HoT NeWs , CuRrenT AFfaiRs ,GoSsip NeWs

Harvest Moon: Why does the Mooon looks so big

2011-09-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

If you're located in the Northern Hemisphere, you might have the opportunity to spot a special full moon in the sky this weekend: the Harvest Moon.
This month's special full moon gets its name because its appearance low in the southeastern sky for several nights historically afforded farmers extra time for harvesting crops. Before the invention of electricity, farmers relied on bright moonlight in the late summer to gather their ripening crops after sunset.The moon typically rises about 50 minutes later each night, but during several nights around the Harvest Full Moon, it can rise between 25 to 30 minutes later across the United States. In other Northern Hemisphere locations, like Canada and Europe, the moon can rise just 10 to 20 minutes later around a Harvest Moon, according to SPACE.com's skywatching columnist Joe Rao.
For the past couple nights the moon has been well positioned in the sky as it heads into the full moon Sunday night (Sept. 11), with the peak coming on Monday (Sept. 12) at 5:27 a.m. EDT (0927 GMT).
Traditionally, the designation "Harvest Moon" is given to the full moon that happens closest to the autumnal (or fall) equinox, which occurs on Sept. 23 this year. While the Harvest Moon typically occurs in September in the Northern Hemisphere, it can occur in early October about once or twice each decade, according to Rao.
Skywatchers and amateur astronomers should hope for clear skies that will offer them nice views of the Harvest Moon. But, in addition to marveling at the bright sight, many detailed features on the moon can be seen with the ordinary binoculars or small telescopes.

Miss Universe crown Leila lopes-Angola

2011-09-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

The jury that unanimously convicted Angola inmate Robert G. Carley of first-degree murder in the 1999 death of a prison security guard could not reach a unanimous decision on whether Carley should get the death penalty or another life sentence.As a result, Carley will receive a life sentence in the case, said presiding judge Jerome M. Winsberg.
The Advocate (http://bit.ly/ps9EuX ) reported Monday that jurors had deliberated for an hour and 20 minutes when Winsberg told attorneys Sunday that a juror was in diabetic distress and needed insulin. The judge said paramedics had been called to treat the juror, and he ordered the jurors to stop deliberating until the ailing juror returned.
When deliberations resumed, the panel debated for about two hours before telling Winsberg that they could not reach a unanimous verdict on the sentence for Carley. Winsberg asked them to try again, but they later returned to say they were "hopelessly deadlocked."
Carley, 43, was convicted Saturday in the beating and stabbing death of Capt. David C. Knapps, 49, during an escape attempt from the state penitentiary at Angola.
Five Angola inmates were indicted in Knapps' slaying. One of them, Jeffrey Clark, was convicted and sentenced to death in May.
Carley is currently serving a life sentence for a 1987 murder in St. Bernard Parish.
The Angola 5 cases are being prosecuted for the 20th Judicial District Attorney's Office by Jefferson Parish assistant district attorneys Tommy Block and Mike Futrell and Lea Hall and Hugo Holland of Caddo Parish.
During closing arguments in Sunday's penalty phase of Carley's trial, Hall told jurors the penalty should fit the crime.
"Anything less than death is just the same as it was before," Hall said.
"You owe a duty to those people," Hall said, pointing to members of Knapps' family in the audience. "Do not penalize that family with anything less than death. Mercy to the guilty is punishment to the innocent."
Defense attorney Tommy Thompson asked the jury to "put Bobby Carley in a concrete box (cell) for the rest of his life," noting that only one juror could hold out for a life sentence.
"I feel strongly that one of you will not take Bobby's life. My hope is that you will find something," Thompson said.
Holland, in rebuttal, told the jurors the "only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
"What is another life sentence to Robert Carley? Nothing," Holland said.

Raiders beat Broncos to win opener

2011-09-12T23:31:00.001-07:00

Quarterback Jason Campbell threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to fullback Marcel Reece, scored on a 1-yard run and Sebastian Janikowski had a record-tying, 63-yard field goal included among his three in the game as Oakland opened the season 1-0 for the first time since 2002.
The Raiders last won their opener in 2002, a 31-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in a game that began an AFC title run. They also broke a streak of 11 consecutive defeats in prime time, with the last win also coming in Denver in 2004.
Running back Darren McFadden rushed for 150 yards on 22 carries, and the Raiders proved more opportunistic and careful with the ball than an erratic Broncos team, much to the displeasure of a home crowd of 74,793.
Oakland has won its last eight games against the AFC West, with the next test being a three-game run against three AFC East teams that all won their openers in impressive fashion. The Raiders travel to Buffalo on a short week before returning home to host the Jets and Patriots.
Oakland's defense kept the Broncos offense under control, pressuring quarterback Kyle Orton, forcing three turnovers and shutting off Denver's attempt to establish a running game.
The Broncos finally scored an offensive touchdown with 3:43 to play when Orton

directed an 80-yard drive that ended in a 9-yard pass to Lance Ball, but the Raiders held on for a victory that was satisfying if not dominant.An unforced Denver error -- Orton simply dropped the ball on a second-down play in Raiders territory -- resulted in a Lamarr Houston recovery at the 35 and led to Oakland's second touchdown on a 1-yard sneak by Campbell early in the fourth quarter.
McFadden, who already had a pair of 20-yard runs, burst 47 yards to the 1-yard line before he was tripped up by Champ Bailey to set up Campbell's run. On the sneak, the Raiders executed their own "Bush push," with running back Michael Bush shoving Campbell forward into the end zone.
The Broncos closed to within 16-13 in the third quarter on the strength of a ridiculously easy 90-yard punt return by Eric Decker and a 30-yard field goal from Matt Prater with 1:55 left in the quarter.
Decker fielded a 57-yard punt from Shane Lechler and raced 90 yards untouched for a touchdown through a huge hole in the right side to make the score 16-10 with 12:52 left in the third quarter.
Late in the quarter, Denver drove to the Oakland 5-yard line with the help of a pair of personal fouls, one on a retaliatory shove by Rolando McClain, the other on Matt Shaughnessy -- both on third-and-10 -- but came up with only three points when Richard Seymour sacked Orton on third-and-goal.
Janikowski's record-tying, 63-yard field goal on the last play of the first half sent the Raiders into intermission with a 16-3 lead.
The kick was made possible by a diving interception by safety Matt Giordano against Orton with 24 seconds to play, putting Oakland at its own 24-yard line.
From there, a 15-yard personal foul on the Broncos' Kevin Vickerson for a face mask on a 2-yard loss by Bush, followed by a 16-yard swing pass from Campbell to Reece put Oakland at the Denver 45 with nine seconds left.
Bush carried for no gain into the center of the line, setting up Janikowski to join New Orleans' Tom Dempsey (1970) and Denver's Jason Elam (1998) in the record book for the longest field goal in NFL history.
The kick barely carried the distance, tucking inside the corner of the crossbar and right upright.
The Raiders had only 141 yards of total offense in the first half, but out-rushed the Broncos 92-17 with McFadden gaining 70 yards on 13 carries. Campbell had only 49 yards passing at halftime, completing 8 of 13 passes, but avoided sacks and threw no interceptions.
Although not explosive, the Raiders were opportunistic and did enough damage with good field position to control the first half.
Besides Giordano's interception, Quentin Groves forced a fumble from Knowshon Moreno that was recovered by Tyvon Branch, setting up Janikowski for a 37-yard field goal. A missed 56-yard field goal attempt by Matt Prater led to a 51-yard drive and a 21-yard Janikowski field goal.
Oakland's own turnover on their first offensive snap, after Campbell hit Ford with a quick pass that came loose after a helmet-on-the-ball hit from Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller, resulted in only a 28-yard Prater field goal despite Denver opening at the Oakland 20 on its second possession.

Miss Universe Contest 2011

2011-09-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

In an effort to let viewers get to know the 89 Miss Universe 2011 contestants a bit better, they each shot a web interview that was then posted online. Each clip consists of the same three questions: Do you believe in life on other planets? What advantage do women have over men? If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

The first question appeared to confuse several of the young women, although the ones who weren't gave some hilarious answers. (Hey, Miss Canada, you don't even have difficulties with English to fall back on for that "plantation" answer.) The second established that childbirth and the fairer sex's ability to multitask are unparalleled. But it was the third that the contestants really seemed to get into.

