Pirate attack, Fourteen Indian sailors, who were hijacked in the Gulf of Aden, have been rescued after counter-piracy ships from the European Union and NATO forced Somali pirates on board their cargo vessel to flee.
"Fourteen Indian sailors are now safe, after pirates, who took control of their cargo vessel on June 5 in the Gulf of Aden, abandoned the attack hours later after European Union Naval Force warship HSwMS Carlskrona, together with NATO counter piracy Dutch warship HNLMS Van Speijk, closed in," the EU Naval Force said in a statement.
This type of cargo vessel, known as a dhow, has been used in the past by pirates as a 'mother ship', to enable them to sail far out to sea to attack passing merchant ships.
The master of the Indian dhow had sent out an alert, saying that it was under attack from 12 armed pirates, it said.
"Upon hearing the alert, Royal Swedish Navy warship, HSwMS Carlskrona, which has been part of the EU's counter piracy mission, Operation Atalanta, since April 6, closed the scene and as darkness fell, maintained a constant watch on the vessel."
As the Swedish helicopter from HSwMS Carlskrona overflew the scene, the pirates, now under increasing pressure from the military forces, forced the master to close the Somali coast so they could abandon the vessel in the dead of night.
Shortly afterwards, it was with a great sense of relief, that the Indian master was able to report to the European Union Naval Force that all the pirates had left his ship and that none of his crew were injured.
"What is important is that fourteen Indian sailors are now safe and able to return to their families, after what must have been a terrifying ordeal. This latest attack once again shows that the threat from piracy is real. We must all remain vigilant," said Rear Admiral Bob Tarrant, the Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force.
Somali pirates have unsuccessfully attacked four ships this year, the EU Naval Force said.
According to a World Bank report in April, 1,068 attacks have been carried out by Somali pirates since January 2005.
The 'Pirates of Somalia: Ending the Threat, Rebuilding a Nation' report said of these, 218 resulted in successful hijackings, with an estimated 53 million dollars average annual ransom paid. Between 82 and 97 casualties are believed to have occurred as a result of these attacks.
Home » Archives for 06/07/13
Friday, June 7, 2013
13-year-old 162 IQ
13-year-old 162 IQ, A 13-year-old has scored 162 in an IQ test in west London, meaning that her IQ is comparable to the likes of Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein.
However, despite the lofty comparisons Neha Ramu of England has said that she does not think the comparisons are fair.
Ramu said: "When I found out I got such a high score it was so amazing and unexpected. Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, they've achieved so much. It's not right to compare me to them just because of my IQ. If I don't put in my effort and make use of my IQ then there's no point in having it."
The score of 162 is the highest possible score that the IQ test allows a person under the age of 18 to achieve.
The amazing score has led many to compare Ramu to other historical geniuses, but she has kept her feet firmly on the ground and has taken her score with a grain of salt.
The young teenager has said that her hobbies include playing chess and reading. She also enjoys swimming and watching television just like more of her peers.
Ramu will now join Mensa, which is quite an achievement at such a young age. However, she is not the youngest person to join the IQ elite – according to reports one girl, Alice Amos, scored 162 on an IQ test when she was just 2 years and 11 months old. She entered Mensa just after she turned three.
The IQ test given by Mensa allows membership into an elite club that provides mental stimulation and the "exchange of ideas through lectures, discussions, journals, special-interest groups… and gatherings," according to the organization's website.
In order to join, those taking the test must attain "a score within the upper two percent of the general population."
However, despite the lofty comparisons Neha Ramu of England has said that she does not think the comparisons are fair.
Ramu said: "When I found out I got such a high score it was so amazing and unexpected. Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, they've achieved so much. It's not right to compare me to them just because of my IQ. If I don't put in my effort and make use of my IQ then there's no point in having it."
The score of 162 is the highest possible score that the IQ test allows a person under the age of 18 to achieve.
The amazing score has led many to compare Ramu to other historical geniuses, but she has kept her feet firmly on the ground and has taken her score with a grain of salt.
The young teenager has said that her hobbies include playing chess and reading. She also enjoys swimming and watching television just like more of her peers.
Ramu will now join Mensa, which is quite an achievement at such a young age. However, she is not the youngest person to join the IQ elite – according to reports one girl, Alice Amos, scored 162 on an IQ test when she was just 2 years and 11 months old. She entered Mensa just after she turned three.
The IQ test given by Mensa allows membership into an elite club that provides mental stimulation and the "exchange of ideas through lectures, discussions, journals, special-interest groups… and gatherings," according to the organization's website.
In order to join, those taking the test must attain "a score within the upper two percent of the general population."
Colorado secede
Colorado secede, Several of the rural, predominantly Republican counties of North and and Northeastern Colorado are fed up with the left-leaning laws that Democrats passed this year in the state and want to split from Colorado and form the 51st state: North Colorado.
"Our very way of life is under attack," Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway said on Thursday, 9News reported.
Conway is leading the charge for Weld, Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Washington, Yuma and Kit Carson counties to split off and form a new state, a plan that was formed at a Colorado Counties Inc. conference earlier this week, according to The Denver Post.
The secession plan is driven by a number of new laws passed in the Democrat-controlled legislature this year, including gun control, the curbing of perceived cruel treatment of livestock to expanded regulation of oil and gas production but the final straw was the signing of Senate Bill 252 by Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday which requires an increase in renewable energy standards in rural areas.
KDVR reports that opponents of that bill have called it a "war on rural Colorado."
“I have never seen a legislative session like this,” Conway said. “They ignore us. They don’t listen to us. It started with the gun control bills and came to a head this week with S.B. 252 being signed.”
But some see the plan as a joke or a shallow political move by county commissioners. "It's just going to be seen as a crackpot idea by a bunch of crackpot commissioners some of whom are term limited," said Steve Mazurana to The Denver Post, a longtime Greeley resident and former political science professor at the University of Northern Colorado. "Some will just call it Crackpottopia."
Conway cited states like Vermont, Tennessee, Kentucky, Maine and West Virginia as reason to give the plan to secede a try -- all of those states petitioned for statehood for similar reasons based on a cultural divide and added that just because it hasn't been done for 150 years doesn't mean it's not a good plan, The Greeley Tribune reported. The last state to successfully form a new state was West Virginia in 1863 while the nation was embroiled in the Civil War.
For the secession to be successful, voters in each county would have to approve of the idea. Then North Colorado statehood would have to be approved by the state legislature, the governor and the U.S. Congress. A ballot question for Weld voters could be ready as soon as August 1, Conway says.
"Our very way of life is under attack," Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway said on Thursday, 9News reported.
Conway is leading the charge for Weld, Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Washington, Yuma and Kit Carson counties to split off and form a new state, a plan that was formed at a Colorado Counties Inc. conference earlier this week, according to The Denver Post.
The secession plan is driven by a number of new laws passed in the Democrat-controlled legislature this year, including gun control, the curbing of perceived cruel treatment of livestock to expanded regulation of oil and gas production but the final straw was the signing of Senate Bill 252 by Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday which requires an increase in renewable energy standards in rural areas.
KDVR reports that opponents of that bill have called it a "war on rural Colorado."
“I have never seen a legislative session like this,” Conway said. “They ignore us. They don’t listen to us. It started with the gun control bills and came to a head this week with S.B. 252 being signed.”
But some see the plan as a joke or a shallow political move by county commissioners. "It's just going to be seen as a crackpot idea by a bunch of crackpot commissioners some of whom are term limited," said Steve Mazurana to The Denver Post, a longtime Greeley resident and former political science professor at the University of Northern Colorado. "Some will just call it Crackpottopia."
Conway cited states like Vermont, Tennessee, Kentucky, Maine and West Virginia as reason to give the plan to secede a try -- all of those states petitioned for statehood for similar reasons based on a cultural divide and added that just because it hasn't been done for 150 years doesn't mean it's not a good plan, The Greeley Tribune reported. The last state to successfully form a new state was West Virginia in 1863 while the nation was embroiled in the Civil War.
For the secession to be successful, voters in each county would have to approve of the idea. Then North Colorado statehood would have to be approved by the state legislature, the governor and the U.S. Congress. A ballot question for Weld voters could be ready as soon as August 1, Conway says.
Facebook terror post
Facebook terror post, A grand jury has declined to indict an aspiring Massachusetts rapper whom police had accused of making "terroristic threats," according to the Essex County District Attorney's office.
Cameron D'Ambrosio, 18, was arrested in Methuen, Massachussetts on May 2nd after posting a rap verse on his Facebook wall that contained the line, "fuck a boston bombinb [sic] wait til u see the shit I do, I'ma be famous for rapping, and beat every murder charge that comes across me." The high school student has been held in jail since then without bail. "There will be a bail hearing this afternoon, after which point he will probably be released, is my educated guess," says Essex County DA spokesperson Carrie Kimball Monahan.
Prosecutors sought to charge D'Ambrosio with threats to make a bomb or hijack a vehicle, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Danielle Simpson, a legal assistant to D'Ambrosio's lawyer, says they expect D'Ambrosio to be released on his own recognizance and home by Thursday night. An additional court date is scheduled for June 27th in Lawrence district court, but Kimball Monahan said the DA would not likely bring additional charges.
Before the indictment was rejected, civil liberties advocates said the case raised serious concerns. "This is a travesty of free speech, and a travesty of the First Amendment," says Evan Greer, the campaign manager for Center for Rights, which created an online petition in support of D'Ambrosio. According to Greer, a search of D'Ambrosio's house after his arrest yielded no evidence of bomb-making materials. "We should never allow tragedies to limit rights," says Greer, who believes that authorities over-reacted in the wake of the recent violence in Boston. "It doesn't actually make us safer."
D'Ambrosio was arrested after his fellow students alerted a school police officer, who then contacted the Methuen police. The police issued a somewhat alarmist statement on their website and Facebook pages with the headline "Methuen High School Student Arrested!!!" Local police chief Joseph Solomon failed to mention that D'Ambrosio is an aspiring rapper when talking with the media – making his Facebook post sound more like a straightforward statement of intent than a provocative lyric.
Matthew Segal, the legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts – who has worked on similar first amendment cases, though not this one – says it does not appear that D'Ambrosio's Facebook post rose to the level of a "true threat" warranting an investigation, which the grand jury has found as well. Segal notes that D'Ambrosio's words didn't target anybody or anything specifically, which the Methuen police have also acknowledged.
Minneapolis rapper P.O.S., whose lyrics often reference radical politics, says he worried about the potential implications for other envelope-pushing artists if D'Ambrosio had been convicted. "I'd be scared for my friends," he says. "If [D'Ambrosio's lyrics are] something that can get you locked up, I'm probably fucked. Lines on my new record are far more explicit than that." On his fourth solo LP, last fall's We Don't Even Live Here, P.O.S. refers to himself as a "young black terror attack," and artfully raps about breaking into houses, inciting riots and generally waging class war.
Several observers noted that D'Ambrosio's amateur status likely contributed to the decision to arrest him. "If he were successful, he probably wouldn't have been charged," adds the ACLU's Segal. "Whether or not you're a terrorist shouldn't come down to how good of a hip-hop artist you are." In this case, it seems the grand jury agreed.
Cameron D'Ambrosio, 18, was arrested in Methuen, Massachussetts on May 2nd after posting a rap verse on his Facebook wall that contained the line, "fuck a boston bombinb [sic] wait til u see the shit I do, I'ma be famous for rapping, and beat every murder charge that comes across me." The high school student has been held in jail since then without bail. "There will be a bail hearing this afternoon, after which point he will probably be released, is my educated guess," says Essex County DA spokesperson Carrie Kimball Monahan.
Prosecutors sought to charge D'Ambrosio with threats to make a bomb or hijack a vehicle, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Danielle Simpson, a legal assistant to D'Ambrosio's lawyer, says they expect D'Ambrosio to be released on his own recognizance and home by Thursday night. An additional court date is scheduled for June 27th in Lawrence district court, but Kimball Monahan said the DA would not likely bring additional charges.
Before the indictment was rejected, civil liberties advocates said the case raised serious concerns. "This is a travesty of free speech, and a travesty of the First Amendment," says Evan Greer, the campaign manager for Center for Rights, which created an online petition in support of D'Ambrosio. According to Greer, a search of D'Ambrosio's house after his arrest yielded no evidence of bomb-making materials. "We should never allow tragedies to limit rights," says Greer, who believes that authorities over-reacted in the wake of the recent violence in Boston. "It doesn't actually make us safer."
D'Ambrosio was arrested after his fellow students alerted a school police officer, who then contacted the Methuen police. The police issued a somewhat alarmist statement on their website and Facebook pages with the headline "Methuen High School Student Arrested!!!" Local police chief Joseph Solomon failed to mention that D'Ambrosio is an aspiring rapper when talking with the media – making his Facebook post sound more like a straightforward statement of intent than a provocative lyric.
Matthew Segal, the legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts – who has worked on similar first amendment cases, though not this one – says it does not appear that D'Ambrosio's Facebook post rose to the level of a "true threat" warranting an investigation, which the grand jury has found as well. Segal notes that D'Ambrosio's words didn't target anybody or anything specifically, which the Methuen police have also acknowledged.
Minneapolis rapper P.O.S., whose lyrics often reference radical politics, says he worried about the potential implications for other envelope-pushing artists if D'Ambrosio had been convicted. "I'd be scared for my friends," he says. "If [D'Ambrosio's lyrics are] something that can get you locked up, I'm probably fucked. Lines on my new record are far more explicit than that." On his fourth solo LP, last fall's We Don't Even Live Here, P.O.S. refers to himself as a "young black terror attack," and artfully raps about breaking into houses, inciting riots and generally waging class war.
Several observers noted that D'Ambrosio's amateur status likely contributed to the decision to arrest him. "If he were successful, he probably wouldn't have been charged," adds the ACLU's Segal. "Whether or not you're a terrorist shouldn't come down to how good of a hip-hop artist you are." In this case, it seems the grand jury agreed.
George W. Obama
George W. Obama, President Obama on Friday defended the secret surveillance of telephone and Internet traffic as a necessary defense against terrorism, and he insisted there are “safeguards” to ensure it’s not a “program run amok.”
“Nobody is listening to your telephone calls. That’s not what this program’s about,” Obama said.But the President also reminded Americans that in the age of terrorism, security comes at a cost.
“We have to make choices as a society. It’s important to recognize that you can’t have 100% security and also then have 100% privacy and zero inconvenience,” he said.
Obama’s comments marked the first time a U.S. President publicly acknowledged the government’s electronic snooping on U.S. citizens.
Obama was responding to revelations this week detailing for the first time the scope of the government’s massive collection of phone and Internet communications that began with the passage of the Patriot Act after 9/11.
When top officials in the Obama and George W. Bush administrations have been asked in recent years whether U.S. citizens’ communications were swept up as part of government surveillance, they’ve often responded with swift denials.
Obama spoke after the Guardian detailed how the National Security Agency examines phone records — but not the content of calls — under search warrants allowing it to collect data from major telecom companies.
A separate NSA program, detailed by the Washington Post, involves the collection of massive amounts of data from major Internet firms like Facebook and AOL, pulling in everything from emails to photos.
Speaking with reporters in California, Obama said the telephone surveillance was only “looking at phone numbers and durations of calls.”
“They are not looking at people’s names and they are not looking at content. But by sifting through this so-called metadata they might identify potential leads of people who might engage in terrorism,” Obama said.
He said if “the intelligence community actually wants to listen to a telephone call, they have to go back to a federal judge.”
He added that the program monitoring Internet use is not aimed at American citizens or people living in the U.S.
Obama argued that he has increased safeguards, which include approvals by federal judges and congressional oversight.
“If people can’t trust, not only the executive branch, but also don’t trust Congress and don’t trust federal judges to make sure that we’re abiding by the Constitution, due process and rule of law, then we’re going to have some problems here.”
CBS reporter John Miller, formerly deputy director of national intelligence, said Internet monitoring in 2009 smashed a plot to blow up the subways.
“An email comes from an IP address to another IP address. One of them is nothing we’re paying attention to. The other is one that’s been flagged as an Al Qaeda mail drop that is rarely used,” he said on “CBS This Morning.”
“And when they find out the other IP address on the other end is connected to Aurora, Colo., outside Denver ... it takes them to the plot to blow up the New York subways, it’s all prevented. That’s how a program like this is supposed to work.”
“Nobody is listening to your telephone calls. That’s not what this program’s about,” Obama said.But the President also reminded Americans that in the age of terrorism, security comes at a cost.
“We have to make choices as a society. It’s important to recognize that you can’t have 100% security and also then have 100% privacy and zero inconvenience,” he said.
Obama’s comments marked the first time a U.S. President publicly acknowledged the government’s electronic snooping on U.S. citizens.
Obama was responding to revelations this week detailing for the first time the scope of the government’s massive collection of phone and Internet communications that began with the passage of the Patriot Act after 9/11.
When top officials in the Obama and George W. Bush administrations have been asked in recent years whether U.S. citizens’ communications were swept up as part of government surveillance, they’ve often responded with swift denials.
Obama spoke after the Guardian detailed how the National Security Agency examines phone records — but not the content of calls — under search warrants allowing it to collect data from major telecom companies.
A separate NSA program, detailed by the Washington Post, involves the collection of massive amounts of data from major Internet firms like Facebook and AOL, pulling in everything from emails to photos.
Speaking with reporters in California, Obama said the telephone surveillance was only “looking at phone numbers and durations of calls.”
“They are not looking at people’s names and they are not looking at content. But by sifting through this so-called metadata they might identify potential leads of people who might engage in terrorism,” Obama said.
He said if “the intelligence community actually wants to listen to a telephone call, they have to go back to a federal judge.”
He added that the program monitoring Internet use is not aimed at American citizens or people living in the U.S.
Obama argued that he has increased safeguards, which include approvals by federal judges and congressional oversight.
“If people can’t trust, not only the executive branch, but also don’t trust Congress and don’t trust federal judges to make sure that we’re abiding by the Constitution, due process and rule of law, then we’re going to have some problems here.”
CBS reporter John Miller, formerly deputy director of national intelligence, said Internet monitoring in 2009 smashed a plot to blow up the subways.
