Showing posts with label usa news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label usa news. Show all posts

Saturday, May 21, 2011

New Zealand Earthquake 2011

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A strong earthquake shook New Zealand on Tuesday afternoon, according to reports.

The 6.3-magnitude quake, per the USGS, shook New Zealand's South Island and its largest city of Christchurch at 12:50 p.m. local time.

The New Zealand Herald reported that the quake's epicenter was Lyttelton with a depth of 5 kilometers, though it was felt as far away as Wellington and Dunedin per Twitter reports. It shook the Canterbury region, which has a population of approximately 500,000. Radio New Zealand reports "that some people have been killed."

Radio New Zealand also noted some of the damage from the quake in Christchurch: a church collapsed, a bridge is impassible, the airport has been shut down and the mayor is urging people not to drive due to road damage.

HuffPost reader Laura Campbell submitted these photos of the damage in Christchurch. A local New Zealand media outlet posted this photo of damage to Chirstchurch's historic Christchurch Cathedral.

Videos of the quake are beginning to surface on YouTube. One video (watch below) shows shaking, presumably an aftershock, and fallen rocks among the damage outside Christchurch.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Natalie Portman Pregnant, Engaged to Benjamin Millepied

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Natalie Portman is engaged to choreographer Benjamin Millepied, and the couple is expecting their first child, her rep confirmed to ABC News.

Portman, 29, and Millepied, 32, met during the production of "Black Swan." Millepied, a principal dancer in New York City Ballet, choreographed the film, which has earned Portman nominations for Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards.

The notoriously private Portman has been linked to Millepied, a classically trained ballet dancer who was born in France, since early this year, when gossip sites began reporting that the pair started quietly dating last fall.

According to the New York Post, Millepied split with his live-in girlfriend, a dancer in the American Ballet Theater, when he began seeing Portman.
VIDEO: A double announcement from Natalie Portman whose engaged to Benjamin Millepied.
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VIDEO: A double announcement from Natalie Portman whose engaged to Benjamin Millepied.
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Natalie Portman's 'Black Swan' Fuels Oscar Buzz Watch Video
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The actress had been previously linked to folk singer Devendra Banhart and Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal.

In an interview four years ago for Ynet.news, Portman, who was born in Israel, said she would like to bring up her children in the Jewish faith: "A priority for me is definitely that I'd like to raise my kids Jewish, but the ultimate thing is to have someone who is a good person and who is a partner."

It's unknown whether Millepied is Jewish.

Eating for Two?

Perhaps, tellingly, Portman has been talking about how much she's been eating these days.

"I consume my own weight in hum mus every day," she told Vogue. "I cook a lot, and I even do vegan baking."

"I like pleasure. I like joy. I'd never get to the point where I would starve or injure myself like Nina does," she said, referring to her "Black Swan" character. "I'm the opposite -- when I'm hungry, I eat, and I always make sure I'm eating something delicious."

To play a ballerina in "Black Swan," Portman dropped 20 pounds from her already petite frame, leading director Darren Aronofsky to worry that she'd perhaps gone too far in preparing for the role.

"At a certain point, I looked at [Natalie's] back, and she was so skinny and so cut," Aronofsky told "Access Hollywood." "I was like, 'Natalie, start eating.' I made sure she had a bunch of food in her trailer."

Update: Natalie released a statement to EW saying, "I have always kept my private life private but I will say that I am indescribably happy and feel very grateful to have this experience.

Tia Mowry and Husband Cory Hardrict Having A Baby Boy

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Tia Mowry and her husband Cory Hardrict are in the latest issue of PEOPLE on magazine racks now. Inside, we have the pics plus a shocking clip from this week's "Braxton Family Values." As a bonus, there is more great news to report about Jumping The Broom at the box office.

We told you previously about the sexy nude pregnancy shoot that Tia Mowry completed, now her and Cory are in the latest issue of PEOPLE.

Tia tells the mag that been pregnant is stressful but Cory makes it better because he cooks for here everyday.  Cute. 


Towanda Braxton gets some bad news as she finds out that she has one day to vacate the rental home she is living in.

We told you that Jumping The Broom had a great weekend, but we didn't expect it to get even better.  Reports from Hollywood show that the Mother's Day holiday gave the movie a big boost at the box office with many theaters racking up sales on Sunday.

