BEST BREAKING NEWS

Scotty McCreery performs ‘Letters from Home’ for semifinalist competition

2011-03-02T01:12:00.000-08:00

The audience was bigger and, of course, the stakes much higher.
McCreery was the eighth singer to perform, introduced by host Ryan Seacrest as “Garner, North Carolina’s hometown hero.”
McCreery sat on a stool and sang “Letters From Home” by John Michael Montgomery. The song ended on a high note, literally — or at least a higher note than we’re used to hearing from this deep-voiced country singer.
The song was warmly received by the audience — many jumped to their feet at the end — and by the judges.
“I don’t think you could have picked a better song,” Steven Tyler said. “You did it again.”
Jennifer Lopez recalled that McCreery had said he wouldn’t have let himself go through to the next roun. She disagreed, and this performance is why, she said.
“You were born to sing country music.”
Presumably impressed that McCreery nailed a tune not originally performed by Josh Turner, Randy Jackson said, “Love that you switched it up.”
As he first pointed out in Jackson said again that McCreery is a “throwback country guy.”

Jacob Lusk channels Luther Vandross on 'A House Is Not a Home'

2011-03-02T01:09:00.001-08:00

Jacob Lusk picks a great old Burt Bacharach/Hal David ballad, A House Is Not a Home, famously recorded by both Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross. Jacob, wearing an elegant dark suit and two earrings, cuts a figure somewhere between the two. His performance isn't understated, exactly, but it's wonderfully nuanced. Subtle, even, which isn't a word I would have used previously to describe Jacob. And there are a couple runs in there I'd kill to be able to pull off.
That the American people get to hear a voice like that today is just unbelievable," Steven says. He's honored to be in Jacob's presence. "Divine intervention."
Jennifer says that Luther Vandross was her favorite singer of all time. "He's gone, but now we have you."
Randy: "Jennifer was right. I think Luther would be so proud of you." He also compares him to the great gospel singer Rance Allen, which is a perfect reference point. If you don't know Rance's voice, find some performance videos and you'll see what I mean.

Now American Idol 2011 Online Voting Continues-Americon Idol Vote

2011-03-02T01:07:00.000-08:00

After weeks of sob-story auditions and dramatic Hollywood-Week meltdowns, American Idol finally made it to the big stage. And that big stage swallowed up some of the competitors. Top 24 middle rounds have gone on too long, tonight proved that not every singer who is deemed a semifinalist deserves to get the full production number.
Kelly Clarkson gave "Idol" the right push and subsequent seasons followed the precedent. Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood, Academy and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Hudson and American Music Awards winner Chris Daughtry are only a few of the many success stories that have come from many seasons of high ratings, insightful judges and unbelievable talent.
Following the parade of male hopefuls, some 90 minutes after arriving at CBS Television City's Stage 36, the show was finally ready to start. Ryan Seacrest made his entrance and took a look around paying special mind to the upper rafters behind the stage, whose only view of the evening's ceremonies was a giant LED screen across the way. "Turn on the big screen, PLEASE," the more unfortunate pleaded. It would come soon enough.

CHARLIE SHEEN ASSAILS TWO AND A HALF MEN

2011-02-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

Yep, things between Two And A Half Men star Charlie Sheen and creator Chuck Lorre just got a lot worse. Following his verbal assault on Lorre, whom he calls by his "real name Chaim Levine", in a radio interview this morning, Sheen went way further in a TMZ this afternoon. "I violently hate Haim Levine," Sheen said in what is probably the harshest statement by a series star about their showrunner. "He's a stupid, stupid little man and a p**sy punk that I'd never want to be like. That's me being polite. That piece of s**t took money out of my pocket, my family's pocket, and, most importantly, my second family -- my crew's pocket... You can tell him one thing. I own him." He proceeded to challenge Lorre to a fight. "If he wins, then he can leave MY show, Sheen said.
When we thought Charlie Sheen's planned reunion with the cast and crew of Two and a Half Men next week could not get more awkward, it just did. In another surreal, rambling live radio interview, this time on the Alex Jones Show, Sheen unleashed a tirade at Men creator-executive producer Chuck Lorre over Lorre's recent tongue-in-cheek vanity card at the conclusion of the show's most recent original that ended with "If Charlie Sheen outlives me, I'm gonna be really pissed."

