not when he runs up your credit card. Meet Oscar, faithful companion of Greg, a reader of top gaming blog Kotaku. As a one year-old Lab/Hound, Oscar has a bit of a chewing problem. Shoes, underwear, blinds, and pillows have all been targets for his gnashers, but when he turned his attention to Greg's Xbox 360 controller one night, an expensive (and immensely unlikely) sequence of events ensued.

As Oscar chomped down on the wireless controller, he successfully turned on the machine, navigated to the Xbox's online store and purchased 5,000 Microsoft Points, at a cost of over $60. That was charged directly to Greg's credit card, as Greg discovered when he woke up.
10/31/2009 3:35 pm ERIKA

Oct 31 - Hooters Girls Sue Chain Over Uniforms

As if wearing a Hooters uniform isn't bad enough, now news is out that some waitresses at the restaurant chain have to pay for their short-shorts, tiny tanks and shiny suntanned pantyhose, too. Hooters waitresses Gina Rosati and Amy Frederick filed a class-action lawsuit in Brooklyn, NY federal court yesterday accusing the Hooters of Long Island chain of labor law violations, the New York Post reports.

The suit seeks back pay and damages from owners Richard Buckley and Christopher Levano, as well as parent company Strix, according to the paper. "Hooters of Long Island requires its waitresses to purchase and wear a nationally recognizable uniform," attorney Louis Pechman wrote in the suit, as reported by the Post..

So, what does it cost to dress as a Hooters girl? Well, $19.43. Here's the breakdown: "Dolphin" shorts, $5.45; Lycra tank top, $6; shiny beige pantyhose, $2.50; pouch, $3.23 and thick white socks, $2.25.

Waitresses must share their tips with the kitchen staff, a requirement Pechman claims is illegal. At least 100 waitresses could qualify to collect, adds the paper. We think making employees wear shiny beige pantyhose and slouch socks should be cause enough for legal action. But that's just us.

I think the law states that the Employer has to provide the First Uniform, extras can be paid for. What do you think? Is it fair to make the Hooters waitresses pay for their skimpy work wear? Leave a comment!

10/31/2009 10:39 am Maddox

Oct 31 - Worlds Larget Cruise Ship On Way To U.S.

After much fan fare the highly anticipated Oasis of the seas has set sail from Finland and is on it's way to it's home port in Fort Lauderdale.
This mega ship is the newest in Royal Caribbeans Fleet and has 2,700 passenger cabins. This ship is five times larger than the Titanic, has seven neighborhoods, an ice rink, a golf course and a 750-seat outdoor amphitheater.

Coming in at a cost of $1.5 billion it begs the question in this sagging economy 'Will Royal Caribbean be able to fill it's cabins after her sold out maiden voyage?" Ticket prices are still high for the Oasis, running $1,299 to $4,829, compared with $509 to $1,299 on the company's next most popular ship, Freedom of the Seas.

Travel guide writer Arthur Frommer has railed against Oasis and other mega ships he calls "floating resorts," suggesting that voyages on such large vessels are "a dumbing down of the cruise experience."
10/31/2009 9:54 am Mobaygirl

Oct 31 - Profiles of the dead popping up on Facebook!

Some Facebook users in Britain said the Web site's latest feature, which encourages people to contact old friends, is bringing up deceased people as suggestions. The new feature, which went live during the weekend, appears in the form of an automatically generated box suggesting the user logged in "reconnect" with a specific friend they have not contacted in a while.

Dozens of users reported the box was suggesting deceased friends only hours after the feature was launched, Sky News reported Monday. A 27-year-old Facebook user who gave her name as Emma said she was distressed to be confronted with a photo of a deceased friend when she logged into the social networking site.

"Like many of his friends I haven't deleted his profile as that would feel weird. I'm sure thousands of Facebook users are in the same position," she said. "When someone dies there doesn't seem to be much you can do about their profile … There should be a way of recognizing this on their profile or Facebook should remove the feature altogether to avoid causing offense."

More than 900,000 Facebook users have joined a group calling for the Web site to do away with the new feature.

A Facebook spokesman said the company is investigating the complaints

10/31/2009 6:31 am Melissa Ilievski

Oct 31 - Southwest kicks mom, cranky kid off flight

Kids will be kids, but one cranky 2-year-old was acting too much his age for a Southwest Airlines flight crew who kicked him off a plane getting ready to leave for San Jose. Pamela Root says she was confident her son Adam's screams of “Go! Plane! Go!” and “I want Daddy!” would subside once the plane took off Monday in Amarillo, Texas.

But she says the plane taxied back to the gate and the pair was escorted off.