Now the movie is expected to end the weekend with $15.3 million in ticket sales.  And the Hollywood Reporter also added that while it’s unusual for a Hollywood studio to launch an African-American themed movie in the summer, the flick's box office sales could have a big impact on the production on Black films. 

Cory Hardrict and Tia Mowry Wedding

Cory Hardrict and Tia Mowry were married at the Biltmore Hotel in Santa Barbara. Over 170 guests were in attendance on the Monte Vista Lawn, including Brittany Daniel and Jaleel White.

The bride wore an ivory Kevan Hall silk tulle gown with an empire waist, paired with Jimmy Choo platform pumps and Erica Courtney diamond earrings.

Her four bridesmaids, including her twin sister, Tamera Mowry, wore custom Tadashi gowns.

The groom wore a satin Hugo Boss suit with an ivory tie.

The bride was escorted down the aisle on the arm of her father, Timothy Mowry, as singer Kenny Lattimore performed “For You.” She carried a bouquet of pink and purple roses with a diamond infinity necklace (her “something new”) wrapped around the base of the arrangement. The necklace was a wedding gift from her sister, Tamera.

The couple were married under an archway of pink, fuschia, lavendar and cream colored roses created by Fiore Designs.

After being pronounced husband and wife, guests cheered and celebrated by showering the couple with rose petals.

Following the ceremony, a “Midsummer Night’s Dream”-themed reception was held in the ballroom and a four-course dinner was served.

Mowry changed into a Kevan Hall bateau neck cocktail dress and Spare Soles slippers, so she could enjoy dancing. The couple’s first dance as husband and wife was to “Dangerously In Love 2″ by Beyonce.

DJ Michael “Shell Hayes” then took over and played dance music all night.

Before the reception was over, guests were served a four-tier, Cake Divas wedding cake adorned with roses and Swarovski crystal butterflies.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

One Tree Hill Season 9 'One Tree Hill's' Stephen Colletti on Season 9

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At The CW's Upfront presentation on May 19, the network will announce their schedule for the 2011-2012 season, and "One Tree Hill" fans will finally learn whether or not their beloved characters will come back for an incredible ninth season on the air. Fans and cast alike have been actively campaigning to extend the series for at least one more year, and new series regular Stephen Colletti is no exception.

Though Colletti first joined the show in Season 4 (remember Chase as a Clean Teen?) he's only recently been added to the title credits as a main cast member. He's got his fingers crossed that Season 9 will get picked up -- he's already contracted to return -- so that Chase can get a chance to be more integrated with the rest of the characters.

But what of the critics who say that the series has run its course?

"I think that with the mastermind that is [creator] Mark Schwahn, there's always story left in there," Colletti tells Zap2it. "Personally I was really excited about the opportunity to come back because I just became a regular recently. In the last couple of seasons my story has really started to pick up and have more legs to it, where Chase actually gets out from behind the bar a bit more. He isn't just the gopher that pops up from time to time, says hello, and then burrows back down. I'd be excited about it."

More importantly, Colletti says, he thinks that after devoting the better part of a decade to the series, the fans, cast, and writers deserve a farewell season -- in other words, a season that is announced as a final bow, as "Smallville's" 10th season was this year.

"My prediction would be that Season 9 would actually be it, the end," he says. He's likely right, especially as series vets Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Galeotti have only agreed to one more season in their contracts. "I think this is the kind of show that owes that to the fans, where we should have a farewell season and let it be known that it's the last one. I definitely have one more in me, and I think that everyone else on the show does, too. The fans deserve a great farewell season."

When we recently spoke with creator Mark Schwahn, he suggested that the end of Season 8 has left the cast and crew feeling reinvigorated about the show, and that's no surprise given the most recent episodes, which have had more action and more romance than we've seen for a few months on the series.

READ MORE

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/05/one-tree-hills-stephen-colletti-on-season-9-the-fans-deserve-a-farewell-season.html

Dirk Nowitzki's historic Game 1 leads Mavericks past Thunder

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DALLAS — If this is the rusty version of the Dallas Mavericks, the Oklahoma City Thunder could be in for a short stay in the Western Conference finals.

