Latest celebrity news and inside info

Lok Sabha Elections Results 2014 Live: India General Election Results Live

2014-05-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Pakistan should investigate spy agency over journalist attacks: Amnesty

2014-04-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Islamabad: Pakistani authorities should investigate the country's powerful spy agency for human rights abuses against journalists following a spate of attacks on leading reporters, London-based Amnesty International said in a report published on Wednesday.

The report sheds light on the threat it says the country's media faces, including from political parties, Islamist insurgents and its own intelligence agencies.

At least 34 journalists have been killed in Pakistan as a direct consequence of their work since 2008 and eight have been killed in the past 11 months since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was elected to power in May 2013, Amnesty said.

"A critical step will be for Pakistan to investigate its own military and intelligence agencies and ensure that those responsible for human rights violations against journalists are brought to justice," said David Griffiths, Amnesty's Deputy Asia Pacific Director.

"This will send a powerful signal to those who target journalists that they no longer have free reign."

The Amnesty report came after a top political talk show host was shot and wounded in the city of Karachi earlier this month. (Read more...)

Hamid Mir survived the attack and his employer, the privately owned Geo News television channel, has since accused the military's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency of orchestrating it. The army has denied the allegations and demanded that the channel be shut down. (Pakistan ministry demands TV station shutdown in shooting row)

Criticising the ISI or the army is taboo in Pakistan and the showdown between Geo and the military has sparked an unprecedented debate about press freedom in the country.

Weeks earlier, another TV anchor, Raza Rumi, was attacked in the city of Lahore. He has since fled to the United States. (Raza Rumi leaves Pakistan 'for a few months' after being attacked)

Amnesty's report is based on research into over 70 cases where journalists have been targeted for their reporting.

Amnesty said the pressure on journalists came from a range of organisations including the ISI and other intelligence agencies, as well as the Karachi-based Muttahida Qaumi Movement political party, the Pakistani Taliban and the sectarian militant outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.

Despite the violence, Pakistani authorities have largely failed to hold perpetrators to account, Amnesty said.

Out of 74 cases looked into by Amnesty, authorities investigated only 34, while court proceedings were brought against alleged perpetrators in six cases. Perpetrators were convicted in two cases.

The US-based Committee to Protect Journalists in 2014 ranked Pakistan as the fourth most dangerous country in the world for journalists. Reporters Without Borders placed it 158 out of 167 countries in its 2014 World Press Freedom Index.

"Journalists, in particular those covering national security issues or human rights, are targeted from all sides in a disturbing pattern of abuses carried out to silence their reporting," Griffiths said.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/pakistan-should-investigate-spy-agency-over-journalist-attacks-amnesty-516026?curl=1398832418

Kejriwal slams Modi, Rahul for “massive poll spending”

2014-04-23T01:01:00.002-07:00

Pitching his ‘aam-aadmi’ credentials, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday hit out at BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for their “helicopter democracy,” while projecting himself as an “honest” alternative.

On his way to file his nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls from this holy city, the AAP leader highlighted the “massive” spending in the advertisement campaigns for Mr. Modi and Mr. Gandhi and asked people to decide what kind of democracy they want.

AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal interacts with a child during an election rally in Varanasi.

“Somebody was saying that Modi is spending Rs. 5000 crore in advertisements. Gandhi is also spending a lot of money. You watch TV, read newspapers, see billboards, they are there and everywhere. If he (Modi) is elected to power, he will make at least Rs 5 lakh crore.

“I am a fakir. I have no money. I will run a campaign on your money. You decide what do you want,” he told a road show.

Accusing Mr. Gandhi of cheating the people of Amethi, Kejriwal said people told him that they kept electing the “family” member in hope their constituency will be developed.

“Nothing happened and they feel cheated,” he said.

“They (people) don’t get to see him. They see only his helicopter flying in the sky. I hope it does not happen in Varanasi that you are pointed to a flying chopper and told that your leader (Modi) is there....You decide if you want helicopter democracy or somebody who goes to villages and mohallas”, he said.

Mr. Kejriwal is contesting against Mr. Modi in the high profile UP constituency.

Gone Girl Trailer 2014 (HD)

2014-04-15T04:21:00.001-07:00

Set to a cover version of the song He, sung by Richard Butler from The Psychedelic Furs, the clip shows Affleck's character, Nick Dunne, appealing for knowledge about his missing spouse Amy, played by British actress Rosamund Pike.

The first trailer of the film adaptation of Gillian Flynn's best-selling novel Gone Girl, starring Ben Affleck, has been released.

The dark trailer, which contains small dialogue, ends with Amy floating underwater as well as a voiceover from Nick saying: "I did not kill my spouse. I am not a murderer."

Nick is the main suspect in Amy's disappearance on their fifth wedding anniversary & the film appears to follow the book's plot closely as police try to uncover the truth.

Flynn's book was published in June 2012 & by the finish of its first year on the shelves it had sold over million copies in print & digital editions.

The film is directed by David Fincher who also directed The Social Network, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo & the hit television series House Of Cards.

Gone Girl will be released in the United Kingdom on October three.

Chelsea FC’s Eden Hazard likely to be sidelined for two weeks with calf injury

2014-04-08T22:22:00.004-07:00

London: Eden Hazard could be sidelined for two weeks after injuring his calf during Chelsea’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, manager Jose Mourinho said.

Winger Eden Hazard, who has been Chelsea FC’s stand-out performer this season, suffered a calf injury during his side’s 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday.

“With a muscular problem, even when it’s not serious, you cannot play normally for a couple of weeks minimum,” Mourinho told a press conference. - Chelsea FC’s Eden Hazard likely to be sidelined for two weeks with calf injury

Chai pe Charcha with NaMo – Official Video [HD]

2014-02-10T22:11:00.003-08:00

Music Composer & Singer- Rochak Kohli
Lyricist – Adeesh Varma
Video Direction – Vikalp Chhabra & Arushi Kaushal
Music mixing and programming – Ravi Singhal
Camera – Mayank Tripathi
Video Editor – Vinay Mishra

Top Twitter Trends Results for Arvind Kejriwal #1CroreAAPians

2014-01-31T06:07:00.003-08:00

For More Click On Image

Ahilya Holkar #NAMO‏@ahalyaholkar

#1CroreAAPiansincluding Bin laden. Ya Allahpic.twitter.com/9i7x7UplE6

1CroreAAPians

Bharat بھرت भरत ‏@BharatTiwari43s

Arvind Kejriwal is a Talented & Experienced Person – Ashok Guptahttp://www.shabdankan.com/2014/01/Arvind-Kejriwal-is-a-Talented-and-Experienced-Person-Ashok-Gupta.html … #1CroreAAPians #AAP @ArvindKejriwal @shaziailmi

How Important Is Kissing In A Relationship?

