Best News Views and Images Website Room

Monday, 31 March 2008

When he's a cheat, revenge seems sweet

When he's a cheat, revenge seems sweet-Teri Garr is known for her acting roles in "Tootsie" and "Friends," but one man in Hollywood will probably remember her best for the way she wields a hammer.

"My phone rings at 4:30 in the morning," says Garr, "and this woman says 'Is this Teri Garr? Because I've been sleeping with your boyfriend since August.''"

The caller had decided to spill the beans after catching the guy in bed with yet another woman.

"I went into the closet to get some of his stuff because he'd practically been living with me," says Garr. "I threw it all in a box -- I even had his baby pictures. And then for some reason I saw a hammer and I threw that in the box, too."

Enraged, Garr says she drove to her boyfriend's house in 1990 and did what many a scorned woman has only dreamed of: She smashed all his windows.

Vengeance can be appealing when a relationship ends badly. But should you indulge?

Revenge fantasies are normal, says Jeffrey Kaye, a San Francisco psychologist who specializes in couples counseling. "There is a certain element of wanting to set things right according to some universal truth -- an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. But when revenge is acted out on the other person and not just fantasized about, it can be quite destructive and self-defeating."

Writer Anna Holmes encountered her share of vengeful stories while editing "Hell Hath No Fury," an anthology of women's breakup letters, but she's glad she never acted on her own payback fantasies. She recently saw fliers in Brooklyn, New York, bearing pictures of a woman's ex scrawled with "I have herpes."

"I don't think there's anything dignified about behavior like that. And you can't take back that kind of thing," Holmes says.

Some, however, find it empowering: When Mylissa, 30, of Reno, Nevada, learned that her boyfriend had been unfaithful, she rigged his phone so calls would forward to a gay-sex hotline. She cut out the pockets of his pants. Then she sneaked into his house on a hot night, turned his radiator all the way up and super-glued the switch.

"It's OK to break up. But it's not OK to string someone along and lie," said Mylissa. "I think my ex knew he deserved everything I did to him," she argued.

Men have taken their share of revenge. In 2005, a British man hung a sign over a highway telling his wife he wanted a divorce. In 2006, Nicholas Bartha, a New York City doctor, blew up his townhouse to avoid giving it to his ex after he was ordered to pay her several million dollars in their divorce case. He died from injuries caused by the blast.

But as the saying goes, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."

"Women aren't afraid to go for the jugular," says Christine Gallagher, founder of RevengeLady.com and author of "The Woman's Book of Revenge: Tips on Getting Even When 'Mr. Right' Turns Out to Be All Wrong."

The book, a compilation of vengeful acts carried out by women against the men who wronged them, also includes a "Rules of Revenge" code of ethics that says the punishment should fit the crime -- and that you should never break the law.

Gallagher, who says she thinks women find revenge empowering because "they no longer feel like a foolish victim," carried out her own vengeful deed: She unscrewed the door of her cheating ex's Audi, inserted a marble in the frame, then screwed it back together. It took mechanics months to find the cause of the rattling. At last they pulled out the marble and a note: "You finally found it, you f****r."

Raoul Felder, a New York City divorce lawyer, has seen it all, from people ripping up closets of designer clothes to microwaving their spouse's pets to committing murder.

"Wanting to strike back is part of the human condition for a real or perceived wrong," he says. "But once you are possessed with these emotions, just get rid of them as quickly possible."

Whatever you do, be careful not to cross the line into illegal behavior. Leon Borstein, who does matrimonial litigation in Manhattan, says many forms of revenge could be considered criminal.

"I've heard of women cutting up men's suits and ties. That's illegal," he says. "In theory, you could go to jail, but I've never heard of anyone actually being prosecuted for that."

In divorce, vengeance often takes the form of acrimonious litigation, he says. "If one person has more money than the other, then pressing claims to the utmost is a form of revenge. It doesn't have to do with the merits of the case itself. If the difference between you and your spouse is only $5,000 or $10,000 but you're willing to spend $50,000 in legal fees in order to get that difference in money  that's a common form of revenge," and while spiteful, it's legal, he says.

On the other hand, he says, "if you break into someone's house or car, that's breaking and entering, which is a violation of criminal law."

The law came into play when Terri Garr was in the middle of her rampage inside the house: Her terrified ex dialed the cops.

thankx CNN

When he's a cheat, revenge seems sweet

When he's a cheat, revenge seems sweet

When he's a cheat, revenge seems sweet-Teri Garr is known for her acting roles in "Tootsie" and "Friends," but one man in Hollywood will probably remember her best for the way she wields a hammer.

"My phone rings at 4:30 in the morning," says Garr, "and this woman says 'Is this Teri Garr? Because I've been sleeping with your boyfriend since August.''"

The caller had decided to spill the beans after catching the guy in bed with yet another woman.

"I went into the closet to get some of his stuff because he'd practically been living with me," says Garr. "I threw it all in a box -- I even had his baby pictures. And then for some reason I saw a hammer and I threw that in the box, too."

Enraged, Garr says she drove to her boyfriend's house in 1990 and did what many a scorned woman has only dreamed of: She smashed all his windows.

Vengeance can be appealing when a relationship ends badly. But should you indulge?

Revenge fantasies are normal, says Jeffrey Kaye, a San Francisco psychologist who specializes in couples counseling. "There is a certain element of wanting to set things right according to some universal truth -- an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. But when revenge is acted out on the other person and not just fantasized about, it can be quite destructive and self-defeating."

Writer Anna Holmes encountered her share of vengeful stories while editing "Hell Hath No Fury," an anthology of women's breakup letters, but she's glad she never acted on her own payback fantasies. She recently saw fliers in Brooklyn, New York, bearing pictures of a woman's ex scrawled with "I have herpes."

"I don't think there's anything dignified about behavior like that. And you can't take back that kind of thing," Holmes says.

Some, however, find it empowering: When Mylissa, 30, of Reno, Nevada, learned that her boyfriend had been unfaithful, she rigged his phone so calls would forward to a gay-sex hotline. She cut out the pockets of his pants. Then she sneaked into his house on a hot night, turned his radiator all the way up and super-glued the switch.

"It's OK to break up. But it's not OK to string someone along and lie," said Mylissa. "I think my ex knew he deserved everything I did to him," she argued.

Men have taken their share of revenge. In 2005, a British man hung a sign over a highway telling his wife he wanted a divorce. In 2006, Nicholas Bartha, a New York City doctor, blew up his townhouse to avoid giving it to his ex after he was ordered to pay her several million dollars in their divorce case. He died from injuries caused by the blast.

But as the saying goes, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."

"Women aren't afraid to go for the jugular," says Christine Gallagher, founder of RevengeLady.com and author of "The Woman's Book of Revenge: Tips on Getting Even When 'Mr. Right' Turns Out to Be All Wrong."

The book, a compilation of vengeful acts carried out by women against the men who wronged them, also includes a "Rules of Revenge" code of ethics that says the punishment should fit the crime -- and that you should never break the law.

Gallagher, who says she thinks women find revenge empowering because "they no longer feel like a foolish victim," carried out her own vengeful deed: She unscrewed the door of her cheating ex's Audi, inserted a marble in the frame, then screwed it back together. It took mechanics months to find the cause of the rattling. At last they pulled out the marble and a note: "You finally found it, you f****r."

Raoul Felder, a New York City divorce lawyer, has seen it all, from people ripping up closets of designer clothes to microwaving their spouse's pets to committing murder.

"Wanting to strike back is part of the human condition for a real or perceived wrong," he says. "But once you are possessed with these emotions, just get rid of them as quickly possible."

Whatever you do, be careful not to cross the line into illegal behavior. Leon Borstein, who does matrimonial litigation in Manhattan, says many forms of revenge could be considered criminal.

"I've heard of women cutting up men's suits and ties. That's illegal," he says. "In theory, you could go to jail, but I've never heard of anyone actually being prosecuted for that."

In divorce, vengeance often takes the form of acrimonious litigation, he says. "If one person has more money than the other, then pressing claims to the utmost is a form of revenge. It doesn't have to do with the merits of the case itself. If the difference between you and your spouse is only $5,000 or $10,000 but you're willing to spend $50,000 in legal fees in order to get that difference in money  that's a common form of revenge," and while spiteful, it's legal, he says.

On the other hand, he says, "if you break into someone's house or car, that's breaking and entering, which is a violation of criminal law."

The law came into play when Terri Garr was in the middle of her rampage inside the house: Her terrified ex dialed the cops.

thankx CNN

When he's a cheat, revenge seems sweet

Rising Pancakes

Rising Pancakes-My two daughters, who love pancakes, took quick-acting dry yeast and added it to the box of pancake mix. Then, on April Fools' day, they begged for pancakes for breakfast. When I made them, we had the biggest pancakes I had ever seen! I couldn't figure out what was going on until they busted up laughing!