The Mavericks, coming off a nine-day layoff after sweeping the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, rode Dirk Nowitzki's 48 points Tuesday to defeat the Thunder 121-112 for their seventh consecutive postseason victory.

Game 2 is here Thursday (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET). The Thunder haven't lost two in a row since April 2.

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      BOX SCORE: Mavericks 121, Thunder 112
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      SCHEDULE: Complete matchups, dates and results

The Thunder had no answer for Nowitzki, who shot 12-for-15 from the field and a record 24-for-24 from the free throw line, including a playoff record-tying 13-for-13 in the third quarter. "He's reading situations extremely well," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said of Nowitzki's sixth 40-point playoff effort.

Thunder power forwards Serge Ibaka and Nick Collison picked up their fourth fouls early in the third quarter trying to contain the 7-footer. Oklahoma City was forced to use 6-9 Kevin Durant and Thabo Sefolosha, a 6-5 shooting guard who also picked up three of his four fouls guarding Nowitzki.

Although noted for his long-range shooting, Nowitzki didn't take a three-point shot. He made the extra dribble to get a higher-percentage shot or the extra pass to get a teammate an open look as Dallas shot 53.4% from the field.

"I was really looking to shoot early and was able to get my rhythm after the first couple of shots," Nowitzki said. "I kept attacking and my teammates kept feeding me and feeding me and I was able to take advantage over some smaller players."

The Thunder — fresh off a seven-game series against Memphis that included a total of four overtimes — led by nine early in the second quarter, then went 6:28 between baskets. They missed 10 shots during that drought and were down by 11 when it ended. They eventually trailed by 16 before clawing within five points with 3:42 left, and six with 48.5 seconds to play.
READ MORE
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2011-05-17-mavericks-thunder_N.htm

Stevie Nicks performs new song 'Single Love' on Dancing with the Stars Continue reading on Examiner.com Stevie Nicks performs new song 'Single Love' on Dancing with the Stars

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Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke had a treat on Tuesday night’s Dancing with the Stars Semifinals results show. The duo introduced the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and music legend Stevie Nicks. The entertainer, one of two musical acts who graced the elimination show, had everyone delighted with two singles.

Sharing first her new single ‘Single Love’ and first heard on prime time. The song, from the new album, In your Dreams, was well received by the audience with people popping up from their chairs to give the artist a standing ovation.

Coming back later in the program, Stevie Nicks took time to perform a Fleetwood Mac classic that made everyone’s heart melt. Singing Landslide, the entertainer had everyone in a nostalgic moment that was delightfully special to those who loved the song.
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The elimination show on Tuesday night was all about finding out the final three who will move on for the Dancing with the Stars final next Monday night. The couples relied on votes from America and the judges scores which left Hines Ward, Chelsea Kane and Kirstie Alley to compete for the mirror ball trophy. After revealing the results, actor Ralph Macchio was eliminated and won’t be competing further.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Stevie Nicks performs new song 'Single Love' on Dancing with the Stars - National Dancing With the Stars | Examiner.com

http://www.examiner.com/dancing-with-the-stars-in-national/stevie-nicks-performs-new-song-single-love-on-dancing-with-the-stars#ixzz1MgVWgkFP

Monday, May 16, 2011

Ronnie James Dio First death Anniversary

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It’s exactly a year ago since the passing of a metal legend. Ronnie James Dio passed away with his wife and manager Wendy at his side on May 16 2010, but thankfully not before many had the chance to say their last goodbye’s – “Ronnie knew how much he was loved by everybody” said Wendy

Judging by the flood of tributes that poured in, she was right. Everyone who is anyone in the world of Rock n’ Roll stated how much they had been influenced by the great man and those who had the privilege to have met him or played with him had nothing but kind words

Tony Iommi who played with Dio in Black Sabbath during, arguably, the bands greatest years and their re-incarnation Heaven & Hell said:

“Ronnie was one of the nicest people you could ever meet; we had some fantastic times together. Ronnie loved what he did, making music and performing on stage. His music will live on forever”

Lars Ulrich of Metallica posted a moving open letter on the web, stating that the man who invented “the horns” was responsible for him getting on the stage:

“Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you.”

Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour called Dio “one of the strongest, purist and consistent singers of all time. Ronnie sang like he lived — all out, from the heart, with so much honesty and joy. He was a great man with a smile and a handshake for fans and peers alike. He spoke his mind and stood his ground for decades. I will miss him dearly.”

And still they kept coming – tributes of thanks and joy mixed with sadness that RJD would no longer stalk the stage; his huge voice booming out huge songs despite his diminutive stature.

Gene Simmons of Kiss, Slayer’s Kerry King, Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, Alice Cooper, The Deftones, Killswitch Engage, Michael Anthony of Van Halen and Chickenfoot, Ozzy Osbourne, whom he replaced in Sabbath…the list was endless. They all had something to say about Ronnie, his music, his contribution, his warmth and his kindness.

As news broke of his death, bands all over the world played covers of his songs at their shows in honour of their hero – Pearl Jam kicked into “Heaven and Hell” at their gig when the news broke – Kiss’s Paul Stanley led a chant in his honour in front of a stadium full of fans in Switzerland.

Facebook was inundated – 45,000 fans from all over the world left messages in a single day.

READ MORE

http://www.rockaaa.com/editorial-2/first-anniversary-of-ronnie-james-dio%E2%80%99s-death-5385

The Tree of Life Cannes 2011 review

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Prehistoric and cosmic visions aside, Terrence Malick's film is an unashamedly epic reflection on love and loss Terrence Malick's mad and magnificent film descends slowly, like some sort of prototypical spaceship: it's a cosmic-interior epic of vainglorious proportions, a rebuke to realism, a disavowal of irony and comedy, a meditation on memory, and a gasp of horror and awe at the mysterious inevitability of loving, and losing those we love.

Sean Penn has a central but minor role as Jack, a careworn 21st-century corporate executive who is now disenchanted with his life. At the moment of crisis, he is carried back to an ecstatically remembered 1950s boyhood in smalltown America. He remembers his relationship with his demanding, disciplinarian father, played by Brad Pitt, and the brother who died at the age of 19: the news is brought to his distraught mother (Jessica Chastain) via an official communication – the telegraph delivery boy thrusts it into her hands and walks quickly away – so he appears to have died on military service.

Jack realises that time, far from healing the wounds of loss, only makes them more painful. Along with the dream-lit tableaux from his childhood, he is vouchsafed extraordinary visions of geological time and the unknowable reaches of the universe, in comparison with which his loss is meaningless. And yet meaning has to be found if the pain is not to be unendurable. In a sense, the purpose of these gigantic visions is to anaesthetise the pain of being alive and not understanding.

Brad Pitt dominates the bulk of the film as Mr O'Brien, who appears on the face of it to be a God-fearing family man with a button-down shirt and crewcut, brusquely but sincerely in harmony with his gentle, beautiful and profoundly religious wife. Chastain has a voiceover at the very beginning asking her sons to prefer God's grace to the beauties of nature, as the truer path. But O'Brien is far more complex than first appears: he is angry with his boys; he respects the severity of traditional churchgoing belief, but aspires to riches and worldliness, taking out patents in the aeronautics industry and dissipating the family's means in the process.

READ MORE

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/may/16/cannes-2011-the-tree-of-life-review

'Survivor' Winner 'Boston' Rob Mariano Wins 'Survivor

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For "Boston" Rob Mariano, fourth time's a charm.

The longtime "Survivor" veteran took home the crown of the series' 22nd season on Sunday, beating out 17 other contestants in "Survivor: Redemption Island." He won a resounding victory, finishing on top of an 8-0-1 vote against co-finalists Phillip Sheppard and Natalie Tenerelli.

Filmed in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, the show's main attraction was the returns of rivals Mariano and Russell Hantz, who was also a previously well-known player. Things didn't go as smoothly for Hantz, as he was the third player voted out. Mariano, once the leader of the Villains tribe in "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains," made friends quickly and catapulted himself to the top.

As the winner, Mariano takes home $1 million in prize money and, finally, the ultimate prize in his illustrious reality show career, which also includes multiple appearances (with his wife Amber) on CBS' "The Amazing Race."