The 38-year-old stay-at-home mom wants an apology and compensation for the portable crib and diapers she had to buy for the extra night away from home.


10/31/2009 6:12 am Melissa Ilievski

Oct 31 - MJ's Dermatologist files $50,000 claim

Jackson received a variety of treatments during the 26 visits Klein billed for. The invoice shows Jackson received frequent Botox and Restylane treatments. Both products are typically used to fill in facial wrinkles and creases. The records show Klein also billed for administering medicine to treat glaucoma, sunscreen treatments and a medicine used for growing longer, fuller eyelashes.

An attorney for Dr. Arnold Klein filed the creditor's claim on Tuesday in Los Angeles. An invoice filed with the claim shows Klein is seeking payment for treatments Jackson received during the final three months of his life.
10/30/2009 4:29 pm Mobaygirl

Oct 31 - Teyana Taylor Admits She Is a Virgin

Rapper/singer Teyana Taylor got extra personal during a radio interview telling the world that she is a virgin. The 18-year-old responded to rumors that she is gay by announcing that she's saving herself. "The one thing people can never say is that I'm a hoe. I have a purity ring," she said. "The only time you get in trouble is if you attempt to do something. If you're lying up on a boy then something is going to happen. So I just keep my legs closed until I am ready for that. I can't have a boyfriend because the only thing they want to do is have sex."

The singer also holds a bible study at St. Luke's Church in Harlem on the matter. "I actually teach the class because I want them to know its okay to praise God and keep your legs closed," she said. "I'm just trying to be a good example right now. I want to be a good example. I'm a lady and I think people respect that."

Taylor's name has also been in the blogosphere because of her close friendships with Chris Brown and Soulja Boy, but she says they're all just friends. Following his assault on ex-girlfriend Rihanna, Taylor was one of the first people to come to throw her support behind the singer when many in the entertainment industry stayed mum. "I don't condone what he did. It's never right to hit a woman but I'm [going to] be by his side anyway."


10/30/2009 3:13 pm Maddox

Oct 31 - Baby shower!

What better way to welcome the newest addition to the Kardashian family than on baby-blue angel wings? That's what the invitations – obtained by PEOPLE – are made to look like for Kourtney Kardashian's upcoming baby shower.

"Please join us for a baby shower honoring Kourtney Kardashian, November 14, 2009, Noon," the invite reads in gold lettering on light-blue stock. As printed on the back, the invites were designed by Los Angeles-based invitationers Lehr & Black, who also produced Khloe Kardashian's wedding invitation. The shower is being thrown by Kourtney's sisters Kim and Khole, and their mom Kris.Last month, Kim revealed that that family was already working to organize the shower. "The baby is coming," she said at the time. "All this stuff is going to take so much time, and it's going to be exciting at the same time."

Kourtney herself said the guest list would include 75 close friends and family members. "A lot of my friends from college have babies, so I'm inviting a lot of them," she told PEOPLE last month.

This will be the first child for Kourtney and her boyfriend Scott Disick. The baby is due around Christmas.
10/30/2009 2:19 pm Casey Alexis

Oct 30 - Trump Wedding!

As her official wedding photos reveal, Ivanka Trump was a stunning bride in her custom Vera Wang gown and diamonds from her own fine-jewelry collection. Trump, 27, married Jared Kushner, 28, in a private Jewish ceremony at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, in front of 500 of their friends and family members. Among the star-studded guests were: Russell Crowe, Natalie Portman, Barbara Walters, Regis Philbin, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and the current New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

10/30/2009 2:17 pm Casey Alexis

Oct 30 - Jude and Sienna Just Friends

While Jude Law and Sienna Miller are both playing to packed houses on Broadway, they are reportedly not reprising their old roles as boyfriend and girlfriend. "Jude and Sienna are just friends and are seeing each other socially occasionally as they are both on Broadway, performing just one block apart," a rep for Law tells Glamour.com.

Law, 36, and Miller, 27, broke up in 2006 after dating on and off for several years. At one point they were engaged to be married, but those plans were derailed when Law's affair with his children's nanny came to light.

10/30/2009 2:16 pm Casey Alexis

Oct 30 - Congressional ethics Report - Not Good!

Internal investigations into the conduct of over two dozen House members were exposed in an extraordinary, Internet-era breach involving the secretive process by which Congress polices lawmaker ethics. Revelations of the mostly preliminary inquiries by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct — also known as the Ethics committee — and a panel that refers cases to it shook the chamber as lawmakers were immersed in a series of scheduled votes Thursday.