Korea (oyster) and Thailand (plankton) get points for originality, while the Bahamas (phoenix), Mexico (unicorn) and the US Virgin Islands (mermaid) didn't let themselves be limited to real animals.

"You didn't say it couldn't be a fictional sea creature," US Virgin Islands' Alexandrya Evans says.

Dolphins and birds were also popular choices (especially penguins seeing as how they mate for life), but nearly half said that they wanted to be some kind of cat, lions and tigers more specifically.

"If I was an animal, I would be a lion," says Egypt's Sara El Khouly. "For two reasons. Because of Simba in 'Lion King.' He was the cutest lion ever. And then because I would eat all the animals in the jungle and no one would eat me so I don't have to be scared of being eaten by other animals."

Really, though, it might have been so they show off their wildcat impressions since last we checked that's not one of the Miss Universe events.

One thing learned from watching all the videos: The folklore about cats having nine lives is not a worldwide thing. Some have to settle for six or seven.

President Obama and former President George W. Bush

2011-09-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

Amid all the dignitaries who gather Sunday on the site of the World Trade Center to pay tribute to those who died there 10 years ago, two will inevitably stand out: President Obama and former President George W. Bush, whose terms in office are bookends for considering how America has changed since Sept. 11, 2001, particularly in its response to terrorism.

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President Obama and the first lady, Michelle Obama, left the White House to travel to New York early Sunday.

The two men have never stood together at ground zero. Mr. Bush declined Mr. Obama’s invitation to join him last spring, days after Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden in a raid in Pakistan.
So the tableau will be striking: the president who spent years hunting Bin Laden next to the one who finally got him. The president defined by his response to Sept. 11 standing alongside the one who has tried to take America beyond the lingering, complicated legacy of that day.
For Mr. Obama, Sept. 11 underpins what has become one of the great paradoxes of his presidency. A Democratic leader who opposed the Iraq war and is pulling troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan has, at the same time, notched up a record as a lethal, relentless hunter of terrorists.
Mr. Obama, a president who banned torture in the interrogation of suspected terrorists and pledged (unsuccessfully, so far) to close the military prison in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, carried out more drone strikes in Pakistan in his first year in office than Mr. Bush did in his eight years.
In the process, the White House said, it has killed more Al Qaeda officials in the last two-and-a-half years than were eliminated by the Bush administration in all the preceding years. Among the big names: two top Qaeda managers, Sheik Saeed al-Masri and Atiyah Abd al-Rahman, and one of its most feared field commanders, Ilyas Kashmiri.
“We have taken the fight to Al Qaeda like never before,” Mr. Obama said Saturday in his weekly address.
The administration points to this success as validation of the different counterterrorism strategy it put in place in January 2009. And there is no question that in its intense use of drones and its laser focus on Al Qaeda and its affiliated groups, Mr. Obama did depart from the Bush administration’s broader “global war on terrorism.”
But there has been as much continuity as change in the Obama method, according to terrorism experts.
Mr. Obama, for example, has continued the whole-of-government response to terrorism that the Bush administration eventually adopted. This approach — with the C.I.A. and F.B.I. working more collaboratively with agencies like the Treasury and State departments, especially in the field — culminated in the raid that killed Bin Laden.
“What you’ve seen from the Obama administration is fundamental continuity in the counterterrorism policies handed over in 2009, while sharpening the campaign to eliminate core Al Qaeda leadership and disrupt safe havens in Western Pakistan and Yemen,” said Juan Zarate, a top counterterrorism adviser in the Bush administration.
To be sure, Mr. Obama made important refinements and changes. Most notably, and perhaps most surprising to his supporters, he has dramatically increased the use of covert and clandestine operations by C.I.A. paramilitary and Special Operations forces from the United States military.
In Mr. Obama’s first year in office, the Central Intelligence Agency carried out 53 drone strikes in Pakistan. The next year, it more than doubled that figure, to 117, according to The Long War Journal, a Web site that follows the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The pace is off a bit this year — 49 through late August — but the drone campaign is spreading to other countries.
The C.I.A. now plans to carry out armed drone missions against Al Qaeda operatives in Yemen, and the military has conducted drone strikes to kill insurgents in Somalia.
“Stepping up the drone strikes has been a game changer,” said Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert at Georgetown University. “It is frustrating Al Qaeda’s movements enormously.”
Still, while Mr. Hoffman said that Al Qaeda’s core network had been crippled, its offshoots in Yemen and North Africa continue to put down roots, posing a potentially greater threat to the United States than Bin Laden’s surviving lieutenants.
“We can say we turned a corner with Al Qaeda, but we can’t say we turned a corner in the war on terrorism,” he said.
And this is where the administration’s wide-ranging counterterrorism strategy — relying on often-unreliable allies, sometimes sketchy intelligence and a clandestine American force already strained by a decade of secretive wars — runs into its limitations.
The administration is working with countries like Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia to help build up their counterterrorism units so that they do not require United States intervention. But these countries have proved so erratic in going after militants that the administration has often had to resort to unilateral operations, as with the Bin Laden raid, which opened a rift with the Pakistanis that has only recently begun to heal.
More worrying, some experts say, the administration has yet to figure out how to effectively counter Al Qaeda’s propaganda. It has failed to prevent a small but growing number of Americans from becoming radicalized, often by listening to online videos by militants like the American-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, now in hiding in Yemen.
“Our weakest area is combating Al Qaeda’s ideology,” Michael E. Leiter, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center in both the Bush and Obama administrations, said last week.
For all its achievements, the administration has also been lucky. A Nigerian man, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, almost blew up a Northwest Airlines jet on Christmas Day in 2009 with explosives sewn into his underwear. A Pakistani-American man, Faisal Shahzad, parked an S.U.V. with a bomb that failed to detonate near Times Square.
“Obama is rightly proud of his counterterrorism record, but had Umar Abdulmutallab not lost his cool on that plane, he wouldn’t have had much of a record to point to,” said Bruce O. Riedel, a former intelligence officer who has advised the White House. “His presidency would have been transformed that Christmas.”

Freedom Tower 9/11

2011-09-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

When the World Trade Center landmark twin towers were completed in May, 1973, they rose 1450 feet to become the tallest buildings in the world, surpassing the Empire State Building. Its demise as the result of the horrific devastation of September 11, 2001 has launched a decade of debates as to what type of architecture could possibly replace its iconic imagery remembered by so many.

George W. Bush's immediate reaction was to rebuild the site "bigger and better" than before, but tomorrow on the tenth year anniversary, when Barack Obama presides over National 9/11 Memorial Plaza, Freedom Tower is just now creeping its way heavenward to takes its place as the latest entry into Manhattan's ever-evolving skyline.

Over the course of the last several months, I have photographed the construction phases chronicling its emergence onto the downtown Manhattan scene.

Construction of the Freedom Tower!
There were numerous proposals for the rebuilding of Ground Zero, including demands to replicate the twin towers themselves. Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind eventually emerged from the competitive bids with the plans for a spiralling Freedom Tower, 1776 feet (541m) high [recalling the date of American Independence] and "reasserting the pre-eminence of freedom and beauty".

At the base of the Freedom Tower, there will be a plaza with square sunken memorial reflective pools filling in the foundations of the old towers. The planned adjoining buildings will be arranged around the Freedom Tower so that the sun's rays would emerge as a "wedge of light" from behind the new skyscrapers each year at the exact time of the attack to illuminate the square.

For me - while consensus as to whether or not the Freedom Tower was the appropriate replacement for the Twin Towers is still under debate - I truly feel, if nothing else, its prominence on New York's skyline demonstrates the resilience of the American spirit in overcoming adversity. And as such, it will become our new reminder to never forget the horrific transgressions that fell on American soil, at the beginning of the 21st Century.

Super Bowl waiting game could finally end for some

2011-09-09T03:03:00.000-07:00

"The expectations can get too heavy," says Warner, an analyst for NFL Network. "Right now, they're supposed to win the championship.

"When I was in St. Louis, and we lost to the (New England) Patriots (in Super Bowl XXXVI), nobody felt like that year was a success."

With a new contract extension in hand and an influx of talent around him, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is upbeat.

"I've had a vision since the beginning of summer," Vick said. "I'm very optimistic that we're going to have a good chance of having a great outcome this season."

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has guaranteed that he has the Super Bowl recipe this season, and his players are eager to back up the boast.