2014-01-31T03:52:00.006-08:00

Are you in a relationship that has begun to crumble or witness the absence of affection and compassion? Well, this is a common feeling in females if her relationship with the partner lacks kissing.

A kiss is regarded as an expression of affection, passion, compassion, adoring and affection towards your partner. It is the most effective ways to communicate your feelings without having to say anything in words. In case you are in a relationship, then it is possible for you to to relate to this fact basically. A passionate romance begins with a kiss and this is what keeps the relationship drive smooth and over brimming with affection and love.

For More Click On Image

Top Twitter Trends Results tweet for #Mata

2014-01-24T01:04:00.002-08:00

angga_rasyah ‏@mu_rasyah27s

Hahaha *ketawadevil* RT @putranugros: Goodbye Juan Mata. Thank you and good luck at Manchester United

Aidan Sweeney ‏@aidansweeney_59s

So today is the day Juan Mata leaves Chelsea and signs for Manchester United. I don’t wanna get out of bed.
Ghabriel ‏@ghabriel4443s

Asking where Juan Mata would fit into the Man United side is like asking me where a £50 note would fit into my wallet full of fivers.”Lolz!”

For More
http://www.findonweb.net/blog/top-twitter-trends-results-tweet-for-mata/

५६ ” का सिना [छाती ] चाहिए – मोदी जी

2014-01-24T01:02:00.000-08:00

श्री मान नरेन्द्र मोदी जी केवल नाम ” मोदी ” हिन्दुस्थान का हर नागरिक के जबान पे है। कल UP में रैली में मोदी जीने मुल्लायम को प्रतिकारात्मक वार करते हुवे कहा कि मुलायम जी UP को गुजरात नहीं बना सकते उनकी हैसियत नहीं है इस के लिए ५६” का सिना होना चाहिए।
अब मुल्लायम और मीडिया के लिए ये समजना मुश्किल हो गया कि ये ५६ ” का सिना [छाती ] यानि क्या !
गुजरात में मोदी जी के शुरुआत के समय है भूकंप पीडितो के पुनहरवसन , २००२ में साबरमती एक्सप्रस में ५९ निर्दोष राम जन्म भूमि के कार सेवको को जिसमे महिला बच्चों सहित ज़िंदा जलाया गया बाद में राज्य के कई स्थल पर दंगा फ़ैला !
शाशन का अनुभव नहीं था और ये दंगे कया किया जाय ये कठीन क्षण कि मांग थी हर सम्भव कोशिश की गई मोदी जी द्वारा यहां तक कि पडोसी कोंग्रेस शासित राज्यों महारास्ट्र, मध्यप्रदेश [ दिग्गविजय थे मंत्री ],और राजस्थान से भी मदद मांगीगई लेकिन कोई मद्दद नहीं दी उन कोंग्रेसी ओने।
मीडिया उसमे भी आजतक ने मोदी जी और गुजरात को बदनाम करने में कोई कसर नहीं छोड़ी ! read more article here -Modi ji

Modi Gorakhpur Rally Top #NaMoInGKP top Twitter Trend

2014-01-23T04:53:00.001-08:00

NaMo Mantra ‏@namomantra_org37s

नरेन्द्र मोदी के भाषण देने की अंदाज़ से ऐसा लग रहा है जैसे रावन का खात्मा करने के लिए खुद राम जी उनके शरीर में आगये हों। #NaMoInGKP

NarenderModi4India ‏@NAMOfor27239m

Sea of People who came to listen and see @narendramodi .No can stop NAMO when people of INDIA are with him #NaMoInGKP pic.twitter.com/Y2R9yv31Kp

Jai Tyagi ‏@tyagi_jai2m

#NaMoInGKP @BJPLucknowBJP नेता जी (mulayam)गुजरात बनाने के लिये 56 इंच का चौड़ा सीना चाहिए जो आपके बस का नहीं है । Namo Namo!!

Anil Kumar ‏@AnilAarush2m

@narendramodi send whole minority wing from Gujrata 2 UP/Bihar let ppl see the diffe, even rank/file mus from Guj sud b sent #NaMoInGKP

Reah More article here - http://www.findonweb.net/blog/modi-gorakhpur-rally-top-namoingkp-twitter-trends/

Modi Gorakhpur Rally Top Tweet

2014-01-23T02:17:00.003-08:00

NDTV ‏@ndtv45s

We want to make India capable of competing with other countries and we need your support for that: Modi #NaMoInGKP http://www.ndtv.com/article/election-2014/narendra-modi-speaks-at-a-rally-in-uttar-pradesh-highlights-474489 …
आज तक ‏@aajtak19s

गोरखपुर में बोले मोदी- सपा-बसपा-कांग्रेस, सबका मालिक एक है… http://bit.ly/1fekgUx

NDTV ‏@ndtv42s

A boy is travelling & as soon as his train enters Gujarat, his family sleeps in peace: Modi in Gorakhpur #NaMoInGKP read more article here - http://www.findonweb.net/blog/modi-gorakhpur-rally-top-tweet/

http://www.findonweb.net/blog/modi-gorakhpur-rally-top-tweet/

Somnath Bharti effect: Africans live in fear in Delhi

2014-01-22T01:58:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI: The after-effects of Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti’s shock-and-awe vigilantism against Africans living in the Capital have started to show their ugly faces. Besides suffering racial and physical abuses allegedly at the hands of locals, Africans of Nigerian, Congolese and Ugandan origins are now being forced to vacate their apartments in Khirki Extension, and to settle in nearby areas like Khanpur and Deoli village.