The panel announced that it was investigating two California Democrats — Reps. Maxine Waters and Laura Richardson. The committee said it was investigating whether Waters used her influence to help a bank in which her husband owned stock, and whether the couple benefited as a result. Separately, the panel is looking into whether Richardson failed to disclose required information on her financial disclosure forms and received special treatment from a lender.

Ethics chairwoman Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., went to the House floor to announce that a confidential weekly report of the committee from July had leaked out in a case of "cyber-hacking." A committee statement said that its security was breached through "peer to peer file sharing software" used by a junior employee who was working from home. The employee was fired.

The Post reported that more than 30 lawmakers and a few staff members were under scrutiny, including nearly half the members of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.

10/30/2009 12:38 pm KASI

Oct. 30 - H1N1: The shot or not?

Every adult in Canada is currently deciding if they (and their children) will get the flu vaccine to protect against H1N1. At the best of times, it seems the decision of whether or not to get the seasonal flu shot is tough to make. Only about one-third of Canadians do each year. Now, with the pandemic vaccine's arrival, Canadians are being asked to get a second shot this fall. But will they? Probably not. A recent poll shows that, as of the first week of October, only one in three Canadians plan on getting the H1N1 vaccine, according to Harris/Decima. That’s down from 45 per cent in late August. Experts say this reflects the public’s growing apathy toward the pandemic in light of seemingly contradictory information about H1N1 (which is commonly referred to as swine flu, even though it’s a combination of flu viruses from pigs, birds and humans). People are being bombarded by “on the one hand” and “on the other hand” studies and recommendations. “There is confusion,” says Dr. Sarah Kredentser, president of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. “And I think it’s warranted confusion, because the messages keep changing."
10/30/2009 12:22 pm Arianaisha

Oct. 30 - Oprah, Double Standard on Domestic Abuse?

Oprah took a hard stand on Chris Brown, but just a few days ago the talk show host allowed another famous alleged woman-abuser on her show, and now the victim says she feels betrayed. The man in question is gospel singer BeBe Winans, who is accused of shoving his ex-wife Debra Winans to the ground in front of their kids back in February. BeBe was on "Oprah" on Friday to pimp out his new gospel CD, his domestic violence charge is pending until another court hearing next year. The man in question is gospel singer BeBe Winans -- who is accused of shoving his ex-wife Debra Winans to the ground in front of their kids back in February. Debra said "I'm hurt by Oprah's decision to have Bebe on the show", especially after she refused to have Chris Brown on her show in the wake of the Rihanna beating.
10/30/2009 12:19 pm Arianaisha

Oct.30 - Food for thought; there's no harm trying.....

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died. The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy. Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work.

10/30/2009 11:53 am Melissa Ilievski

Oct. 30 - Military plane, helicopter collide off California

The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy were searching early Friday for as many as nine people off the Southern California coast following a collision between a Coast Guard plane and a Marine Corps helicopter, officials said. The crash was reported at 7:10 p.m. Thursday, about 50 miles off the San Diego County coast and 15 miles east of San Clemente Island, Coast Guard spokeswoman Petty Officer Allyson Conroy said. Seven people were on board the plane, a C-130, and two people were aboard the helicopter, he said. Cpl Michael Stevens, a spokesman for the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, said the AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter was on a training mission when it went down. The Cobra and its crew are part of Marine Aircraft Group 39, based at Camp Pendleton, and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is headquartered at Miramar, Stevens said. The missing Coast Guard plane and its crew are from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento, said Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Jetta Disco. Crews from the Sacramento Coast Guard station fly search-and-rescue, law enforcement and logistics missions, Disco said. The Coast Guard planned to search through the night, having sent three cutters and diverting an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to the area to search for survivors. The Navy, meanwhile, sent four vessels and multiple helicopters. "The search conditions are ideal for tonight," Lt. Josh Nelson of the Coast Guard told XETV in San Diego. "We've got a clear sky, the winds are calm, the seas are calm, and we have a lot of assets out there."
10/30/2009 7:03 am KASI

Oct 30 - Cholesterol drugs may improve Flu Survival

Doctors may have a new treatment for swine flu that’s already on pharmacy shelves – cholesterol-lowering statin drugs like Lipitor and Zocor. Researchers reported Thursday that people who were already on these drugs when they caught seasonal flu and had to be hospitalized were twice as likely to survive than those not on such medicines.

That’s not proof that statins are a cure for flu. More study is under way to see if the drugs might be a good treatment. The study, presented at a medical meeting in Philadelphia, involved 2,800 patients during the 2007-2008 flu season.