"This year's no different, especially with the predictions from our head coach," Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez says of the team's objective. "We know our goal, and we're not shy talking about it."

The Jets have fallen one win short of the Super Bowl in Ryan's first two seasons at the helm.

"They say the third time is a charm, so hopefully," tight end Dustin Keller said.

Even clubs such as the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans, two of four teams (the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars) to never reach a Super Bowl, are hopeful of soon reaching the Super stage after seeing the Cardinals, New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks get there for the first time over the last six years. Ten different NFC teams have reached the last 10 Super Bowls, a trend that bodes well for the Lions.

"I know people in Detroit, people around the country, are very optimistic about the Lions," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said at the start of training camp.

The Lions ended 2010 on a four-game winning streak, ending a 26-game losing skid on the road in the process and further distancing themselves from their 0-16 debacle of 2008.

"They're not perfect, not as good as they want to be on the edges," NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger says. "But the mistakes are full speed, and they play with a lot of energy. You can see the confidence is growing in Detroit."

As it is in San Diego, starved for a title since the Chargers were an American Football League power in the early 1960s.

"I don't know if there's a better thrower in the game right now than Philip Rivers," Baldinger says of the Chargers quarterback. "This year with the kickoffs the way they are, teams will have to (frequently) go 80 yards, and that team can go 80 yards on anybody.

"Houston and San Diego could have the best offenses in football right now."

Right now every team is 0-0, with playoff aspirations. Some aim higher.

"The only goal is to win the Super Bowl," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said after opening up his wallet after the lockout. "We don't need any internal motivation. We're obsessed."

A look at a half-dozen of the hungriest, most talented and, yes, obsessed wannabe champs:

Detroit Lions

The wait: Since the 1957 team quarterbacked by Bobby Layne and Tobin Rote claimed the NFL title, they have won one playoff game, beating the Dallas Cowboys after the 1991 season. But these Lions might have enough pride (and talent) to finally make postseason noise 12 years after their last appearance (tied with the Buffalo Bills for the longest current playoff drought in the league).

The weight: Quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to pick up where last season's team left off, but he first must prove he's healthy, having missed 19 games because of injuries in his first two seasons. He says he's 100% and has shown the elite ability in the preseason (he had a 154.0 passer rating in August) that made him the top pick of the 2009 draft. He's supported by several offensive playmakers, most notably wideout Calvin Johnson, and an emerging defense led by all-pro tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Counterweight: They play in the same division as the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, who didn't even beat out the Chicago Bears for the NFC North crown in 2010. And the Lions lost one weapon they were counting on when rookie tailback Mikel Leshoure went down with a blown Achilles tendon.

Philadelphia Eagles

The wait: Not since the days of Chuck Bednarik and Norm Van Brocklin — 1960 to be specific — have the Eagles perched atop the NFL. Though they've been a near-perennial playoff team under Andy Reid (nine trips in 12 years), they have been to one Super Bowl, which they lost.

By Rob Christy, US Presswire

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick had a strong 2010 but endured a late-season drop-off.

The weight: Quarterback Michael Vick re-emerged as a franchise player in 2010 but enters this season as a starter for the first time in five years. Vick, who hadn't started a playoff game since the 2004 season, also posted his two worst outings of 2010 in his final two starts (including the playoffs), sparking whispers that his style of play, exciting as it is, also wears him down in the long run. But he is buoyed by a roster that has received an infusion of talent, even though it was good enough to win the NFC East a year ago.

Counterweights: Last year's middling defense might field a starting lineup with at least six new starters, including all-pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Coordinator Juan Castillo moves to the defensive side after coaching offense for 16 years and must mold all the moving pieces while adapting to his new role. The "Dream Team" could also be undone by an offensive line that has one starter from 2010 returning to his spot: left tackle Jason Peters.

Minnesota Vikings

The wait: Since entering the NFL in 1961, they've made four Super Bowl trips -- all losses -- but none since the 1976 season, and they're also 0-for-5 in NFC title games since then.

The weight:Adrian Peterson is regarded by many as the best tailback in the game given his mix of speed, power and improving receiving skills. After seeing his touches decline the past two years, he may have to shoulder the load in 2011 … all while playing for a new coordinator (Bill Musgrave), alongside a new quarterback (Donovan McNabb) and without former top target Sidney Rice and longtime left tackle Bryant McKinnie. Peterson may also be burdened by his looming free agency.

Counterweight: Brett Favre got this veteran squad within a game of the Super Bowl in 2009, but the team fell apart around him in 2010 before he ultimately did. Enter McNabb. He could be the experienced hand that gives this group one more Super shot. But if he doesn't adapt to purple and white any better than he did to burgundy and gold, he could be a very temporary bridge to first-round pick Christian Ponder.

San Diego Chargers

The wait: Rote also led this team to the top in 1963 when it won the AFL title. Neither John Hadl, Dan Fouts, Drew Brees nor Rivers has been able to duplicate that; only Stan Humphries has gotten the Chargers to the Super Bowl (1994).

By Christian Petersen, Getty Images

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has seen plenty of playoff action but, unlike two other first-round quarterbacks from the 2004 draft, hasn’t been able to win a Super Bowl ring.

The weight: After LaDainian Tomlinson's exit, Rivers officially became the face of the franchise in 2010 and oversaw a squad that missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Few blamed Rivers, who toiled on an offense racked with injuries and contract issues. But he must fuel the team past its perennial early-season woes and playoff flameouts if he's to join 2004 draft mates Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning as Super Bowl winners.

Counterweight: San Diego had been 14-0 in December and January in coach Norv Turner's first three regular seasons. But last year's 3-2 effort couldn't overcome another slow start. Under Turner, the Chargers are 13-16 in September and October, and his ability to get the team out of the blocks will be closely scrutinized.

Atlanta Falcons

The wait: They've won six playoff games since their 1966 expansion season, getting as far as the Super Bowl once (after the 1998 season).

The weight: Essentially the same crew that earned the top seed in the NFC a year ago returns. The most notable addition is rookie receiver Julio Jones. General manager Thomas Dimitroff swapped his 27th overall pick and four others to vault up and get Jones at No. 6 overall, easily the biggest gambit of the 2011 draft. Outsized expectations are attached to Jones as he tries to become the final piece of an already-potent unit.

Counterweight: Though the offense was limited to 14 points in a 48-21 playoff drubbing from the eventual champion Packers, the defense was also heavily criticized after being easily dissected by Aaron Rodgers. Free agent defensive end Ray Edwards and the secondary will also be under the microscope.

Houston Texans

The wait: The Houston Oilers won AFL titles in their first two seasons (1960-61) but didn't reach a Super Bowl before relocating to Tennessee. The Texans embark on their 10th NFL season awaiting their first playoff berth.

The weight: The offense has ranked fourth or better in each of the last three seasons. But the defense hasn't kept pace, surrendering the fourth-most points and third-most yards in the NFL in 2010. Since then, Houston has hired Wade Phillips to install the 3-4 scheme that has brought him so much success through the years and spent its first five draft picks on defenders before signing defensive backs Johnathan Joseph and Danieal Manning to upgrade the league's worst pass defense. Mario Williams moves from defensive end to outside linebacker in the new look.

Counterweight: Coach Gary Kubiak pretty much has a win-or-else mandate from owner Bob McNair, which adds another layer of pressure to the staff and stars Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub and Arian Foster to perform at an even higher level.

New York Jets

The wait: They pulled off the biggest upset in league history when they upended the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III on Jan. 12, 1969. The Jets haven't been back to the big game since.

By Tim Farrell, The (Newark) Star-Ledger via US Presswire

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has led New York to the AFC Championship Game in each of his first two seasons, but has yet to break through.

The weight: Speaking of weight, Ryan has been known to poke fun at his girth. But he's also willing to set the bar high while trying to put the focus on his own performance while trying to shield his players. Under Ryan, the Jets are coming off consecutive AFC title-game appearances for the first time. But he knows that's not good enough and guarantees this is the season the Jets get over the hump. Fans can only hope he's as prescient as Joe Namath was 43 years ago.