Fifth Third Bank Highland Park Celebrates Artist Shee

2011-02-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

hurs., Feb. 24, 2011 (Highland Park) – Fifth Third Bank of Highland Park held a reception to preview the work of well-known artist Artist Shee. Artist Shee and his wife were feted by HP's business community at an event by Fifth Third. Artist Shee's exhibit of oil paintings and sculpture will open for the public on March 4 at the Highland Park Arts Center. "We're a bank walking the talk when it comes to investing time, energy and talent in our communities," Tim Hannahs, SVP, Fifth Third Chicago.

Seven Wonders Of the Ancient World

2011-02-25T00:13:00.001-08:00

The list of seven wonders of the world, has always been a great amusement for all of us, as it was an insight of all the unusual and unique natural and man made structures around the world. This list had been changed and a set of new seven wonders of the world was declared but was this kind of list also present in the ancient times? Research has proved that infact it did, in the ancient Greek.

A new research has now found out the list of 'The Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World'. Reportedly, the Greek took great marvel in rating any structure which was made. As the number seven has religious connotation in Greek culture that number was taken to rank the best creation. Thus, the 'Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World' was not listed at the same time. The creations were listed as and when they were created. There was actually no one list of the wonders. Their were different lists compiled by any Greek writers out of which Antipater of Sidon, and Philon of Byzantium, made the best list. The list which has been recognized was created in the 2nd century BC by Antipater of Sidon.

Hawaii earthquake jolts

2011-02-25T00:11:00.000-08:00

A small earthquake has hit Hawaii, with a jolt felt across Honolulu.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude 3.6 temblor struck at 2:12 p.m. on Thursday in between the islands of Oahu and Molokai.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. No tsunami was generated.

The quake that lasted for several seconds shook homes and people throughout Oahu, from high-rise buildings in downtown Honolulu to the tourist district of Waikiki.A small earthquake has hit Hawaii, with a jolt felt across Honolulu.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude 3.6 temblor struck at 2:12 p.m. on Thursday in between the islands of Oahu and Molokai.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. No tsunami was generated.

Cristin Milioti Shines on '30 Rock': Season

2011-02-25T00:03:00.000-08:00

Liz hired a new female writer because people were saying that 'TGS hates women,' and Jack tried to please Kabletown chief Hank Hooper's granddaughter since she might one day inherit the network. These aren't the most original plots the show has had -- they've had plots in the past that were very similar to these -- but they were both deeply satisfying tonight.

There are two reasons why the Abby Flynn plot worked. Oh, get your mind out of the gutter! I'm talking about the two different personalities that Cristin Milloti showed: Abby the buxom blonde with the baby voice and Abby the alternative comic with the razor wit. This was a great performance with a clever ending: Abby won't be sticking around because she has to come up with a new identity because Liz blew her older one. But God, how was Liz supposed to know that? Give her a break.

Speaking of great performances, Chloe Moretz's job as Hooper's granddaughter Kaley was truly kick-ass, and I'm not just saying that to reference the movie because I haven't seen it. She's like Don Geiss' daughter Kathy, only she can speak, she's smart and has just as many clever plans to control Kabletown/NBC as Jack does. It's as if Jack has to always battle someone to get ahead at NBC, whether it's Kathy, Devon Banks, or someone else.

Jennifer Aniston Debuts New Haircut in Spain

2011-02-23T00:34:00.000-08:00

welcomed her 42nd year with a new hair style. The actress, who celebrated her birthday on February 11, has shown off her new lock when attending a photo call for her film just go with in Madrid, Spain on Tuesday, February 22.

She chopped her signature long-layered hair into a shorter, chin-length bob. Debuting the new look, the ex-wife of brad fit donned an outfit consisting of a clingy black Theory tank top, Celine pants, Fred Leighton jewels and Pierre Hardy shoes which made her look more energetic.