“An email comes from an IP address to another IP address. One of them is nothing we’re paying attention to. The other is one that’s been flagged as an Al Qaeda mail drop that is rarely used,” he said on “CBS This Morning.”
“And when they find out the other IP address on the other end is connected to Aurora, Colo., outside Denver ... it takes them to the plot to blow up the New York subways, it’s all prevented. That’s how a program like this is supposed to work.”
Soy sauce overdose
Soy sauce overdose, Soy sauce overdose led a 19-year-old teenager to slip into a coma after he gulfed down a whole quart of the salty condiment. The high sodium intake did not sit well with his body, causing him to pass out.
What started out as a fun frat party initiation ritual in 2011 at the University of Virginia, quickly turned lethal. The unidentified teenager was ordered to drink a quart of soy sauce causing him to overdose on such a high amount of salt, but thankfully he survived with no lasting neurological problems. The soy sauce overdose report published online June 4 in the Journal of Emergency Medicine.
According to court documents released around the time of the soy sauce overdose, the teenager reacted by convulsing and foaming at the mouth and was rushed to the hospital by a frat member.
The soy sauce overdose caused the kid to suffer from hypernatremia, which is when the blood contains a high concentration of sodium. This can cause water from the brain to fill the bloodstream in order to make everything balanced. As a result, the organ can shrink and bleed out.
Dr. David J. Carlberg treated the teenager by flushing his body out with sugar water which balanced out the high sodium levels.
"He didn't respond to any of the stimuli that we gave him. He had some clonus, which is just elevated reflexes. It's a sign that basically the nervous system wasn't working very well," Dr. Carlberg explained.
He added, "We were more aggressive than had been reported before in terms of bringing his sodium back down to a safer range."
What started out as a fun frat party initiation ritual in 2011 at the University of Virginia, quickly turned lethal. The unidentified teenager was ordered to drink a quart of soy sauce causing him to overdose on such a high amount of salt, but thankfully he survived with no lasting neurological problems. The soy sauce overdose report published online June 4 in the Journal of Emergency Medicine.
According to court documents released around the time of the soy sauce overdose, the teenager reacted by convulsing and foaming at the mouth and was rushed to the hospital by a frat member.
The soy sauce overdose caused the kid to suffer from hypernatremia, which is when the blood contains a high concentration of sodium. This can cause water from the brain to fill the bloodstream in order to make everything balanced. As a result, the organ can shrink and bleed out.
Dr. David J. Carlberg treated the teenager by flushing his body out with sugar water which balanced out the high sodium levels.
"He didn't respond to any of the stimuli that we gave him. He had some clonus, which is just elevated reflexes. It's a sign that basically the nervous system wasn't working very well," Dr. Carlberg explained.
He added, "We were more aggressive than had been reported before in terms of bringing his sodium back down to a safer range."
Bristol Palin
Bristol Palin, Bristol Palin just can't get enough reality TV.The double Dancing With the Stars alum, who also starred in her own reality show for Lifetime, is now kicking off a new season of Celebrity Wife Swap.
On June 23 (ABC, 8 p.m. ET), Bristol and sister Willow Palin will trade lives with Joan Rivers and her daughter, Melissa.
Bristol Palin poses on June 26, 2011.(Photo: Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
Bristol and her son, Tripp, 4, live in Wasilla, Alaska, with Willow. Needless to say, snow in May is a surprise for L.A.-based Melissa and Joan, who arrive to find that Tripp rules the roost. According to ABC's release, Melissa "finds it a challenge to deal with Tripp's boyish exuberance." She thinks he needs more structure and a daily routine.
Meanwhile, at the Rivers' L.A. home, which doubles as a television production office and the set of three TV shows, every day is scheduled to the minute for Melissa's son Cooper, 12. The house bustles with cameras and crews, but the family makes sure to always sit down for dinner together. Bristol is surprised by it all, and vows to lighten things up.
Celebrity Wife Swap will feature the girlfriend and wife of former WWE wrestlers "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper on June 30, and actress Nia Peeples will trade lives with singer Tiffany on July 7. Three additional episodes will air this summer (subjects to be announced).
On June 23 (ABC, 8 p.m. ET), Bristol and sister Willow Palin will trade lives with Joan Rivers and her daughter, Melissa.
Bristol Palin poses on June 26, 2011.(Photo: Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
Bristol and her son, Tripp, 4, live in Wasilla, Alaska, with Willow. Needless to say, snow in May is a surprise for L.A.-based Melissa and Joan, who arrive to find that Tripp rules the roost. According to ABC's release, Melissa "finds it a challenge to deal with Tripp's boyish exuberance." She thinks he needs more structure and a daily routine.
Meanwhile, at the Rivers' L.A. home, which doubles as a television production office and the set of three TV shows, every day is scheduled to the minute for Melissa's son Cooper, 12. The house bustles with cameras and crews, but the family makes sure to always sit down for dinner together. Bristol is surprised by it all, and vows to lighten things up.
Celebrity Wife Swap will feature the girlfriend and wife of former WWE wrestlers "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper on June 30, and actress Nia Peeples will trade lives with singer Tiffany on July 7. Three additional episodes will air this summer (subjects to be announced).
Shaq 2-year-old
Shaq 2-year-old, The all-star toddler Titus Ashby of Derby, Kan., has not only become a YouTube sensation for his basketball trick shots, but the 2-year-old is a regular on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and has garnered attention from the Wichita State Shockers.
The toddler, along with his father, Joseph Ashby, first appeared appeared on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" TV show in Februrary, and they made a second appearance Thursday night to participate in a shootout with one of the NBA's legendary centers and four-time NBA champion, Shaquille O'Neal.
On the show, each player was given a basketball hoop the size of their own height: O'Neal with 7-foot-1 hoop and Titus with a 3-foot hoop. Per O'Neal's request, the young basketball star took his shot first. With 30 seconds to shoot, Titus was able to knock down eight shots. O'Neal stepped up to take his turn, saying to Kimmel that he was positive he could win. Yet, after 30 seconds of trying to make a basket, O'Neal was unable to secure one point.
Fans cheered for Titus, holding up posters of the toddler's face. Many online fans commended Titus for his success against an NBA legend.
"That kid's gonna realize one day that he beat someone who is arguably the best center in the world," one YouTube commenter said.
In May, the Ashby family, who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also released another video of Titus with cameos of Kimmel and Wichita State's head coach, Gregg Marshall. After viewing several clips of Titus' skills, Marshall asked what year the toddler would graduate.
Titus has also been featured on a national TV commercial produced by Sprint. Just in time for March Madness, Sprint marketers reached out to the Ashby family.
“Once we saw the footage, we all fell in love immediately,” marketing communications manager Sara Mocingo told KSHB. “He’s amazing. It’s been really neat having someone from Kansas in the commercial.”
"Titus has always loved balls,” said Kristin Ashby, Titus’ mom, in a phone interview with the Deseret News. “He spends maybe 10 percent of his free time playing with toys, and 90 percent of the time he just gets balls and shoots them.”
The toddler, along with his father, Joseph Ashby, first appeared appeared on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" TV show in Februrary, and they made a second appearance Thursday night to participate in a shootout with one of the NBA's legendary centers and four-time NBA champion, Shaquille O'Neal.
On the show, each player was given a basketball hoop the size of their own height: O'Neal with 7-foot-1 hoop and Titus with a 3-foot hoop. Per O'Neal's request, the young basketball star took his shot first. With 30 seconds to shoot, Titus was able to knock down eight shots. O'Neal stepped up to take his turn, saying to Kimmel that he was positive he could win. Yet, after 30 seconds of trying to make a basket, O'Neal was unable to secure one point.
Fans cheered for Titus, holding up posters of the toddler's face. Many online fans commended Titus for his success against an NBA legend.
"That kid's gonna realize one day that he beat someone who is arguably the best center in the world," one YouTube commenter said.
In May, the Ashby family, who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also released another video of Titus with cameos of Kimmel and Wichita State's head coach, Gregg Marshall. After viewing several clips of Titus' skills, Marshall asked what year the toddler would graduate.
Titus has also been featured on a national TV commercial produced by Sprint. Just in time for March Madness, Sprint marketers reached out to the Ashby family.
“Once we saw the footage, we all fell in love immediately,” marketing communications manager Sara Mocingo told KSHB. “He’s amazing. It’s been really neat having someone from Kansas in the commercial.”
"Titus has always loved balls,” said Kristin Ashby, Titus’ mom, in a phone interview with the Deseret News. “He spends maybe 10 percent of his free time playing with toys, and 90 percent of the time he just gets balls and shoots them.”
Night Stalker
Night Stalker, Richard Ramirez, the notorious serial killer known as the Night Stalker, died early Friday in a hospital, a state official said.
Ramirez, 53, "passed away this morning," San Quentin State Prison spokesman Lt. Sam Robinson told The Associated Press. No other details were released.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Ramirez died of "natural causes." He had been housed on death row for decades and was awaiting execution, even though it has been years since anyone has been put to death in California.Ramirez had been taken from death row to Marin General Hospital.
Ramirez was convicted of 13 murders that terrorized Southern California in 1984 and 1985, and was sentenced to death.
Satanic symbols were left at murder scenes and some victims were forced to "swear to Satan" by the killer, who entered homes through unlocked windows and doors.
Ramirez was captured and beaten in 1985 by residents of an East Los Angeles neighborhood while attempting a carjacking.
At his first court appearance, Ramirez raised a hand with a pentagram drawn on it and yelled, "Hail, Satan."
After a four-year trial — one of the longest in U.S. history — Ramirez was sentenced to death in 1989. He also was convicted of many sexual assaults and burglaries.
In 2006, the California Supreme Court upheld Ramirez's convictions and death sentence.
In 2009, San Francisco police said DNA linked Ramirez to the April 10, 1984, killing of 9-year-old Mei Leung. She was killed in the basement of a residential hotel in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood where she lived with her family.
Ramirez had been staying at nearby hotels.
Ramirez previously was tied to killings in Northern California. He was charged in the shooting deaths of Peter Pan, 66, and his wife, Barbara, in 1985 just before his arrest in Los Angeles, but he was never tried in that case.
In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review the convictions and sentence.
Ramirez, 53, "passed away this morning," San Quentin State Prison spokesman Lt. Sam Robinson told The Associated Press. No other details were released.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Ramirez died of "natural causes." He had been housed on death row for decades and was awaiting execution, even though it has been years since anyone has been put to death in California.Ramirez had been taken from death row to Marin General Hospital.
Ramirez was convicted of 13 murders that terrorized Southern California in 1984 and 1985, and was sentenced to death.
Satanic symbols were left at murder scenes and some victims were forced to "swear to Satan" by the killer, who entered homes through unlocked windows and doors.
Ramirez was captured and beaten in 1985 by residents of an East Los Angeles neighborhood while attempting a carjacking.
At his first court appearance, Ramirez raised a hand with a pentagram drawn on it and yelled, "Hail, Satan."
After a four-year trial — one of the longest in U.S. history — Ramirez was sentenced to death in 1989. He also was convicted of many sexual assaults and burglaries.
In 2006, the California Supreme Court upheld Ramirez's convictions and death sentence.
In 2009, San Francisco police said DNA linked Ramirez to the April 10, 1984, killing of 9-year-old Mei Leung. She was killed in the basement of a residential hotel in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood where she lived with her family.
Ramirez had been staying at nearby hotels.
Ramirez previously was tied to killings in Northern California. He was charged in the shooting deaths of Peter Pan, 66, and his wife, Barbara, in 1985 just before his arrest in Los Angeles, but he was never tried in that case.
In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review the convictions and sentence.
Steve martin demands bendy straws strong enough to be used a blowgun
Steve martin demands bendy straws strong enough to be used a blowgun, Veteran comedian, actor and banjo picker Steve Martin has been on tour most of this year already, supporting his latest release 'The Crow,' an album he told us was taken very seriously. But in light of his newfound fame as a folk singer, Martin's still found time to get a bit silly.
Making the Internet rounds as of late is Steve Martin's "leaked" tour rider, a three-page manifesto of diva demands that paint the singer in a new light -- if only they were true.
The document itself is much more in the vein of the Onion as opposed to the Smoking Gun. As far as food goes, a buffet table with must contain iceberg lettuce, and said iceberg must be from Scandanavia, Canada or Russia Arctic. Anything Antarctic won't do.
A thoughtful assortment of mead and bendy straws is also desired, where the bendy straws are "strong enough to be used as a blowgun."
In case Martin isn't feeling it that particular night, the venue must have banjo whiz Bela Fleck on speed dial.
Staffers must also be on hand to purchase items that Martin might need if he has to abandon a 'World of Warcraft' game for showtime. Hard drugs are also desired -- by hard drugs, he's referring to Advil.
An important part of any show is getting the sound just right, and Martin also seems to have an idea on how to achieve the best possible sound at every venue.
"Instruments must be tuned by a wiry, sarcastic guy named Shorty, Lou or Lightnin'," the rider says.
As far as getting ready goes, Martin needs to have guyliner on hand and a recent article from Allure magazine that details how to get a "smoky eye."
Also, the only scratchy or constricting thing in wardrobe has to be limited to Martin's thong.
Making the Internet rounds as of late is Steve Martin's "leaked" tour rider, a three-page manifesto of diva demands that paint the singer in a new light -- if only they were true.
The document itself is much more in the vein of the Onion as opposed to the Smoking Gun. As far as food goes, a buffet table with must contain iceberg lettuce, and said iceberg must be from Scandanavia, Canada or Russia Arctic. Anything Antarctic won't do.
A thoughtful assortment of mead and bendy straws is also desired, where the bendy straws are "strong enough to be used as a blowgun."
In case Martin isn't feeling it that particular night, the venue must have banjo whiz Bela Fleck on speed dial.
Staffers must also be on hand to purchase items that Martin might need if he has to abandon a 'World of Warcraft' game for showtime. Hard drugs are also desired -- by hard drugs, he's referring to Advil.
An important part of any show is getting the sound just right, and Martin also seems to have an idea on how to achieve the best possible sound at every venue.
"Instruments must be tuned by a wiry, sarcastic guy named Shorty, Lou or Lightnin'," the rider says.
As far as getting ready goes, Martin needs to have guyliner on hand and a recent article from Allure magazine that details how to get a "smoky eye."
Also, the only scratchy or constricting thing in wardrobe has to be limited to Martin's thong.
David hasselhoff demands a life size cardboard cutout of himself
David hasselhoff demands a life size cardboard cutout of himself, In one of the lamer crime sprees in recent memory, thieves in New England and Florida have stolen 550 of Cumberland Fams' 570 life-sized cut-outs of David Hasselhoff.
Why does Cumberland Farms have 570 cut-outs of the Knight Rider and Baywatch star? Well, the chain uses the Hoff to advertise their iced coffee. Seems that people want the ad more than the beverage.
When Hasselhoff was asked his opinion on the thefts, the Hoff said, "I think it's fantastic, and I encourage everybody out there to get more." Though one would think that the market for life-sized cut-outs of a 60-year-old David Hasselhoff in a tank top is pretty small.
Why does Cumberland Farms have 570 cut-outs of the Knight Rider and Baywatch star? Well, the chain uses the Hoff to advertise their iced coffee. Seems that people want the ad more than the beverage.
When Hasselhoff was asked his opinion on the thefts, the Hoff said, "I think it's fantastic, and I encourage everybody out there to get more." Though one would think that the market for life-sized cut-outs of a 60-year-old David Hasselhoff in a tank top is pretty small.
Barbra streisand demands rose petals in her toilet bowl
Barbra streisand demands rose petals in her toilet bowl, Queen of the Divas: Streisand has gained a reputation as one of the showbiz world’s most imperious performers, Peach-coloured toilet roll to match her complexion, and rose petals in the toilet bowl. One hundred-and-twenty designer bathroom towels also in peach. Ten highly specified designer floor lamps.
And that’s before we get to the insistence that the security team wear ‘neat dark sweaters’ and use metal detectors.
Even by the standards of a diva, staff at Castletown House had their work cut out as they made their final preparations for the arrival (by private plane, naturally) of last Saturday’s performer at the stunning County Kildare castle and estate.
And reports yesterday said she was making similar demands on staff at The Dorchester – where she is staying, while she performs three concerts at London’s O2 Arena, the first of which was last night – including, not to talk to her unless specifically requested.
After all, while Barbra Streisand still suffers from the stage fright that has plagued her 45-year-long career, it has never stymied the eye-watering list of specifications she makes before she even considers getting on stage.
Her list of demands ever since is as varied as it is lengthy. She once demanded staff at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas enter and leave her room backwards (she justified, this with the response: “I’m simple, complex, generous, selfish, unattractive, beautiful and driven.”).
Directing a night shoot in New York for one of her movies, her perfectionism resulted in the production running a few hours behind schedule. Just before one take, she noticed more light than usual.
“Where the **** is that light coming from,” she screamed. “It’s 5.30am,” a hesitant crew member responded. “I think it’s the sun.”
And that’s before we get to the insistence that the security team wear ‘neat dark sweaters’ and use metal detectors.
Even by the standards of a diva, staff at Castletown House had their work cut out as they made their final preparations for the arrival (by private plane, naturally) of last Saturday’s performer at the stunning County Kildare castle and estate.
And reports yesterday said she was making similar demands on staff at The Dorchester – where she is staying, while she performs three concerts at London’s O2 Arena, the first of which was last night – including, not to talk to her unless specifically requested.
After all, while Barbra Streisand still suffers from the stage fright that has plagued her 45-year-long career, it has never stymied the eye-watering list of specifications she makes before she even considers getting on stage.
Her list of demands ever since is as varied as it is lengthy. She once demanded staff at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas enter and leave her room backwards (she justified, this with the response: “I’m simple, complex, generous, selfish, unattractive, beautiful and driven.”).
Directing a night shoot in New York for one of her movies, her perfectionism resulted in the production running a few hours behind schedule. Just before one take, she noticed more light than usual.
“Where the **** is that light coming from,” she screamed. “It’s 5.30am,” a hesitant crew member responded. “I think it’s the sun.”