Counterweight: In his first two NFL seasons, Sanchez has played his best football in the postseason, winning four of six starts (all on the road) while posting a 94.3 passer rating that far exceeds his regular-season mark (70.2). But the newly anointed team captain has to provide more even, effective play year-round while assimilating new parts such as wide receivers Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason. If Sanchez can step it up, the Jets could leapfrog the Patriots in the AFC East, earn a home playoff date and maybe even a first-round bye — all objectives Ryan has stated as goals.

White House Calls for Service on 9/11 Anniversary

2011-09-09T02:52:00.001-07:00

President Barack Obama has renewed his annual message for Americans to devote the 9/11 anniversary to a day of service, a White House official said today.
Ben Rhodes, deputy national security advisor for strategic communication, discussed some of the plans for the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States during a press briefing at the Foreign Press Center here.
“It is important to note, 9/11 is a day of service here in the United States, so over the course of the weekend, Americans around the country will be participating in service projects,” he said.
“And the president has already issued a message calling on Americans to serve, and he’ll be able to mark that occasion as well,” Rhodes said.
“Above all, of course, we want to commemorate the people who were lost on 9/11 in the attacks,” he said. “The president will be speaking directly to the families of the victims at each of the sites he’s visiting that day. He’ll have the opportunity to meet with the families, and to speak about their loss and their loved ones.”
Rhodes said other administration officials will participate throughout the country.
“Senator Clinton is giving a speech in New York tomorrow to discuss our international efforts to prevent terrorism,” he said.
Rhodes said the government is making a concerted effort to recognize all victims of terrorism, not just Americans.
“We also recognize that 9/11 is, unfortunately, not a unique act of terrorism,” he said. “It’s unique in its scale and its scope, but in terms of victims of terrorism around the world, we’ve seen attacks by al-Qaida on just about every continent that killed thousands of people.
“So I think we also want to step back and recognize the loss that has extended beyond many terrorist attacks, to include 9/11,” he added.
Rhodes also pointed out the United States is not alone in its labors to combat terrorism and should continue to seek a joint effort.
“Our efforts to keep our country safe are joined with efforts by other countries to protect their populations,” he said. “The sacrifice of service members that we’ve seen in the United States since 9/11 has been joined by sacrifices by many of our allies and partners in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“We want to make sure we’re honoring those that served alongside Americans,” Rhodes added. “And we are also underscoring that the only solution to terrorism in the long run is to have strong international partnerships that amplify our own efforts.”
Rhodes also said this strategy would involve information sharing, intelligence sharing, joint operations, strengthening of our partners.
“And, and of course, efforts to spread development, democracy and opportunities to different corners of the world,” he said.

Twin Towers,sep11,2001

2011-09-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw the Twin Towers, I was flying into Newark, New Jersey. It was evening, and it was an impressive sight even from miles away. It was 1994.

Unfortunately, my trip was a one-day affair, and the lure of Times Square in 1994 was too great for me to trek from Midtown Manhattan.

The second time I saw the Twin Towers in person was spectacular. On that trip, I ventured right to the front doors. The Twin Towers were like mountains, and the streets surrounding them were deep, deep valleys.

I made the trip that time because I had interviewed Fred Kirschhock, who worked on the Twin Towers. After meeting him, I wanted to see these buildings.

Standing there looking up, it made me feel very small, like looking into space through my telescope. It was a bitterly cold day in Manhattan. But there I stood, mesmerized. The buildings dwarfed everything around them that I saw — the Statue of Liberty, even the Brooklyn Bridge. That was February of 2001.

Seven months later, when I saw the Twin Towers for the last time, I found the sight of them equally as mesmerizing but for a very different reason.
There is one searing memory from that day that I don’t believe time will ever erase from my mind. I was in my bedroom. I was getting ready to walk my grandson, Bailey, then 5, to kindergarten. Sept. 11, 2001, started as an average day.

I was getting ready, and Bailey was jumping on the bed. The “Today Show” was on in the background. They came back from commercial, and Katie Couric and Matt Laurer announced that something was amiss at one of the Twin Towers.

I watched. Bailey watched. Minutes later, we saw the second plane hit the next tower right there on the screen. As the commentators talked about the fact that it seemed America was under attack, I called my wife into the bedroom. I told her I had to get to work, that this was going to be something big that would need covering.

At that moment, Bailey burst into tears, ripping our attention from the TV. He jumped off the bed and grabbed my legs.

“Don’t go, grandpa. Don’t go,” he cried.
“Go where?” I asked him, trying to pull him off my legs. He held tight.

“Don’t go to New York,” he sobbed. “Don’t go where the news is. Don’t go to those buildings.”

He knew I’d been to New York earlier that year. He’d seen my photos of the Twin Towers. It took several minutes to convince Bailey that I was not going to New York City. I explained I would cover the story from Peoria, Ill.

I was in tears as I left the house with that little guy standing in the doorway.

“You promised,” he said as I ran to the car.

At work, I watched on TV as the Twin Towers fell. I began calling people I knew in New York City. Some I got into contact with. Others I couldn’t reach. Then word of the Pentagon attack surfaced.
I talked to people in Washington, D.C. Then came word that all air traffic was being grounded. I headed to my local airport in Peoria and interviewed people being deposited there without much warning. All the while, a little boy’s cries reverberated through my brain.

I wrote stories. I answered calls. I took pictures. I attended hastily called church services that day. I attended street corner prayer vigils. But Bailey’s fear was always close. His fear was different from mine, but we were both filled with fear.

I didn’t know who our enemy was. I just knew we had one, and a devious one. I had been wrenched suddenly from my comfort zone as an American. In a span of just one day, the whole world had changed.

Ten years later, those feelings are still there. I am not totally comfortable as an American in the world in which we now find ourselves. I’m fiercely proud to be an American, but I’m not in a place of total comfort.

The world has changed, and so have I. Bailey has changed. He is now 15, a sophomore in high school. He is a tall, strong, courteous and friendly kid.

He does not remember his reaction to that terrible day. I’m thankful for that. But more than anything else, I remember his tears and the tears he brought to my eyes that day — a day of many tears.

Reese Witherspoon Hair Style

2011-09-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Reese Witherspoon Hair Style suffered minor injuries when she was hit by a car while jogging in Santa Monica, police said Wednesday.
Reese Witherspoon Hair Style was struck around 11 a.m. in a residential neighborhood. The driver of the car, an 84-year-old woman who'd been traveling about 20 mph, was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
The actress was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment, police said. She was not seriously injured and by the afternoon was resting comfortably at her Brentwood-area home, her rep said in a statement.
"The driver seemed to have not seen her because of a large tree at the intersection," a witness told Us Weekly, calling the "Legally Blonde" star "lucky, because it could have been much more serious."
Witherspoon, 35, most recently starred in "Water for Elephants" with Robert Pattinson. She won a best actress Oscar in 2006 for her performance as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line."
In June, she took home the Generation Award at MTV's Movie Awards, saying to thunderous applause, "I know it's cool to be bad, I get it -- but it's also possible to make it in Hollywood without a reality show."
Witherspoon married agent Jim Toth in March in Ojai.

9/11 Memorial

2011-09-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Below is a list of events, memorials, services or ceremonies happening around Delaware County in remembrance of Sept. 11.
Throughout the county and the country, for one minute at 1 p.m., first responders, houses of worship, towns and others will hold a moment of silence followed by the sound of sirens and bells in a signal to each of us to "stop and remember" the 10th anniversary of the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001 and pay tribute to those we lost.

Media Patch

Sept. 8, 12:45 p.m., County Government Center and Courthouse Courtyard: The employees of the County of Delaware are holding "A Day to Remember and A Time to Give Thanks." Delaware County President Judge Joseph P. Cronin, Jr., Council Chairman Jack Whelan and District Attorney Michael Green are guest speakers at the employee event.

Sept. 11, 11 a.m., Rose Tree Park on Rt. 252 in Upper Providence Township: Residents of Delaware County are invited to the Delaware County Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS Memorial Ceremony where they will honor first responders with the laying of wreaths at the Public Safety and Victims of Sept. 11 memorials in Rose Tree Park. Master of Ceremony will be District Attorney Michael Green who will be joined by Council Chairman Jack Whelan and State Rep. Nick Miccarelli, an Iraq veteran. Members of the public are invited to join elected leaders, clergy, firefighters, law enforcement members and emergency medical service providers at the ceremony. Delaware County Sheriff Joseph F. McGinn, a US Army veteran who served in Vietnam, will read the names of the fallen servicemen from the county who have given their lives in service to our Nation since September 11, 2001. Bob McMahon, a founder of the PA Veterans Museum, will offer remarks on the meaning of service. Phillip E. Heron, editor of the Delaware County Daily Times, will offer remarks on the sacrifice of those who serve our county at home and abroad in the military. Family members of fallen soldiers and representatives of Blue Star Mothers of Delaware County and Gold Star Mothers of Delaware are expected to attend. This event is open to the public and will proceed rain or shine. Handicap parking and access is available.