Jeremy Shockey Released, Ending Three-Year Run With Saints

2011-02-23T00:25:00.000-08:00

New Orleans on Monday released tight end Jeremy Shockey, who scored a fourth-quarter touchdown that gave the Saints the lead for good in their 2010 Super Bowl victory against Indianapolis.
The Saints acquired Shockey from the New York Giants before the 2008 season. In three seasons in New Orleans, he caught 139 passes for 1,460 yards with six touchdowns in 38 regular-season games. Shockey, 30, had 41 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games last season. His reception and yardage numbers were the lowest in his nine-year career.
"Jeremy played an important role in helping our team bring a Super Bowl championship to New Orleans," coach Sean Payton said in a statement. "We're appreciative of his efforts."

Destiny - Buju Banton found guilty - Sentencing date to be determined

2011-02-23T00:22:00.000-08:00

The jury, which included three African-American women, yesterday returned a guilty verdict for three of the four charges brought against the Grammy-winning artiste, whose real name is Mark Myrie.
The iconic Jamaican artiste, whose sentencing hearing date has not yet been determined, will now face 15 years to life behind bars.
Buju has been found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilogramsor more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of and during the course of a drug-trafficking crime, and aiding and abetting others in using a communication facility in the commission of a felony.
The jury, however, returned a not-guilty verdict for attempting to possess five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Defence attorney David Oscar Markus, who, in closing arguments last week, begged the jury to return a not-guilty verdict, was a broken man when he descended the steps of the Sam M. Gibbons Building which houses the United States Middle District Court, Florida Division, in Tampa.
"We are all very upset and disappointed and emotional. The only person who seems to be OK is Buju. We just saw him in the lock-up and he told us that he was happy that he fought, knowing that he is innocent," Markus said.

Tulsa Shock re-signs Jones to multi-year deal

2011-02-23T00:19:00.000-08:00

Officials with the WNBA franchise didn't immediately return a call Wednesday seeking details of the contract.

Jones earned her first start of the 2010 season in the final regular season game, scoring a career-high 14 points. She played in all 34 regular season games, averaging 3.4 points on 52.5 percent shooting and 1.5 rebounds in 9.4 minutes per game.

Jones is best known for winning five medals as a track sprinter at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and later for having the medals taken away because of steroid use.

She won a national championship in 1994 as the point guard for North Carolina's t

Chicago's next mayor: Emanuel

2011-02-23T00:12:00.000-08:00

a top adviser to two U.S. presidents who returned to Chicago just months ago, swept into the mayor's office Tuesday, inheriting a city reeling from recession and promising to reshape City Hall.

He achieved what was once considered almost unthinkable, collecting a majority of support against five opponents in the first Chicago election without a sitting mayor on the ballot since 1947.

In a city with its share of racial divisions, Emanuel appealed to voters across those lines. He won the predominantly white wards of his former congressional district on the North and Northwest sides. And the former chief of staff to also scored substantial margins in predominantly African-American neighborhoods.

"All I can say, you sure know how to make a guy feel at home," Emanuel, who faced a high-profile legal challenge to his residency, told a packed room at a plumbers union hall on the Near West Side. "Because of the people of Chicago, this is the warmest place in America."

Taking StreetStrider for Outdoor Fitness Exercise?

2011-02-23T00:04:00.000-08:00

StreetStrider is a new technology that allows you to experience fitness exercise outdoor. The combination of low impact jogging, skiing, and cycling, and the unit was easily maneuverable given the lean-to-steer design, said a reviewer. This machine can really fly once you get going.
StreetStrider, the elliptical cross training machine on wheels, is highly recommended for those who are bored with indoor fitness exercise.
Here is the review form StreetStrider website:
StreetStrider has taken the elliptical cross trainer out of the gym and given it wheels.
StreetStriding, described as running on air, combines the benefits of jogging, skiing and cycling, all in a new form of green transportation. The 3-wheel platform makes the StreetStrider stable and easy to ride. With multiple gears, you can climb hills, and the lean-to-steer system provides complete control.