When MAil Today visited several localities — Arjun Nagar – Green Park, Munirka, Satya Niketan and Saidulajab in Saket — across the Capital where Africans live, the anti- African mood was palpable. In Arjun Nagar, the locals thought MAil Today journalists were Aam Aadmi Party volunteers who would beat up the Africans. In another instance, on enquiring about a Nigerian restaurant in the area, a local asked whether the team of journalists was interested in buying drugs. read more article - http://www.findonweb.net/blog/somnath-bharti-effect-africans-live-in-fear-in-delhi/

AAP dharna live: Won’t disrupt Republic Day parade, says Aam Aadmi Party

2014-01-21T06:14:00.001-08:00

06:51 pm: You can’t take the law in your own hands,just because Mahatma Gandhi did it you can’t do in the 21st century-Santosh Hegde on AAP.
06:45 pm: I was happy when AAP formed Govt, but now i am very disappointed-Santosh Hegde.
06:35 pm: Won’t disrupt Republic Day parade, says Aam Aadmi Party
The AAP, whose Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is staging a street protest, Tuesday said it has no intention of disrupting the official Republic Day celebrations.

Kejriwal, his ministers and a large number of Aam Aadmi Party supporters are massed near the Rail Bhavan, not far from the Rajpath boulevard where the annual Republic Day parade takes place.

AAP spokesman Ashutosh told the media: “We give an assurance that we will not cause any disruption to the Republic Day parade. We are not here for that.”

Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia earlier said that the AAP protest will continue independent of the Jan 26 Republic Day parade.

06. 10 pn: 15 people have been injured in the police baton charge: Manish Sisodia.

06.07 pm: Delhi Cabinet meets inside Kejriwal’s car at protest venue.

Read more at:
http://www.findonweb.net/blog/aap-dharna-live-wont-disrupt-republic-day-parade-says-aam-aadmi-party/

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/arvind-kejriwal-aam-aadmi-party-protest-rail-bhavan/1/338884.html

Unseen Pictures Of Nazriya Nazim With Fahad Fazil

2014-01-21T05:03:00.004-08:00

The wedding news of Fahad Fazil and Nazriya Nazim was made public by Fahad’s father and director Fazil. Initially, people thought it to be another rumour, but finally things got confirmed after Fahad as well as Nazriya shared their happiness through their Facebook pages. Click Here to continue reading…

Ways To Become A Good Girlfriend

2013-05-09T04:38:00.002-07:00

Most girls think they make great girlfriends, but it is afterall the decision of your partner to make and never yours! If you’ve landed the man of your dreams and want to be a better girlfriend, then browse through the tips below:

Good Girlfriend

Start by being a better person

All people have good in them. The same way that people have bad in them. To be a better girl, you need to be a better person from the core of your heart.

Take things slow

In a relationship, every one needs their time and space. Never cling to your guy, respect his space and take some time off to be alone with your friends and thoughts too. Just because you are in a relationship doesn’t mean you need to spend every moment of every day together now, does it?

- Have an optimistic attitude at all times and be open to new things. Be the one who says yes more often than no. Your guy will want to hang out with you more and more.

Let go of the past

Everyone has a past. Your guy would definitely have had girlfriends before you. Don’t keep prying into his past to gather more information about what his exes were like. There is a reason as to why he isn’t with them anymore and why he is with you, so enjoy the fact that he’s with you and build a loving relationship. His history shouldn’t matter to you if you really like him.

Try to participate in activities that he likes

Just like girls love going shopping, men like playing ball or going for a basketball match. If you want to be a good girlfriend, you need to show some interest in things that he likes doing. Surprise him with tickets once in a way and accompany him to a game. Or by tickets for him and his best pals and send them!

Be yourself

Don’t lie to him or pretend to be something you are not. If you believe in love, you’ll have to believe in honesty too. Be you and impress him with the real you.

Don’t be insecure about your relationship

If a guy is with you, that means he likes you. And you can tell if there are genuine feelings involved or not. If he’s into you, enjoy his love and attention and don’t get insecure. Fact is that in his everyday life he will be communicating with other girls, some of whom will be beautiful, so you can’t be paranoid and keep asking him to justify his whereabouts and every conversation or outings. Show him that you trust him and that you are a strong person.

Don’t be insecure about your looks

If a guy is with you, he finds you attractive and beauty is finally at the eyes of the beholder. Don’t constantly question your boyfriend about whether you are looking pretty enough or not and whether he finds you prettier than XXXX. Your boyfriend likes you and so you should leave it at that. Be confident and go out with him, with your head held high at all times! It’s a fact that guys don’t like insecure girls, they like confident girls who know they look good.

Don’t be a control freak

To a certain extent, guys like girls who like to be in control but the minute you overdo it, they bail. Guys by nature are the ones who like control, well, that doesn’t mean that he should be dominating over you either. Learn to be equals and mutually understand and respect each other’s preferences, tastes, likes and dislikes.

Show a lot of affection for your man

Make him feel loved. Gift him special things, cook him things he likes to eat, take him out to dinner and don’t always expect him to pay. He shouldn’t feel like as though you would never contribute towards anything. He should feel the love you have for him…

Respect him and his friends

Don’t always run them doing trying to show that you and your friends are better than them. Guys don’t like girls who do that. Furthermore, a guy will always love you more knowing you have no issues with his friends.

Dress in the manner he likes often

If he likes it when you leave your hair lose, do that often. These little things will mean a lot to him and will make him feel like you love him.

Make him feel important

Look to him for advice on work issues. Ask him for advice on other things too. Make him like as though he is important to you.

- Get to know his family better and once you meet them, don’t immediately start talking about their faults. Try to praise his mother and sister and their ideals. He will love the fact that you’re trying hard to accept his family as they are.

Alexis Wright, Maine Zumba instructor accused of prostitution, pleads not guilty

2012-10-10T21:33:00.002-07:00

Alexis Wright turns toward her attorney Sarah Churchill, left, during her arraignment.

/ AP Photo/Joel Page

(CBS/AP) KENNEBUNK, Maine - Alexis Wright, a fitness instructor in a southern Maine town, was charged Tuesday with running a prostitution business out of her Zumba dance studio and secretly videotaping her encounters, prosecutors say.

Wright, 29, pleaded not guilty in Portland to 106 counts of prostitution, violation of privacy, tax evasion and other charges for allegedly providing sex for money at her fitness studio and a nearby one-room office she rented. Her alleged business partner, 57-year-old Mark Strong Sr. pleaded not guilty to 59 counts of promotion of prostitution and violation of privacy.

Prosecutors haven't detailed why Wright was videotaping her encounters, but they gathered more than 100 hours of video and nearly 14,000 screen shots from seized computers, Deputy District Attorney Justina McGettigan said.

"The state's in over its head. This case isn't ready for prosecution," Strong's lawyer Daniel Lilly said at the hearing.

Police have begun issuing summons to Wright's customers and will release the names in the weeks ahead. Townspeople said they've heard that lawyers, doctors, law enforcement officials, a television personality and other well-known people in town are included in a detailed clientele list police found.