Sept. 11, 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Media on State and Lemon streets: A tribute of service and remembrance, titled "Lest We Forget" will take place combined with the music ministries of Nativity BVM and First Church. It's a ceremony of readings, songs, and meditations dedicated to the heros and victims of Sept. 11 and to those who serve our community and country. All local Media and surrounding communities have been invited to participate in the service, such as fire, police, EMT and ambulance personnel as well as local council members and politicians.

Sept. 11, 7 p.m., Media Presbyterian Church at 30 E. Baltimore Ave.: An inter-denominational service called, "9/11/2001 – 9/11/2011: A Service of Hope," includes Media Presbyterian, Nativity BVM, Reformation Lutheran Church, Second Baptist Church of Media, St. Francis DeSales and Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County. The service will include scripture readings, music and speakers.

Marple Newtown Patch

Sept. 9, 7:40 a.m., Marple Newtown High School: The high school will hold a memorial service on Friday morning. Students will place approximately 3,000 flags in front of the school's lawn to represent the lives lost during 9/11. The high school band, National Honor Society and the Student Council will participate in the ceremony. Marple and Newtown police and fire companies as well as the Marple Newtown Veterans Alliance will be present for the ceremony.

Sept. 9, 3 p.m., Worrall Elementary School: The fifth-grade class at Worrall will present a poster for and a certificate of appreciation to the Marple Police Department, Marple Ambulance Corps and Broomall Fire Co. In addition, some fifth graders will speak on the announcements about the heroism that arose from 9/11 and share with the school what they did for their local servicemen.

Sept. 10, 5:30 a.m., Episcopal Academy: Parent and radio talk show host Michael Smerconish will lead a Flight 93 Memorial Listener Bus Trip to Shanksville, PA, for the dedication of Phase 1 of the permanent memorial, which begins midday. Musical tributes, wreath layings, and additional activities will continue throughout the afternoon. Tickets are $75 per person and include round-trip transportation via luxurymotor coach, light breakfast, lunch, and free Delaware Valley area parking. This will be a very full day. Buses depart the Plymouth Meeting Mall at 5:30 a.m. and are expected to return at approximately 7 p.m. You can reserve your seats by clicking here.

Sept. 11, 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park in Broomall: Join the community in honoring the events of 9/11 and the continual sacrifices of all U.S. patriots. The Marple Community Band will perform a free concert of patriotic music at the Veteran's Park gazebo, and then a 9/11 remembrance service will be performed by the stone memorial wall. This event is co-sponsored by Marple Township, the Marple Newtown Veterans Alliance and the Boy Scouts of America.

Radnor Patch

Sept. 11, 1 p.m., David’s Park in the 400 block of E. Lancaster Ave.: Radnor Township invites everyone to participate in a Moment of Remembrance and dedicate a Memorial Marker on the 10th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m., Wayne United Methodist Church, 210 South Wayne Avenue: The church will dedicate its regular service in honor of those who serve, in remembrance of 9/11. Local police, fire and emergency personnel have been invited to come in uniform. The church will pray for them, and the theme of the service will be "The Call to Serve."

Haverford-Havertown Patch

Month of September, Haverford Township Free Library: The library will have an interactive display called "Ten Years Later – Reflections of 9/11." The library invites people from the community to go to the library's lobby to share their reflections, memories and perspective on the tragic events that occurred in New York, Washington DC, and Southwestern Pennsylvania 10 years ago this month.

Springfield Patch

Sept. 11, 11 a.m., Springfield Friends Meeting at 1001 Sproul Road: A worship and reflection on the attacks that happened 10 years ago. A coffee hour and fellowship will follow the worship and a Sunday School will be provided for children as well.

Fashion's Night

2011-09-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Across the Alamo City tonight, department stores, boutiques and retailers will be clamoring for fashionistas at Fashion's Night Out, a shopping celebration filled with discounts and partying.
The international shopping celebration that started three years ago was spearheaded by Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue magazine, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to give the fashion industry a much-needed economic jolt.
The night dedicated to boosting the Fashion's Night economy now takes place in more than 100 cities and thousands of stores worldwide, including San Antonio.
A highlight at the Shops at La Cantera will be fundraising exhibition Models & Mannequins: A Passion for Fashion's Night, a display of eight recycled mannequins artfully painted, embellished and designed by top contemporary artists including Waddy Armstrong, Rodolfo Choperena, Angelina Mata, Kathy Sosa, Michael Wayne, Luisa Wheeler, Alex Rubio, and Ken and Clare Little.
The mannequins will be priced to sell at La Cantera at a party from 6 to 9 p.m. with proceeds benefiting Blue Star Contemporary Art Center's exhibitions and MOSAIC education programming. For ticket information, call Blue Star at 210-227-6960 or visit www.bluestarart.org.
Also at La Cantera, Neiman Marcus will roll out the red carpet for arriving guests. Vodka and Champagne will flow, and food from local eateries will be served. Guests will learn about the must-have beauty tools of the season, can rate their favorite fall look, celebrate the 125th anniversary of the tuxedo and meet artist Carlos Betancourt.
At Saks Fifth Avenue at North Star Mall, a trunk show of Stephen Webster's fine jewelry will be displayed, as will special collections from Rebecca Taylor and Alice + Olivia.
Guests will enjoy mini makeovers and manicures. Light food fare and drinks will be served. And all will get a chance to win one of four $250 shopping sprees.

Tea Party classic

2011-08-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

“You” is looking good! (Mark Wilson - GETTY IMAGES)

When I heard that Christine “Not a Witch” O’Donnell had walked off Piers “Not Larry King” Morgan’s interview show, I wasn’t at all surprised.
Most of Christine O’Donnell’s life in the public eye can be best summarized by the phrase, “Christine O’Donnell does something that causes people to Google Christine O’Donnell.” She’s always been the extreme case (right after Abercrombie and Fitch and the Situation) that people cite after someone says “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.”
“But what if the only publicity you are getting for your Senate campaign is because they found video of you saying you once dabbled in witchcraft?” people ask.
“Nope, still better than nothing,” they say. “Maybe make an ad about it.”
Christine O’Donnell has had the opposite of most people’s life goals — to go from being a Fun Person saying Kooky Things on Bill Maher to a Real Person with Game-Changing Ideas. “All I’ve ever wanted was to be taken seriously!” she insists. This is the opposite of what has happened.
It’s almost as though someone placed a curse on her: all the attention you could ever hope to have but none of the respect. Most people just have awkward phases in high school that they find difficult to live down. She has an entire career commenting on Bill Maher. No matter where she goes and what she does, or how many books she writes, she will always be that lady who Isn’t A Witch. The book she wrote is called “Troublemaker.” If it were called, “Still Not A Witch,” I’m afraid it would sell twice as many copies.
I have to say, I’ve missed having Christine O’Donnell in the public eye. Even a shoddy interview with Piers Morgan in which he seemed to think that she was Michele Bachmann (which makes me worry that all conservative women look identical to him, something that must be awkward at parties when he asks Sarah Palin if she’s “still in touch with all 23 of those kids”) is better than nothing.
Ostensibly, she was promoting her book. It contains a lot of ideas for the Tea Party classic movement, she told Morgan. Admittedly, the only idea that has made its way into the public eye is the idea that “if you want people to listen to you, don’t make an ad in which you specifically state that you are not a witch.” But I’m sure there are other, better ideas in there too! And she was going to tell us all about them if Piers Morgan hadn’t kept asking her questions about Topical Social Issues in the hope that some controversy might emerge.
People are down on Morgan as well, what with all the phone-hacking swarming about in his native land (O’Donnell jocularly tweeted about it afterward), and it’s probably accurate to say that the only way to get publicity from being interviewed on his show is to walk off halfway through. No wonder he was asking all those questions. “Say something!" he seemed to be begging. “Say something controversial that people will Google later! Hex me!”
O’Donnell did even better than that. She invoked the law of Vastly Disproportionate Responses and hit the road. Free publicity for all involved! Now we can spend the next day trying to decide whether he crossed some invisible line or not, and whether the walkout was silly. Good idea? Bad idea?