Rising Pancakes

April Fools Jokes

April Fools Jokes-I ran across this and just had to share a few fun ideas. This week is a crazy hectic busy week, so please pardon my absence. I will try my best to post and to keep up and comment, but between a sick child and hectic schedule...well, I'll do my best.

April Fools Jokes

Singer Sean Levert Dies at 39

Singer Sean Levert Dies at 39-Singer Sean Levert, a third of the 1980s R&B trio LeVert and son of lead O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, has died after falling ill while serving a jail term. He was 39.

Levert was sent to the Cuyahoga County jail last week for failing to pay child support. He died at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland late Sunday, less than an hour after he was taken there from the jail, said coroner Frank Miller. An autopsy was planned, he said.

His brother Gerald Levert, who had success as a solo artist after leaving their trio died in 2006 at age 40 of an accidental mix of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

The brothers had formed LeVert in the 1980s with childhood friend Marc Gordon. Their hits included and "Baby I'm Ready," "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind" and "Casanova."

"Casanova" was nominated for a Grammy in 1988 for best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocal. It was also nominated for best R&B song.

At Gerald Levert's funeral service in November 2006, Sean Levert and his father performed "Dance With My Father" and personalized the words for Gerald. The elder Levert's group, the O'Jays, was known for such smash hits as "Back Stabbers" and "Love Train."

Sean Levert found a new third partner last year and was trying to revive LeVert.

Warden Kevin McDonough said Levert had been sick and guards were watching him at the jail's regular cellblock because he had been acting strangely. He declined to be more specific about Levert's medical condition.

Levert suffered from high blood pressure and had been hallucinating in jail, Caesar said. Toxicology reports could take four to six weeks, he said.

Sean Levert had pleaded guilty last week to six counts of nonsupport involving children ages 11, 15 and 17.

Singer Sean Levert Dies at 39

Andy Roddick engaged to swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker

Andy Roddick engaged to swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker-Andy Roddick is engaged to swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker, according to a statement on his official website.

“We are thrilled to announce that Andy and Brooklyn Decker are engaged to be married,” the statement read.

The tennis player, 25, proposed to 20-year-old Decker — a model who has appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition — in early March.

“The couple wanted to tell their family and close friends first but good news travels fast,” according to the statement. “By the time Andy arrived in Miami for the Sony Ericsson Open, the tournament was bustling with the news.”

The two — who met in NYC last year — have yet to set a date.

“With their hectic travel schedules, Andy and Brooklyn plan to enjoy their engagement,” the statement read.

Andy Roddick engaged to swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker

Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick Engaged

Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick Engaged-

Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick are getting prepared now for the “big day”. Becker’s rep told the press that the tennis star proposed to Decker this past Tuesday, although no specific date has been given.




The couple first met, after Roddick asked his agent to track down the number of Brooklyn Decker a model from Sports Illustrated. The two have been dating since 2007 and have seen many times by paparazzi. Specially in the streets of new York where the model lives.



And, well, those are pretty much the news on Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick. Here are some more pics from her, enjoy!

Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick Engaged

'We Are Vanderbilt' demonstrates campus unity

'We Are Vanderbilt' demonstrates campus unity-Student leaders are often called on by friends, fellow students and administrators to publicly comment on general issues relating student life and relevant topics of concern to the student body as a whole. Other times, issues are so immediate and have such impact on individual students that student leaders are compelled to take initiative themselves. Last week's "We are Vanderbilt" campaign represents a great example of such an initiative, designed by students in reaction to an issue that has caused tremendous pain and suffering to a segment of our community. Mike Warren's Friday column, "VSG pledge makes lame attempt to 'save' us all,” incorrectly categorizes the effort as an indictment of our campus as being overrun with racism and religious intolerance, an assertion that couldn't be further from the truth.

Like Warren, we (Vanderbilt Student Government) recognize that hatred and intolerance, cornerstones of many topics on Juicy Campus, are views limited to a minority of individuals who cowardly post written attacks on the website. By no means do we believe the initiative was needed to "save Vanderbilt's soul;” quite the contrary, it was needed to reassure community members personally abused or offended by the postings that the university stands with them and not behind the acts of spineless cyber abusers.

Juicy Campus is not indicative of widespread hate at Vanderbilt; instead, it is a symptom of a smaller issue: With anonymity as their protection, a few individuals are being allowed a forum for libeling individuals in our community and expressing hatred towards racial, ethnic, homosexual and religious populations. For weeks, the students hurt most by this violation of free speech have lacked a forum conducive to expressing their disgust and rejection of this intolerance within our community. On the university's part, silence at this point would have been implicit approval of this intolerance and hatred, and it was important that we provide the affected people with an outlet for publicly voicing their views.

Further, Warren's insinuation that VSG acted unilaterally in initiating the "We are Vanderbilt" campaign discredits the efforts of many individuals across campus working to craft a university-wide response to perceived intolerance and hatred in our community. Without the initiative and hard work of VUcept President Lauren Page Black, Multicultural Leadership Council President Joann Lee, Black Student Alliance Vice-President Courtney Williams and multiple university staff members within the Office of the Dean of Students, Office of the Dean of the Commons and Office of Greek Life, the campaign would have failed to achieve its purpose of facilitating a united campus response to the acts of a hate-spewing minority.

Instead of characterizing "We are Vanderbilt" as a reaction to widespread intolerance within our campus, Warren should have acknowledged the true purpose of the campaign: to provide an opportunity for students to reaffirm their commitment to the values set forth in our Community Creed and offer individuals disgusted by online cowardice an outlet for publicly voicing their disdain for hatred in our community. The "We are Vanderbilt" campaign wasn't intended to dramatically unite our campus under an illusion of respect and acceptance; it simply proved we were together all along.


'We Are Vanderbilt' demonstrates campus unity

Saturday, 29 March 2008

sling media slingbox classic

sling media slingbox classic-"Not yet ready to be rolled-out, Sling Media today confirmed that it's indeed working on an updated SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Mobile. However, Sling Media today announced that - in addition to the currently supported Nokia S60 handsets - it's going to release the long awaited SlingPlayer Mobile for Symbian UIQ smartphones which will be launching this summer. Furthermore, Sling Media confirmed that the Nokia N95 8 GB gets some update love as well to better support the big and beautiful screen which Sling Media intend to fully leverage with an updated SlingPlayer Mobile for Symbian S60."

Arne Hess over at the::unwired has received confirmation from Sling Media that it is working on an updated player for the Windows Mobile platform. Next week at the CTIA the company will be demonstrating its products, so hopefully we will soon hear about the enhancements. SlingPlayer has been on my wish list for quite some time now. Since I do not own a 3G smart phone, I have been putting off the purchase. I am hoping that the new SlingPlayer enhancements and the plenty of 3G smart phone choices that we now have will convince me to take the plunge soon. In case you are shopping for one, our sister site Digital Home Thoughts is reporting that Woot has $69.99 deal on SlingBox Classic.

sling media slingbox classic

Cherry Blossom Festival – Spring Travel at its Finest

Cherry Blossom Festival – Spring Travel at its Finest-I've never been to Japan's cherry blossom festival, but I have seen its little sister in Washington D.C.
If you're lucky enough to start off spring with a trip, there's nothing better than going to see the cherries blossoming. The Washington trees (3000 of them) started a gift to the US from Japan. In 1912 the mayor of Tokyo personally sent the blooms to celebrate the blossoming friendship between the two countries.

Today, the National Cherry Blossom Festival organizes events and tours, starting March 29th to celebrate the glorious event. If you want to participate in Japanese traditional style, Gadling's guide to enjoying cherry blossoms features instructions for the perfect hanami (flower-viewing party or picnic).

For some of us, celebrating spring won't start with cherry blossoms this year - instead we can use the traditional festival as a reminder to start looking for beautiful markers of a change of seasons. The grass is getting green, and I'm eagerly waiting for the day I spot a daffodil poking through the dirt.

Wherever you travel, take time to notice how the season is reflected in your setting, and enjoy that moment of springtime bliss.

Cherry Blossom Festival – Spring Travel at its Finest

Friday, 28 March 2008

Lisa Fernandez, 3-time gold medalist, left off team

Lisa Fernandez, 3-time gold medalist, left off team-Lisa Fernandez, a three-time Olympic champion and perhaps softball's signature star for more than a decade, did not make the U.S. team's final 15-player roster for the Beijing Games.

The 37-year-old Fernandez was named a replacement player on the American team, which will attempt to win its fourth straight gold medal this summer. Fernandez was on the mound when the U.S. team won gold in Athens, completing a historic run through the tournament in which the Americans outscored the competition 51-1.

Fernandez was also the starting pitcher when the U.S. won it all in Sydney in 2000. Four years earlier, she came in as a reliever when the Americans cinched gold in Atlanta.

She was making a comeback after missing three years of international competition to start a family, and never quite got back to form.