Lily Allen Demands A Puppy And Whisky Backstage
Lily Allen Demands A Puppy And Whisky Backstage, Some celeb requests are just incredible, but certain ones actually make sense. Take Lily’s, for example. Her demand regarding her backstage treatment at concerts actually sums up her personality pretty well.
His 2010 two-page long contract rider reveals what his backstage demands were.
The document obtained by Life & Style’s Scene Queens has revealed that Jay-Z, like most artists, demanded 57 specific extravagant items he wanted in his dressing room during concerts.
Among the demands were four golf carts, four 750-ml bottles of vodka and tequila, 2004 Sassicaia, Italian red win from the Bolgheri region, a bowl of Sour Patch Kids, chinaware, cloth dinner napkins, and silverware.
The contract also reveals that Jay-Z has his health in mind with items like pulp-free orange juice, a bottle of honey, organic bread, fresh fruits, sugar-free Red Bull, and hand sanitizer.
The tabloid didn’t include the actual rider, but if it is just based on the mentioned list, Jay-Z’s demands are relatively tame.
In 2007, the book “The Little Red Riders Book: The Backstage Requests of Rock ‘n Roll’s Most Famous Art” discloses some very weird special demands of some artists.
Among the most outrageous include Mariah Carey’s demands for puppy and kittens and a “special attendant to dispose of used chewing gum,” Lily Allen’s request for “a puppy (for the night only),” Marilyn Manson’s request for “a bald hooker with no teeth,” David Hasselhoff’s “life-size cut-out of David Hasselhoff,” Madonna’s “new toilet seat.
25 cases of Kabbalah water,” Barbra Streisand’s “rose petals in toilet,” and J. Lo’s all-white room and “coffee to be stirred counter-clockwise.”
His 2010 two-page long contract rider reveals what his backstage demands were.
The document obtained by Life & Style’s Scene Queens has revealed that Jay-Z, like most artists, demanded 57 specific extravagant items he wanted in his dressing room during concerts.
Among the demands were four golf carts, four 750-ml bottles of vodka and tequila, 2004 Sassicaia, Italian red win from the Bolgheri region, a bowl of Sour Patch Kids, chinaware, cloth dinner napkins, and silverware.
The contract also reveals that Jay-Z has his health in mind with items like pulp-free orange juice, a bottle of honey, organic bread, fresh fruits, sugar-free Red Bull, and hand sanitizer.
The tabloid didn’t include the actual rider, but if it is just based on the mentioned list, Jay-Z’s demands are relatively tame.
In 2007, the book “The Little Red Riders Book: The Backstage Requests of Rock ‘n Roll’s Most Famous Art” discloses some very weird special demands of some artists.
Among the most outrageous include Mariah Carey’s demands for puppy and kittens and a “special attendant to dispose of used chewing gum,” Lily Allen’s request for “a puppy (for the night only),” Marilyn Manson’s request for “a bald hooker with no teeth,” David Hasselhoff’s “life-size cut-out of David Hasselhoff,” Madonna’s “new toilet seat.
25 cases of Kabbalah water,” Barbra Streisand’s “rose petals in toilet,” and J. Lo’s all-white room and “coffee to be stirred counter-clockwise.”
Cher demands a wig room at concert venues
Cher demands a wig room at concert venues, Recently, the Internet learned of pop star Katy Perry's crazy list of tour demands (link contains some NSFW language). Among other things, the 45-page document stipulates that Perry's dressing room must be painted in cream or soft pink tones, must boast two cream-colored egg chairs, and may not, under any circumstances, contain carnations.
Wealthy, in-demand celebrities have a long and storied history of believing in their entitlement to treatment that regular folk would never dream of asking for. Here are some more absurd demands that various celebrities have outlined in their contract riders.
1. Cher's Wig Room
Ladies, we've all been there. Some days, you just need an entire room devoted to your wigs. And Cher is no exception. Yes, on every tour, Cher must have a wig room. I don't want to think about what happens if the wigs only get a partitioned-off space instead of an actual room. Who would force Cher to perform in such squalor?!
2. Barbra Streisand's Toilet
Barbra Streisand has famously stipulated that there must be rose petals in her toilet bowl, as well as peach-colored toilet paper "to match her complexion." This raises so many questions, such as: why on earth would such things matter? What if the toilet paper is more of an apricot color? And why does Barbra Streisand spell her first name like that?
3. Moby's Extra Socks and Underwear
Moby's contract rider for a 1999 tour specified that his dressing room must come equipped with ten pairs of cotton boxer shorts and ten pairs of white cotton crew socks. Is this creepy, or an example of Girl Scout-level preparedness? You know the old saying: "You can never demand too many socks or underwear in your contract rider."
4. Christina Aguilera's Flintstones Vitamins
This one isn't so much extravagant as it is odd. Among other stipulations, Christina Aguilera must have a bottle of Flintstones chewable vitamins in her dressing room at all times. In contrast to the other celebrity demands on this list, I find Aguilera's childlike request almost endearing. Aw, that was a long tour--someone's going to sleep tonight!
5. Dustin Diamond's Screech Clause
Dustin Diamond is the actor who portrayed Screech on Saved by the Bell. But don't tell him I told you that. When he goes on a lecture or stand-up comedy tour, Diamond's contract stipulates that the Screech character must not be the primary focus of the venue's advertisements. Diamond wishes to emphasize the other parts of his prolific career. He was, after all, Alumnus Guy #1 in American Pie Presents: The Book of Love. Thus, venues can expect a $100 fine for every advertisement that focuses too heavily on the Screech angle.
6. Van Halen's M&Ms
Perhaps the most infamous contract rider story is that of Van Halen's M&Ms clause. The band's contract required that there must be a bowl of M&Ms--with all of the brown ones removed--in their dressing room. Lead vocalist David Lee Roth later claimed that this was not a superficial request, but was in fact a tactic to ensure that the venue had thoroughly read through contract. According to Roth, technical errors on the part of the venue had previously placed the band and their road crew in dangerous situations. Fair enough, but I doubt there's as reasonable an explanation for Van Halen's requests for unholy amounts of alcohol backstage.
Wealthy, in-demand celebrities have a long and storied history of believing in their entitlement to treatment that regular folk would never dream of asking for. Here are some more absurd demands that various celebrities have outlined in their contract riders.
1. Cher's Wig Room
Ladies, we've all been there. Some days, you just need an entire room devoted to your wigs. And Cher is no exception. Yes, on every tour, Cher must have a wig room. I don't want to think about what happens if the wigs only get a partitioned-off space instead of an actual room. Who would force Cher to perform in such squalor?!
2. Barbra Streisand's Toilet
Barbra Streisand has famously stipulated that there must be rose petals in her toilet bowl, as well as peach-colored toilet paper "to match her complexion." This raises so many questions, such as: why on earth would such things matter? What if the toilet paper is more of an apricot color? And why does Barbra Streisand spell her first name like that?
3. Moby's Extra Socks and Underwear
Moby's contract rider for a 1999 tour specified that his dressing room must come equipped with ten pairs of cotton boxer shorts and ten pairs of white cotton crew socks. Is this creepy, or an example of Girl Scout-level preparedness? You know the old saying: "You can never demand too many socks or underwear in your contract rider."
4. Christina Aguilera's Flintstones Vitamins
This one isn't so much extravagant as it is odd. Among other stipulations, Christina Aguilera must have a bottle of Flintstones chewable vitamins in her dressing room at all times. In contrast to the other celebrity demands on this list, I find Aguilera's childlike request almost endearing. Aw, that was a long tour--someone's going to sleep tonight!
5. Dustin Diamond's Screech Clause
Dustin Diamond is the actor who portrayed Screech on Saved by the Bell. But don't tell him I told you that. When he goes on a lecture or stand-up comedy tour, Diamond's contract stipulates that the Screech character must not be the primary focus of the venue's advertisements. Diamond wishes to emphasize the other parts of his prolific career. He was, after all, Alumnus Guy #1 in American Pie Presents: The Book of Love. Thus, venues can expect a $100 fine for every advertisement that focuses too heavily on the Screech angle.
6. Van Halen's M&Ms
Perhaps the most infamous contract rider story is that of Van Halen's M&Ms clause. The band's contract required that there must be a bowl of M&Ms--with all of the brown ones removed--in their dressing room. Lead vocalist David Lee Roth later claimed that this was not a superficial request, but was in fact a tactic to ensure that the venue had thoroughly read through contract. According to Roth, technical errors on the part of the venue had previously placed the band and their road crew in dangerous situations. Fair enough, but I doubt there's as reasonable an explanation for Van Halen's requests for unholy amounts of alcohol backstage.
Eminem demands a koi pond Eminem demands a koi pond backstagebackstage
Eminem demands a koi pond backstage, The Lose Yourself hitmaker asked for a wooden pond filled with the colourful fish to be built in his private backstage garden at the Tennent's Vital festival in Bangor earlier this month.
Koi carp are said to be calming to watch, and are a very expensive variety of domesticated fish, costing up to R4000 a fish.
The pond wasn't the rapper's only backstage request for the show. He also asked for a microwave, full-length mirror, dumbbells and rolling clothes racks.
As well as having equipment to help him work out, Eminem also steered away from junk food, requesting seedless watermelon, yogurt, pretzels and an assorted vegetable tray. - Bang
Koi carp are said to be calming to watch, and are a very expensive variety of domesticated fish, costing up to R4000 a fish.
The pond wasn't the rapper's only backstage request for the show. He also asked for a microwave, full-length mirror, dumbbells and rolling clothes racks.
As well as having equipment to help him work out, Eminem also steered away from junk food, requesting seedless watermelon, yogurt, pretzels and an assorted vegetable tray. - Bang
Lindsay lohan tanning booth on georgia rule
Lindsay lohan tanning booth on georgia rule, Lindsay Lohan requests $20,000 tanning booth on the georgia rule set -judge – Nowadays, LiLo really isn’t in much of a bargaining position, but in her heyday, she could get pretty much anything she wanted on her rider. Case in point? While filming “Georgia Rule” in summer 2006, she demanded a $20,000 spray-tanning booth for the set, according to Metro. Because it’s hard to get color while you’re in California in the middle of the summer.
She’s probably a bit easier to please today, now that she’s thankful to land an acting job. But there was a time when Lindsay thought enough of herself to make a very specific demand regarding her accommodations on the set of “Georgia Rule.”
She’s probably a bit easier to please today, now that she’s thankful to land an acting job. But there was a time when Lindsay thought enough of herself to make a very specific demand regarding her accommodations on the set of “Georgia Rule.”
Usher demanded the red carpet be cleared for him GQ awards show
Usher demanded the red carpet be cleared for him GQ awards show, Usher enjoys a fancy dressing room as much as anybody else in the music industry does. But the demand we’re listing here isn’t related to his concert appearances. Instead, it was a stipulation that Usher made before appearing at the 2004 GQ Men of the Year Awards. And it’s a whopper.
The show will be airing Sunday night, June the 26th, on the BET television channel.
Chris Brown hails from Tappahannock, Virginia, while Trey Songz is from Petersburg. Both of these male artists are competing for the Best Male R&B artist category. Trey's recent hits include "I Invented Sex" and "Bottoms Up." Chris Brown has brought out a new album "F.A.M.E." which quickly rose to the top of the charts.
Trey Songz and Chris Brown will also compete in the Viewers' Choice Award category. Songz is nominated for his collaboration "Bottoms Up" featuring Nicki Minaj, while Brown is up for "Look At Me Now" which features Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes. Both of these artists will be performing at the awards show as well.
The 2011 BET Awards show will air Sunday at 8PM EST. Roanoke television viewers can watch these two local artist vying for awards on Cox Cable channel 32, in addition to BET channels on DISH Network and DirecTV satellite services.
Oh to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous! Perform here and there, get paid tons of money to do what you do, get free swag left and right. And in the event that you do some work, you get the royal treatment of having a rider, or a wish list of demands and requirements for the promoter or company you're working for.
The show will be airing Sunday night, June the 26th, on the BET television channel.
Chris Brown hails from Tappahannock, Virginia, while Trey Songz is from Petersburg. Both of these male artists are competing for the Best Male R&B artist category. Trey's recent hits include "I Invented Sex" and "Bottoms Up." Chris Brown has brought out a new album "F.A.M.E." which quickly rose to the top of the charts.
Trey Songz and Chris Brown will also compete in the Viewers' Choice Award category. Songz is nominated for his collaboration "Bottoms Up" featuring Nicki Minaj, while Brown is up for "Look At Me Now" which features Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes. Both of these artists will be performing at the awards show as well.
The 2011 BET Awards show will air Sunday at 8PM EST. Roanoke television viewers can watch these two local artist vying for awards on Cox Cable channel 32, in addition to BET channels on DISH Network and DirecTV satellite services.
Oh to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous! Perform here and there, get paid tons of money to do what you do, get free swag left and right. And in the event that you do some work, you get the royal treatment of having a rider, or a wish list of demands and requirements for the promoter or company you're working for.
Britney spears demands stripper pole in hotel room
Britney spears demands stripper pole in hotel room, Last week, In Touch ridiculously claimed that Britney Spears switched hotels in Budapest because she was refused a second helping of food. Now OK! magazine reports the singer has “insisted” that a “stripper pole be installed in her hotel rooms.”
According to the tab, Spears is so adamant about it that “when a top Dublin hotel denied her request, Brit had to move to the more accommodating Four Seasons, which installed the steel pole for her.”
But is the “I Wanna Go” singer really the high-maintenance diva the tabloids make her out to be?
According to the tab, Spears is so adamant about it that “when a top Dublin hotel denied her request, Brit had to move to the more accommodating Four Seasons, which installed the steel pole for her.”
But is the “I Wanna Go” singer really the high-maintenance diva the tabloids make her out to be?
Will ferrell demands a mobility scooter, a rainbow on wheels and a Janet Jackson style microphone
Will ferrell demands a mobility scooter, a rainbow on wheels and a Janet Jackson style microphone, While on a promotional comedy tour for his 2008 film “Semi-Pro,” Will Ferrell required a Janet Jackson-style headset microphone, a mobility scooter, and a rainbow on wheels on stage, according to his tour rider.
And while the movie star does not require a meal during the show, it would be a really good idea to keep Ferrell’s stash of peanut butter protein bars as far away as possible from fellow touring comedian Demetri Martin who is “extremely allergic to nuts, particularly peanuts.”
And while the movie star does not require a meal during the show, it would be a really good idea to keep Ferrell’s stash of peanut butter protein bars as far away as possible from fellow touring comedian Demetri Martin who is “extremely allergic to nuts, particularly peanuts.”
Christina aguilera demands flintstones chewable vitamins
Christina aguilera demands flintstones chewable vitamins, This Christina Aguilera is TSG's kind of girl.
How can't you love someone who demands a police escort because she just can't bother to "encounter any delays due to traffic." And you gotta salute the young gal for her heartfelt concern for the state of the environment.
But our favorite part of Aguilera's contract rider is her massive (and highly entertaining) list of items required for her dressing room. Soy cheese and Oreos.
Flintstones chewables and votive candles. Nesquick and dried cranberries. Not to mention an organic smorgasboard that would make Sir Paul McCartney proud.
All this healthy stuff for a singer who admits her favorite meal is a Wendy's Big Bacon Classic, and whose own manager calls her a "fast food queen." Apparently what a girl wants/needs is just about everything.
How can't you love someone who demands a police escort because she just can't bother to "encounter any delays due to traffic." And you gotta salute the young gal for her heartfelt concern for the state of the environment.
But our favorite part of Aguilera's contract rider is her massive (and highly entertaining) list of items required for her dressing room. Soy cheese and Oreos.
Flintstones chewables and votive candles. Nesquick and dried cranberries. Not to mention an organic smorgasboard that would make Sir Paul McCartney proud.
All this healthy stuff for a singer who admits her favorite meal is a Wendy's Big Bacon Classic, and whose own manager calls her a "fast food queen." Apparently what a girl wants/needs is just about everything.
50 cent demands condoms backstage
50 cent demands condoms backstage, 50 Cent asked for two boxes of Lifestyles and Rough Rider condoms.
The request might seem strange, but you can’t say that it’s mysterious. Chances are that you could figure out exactly what 50 Cent plans to do with the boxes of a certain item
that he asks for at concert venues.
At the 2005 Video Music Awards, Sean (“P Diddy”,or “Diddy” or “Doo Wah Diddy”) Combs asked for six tuberose candles andfour bottles of Hypnotiq French liqueur. Not to be outdone, Englishrockers Coldplay asked for two pairs black stretch boxer shorts and fourpairs of dark socks. Rapper 50 Cent asked for two boxes of Lifestyles
and Rough Rider condoms.
The request might seem strange, but you can’t say that it’s mysterious. Chances are that you could figure out exactly what 50 Cent plans to do with the boxes of a certain item
that he asks for at concert venues.
At the 2005 Video Music Awards, Sean (“P Diddy”,or “Diddy” or “Doo Wah Diddy”) Combs asked for six tuberose candles andfour bottles of Hypnotiq French liqueur. Not to be outdone, Englishrockers Coldplay asked for two pairs black stretch boxer shorts and fourpairs of dark socks. Rapper 50 Cent asked for two boxes of Lifestyles
and Rough Rider condoms.
Scarlett johansson demanded a $7,800 per day makeup artist
Scarlett johansson demanded a $7,800 per day makeup artist, Mariah. Hollywood has a new diva. Scarlett Johansson never made it to the Cannes Film Festival premiere of her new movie on Saturday thanks to her excessive demands, Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper reports.
The “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” star reportedly insisted on having her own $7,800-a-day make-up artist and a room at a hotel 30 miles outside of Cannes, while director Woody Allen and co-stars Penelope Cruz and Rebecca Hall stayed in the city in order to be close to the premiere.
The movie’s studio reportedly balked at the demands and left Johansson, 23, behind in New York.
“Penelope and Rebecca were going to be working very hard and it wasn’t acceptable that Scarlett would be having to come in from that distance every day, most likely turning up late and it would have thrown schedules into a lot of confusion,” an executive connected with the film said.