The superintendent of schools issued a memo to teachers and staff last week, instructing them to be on the lookout for students who have relatives on the list of names and may be teased or have trouble coping.

Wright opened her Pura Vida fitness studio in 2010 teaching Zumba, a Latin-inspired fitness program that combines aerobics and dance, about 25 miles south of Portland, the state's largest city. She later rented a one-room office across the street, above a hair salon and a flower store.

That same year, an anonymous blog accused Wright of not being the sweet, friendly Zumba instructor she portrayed herself to be. "She's living a double life and is a porn star. She may be a prostitute for all I know," the first blog entry read.

Police began investigating after hearing reports of cars coming to the studio and the office at all hours of the day and night and men going in for a half-hour or hour at a time, according to a police affidavit released when Strong was arrested in July.

The landlord who rented the office space to Wright told investigators one of his tenants sometimes heard "moaning and groaning" coming from Wright's office, the affidavit said.

When the landlord checked the office himself, he found a massage table and a video camera set up on a tripod. He told police he later found an online porn video of Wright that was recorded in the office, which he recognized by the walls, the floor and the window.

When police raided the studio and office in February, they seized electronic ledgers of sexual acts, video recordings and records of clients and the sexual acts performed by Wright, according to the affidavit. Police said that judging by what they found, Wright's alleged sexual activities generated as much as $150,000.

Investigators said there was both a "business and personal" connection between Strong and the activity at the studio. Video footage showed Wright and Strong having sex, according to the affidavit.

Bee Nguyen, who rented the studio space to Wright and Strong, said Tuesday he often saw cars pulling up to the back of the studio and men going in but didn't think anything of it.

"She had a boyfriend," said Nguyen, adding that Wright and Strong owe him about $10,000 in back rent.

Wright is a single mother of a young son. It wasn't clear whether Wright still has custody of her son; the agency that oversees child welfare says it can't comment.

Both Wright and Strong are now free on personal recognizance.

Crimesider Staff

Topics

Daily Blotter

7 things not to do on a first date

2012-09-21T21:28:00.001-07:00

What were you up to last Saturday? If you were home alone, watching re-runs of Friends or if you were being slapped outside of a restaurant after a terrible date, then chances are you’re making one of these seven worst first date mistakes. Check out this list and find out what you’re doing wrong and how you can crack the first-date challenge.

Worst first date mistake 1: You played hard to get
Your friends might tell you that playing hard to get is the key to securing a guy, but the last time they went on a date was when they were 14. Don’t play hard to get. It will turn your date off and even if they did like you, by the time it’s time to pay the bill they’ll have lost that loving feeling. What to do on your next first date: Don’t act as if you are head-over-heels in love with your date, but do give them signals that you’re interested. Touch their arm gently or look into their eyes for a few seconds and smile. Little hints like this are enough to keep them interested.

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Worst first date mistake 2: Wandering eyesEven if the hottest man you have ever seen or the sexiest woman in the world walks in to the bar where you and your date are having a drink, be strong and do not check them out. Your date will be aware that a gorgeous guy or girl entered the bar too and they will probably watch you to gauge your reaction. If you stare at them, drooling over their toned behind, your date will be hurt, humiliated and might assume you lack loyalty. What to do on your next first date: If you really are desperate to gawk, just wait five minutes and excuse yourself whilst you go to the bathroom. Then, when you make your way back to your table admire the hottie in secret.

Worst first date mistake 3: You asked permission
There is nothing more off-putting than having someone ask for your permission to kiss them. It shows you lack confidence, assertiveness and, if you have to ask, the moment clearly isn’t right. Although, on no account, should you be too aggressive, asking to kiss someone is a classic first date mistake. What to do on your next first date: Try to work out why you ask permission. If you ask permission because you lack confidence read some tips on how to be a better kisser. Also don’t over-think the moment because, despite the hype, the first kiss isn’t the be all and end all.

Worst first date mistake 4: Be silent and mysterious
Although the brooding and silent type of guy and girl seems sexy in movies, in real life you just come across as aloof, arrogant or painfully shy. Instead of being silent, you need to showcase your personality. A study undertaken at Iowa University found that those couples who had similar personalities were more likely to stay together longer. What to do on your next first date: Scrap the attitude and instead talk about topics that show the person you’re dating who you are and what you are like. Not only will your date be more interested in you, you’ll probably have more fun as well.Worst first date mistake 5: Talk about how you cheated

One of the worst first date mistakes is to talk about how you cheated on your ex. In a study undertaken by researchers at Cornell University it was found that the trait both men and women rated highest was fidelity. In fact, being faithful was ranked as being more important than attraction, wealth and status. What to do on your next first date: Avoid talking about your ex and don’t mention that you broke their heart because of your night-time antics with the girl or guy next door. Although you’ll have to tell them the truth at some point, the first date is not the time or the place.
Worst first date mistake 6: You moaned
So, you’ve had a terrible year, but do you really think a first date is the right moment to offload? People want to be around others who make them feel good and are fun. If your date leaves feeling low, depressed and in need of a stiff drink after spending the evening with you, there is no chance that you will be getting a second date. What to do on your next first date: If you’re too low to control your feelings and you’re not in a great place, starting a relationship is a bad idea. Be brave and address any issues that are holding you and your happiness back before starting to date again.Worst first date mistake 7: You ask them what they want to call your children
Dates are all about flirting and fun; not pressure, commitment and life plans. Although you need to ask engaging questions, asking your date whether they would be happy to convert their children to the catholic faith is going too far. Avoid talking about having a future together or asking them their views on such personal and difficult issues. What to do on your next first date: Think about why you ask in-depth, personal questions. Is it because you’re desperate to settle down? If you are, just remember that those questions will just drive the person away, so try to relax and enjoy yourself.

The Internet Or Your Privacy: Which Do You Value More?

2012-04-09T08:52:00.001-07:00

The Internet needs some remodeling, but compromises are going to have to be made.

There’s an old cartoon that came out back in an issue of The New Yorker in 1993, back when the Internet was still damp with amniotic fluid and long before it’d taken its first step, that featured a dog sitting in front of a computer and looking over to his four-legged pal and saying, “On the Internet, nobody knows you’re a dog.” It was an age of a different kind of online experience, when Internet users could reliably pretend to be other people (or animals, if that was your thing), when everyone was cautioned about not giving out too much or if any personal information because you never knew exactly who you could be communicating with or, even scarier, who might be secretly eavesdropping. More than it being an era with a different set of rules, it was an era of a different Internet altogether.