Pet stores banned

2011-08-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

Orange County mega-developer the Irvine Co. has decided to stop renting space to all pet stores that sell cats and dogs. Other animals, such as birds, fish and reptiles, weren't included in the decision.
"Effective immediately, the Irvine Co. will not lease space in any of its centers to tenants that intend to sell dogs or cats," spokeswoman Erin Freeman said in an email. "The Irvine Co. will honor its existing contractual commitments with Russo's until the expiration of current lease terms."
The new policy means Russo's Pet stores banned Experience, which has sold purebred puppies and fancy cats for more than three decades at Fashion Island, is likely to close.
The Irvine Co. does not plan to renew Russo's leases at Fashion Island or at the Irvine Spectrum, a company spokeswoman told the Daily Pilot.

Election 2012 Super PAC

2011-08-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

The treasurer of Stephen Colbert's Super PAC has quit to work for Texas Gov. Rick Perry's presidential campaign, drawing attention to these organizations that raise unlimited amounts of money from unions and corporations.
Colbert's Super PAC had been using real money as part of a joke, encouraging people to support fictitious candidate "Rick Parry" at the Iowa Straw Poll, even as Gov. Perry was flirting with a run for the presidency.
Salvatore Pupura was treasurer of the Colbert Super PAC but will now work for the real-life Perry campaign.
Colbert's high-concept mockery of the political process might qualify as a joke for the comedian's TV audience but the rise of Super PACs is not. They are raising real money and are likely to affect the 2012 election 2012, experts say.
There is a Super PAC (political action committee), for instance, that really does back the interests of Gov. Perry, but is not affiliated with his campaign. It is called "Make Us Great Again." A similar Super PAC, "Restore Our Future," is expected to back former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. A former consultant for Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., who is also running for president, has broken off to form a Super PAC, Citizens for a Working America.

Similarly, Super PACs are springing up to promote liberal interests, too. The AFL-CIO, for instance, plans to launch its own Super PAC.
Disclosure forms filed with the Federal Election 2012 Commission in August show an early buildup of money collected by newly formed political groups, also known as Super PACs, that can accept unlimited contributions from corporations, unions and other groups.
Both liberal and conservative groups raked in millions of dollars, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Democrats are playing catch-up after Republican Super PACs swooped into key House races in the final days of the 2010 midterm election 2012 and, with organizing and advertising, helped Republicans take control of the House of Representatives.
The top three liberal-oriented Super PACs, all of which were formed after that 2010 shellacking, are House Majority PAC, Priorities USA Action, a group started by two former Obama White House staffers, and Majority PAC. They raised a total of $5.2 million for 2012.
The largest conservative Super PACs -- American Crossroads, started by former George W. Bush adviser Karl Rove and played a pivotal role in the 2010 midterms, and Club for Growth Action, associated with the anti-tax Club for Growth -- raised a total of $4.3 million this fundraising cycle.
The influx of limitless money is possible thanks in part to a ruling in 2010 that struck down major portions of the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court overturned provisions that prevented corporations and unions from contributing without limit to political campaigns.
Eight of the nine justices voted to uphold the disclosure provisions in the 2002 law but political groups have so far avoided compliance by funnelling anonymous money through nonprofit organizations that are recorded on the Super PACs' disclosure forms.
"On the one hand, the justices were affirming the value of disclosure but they were also giving a free pass to nonprofit groups to take unlimited amounts of money," said Michael Beckel, a spokesman for the Center for Responsive Politics.
PAC donations were limited before the court ruling last year.

The Daily Show

2011-08-18T09:27:00.001-07:00

(Image via Comedy Central) After Texas Gov. Rick Perry spoke earlier this week of a “big black cloud that hangs over America,” referring to the nation's enormous debt, MSNBC host Ed Schultz called racism. Schultz was sure the big black cloud Perry spoke of was none other than President Obama.
Wait, rewind.
Schultz later apologized for his interpretation, but “The Daily Show” couldn’t resist pointing out how ludicrous it was. Jon Stewart started out the ribbing with a montage of clearly innocuous statements featuring names of colors before declaring: “The real bigot here is Ed Schultz.”
Stewart also noted that, to be fair, “debt” was only two words after “cloud” in Perry’s comments.
“That’s the thing about clouds,” Stewart joked, “some people see a racist dog whistle, while some people see George Washington wrestling a leprechaun.”
Earlier this week, Stewart stuck up for Rep. Ron Paul, spurring Mediate to write, “Stewart seems to be making a lot more friends in the Republican Party that he has for himself in a while.”
Watch the clip below:

World War Z

2011-08-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Fans of the post-apocalyptic zombie book World War Z are already calling the movie a failure. The novel was released by Mac Brooks in 2006 with the subtitle of “An Oral History of the Zombie War.” It takes place after a war that wiped out most of the world’s population and recounts characters’ opinions and stories from the war with the notion that they have seen how it all unfolds and what comes after it.
When the film was announced to be produced by Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B, casual fans of the book and of the actor were enthused, but fanboys seemed skeptical. Once photos of the Marc Forster-directed adaptation surfaced, worries began to ease. The rest did not last long, however, because as plot details of the movie became known, it was clear that this was a very loose adaptation.
The official synopsis reads:

The story revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself. Enos plays Gerry’s wife Karen Lane; Kertesz is his comrade in arms, Segen.

Because the story has been adapted to take place during the war, message boards have lit up with complaints that the film will take the most intriguing part of the story away. Gone is the characters angst and sense of survivalist living. Instead it has been replaced with what many fans are calling just another zombie movie.
The film will be released on Dec. 21, 2012 by Meteor Pictures and Paramount Pictures.

Madonna BirthDay

2011-08-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

If you don’t have at least a few Madonna tracks on your iPod, you must have something against good music. Believe it or not, her first release was “Everybody” in October 1982. After nearly 30 years on the charts, she’s rumored to be working on a brand-new album of material, with a new single expected at the beginning of next year.
At 53 today (August 16), she’s one of the most prolific women in music with an influence on the industry like no other. Even Glee noted her impact with a special tribute episode dedicated to the “Material Girl” called The Power of Madonna.
Through it all, she has become known as the master of reinvention by constantly changing her image. To celebrate her special day, Celebuzz presents some of her most iconic looks!
Madonna has also made a name (and created various looks) for herself in movies and received a Golden Globe nomination as the titular character in the movie musical Evita. She has now stepped behind the lens and is currently directing her second film, W.E. in London.
Madonna has another child, called Rocco, from her marriage to Guy Richie. She has two other children, David and Mercy, whom she adopted from Mawali, a region of the world close to her heart. She has not only made the plight of the people a subject of a documentary but also started a charity to help the children living in the impoverished nation.
Beyond that, she has a successful clothing line sold at H&M, as well as a fashion collaboration with her daughter Lola.

United Health Care

2011-08-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's bad enough that her son has a chronic disease that can send him to the emergency room when the pain becomes unbearable. But Susan Kenyon is also grappling with wildly inflated medical prices that have become a mainstay of our healthcare system.

Her son's medicine runs the hospital about $6,300 per dose. But the bill that patients are hit with is a whopping $38,000. Discounts and insurance cover most of that, but the system makes it virtually impossible to know the true cost of a treatment.
"We need to stop the price gouging," Kenyon said. "That's the only way we can start getting costs under control."
It's a problem that affects all of us. As hospitals jack up prices to get more money from insurance companies, insurers in turn hike premiums for all members to cover their rising expenses. It's a vicious cycle that exacerbates the unaffordability and inaccessibility of treatment in the United States.

Kenyon, 56, of Lakewood, has been frustrated by this since her son, Scott, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease five years ago. Crohn's is a disorder affecting the digestive tract. It can cause severe abdominal pain, among other symptoms.

"It's like getting stabbed in the stomach," Scott, 26, said of the flare ups that would send him to the emergency room about once a month. "They'd have to give me morphine to control the pain."

That changed in 2007 when he started receiving a drug called Remicade. "Now things are a lot more manageable," Scott said. "I haven't been to the emergency room once this year."