The exec also said Allen, who has directed Johansson in three films, was “a little upset that she wasn’t being a team player.”
Johansson’s publicist told us yesterday that the actress “wasn’t at Cannes due to scheduling conflicts, but she is thrilled at how well the film was received in Cannes.”
The film received a 10-minute standing ovation after the screening. Too bad Scarlett wasn’t there to see it.
The “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” star reportedly insisted on having her own $7,800-a-day make-up artist and a room at a hotel 30 miles outside of Cannes, while director Woody Allen and co-stars Penelope Cruz and Rebecca Hall stayed in the city in order to be close to the premiere.
The movie’s studio reportedly balked at the demands and left Johansson, 23, behind in New York.
“Penelope and Rebecca were going to be working very hard and it wasn’t acceptable that Scarlett would be having to come in from that distance every day, most likely turning up late and it would have thrown schedules into a lot of confusion,” an executive connected with the film said.
The exec also said Allen, who has directed Johansson in three films, was “a little upset that she wasn’t being a team player.”
Johansson’s publicist told us yesterday that the actress “wasn’t at Cannes due to scheduling conflicts, but she is thrilled at how well the film was received in Cannes.”
The film received a 10-minute standing ovation after the screening. Too bad Scarlett wasn’t there to see it.
Katy perry demands no carnations
Katy perry demands no carnations, Next to hilarious mug shots, embarrassing concert riders are pretty much The Smoking Gun’s bread and butter, and it certainly landed itself a doozy with Katy Perry’s incredibly specific list of demands. Over some 45 pages, Perry’s management team spells out the various conditions that must be met in order for the singer to feel properly prepared to lockstep through another rendition of “California Gurls,” such as a dressing room that absolutely must be colored cream or “soft pink,” cream-colored egg chairs (God help you if they’re ivory!) with matching footstool, two “French ornate style” floor lamps, a “Perspex modern style” coffee table for some reason, and a refrigerator that absolutely must have a glass door, so that Katy Perry can see her bottles of Fuze Slenderize in assorted flavors cooling from across the room while she’s examining her “jar of quality honey” to make sure it’s “quality” enough.
In addition, Perry requires an arrangement of fresh flowers, preferably white and purple hydrangeas, pink and white roses, and peonies. Failing that, she will grudgingly accept seasonal white flowers with orchids, but “ABSOLUTELY NO CARNATIONS,” which is underlined to stress how serious it is. How Perry could be expected to slip into her cupcake bra and sing for a sold-out audience knowing that there are cheap fucking carnations in her dressing room is beyond all rational comprehension, and at the first sight of a carnation, you can surely expect a swift cancellation.
Of course, one can probably point to all of this as the old Van Halen “No brown M&Ms” trick of ensuring that every other requirement has been carried out to exacting detail, allowing Perry to feel secure that the more important things have been taken care of, such as making sure the volume of the band’s amps doesn’t interfere with the backing track. If you're feeling empathetic, you could also probably make allowances for Perry’s 23-point “principle driver policy,” which forbids her chauffeur from doing things such as attempting to start a conversation with her, asking for an autograph or picture, or staring at her. After all, she gets enough of that on the streets; her limo should provide a rare oasis between Perry’s creamsicle dressing room and the also-mandatory presidential suite with complimentary breakfast.
But the one part likely to raise some eyebrows (though not in Katy Perry’s direction; didn’t you read the principle driver policy?) is that Perry and her management team also ask that each venue set aside a block of tickets for them to sell through “secondary market” agencies or “re-sellers.” Otherwise known as “scalpers.”
The provision specifically names StubHub as one of those agencies, suggesting Perry does what many people recently accused LCD Soundsystem of doing when they sold out Madison Square Garden—withholds her own tickets, then sells them to fans at higher prices. We wouldn’t be surprised if this revelation spurs someone to have a word with Perry—but not while you’re driving! Jeez! Read it again!
In addition, Perry requires an arrangement of fresh flowers, preferably white and purple hydrangeas, pink and white roses, and peonies. Failing that, she will grudgingly accept seasonal white flowers with orchids, but “ABSOLUTELY NO CARNATIONS,” which is underlined to stress how serious it is. How Perry could be expected to slip into her cupcake bra and sing for a sold-out audience knowing that there are cheap fucking carnations in her dressing room is beyond all rational comprehension, and at the first sight of a carnation, you can surely expect a swift cancellation.
Of course, one can probably point to all of this as the old Van Halen “No brown M&Ms” trick of ensuring that every other requirement has been carried out to exacting detail, allowing Perry to feel secure that the more important things have been taken care of, such as making sure the volume of the band’s amps doesn’t interfere with the backing track. If you're feeling empathetic, you could also probably make allowances for Perry’s 23-point “principle driver policy,” which forbids her chauffeur from doing things such as attempting to start a conversation with her, asking for an autograph or picture, or staring at her. After all, she gets enough of that on the streets; her limo should provide a rare oasis between Perry’s creamsicle dressing room and the also-mandatory presidential suite with complimentary breakfast.
But the one part likely to raise some eyebrows (though not in Katy Perry’s direction; didn’t you read the principle driver policy?) is that Perry and her management team also ask that each venue set aside a block of tickets for them to sell through “secondary market” agencies or “re-sellers.” Otherwise known as “scalpers.”
The provision specifically names StubHub as one of those agencies, suggesting Perry does what many people recently accused LCD Soundsystem of doing when they sold out Madison Square Garden—withholds her own tickets, then sells them to fans at higher prices. We wouldn’t be surprised if this revelation spurs someone to have a word with Perry—but not while you’re driving! Jeez! Read it again!
Madonna demands a new, unused toilet seat
Madonna demands a new, unused toilet seat, Madonna demands a new, unused toilet seat (PHOTO) that won't be sold on eBay oops!
Madonna demands a new, unused toilet seat (PHOTO) that won't be sold on eBay oops! During her Confessions World Tour, Madonna demanded a brand new toilet seat, which was wrapped in plastic and she could be the only person to sit on, inside her bathroom.
The Pop Diva even required that no one had the right to sell it on eBay.Generating publicity one way or another is what the Material Girl does best, and scandals sell tickets, even ones priced out at $300 each.
Madonna also requests multiple bouquets of white roses, but the biggest offender when it comes to a need of all-things white is none other than Jennifer Lopez. Go here for more including a photo of one of the toilet seats.
Madonna demands a new, unused toilet seat (PHOTO) that won't be sold on eBay oops! During her Confessions World Tour, Madonna demanded a brand new toilet seat, which was wrapped in plastic and she could be the only person to sit on, inside her bathroom.
The Pop Diva even required that no one had the right to sell it on eBay.Generating publicity one way or another is what the Material Girl does best, and scandals sell tickets, even ones priced out at $300 each.
Madonna also requests multiple bouquets of white roses, but the biggest offender when it comes to a need of all-things white is none other than Jennifer Lopez. Go here for more including a photo of one of the toilet seats.
George clooney demands private basketball court, landscaped garden
George clooney demands private basketball court, landscaped garden, Gorge Clooney Demands Private Basketball Court--Hollywood star George Clooney has reportedly had a custom-made beach hut installed next to his trailer at Shepperton Studios in Surrey.
Gorge Clooney has demanded a private landscaped garden and basketball court. This summer, the actor had a hot tub, custom-made beach hut, private landscaped garden and basketball court built next to his trailer on the London set of Gravity.
His private area is amazing and is better than most people’s houses.Local children have apparently been trying to sneak into the area, which is said to have cost £100,000 to complete.
Clooney recently signed up to produce a film about a US Treasury Department official who becomes the federal economic bailout chief.
The Hollywood star is the envy of every extra at the London location. While they’re all hanging about in a Portakabin between shots, George is living a life of luxury.
It seems to be a common habit of some Hollywood superstars for demanding lavish and awkward things as they are on tour.
2011 saw the release of The Descendants, in which Clooney starred as a husband whose wife has an accident that leaves her in a coma.
He earned critical praise for his work as Matt King, and won the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama and was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild for Best Actor.
He was also nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor and the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Gorge Clooney has demanded a private landscaped garden and basketball court. This summer, the actor had a hot tub, custom-made beach hut, private landscaped garden and basketball court built next to his trailer on the London set of Gravity.
His private area is amazing and is better than most people’s houses.Local children have apparently been trying to sneak into the area, which is said to have cost £100,000 to complete.
Clooney recently signed up to produce a film about a US Treasury Department official who becomes the federal economic bailout chief.
The Hollywood star is the envy of every extra at the London location. While they’re all hanging about in a Portakabin between shots, George is living a life of luxury.
It seems to be a common habit of some Hollywood superstars for demanding lavish and awkward things as they are on tour.
2011 saw the release of The Descendants, in which Clooney starred as a husband whose wife has an accident that leaves her in a coma.
He earned critical praise for his work as Matt King, and won the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama and was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild for Best Actor.
He was also nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor and the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Jennifer lopez demands a white room, white flowers, white tables, white drapes and white couches
Jennifer lopez demands a white room, white flowers, white tables, white drapes and white couches, Jennifer Lopez demands a white room, You’d think that when doing a charity event, celebs would cut back on their requests.
Well, J.Lo isn’t just any celeb. While recording her part for the charity single, “What’s Going On” in 2001, the singer submitted her regular tour rider, according to The Smoking Gun. So what’s on it? A 40-foot-long trailer, decorated in all white, three varieties, Diptyque candles that cost $50 each, and much more.
At this point in her career, Jennifer does not want to settle. And you know what? She’s probably going to get her way.
At least she apparently does with a stipulation in her rider about how her 40-foot trailer should be decorated. On this point, she is very specific. jennifer lopez demands a white room, white flowers, white tables, white drapes and white
Well, J.Lo isn’t just any celeb. While recording her part for the charity single, “What’s Going On” in 2001, the singer submitted her regular tour rider, according to The Smoking Gun. So what’s on it? A 40-foot-long trailer, decorated in all white, three varieties, Diptyque candles that cost $50 each, and much more.
At this point in her career, Jennifer does not want to settle. And you know what? She’s probably going to get her way.
At least she apparently does with a stipulation in her rider about how her 40-foot trailer should be decorated. On this point, she is very specific. jennifer lopez demands a white room, white flowers, white tables, white drapes and white
Adele demands free tickets holders give money to charity
Adele demands free tickets holders give money to charity, Charitable Adele insists special guests at her concerts donate cash to her favourite cause in return for complimentary tickets.
The Someone Like You singer helps raise funds for Sands, an organisation dedicated to supporting parents coping with the death of an infant, by demanding that everyone who scores a free pass to her shows hand over at least $20 (£12.50) to charity.
And she's so particular about her fundraising efforts, Adele has even made it a fixed request on her backstage rider, which has recently been obtained by website TheSmokingGun.com.
The singer also forbids "tomatoes, vinegar, chilli or citrus fruit" on her sandwiches in an effort to make sure her voice is in top form.
The rider also includes one pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes, two bottles of the "very best quality red wine" and a "selection of bottles of the best quality European lager".
The Someone Like You singer helps raise funds for Sands, an organisation dedicated to supporting parents coping with the death of an infant, by demanding that everyone who scores a free pass to her shows hand over at least $20 (£12.50) to charity.
And she's so particular about her fundraising efforts, Adele has even made it a fixed request on her backstage rider, which has recently been obtained by website TheSmokingGun.com.
The singer also forbids "tomatoes, vinegar, chilli or citrus fruit" on her sandwiches in an effort to make sure her voice is in top form.
The rider also includes one pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes, two bottles of the "very best quality red wine" and a "selection of bottles of the best quality European lager".
Nicki minaj fried chicken tour rider
Nicki minaj fried chicken tour rider, SHE raps that she keeps her "booty big and the waist thin" and now we know how visiting US hip hop superstar Nicki Minaj manages the feat, with her Australian Pink Friday tour rider revealing a calorie-laden junk-fest.
Minaj (real name Onika Tanya Maraj) touched down in Sydney this morning for her opening Australian show at the Hordern Pavilion tomorrow night, and her rider is one of the more demanding to have crossed Confidential's desk, with Belgian waffles and fried chicken topping the list .
Also among her must-haves: contact lens solution, two space heaters and a cool-mist humidifier, 12 cans of Red Bull (six at room temperature, six iced), and 24 bottles of Snapple. The waffles should come with syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, butter and strawberries and the three 12-piece buckets of fried chicken should include no thighs but "lots of wings".
But it doesn't stop there.
Next up is a deli tray with turkey breast, grilled chicken breast, whole-wheat bread or rolls, yellow mustard and other condiments (seasoned salt and hot sauce).
There is, however, some good news for the Minaj cholesterol count, with a specific request for a salad of iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, green olives, light Italian dressing, tuna in water and low-fat crackers. Burp!
Minaj (real name Onika Tanya Maraj) touched down in Sydney this morning for her opening Australian show at the Hordern Pavilion tomorrow night, and her rider is one of the more demanding to have crossed Confidential's desk, with Belgian waffles and fried chicken topping the list .
Also among her must-haves: contact lens solution, two space heaters and a cool-mist humidifier, 12 cans of Red Bull (six at room temperature, six iced), and 24 bottles of Snapple. The waffles should come with syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, butter and strawberries and the three 12-piece buckets of fried chicken should include no thighs but "lots of wings".
But it doesn't stop there.
Next up is a deli tray with turkey breast, grilled chicken breast, whole-wheat bread or rolls, yellow mustard and other condiments (seasoned salt and hot sauce).
There is, however, some good news for the Minaj cholesterol count, with a specific request for a salad of iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, green olives, light Italian dressing, tuna in water and low-fat crackers. Burp!
Kanye requests no man-made fibers on tour rider
Kanye requests no man-made fibers on tour rider, KANYE West has taken his obsession with fashion to Zoolander-esque heights by banning people working with him from wearing polyester – it’s just not “Derelicte”.
The rapper’s ridiculous rider from his recent Australian tour has leaked Down Under. He demands that any drivers ferrying him are clad in 100 per cent cotton: No man-made fibres.
He also had Versace towels shipped over which were then cut into smaller sizes so he could wipe his brow on stage.
He has been filmed by a crew following the launch of his new fashion label KW – which should be TV gold when it’s broadcast.
The rapper’s ridiculous rider from his recent Australian tour has leaked Down Under. He demands that any drivers ferrying him are clad in 100 per cent cotton: No man-made fibres.
He also had Versace towels shipped over which were then cut into smaller sizes so he could wipe his brow on stage.
He has been filmed by a crew following the launch of his new fashion label KW – which should be TV gold when it’s broadcast.
Elton John Hotel room for eyeglasses in Brazil
Elton John Hotel room for eyeglasses in Brazil, Elton John Hotel room for eyeglasses in Brazil Elton John Hotel Room For Eyeglasses in Brazil, Elton John becomes a dad for a second time, elton john david furnish wedding, Elton John gets his glasses their own hotel room: Sir Elton John requested a separate hotel room for his spectacles ahead of a show in Brazil on Saturday (09.03.13), and specifically asked for the temperature of the extra quarters to be maintained at 16 degrees Celsius.Sir Elton John asked for a separate hotel room for his glasses ahead of a gig in Brazil.
The 'Rocket Man' hitmaker requested the additional quarters to house his spectacles at the Ouro Minas five-star hotel in Belo Horizonte ahead of his show on Saturday (09.03.13), and he asked organisers of the gig to ensure the temperature of the extra room was maintained at 16 degrees Celsius (60.8 Fahrenheit).
A spokesperson for the show's production company told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: ''Elton John asked for an extra room in the hotel for some of his collection of glasses because he needs a temperature of 16C to preserve the accessories.''The 65-year-old star also made a number of beverage requests including four bottles of cranberry juice, a pint of fresh skimmed milk and two bottles of good quality Pinot Grigio wine, as well as eight small bottles of French Evian water, and five large bottles or 12 small bottles of San Pellegrino sparkling water.
Elton - a former owner of English soccer club Watford FC - also asked for large vases of red and white roses and access to cable TV, specifically sports channels, as well as an international phone line, which took the spokesperson by surprise.
The spokesperson added: ''What stands out is the request for a phone line with international access and, surprisingly, a television with access to local channels and cable.''In the latter, there is yet another requirement: that among the channels, he specifically has the sports channels.''Elton will perform at the Mineirao stadium in front of 60,000 people on Saturday, and some tickets have cost up to £230.
The 'Rocket Man' hitmaker requested the additional quarters to house his spectacles at the Ouro Minas five-star hotel in Belo Horizonte ahead of his show on Saturday (09.03.13), and he asked organisers of the gig to ensure the temperature of the extra room was maintained at 16 degrees Celsius (60.8 Fahrenheit).
A spokesperson for the show's production company told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: ''Elton John asked for an extra room in the hotel for some of his collection of glasses because he needs a temperature of 16C to preserve the accessories.''The 65-year-old star also made a number of beverage requests including four bottles of cranberry juice, a pint of fresh skimmed milk and two bottles of good quality Pinot Grigio wine, as well as eight small bottles of French Evian water, and five large bottles or 12 small bottles of San Pellegrino sparkling water.
Elton - a former owner of English soccer club Watford FC - also asked for large vases of red and white roses and access to cable TV, specifically sports channels, as well as an international phone line, which took the spokesperson by surprise.
The spokesperson added: ''What stands out is the request for a phone line with international access and, surprisingly, a television with access to local channels and cable.''In the latter, there is yet another requirement: that among the channels, he specifically has the sports channels.''Elton will perform at the Mineirao stadium in front of 60,000 people on Saturday, and some tickets have cost up to £230.
Lady Gaga's rider includes a mannequin with puffy pink pubic hair
Lady Gaga's rider includes a mannequin with puffy pink pubic hair, Lady Gaga's request for a 'mannequin with puffy pink pubic hair' on her rider has been revealed.
The pop star apparently asked for the strange item from venues whilst on her Monster's Ball tour.
Gaga's rider details were revealed in the ongoing court case in which her former assistant Jennifer O’Neill, is suing the star for $380,000 (£243,000) in unpaid wages.