"I was really hoping she would get close to where she was in 2004,'' said U.S. coach Mike Candrea. "She is still in my eyes the best player who has ever played this game. I wanted her to go out on top.''

A few weeks ago, the four-time world champion admitted she was having a tough time getting her skills back, but Fernandez was confident she could still play at a high level.

"I think I still have it,'' she said. "I think the advantage I have is my experience. I have the heart.''

Candrea kept only three pitchers: returning gold medalists Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman, as well as first-time Olympian Monica Abbott. Alicia Hollowell, a hard-throwing right-hander who played for Candrea at Arizona, also was named a replacement player.

Candrea will only make changes to his roster if there are injuries. He must submit it to the U.S. Olympic Committee for final approval by July 1.

The U.S. team had its 185-game winning streak in pre-Olympic exhibitions snapped Wednesday, when the Americans were no-hit by Virginia Tech's Angela Tincher.

Catcher Jenny Topping, another member of the 2004 Olympic team, also was left off the final roster. Topping, who came up with several key hits in Athens, was beaten out by Lauren Lappin, a more versatile player who can catch, play middle infield and has good speed. Lappin was an alternate in 2004.

Lisa Fernandez, 3-time gold medalist, left off team

Kidnapped Boy Found in S.Korea, Returned to Queens

Kidnapped Boy Found in S.Korea, Returned to Queens-A missing 7-year-old Queens boy arrived back in NYC this week after a successful enterprise that involved the NYPD, FBI, American Embassy, a charity to track kidnapped children, and a tip to his mother's MySpace account.

Kobe Lee was kidnapped by his father, Jeffrey Salko, during a joint custody-authorized visit. Salko and Tiffany Rubin separated when their child was just four months old, and Salko was facing a six-month jail sentence for failing to pay child support when he disappeared with Kobe in August.

Rubin gained access to Salko's email accounts and learned he had gone to South Korea with their son, which cops at the 113th Precinct in Queens also confirmed. After posting queries on her MySpace page, Rubin received an e-mail tip from South Korea, saying her son was attending school there. With the help of a charity that recovers kidnapped children--American Association for Lost Children Inc.--Rubin flew to South Korea this week and was reunited with Kobe at his school. Then, after disguising him with a wig, she took Kobe to the American Embassy.

Kobe Lee was reunited with his family and relatives this week and the FBI are working with South Korean officials to have Salko repatriated to face kidnapping charges.

Kidnapped Boy Found in S.Korea, Returned to Queens

Residents flaunt their singular talents

Residents flaunt their singular talents-March 8 marked the eighth time the Summerset Singles Club has sponsored its annual Talent Show, an event that showcases the diverse talent that graces all four Summerset subdivisions. This latest show, held at the Summerset III clubhouse, was heavy with singers but did include some poetry, instrumental performances and Hawaiian dancing.

The show’s emcee, Pete Latner, got the evening off to a fun start and continued his tradition of injecting hilarity between the show’s acts.

Ken Young, show director who also shared technical duties with wife Phyllis, sang “Calendar Girl” and “Mack the Knife,” and was followed by Jim Wagner, who played three piano pieces, including “Days of Wine and Roses.” Don Palmer then stepped to the mike and sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “Paper Doll,” while his wife, Ann, held up an actual life-size paper doll.

Ethel Gist sang “I Believe I Can Fly” and Frances Chin and Lois Riddle (Island Ladies) did a hula with instrumental help from Esther Correa, Paulo Felise and Aloha Bayne. John Power sang “If You Are But a Dream,” then Janice Richardson sang and played guitar for “Toora, Loora, Loora” with the audience chiming in. Trisha Brittain joined Richardson in singing “Pie Jesu,” then did a solo of her own called “New York State of Mind.”

After the intermission, Ben Smith sang “16 Tons” and “Lucky Old Sun,” followed by Wanda Ferrell, who recited “The Highwayman” and “Forgotten Soul.” Barbara Tobey sang “Second Hand Rose”, and this writer sang “My Way” and “I Left My Boots in Green Bay, WI.” Esther Correa joined the Island Ladies for another hula and David McClellan sang “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” then teamed with Cathy Ashland to sing “Wunderbar.”

Louis Jensen served as piano accompanist for several acts and the Summerset Vista Homeowners Association provided the stage and lighting. Polly Clarke, Ginny Fahimi and Glenn Muckey were event co-chairs.

After the show, performers mingled with the crowd, trading comments and shaking hands. Latner said he heard a wealth of good comments about the performance: “Several people said it was the best show we’ve had so far.”

Residents flaunt their singular talents

What is C19A?

What is C19A?-C19A is currently the largest iceberg in the world because the second largest iceberg in the world cracked. C19A is approximately 2,264 square miles in size. OMG that is freaking enormous. Within the last month, C19A overtook B15 which was actually much larger than C19A.

The breakage of B15 was apparently caused by an enormous fracture that ended up breaking the huge iceberg down the center, and scientist have known that the break was coming - they knew that C19A would become the largest iceberg in the world.

What is C19A?

Donna Summer Last Dance

Donna Summer Last Dance-
Last dance
Last dance for love
Yes, its my last change
For romance tonight

I need you, by me,
Beside me, to guide me,
To hold me, to scold me,
cause when Im bad
Im so, so bad

So lets dance, the last dance
Lets dance, the last dance
Lets dance, this last dance tonight

Last dance, last dance for love
Yes, its my last change
For romance tonight

Oh, I need you, by me,
Beside me, to guide me,
To hold me, to scold me,
cause when Im bad
Im so, so bad

So lets dance,
the last dance Lets dance,
the last danceLets dance,
this last dance tonight

Yeah, will you be my mr. right? Can you fill my appetiteI cant be sureThat youre the one for meBut all that I askIs that you dance with meDance with me, dance with me, yeah

Oh I need you,
by me,Beside me, to guide me,
To hold me, to scold me,
cause when Im bad
Im so, so bad

Oh I need you,
by me,To beside, to guide me,
To hold me, to scold me,
cause when Im bad
Im so, so bad

So, come on baby, dance that danceCome on baby, dance that danceCome on baby, lets dance tonight...

Donna Summer Last Dance

Kevin Cronin to participate in "Don't Forget the Lyrics" for charity

Kevin Cronin to participate in "Don't Forget the Lyrics" for charity-Kevin Cronin recently took some time out of REO Speedwagon’s rehearsal schedule to participate in FOX-TV’s all-new, all-star episodes of DON'T FORGET THE LYRICS!, which kicked-off Thursday, Feb. 21 and airs on Thursdays (9:00-10:00 PM / 8 PM CDT). Kevin is competing for a chance to win a million dollars, playing for The Recording Academy's nonprofit MusiCares charity and his episode date airs Thursday, March 27th.
March 27th also kicks-off the band’s upcoming 2008 concert tour with Def Leppard in Greensboro, N.C. REO Speedwagon will be performing hits from their latest album, Find Your Own Way Home, including their new single, the title track from the album, as well as all the classic favorites. STYX is also scheduled to appear on the tour.
"We played with Def Lep in Indianapolis, Columbus, and Pittsburgh last summer, and drew over twenty-thousand people at every show,” says Kevin Cronin. “We're definitely gonna melt some snow this time out...and warm some hearts as well. I bet our bass player, Bruce, twenty bucks that Phil (Colin) and Vivian (Campbell) would actually keep their shirts on for these shows...it gets kinda chilly up in Canada this time of year."

Kevin Cronin, lead singer and principle songwriter, keyboard player and founding member Neal Doughty, bass player Bruce Hall, lead guitarist Dave Amato, and drummer Bryan Hitt, are REO Speedwagon. Since the release of their first record in 1971, the band has produced 17 critically acclaimed albums including the monumental 10 million seller, Hi Infidelity, had scored 13 Top 40 singles, including the Number One hits “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Keep On Loving You,” and “Time For Me To Fly,” timeless classics including "Roll With The Changes", "Ridin' The Storm Out", "Take It On The Run", "Don't Let Him Go" and "Keep Pushin." Their latest album, Find Your Own Way Home, was released last year. REO Speedwagon has sold more than 40 million albums to date.