chicago-election-results

2011-02-22T23:58:00.000-08:00

The City Council was sure to see some serious upheaval this election cycle, and the competitiveness of the fights for alderman is showing in tonight’s results: fourteen of the 50 wards appear set to head to runoffs on April 5.
There are still around fifty precincts still waiting to report around the city, but races around Chicago are yet to be determined. And many incumbent aldermen will be facing heated competition in those races six weeks from now.
Ald. Freddrenna Lyle in the 6th Ward will be facing off with Roderick T. Sawyer, son of former mayor Eugene Sawyer. In the 50th, Bernie Stone, the council’s oldest alderman, won only 37 percent of the vote in his five-person race, and will have to take on feisty challenger Debra L. Silverstein, who came in second with 33 percent.
A couple of very crowded races will be significantly narrowed down. The race to replace Helen Shiller in the 46th had eleven candidates on the ballot — James Cappleman and Molly Phelan both won just shy of twenty percent, and will compete for the sixty percent of the vote their nine other candidates split in today’s vote. And in the 24th Ward, incumbent Sharon Denise Dixon and challenger Michael D. Chandler emerged from a field of 18 candidates, the least among whom won only 37 votes.
And as mentioned earlier in the night, Che “Rhymefest” Smith is headed for a runoff with incumbent Willie Cochran in the 20th. Rey Colon narrowly avoided a runoff in the 35th Ward, and Ameya Pawar pulled off the upset win in the 47th, beating Tom O’Donnell without requiring a runoff.

Spoiler: Dream High U tiptoes to give Wooyoung a…

2011-02-22T23:54:00.000-08:00

The February 22nd episode saw Jason provide an opportunity for Pil Sook to appear on broadcast. On their way home, Jason suggested that she delete the photos of her former chubby self, to which she replied, “Those were my happiest days.”
He responded, “Well, there is one other person who loved those days as well.” Jason took out his cel fone and flashed a photo of her from when she was 82kg to prove his point.
Touched, the two exchanged intense gazes before Pil Sook closed her eyes, expecting a kiss. Feeling playful, Jason decided to stretch out and give her a kiss instead. He teased, “Why are you closing your eyes? Did you expect something?“ Pil Sook gloomily retorted, “I didn’t expect anything!”
Jason then gave her a light peck on the forehead, which inspired Pil Sook to wrap her arms around his neck and tiptoeing, pull him down for a kiss.
Netizens commented, “Not showing the actual kiss scene was a lot more romantic,” “I want IU’s tip-toe kiss too!”, and “The hearts of her uncle fans have been demolished!”

Chauncey Billups: The Elephant In The Room, Will He Be a Knick?

2011-02-21T23:26:00.000-08:00

Chauncey Billups' agent made it clear when the trade rumors began to swirl, that Billups was only interested in playing for the denever nuggets. It has been made public that he is only interested in playing for the Nuggets.
By saying this, it was assumed that he would want a buyout, or at least try to get bought out.
However, we have not heard a statement recently from Billups or his agent regarding Billups' thoughts on joining a new team. Is he still only interested in playing for the Denver Nuggets? Based on reports, Carmelo is the only person involved in the trade that has met with kiniks management, Carmelo obviously gave his word to the Knicks, but Billups has not spoken on the situation.

New Zealand Earthquake Kills 65

2011-02-21T23:18:00.000-08:00

New Zealand's prime minister says at least 65 people are dead in an earthquake that struck the city of Christchurch, collapsing numerous buildings as people worked inside.

Prime Minister John Key said the 6.3-magnitude quake, which struck around lunchtime Tuesday, is "an absolute tragedy" for the city and its people.

Police reported fatalities in several parts of the city and numerous injuries. They say two buses were crushed by falling buildings.

Many buildings in the city center collapsed, and Christchurch cathedral was heavily damaged. Power and telephone lines are cut in some places. Some roads caved in and at least one bridge has been damaged.

Thousands of people have fled buildings and gathered in the streets of Christchurch as the city is now being hit by a series of aftershocks.

Flights in and out of Christchurch were temporarily cancelled.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centered about 5 kilometers from the city at a depth of 4 kilometers.

Carmelo Anthony is headed to Knicks for a huge part of the Big Apple

2011-02-21T23:15:00.000-08:00

The wait is finally over: Carmelo Anthony now plays for the New York Knicks. Not very many other people play for the New York Knicks anymore, but now he does.
The Denver Post had the news first so we can forgive them, since it's not that late out there yet.
The Knicks apparently spent all day deciding whether or not to include Timofey Mozgov in the deal. Not surprisingly, considering how eager the team suddenly became to get 'Melo over the weekend, they caved. The parameters are what thought they were this were morning