"You don't know for sure until the votes are read, but I had a pretty good feeling," Mariano told the Associated Press. "I played my heart out. I love this game, but you've got to get lucky along the way, too. I know what it takes. It's really, really difficult. I'm really, really happy things happened the way they did this time."

For more on the finale, click over to Clicker, Entertainment Weekly and Survivor.com.

 SOURCE
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/16/survivor-winner-boston-rob-mariano-survivor-redemption-island_n_862303.html

Joakim Noah And The Bulls Dominate LeBron James Heat In Game One

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The Chicago Bulls, lead by Joakim Noah’s rebounds, dominated the Miami Heat in game 1 tonight at the United Center in Chicago 103-82 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Bulls, lead by Derrick Rose (28 points) and Luol Deng (21 points and 7 rebounds) points wise and Joakim Noah in rebounds (14 and 9 points), sailed past the Miami Heat in game one. Carlos Boozer had 9 rebounds and 14 points for the evening as well for the Bulls.

As for the Heat, Chris Bosh lead their defeat, with 30 points for the evening and 9 rebounds. Dwyane Wade added 18 points and 3 rebounds and LeBron James added 15 points and 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Chicago, who trailed at the end of the first quarter 23-20, had a fight as well going into halftime with the score tying at 48 each. However, in the third Chicago clearly started to pull away, almost doubling the Heat 24-15 in the third and 31-19 in the fourth quarter. Maybe they were out to prove something to the press who hyped Miami as the clear favorites to win this series? Or maybe the voodoo dolls that Clevelanders made for LeBron are finally starting to work?

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http://www.current-movie-reviews.com/sports/2011/05/15/joakim-noah-and-the-bulls-dominate-lebron-james-heat-in-game-one/

Pirates of the Caribbean Competition Terms and Conditions

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Pirates of the Caribbean Competition Terms and Conditions
1. Information on how to enter and prizes form part of these conditions of entry.

2. This is a game of skill with entrants sending in the answer to the question “Who plays Captain Barbossa in the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”

3. Entry is open to persons over 18 years of age and Queensland residents only. Employees of Fairfax Digital Australia and New Zealand Pty Limited, the promoter, and their immediate families are ineligible to enter. Only one entry per person is permitted. All duplicate entries will be removed prior to the prize draw.

4. Promotion commences on May 16 and closes at 1pm, May 27, 2011. Promotion will be via the Fairfax Digital Network - http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au.

5. There are five major prizes and 10 runner up prizes to be given away for the duration of the competition. The draws will take place at 2pm, May 27, 2011, at Fairfax Digital, Level 13, 379 Queen Street, Brisbane. All winners will be notified by email. The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

6. To enter: User's must send their entry and contact details: name, age, address, phone number and email address to: btcomps@brisbanetimes.com.au.

7. Prize Details are as follows:
Major Prizes: 5 x movie prize packs containing a 3D family pass to Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides as well as a limited edition key chain, bandana, watch, phone strap, diary, cap, stainless steel water bottle, bracelet beaded necklace and a men’s and women’s t-shirt.
Runner Up Prizes: 10 x family movie passes  (4 tickets) to see Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Admit 4 ticket is valid at participating cinemas:
•    Australian Multiplex Cinemas       
•    Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas     
•    EVENT Cinemas        
•    Greater Union Cinemas              
•    Hoyts Cinemas         
•    Independent Cinemas                
•    Movie Master Cinemas                               
•    Palace Cinemas        
•    Reading Cinemas      
•    Wallis Cinemas         
•    Village Cinemas

A $1 refundable cost for a pair of re-usable 3D glasses purchase will be required at most cinemas.
A $5 refundable deposit may be required at some cinemas for the 3D glasses
Not valid for Gold Class; Special Event sessions or Vmax at Village Cinemas.
Not valid for Gold Class and Vmax at Event Cinemas.
Not valid for Gold Class and Vmax at Greater Union and Birch Carroll & Coyle.
Not valid for La Premiere, Directors Suite, thehalfpipe, Xtremescreen or IMAX at Hoyts Cinemas.
Not valid at Reading Gold Lounge and Hayden Orpheum Cinemas.
Not valid at Ace Gold Lounge Cinemas, Special Event sessions or 3D sessions at Ace Cinemas.
 Not valid public holidays, all day Tuesday, discount days or Saturday after 5pm.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/your-brisbane/pirates-of-the-caribbean-competition-terms-and-conditions-20110516-1eoop.html#ixzz1MVDmcmWo


Kevin Durant and LeBron James Career Parallels at Age 22 and Season Four

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It was almost too easy to forget while watching him drop 39 points and lead his Oklahoma City Thunder to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since the franchise moved from Seattle:

Kevin Durant is only 22-years old. And this is only his fourth season in the league.