Tour Dates are as follows:

Thu 03/27/08 Greensboro, NC Greensboro ColiseumSat
03/29/08 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock LiveSun
03/30/08 Estero, FL Germain ArenaTue
04/01/08 Greenville, SC Bi-Lo CenterThu
04/03/08 Reading, PA Sovereign Perf. Arts CenterFri
04/04/08 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa / Event Ctr.Sun
04/06/08 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless ArenaTue
04/08/08 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun ArenaWed
04/09/08 Providence, RI Dunkin' Donuts CenterFri
04/11/08 Quebec City, QC Quebec Colisee PepsiSat
04/12/08 Ottawa, ON Scotiabank PlaceSun
04/13/08 Hamilton, ON Copps ColiseumFri
04/18/08 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel ArenaSat
04/19/08 Detroit, MI Joe Louis ArenaTue
04/22/08 Nampa, ID Idaho CenterWed
04/23/08 Spokane, WA Spokane ArenaFri
04/25/08 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl Concert Theater At PalmsSat
04/26/08 Chula Vista, CA Coors Amphitheatre

Established in 1989 by The Recording Academy, MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visit www.musicares.com.
For more information on REO Speedwagon and updated tour news, please visit the band’s Web site at http://www.reospeedwagon.com/

Kevin Cronin to participate in "Don't Forget the Lyrics" for charity

Reo Speedwagon - I Can’t Fight This Feeling

Reo Speedwagon - I Can’t Fight This Feeling-I can’t fight this feeling any longer
And yet I’m still afraid to let it flowWhat started out as friendship has grown strongerI only wish I had the strength to let it show
I tell myself that I can’t hold out foreverI say there is no reason for my fear‘Cause I feel so secure when we’re togetherYou give my life direction, you make everything so clear
And even as I wander, I’m keeping you in sightYou’re a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter’s nightAnd I’m getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can’t fight this feeling anymoreI’ve forgotten what I started fighting forIt’s time to bring this ship into the shoreAnd throw away the oars, forever
‘Cause I can’t fight this feeling anymoreI’ve forgotten what I started fighting forAnd if I have to crawl upon the floorCome crashing through your doorBaby, I can’t fight this feeling anymore
My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw youI’ve been running around in circles in my mindAnd it always seems that I’m following you, girl‘Cause you take me to the places that alone I’d never find
And even as I wander, I’m keeping you in sightYou’re a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter’s nightAnd I’m getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can’t fight this feeling anymoreI’ve forgotten what I started fighting forIt’s time to bring this ship into the shoreAnd throw away the oars, forever
‘Cause I can’t fight this feeling anymoreI’ve forgotten what I started fighting forAnd if I have to crawl upon the floorCome crashing through your doorBaby, I can’t fight this feeling anymore

Reo Speedwagon - I Can’t Fight This Feeling

reo speedwagon

reo speedwagon -1 In a very special edition of Deal or No Deal, the game show that just won't say die, a native of Pakistan gets his shot at becoming a Yankee millionaire. Only in America. (Global, NBC, 8 p.m.)

2 The writers' strike is the gift that keeps on giving. In a very special edition of Don't Forget the Lyrics!, REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin takes centre stage in a bid to win US$1-million for the Music Cares charity. First the Backstreet Boys, now REO Speedwagon. (A-Channel, Fox, 9 p.m.)

3 The Climb is an, um, gripping account of the first Canadian climbers to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, and their bid to relive the moment 25 years later. Provided, of course, CBC doesn't pre-empt the program at the last minute, as they've done once-- twice? --already.

reo speedwagon

The Celebrity Apprentice winner

The Celebrity Apprentice winnere -After weeks of tasks, bickering between Piers and Omarosa, "You're fired!" and money raised for charity, Donald Trump finally said the words "You're hired!" (figuratively) to one of the two final contestants: America's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan and country singer Trace Adkins. Since I know some of you haven't watched the finale yet, I'll name who was crowned winner of the first edition of NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice after the jump. I can confirm though that it's a man!
It wasn't an easy choice. In one corner, you had the player who followed the show's motto: "It's nothing personal. It's just business." In the other corner, you had the quiet cowboy who played a clean game but who didn't do as well fundraising-wise. I have to agree with Piers, this is a business competition and he won it hands down if we follow that line of thought. But his lack of bedside manners, as Ivanka put it in the live finale, rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. As for Trace, he gave his all during the series and worked well with everyone. In a poll we opened a few days ago, over 60% of the voters thought that Trace should have won. Even if at that time I wasn't 100% sure who I wanted to win, I've been rooting for Piers from the start. Yes, he is abrasive and should learn that sometimes it's best to stay silent. But he is the person who played the game the best.Trump, remembering that his reality show is about business, crowned Piers Morgan as the first celebrity apprentice. Since the winner didn't get a job at the end, The Donald didn't say the words "You're hired." Some people may question Trump's ethics because he picked a player who played a rather ugly game. But then again, other people would have complained if Trump had "hired" Trace, saying that the singer didn't raise as much money and that Piers not only brought in the most money, but also many celebrities and won the most challenges. Do you agree with Trump's decision? Let your voice be heard by commenting below.A lot of people, me included, were doubtful about a celebrity version of the show. But now that I've seen the entire season, I must admit that I was entertained. If it weren't for contestants like Piers Morgan, Stephen Baldwin, and Trace Adkins, the series wouldn't have been as fun to watch. It was definitely my guilty pleasure during strike time. The celebrity edition of the reality show will return sometime next year with a second crop of celebrities.

The Celebrity Apprentice winner

A Mind With A Heart Of Its Own Lyrics

A Mind With A Heart Of Its Own Lyrics-I remember her standing in the tall grass and cattailsAway from the windows at the end of the daywatching the men from the landing in thetall hats and coat-tailsShe'd never look different,But something would change

A mind with a heart of its ownYeah a mind with a heart of its own

Well the man out to end us had a hurricane businessHe'd raise them from babies all by himselfbut his teen-age accountant had become surroundedhe drank up the party and everyone left

A mind with a heart of its ownYes a mind with a heart of its own

Well I been to Brooker and I been to MicanopyI been to St. Louis too, I been all around the worldI've been over to your houseAnd you've been over sometimes to my houseI've slept in your tree housemy middle name is Earl

A mind with a heart of its own
A mind with a heart of its own
Yeah a mind with a heart of its own

A Mind With A Heart Of Its Own Lyrics

Mary Jane’s Last Dance Lyrics

Mary Jane’s Last Dance Lyrics-She grew up in a Indiana town, Had a good lookin’ mama who never was around. But she grew up tall and she grew up rightWith them Indiana boys on an Indiana night

Well she moved down here at the age of eighteen, She blew the boys away; was more than they’d seen. I was introduced and we both started groovin’ She said, “I dig you, baby, but I got to keep movin’ - on. Keep movin’ on.”

Last dance with Mary Jane, one more time to kill the pain. I feel summer creepin’ in and I’m tired of this town again. Well I don’t know but I’ve been told, you never slow down, you never grow old. I’m tired of screwin’ up, tired of goin’ down, Tired of myself, tired of this town, Oh my, my, oh hell yes - Honey put on that party dress. Buy me a drink, sing me a song, Take me as I come . cause I can’t stay long.

There’s pigeons down on Market Square, She’s standing in her underwear. Lookin’ down from a hotel room, Nightfall will be coming soon. Oh my, my, oh hell yes, you got to put on that party dress. It was too cold to cry, when I woke up alone. I hit my last number, I walked to the road.

Mary Jane’s Last Dance Lyrics

Thursday, 27 March 2008

Hogan got a National Parenting Award for his book!

Hogan got a National Parenting Award for his book-The National Parenting Publications Awards have named “The Modern Mom’s Guide to Dads” (www.momsguidetodads.com) authored by my friend, Hogan Hilling, as a 2008 Gold Award recipient. NAPPA Parenting Resources winners are considered to be the best in books, CDs, baby gear and other innovative products that make parenting easier and more enjoyable.

Way to go Hogan.

Hogan came to Pittsburgh a while ago and gave a talk to a national meeting at the Hilton. I have a copy of that presentation and should make it available with a new interface some day. I often give it to new parents as a gift on 2 audio CDs.

Interested?

Pittsburgh could and should brand itself as the ideal place to parent.

When the economy sours -- playing with your kids is in one great activity. It is cheap. And, it is rewarding too. We have a good culture of parenting here, in this region. With some attention, outreach and devotion -- it could be a GREAT CULTURE for parenting and community!

Hogan got a National Parenting Award for his book

Striking Teachers in Pittsburgh

Striking Teachers in Pittsburgh-Here is some dirt about an important player in the Pittsburgh school landscape. I don't find this to be too, too, too bad. Union workers have a long tradition of being part of the 'company' and being on 'leave.' Railroad, steel workers and others in other unions and in other industries have been working on behalf of the members while NOT doing the day-to-day job of the rank-and-file.

John Tarka might not be elected by his union members. If that was the case, he'd go back to the classroom, I'd assume.

John Tarka should be getting the same benefits, such as retirement, as the people he represents. Then his deal is like their deal. So, I'm not as outraged as the dirt digging from Simon. But, this is worthy of general knowledge.

Message from Simon (part 1, but not in timeline order)

Dear members of the media (covering the Pittsburgh teacher contract dispute),

With the assistance of Union President, John Tarka, strike authorization was recently issued by the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers (PFT). If there is a strike in the Pittsburgh school district it will be the biggest teacher strike in Pennsylvania in over 15 years (28,000 students, 2,600 teachers). In response to this threat, StopTeacherStrikes, Inc. has publicly posted the individual names & salaries of all Pittsburgh teachers, alongside census data and teacher union campaign contributions at its web site (www.stopteacherstrikes.org). Direct link:

http://www.stopteacherstrikes.org/index.php?pr=Allegheny

There is interesting new information emerging about PFT President, John Tarka. Below is communication with Pittsburgh school district officials. Christopher Berdnick is the Business Manager & Ira Weiss is the district solicitor - please feel free to verify this information with these sources.