Rick Santorum and Sarah Palin

2011-02-21T23:08:00.000-08:00

This was confirmed to me at The Four Season’s bar here in Washington, by a cousin of Santorum’s. ”Oh, yes, he’s running,” she said. This former senator is currently practicing law at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC in Pennsylvania and is father to no fewer than seven children. (Now, that would make for a full White House…)
Santorum is a devout Catholic and is known for his rather over-enthusiastic (in my view) and borderline belligerent stances against abortion and homosexuality. To say that he is a social conservative’s dream is an understatement. In fact, Santorum’s comments and statements over the years on gay marriage and a woman’s right to choose make me personally uncomfortable, but that’s another blog.
Remember, these are posts about who I believe is running for president in 2012 and who is not, and they’re based on what I’ve read and/or what has been imparted to me by a trusted inside source or two. I reserve the right to change my mind and correct my predictions, but I’m trying to get it right the first time.

THE magnificent ciely tyson

2011-02-21T23:03:00.000-08:00

Cicely Tyson is one class act. The actress has brought dignity and strength to many of the characters she's portrayed over the years not limited to the 1977 TV miniseries Roots and the 1972 powerful film, Sounder. Two more TV movies, 1974's The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and 1977's Wilma, both had a very powerful effect on me when I watched them when they first aired. Tyson has helped to influence the roles of African-American women in film and television away from predominantly stereotypical background characters to influential history-makers and strong women at the story's center.This is also true for Tyson's role as the central character in the 1997 made-for-TV movie, Ms. Scrooge. Here, Ebenita Scrooge is a successful banker who loves Christmas because people always over-spend and over-borrow money and she makes a profit from this. In a re-telling of Charles Dickens' classic tale, Scrooge is visited by her former boss Maude Marley (played by Katherine Helmond) who warns her about her greed

Carmelo Anthony's Knicks Jersey Number Won't Be 15

2011-02-21T22:57:00.000-08:00

is New York bound after the and finalized on Monday evening. Once in New York, however, Anthony will have to find a new jersey. The No. 15 he wore in his time with the Nuggets was retired by the Knicks, honoring Dick McGuire, elected to the Knicks Hall of Fame in 1993.
We've seen of already, but what other options does he have. In high school, Anthony wore No. 22. Unfortunately, that number, worn by Dave DeBusschere, was also retired by the Knicks in 1983. Seeing as how 22 and 15 were the only two numbers he wore -- 22 in high school, 15 at Syracuse and in Denver -- it looks like Anthony will be branching out when he gets to New York.
Luckily, with almost at least Anthony will have his pick of available numbers without having to fight a returning veteran.

Brad Womack hits Madawaska Maine For Hometown Dates

2011-02-21T22:51:00.000-08:00

next they take off to meet her family at their spacious mansion-like house. Chantal’s dad takes Brad aside to talk to him and talk about their humble beginnings, their lack of connections with their fathers, and if Chantal is ready to settle down. Chantal’s dad tells Brad that he has their blessing if he decides to wed Chantal while she talks to her gorgeous mom about her love for Brad. Her mom tells Chantal to follow her heart. Lastly, Brad and Chantal chat. He admits that he doesn’t want to leave her, feels honored to be accepted into their family, and sees a future with her.

Carmelo Anthony Trade Reportedly Includes Corey Brewer Heading To Knicks From Timberwolves

2011-02-21T22:45:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota Timberwolves are the third team in the deal, jumping into the fold to take Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph. Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman are headed to New York with Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and Raymond Felton heading to Denver.
Yahoo! Sports reported the rest of the deal, which includes draft picks and cash heading from New York to Denver and the Timberwolves taking two players, as well.

CULT MOVIE REVIEW: Paranormal Activity

2011-02-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

But while penning the sequel, Halloween 2 (1981), the writers (including JC) came up with the very specific notion that Laurie Strode was actually Michael Myers' sister and that the Shape kept returning to Haddonfield to finish the job of murdering siblings that he had begun in 1963.

Although interesting, this new idea eliminated much of the deliberate ambiguity about the Bogeyman and even, in a way, made Halloween retroactively a bit less scary. Suddenly, Michael was just offing family members. Sisters, then nieces, apparently. With the nebulous Shape's raison d'etre known, he was no longer a scintillating mystery. He became a known and quantifiable factor instead. We knew his goal; we knew his endgame. He became...predictable.