“It’s very promising,” said the study’s leader, Dr. Ann Thomas of the Oregon Public Health Division. Statins have long been known to reduce inflammation along with cholesterol. Much of the damage that flu causes, whether it’s seasonal or the new H1N1 virus, is from inflammation, an overreaction by the immune system as it fights the virus.

Previous studies also have found that statins may help people survive pneumonia and serious bacterial bloodstream infections. The new research, sponsored by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the first large one in the United States to look at statins for flu. Treatment is a crucial issue for swine flu, as the vaccine is slow to reach the public. Flu medicines such as Tamiflu are being reserved for the sickest patients. Statins are cheap, relatively safe and among the most widely used drugs in the world.
10/30/2009 5:07 am Melissa Ilievski

Oct 30 - Stripper Claims she did more than just the Hokey Pokie!

Josh Duhamel is vehemently denying accusations that he was unfaithful to wife Fergie with a stripper, who strapped herself to a polygraph in an attempt to validate her claim.

Forrester a stripper contends that she met Josh, 36, earlier this month when he and a buddy stopped by the nudie joint, where he purportedly introduced himself as JD and told her that he was in town shooting a porno flick.

She claims they exchanged phone numbers and a few days later, Duhamel, who was recently in Georgia filming the Katherine Heigl rom-com "Life As We Know It," invited her to his $820-a-night hotel room for a -- what's a nice word we could use here? -- liaison.


10/30/2009 5:02 am Melissa Ilievski

Oct 30 - Bay Bridge Repair Update

Caltrans officials did an about-face Thursday night, and are now saying it's possible the Bay Bridge between Oakland and San Francisco will be open in time for the Friday morning commute. "There is a possibility that the Bay Bridge will be open by the morning commute, but people should still plan that the bridge may not be open for service," Caltrans Spokesman Bart Ney said at 7:30pm Thursday.

Ney said the repair work was expected to be completed by 10 p.m. Thursday, but that it was unclear how long testing and inspections would take. Earlier, he had estimated testing could take three hours.

Federal Highway Administration officials and other inspectors are monitoring the work being done and will examine the fix when it is completed, officials said.

The California Department of Transportation had hoped to finish repairs Thursday, but it instead remained closed for the second full day after the original repair gave way Tuesday evening in high winds.

Meanwhile, the Bay Bridge closure meant heavily congested freeways for a second day and a 60% ridership increase for BART Thursday morning.

"Typically we would have about 55,200 passengers going between the East Bay and San Francisco. This morning, our trans bay ridership is up nearly 33,000 riders," said BART Chief Spokesman Linton Johnson

10/29/2009 11:48 pm Bob Anderson

Oct 30 - Kissing Anna Nicole!

One of Anna Nicole Smith’s doctors worried about his own drug use and his professionalism after he kissed her and prescribed her highly addictive drugs, according to his diary, which was read in court.

Superior Court Judge Robert J. Perry read the explosive entries from Dr. Sandeep Kapoor’s diary Wednesday at a preliminary hearing to determine whether Kapoor, Smith’s boyfriend Howard K. Stern and her psychiatrist Khristine Eroshevich should stand trial on charges of illegally funnelling drugs to the former Playboy model.

Kapoor’s lawyer previously said he was gay and objected to prosecutors’ allegations that he had a sexual relationship with Smith that could have contributed to his prescribing drugs for her.

However, Kapoor’s June 13, 2005, diary entry appeared to confirm what prosecutors said they saw in video and photographs taken at a party around that time. The judge has ruled against showing the video in court.

“I was making out with Anna, my patient, blurring the lines,” the judge read from Kapoor’s diary. “I gave her methadone, Valium. Can she ruin me?” The entry also recounted his ride with Smith in a gay pride parade before the party, with six police officers keeping back the paparazzi. “It was mesmerizing. ... Anna and me up there all buffed out on the car,” the entry said.

In an excerpt from Nov. 17, 2002, Kapoor wrote, “I also need to get off the drugs. The Buspar, Wellbutrin have to go. But first the Ambien has got to go. Oh God, it’s so addicting. I have to get off that (expletive).”
10/29/2009 10:34 am Melissa Ilievski

Oct 30 - Divorce for Feldman!

Court records show Corey Feldman's wife has filed for divorce after seven years of marriage. The records show Susannah Feldman filed for divorce last week and cited irreconcilable differences for the breakup. The couple were married in October 2002. They have a 5-year-old son.

Feldman gained widespread popularity starring in 1980s films such The Goonies and The Lost Boys. Susannah Feldman is seeking sole custody of their son, with visitation rights for Corey Feldman. She is also seeking an unspecified amount of spousal support.
10/29/2009 10:24 am Melissa Ilievski