John Tarka is listed as a Pittsburgh public employee being paid a salary of $77,800 while on "special assignment". As seen below, his special assignment is working for the private organization called the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers. And he's been on this "assignment" for the last 24 years. Here is how it works:

- Tarka is paid his salary every year by the school district and gets annual raises per the union contract (CBA) just like any other teacher

- Tarka receives pension benefits and accrues years of service from the school district just like any other teacher

- Tarka puts in for annual leave every year which gets automatically approved

- The Union reimburse the school district each year for the cost of Tarka's salary/pension benefits while he is on leave

- The Union separately pay Tarka an additional $20,000/year as reported on their federal LM2 disclosure form

So we have the amazing situation where PFT Union President, John Tarka, is able to "use" a public school district while actually working for the union ... thus moving towards a fully vested, taxpayer-funded, guaranteed defined-benefit pension for the rest of his life. At retirement he'll go straight onto the taxpayer's dime, even though he hasn't taught in the Pittsburgh school district in 24 years. It is outrageous.

It is one more example of the abusive power of the teachers' union in Pennsylvania. If John Tarka is not working for the school district then he should be on union payroll and his pension should be private and linked to his work for the union, and not to his non-work for the school district.

PFT union president, John Tarka, has no moral authority to be involved in issuing strike threats inside the Pittsburgh school district. Because Tarka stands to personally gain from additional public monies spent on teacher benefits, yet he is not even teaching at Pittsburgh.

Striking Teachers in Pittsburgh

Bababooey


Bababooey.com

Austin Krum, an outfielder, had been asked to leave a bar in Tampa after
making threats. He came back later and was arrested, then struggled with
the cops while he was being handcuffed.
Well, at least he wasn't taking HGH.


Bababooey.com

WOMBAT

WOMBAT-I hate to drag the name of as cute a creature as the wombat — a furry Australian marsupial — through the mud, but there’s no other way to tell this story. A New Zealand man has been sentenced to 75 hours of community service after he called police and told them he was being raped by a wombat. He later called back to say that he was all right, except for having developed an Australian accent. The police prosecutor “told the court that alcohol played a large role” in the man’s life.

2nd News about wombat!
A New Zealand man who claimed he was raped by a wombat and that the experience left him speaking with an Australian accent has been found guilty of wasting police time.

Wombats are native to Australia and are not found in New Zealand. Although powerfully built and about the size of a small pig, they are very rarely dangerous. There are three species: the widely distributed common wombat and the much rarer southern and northern hairy-nosed wombats.

WOMBAT

NFL draft prospect Heath Benedict dies at 24

NFL draft prospect Heath Benedict dies at 24-Heath Benedict, a two-time Little All-American offensive lineman at Newberry College, was found dead on a couch in his Jacksonville, Fla., home.

Police say no foul play is suspected in the Wednesday night death of the 24-year-old Benedict, a 6-6, 320-pound junior who had planned to enter the NFL draft.

Newberry coach Zak Willis says Benedict underwent extensive medical tests at the NFL scouting combine last month and nothing unusual was found. Willis says Benedict will be remembered as one of the best to play at the NCAA Division II school.

Benedict, who redshirted at Tennessee in 2002 before moving to Newberry, was a native of the Netherlands. He played high school football at the Peddie School in Hightstown, N.J.

Benedict's body has been taken to a medical examiner's office.

NFL draft prospect Heath Benedict dies at 24

Kristin "Billie" Davis: Spitzer's New 'Kristin'

Kristin "Billie" Davis: Spitzer's New 'Kristin'-Former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer has now been linked to Kristin “Billie” Davis, after his famous prostitute ‘Kristin‘, in a recent discovery. Kristin “Billie” Davis, the madame of yet another high-end escort service “Wicked Models” frequented by the governor, is said to have personally ’serviced’ him.

Media reports Kristen “Billie” Davis to be “a busty bottle blond who hails from a ough-and-tumble California trailer park.”

It’s also reported that she has the biggest black book list in North America.

“She has a reputation for hard-partying, shameless self-promotion and a rumored 10,000-name-long client list,” says today’s New York Post.

Well, Eliot has already been disgraced quite much because of his alleged sexual encounter with a now-famous prostitute Ashley Dupre, a.k.a. Kristin. He lost his job because of that.

I don’t know what harm might come to him, now that his new affair is in question. All I can say is that those huge boobs, will cost him more than he’s already paid for!

Kristin "Billie" Davis: Spitzer's New 'Kristin'

Wednesday, 26 March 2008

ELIMINATED: Dancing With The Stars Results


ELIMINATED: Dancing With The Stars Results-DANCING WITH THE STARS - Tuesday was double elimination night on "Dancing With the Stars."
Magician Penn Jillette of "Penn & Teller" became the first celebrity to be kicked to the ballroom curb in season 6.


Jillette, who was partnered with professional dancer Kym Johnson, received low scores from the judges in their first two performances which led to few votes from the viewers.
Jillette's two dances earned a combined score of 33 points out of 60 possible, making him the lowest-scoring male celebrity.
A few minutes later, tennis champ Monica Seles learned that she too was being sent home for her low scores and lack of viewer votes.
For her two dances with professional partner Jonathan Roberts, earned the lowest scores of any of the stars on the show, earning only 30 points out of 60.


UH UHHHHHH!! AN OREGON MAN IS PREGNANT!!!

UH UHHHHHH!! AN OREGON MAN IS PREGNANT-March 26, 2008. (AP) An Oregon man who used to be a woman says he is pregnant with a baby girl.Thomas Beatie's first-person story appears in a recent issue of The Advocate, a Los Angeles-based newsmagazine for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people.According to the story, Thomas was born a woman but decided to become a transgender male and legally changed his sex to male. He had his breasts surgically removed and started bimonthly testosterone injections, but kept his vagina.Now identifying as male, Thomas legally married Nancy, the story says. The pair wanted a biological baby but Nancy was unable to carry a child. So they decided Thomas would."How does it feel to be a pregnant man?" Thomas writes in the article. "Incredible. Despite the fact that my belly is growing with a new life inside me, I am stable and confident being the man that I am. In a technical sense I see myself as my own surrogate, though my gender identity as male is constant. To Nancy, I am her husband carrying our child . . . I will be my daughter's father, and Nancy will be her mother. We will be a family."Before getting pregnant he stopped injecting testosterone, and his body "regulated itself after about four months," he writes in The Advocate.One year and nine doctors later, Thomas got pregnant, but the pregnancy was ectopic, and rarer still, with triplets. After surgery, Thomas lost all his embryos and his right fallopian tube.But the second pregnancy has been a success, writes Thomas: "We are happily awaiting her birth, with an estimated due date of July 3, 2008."