Celeb Buzz posted the rider details, which state the kind of ambiance Gaga wanted for her dressing rooms, which was to be 'glam rock' and include the mannequin. The document reads: Glam rock, Black, Silver statins [sic] dropped over walls Old Rock Posters from her favorite artists Bowie, Queen, Elton, Billy Joel, Billy Holiday [sic] Her favorite fan art that was kept on the road with us.
Gaga also requested a bottle of Jameson as well as several bottles of good quality red and white wine, alongside '1 pack of long straws (must be extra long)'.
Lady Gaga recently tweeted that the "assistant" who is suing her was a close friend who she has known for many years.
Gaga is facing legal action from O'Neill, who claims that she is owed payment for 7,168 hours of overtime.
O'Neill alleged that Gaga expected her to be at her service from the "earliest waking hour" and wanted her duties to extend to "stadiums, private jets, fine hotel suites, yachts, ferries, trains and tour buses". O'Neill alleges that the schedule meant that she was unable to take breaks "or even at times sleep".
Gaga has since said that she would rather give the money to another member of her team who is currently suffering from breast cancer. "She doesn't deserve a dollar more. I'm going to give all the money she wants to my employees that work hard for me and deserve it," she said.
She added: "I am going to give it to Sonja for her breast cancer, for her mastectomy. I'm not going to give it to [Jennifer] so she can go and buy a new tube top."
The pop star apparently asked for the strange item from venues whilst on her Monster's Ball tour.
Gaga's rider details were revealed in the ongoing court case in which her former assistant Jennifer O’Neill, is suing the star for $380,000 (£243,000) in unpaid wages.
Celeb Buzz posted the rider details, which state the kind of ambiance Gaga wanted for her dressing rooms, which was to be 'glam rock' and include the mannequin. The document reads: Glam rock, Black, Silver statins [sic] dropped over walls Old Rock Posters from her favorite artists Bowie, Queen, Elton, Billy Joel, Billy Holiday [sic] Her favorite fan art that was kept on the road with us.
Gaga also requested a bottle of Jameson as well as several bottles of good quality red and white wine, alongside '1 pack of long straws (must be extra long)'.
Lady Gaga recently tweeted that the "assistant" who is suing her was a close friend who she has known for many years.
Gaga is facing legal action from O'Neill, who claims that she is owed payment for 7,168 hours of overtime.
O'Neill alleged that Gaga expected her to be at her service from the "earliest waking hour" and wanted her duties to extend to "stadiums, private jets, fine hotel suites, yachts, ferries, trains and tour buses". O'Neill alleges that the schedule meant that she was unable to take breaks "or even at times sleep".
Gaga has since said that she would rather give the money to another member of her team who is currently suffering from breast cancer. "She doesn't deserve a dollar more. I'm going to give all the money she wants to my employees that work hard for me and deserve it," she said.
She added: "I am going to give it to Sonja for her breast cancer, for her mastectomy. I'm not going to give it to [Jennifer] so she can go and buy a new tube top."
Beyonce Mrs. Carter Show tour rider
Beyonce Mrs. Carter Show tour rider, After Beyonce was recently slapped in the rear by a fan during a concert in Copenhagen [to which she fiercely had the fan removed], Bey is back in the headlines for her diva-like requests on her tour rider. In the middle of her Mrs. Carter World Tour 2013, Beyonce's rider includes several interesting demands.Demands. Not requests.
According to Austrailian news outlet News.com.au, Beyonce's rider includes hand-crafted ice balls to cool her voice after ever performance on the tour. Ok, not so bad. Girl's gotta take care of her voice.
According to the rider, Beyonce also insists that all of her crewmembers wear only 100% cotton. Though the reason was not confirmed, I guess it has something to do with allergies.
Beyonce demands that her dressing rooms be painted off-white. A brand-new toilet seat must also be provided back stage before every show. The "Bootylicious" singer will only use red toilet paper as well.
Junk food is also banned from back stage, opting instead for almonds and "green-only vegetables," (News.com.au). That means no carrots chef!
Possibly the most bizarre rider demand are the $900 titanium straws to drink her "special alkaline water" which apparently has to be served at exactly 20 degrees Celsius.
Celsius, who uses Celsius?
I'm sure the titanium straws and "special alkaline water" are meant to preserve Beyonce's vocal chords, but red toilet paper? Why?
Beyonce's one of the most famous people in the world. If she wants a new toilet seat, I don't think that's too much to ask. Her rider is still more reasonable than husband Jay-Z, who's hiring his own cigar-roller for his Legends of the Summer tour with Justin Timberlake.
According to Austrailian news outlet News.com.au, Beyonce's rider includes hand-crafted ice balls to cool her voice after ever performance on the tour. Ok, not so bad. Girl's gotta take care of her voice.
According to the rider, Beyonce also insists that all of her crewmembers wear only 100% cotton. Though the reason was not confirmed, I guess it has something to do with allergies.
Beyonce demands that her dressing rooms be painted off-white. A brand-new toilet seat must also be provided back stage before every show. The "Bootylicious" singer will only use red toilet paper as well.
Junk food is also banned from back stage, opting instead for almonds and "green-only vegetables," (News.com.au). That means no carrots chef!
Possibly the most bizarre rider demand are the $900 titanium straws to drink her "special alkaline water" which apparently has to be served at exactly 20 degrees Celsius.
Celsius, who uses Celsius?
I'm sure the titanium straws and "special alkaline water" are meant to preserve Beyonce's vocal chords, but red toilet paper? Why?
Beyonce's one of the most famous people in the world. If she wants a new toilet seat, I don't think that's too much to ask. Her rider is still more reasonable than husband Jay-Z, who's hiring his own cigar-roller for his Legends of the Summer tour with Justin Timberlake.
M.I.A tour rider includes cheese
M.I.A tour rider includes cheese, Since M.I.A.’s middle finger flashing during the Super Bowl halftime show has enraged the Parents Television Council and other delicate football fans, the easily offended may also be perturbed by some aspects of the British-born singer’s most recent concert rider. During a world tour that ended early last year, the performer (real name: Maya Arulpragasam) required the hiring of three female extras for each show. The women had to be between 20- and 25-years-old, with the same height and body type. They needed to have stage presence and be able to “groove to the music.” Because, M.I.A. noted, the extras would be onstage with her for the entire show, grooving away while “wearing full covered Burkas.” That’s right, the woman who gave 111 million Americans the finger during the country’s most holy day is a fan of the full-body cloak favored by many Muslim women. And, of course, you know what that means.
John mayer rider has toothbrushes and toothpaste
John mayer rider has toothbrushes and toothpaste, HE may be dating JENNIFER ANISTON, but does rock star JOHN MAYER also like to be at his best for groupies?
The musician insists on a hoard of dental aids on his nightly rider for each gig.
Instead of requesting kegs of beer, bottles of vodka or white candles, John asks for a cache of toothbrushes in his concert contracts.
John orders four toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and breath mints at every single show.
He admitted: “I go for a new toothbrush every night. It’s my biggest rock star excess.”
Maybe Jen is a stickler for fresh breath?
The musician insists on a hoard of dental aids on his nightly rider for each gig.
Instead of requesting kegs of beer, bottles of vodka or white candles, John asks for a cache of toothbrushes in his concert contracts.
John orders four toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and breath mints at every single show.
He admitted: “I go for a new toothbrush every night. It’s my biggest rock star excess.”
Maybe Jen is a stickler for fresh breath?
Selena gomez tour rider
Selena gomez tour rider, For a pop superstar, you'd think Selena Gomez would request something fancier than what you can get in a discount bin as backstage must-have.
However, cheap eats are exactly what the "Come & Get It" singer wants in her dressing room for all the stops on her Stars Dance World Tour.
"Pickles always," Gomez told MTV of her tour rider, adding that she also has incense as a high priority on her list.
"I don't know. I actually have a boring rider. I'll be honest... ramen. That's what I have. I'm more about food and apparently incense."
Given that the 20-year-old has a penchant for Hooters food and grew up on dollar store spaghetti, we'd say these demands are right on par with the down-to-Earth starlet's lifestyle.
At least it's not something crazy like a mannequin with pink pubic hair, right?
However, cheap eats are exactly what the "Come & Get It" singer wants in her dressing room for all the stops on her Stars Dance World Tour.
"Pickles always," Gomez told MTV of her tour rider, adding that she also has incense as a high priority on her list.
"I don't know. I actually have a boring rider. I'll be honest... ramen. That's what I have. I'm more about food and apparently incense."
Given that the 20-year-old has a penchant for Hooters food and grew up on dollar store spaghetti, we'd say these demands are right on par with the down-to-Earth starlet's lifestyle.
At least it's not something crazy like a mannequin with pink pubic hair, right?
Eastbound and down canceled
NEW YORK, June 6, 2013 – Eastbound & DOWN, the raucous HBO comedy series from creators Danny McBride and Jody Hill, begins shooting its eight-episode fourth and final season tomorrow in North Carolina, with the season scheduled to launch SUNDAY, SEPT. 29
McBride stars in the show as the irrepressible Kenny Powers, the former major league pitcher who is larger than life… and death.
In the third season of Eastbound & DOWN, which concluded in April 2012, Kenny Powers finally made it back to the majors and recaptured his former glory, only to fake his own death and run back home to his beloved April, the mother of his child. The upcoming fourth season picks up the action several years later and finds Kenny living the American Dream with his family in North Carolina.
The third season of Eastbound & DOWN inspired raves, with People calling it “Terrific. The jokes take off on all sorts of unexpected trajectories – foul balls that score...Four out of four stars,” while Entertainment Weekly said, “You should make time to get down with ‘Down’,” rewarding the show an A-.
McBride stars in the show as the irrepressible Kenny Powers, the former major league pitcher who is larger than life… and death.
In the third season of Eastbound & DOWN, which concluded in April 2012, Kenny Powers finally made it back to the majors and recaptured his former glory, only to fake his own death and run back home to his beloved April, the mother of his child. The upcoming fourth season picks up the action several years later and finds Kenny living the American Dream with his family in North Carolina.
The third season of Eastbound & DOWN inspired raves, with People calling it “Terrific. The jokes take off on all sorts of unexpected trajectories – foul balls that score...Four out of four stars,” while Entertainment Weekly said, “You should make time to get down with ‘Down’,” rewarding the show an A-.
oldest tumor
Oldest tumor, It is a very rare discovery considering that tumors were uncommon in prehistoric populations. Tumors in fleshy tissue decay quickly - making them difficult to identify.
Spelling: both "Neandertals" and "Neandertals" are correct.
The bone was originally excavated a hundred years ago and scientists have just found out that the it has a cavity, where a tumor, known as fibrous dysplasia, replaced what should have been inner bone structure.
Fibrous dysplasia is not considered to be cancerous, because the tumors do not spread to other tissues.
According to David Frayer, professor of anthropology at the University of Kansas, and co-author of the paper:
"It's evidence that Neanderthals suffered tumors - that they were susceptible to the same kinds of diseases that we see in modern humans. Before this, the earliest tumor in bone that we've seen goes back to an Egyptian mummy. So this is 100,000 years older than the previous tumor that has been found. There is no evidence of cancer older than this in the human fossil record."
The 30-millimeter-long left rib fragment was unearthed between 1899 and 1905 in a Croatian cave that contained around 900 Neanderthal bones - hundreds of thousands of years old.
Back in the 1980s, all the bones from the cave were x-rayed and published in a book which showed each radiogram, with the exception of the rig fragment - which appeared burned out in the x-ray image.
Finally, using new high quality X-rays, researchers have been able to look at the bone more clearly.
They found that the rib contained a cavity 18 millimeters in length and 7.6 millimeters wide. After thorough analysis with radiograph and CT scans, the scientists concluded that the cavity was the site of a benign tumor associated with Fibrous dysplasia, which "is a developmental disorder of bone in which lesions develop fibrous tissue and spicules of woven bone."
Frayer said:
"It wasn't a small tumor. It was a fairly large one, probably bulging at the base of the rib. We're not sure how far along it was, but it was well-expressed in the bone. It was in the upper third of the back, and muscles attach there that are associated with raising the arm."
Frayer also mentioned that there may have been other bones involved, but they have not been identified. Adding that, although the site contained more than 900 bones "very few of them are associated one with the other. And while there are other pathologies, none of the others show evidence of a tumor."
Spelling: both "Neandertals" and "Neandertals" are correct.
The bone was originally excavated a hundred years ago and scientists have just found out that the it has a cavity, where a tumor, known as fibrous dysplasia, replaced what should have been inner bone structure.
Fibrous dysplasia is not considered to be cancerous, because the tumors do not spread to other tissues.
According to David Frayer, professor of anthropology at the University of Kansas, and co-author of the paper:
"It's evidence that Neanderthals suffered tumors - that they were susceptible to the same kinds of diseases that we see in modern humans. Before this, the earliest tumor in bone that we've seen goes back to an Egyptian mummy. So this is 100,000 years older than the previous tumor that has been found. There is no evidence of cancer older than this in the human fossil record."
The 30-millimeter-long left rib fragment was unearthed between 1899 and 1905 in a Croatian cave that contained around 900 Neanderthal bones - hundreds of thousands of years old.
Back in the 1980s, all the bones from the cave were x-rayed and published in a book which showed each radiogram, with the exception of the rig fragment - which appeared burned out in the x-ray image.
Finally, using new high quality X-rays, researchers have been able to look at the bone more clearly.
They found that the rib contained a cavity 18 millimeters in length and 7.6 millimeters wide. After thorough analysis with radiograph and CT scans, the scientists concluded that the cavity was the site of a benign tumor associated with Fibrous dysplasia, which "is a developmental disorder of bone in which lesions develop fibrous tissue and spicules of woven bone."
Frayer said:
"It wasn't a small tumor. It was a fairly large one, probably bulging at the base of the rib. We're not sure how far along it was, but it was well-expressed in the bone. It was in the upper third of the back, and muscles attach there that are associated with raising the arm."
Frayer also mentioned that there may have been other bones involved, but they have not been identified. Adding that, although the site contained more than 900 bones "very few of them are associated one with the other. And while there are other pathologies, none of the others show evidence of a tumor."
jeep wrangler recall
jeep wrangler recall, Chrysler is conducting a voluntary safety recall of certain 2012 and 2013 model year Jeep Wrangler SUVs for potential transmission fluid leaks.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website puts the number of vehicles potentially affected by the recall at 180,131. Affected vehicles were equipped with a 3.6-liter engine and an automatic transmission and were built from the 2012 model year start of production January 23, 2011 through February 23, 2013.
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude EditionEnlarge Photo
The problem
The NHTSA bulletin and documentation from Chrysler (PDF) describe the problem as a condition where the power steering return line contacts and wears a hole in the aluminum transmission oil cooler line. Such a condition can result in a loss of transmission fluid, which may cause transmission damage and loss of function.
Chrysler discovered the problem in August 2012 in a durability vehicle that exhibited a complete loss of transmission fluid at cycle 248 out of 250. It was determined that the power steering return line being in hard contact with the transmission oil cooler line was responsible for the transmission fluid loss.
The power steering return line was redesigned and a heat sleeve was also added to the transmission oil cooler line.
The automaker said it had received 81 reports of problems, including two field reports, but is not aware of any accidents, injuries, fires or property damage potentially related to this issue.
What Chrysler will do
Chrysler will notify owners of 2013 and 2013 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly. In addition, the transmission oil cooler lines will be inspected and will either have a protective sleeve added or the transmission oil cooler lines will be replaced on all affected vehicles. The service will be performed at no charge.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website puts the number of vehicles potentially affected by the recall at 180,131. Affected vehicles were equipped with a 3.6-liter engine and an automatic transmission and were built from the 2012 model year start of production January 23, 2011 through February 23, 2013.
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude EditionEnlarge Photo
The problem
The NHTSA bulletin and documentation from Chrysler (PDF) describe the problem as a condition where the power steering return line contacts and wears a hole in the aluminum transmission oil cooler line. Such a condition can result in a loss of transmission fluid, which may cause transmission damage and loss of function.
Chrysler discovered the problem in August 2012 in a durability vehicle that exhibited a complete loss of transmission fluid at cycle 248 out of 250. It was determined that the power steering return line being in hard contact with the transmission oil cooler line was responsible for the transmission fluid loss.
The power steering return line was redesigned and a heat sleeve was also added to the transmission oil cooler line.
The automaker said it had received 81 reports of problems, including two field reports, but is not aware of any accidents, injuries, fires or property damage potentially related to this issue.
What Chrysler will do
Chrysler will notify owners of 2013 and 2013 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly. In addition, the transmission oil cooler lines will be inspected and will either have a protective sleeve added or the transmission oil cooler lines will be replaced on all affected vehicles. The service will be performed at no charge.
Tongue patch diet
Tongue patch diet, I don’t have the willpower to go on a diet, so this was the only way,” says Yomaira Jaspe, a Venezuelan woman whose eating decisions are currently dictated by a plastic patch sewn onto her tongue. A new form of extreme diet, the supposed “miracle” tongue patch has become popular amongst Venezuelans since it became available in Caracas clinics last year. The fad is the latest weight-loss technique in a country where female physical appearance is so prized that breast implants are commonly proffered as 15th birthday presents.
Launched in 2009 by Nikolas Chugay, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, the patch is an abrasive piece of marlex—a material typically used in hernia repair—about the size of a postage stamp. Secured to the top of the tongue by six stitches, the patch renders the consumption of solid food very painful, forcing patients who have trouble controlling their calorie-intake onto liquid diets.
“We found a niche,” says Paul Chugay, who works with his father Nikolas in their Los Angeles practice, the only place in the United States where this diet is available. “We wanted to offer patients something effective without resorting to the risks of invasive surgery.”
While the patch is certainly effective (patients can drop up to thirty pounds in a month), the securing of an abrasive foreign object to the tongue comes with plenty of side-effects. Patients can experience speech difficulties, while others have trouble sleeping. “At the start you can’t even move your tongue for the pain. I’ve tried to eat solid food but it’s impossible,” says Yomaira, speaking from her family home in Charallave, an industrial conurbation on the outskirts of the Caracas. “It’s a huge inconvenience, but I’m doing it to feel better about myself. I was very fat.”