The cartoon encapsulated a time when you were the only filter through which your personal information traveled; what information you shared was what you chose to share and you could retain varying levels of anonymity depending on your comfort levels.

In 2012, you could confidently say that the opposite is true: on the Internet, absolutely everyone knows you are not a dog; more, they know that you are exactly you. You can’t so much as touch a computer mouse these days without having your five most important interests, the color of your hair, your address, and your past three Amazon purchases all immediately transfered to the servers of companies working behind the online curtain. It’s not that we are over-sharing or giving up too much information about ourselves these days but, rather, we simply cannot help or stop hemorrhaging our personal information into the Internet.

For those of you that can remember, do you find yourself missing those pioneer days of the internet when you could truly be anonymous? Or, have you embraced the current pro-sharing transparency that has become the norm on the Internet? Feel free to tell us know what you think.

Whether you’re bothered by it or not, the issue of online entities, namely online companies that have become synonymous with the technology like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, tracking users activity on the Internet has created something of a fever within the sphere of privacy rights. Regardless of whether you care or not, it’s a fever that promises to spread much further before it finally breaks. The question is, how’s the result going to affect the way you interact with the Internet?

Privacy Comes, Privacy Goes

In March, the Federal Trade Commission released its final report for how online businesses should adjust their practices when following you around on the Internet, picking up the breadcrumbs of your activity and turning them into tasty loaves of revenue they generate by selling your information to advertisers. The report addresses several aspects of online privacy, ranging from the practices of data brokers stocking up on your information to providing tools like a Do Not Track button for consumers’ protection. WPN’s Abby Johnson spoke with Jules Polonetsky, the Director and Co-Chair of the Future of Privacy Forum, to explain each of the major issues addressed in the FTC’s report.

It’s important to distinguish what the Do Not Track function exactly means to you insofar who can collect your information were you to employ it. First, such a function isn’t some panacea to prevent any and all companies from collecting your information.

“The Do Not Track flag is designed to protect users against tracking by third-party companies with whom a user has no relationship,” Rainey Reitman, Activism Director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told WebProNews. “It isn’t designed to tackle the problem of first-party data collection.”

First-party data collectors would be considered those sites you visit directly, news sites or sites like Google and Facebook. Providing them with some of your information, what you’re reading and clicking on and so forth, is one of the reasons you’re able to access their content for free (more on that in a minute). In February, the White House released the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rightsthat suggested a better rubric to develop a more transparent understanding between consumers and businesses:

“First parties could create greater transparency by disclosing what kinds of personal data they obtain from third parties, who the third parties are, and how they use this data. This level of transparency may also facilitate the development within the private sector of innovative privacy-enhancing technologies and guidance that consumers can use to protect their privacy.”

But the Do Not Track feature can still affect some first-party sites that collect information in a similar way that third-party might.

“The Do Not Track flag can be an effective tool to communicate with companies that are typically first-party companies but which, by embedding code on various websites, are acting like third-party companies — such as Facebook with the like button,” Reitman added.

Still, for now the FTC is leaving it up to the industry to self-regulate the data collection practices by stopping short of requiring new legislation to regulate it for them.

So what’s your reaction to the government’s recommendation for the Do Not Track feature? Think it goes far enough? Think it’s overreaching and could have adverse affects on advertising? Speak up, tell us what you think.

The thing is, almost none of you are really keen on being tracked around on the Internet. WhenGoogle Analytic’s Justin Cutroni asked Google users, “Do you think a business should be able to anonymously track your actions on their website?” the response was as subtle as an anvil falling through a thin sheet of glass: 84.7% of respondents replied, “No.” And notice that the question didn’t parse any different between first-party and third-party collectors or any other kind of stipulations – just a plain, general “businesses.” And still, people overwhelming responded that they don’t think businesses should be able to track people.

Incidentally, two other polls were released that reiterated consumers’ desire to not be tracked. A poll from Consumer Reports revealed that 71% of Internet users are “very concerned” with the way companies are collecting and user consumer information. Another poll from LA Times/USC Dornsife revealed that 82% California voters are “very/somewhat” concerned about companies tracking their Internet activity. Furthermore, none of the respondents trust any of the major tech companies with their information.

You Must Choose, But… Choose Wisely

One thing to remember in all of this is the Why for companies’ data-tracking practices.

One way or another, the Internet is going to change. We can’t expect to limit businesses’ fodder – our information – for advertisements, which is how they generate revenue, and yet still maintain the luxury of enjoying top-shelf services for free. In fact, their use of our information is how those services are free in the first place, not to mention as high quality as they are. In this hyper-capitalist society, that’s just not going to be permitted or functional. As alternatives to Gmail or Facebook or Twitter go as of right now, good luck finding comparable services. You might be able to do without them altogether, sure, but replacing them is a different problem.

If the current flow of information sucking through companies’ servers is throttled, something is going to change and most likely what you’re going to see is the gradual implementation of fees for services. Companies don’t like to amass a certain level of wealth only to have those riches diminish because of new regulations. They’ll find a way to maintain their current wealth. Don’t believe me, just look at what is happening with banks. Free checking accounts used to be the norm, but ever since regulation was passed to limit overdraft fees on checking accounts, those truly free accounts are hard to come by. You either pay a small monthly fee to maintain a checking account or have to maintain a higher balance regularly in order to have a “free” account.

The point is, banks were told not to fleece their customers with overdraft fees, thus cutting off a source of revenue. The banks didn’t want to let go of that revenue that easily, so to offset the difference they passed on the cost to their customers in the forms of accounts that require monthly fees.

The maxim here: nothing ever comes for free. Sponging away our personal information in order to turn that into Googlebucks and Facebookbucks is how these companies got wealthy in the first place. Cut that source of revenue off and these companies will simply change their practice to generate money from us in another way. Like I said, once a business acquires a certain level of wealth, regardless of how (un)scrupulous its methods were, they’re not going to accept a lesser net worth. The cannibals on Wall Street would see that as a failure, and once investors start bailing then the company goes under.

So before we can realistically start rattling our sabers and demanding our cake while we eat it, too, you’re going to have to make a choice. A compromise, if you will: Allow online companies to use your information – at least in some respect – in order to continue using free, high-quality services, or you’re going to have to pay something to continue using those sites. I realize one of the driving forces behind the government’s recommendations for businesses is to improve transparency between consumers and companies, but that information is as good as currency on the Internet. It’s not really something that they’re likely to let go of easily.