UH UHHHHHH!! AN OREGON MAN IS PREGNANT

Tuesday, 25 March 2008

mike nilon

mike nilon-

Main Page
Welcome to Wikipedia,the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.2,302,547 articles in EnglishArtsBiographyGeographyHistoryMathematicsScienceSocietyTechnologyAll portalsOverview · Editing · Questions · HelpContents · Categories · Featured content · A–Z indexToday’s featured articleThe technology of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) was advanced, providing some of the most prolific technological advancements in Chinese history, much of which came from talented statesmen drafted by the government through imperial examinations. The ingenuity of mechanical engineering had a long tradition in China. The Song Dynasty engineer Su Song admitted that he and his contemporaries were building upon the achievements of the ancients such as Zhang Heng, an astronomer, inventor, and early master of mechanical gears. The application of movable type printing advanced the already widespread use of woodblock printing to educate and amuse Confucian students and the masses. The application of new weapons employing the use of gunpowder enabled the Song Dynasty to ward off its militant enemies until its collapse to the Mongol forces of Kublai Khan, in the late 13th century. Notable advancements in civil engineering, nautics, and metallurgy were made in Song China, as well as the introduction of the windmill to China during the 13th century. These advancements, along with the introduction of paper-printed money, helped revolutionize and sustain the economy of the Song Dynasty. (more…)Recently featured: Sea otter – Freedom Monument – Reese WitherspoonArchive – By email – More featured articles…Did you know…From Wikipedia’s newest articles:…that “many-sided” priest Father Patrick McLaughlin (pictured) promoted links between the Church and the world of literature by staging plays, and by commissioning lectures from T. S. Eliot and Dorothy L. Sayers?…that video sharing website YouTube has held two YouTube Awards, which honor the best videos on the site, as voted by the YouTube community?…that the petioles of some species of Eugeissona palm trees can be used as darts in blowgun hunting?…that Home of Truth, Utah was a religious utopian community in the 1930s whose leader claimed to receive divine revelations through her typewriter?…that 2006 fiction novel Apex Hides the Hurt by Colson Whitehead, was featured among The New York Times’ 100 Most Notable Books of The Year?…that a rock edict of Emperor Ashoka found at Maski in the Indian State of Karnataka in 1915, was the first one to refer him by the name Asoka?…that the Stalingrad Madonna was flown out on the last transport plane to leave the trapped Sixth Army during the Battle of Stalingrad?Archive – Start a new article…In the newsAfrican Union and Comoros forces invade the rebel-held island of Anjouan.The Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party wins Bhutan’s first democratic general election.Kuomintang candidate Ma Ying-jeou (pictured) is elected President of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Two referenda on joining the United Nations fail due to low turnout.A permanent coalition government agreement is reached in Belgium, ending a nine-month stalemate, as Yves Leterme is sworn in as Prime Minister.The wreckages of HMAS Sydney and the HSK Kormoran are located off the coast of Western Australia 66 years after their mutual destruction in battle.Protests in Tibet against the Chinese government result in numerous fatalities.Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events…On this day…March 25: Mawlid in Shi’a Islam (2008); Struggle for Human Rights Day in Slovakia, Independence Day in Greece.1306 – Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scotland at Scone Palace in Perth.1634 – Lord Baltimore, his younger brother Leonard Calvert, and a group of Catholic settlers founded the English colony of Maryland.1655 – Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens (pictured) discovered Titan, the largest natural satellite of the planet Saturn.1802 – France and the United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Amiens, temporarily ending the hostilities between the two during the French Revolutionary Wars.1807 – The Slave Trade Act became law, abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire.1918 – The Belarusian People’s Republic was established during World War I, when Belarus was occupied by the German Empire according to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.More events on this day…Recent days: March 24 – March 23 – March 22Archive – By email – More anniversaries…Today’s featured pictureBaseball pitcher Chris Young of the San Diego Padres practices his four-seam fastball before the June 16, 2007 game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. During the game, Young hit Derrek Lee with a pitch, which led to a bench-clearing brawl. Both players were ejected from the game, which ended in a 1–0 victory for San Diego. The game took place a few weeks before Young was added to his first Major League Baseball All-Star Game roster via the All-Star Final Vote. The picture also depicts a Wrigley Field bullpen located in playable foul territory. In the background, the old-fashioned scoreboard and the 2005–06 reconstruction of the centerfield bleachers are visible.March 25 is Opening Day for Major League Baseball.Photo credit: Antonio VernonRecently featured: Emperor Tamarin – Tugboat – Chechen man prayingArchive – More featured pictures…

Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon with she and her husband Mike Nilon's newborn twins appeared on the cover of Jet Magazine this week.

Beauvais-Nilon, 41, is the third celebrity in the past couple of months to give birth to twins. Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry both had sets of twins in the last month. Like Lopez who appeared on the cover of People Magazine with her newborns, Beauvais-Nilon appeared in Jet.

Beauvais-Nilon and husband Michael have been married since 2001. On Oct. 18, Beauvais-Nilon gave birth to the newborns, Jax Joseph and Jaid Thomas. Garcelle and Mike had suffered through three miscarriages before the newborns were born.

mike nilon

http://www.minglecity.com/

http://www.minglecity.com/

Oregon Man Thomas Beatie is Pregnant

Oregon Man Thomas Beatie is Pregnant-Thomas Beatie claims he is pregnant with he and his wife’s first child. The Oregon man was born a woman but decided to have a sex change. Beatie says he decided only to have chest reconstruction and testosterone therapy and not to change his reproductive organs.

Beatie wrote an article about his pregnancy for ‘The Advocate,’ a magazine for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered readers. In the article, he says he stopped taking testosterone injections to get pregnant. He decided to carry a baby as his wife Nancy was able to get pregnant.

Beatie says he was pregnant with triplets but he lost the babies. He is now pregnant with a baby girl, who is due in July. He describes how doctors refused to treat him. One doctor sent him to the “the clinic’s psychologist to see if we were fit to bring a child into this world and consulted with the ethics board of his hospital.”

“A few months and a couple thousand dollars later, he told us that he would no longer treat us, saying he and his staff felt uncomfortable working with ‘someone like me,’” he wrote. Beatie added that he and his wife’s situation “sparks legal, political and social unknowns.”

Oregon Man Thomas Beatie is Pregnant

Sunday, 23 March 2008

mars attacks

mars attacks-The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune. The evening stars are Mars and Saturn.

Those born on this date are under the sign of Aries. They include culinary expert Fannie Farmer in 1857; psychoanalyst Erich Fromm in 1900; actress Joan Crawford in 1905; Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa in 1910; rocket scientist Wernher von Braun in 1912; Roger Bannister, the first person to run the mile in less than 4 minutes, in 1929 (age 79); former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson Jr., in 1938; comedian Louie Anderson and singer Chaka Khan, both in 1953 (age 55); and actresses Amanda Plummer in 1957 (age 51) and Keri Russell ("Felicity") in 1976 (age 32).

On this date in history:

In 1765, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act for taxing the American colonies, an action that became a major grievance for rebellious colonials.

In 1775, in a speech supporting the arming of the Virginia militia, Patrick Henry declared, "Give me liberty or give me death."

In 1942, during World War II, Japanese-Americans were forcibly moved from their homes along the Pacific Coast to inland internment camps.

In 1966, Pope Paul VI met Britain's archbishop of Canterbury at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, the first meeting between the heads of the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches in 400 years.

In 1983, the world's first recipient of a permanent artificial heart, Barney Clark of Seattle, died in a Salt Lake City hospital.

In 1985, the United States completed the secret air evacuation of 800 Ethiopian Jews to Israel.

In 1989, Dick Clark retired from hosting the TV show "American Bandstand" after 33 years.

In 1996, Taiwan elected Lee Teng-hui in the island's first direct presidential election.

In 1998, Russian President Boris Yeltsin fired his entire Cabinet.

Also in 1998, "Titanic" won 11 Academy Awards, tying the record total won by "Ben-Hur" in 1959.

In 1999, the vice president of Peru was assassinated.

In 2001, the United States expelled 40 Russian diplomats it said were spies. The action had come in response to the arrest of FBI agent and accused Russian spy Robert Hanssen.

Also in 2001, the Russian space station Mir was brought down in the Pacific Ocean near Fiji after more than 15 years in orbit.

In 2003, a U.S. soldier was arrested after allegedly throwing grenades into the tents of three American officers in Kuwait. Two soldiers died, 12 others were wounded.

Also, nine U.S. Marines were killed in Nasiriyah where fellow Marines found 3,000 chemical warfare suits and masks at a hospital.

In 2004, a bipartisan government commission, investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, noted in a preliminary report "alarming threats" about a possible al-Qaida attack months before the assault.

Also in 2004, NASA said new findings on Mars suggest an ancient sea once covered part of the planet.

In 2005, Iraqi forces attacked a training camp for suspected insurgents west of Baghdad, killing 80 gunmen in one of the largest operations to stamp out terrorism.

Also in 2005, federal investigators say there is no evidence of terrorism in the deadly BP refinery explosion in Texas City, Texas, that killed 15 workers and left several others in critical condition.

In 2006, the U.S. government rested its case in the sentencing trial of admitted terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui in Alexandria, Va. The jury will decide whether Moussaoui could have prevented the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and whether he should get the death penalty.

In 2007, eight British sailors and seven marines on a U.N. mission patrolling the Persian Gulf were seized at gunpoint by members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard who accused them of being in Iranian waters. The British insisted they were in Iraqi territorial waters.

A thought for the day: Erich Fromm wrote, "That man can destroy life is just as miraculous a feat as that he can create it, for life is the miracle, the inexplicable."

mars attacks

Sara Jane Olson

Sara Jane Olson- The former member of the SLA, paroled last week, is back in prison. State officials say she has to serve one more year.



California authorities rearrested Sara Jane Olson at noon Saturday, just hours after she was prevented from flying home to Minnesota from Los Angeles, and said she must serve one more year in prison because they miscalculated her release date.

The former member of the radical Symbionese Liberation Army had been paroled Monday from a California women's prison after serving about six years for her role in a 1975 plot to kill Los Angeles police officers by blowing up their patrol cars.

Officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said at a news conference that they had made a mistake in computing the amount of time Olson should serve in a separate case in which she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for participating in a Sacramento-area bank robbery in which another SLA member killed a customer.

"The department is sensitive to the impact that such an error has had on all involved in this case and sincerely regrets the mistake," Scott Kernan, the agency's chief deputy secretary of adult operations, said at a Saturday afternoon news conference. "The department has launched a full investigation."

Kernan called the case "extremely complicated, given the amount of changes to the sentencing laws that have occurred over the last 30 years."