“It’s a good solution, I don’t see it as extreme,” says Alicia Zamora, Yomaira’s mother. “It teaches you to eat differently and proves that there are alternatives.”
The patch can be worn for the maximum period of one month, after which patients consult with nutritionists on how to continue pursuing their weight-loss goals. “The material has pores which allow for in-growth of tissue,” says Chugay. “If you leave it in for more than a month it starts to become incorporated into the tongue.”
Chugay says his patients view the tongue patch as a “last resort”—he has consulted with under 100 patients since 2009. But Ana Maria Parra of Obesiesbel in Caracas, one of the first clinics to offer this new weight-loss method, has seen around 900 clients a month since she began offering the procedure two years ago. And with Venezuelan clinics charging around $150 for the procedure, compared to the $2,000 it costs in Los Angeles, Caracas, already on the map as an aesthetic-surgery tourism destination, could become something of global “tongue patch” hotspot.
“Venezuelans are very beauty-conscious,” says Giovanni Sosa of the Caracas-based Sosa-Reyes practice, which has been offering the tongue patch to its patients for the past nine months. “So when we offer something that shows concrete results, people will put that before its extreme-nature.”
Brian Evans, who runs a Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice, has his doubts about a procedure which has yet to receive FDA approval. “Adding a foreign substance to the body comes with the risk of infection or rejection, which means swelling, pain and discomfort,” he says. “A procedure like this would have to pass the rigors of testing before I would consider it.”
“It’s the latest fad,” says Robert Rey, who also runs a Beverly Hills cosmetic surgery practice. “No matter how creative we get with these insane mechanical barriers, nothing replaces discipline.”
Venezuelans are no strangers to extreme diets. Common weight-loss methods in the South American country include the abuse of insulin injections, syrups which induce vomiting and fasting-pacts among friends.
Venezuelan women, expected to be sexy yet chaste by their machista culture, experience fierce competition from contemporaries, and are expected to rely on looks in order to get ahead in their professional careers. The average Venezuelan woman spends 20 percent of her annual salary on cosmetics and beauty treatments, while four-thousand patients go under the knife every month in the name of self-improvement, many funded by banks which offer plastic surgery loans. The multi-billion dollar beauty industry is per capita the world’s largest. The country boasts more beauty queens than any other: a Venezuelan has made the “honor-list” (the final cut of ten contestants) in 84% of all international beauty pageants over the last twenty years. Young girls attend myriad beauty schools – institutions which produce professional beauty queens – from as early as age five.
“The man-market is shrinking as I get older,” says 27 year-old Vanesa Vargas, two days before becoming one of the 35,000 Venezuelan women who annually undergo breast-enhancement surgery. “There are women my age who are married or having kids. I don’t have a partner, so what other alternative do I have?”
“It seems extreme, but Venezuelan society can be amazingly cruel about one’s looks,” says Vilmaris Ojeda, Yomaira’s 40 year-old aunt who also went through with the tongue patch procedure in solidarity with her niece. “But the real challenge is going to come once they take it out. Not eating is easy when you physically can’t.”
Launched in 2009 by Nikolas Chugay, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, the patch is an abrasive piece of marlex—a material typically used in hernia repair—about the size of a postage stamp. Secured to the top of the tongue by six stitches, the patch renders the consumption of solid food very painful, forcing patients who have trouble controlling their calorie-intake onto liquid diets.
“We found a niche,” says Paul Chugay, who works with his father Nikolas in their Los Angeles practice, the only place in the United States where this diet is available. “We wanted to offer patients something effective without resorting to the risks of invasive surgery.”
While the patch is certainly effective (patients can drop up to thirty pounds in a month), the securing of an abrasive foreign object to the tongue comes with plenty of side-effects. Patients can experience speech difficulties, while others have trouble sleeping. “At the start you can’t even move your tongue for the pain. I’ve tried to eat solid food but it’s impossible,” says Yomaira, speaking from her family home in Charallave, an industrial conurbation on the outskirts of the Caracas. “It’s a huge inconvenience, but I’m doing it to feel better about myself. I was very fat.”
“It’s a good solution, I don’t see it as extreme,” says Alicia Zamora, Yomaira’s mother. “It teaches you to eat differently and proves that there are alternatives.”
The patch can be worn for the maximum period of one month, after which patients consult with nutritionists on how to continue pursuing their weight-loss goals. “The material has pores which allow for in-growth of tissue,” says Chugay. “If you leave it in for more than a month it starts to become incorporated into the tongue.”
Chugay says his patients view the tongue patch as a “last resort”—he has consulted with under 100 patients since 2009. But Ana Maria Parra of Obesiesbel in Caracas, one of the first clinics to offer this new weight-loss method, has seen around 900 clients a month since she began offering the procedure two years ago. And with Venezuelan clinics charging around $150 for the procedure, compared to the $2,000 it costs in Los Angeles, Caracas, already on the map as an aesthetic-surgery tourism destination, could become something of global “tongue patch” hotspot.
“Venezuelans are very beauty-conscious,” says Giovanni Sosa of the Caracas-based Sosa-Reyes practice, which has been offering the tongue patch to its patients for the past nine months. “So when we offer something that shows concrete results, people will put that before its extreme-nature.”
Brian Evans, who runs a Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice, has his doubts about a procedure which has yet to receive FDA approval. “Adding a foreign substance to the body comes with the risk of infection or rejection, which means swelling, pain and discomfort,” he says. “A procedure like this would have to pass the rigors of testing before I would consider it.”
“It’s the latest fad,” says Robert Rey, who also runs a Beverly Hills cosmetic surgery practice. “No matter how creative we get with these insane mechanical barriers, nothing replaces discipline.”
Venezuelans are no strangers to extreme diets. Common weight-loss methods in the South American country include the abuse of insulin injections, syrups which induce vomiting and fasting-pacts among friends.
Venezuelan women, expected to be sexy yet chaste by their machista culture, experience fierce competition from contemporaries, and are expected to rely on looks in order to get ahead in their professional careers. The average Venezuelan woman spends 20 percent of her annual salary on cosmetics and beauty treatments, while four-thousand patients go under the knife every month in the name of self-improvement, many funded by banks which offer plastic surgery loans. The multi-billion dollar beauty industry is per capita the world’s largest. The country boasts more beauty queens than any other: a Venezuelan has made the “honor-list” (the final cut of ten contestants) in 84% of all international beauty pageants over the last twenty years. Young girls attend myriad beauty schools – institutions which produce professional beauty queens – from as early as age five.
“The man-market is shrinking as I get older,” says 27 year-old Vanesa Vargas, two days before becoming one of the 35,000 Venezuelan women who annually undergo breast-enhancement surgery. “There are women my age who are married or having kids. I don’t have a partner, so what other alternative do I have?”
“It seems extreme, but Venezuelan society can be amazingly cruel about one’s looks,” says Vilmaris Ojeda, Yomaira’s 40 year-old aunt who also went through with the tongue patch procedure in solidarity with her niece. “But the real challenge is going to come once they take it out. Not eating is easy when you physically can’t.”
Verizon phone records
Verizon phone records, The National Security Agency is vacuuming up records of millions of phone calls made inside the United States, a top secret court order reveals.
A top secret order that was released this afternoon requires Verizon to hand over to the NSA "on an ongoing daily basis" information about all domestic and overseas calls -- "including local telephone calls."
The FBI obtained the secret order, which was disclosed by The Guardian newspaper, from the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which meets behind closed doors and whose proceedings rarely become public. It was signed by FISC Judge Roger Vinson, who normally serves as a federal judge in Florida.
Vinson's order relies on Section 215 of the Patriot Act, 50 USC 1861, better known as the "business records" portion. It allows FBI agents to obtain any "tangible thing," including "books, records, papers, documents, and other items," a broad term that includes dumps from private-sector computer databases with limited judicial oversight.
The American Civil Liberties Union criticized the order as "beyond Orwellian," and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee launched a petition to Congress.
"From a civil liberties perspective, the program could hardly be any more alarming. It's a program in which millions of innocent people have been put under the constant surveillance of government agents," ACLU Deputy Legal Director Jameel Jaffer said in a statement. "It's analogous to the FBI stationing an agent outside every home in the country to track who goes in and who comes out."
The Justice Department's secret interpretation of Section 215 was what alarmed Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Mark Udall (D-Colorado) when the Patriot Act was up for renewal two years ago. Both senators served on the intelligence committee and were briefed on the NSA's activities.
"I believe that when more of my colleagues and the American public come to understand how the Patriot Act has actually been interpreted in secret, they will insist on significant reforms too," Wyden said at the time.
Udall told CNET this evening: "While I cannot corroborate the details of this particular report, this sort of widescale surveillance should concern all of us and is the kind of government overreach I've said Americans would find shocking. As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, it's why I will keep fighting for transparency and appropriate checks on the surveillance of Americans."
There have been other hints that the NSA's massive databases were being fed Americans' confidential telephone records -- which can then be perused by the FBI for domestic criminal investigations.
Former FBI counterterrorism agent Tim Clemente told CNN last month that, in national security investigations, the bureau can access records of a previously-made telephone call. "All of that stuff is being captured as we speak whether we know it or like it or not," he said. Clemente added in an appearance the next day that, thanks to the "intelligence community" -- a likely reference to the NSA -- "there's a way to look at digital communications in the past."
Vinson's top secret order dated April 25, which expires July 19, does not require Verizon to divulge the contents of communications or the names of its customers. It does force the company to hand over originating and terminating telephone number, the IMSI, and IMEI numbers for mobile phones, trunk identifiers, the time of the call, and other information. The New York Times this evening confirmed that the order was authentic.
The Justice Department previously confirmed that Section 215 "has been used to obtain driver's license records, hotel records, car rental records, apartment leasing records, credit card records, and the like." Todd Hinnen, acting assistant attorney general for national security, told a House of Representatives committee that such directives were constitutional because they are "not a 'search' within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment." (The Fourth Amendment, of course, prohibits "unreasonable" searches and seizures.)
FBI Director Robert Mueller hinted during a 2011 congressional hearing that there was a secret legal memorandum prepared by the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel that authorized a broader use of Section 215 than is publicly known.
Wyden, who was present at that hearing, told Mueller that he was "increasingly troubled" that intelligence agencies are "relying on a secret interpretation" of the Patriot Act. "I believe that the American people would be absolutely stunned," Wyden said, if they knew what was actually going on.
Section 215 says that an order must be approved by the secret FISA court if the FBI shows the data "sought are relevant to an authorized investigation" dealing with terrorism -- a requirement that provides little privacy protection in practice.
Another hint about overly broad use of Section 215 came from former Sen. Russ Feingold, a Democrat who has since lost his seat. He said in a February 2010 floor speech that:
Section 215 has been misused. I cannot elaborate, but I believe that the public deserves some information about this. I and others have also pressed the administration to declassify some basic information about the use of section 215, and it has declined... We must find a way to have an open and honest debate about the nature of these government powers, while still protecting national security secrets, and under current conditions that simply isn't possible... Lawyers in the Office of Legal Counsel looked for every possible loophole in statutory language to justify what I believe were clearly illegal wiretapping and interrogation programs. That should also teach us that we must be extraordinarily careful in how we draft these laws: We must say exactly what we mean and leave no room for reinterpretation.
It's not clear if this is the extent of the Justice Department's secret use of Section 215, or if other confidential customer data such as the locations of cell phones is being vacuumed up by the NSA as well. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This disclosure calls into question comments made by NSA director Keith Alexander, who told Congress last year (video) that "we're not authorized" to obtain "information involving American citizens."
It also didn't come as a great surprise to government-surveillance watchers. In 2006, USA Today reported that the NSA "has been secretly collecting the phone call records of tens of millions of Americans, using data provided by AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth."
One person interviewed for that article called the program, which began in late 2001, "the largest database ever assembled in the world." Only Qwest reportedly refused to participate. Its chief executive, Joe Nacchio, was subsequently convicted on unrelated charges involving illegal stock sales.
A followup article reported that Verizon provided a statement denying entering "into an arrangement to provide the NSA with data from its customers' domestic calls." But the carefully-worded denial left open the possibility that metadata was turned over.
A top secret order that was released this afternoon requires Verizon to hand over to the NSA "on an ongoing daily basis" information about all domestic and overseas calls -- "including local telephone calls."
The FBI obtained the secret order, which was disclosed by The Guardian newspaper, from the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which meets behind closed doors and whose proceedings rarely become public. It was signed by FISC Judge Roger Vinson, who normally serves as a federal judge in Florida.
Vinson's order relies on Section 215 of the Patriot Act, 50 USC 1861, better known as the "business records" portion. It allows FBI agents to obtain any "tangible thing," including "books, records, papers, documents, and other items," a broad term that includes dumps from private-sector computer databases with limited judicial oversight.
The American Civil Liberties Union criticized the order as "beyond Orwellian," and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee launched a petition to Congress.
"From a civil liberties perspective, the program could hardly be any more alarming. It's a program in which millions of innocent people have been put under the constant surveillance of government agents," ACLU Deputy Legal Director Jameel Jaffer said in a statement. "It's analogous to the FBI stationing an agent outside every home in the country to track who goes in and who comes out."
The Justice Department's secret interpretation of Section 215 was what alarmed Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Mark Udall (D-Colorado) when the Patriot Act was up for renewal two years ago. Both senators served on the intelligence committee and were briefed on the NSA's activities.
"I believe that when more of my colleagues and the American public come to understand how the Patriot Act has actually been interpreted in secret, they will insist on significant reforms too," Wyden said at the time.
Udall told CNET this evening: "While I cannot corroborate the details of this particular report, this sort of widescale surveillance should concern all of us and is the kind of government overreach I've said Americans would find shocking. As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, it's why I will keep fighting for transparency and appropriate checks on the surveillance of Americans."
There have been other hints that the NSA's massive databases were being fed Americans' confidential telephone records -- which can then be perused by the FBI for domestic criminal investigations.
Former FBI counterterrorism agent Tim Clemente told CNN last month that, in national security investigations, the bureau can access records of a previously-made telephone call. "All of that stuff is being captured as we speak whether we know it or like it or not," he said. Clemente added in an appearance the next day that, thanks to the "intelligence community" -- a likely reference to the NSA -- "there's a way to look at digital communications in the past."
Vinson's top secret order dated April 25, which expires July 19, does not require Verizon to divulge the contents of communications or the names of its customers. It does force the company to hand over originating and terminating telephone number, the IMSI, and IMEI numbers for mobile phones, trunk identifiers, the time of the call, and other information. The New York Times this evening confirmed that the order was authentic.
The Justice Department previously confirmed that Section 215 "has been used to obtain driver's license records, hotel records, car rental records, apartment leasing records, credit card records, and the like." Todd Hinnen, acting assistant attorney general for national security, told a House of Representatives committee that such directives were constitutional because they are "not a 'search' within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment." (The Fourth Amendment, of course, prohibits "unreasonable" searches and seizures.)
FBI Director Robert Mueller hinted during a 2011 congressional hearing that there was a secret legal memorandum prepared by the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel that authorized a broader use of Section 215 than is publicly known.
Wyden, who was present at that hearing, told Mueller that he was "increasingly troubled" that intelligence agencies are "relying on a secret interpretation" of the Patriot Act. "I believe that the American people would be absolutely stunned," Wyden said, if they knew what was actually going on.
Section 215 says that an order must be approved by the secret FISA court if the FBI shows the data "sought are relevant to an authorized investigation" dealing with terrorism -- a requirement that provides little privacy protection in practice.
Another hint about overly broad use of Section 215 came from former Sen. Russ Feingold, a Democrat who has since lost his seat. He said in a February 2010 floor speech that:
Section 215 has been misused. I cannot elaborate, but I believe that the public deserves some information about this. I and others have also pressed the administration to declassify some basic information about the use of section 215, and it has declined... We must find a way to have an open and honest debate about the nature of these government powers, while still protecting national security secrets, and under current conditions that simply isn't possible... Lawyers in the Office of Legal Counsel looked for every possible loophole in statutory language to justify what I believe were clearly illegal wiretapping and interrogation programs. That should also teach us that we must be extraordinarily careful in how we draft these laws: We must say exactly what we mean and leave no room for reinterpretation.
It's not clear if this is the extent of the Justice Department's secret use of Section 215, or if other confidential customer data such as the locations of cell phones is being vacuumed up by the NSA as well. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This disclosure calls into question comments made by NSA director Keith Alexander, who told Congress last year (video) that "we're not authorized" to obtain "information involving American citizens."
It also didn't come as a great surprise to government-surveillance watchers. In 2006, USA Today reported that the NSA "has been secretly collecting the phone call records of tens of millions of Americans, using data provided by AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth."
One person interviewed for that article called the program, which began in late 2001, "the largest database ever assembled in the world." Only Qwest reportedly refused to participate. Its chief executive, Joe Nacchio, was subsequently convicted on unrelated charges involving illegal stock sales.
A followup article reported that Verizon provided a statement denying entering "into an arrangement to provide the NSA with data from its customers' domestic calls." But the carefully-worded denial left open the possibility that metadata was turned over.
Scotch 6,000 gallons
Scotch 6,000 gallons, A tanker truck overturned in New Jersey Tuesday, dumping 6,000 gallons of Scotch whiskey on the road before catching fire.
The accident occurred in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood in Woodbridge, just west of Staten Island, Police Capt. Roy Hoppock said.
It was unclear where the truck, owned by B-Line Trucking in Newark, was going when it overturned.
Fords Fire Chief Dan Gregan said the truck was making a turn when it grazed a phone pole and then a parked car, causing it to overturn. He said it wasn't immediately clear if the truck's diesel or the alcoholic load started the blaze.
The driver was taken to a nearby hospital, but was not seriously injured.
The accident occurred in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood in Woodbridge, just west of Staten Island, Police Capt. Roy Hoppock said.
It was unclear where the truck, owned by B-Line Trucking in Newark, was going when it overturned.