However, Remicade is expensive. The maker of the drug, Janssen Biotech, a division of Johnson & Johnson, says Remicade is sold to hospitals and pharmacies for nearly $700 per 100-miligram vial. Scott requires an intravenous drip of nine vials every other month — a wholesale cost per dose of about $6,300.

But according to his most recent bill from Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, the hospital charged $38,064.95 for the treatment. It then discounted that amount by almost $25,000.

Why the sky-high charge and steep discount? Government-run insurance programs demanded reduced prices from healthcare providers decades ago. Private insurers insisted on equal treatment, and soon it became standard practice for medical bills to be heavily inflated to accommodate the contractual discounts.

In other words, with mandated discounts baked into the system, hospitals routinely overstate medical fees — often by tens of thousands of dollars — so their final reimbursement is closer to actual costs.

"The charges do confuse things," acknowledged John Cascell, vice president of managed care for Long Beach Memorial. "It would probably be better if the charges weren't even on the bill and you just see how much is being covered by the insurer."

In Scott's case, the roller-coaster of charges resulted in a claim of $13,123.32 being submitted to his insurer, UnitedHealthcare. Of that amount, the insurance company covered $10,498.65 of the cost, leaving Kenyon's family with an out-of-pocket expense of $2,624.67.

Scott recently graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a degree in geology. He's now doing an internship with the U.S. Geological Survey. When that's done, he plans to pursue a graduate degree — if he can.

His parents pay his medical bills, and are prepared to keep doing so. However, Scott's school-provided policy with UnitedHealthcare caps coverage at $100,000 per illness. He's already run up more than $50,000 in claims.

At this rate, his coverage will hit the limit at some point next year. That means, to stay insured, Scott may have to forgo an advanced degree and try to get a job — any job — that comes with health insurance.

He won't be eligible for individual coverage until a provision of the healthcare reform law takes effect in 2014. It will prevent insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.

Susan Kenyon, who holds a clerical job with the Los Alamitos Unified School District, said "it's getting to be a challenge" to cover her son's more than $15,000 in annual medical costs. But she said she and her husband, an engineer, will do whatever it takes to support him.

What bothers Kenyon most is the lunacy of a healthcare system under which pricing bears no relation to actual costs. Is it any wonder that Americans on average pay about twice per person for healthcare than people in such countries as Germany, France, Denmark and Britain?

"Consumers are left in the dark about the true value of services they receive," said Jerry Flanagan, a staff attorney at Consumer Watchdog, the Santa Monica advocacy group. "They're unable to shop around among different hospitals because they don't know what things really cost."

He added that the inflated bills can also devastate the uninsured, who can be stuck with charges many times higher than what other patients pay.

How do we fix things? A first step would be to establish a panel of medical experts who can determine fair prices for most treatments — a sort of Kelley Blue Book for healthcare.

Then healthcare providers and insurers (both public and private) need to agree on new terms for claims and reimbursement that ensure fair and reasonable payments without relying on accounting gimmickry.

Finally, all costs need to be clearly presented to patients so they can understand what they're paying for and be better-informed medical consumers. There also needs to be easier ways for people to challenge being charged, say, $10 for an aspirin tablet.

Supporters of our healthcare system like to say it's the best in the world. But there's no way to justify $6,300 worth of medicine resulting in a bill for $38,000.

That's not just bad math. It's bad medicine.

Man U storms back to win Shield

2011-08-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Nani scored in injury time Sunday to give Manchester United a 3-2 win over Manchester City in English football's season-opening Community Shield, completing his team's comeback from 2-0 down.
The Premier League champion trailed to goals by Joleon Lescott and Edin Dzeko despite dominating chances and possession but got back in the game when Chris Smalling tapped in Ashley Young's 52nd-minute free kick. Seven minutes later, Nani lifted the ball over goalkeeper Joe Hart to round off a sparkling team move.
The Portugal winger then took the ball from Vincent Kompany, ran unchallenged into the area and rounded Hart to score.
Lescott was arguably City's best player at Wembley, blocking a close-range effort by Smalling on the line and deflecting a free kick by Nani past the post before he headed in David Silva's 38th-minute free kick.
While City's attacking players were overshadowed by Nani, Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck, central defender Lescott also made a crucial challenge on Rooney in the 69th when United had worked a three-on-two opening.
Argentina forward Sergio Aguero was an unused substitute for City, which had seemed happy to settle for a penalty shootout until Nani's second goal.
United cleared a corner kick up to halfway and Kompany, the City captain, was beaten by Nani. With the United fans roaring, the winger outpaced his opponent, dodged to the left around Hart and hit the winner.
The game was littered with yellow cards and rash tackles, with Mario Balotelli squaring up to Nemanja Vidic and rolling on the ground claiming injury when he fell attempting to get out of a tackle by Nani.
Dzeko and Anderson were both booked in the first half when they went chest to chest following the striker's tackle from behind, while City fullback Micah Richards was lucky not to get a red card for a high two-footed lunge on Young on the left corner of the area.
Referee Phil Dowd only booked the defender.
But the 77,169 fans at Wembley were also treated to plenty of entertaining football, most of it from United.
Young, Nani, Rooney and Welbeck, the latter picked to play up front instead of Dimitar Berbatov, combined well without carving open clear openings.
Lescott beat Rio Ferdinand to the ball to make it 1-0 before new United goalkeeper David de Gea was at fault for Dzeko's goal, allowing the Bosnia striker's speculative shot from long range to slip over his outstretched hand.
It was only at 2-0 down that United really hurt City.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson revamped his central defence for the second half, introducing Phil Jones and Jonny Evans for Vidic and Ferdinand, and brought on young midfielder Tom Cleverley for Michael Carrick.
Cleverley was key to the move that was started and finished by Nani, taking a pass from Rooney and slipping it to the Portugal winger to finish from about six yards.
De Gea atoned for his error late on when he punched away a goal-bound effort by substitute Adam Johnson, keeping the score at 2-2 and setting the scene for Nani's winner.

Monks at The Abbey of the Genesee bake bread

2011-08-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

In between services at The Abbey of the Genesee, lights are off in the church, requiring time for a visitor's eyes to adjust to the darkness, even in daytime.
Unlike the soaring spaces of today's Catholic edifices, which are often brilliantly lit by natural light, this modest church is cave-like and medieval, finished in boulders and hand-hewn lumber interrupted by only a few nearly hidden windows.
The ancient and timeless effect at the abbey is reinforced by the sight of an elderly Trappist monk — one of only two left from the group that founded the abbey 60 years ago — dressed in a black, hooded scapular draped over a full-length white habit as he slowly walks through the fields surrounding the monastery or of a visiting Carmelite nun, covered head to toe in a flowing brown habit as she makes her way to the abbey's church.
And then there's Brother Paul Richards, dressed in worn jeans, short-sleeved shirt and a baseball cap. In charge of the monastery's online bread shop, he whizzes by in a red Jeep Cherokee from the busy Monks' Bread bakery behind the church to the newly repurposed storeroom a quarter mile away that is home to monksbread.com.
It's the online store's slow time, but you'd never know it by the speed of Brother Paul's movements. He nearly jumps from nut butter to honey to jam to flavored vinegars to show visitors specialty foods from local producers and products made by other Trappist orders that monksbread.com sells, along with its bread.
Some customers don't even request bread. Brother Paul explains that monksbread.com fills individual jar orders for the nut butter company in Nunda, which sells only cases through its online store.
Still clinging to medieval traditions, the cloistered monks in Livingston County are using 21st-century methods to make and market the bread that supports their religious order.
In the past few years, they've adopted British baking production standards, spending more than $100,000 on equipment and process upgrades so their goods can keep pace with the growing rigors required by Homeland Security and large-scale retail outlets.

Brittany Murphy Movies

2011-08-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

Brittany Murphy movies were never predictable because she chose diverse roles. Her early death in 2009 was a shock, and mournful time for many, but she will live on through her movies. Whether it was in a drama or comedic role, Brittany Murphy brought a spark to each character she played. Her movies showed how versatile of an actress she really was, and even though her career was up and down she still managed to be a part of some movie classics.