Olson should have been sentenced to 14 years, not 12, for the two crimes, Kernan said. He said state officials had failed to account for the bank robbery. The earliest possible release date for Olson now is March 17, 2009, he said. At that point, she will have served half of the 14-year term.

Like most California inmates, Olson has earned credit against her sentence for working while in prison. She served on a maintenance crew that swept and cleaned the main yard of the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla, according to prison officials.

She was taken to a prison in Chino on Saturday but will be moved back to Chowchilla, Kernan said.

When news organizations reported Olson's release Friday, law enforcement officials reacted with dismay and raised questions about whether she had been let out too early.

Jon Opsahl, son of Myrna Opsahl, the woman killed in the bank robbery, called the Sacramento County district attorney's office and said he believed Olson had not served enough time.

Corrections department officials acknowledged that they began an intensive review of their internal calculations of the sentence after getting questions from the Sacramento County district attorney's office and a local television reporter, but they denied that they had bowed to pressure.

After Olson was taken back into custody, Los Angeles Police Protective League President Tim Sands issued a statement, saying, "We are relieved that Sara Jane Olson has been returned to prison for another year."

But Sands said the organization was "far from satisfied. Parole shouldn't even be an option for terrorists who are convicted of murdering innocent bystanders and attempting to murder police officers. Anyone who tries to kill police officers should get significant jail time and serve their full sentence."

Olson's attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, said she was outraged by the rearrest and asserted that her client had been illegally arrested and is now being "illegally imprisoned."

Holley said she was surprised to receive a phone call late Friday night from Olson, who told her that law enforcement officials at Los Angeles International Airport "were telling her her travel pass was rescinded and they would escort her back to her mother's home in Palmdale."

After midnight, Holley said, she got another call from Olson, telling her that Olson had been taken to her mother's home in a law enforcement convoy and that although she was not under arrest, law enforcement officials had stationed a car in front of the house and told her she would be followed if she left.

Holley said she planned to file a writ of habeas corpus seeking Olson's release within the next few days.

She scoffed at the suggestion that there had been "a computation error."

"We received an order from the state parole board more than a month ago informing us that she would be released on March 17," Holley said.

She referred to a decision of the board, saying that on Oct. 12, 2007, the panel had notified a Los Angeles Superior Court judge that "it did not intend to impose" a one-year enhancement that had been challenged by Olson's attorneys. The decision went on to say that Olson's "earliest possible release date has been recalculated to March 17, 2008."

Noting that the decision had been made months ago, Holley said: "The idea that suddenly they discovered an error is untrue. What appears to be the truth is they are bowing to pressure from the Police Protective League or someone else."

But Opsahl, the son of the slain woman, said he was "definitely glad" that corrections department officials "caught the mistake and they are going to insist she serve her full sentence. . . . She is no threat to society, but criminals have to pay their debt to society."

Olson changed her name from Kathleen Soliah when she went underground after the bank robbery.

She had lived in Minnesota for a number of years before being arrested on charges related to the 1975 plot to plant pipe bombs beneath police cars in retaliation for a May 1974 shootout with Los Angeles police that left six SLA members dead.

Olson married Dr. Gerald Peterson, an emergency room physician.

The couple lived for a while in Zimbabwe before settling in St. Paul, Minn. Olson lived the quiet life of a homemaker and mother of three daughters in an upscale neighborhood and appeared in local theater productions.

She was apprehended in 1999 after being featured on TV's "America's Most Wanted." Her case was moving toward trial on Sept. 11, 2001. After the terrorist attacks, she struck a plea deal in the bombing attempt, saying she feared she would not get a fair trial.

She pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing a destructive device with the intent to murder and struck a deal in the bank case, pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

For the murder conviction, she was given a one-year sentence. For the botched bombings, she was initially sentenced to five years and four months, but that was extended to 12 years after a state prison board designated her a serious offender.

Santa Clara University law professor Gerald Uelmen said he found it "hard to imagine" that state officials made a calculation error. The executive director of the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice said he had never heard of an instance in which a prisoner was mistakenly released early.

However, Uelmen said he believed that "if she was erroneously released, they can take her back into custody until she serves her sentence" in full.

Ohio State University law professor Douglas Berman, who runs a widely read blog on sentencing issues, said, "There is a lot more uncertainty about the legal formalities of when someone is entitled to be released and how that can be enforced" than about many other areas of the law.

"If you look hard enough at the criminal justice system, you can find a lot more errors than you would think," including prison officials keeping someone incarcerated for longer than they should. "In a lower-profile case," he said, "no one is likely to find out."

Sara Jane Olson

Improve Noblegarden

Improve Noblegarden-Some of the best times i've had in World of Warcraft have been participating in Blizzard's entertaining holiday events. Large portions of the world are revamped with decorations, new quests, and of course, prizes! And, while the prizes may not be that important (food, Halloween costumes, etc), participating in the holiday events is always a fun change of pace from the norm. However, I have to say Noblegarden -- Blizzard's Easter event -- pales in comparison to their other holidays. Why?

  • No decorations or changes in any of the cities... not even a lone NPC to inform players that they can hunt for eggs.
  • A one-day holiday as opposed to the week(s) of festivities for Halloween, Winter's Veil, etc.
  • Noblegarden eggs are quite rare... and the prizes are sub-par at best.
  • No holiday quests. Not a single one!
If you didn't participate in Noblegarden this year, I'll give you the rundown. In the secondary newbie zones (not the starting zones, but the zones after that), eggs were hidden. You could loot the eggs to get a few copper coins, assorted candy (61 health over 18 seconds), and a chance at an Easter dress or pieces of a tuxedo. Yesterday I spent four hours (can you tell that I really wanted an Easter dress?) scouring Elwynn Forest for eggs. During this time, I managed to locate 26 eggs (which comes out to about one egg every 9 minutes). While I got plenty of candy and perhaps a whole silver worth of coin, I didn't get any of the holiday clothes that were the only appeal of the event -- but after spending 4 hours at the hunt, I couldn't bring myself to keep going. (And I imagine most sane people would have stopped sooner than that.)

So what could Blizzard do to make this event fun and worthwhile for its players? Read on for speculation!
  • Decorate! Celebrate the coming spring with garlands and wreathes of brightly colored flowers on every building! Line countertops, bannisters, and windowsills with rows of eggs and the occasional chocolate bunny. Let us know it's a holiday!
  • Improve the prizes! Change the candy rewards to add a percentage of total health rather than a fixed amount -- like all of the other holiday food in the game. This way, the candy is useful for players of all levels.
  • Add more prizes! Unique Noblegarden bunny pets. Noblegarden baskets (bags). A wider variety of themed candy -- chocolate eggs and bunnies. Held in off-hand spring flowers. There are plenty of in-theme items that could be added to make this event more interesting.
  • Make it more practical to get some of these prizes. With the rarity of eggs and the short length of the event, it's difficult to find enough eggs to have a chance at getting anything. Increase the number of eggs per zone and put them in more zones -- so players of every level have a chance to run across eggs and collect them wherever they happen to be questing or leveling. And/or increase the length of the event to give players more time to collect them.
  • Add some holiday quests! Some ideas: escort an orphan child around to collect eggs, collect X number of eggs which can be turned in for specific prizes, help hide eggs for the egg hunt. Blizzard's got a creative team, why not put a bit of their time into bringing this event up to par?
What do you think -- is Noblegarden just fine or does it need something?

Happy Noblegarden :-

The great feast of Noblegarden has long been celebrated by the races of the Alliance and recently adopted by those of the Horde. On this joyous day, it is customary for the nobles and lords from each race to hide coins, candy, and the occasional treasures within special eggs painted to look like wildflowers. These eggs are then scattered around the major cities for the citizenry to find. From heroes to commoners, and everyone in between - the feast of Noblegarden is meant to bring communities together to share the joy of life and friendship."


Improve Noblegarden

easter comments

easter comments-One of the most remarkable things about the ongoing controversy over Barack Obama's angry pastor is the sharply differing reactions, even among those who seem to have so much else in common.

New polling suggests the wildfire Internet spread of the newly-retired Rev. Jeremiah Wright's most inflammatory sermons has scorched off some national popularity of Obama, who's based so much of his political message on being "post-racial," not militant, not angry, pro-unity.

But that now can seem contradictory to many with Obama's intimate 20-year association with a black nationalist who rages about "the U.S. of KKK-A," suggests the country invited or deserved the 9/11 attacks and believes the AIDS epidemic is a government conspiracy to kill blacks.

For a sample video of Wright's sermons, click on the Read more line below.

Then, Obama continued to expose his two young daughters to such views In a congregation whose loud, demonstrative cheers clearly endorsed such extreme statements, while claiming he'd not heard them.

As reported here last week, Obama's chief political strategist, David Axelrod, admitted being sufficiently worried more than a year ago that they un-invited the pastor from giving the invocation at Obama's campaign announcement in February, 2007.