Fords Fire Chief Dan Gregan said the truck was making a turn when it grazed a phone pole and then a parked car, causing it to overturn. He said it wasn't immediately clear if the truck's diesel or the alcoholic load started the blaze.
The driver was taken to a nearby hospital, but was not seriously injured.
Today show suicide
Today show suicide, A tortured soul who slashed his wrists in front of a horrified crowd watching the “Today” show outside Rockefeller Center Thursday said he committed this “desperate act” to get back at the IRS and others who robbed him.
“I had to do something desperate to fight the corruption, fight the IRS,” Pak Chong Mar told a Daily News reporter as he lay on a hospital gurney at Bellevue Hospital. “They are so powerful.”
Bandages on his right hand and left wrist, blood spattered on his dark jeans, the Queens man gave a rambling statement about how he was done wrong just a couple of hours after the midtown mayhem. While Pak spoke, his wife and grown daughter sat silently nearby.
“I need people to help me fight for justice,” Pak said. “If I don’t do something drastic, sooner or later these guys are going to kill me anyway. I couldn’t even pay rent this month.”
Pak, 76, said he emigrated from China to New York in 1948 and made a million dollars buying stocks with money made from running a grocery store and working as a waiter. He claimed TD Ameritrade and Scottrade helped the IRS plunder his funds and he had proof back at his apartment.
I should be living well,” he said. “I had over a million dollars before. They’re making my life miserable.”
Pak’s daughter, who declined to give her name, shook her head sadly.
“It’s sad,” she said. “We’re just trying to figure things out.” Pak pleaded with the reporter for help and promised him a $50,000 cut if he got his money back. But when asked about the three fingers missing from his left hand, Pak abruptly said, “That’s a long story.”
According to police, back in August 1995, Pak used used a meat cleaver to methodically chop off the pinky, ring finger and middle finger of his left hand — then he tossed each digit into the crowd gathered for the Hong Kong Dragon Board Festival in Flushing, Queens.
Pak was carrying letters protesting his eviction from his Brooklyn apartment at the time.
When Pak arrived at NBC headquarters shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday, he was wearing a grubby gray T-shirt and a white baseball cap — and carrying another sheaf of documents.
“The IRS ruined my life!” he hollered, witnesses said. “I’m not a freeloader!”
Pak also yelled something about “peppermint tea” and then thrust the papers at the tourists inside the barricaded area where they had been watching Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker perform in their glass-walled studio.
When nobody would give Pak the time of day, he threw the papers up in apparent frustration and pulled out a pocket knife.
“I’m going to cut myself,” Pak declared. As Pak was sawing one wrist, somebody knocked the knife out of his hands, witnesses said. So Pak grabbed another knife and began cutting his other wrist.
But Joseph Lasala, a former city cop who now works as Lauer’s “security guy,” tackled him, sources said.
“He took him down like a sack of potatoes,” a Lasala pal told The News.
Lasala was helped by Robert Kane, another former cop turned private guard, sources said.
Pak was knocked off his feet — and into a puddle of his own blood, witnesses said. It happened really fast — and then he was down,” said 21-year-old Jossie Edwards, a tourist from Easley, S.C.
Pak is unlikely to be charged with a crime because he didn’t hurt anyone but himself, sources said.
Also, Pak’s gory stunt was not televised and the on-air “Today” crew wasn’t made aware of the drama developing outside their window until after it was over.
“We have strict security protocols in place to protect visitors to the ‘Today’ show and those procedures were followed and effective,” it read. “We are very grateful for the actions of our security team and the NYPD that no others visiting the show were harmed in the incident.”
At Pak’s apartment in Corona, neighbors said he lived quietly with his wife.
“I just see him come and go,” said Earl Pincus, 84. “They’re quiet people . . . Maybe he just snapped.”
Pak sued New York Downtown Hospital, then called Beekman Downtown Hospital, for “podiatric malpractice” in 1998. The result of that suit was not known.
While Pak is not likely to face prosecution, a clueless Kentucky teenager was busted for tweeting threats.
No one is waving hello in the today show crowd,” 17-year-old Andrew Szurgot wrote, in a comment apparently unrelated to Pak’s deed. “They all die after the show.”
Those words got the attention of NBC security officials trolling social media after the Pak incident and they alerted cops.
Szurgot, who was in the city on a school trip chaperoned by his mother, wasn’t hard to find. His photo was on his Twitter handle.
The teenager is to be charged with falsely reporting an incident.
“I had to do something desperate to fight the corruption, fight the IRS,” Pak Chong Mar told a Daily News reporter as he lay on a hospital gurney at Bellevue Hospital. “They are so powerful.”
Bandages on his right hand and left wrist, blood spattered on his dark jeans, the Queens man gave a rambling statement about how he was done wrong just a couple of hours after the midtown mayhem. While Pak spoke, his wife and grown daughter sat silently nearby.
“I need people to help me fight for justice,” Pak said. “If I don’t do something drastic, sooner or later these guys are going to kill me anyway. I couldn’t even pay rent this month.”
Pak, 76, said he emigrated from China to New York in 1948 and made a million dollars buying stocks with money made from running a grocery store and working as a waiter. He claimed TD Ameritrade and Scottrade helped the IRS plunder his funds and he had proof back at his apartment.
I should be living well,” he said. “I had over a million dollars before. They’re making my life miserable.”
Pak’s daughter, who declined to give her name, shook her head sadly.
“It’s sad,” she said. “We’re just trying to figure things out.” Pak pleaded with the reporter for help and promised him a $50,000 cut if he got his money back. But when asked about the three fingers missing from his left hand, Pak abruptly said, “That’s a long story.”
According to police, back in August 1995, Pak used used a meat cleaver to methodically chop off the pinky, ring finger and middle finger of his left hand — then he tossed each digit into the crowd gathered for the Hong Kong Dragon Board Festival in Flushing, Queens.
Pak was carrying letters protesting his eviction from his Brooklyn apartment at the time.
When Pak arrived at NBC headquarters shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday, he was wearing a grubby gray T-shirt and a white baseball cap — and carrying another sheaf of documents.
“The IRS ruined my life!” he hollered, witnesses said. “I’m not a freeloader!”
Pak also yelled something about “peppermint tea” and then thrust the papers at the tourists inside the barricaded area where they had been watching Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker perform in their glass-walled studio.
When nobody would give Pak the time of day, he threw the papers up in apparent frustration and pulled out a pocket knife.
“I’m going to cut myself,” Pak declared. As Pak was sawing one wrist, somebody knocked the knife out of his hands, witnesses said. So Pak grabbed another knife and began cutting his other wrist.
But Joseph Lasala, a former city cop who now works as Lauer’s “security guy,” tackled him, sources said.
“He took him down like a sack of potatoes,” a Lasala pal told The News.
Lasala was helped by Robert Kane, another former cop turned private guard, sources said.
Pak was knocked off his feet — and into a puddle of his own blood, witnesses said. It happened really fast — and then he was down,” said 21-year-old Jossie Edwards, a tourist from Easley, S.C.
Pak is unlikely to be charged with a crime because he didn’t hurt anyone but himself, sources said.
Also, Pak’s gory stunt was not televised and the on-air “Today” crew wasn’t made aware of the drama developing outside their window until after it was over.
“We have strict security protocols in place to protect visitors to the ‘Today’ show and those procedures were followed and effective,” it read. “We are very grateful for the actions of our security team and the NYPD that no others visiting the show were harmed in the incident.”
At Pak’s apartment in Corona, neighbors said he lived quietly with his wife.
“I just see him come and go,” said Earl Pincus, 84. “They’re quiet people . . . Maybe he just snapped.”
Pak sued New York Downtown Hospital, then called Beekman Downtown Hospital, for “podiatric malpractice” in 1998. The result of that suit was not known.
While Pak is not likely to face prosecution, a clueless Kentucky teenager was busted for tweeting threats.
No one is waving hello in the today show crowd,” 17-year-old Andrew Szurgot wrote, in a comment apparently unrelated to Pak’s deed. “They all die after the show.”
Those words got the attention of NBC security officials trolling social media after the Pak incident and they alerted cops.
Szurgot, who was in the city on a school trip chaperoned by his mother, wasn’t hard to find. His photo was on his Twitter handle.
The teenager is to be charged with falsely reporting an incident.
Building collapse in philadelphia
Building collapse in philadelphia, A building that was being torn down collapsed with a thunderous boom Wednesday, raining bricks on a neighboring thrift store, killing six people and injuring at least 13 others in an accident that witnesses said was bound to happen.
A somber Mayor Michael Nutter said those who died were one man and five women but authorities still didn't know how many people had been in the store or on the sidewalk when the accident happened.
Early reports had been that one woman had died in the Wednesday morning accident, but rescuers using buckets and their bare hands to move bricks and rubble kept working through the evening, removing body bags at night. Nutter said the city's emergency workers had been "diligent, determined, focused" in their rescue efforts.
"If anyone else is in that building, they will find them," he said.
One woman was pulled from the rubble of the Salvation Army thrift store two hours after the 10:45 a.m. collapse when rescuers heard her voice, city fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said. Rescuers had been prepared to dig through the rubble all night because they didn't know how many people were in the thrift store when the building collapsed on it.
Survivors were taken to hospitals with mostly minor injuries, and some had been treated and released by evening.
Officials from the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration were at the scene.
The collapse involved an empty building that once housed a first-floor sandwich shop and apartments above. The thrift shop was on one side. The other side was an adult bookstore and theater that had been taken down within the last few months.
Kate Slyman, who was walking to her apartment, said she heard a rumble and the ground shake, "so I immediately took off the other way," reported CBS Station KYW Philadelphia. "And about 15 minutes later, I heard sirens."
Several witnesses said they had been casting a wary eye on the demolition site and questioned how the workers were tackling the job. That raised questions about how closely the highly visible spot on Market Street, one of Philadelphia's signature boulevards, was being monitored.
Roofer Patrick Glynn said he had been watching workers take down the doomed building over the past few weeks, and he said he suspected a collapse was inevitable because of the methods the workers were using.
"For weeks they've been standing on the edge, knocking bricks off," he said. "You could just see it was ready to go at any time. I knew it was going to happen."
Glynn and Anthony Soli were working on a roof atop a nearby building when they heard what sounded like two loud bangs or explosions. They immediately ran down the scaffolding and helped pull out two women and a man.
Steve Cramer, who has been working as a window washer across the street for several days, said the demolition crew left 30 feet of a dividing wall up with no braces and it compromised the integrity of the building
"We've been calling it for the past week -- it's going to fall, it's going to fall," his co-worker Dan Gillis said.
There were no existing violations on the building and the demolition company had proper permits for the work they were doing, according to Carlton Williams, of the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections.The city issued a demolition permit for the four-story structure on Feb. 1. City officials said the property owner was STB Investments Corp.; messages left at the company's New York offices and a local agent's number after business hours Wednesday were not immediately returned. Officials said the contractor was Griffin Campbell Construction in Philadelphia; a message left at a number provided for the firm was not immediately returned.
A demolition expert wondered what precautions were taken to protect the Salvation Army store, especially since it remained open. Stephen Estrin, a Florida contractor who has testified as an expert at several trials involving building collapses, also questioned whether the demolition was being done by hand or with machinery. A piece of equipment with a claw device was seen amid the debris Wednesday.
"This is an inner-city demolition of a masonry building, which would normally be done manually because of the inherent risk -- predictable if certain things are not done very slowly and very carefully -- of a collapse," Estrin said. "One of the problems with claw work is it sets up a vibration in the walls."
Witnesses said they heard a loud rumbling sound immediately before the collapse. More than 100 rescuers and several police dogs searched through the rubble.
"I was standing there looking out my window, watching the men at work on the building, and the next thing I know I heard something go kaboom," said Veronica Haynes, who was on the fifth floor of an apartment building across the street. "Then you saw the whole side of the wall fall down ... onto the other building."
Bernie DiTomo was driving past the Salvation Army store in his pickup truck, on his way to an appointment, when the collapse happened.
"The next thing you know, I heard a rumble, and a building and a sign fell on my truck," he said.
He said he lay down in the seat of his cab. It was probably over in about 30 seconds, he said. There was a lot of dirt and dust, but he was able to open the door and get out, unhurt. His truck remained nearby, partially covered in debris, as he watched recovery efforts from across the street.
High school student Jordan McLaughlin said a thick cloud of dust immediately enveloped the area.
"It was hard to breathe," he said.
The accident happened on the western edge of downtown, between the city's business district and its main train terminal, 30th Street Station. The block had long been a seedy link between gleaming skyscrapers and the busy area around the station.
Maj. John Cranford, of The Salvation Army in Philadelphia, said officials were coordinating with the police and fire department and sent their own disaster response team to the site to serve survivors and first responders.
"Our No. 1 concern is for the safety of our customers and the employees who were involved," he said. "We ask for the public to pray for those involved."
Records show the collapsed building was sold in 1994 for $385,894. Marinakos, the architect, said plans tentatively called for the block to be redeveloped into retail stores and apartments.
A somber Mayor Michael Nutter said those who died were one man and five women but authorities still didn't know how many people had been in the store or on the sidewalk when the accident happened.
Early reports had been that one woman had died in the Wednesday morning accident, but rescuers using buckets and their bare hands to move bricks and rubble kept working through the evening, removing body bags at night. Nutter said the city's emergency workers had been "diligent, determined, focused" in their rescue efforts.
"If anyone else is in that building, they will find them," he said.
One woman was pulled from the rubble of the Salvation Army thrift store two hours after the 10:45 a.m. collapse when rescuers heard her voice, city fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said. Rescuers had been prepared to dig through the rubble all night because they didn't know how many people were in the thrift store when the building collapsed on it.
Survivors were taken to hospitals with mostly minor injuries, and some had been treated and released by evening.
Officials from the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration were at the scene.
The collapse involved an empty building that once housed a first-floor sandwich shop and apartments above. The thrift shop was on one side. The other side was an adult bookstore and theater that had been taken down within the last few months.
Kate Slyman, who was walking to her apartment, said she heard a rumble and the ground shake, "so I immediately took off the other way," reported CBS Station KYW Philadelphia. "And about 15 minutes later, I heard sirens."
Several witnesses said they had been casting a wary eye on the demolition site and questioned how the workers were tackling the job. That raised questions about how closely the highly visible spot on Market Street, one of Philadelphia's signature boulevards, was being monitored.
Roofer Patrick Glynn said he had been watching workers take down the doomed building over the past few weeks, and he said he suspected a collapse was inevitable because of the methods the workers were using.
"For weeks they've been standing on the edge, knocking bricks off," he said. "You could just see it was ready to go at any time. I knew it was going to happen."
Glynn and Anthony Soli were working on a roof atop a nearby building when they heard what sounded like two loud bangs or explosions. They immediately ran down the scaffolding and helped pull out two women and a man.
Steve Cramer, who has been working as a window washer across the street for several days, said the demolition crew left 30 feet of a dividing wall up with no braces and it compromised the integrity of the building
"We've been calling it for the past week -- it's going to fall, it's going to fall," his co-worker Dan Gillis said.
There were no existing violations on the building and the demolition company had proper permits for the work they were doing, according to Carlton Williams, of the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections.The city issued a demolition permit for the four-story structure on Feb. 1. City officials said the property owner was STB Investments Corp.; messages left at the company's New York offices and a local agent's number after business hours Wednesday were not immediately returned. Officials said the contractor was Griffin Campbell Construction in Philadelphia; a message left at a number provided for the firm was not immediately returned.
A demolition expert wondered what precautions were taken to protect the Salvation Army store, especially since it remained open. Stephen Estrin, a Florida contractor who has testified as an expert at several trials involving building collapses, also questioned whether the demolition was being done by hand or with machinery. A piece of equipment with a claw device was seen amid the debris Wednesday.
"This is an inner-city demolition of a masonry building, which would normally be done manually because of the inherent risk -- predictable if certain things are not done very slowly and very carefully -- of a collapse," Estrin said. "One of the problems with claw work is it sets up a vibration in the walls."
Witnesses said they heard a loud rumbling sound immediately before the collapse. More than 100 rescuers and several police dogs searched through the rubble.
"I was standing there looking out my window, watching the men at work on the building, and the next thing I know I heard something go kaboom," said Veronica Haynes, who was on the fifth floor of an apartment building across the street. "Then you saw the whole side of the wall fall down ... onto the other building."
Bernie DiTomo was driving past the Salvation Army store in his pickup truck, on his way to an appointment, when the collapse happened.
"The next thing you know, I heard a rumble, and a building and a sign fell on my truck," he said.
He said he lay down in the seat of his cab. It was probably over in about 30 seconds, he said. There was a lot of dirt and dust, but he was able to open the door and get out, unhurt. His truck remained nearby, partially covered in debris, as he watched recovery efforts from across the street.
High school student Jordan McLaughlin said a thick cloud of dust immediately enveloped the area.
"It was hard to breathe," he said.
The accident happened on the western edge of downtown, between the city's business district and its main train terminal, 30th Street Station. The block had long been a seedy link between gleaming skyscrapers and the busy area around the station.
Maj. John Cranford, of The Salvation Army in Philadelphia, said officials were coordinating with the police and fire department and sent their own disaster response team to the site to serve survivors and first responders.
"Our No. 1 concern is for the safety of our customers and the employees who were involved," he said. "We ask for the public to pray for those involved."
Records show the collapsed building was sold in 1994 for $385,894. Marinakos, the architect, said plans tentatively called for the block to be redeveloped into retail stores and apartments.
Bruins vs penguins
Bruins vs penguins, The Pittsburgh Penguins have potentially reached the point of no return. While it's never wise to say a competition is over before it's over, Pittsburgh has reached the phase where one foot is in the grave and the dirt is starting to pile on. The case will be closed in the event of another Boston Bruins win in the Eastern Conference Final.
Facing the daunting task of a 3-0 series deficit, the Penguins have failed to capitalize on their biggest strength thus far in the series. Boasting an impressive collection of offensive talent, Pittsburgh has only managed two goals in 11 periods of hockey against the Bruins. During Wednesday night's Game 3, the team registered 54 shots against Tuukka Rask and came away with a single tally. This is a far cry from the Penguins that scored at least three goals in all but one playoff game prior to the conference final.