What are you going to do, Internet users: are you okay with giving up some of your information in order to continue unfettered use of sites like Google and Facebook; or, if it ever came to it, would you possibly be willing to pay to use those once-free services in order to maintain the quality and access? Anybody got any good suggestions for a compromise between the two choices? Tell us what you think. It’s important that you think about this and really weigh your priorities because, one way or another, a change is coming to how we use the Internet.

Eadweard J Muybridge celebrated in a Google doodle

2012-04-09T02:39:00.000-07:00

Google has produced an animated doodle to commemorate the groundbreaking British photographer, born 182 years ago

Google has celebrated the 182nd anniversary of the birth of Eadweard J Muybridge, the British photographer, by creating a "doodle" based on his ground-breaking 19th-century images of racehorses.

The animated graphic celebrates Muybridge's "The Horse in Motion", a film strip-style collection of shots created using 24 cameras which capture the running habits of racehorses owned by Leland Stanford, a Californian businessman and animal breeder.

Stanford had wanted to know if galloping horses had all four legs off the ground, as previously portrayed by painters, and engaged Muybridge in an attempt to find out.

The photographs, taken in 1872 and regarded as one of the earliest forms of videography, demonstrated that all four legs often did leave the ground. However, they were not as artists had depicted them, with the legs stretched out fore and aft, but with the four legs tucked up under the horse.

Born in Kingston-upon-Thames on 9 April 1830, Muybridge later emigrated to the US and worked in the publishing sector before returning to England for a few years. While recuperating after a stagecoach accident that took place in the US, he became deeply interested in photography.

In the mid-1860s, he began to focus on landscape and architectural subjects, before producing the photographs of Yosemite National Park that established his reputation.

In 1874 Muybridge was prosecuted for and acquitted of the murder of his wife's lover, a San Francisco Post drama critic. Muybridge's lawyer entered a plea of insanity, although the jury actually found that the killing was a justifiable homicide under "unwritten law".

He went on to use banks of cameras to photograph people and animals to study their movement and worked under the auspices of the University of Pennsylvania. He eventually returned to the UK, where he died of a heart attack in May 1904 after publishing the last in a series of popular books based on his images and research.

Veteran newsman Mike Wallace dead at 93

2012-04-09T01:48:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- Mike Wallace, who spent four decades as a hard-hitting, provocative news correspondent on "60 Minutes," has died, CBS reported Sunday. He was 93.