"Clueless" The first popular Brittany Murphy movie was "Clueless," which was released in 1995. Brittany Murphy stars as Tai Fraiser, the unpopular new girl at a rich high school. A popular girl named Cher takes it upon herself to make over the ugly duckling Tai, and with the help of her best friend Dionne they turn Tai into a hot commodity. This Brittany Murphy movie revolves mainly around the dynamics of high school popularity, friendship, and love.
"Little Black Book" This 2004 romantic comedy stars Brittany Murphy as lead character Stacy, a girl who works as an associate producer for a daytime talk show. Her boyfriend Derek goes on a business trip and leaves his digital organizer at home. Even though Stacy trusts him, she takes it upon herself to snoop through it. She gets the names and numbers of Derek's ex-girlfriends and meets them under false pretenses. The rest of the story revolves around Stacy meeting up with her boyfriend's ex's, and the awkward situations she gets into. This Brittany Murphy movie is cute, and fun to watch alone or with someone.
"8 Mile" In 2002 Brittany Murphy stars as Alex, a girl who has a thing for hooking up with musicians. The movie "8 Mile" is about aspiring hip-hop artist Jimmy Smith Jr. (Eminem) and his up and coming career. While working at a factory he meets Alex, and the two become romantically involved. The plot primarily revolves around Jimmy and his ability to overcome stage fright and the odds of breaking into mainstream hip-hop. This Brittany Murphy movie was commercially and critically successful.
"Uptown Girls" This 2003 family comedy movie stars Brittany Murphy as Molly Gunn, the daughter of a deceased famous musician. She had been living large, and throughout her entire life she never had to work. Suddenly, a trusted employee steals her money and she is left to fend for herself. This Brittany Murphy movie focuses on her character Molly Gunn taking a nanny job, and the dynamics between her and the little girl she is in charge of.
"Deadline" This Brittany Murphy movie was the last one released before her death in 2009. The movie is a horror-thiriller starring Brittany Murphy as the main character. She portrays Alice, a writer who becomes emotionally fragile due to her ex-boyfriend attempting to kill her. She is a writer, and in order to try and cure writers block she stays at a cabin alone. The movie revolves around Alice slowly becoming unraveled as she watches home video tapes of a destructive couple who previously occupied the cabin. This Britney Murphy movie has a great twist ending.

Joel Osteen brings message of hope to Chicago

2011-08-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

Joel and Victoria Osteen (left) open “ANight of Hope” Saturday night. “You need to get ready, because jubilee is on the way,” he told the crowd estimated at 37,000. | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Daniel Wang, a 13-year-old from Gurnee who is battling a brain tumor, wrote a letter to televangelist Joel Osteen last month after hearing an inspiring sermon on his weekly broadcast.

Osteen told the story of a painted vase that went through fire and trials but came out more beautiful than before. The message touched the teenager, who was dealing with trials of his own, as he went through treatment.

On Saturday evening, Wang sat in front of the White Sox dugout at Cellular One Field, a Bible in his hand and a smile on his face, as Osteen hugged him briefly before striding to the center of the field for “A Night of Hope,” an event filled with messages from Osteen and his wife, Victoria, brimming with positive energy.

“God can breathe new life, God is a resurrection God,” Osteen told the crowd estimated at 37,000.

“You wouldn’t be alive unless God had another victory in store for you. You need to get ready, because jubilee is on the way,” he told them.

It’s a message that rang true for many in the crowd — which erupted in applause and cheers throughout the event — as well as for Wang.

“Every time I go [to treatment], I say no more, but he makes it easier,” Wang said. “I’m glad I had to go through this, because it was God’s plan for me to meet Joel.”

Osteen’s message has inspired millions around the country and in Houston, where his multimillion-dollar ministry has its headquarters.

“He’s got such a warm, positive message. It’s infectious,” said Mike Jasinski, 29, of Ingleside. “You can’t help smiling when he starts talking.”

He said he rediscovered his faith during Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. He has been watching Osteen’s television program for years, and seeing the minister Saturday was a reminder of how faith changed his life, he said.

Osteen kicked off the event by welcoming the crowd and touching on his religious philosophy, followed by a message from his wife, also a minister at their Lakewood Church. “This world, this economy would like us to believe ‘I can’t,’ that we’re hopeless, we’re helpless and our hands are tied,” she said. “But we’re going to celebrate the ‘I can.’ ”

Some critics say Osteen’s preaching focuses too much on personal profit through prayer and lacks any hint of God’s wrath or punishment for sin. But members of Saturday’s crowd believed in Osteen wholeheartedly.

“You feel his compassion, his honesty,” said Evette Cager, 45, of Maywood, who was there with her daughter Jessica. “He doesn’t push, ‘Give give give.’ ”

Million-Dollar Powerball Winner

2011-08-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night's Powerball drawing produced the only $1 Million winning ticket in America--sold to Randy Wagner of Grubbs. He bought the ticket in Tuckerman (Jackson County) at EZ Mart 429.

The winning numbers were 13 - 19 - 21 - 28 - 49, PB 11, x2 PowerPlay.

Wagner drove to Little Rock with his father Buck Wagner today to cash his big ticket at the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery claim center in downtown.

Wagner paid an extra dollar for the PowerPlay option, which bumped his prize from $200,000 to $1 million when he matched all five white ball numbers.

Wagner told lottery officials he went to work this morning unaware he had the winning ticket. After his co-workers told him about the Tuckerman winning ticket, he immediately called his daughter at home and caught her before she left for work. She gave him the numbers on his ticket and then he called the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery I WON hotline.

Wagner said he knew by the second number that he was the big winner. He had planned to claim the prize Friday, but his co-workers pushed him out the door and sent him to Little Rock to cash in today.

When asked what he planned to do with his winnings, he said that he thought he saw a new truck on the horizon. But he made clear that his wife is an officer at Merchants and Planters Bank in Jackson County and that they are looking to multiply his winnings through wise investment. He has two children, ages 21 and 9.

Wagner's prize is the 10th time an Arkansas player has won $1 million or more since September 28, 2009, when the first ticket was sold.

The EZ Mart in Tuckerman will receive a selling bonus of $10,000 for the sale of the $1 million ticket.

Saturday night's Powerball jackpot will reach or exceed $180 Million.

Kings of Leon

2011-08-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

We've been down this rocky road before. The history of rock 'n' roll is littered with "creative differences," often massaged with phrases that are employed to throw fans off the scent that something, to rip off that well known front-man William Shakespeare, is rotten in the state of Denmark (or in this case, a group).
The latest to be affected by "heat exhaustion and dehydration" is the Kings of Leon. Those words were spoken by lead singer Caleb Followill, who left the stage during a show in Dallas, Texas a few days ago. Sure enough, it's led to the cancellation of their U.S. tour and has the media and fans speculating that the end is nigh for the hugely popular, Grammy Award-winning group.
(LIST: Top 10 Grammy Moments)
Indeed, Followill's brother Jared, who is the band's bassist, tweeted that they have "internal sicknesses & problems" that go beyond dehydration. "I can't lie," he wrote. "There are problems in our band bigger than not drinking enough Gatorade." In a separate tweet, the drummer Nathan Followill (he's the other brother) said, "Not so good morning 4 me today. Ashamed & embarrassed by last night's fiasco."
The official statement from the group said that they were "devastated, but in order to give their fans the shows they deserve, they need to take this break." As things stand, Kings of Leon are due to return in Vancouver, Canada, on September 28 but there are no plans to reschedule the canceled shows.
The band hail from Tennessee and are all related to one another. They've released five albums, of which Only by the Night, with monster singles "Sex On Fire" and "Use Somebody" truly put them on the world stage. Most recent effort, Come Around Sundown, wasn't perceived to have eclipsed what had come before. And it's been remarked that their recent live shows and the documentary Talihina Sky portrayed a band struggling to deal with their popularity (to say nothing of an alleged drinking problem.)
Perhaps most telling is the inevitability of internal issues that often arises when brothers are in bands. Going back many years, and The Kinks (Davies brothers) and Creedence Clearwater Revival (the Fogertys) showed how fractious relations can literally be.
More recently, Noel and Liam Gallagher's prolonged and intense dislike for each other eventually brought a nasty end to Oasis. Their paean to brotherly "love" came via arguably their career highlight, "Acquiesce," which told us, "I hope that I can say / The things I wish I'd said."
But if the Kings of Leon do split up, don't be shocked by a reunion tour at some point. After all, going back to "Acquiesce," that chorus may just ring true: "Because we need each other / We believe in one another." (via BBC)