Of course, this is a dynamic that has been discussed at great length.
What comes into question now is what the Penguins can do to attempt to salvage the series. The coaching staff attempted minor alterations in Game 3 by moving Jarome Iginla onto a rotating line with Brandon Sutter, Brenden Morrow and Beau Bennett, while moving Matt Cooke onto the wing of Evgeni Malkin and James Neal. While an admirable attempt, it ultimately didn't result in increased production.
In terms of the team's defensive deficiencies, they weren't as visible as they previously had been in the playoffs. Bylsma stated prior to the contest that the team hoped to keep play out of the neutral zone and more concentrated in the offensive zone. They seemingly were able to accomplish that. However, it still didn't net them a victory.
Goaltending certainly wasn't an issue, as Tomas Vokoun compiled a steady performance that spanned nearly five complete periods of hockey. Bylsma stated he needed such a performance from his goaltender and he got it. Yet, it still didn't result in a win.
One would have to imagine that the Penguins are frustrated about what they can do to alter their fortunes. Game 3, in a general sense, was a fantastic contest. Both teams legitimately could have come away with a victory, which wasn't the case in the first two games of the series. Despite this, Boston still managed to find a way to earn the win.
When looking back on this series, it seems likely that many will wonder what could have been with Pittsburgh. Stock-piling some of the best players in the game, the Penguins swung for the fences in an attempt to capture the franchise's fourth Stanley Cup. While the possibility is still there, the door is rapidly closing on such a scenario.
Unless Pittsburgh manages to extend their season beyond Friday night, it could mean drastic changes this offseason. Speculation has already started to pickup. Of course, in order for those discussions to begin in earnest, the Bruins will need to record one more victory. In the event Pittsburgh performs the way they did on Wednesday night, it will be a challenge for Boston to close them out.
However, the difficulty the Bruins face in winning a single game pales in comparison to the perfection the Penguins will need to achieve to keep their season alive.
Facing the daunting task of a 3-0 series deficit, the Penguins have failed to capitalize on their biggest strength thus far in the series. Boasting an impressive collection of offensive talent, Pittsburgh has only managed two goals in 11 periods of hockey against the Bruins. During Wednesday night's Game 3, the team registered 54 shots against Tuukka Rask and came away with a single tally. This is a far cry from the Penguins that scored at least three goals in all but one playoff game prior to the conference final.
Of course, this is a dynamic that has been discussed at great length.
What comes into question now is what the Penguins can do to attempt to salvage the series. The coaching staff attempted minor alterations in Game 3 by moving Jarome Iginla onto a rotating line with Brandon Sutter, Brenden Morrow and Beau Bennett, while moving Matt Cooke onto the wing of Evgeni Malkin and James Neal. While an admirable attempt, it ultimately didn't result in increased production.
In terms of the team's defensive deficiencies, they weren't as visible as they previously had been in the playoffs. Bylsma stated prior to the contest that the team hoped to keep play out of the neutral zone and more concentrated in the offensive zone. They seemingly were able to accomplish that. However, it still didn't net them a victory.
Goaltending certainly wasn't an issue, as Tomas Vokoun compiled a steady performance that spanned nearly five complete periods of hockey. Bylsma stated he needed such a performance from his goaltender and he got it. Yet, it still didn't result in a win.
One would have to imagine that the Penguins are frustrated about what they can do to alter their fortunes. Game 3, in a general sense, was a fantastic contest. Both teams legitimately could have come away with a victory, which wasn't the case in the first two games of the series. Despite this, Boston still managed to find a way to earn the win.
When looking back on this series, it seems likely that many will wonder what could have been with Pittsburgh. Stock-piling some of the best players in the game, the Penguins swung for the fences in an attempt to capture the franchise's fourth Stanley Cup. While the possibility is still there, the door is rapidly closing on such a scenario.
Unless Pittsburgh manages to extend their season beyond Friday night, it could mean drastic changes this offseason. Speculation has already started to pickup. Of course, in order for those discussions to begin in earnest, the Bruins will need to record one more victory. In the event Pittsburgh performs the way they did on Wednesday night, it will be a challenge for Boston to close them out.
However, the difficulty the Bruins face in winning a single game pales in comparison to the perfection the Penguins will need to achieve to keep their season alive.
CMT awards 2013
CMT awards 2013, Carrie Underwood's awesome week got off to a roaring start at the CMT Music Awards.
Underwood won top honor video of the year Wednesday night for "Blown Away," capping the evening with an emotional tribute to Oklahoma tornado victims before taking the fan-voted award for the second year in a row. Miranda Lambert and Florida Georgia Line were the night's top winners with two awards apiece.
"The good Lord has been very good to me — well, to all of us in this room — for a very long time," Underwood told the crowd after the win.
Underwood — the top winner in CMT Awards history with 10 belt buckles, including four for video of the year — also is celebrating the opening of a Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit and five years with the Grand Ole Opry. She'll close down the Country Music Association Festival on Sunday night. All of this comes less than two weeks after joining the Rolling Stones in Toronto on May 25 — the eighth anniversary of her win on "American Idol."
It was "Idol" that gave Underwood her close relationship with fans, and they continue to show up for her.
"It's crazy and it's amazing and it's all about the fans," Underwood said backstage before leaning against the wall to chat with Lenny Kravitz. "It still blows my mind."
The night belonged to Lambert and FGL before Underwood's flourish at the finish.The duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley won breakthrough video and duo video of the year on their breakthrough hit "Cruise," then performed a remixed version of the song with rapper Nelly to close the show.
The breezy, easy-grooving "Cruise" pushed the duo to country stardom last year. Their remix with Nelly moved into the top five on Billboard's Hot 100 pop songs list this week, making it the rare country crossover hit and an early candidate for song of the summer.
"That came from the songwriting gods themselves," Hubbard said backstage after the show. "We wrote that song with a couple of buddies a few years back. It started at our house. We watched it go from the living room to the stage to the studio to the radio, and it's just continued to build. It's been a wild thing to watch."
Lambert won female video of the year for "Mama's Broken Heart" and CMT performance video of the year for "Over You," recorded during the 2012 "CMT Artist of the Year" broadcast.
"I just got a kiss from Lenny Kravitz," Lambert said as she took the stage for her second trophy. "That was an award in itself."
Much of the early focus of the show was on country's biggest male star, Jason Aldean. Making his first appearance as an awards show co-host, he kicked off the show by playing "American Woman" with Kravitz, got hosting tips from an unlikely cast of characters that included Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Kelsey Grammer, Vince Vaughn, Lorraine Bracco and Luke Bryan.
He also won collaborative video of the year for "The Only Way I Know" with Bryan and Church, who were among the top nominees coming into the show with Lambert.
Lady Antebellum won group video of the year for "Downtown" and took the stage with mother-to-be Hillary Scott about a month from her due date.
"This is Hillary's maternity present coming early," Charles Kelley said.
Lambert's husband Blake Shelton won male video of the year for "Sure Be Cool If You Did" — an award presented by Lambert. Shelton was traveling due to his duties as a coach on TV's "The Voice," so Lambert accepted, shouting, "Honey, I'm drinking for two tonight."
The CMT Awards are rarely focused on winners of the belt buckle trophy and Wednesday night was no different.
Underwood had the most poignant moment of the night with "See You Again," her tribute to tornado victims in her home state. Swift had the night's most eye-catching performance, singing "Red" with a color guard of flag bearers while playing electric guitar and wearing a red-and-black shorts-and-overcoat ensemble that had a Sgt. Pepper feel to it.
Nicole Kidman with husband Keith Urban joined in as Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum led the crowd at Bridgestone Arena in a "Wagon Wheel" sing-a-long. Hunter Hayes took it outside and walked through a crowd of hundreds before taking the stage, and Bryan performed across the street at Lower Broadway venue The Stage.
And Little Big Town sang Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" as fog enveloped the stage and Urban joined them for an extended guitar solo.
Underwood won top honor video of the year Wednesday night for "Blown Away," capping the evening with an emotional tribute to Oklahoma tornado victims before taking the fan-voted award for the second year in a row. Miranda Lambert and Florida Georgia Line were the night's top winners with two awards apiece.
"The good Lord has been very good to me — well, to all of us in this room — for a very long time," Underwood told the crowd after the win.
Underwood — the top winner in CMT Awards history with 10 belt buckles, including four for video of the year — also is celebrating the opening of a Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit and five years with the Grand Ole Opry. She'll close down the Country Music Association Festival on Sunday night. All of this comes less than two weeks after joining the Rolling Stones in Toronto on May 25 — the eighth anniversary of her win on "American Idol."
It was "Idol" that gave Underwood her close relationship with fans, and they continue to show up for her.
"It's crazy and it's amazing and it's all about the fans," Underwood said backstage before leaning against the wall to chat with Lenny Kravitz. "It still blows my mind."
The night belonged to Lambert and FGL before Underwood's flourish at the finish.The duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley won breakthrough video and duo video of the year on their breakthrough hit "Cruise," then performed a remixed version of the song with rapper Nelly to close the show.
The breezy, easy-grooving "Cruise" pushed the duo to country stardom last year. Their remix with Nelly moved into the top five on Billboard's Hot 100 pop songs list this week, making it the rare country crossover hit and an early candidate for song of the summer.
"That came from the songwriting gods themselves," Hubbard said backstage after the show. "We wrote that song with a couple of buddies a few years back. It started at our house. We watched it go from the living room to the stage to the studio to the radio, and it's just continued to build. It's been a wild thing to watch."
Lambert won female video of the year for "Mama's Broken Heart" and CMT performance video of the year for "Over You," recorded during the 2012 "CMT Artist of the Year" broadcast.
"I just got a kiss from Lenny Kravitz," Lambert said as she took the stage for her second trophy. "That was an award in itself."
Much of the early focus of the show was on country's biggest male star, Jason Aldean. Making his first appearance as an awards show co-host, he kicked off the show by playing "American Woman" with Kravitz, got hosting tips from an unlikely cast of characters that included Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Kelsey Grammer, Vince Vaughn, Lorraine Bracco and Luke Bryan.
He also won collaborative video of the year for "The Only Way I Know" with Bryan and Church, who were among the top nominees coming into the show with Lambert.
Lady Antebellum won group video of the year for "Downtown" and took the stage with mother-to-be Hillary Scott about a month from her due date.
"This is Hillary's maternity present coming early," Charles Kelley said.
Lambert's husband Blake Shelton won male video of the year for "Sure Be Cool If You Did" — an award presented by Lambert. Shelton was traveling due to his duties as a coach on TV's "The Voice," so Lambert accepted, shouting, "Honey, I'm drinking for two tonight."
The CMT Awards are rarely focused on winners of the belt buckle trophy and Wednesday night was no different.
Underwood had the most poignant moment of the night with "See You Again," her tribute to tornado victims in her home state. Swift had the night's most eye-catching performance, singing "Red" with a color guard of flag bearers while playing electric guitar and wearing a red-and-black shorts-and-overcoat ensemble that had a Sgt. Pepper feel to it.
Nicole Kidman with husband Keith Urban joined in as Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum led the crowd at Bridgestone Arena in a "Wagon Wheel" sing-a-long. Hunter Hayes took it outside and walked through a crowd of hundreds before taking the stage, and Bryan performed across the street at Lower Broadway venue The Stage.
And Little Big Town sang Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" as fog enveloped the stage and Urban joined them for an extended guitar solo.
North korea south korea
North korea south korea, North Korea on Friday proposed working-level talks with South Korea to be held in a border city on Sunday as the rivals look to mend ties that have plunged during recent years amid hardline stances by both countries.
In another sign of easing tensions ahead of the proposed meeting, Pyongyang said in a statement that it would reopen a Red Cross communication line with South Korea in their truce village later Friday. The North shut the communication line in March during a tense period marked by North Korean threats of war and South Korean counter-threats.
The statement by an unidentified spokesman for the North's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea, which handles relations with Seoul, followed the countries' agreement Thursday to hold talks on reopening a jointly run factory complex and possibly other issues. The easing tension also comes ahead of a summit by the leaders of China and the United States in which the North is expected to be a key topic.
South Korea in April proposed government-level talks about the factory complex and on Thursday suggested holding ministerial talks in Seoul on Wednesday. But the North Korean statement said that working-level talks are needed before any higher-level meetings "in the light of the prevailing situation in which the bilateral relations have been stalemated for years and mistrust has reached the extremity."
The envisioned talks, which Pyongyang is proposing be held in the North Korean border city of Kaesong, could help ease tensions, but the topic of ridding the North of its nuclear weapons program is not up for debate.
A key issue is finding a way to reopen the factory complex in Kaesong, which is just north of the Demilitarized Zone separating the countries.
The decade-old Kaesong complex, the product of an era of inter-Korean cooperation, shut down gradually after Pyongyang cut border communications and access, then pulled the complex's 53,000 North Korean workers. The last South Korean managers at Kaesong left last month.
In another sign of easing tensions ahead of the proposed meeting, Pyongyang said in a statement that it would reopen a Red Cross communication line with South Korea in their truce village later Friday. The North shut the communication line in March during a tense period marked by North Korean threats of war and South Korean counter-threats.
The statement by an unidentified spokesman for the North's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea, which handles relations with Seoul, followed the countries' agreement Thursday to hold talks on reopening a jointly run factory complex and possibly other issues. The easing tension also comes ahead of a summit by the leaders of China and the United States in which the North is expected to be a key topic.
South Korea in April proposed government-level talks about the factory complex and on Thursday suggested holding ministerial talks in Seoul on Wednesday. But the North Korean statement said that working-level talks are needed before any higher-level meetings "in the light of the prevailing situation in which the bilateral relations have been stalemated for years and mistrust has reached the extremity."
The envisioned talks, which Pyongyang is proposing be held in the North Korean border city of Kaesong, could help ease tensions, but the topic of ridding the North of its nuclear weapons program is not up for debate.
A key issue is finding a way to reopen the factory complex in Kaesong, which is just north of the Demilitarized Zone separating the countries.
The decade-old Kaesong complex, the product of an era of inter-Korean cooperation, shut down gradually after Pyongyang cut border communications and access, then pulled the complex's 53,000 North Korean workers. The last South Korean managers at Kaesong left last month.
Immigration vote
Immigration vote, If you've been hoping Republicans in the House would consider an immigration reform bill with a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, this won't be good news.
The House passed a homeland security spending bill on Wednesday that sent a message to immigrants in the country without authorization: we don't want you here.
Nearly all House Republicans voted to add an amendment to the bill that would cut funding for an Obama administration program that allows young undocumented immigrants to live and work in the U.S.
Among the many Republicans who voted yes were House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and two GOP congressman who are part of a bipartisan "Gang of Eight" working on an immigration reform bill.
The reason immigration came up during the discussion of homeland security funding is because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security oversees federal immigration programs, including the aforementioned initiative, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
"I think it sends a very interesting signal to the Latino community because this motion would essentially invalidate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for DREAMers," said Cecilia Muñoz, the director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, at a briefing for Hispanic media. "It will be interesting to see what the reaction is in the community."
The vote is largely symbolic. It's very unlikely the Democrat-controlled Senate would support a bill containing that provision, or that the president would sign it into law.
But with an immigration reform bill heading to the Senate floor on Monday, the vote shows that a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants -- even those already screened and working legally -- aren't a priority for House Republicans.
The amendment's sponsor, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), certainly sees it that way. He's been working to derail the immigration reform bill in the Senate, dubbing it "amnesty" for undocumented immigrants.
"My amendment blocks many of the provisions that are mirrored in the Senate's 'Gang of Eight' bill," he wrote in a statement. "If this position holds, no amnesty will reach the President's desk."
The reaction from the country's largest activist network of undocumented youth was sharp and swift:
"This is an outrage and the exact opposite of what our country needs from its political leaders," Cristina Jiménez said in a statement. "Does Speaker Boehner want to follow Rep. Steve King's lead and seal his party's fate as an out-of-touch, extremist party that has forever marginalized the immigrant and Latino community?"
Republicans weren't entirely alone in wanting to defund the program for undocumented youth. Three Democrats voted for the amendment: Reps. John Barrow (Ga.), Nick Rahall (W.Va.) and Mike McIntyre (N.C.).
The House passed a homeland security spending bill on Wednesday that sent a message to immigrants in the country without authorization: we don't want you here.
Nearly all House Republicans voted to add an amendment to the bill that would cut funding for an Obama administration program that allows young undocumented immigrants to live and work in the U.S.
Among the many Republicans who voted yes were House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and two GOP congressman who are part of a bipartisan "Gang of Eight" working on an immigration reform bill.
The reason immigration came up during the discussion of homeland security funding is because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security oversees federal immigration programs, including the aforementioned initiative, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
"I think it sends a very interesting signal to the Latino community because this motion would essentially invalidate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for DREAMers," said Cecilia Muñoz, the director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, at a briefing for Hispanic media. "It will be interesting to see what the reaction is in the community."
The vote is largely symbolic. It's very unlikely the Democrat-controlled Senate would support a bill containing that provision, or that the president would sign it into law.
But with an immigration reform bill heading to the Senate floor on Monday, the vote shows that a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants -- even those already screened and working legally -- aren't a priority for House Republicans.
The amendment's sponsor, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), certainly sees it that way. He's been working to derail the immigration reform bill in the Senate, dubbing it "amnesty" for undocumented immigrants.
"My amendment blocks many of the provisions that are mirrored in the Senate's 'Gang of Eight' bill," he wrote in a statement. "If this position holds, no amnesty will reach the President's desk."
The reaction from the country's largest activist network of undocumented youth was sharp and swift:
"This is an outrage and the exact opposite of what our country needs from its political leaders," Cristina Jiménez said in a statement. "Does Speaker Boehner want to follow Rep. Steve King's lead and seal his party's fate as an out-of-touch, extremist party that has forever marginalized the immigrant and Latino community?"
Republicans weren't entirely alone in wanting to defund the program for undocumented youth. Three Democrats voted for the amendment: Reps. John Barrow (Ga.), Nick Rahall (W.Va.) and Mike McIntyre (N.C.).