At the same time, some black and white voters say they were moved by Obama's ensuing speech as a long-awaited invitation to begin an honest, calm and cleansing national dialogue on race.

It's a topic clearly on the minds of voters in Pennsylvania, one of the largest....

states to weigh in on race and the race for the Democratic presidential nomination between Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton, who's trailing in money, delegates and the popular vote but leading in Pennsylvania and using Obama's success to raise more money.

Recent items on the issue in The Ticket have elicited many hundreds of Comments, baring feelings of sympathy and support, naked anger and even racism that had not been expressed in that forum before the sermon videos unlocked the issue for public debate. To see such Comments, click on virtually any of the links in this item. And check that section at the end of this item.

Just as talk radio and television are preoccupied with the matter, so were a surprising number of shoppers and employees this weekend in the mega-mall known as King of Prussia, in the Pennsylvania town of the same name.

Dereck Cummings is an openly gay man and a former Jehovah's Witness who says he isn't in the habit of judging other people on their lifestyles or religion. But Cummings can't shake the disturbing feeling there's something worrisome in the incendiary sermon highlights, something that keeps nagging at him as he tries to decide how to vote in his state's Democratic primary election April 22. "If that's been your priest for that many years, it affects who you are," said Cummings, an assistant store manager in the suburban shopping mecca outside Philadelphia. "Those thoughts come across, Sunday after Sunday, and that just scares me."

His co-worker, Stacey Hermann, couldn't care less, saying the statements fade given her concerns over taxes and education. "He isn't responsible for what another person says," Hermann said, shrugging.

King of Prussia mall is the commercial center for a sizable population of swing voters, whose willingness to go back and forth between Republican and Democratic presidential nominees makes them crucial in general elections.

So their take on the latest bruising to Obama matters for the upcoming primary and signals how fertile the ground is for Clinton or, later, Republicans to try to take advantage of the issue politically. Since the controversy erupted, for instance, polls show Obama support plunging sharply among white males.

In the mall's food court, several self-described swing voters said they were not bothered by Wright's words, though they did not like them. "It's unfortunate," said Judy Wolstenholme, a retired phys ed teacher.

"You don't want someone out there with a history of preaching hatred. I think it might hurt [Obama]. He should have been a little stronger in putting down those theories. But it only bothers me if I believe he isn't smart enough to rise above that message, and I don't think that right now."

Still, Wolstenholme, a registered Republican, said she likes both Hillary Clinton and likely Republican nominee John McCain better than the Illinois senator, as does her husband.

Joshua Snyder, a theology professor at nearby Villanova University, said he thinks the Wright sermons probably sounded very different in church than they do blasting out of computer and television screens.

"When people preach, they tend to get bombastic," Snyder said. "You can use it as a sound bite, and especially in white suburbia, that helps to perpetuate a stereotype."

But in the construction site of a new jewelry store in the mall, union workers said they were deeply offended. "It was unbelievable the way the reverend was talking," said David Terrano, a carpenter. "It makes me worry that, if Obama's president, he's going to be thinking about things that way."

Cummings and Hermann work together at the Ann Taylor store, where another co-worker said the off-duty conversation frequently veers toward politics.

"I listen to what Rev. Wright said, that we brought 9/11 on ourselves," said Myisha Upshur, a Philadelphia resident. "It sounded very callous. If I were listening to that and I lost someone in the 9/11 attacks, I would be very hurt."

Still, she said, "I appreciate that Sen. Obama didn't say, `I'm never going back there to church.' We all have friends we don't agree with. That doesn't mean we should turn our backs." Hermann said she's voted for Republicans and Democrats and that her decision next month won't be affected by Obama's church history.

But Cummings' gay life experience teaches him differently. He said he was "dis-fellowshipped" from the church of his childhood when he came out of the closet but that he still finds traces of those early influences in his thinking. He wondered, can Obama really avoid being influenced by Wright's angry words the same way?

"It rubs off," said Cummings. "And that doesn't go away easily."

easter comments

Saturday, 22 March 2008

trisha meili

trisha meili-Trisha Meili's story is about the capacity of the human body and spirit to heal. It's a story of hope and possibility. It didn't begin that way.

On April 19, 1989, a young woman went for a run in New York's Central Park shortly after 9 p.m. Hours later, two men wandering the park found her near death from a brutal beating and rape. In a coma, with 75 percent blood loss, a fierce blow to the head and severe exposure, doctors at Metropolitan Hospital worried that this young woman might not survive. The story seized the headlines, not only in New York, but around the world as people contemplated what the savagery of the attack said about our society.

Trisha Meili, known to the world as The Central Park Jogger, revealed her amazing story of survival and recovery 14 years later in her best-selling memoir I AM THE CENTRAL PARK JOGGER: A Story of Hope and Possibility.

Born and raised in Paramus, New Jersey, and Pittsburgh, Trisha was a Phi Beta Kappa economics major at Wellesley College and a double graduate degree recipient (M.B.A. and M.A.) at Yale University. After graduation, she went on to work as an associate at the Wall Street Investment Bank Salomon Brothers, until her life was violently interrupted that terrible night in Central Park.

I AM THE CENTRAL PARK JOGGER is not a story of an attack, but rather, one of healing. The horror of her attack brought an outpouring of support and love from her family, friends, healthcare workers, co-workers, and strangers. As she relearned how to do simple things, such as rolling over, telling time, buttoning her blouse or identifying simple objects, Trisha credits this support as part of the miracle of her recovery.

Trisha gives her time to organizations vital to her healing including The Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Program (SAVI) at Mount Sinai Hospital, Gaylord Hospital, where she did much of her rehabilitation, and the Achilles Track Club that helped her run the New York City Marathon in 1995.

Recently, received the Leadership Award from the National Center for Victims of Crime, the National Courage Award from the Courage Center, the Pacesetter Award from New York Hospital Queens, the Spirit of Achievement Award from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the Courage Award from Boston's Magic 106.7 Exceptional Women Program, and was an Olympic Torchbearer in New York City.

Today, Trisha speaks about her journey of recovery and healing to groups, including businesses, universities, brain injury associations, sexual assault centers, and hospitals. With her book and lectures, she offers lessons on how to manage through unpredictable change, whether personal, professional, economic or spiritual. Her story has encouraged people worldwide to overcome life's obstacles - regardless of what they might be - and get back on the road to life.

Teamwork: The Power of Support
Trisha stresses how outside support was vital to her healing. Family, friends, coworkers, doctors, nurses, and therapists all worked as a team to ensure Trisha's survival. Additional support came from strangers as an outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and warm messages provided a critical connection for Trisha, reaffirming that she was not alone in her ordeal. Trisha inspires others about the importance of "joining the team," regardless of the goal.

Leadership: The Power of Self-Knowledge
Self-knowledge is a critical element in any leadership practice. After the attack, Trisha was forced to learn to live in a new body with a new mind, to understand herself in an entirely new way. Becoming more acutely aware of her strengths and weaknesses helped Trisha develop confidence, which lead to setting goals and taking action to improve. Trisha encourages others to tap into the power of self-knowledge, take control and move forward.

Attitude: The Power of Choice
Trisha couldn't change what happened - the attack - but she realized that she could choose how to respond. Beyond her recovery, Trisha chose to use this adversity to offer hope and possibility to others. In everyday life, we make choices quite causally, even carelessly. But when people choose consciously and with precision - choose as though their life depends on the choice they are making, real power flows. Through her speaking and writing, Trisha inspires listeners to experience the power of making conscious choices.

Personal Growth: The Power of Possibilities
Trisha's transformation from someone in a wheelchair, who couldn't walk to once again being a determined athlete capable of completing a New York City Marathon, was the result of concentrating on her possibilities. Focusing on what she could do, rather than on what she couldn't, motivated her to keep pushing to the edges of what she thought was possible, regardless of the obstacles. As a best selling author and Chairman of a worldwide organization serving those with disabilities, Trisha shows the results of continued pushing and growing.

Mind/Body: The Power of the Present Moment
In the middle of a crisis, it is often difficult to figure out what to do first. When everything had been taken away from Trisha, she realized all she could do to improve her future was to work in the present moment. She offers this as critical insight to all of us who face business and personal challenges.

Peak Performance: The Power of Personal Responsibility
In the darkest days after the attack, Trisha took responsibility for her recovery, realizing that she was an integral part of the healing process. Soon after emerging from the coma when a nurse asked her, "Who's the captain of this ship?" Trisha replied, "I am." Taking responsibility in this way led Trisha to set, pursue and achieve goals, and touch thousands in the process. Trisha demonstrates to her audience that taking personal responsibility is the beginning of peak performance.

• In 1989, the gang-rape and brutal beating of investment banker Trisha Meili would become Fairstein's biggest case when she headed the city's Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit.

In 2002, the convictions of five men in the Central Park Jogger Case were vacated.

"It was a huge disappointment," Fairstein says, "but litigation is ongoing and we think it will make clear their participation in the attacks."

trisha meili