Wallace died Saturday night "peacefully surrounded by family members at Waveny Care Center in New Caanan, Connecticut, where he spent the past few years," CBS said in a statement.
"For half a century, he took on corrupt politicians, scam artists and bureaucratic bumblers," CBS News said on its website. "... Wallace took to heart the old reporter's pledge to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. He characterized himself as 'nosy and insistent.'"
During Sunday's night episode of "60 Minutes," Morley Safer called Wallace "a one-man truth squad with a remarkable gift for getting to the very core of a story."
"More than anyone else, he was responsible for the continuing success of '60 Minutes,'" Safer said. "We're all in his debt."
Hours earlier, Safer described his longtime colleague to CNN as someone who was "never dull," "fearless" and "tenacious," driven to get a scoop and to the heart of events, issues and people that shaped the world.
"Mike was irrepressible. You could never ... knock him down, he would bounce right back up," said Safer, expressing a deep admiration for a man whom he'd often jostle against for stories. "The fact is he was nosier than everybody else and more insistent, and more successful at being nosy."
Scott Bronstein, a CNN senior investigative producer who worked with Wallace as a "60 Minutes" staff producer during the late 1990s, remembered him as "an unbelievable journalist" with high standards and unique talent as an interviewer.
"He was inspiring," said Bronstein. "He made you want to do your best work. He always demanded you to report more and more. He was such a marvel, the way he could do an interview."
Death of a legendary journalist Lesley Stahl remembers Mike Wallace Morley Safer: 'He was fearless' Veteran newsman Mike Wallace dies
When they last met over a year ago, Wallace was in high spirits but "beginning to fail," said Safer. He'd suffered from dementia in recent years, according to Larry King, longtime host of CNN's "Larry King Live."
"They didn't come any better," King said. "He was a glorious human being, a wonderful raconteur, a great journalist, a great host, an interviewer with his own style. ... Mike Wallace was a guy, when he's on, you can't hit the clicker."
Wallace was already a veteran of the "CBS Morning News with Mike Wallace" and had covered most of the 1960s' major news stories, including several assignments to Vietnam, when he was hired as a correspondent for the new television show "60 Minutes."
The show debuted in September 1968. During Wallace's four-decade career on "60 Minutes," he "sealed his reputation as a hard-charging, no-holds-barred interviewer," according to the Knight-Wallace Foundation at the University of Michigan, which Wallace supported.
"His most memorable moments at '60 Minutes' have often been news-making events in their own rights."
"There were very few 20th century icons who didn't submit to a Mike Wallace interview," CBS said. "He lectured Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, on corruption. He lectured Yasser Arafat on violence. He asked the Ayatollah Khomeini if he were crazy."
Read a list of highlights of Wallace's life and career
Wallace not only "loved villains because they made such great copy," he had a unique ability to get them to open up to him, according to Safer.
"He had the charm to talk them onto the broadcast initially, and the tenacity to eviscerate them or allow them to eviscerate themselves," said Safer.
Wallace's 2005 interview with Jose Canseco "broke the Major League Baseball scandal wide open," according to the Knight-Wallace Foundation. He also interviewed baseball's Roger Clemens in 2008, Wallace's last sit-down interview, CBS said.
In 2006, Wallace became a correspondent emeritus for "60 Minutes" and stopped appearing regularly. In 2008, he underwent successful triple-bypass heart surgery.
"I've often replied, when asked, 'I'll retire when my toes turn up,'" he said in a statement at the time. "Well, they're just beginning to curl a little, which means that as I approach my 88th birthday, it's become apparent to me that my eyes and ears, among other appurtenances, aren't quite what they used to be."
The prospect of long flights to cover news was not as appealing, he said at the time.
"But CBS is not pushing me. I'll be in a comfortable office on the same floor -- just around the corner from where I've holed up for the past 43 years -- available, when asked, for whatever chore CBS News, '60 Minutes,' the 'CBS Evening News,' have in mind for me."
Jeff Fager, chairman of CBS News and executive producer of "60 Minutes" credited much of the show's success to Wallace.
"All of us at CBS News and particularly at '60 Minutes' owe so much to Mike," Fager said. "Without him and his iconic style, there probably wouldn't be a '60 Minutes.' There simply hasn't been another broadcast journalist with that much talent. It almost didn't matter what stories he was covering, you just wanted to hear what he would ask next.
"Around CBS he was the same infectious, funny and ferocious person as he was on TV," Fager said. "We loved him and we will miss him very much."
"60 Minutes" will dedicate a special program to Wallace on April 15, CBS said.
Wallace "was as tough with everyone as he was with himself," Bronstein said. He recalled seeing Wallace, then in his 80s, get "white-knuckled" in the tracking booth as he was putting his voice on a piece, growling, "Come on, Mike!" at himself.
"I have to say I learned everything I know about journalism from him. I'm very thankful and appreciative to have known him, and known him well," said Bronstein.
Myron Wallace was born on May 9, 1918, in Brookline, Massachusetts. His immigrant father ran a wholesale grocery business before becoming an insurance broker.
Wallace, who later traded Myron for the name Mike, liked sports and music. He reportedly fell in love with broadcast news at the campus radio station of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he studied broadcast news.
After graduating in 1939, Wallace launched his career at radio stations in Ann Arbor and Detroit, where he was as an announcer, and did talk and quiz shows, commercials and news readings.
The newsman was a communications officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II before landing a series of television jobs in Chicago, and trying his hand at acting. He and his then-wife, Buff, starred in the interview programs "Mike and Buff" and "All Around the Town."
Wallace moved to New York and joined CBS in 1951. After leaving the network in 1955, he found success with the television series "Night Beat" and "The Mike Wallace Interview," in which he challenged his guests with probing, confrontational questions. Wallace also narrated the documentary series "Biography."
The 1962 death of Wallace's son, Peter, in a hiking accident in Greece changed the course of his life, Wallace said. He decided to drop other projects and stick to news.
He interviewed presidents including George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.
He also sat down with deposed Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega; the Shah of Iran, former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and comedian Johnny Carson.
"He got the stoic Ayatollah Khomenei to smile during the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979 when he asked him what he thought about being called 'a lunatic' by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat," CBS said. "The ayatollah answered by correctly predicting that Sadat would be assassinated."
Carson, according to CBS, called Wallace "cruel" during an interview after Wallace asked, "It takes one to know one?" regarding Carson's taking pity on an alcoholic newsmaker.
Fans of Barbra Streisand protested after the singer became emotional in a 1991 interview when Wallace revealed that Streisand's own mother had told him she was "too busy to get close to anyone."
Sometimes Wallace himself became the story, CBS said. He was arrested in Chicago in 1968 on the floor of the Democratic Convention and also 36 years later, at the age of 86, after he had words with a New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission officer.
Wallace won his 21st Emmy for a 2006 interview with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and in 2007, he got the first interview with euthanasia advocate Dr. Jack Kevorkian following Kevorkian's release from prison.
In a 1998 interview with Kevorkian, "Wallace and '60 Minutes' took heat for broadcasting Kevorkian's own tape showing him lethally injecting a man suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis," CBS said.
In 1995, Wallace's interview with Jeffrey Wigand, a high-ranking tobacco executive turned whistle-blower, was held back "for fear of a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit that could have bankrupted CBS," the network said. "The interview, in which Wigand revealed tobacco executives knew and covered up the fact that tobacco caused disease, was eventually broadcast on '60 Minutes' in February 1996. The incident became the subject of the film 'The Insider.'"
Bronstein recalled that often, Wallace would come into an interview after only a discussion with producers and a briefing book put together for him.
"You'd be asking yourself, 'How in the world is he going to pull this off?'" Bronstein said. But when he did, "You'd just be sitting there in awe."
CNN's Anderson Cooper, a contributor to "60 Minutes," called Wallace "a legend in the news business."
"Tough, hardworking, he'd go anywhere to get the story," Cooper said. "If I could have half the career Mike Wallace had, I would consider myself a very lucky man."
In 1997, Wallace -- to the surprise of his audience -- described in a documentary his paralyzing bouts of depression that began in the early 1980s. He revealed that he was taking medication. The news seemed to contradict his energetic and focused work ethic.
He also told Safer that he once attempted suicide by trying to overdose on sleeping pills, according to CBS News.
Wallace was honored with a slew of awards. In 1991, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. He also authored several books.
Wallace is survived by his wife, Mary; son Chris, host of "Fox News Sunday"; a stepdaughter, Pauline Dora; two stepsons, Eames and Angus Yates; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, CBS said.

Source - http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/08/us/obit-mike-wallace/?hpt=us_c1

Cardinals spoil Marlins' debut in new stadium

2012-04-05T03:59:00.000-07:00

MIAMI (AP) – The sellout crowd in the Miami Marlins' new ballpark cheered the introduction of their starters, who were accompanied by women dressed as Latin showgirls. There was another roar for Muhammad Ali, who delivered the first pitch.

By Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images
The Cardinals' Carlos Beltran motions to slide during Opening Day against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park.

Enlarge

By Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images

The Cardinals' Carlos Beltran motions to slide during Opening Day against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park.

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Then Kyle Lohse and the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals went to work, and the place grew quiet.

Lohse held Miami hitless until the seventh inning and pitched into the eighth to help the Cardinals win the first game in Marlins Park 4-1 Wednesday night.

BOX SCORE: Cardinals 4, Marlins 1
PHOTOS: Scenes from the Marlins' home opener

The Marlins' new animated home run sculpture never budged. It was the fourth inning before they even managed a baserunner, and by the time they scored in the eighth, they trailed 4-0.

"It's a good ballpark for a pitcher, obviously," Lohse said. "It's pretty hard to get it out."

New Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen was asked if the team's new home is a pitcher's park.

"For Lohse, yes," Guillen said. "But it's too early to say how the ballpark is going to play."

The crowd of 36,601 included newly retired Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, who quietly rooted for his former team from the press box.

He watched Lohse retire the first 10 batters before hittingEmilio Bonifacio with a pitch. The runner was erased when Hanley Ramirez grounded into a double play.

Newcomer Jose Reyes singled for Miami's first hit to start the seventh, and Omar Infantescored the Marlins' run in the eighth on John Buck's double. Lohse went 7⅓ innings, allowing only two hits and one run.

The right-hander led the Cardinals last year in victories and ERA but got the call for opening day only because ace Chris Carpenter is sidelined with nerve irritation that has caused weakness in his pitching shoulder.

David Freese, the World Series MVP, had a two-run single in the first inning to give Lohse the cushion he needed. Freese and Rafael Furcal each had three of the Cardinals' 13 hits.

"Tonight was fun," Freese said. "It's always nice to get the season going and to open up here, beautiful ballpark, the fans were excited about it and so were we."

Jason Motte earned the save with a one-hit ninth, completing the four-hitter and sending the Cardinals to the clubhouse to celebrate first-year manager Mike Matheny's debut win.

"We gave him a little water shower," Lohse said. "Most people go with the adult beverage, but we went with the water."

Things were so bad for Guillen's team that Marlins ace Josh Johnson recorded the ballpark's first strikeout — but as a hitter.

Johnson allowed 10 hits and three runs in six innings. The 2010 NL ERA leader was pitching for the first time since last May 16, when shoulder inflammation ended his year.

Ramirez, making the switch to third base from shortstop, had an especially rough night. He drew scattered boos when he pulled up rather than dive for a grounder to his left, and he failed to throw out Furcal on a bunt that went for a hit. Ramirez also struck out with a runner aboard in the ninth to finish 0-for-4.

Both teams began the season with a new look. The Marlins, anticipating better attendance and higher revenue in their new home, acquired three All-Stars in an offseason spending spree. The Cardinals, coming off a thrilling late-season charge to the World Series title, lost slugger Albert Pujols to free agency and La Russa to retirement.

La Russa visited with Matheny before the game. Also on hand was baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, who said his reaction to the ballpark was, "wow."

Among the eye-catching features is the colorful home run sculpture beyond the center-field wall, but the Marlins failed to activate it, although Giancarlo Stanton did send two flies to the warning track.

The retractable roof, which is expected to be closed for all but about 10 games, was opened 30 minutes before the first pitch, revealing a nearly full moon on a 79-degree evening. Surprise guest Ali delivered the first pitch, which Ramirez gently took from the champ's hand.

The first pitch from Johnson to Rafael Furcal caught the outside corner for a called strike. Furcal then grounded to new shortstop Reyes for the first out.

Cardinals newcomer Carlos Beltran followed with the first hit, a sharp single to right. He took third on a double by Lance Berkman, and Freese drove in both runs with a two-out single.

Furcal's two-out RBI single in the second made it 3-0, and a 50-foot groundout by Daniel Descalso brought home an insurance run in the eighth.

NOTES: The Marlins drew 41,237 for last year's home opener, then went on to finish last in the NL in attendance for the seventh consecutive year. … Before the game, Guillen said Ramirez has a chance to be the NL MVP. … The only no-hitter on opening day was thrown in 1940 by Hall of Famer Bob Feller for the Cleveland Indians against the Chicago White Sox. … Lohse pitched five shutout innings in his only other opening-day start, which was in 2008.

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Karina Smirnoff Dating Owen Wilson?

2012-03-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

Rumors spread around DWTS dancer and Wedding Crashers star

Recently, there have been various rumors spreading that Karina Smirnoff, a Dancing With The Stars pro dancer, has been dating Wedding Crashers lead Owen Wilson. News of this supposed relationship started to surface right after Smirnoff divorced Brad Penny, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers baseball team.

The rumors of Smirnoff and Owen started to circulate when a source reported to Life & Style Magazine and published an article stating that “They’ve been out a few times” and “They’re totally into each other.”

With all of these rumors starting to surface around the entertainment industry (and online), a close connection of Karina Smirnoff tells E! News that the rumors are false. The close connection to Smirnoff states…

“There is nothing there. They ran into each other once randomly. They are friends but not dating at all.”

Some tweets on Twitter are starting to formulate pertaining to these rumors (mostly spreading the news that the rumors are false), but there have been a few eyebrow-raising ones (provided below).

@DNR_Rogo
DesigNate RobertsonKarina Smirnoff denies that she’s dating Owen Wilson. Meanwhile, no word on if Brad Penny’s seeing the girl from “Growing Pains” yet. 1 day ago via web · Reply · Retweet · Favorite · powered by @socialditto

@Joyce_Middleton
Joyce MiddletonI thought Karina was engaged! http://t.co/YAOAdiqH 2 hours ago via Seesmic twhirl · Reply · Retweet · Favorite · powered by@socialditto

Karina Smirnoff will soon be back in the public eye next week when she dances with pop star Gavin DeGraw on Dancing With The Stars Season 14 when it airs Monday @ 8/7c on ABC.

Randy Moss Signs with 49ers

2012-03-13T05:33:00.000-07:00

Until he officially retires and is out of the league for more than a year, manyPatriots fans will probably clamor for future Hall of Fame wide receiverRandy Moss to return the Patriots. Who can blame those fans? After all, Randy provided fans with three and a half really exciting and historic years of football.

Therefore, when Moss announced that he would come out of retirement last month, media and fans alike made the Moss-to-Patriots connection and many even went as far as to call the Patriots "favorites" to land him (mostly due to Moss' admitted interest in signing with the team, not an interest on the Patriots part). But heck, I'll admit that even I was a bit intrigued.

Well, you can officially forget that connection... for 2012 at least.

Multiple media outlets are now reporting that Randy Moss has agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers. The news was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal will reportedly be for one year.

You've got to feel good for Moss, as he lands on a real contender in the 49ers. I might be in the minority, but I really do believe he still has the ability to make a difference for that team.

And, from a Patriots perspective, there's a twist: The Patriots will host Moss' 49ers during the 2012 season. Meaning that, assuming Moss sticks with the team, we will have one more Moss-Patriots media go around.

Should be fun.

by Greg Knopping

Katherine Jenkins heads for America to prove she's hot to trot

2012-02-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

Now the Welsh warbler will partner Mark Ballas in a lineup including Gladys Knight, 67, in the US show, kicking off next mont

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Privacy Comes, Privacy Goes

You Must Choose, But… Choose Wisely

Eadweard J Muybridge celebrated in a Google doodle

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BOX SCORE: Cardinals 4, Marlins 1

PHOTOS: Scenes from the Marlins' home opener

Karina Smirnoff Dating Owen Wilson?

Rumors spread around DWTS dancer and Wedding Crashers star

Randy Moss Signs with 49ers

Katherine Jenkins heads for America to prove she's hot to trot