Durant already has two scoring titles and All-NBA first team selections to his name just a year removed from being able to legally buy a beer for himself. But when thinking about who else made such a splash at the same age and same season in the league, one has to shift his eyes away from the Oklahoma City superstar to South Beach.

The comparisons are with one LeBron James, and the stage is in Cleveland back in 2007.

When James was 22 and in Year Four, he took the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first and only trip to the NBA Finals. That run included one of LeBron's signature moments in the Eastern Conference Finals against Detroit, where "The King" scored the Cavs' final 25 points, 29 of their last 30, all 18 in the two overtime sessions combined and 48 overall to help Cleveland break Detroit's back and take a 3-2 series lead.

Many NBA fans will stop the comparisons right there. To compare the two is asinine, they will say. Sure, Durant has had signature moments in these playoffs, such as scoring Oklahoma City's last nine points in the closeout game against Denver and 41 overall. Or his Game 7 performance against Memphis where he made superstar plays on both ends of the floor en route to 39 points and nine rebounds on 13-of-25 shooting.

But neither moment stacks up to that moment. The moment in Game 5 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit on that May evening in 2007. And Durant is still a ways away from taking his Thunder to the Finals like LeBron did, especially with a white-hot Dallas team serving as the barrier between Oklahoma City and the NBA's biggest stage.

However, comparing the climate of the league back then to the one it is in now is like comparing apples and oranges. The 2007 Cavs could arguably be the worst team in NBA history to make the Finals, as you would be hard-pressed to name a single Cavalier on that particular squad outside of LeBron. But those Cavs also had what has to be—by far—the easiest road to the NBA Finals.

Cleveland took out two .500 teams in Washington and New Jersey in the first two rounds, respectively. Neither the Wizards or Nets would have even come close to qualifying for the playoffs in the Western Conference, either this year or in several subsequent years. The 53-win Detroit team that LeBron helped take out in the Eastern Conference Finals had a worse record than Durant's 55-win Thunder this year and would have been a first round matchup for OKC had they been in the West.

That has to negate some of the argument that Durant has a better team around him right now. No Cavalier other than LeBron had a triple-double during his career in Cleveland, let alone in the playoffs like Russell Westbrook did in Game 7 against Memphis. But the Thunder are playing far superior competition, and Durant is still the headliner on one of the league's young and exciting team. Even the eighth-seeded Grizzlies were a better team than any team the Cavs beat in '07 because of the way they played in these playoffs.

READ MORE

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/701483-kevin-durant-and-lebron-james-career-parallels-at-age-22-and-season-four

Amanda Knox case resurfaces as key hearing nears

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It was the first house she looked at upon arriving in the small town in central Italy that would be her home for a semester abroad.

But Amanda Knox immediately knew it was the one for her.

The University of Washington student had been in Perugia for just a few hours on a hot summer day in 2007 with her younger sister, Deanna, who saw a poster that included the word "appartamento."

They followed the girl who had posted the ad to a charming, four-bedroom villa near the University for Foreigners of Perugia overlooking a small valley where figs grew.
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The sisters chatted for hours in the kitchen with the two friendly Italian girls who lived there and made plans with them to tour the town the next day.

To the wanderlust-driven young American, who had been hitting the books hard and working multiple jobs since high school so she could study abroad, it was a dream come true.

"She didn't need to see any other place, she didn't need to see any other listings, she was set," says her sister.

British exchange student Meredith Kercher moved into the house shortly after Knox settled in. The two foreigners became fast friends, Knox's friends and family say, as they explored Perugia together.

None of them had any way of knowing that just weeks later, the home would be the scene of a grisly stabbing that would leave Kercher dead and Knox branded her cold-blooded killer.

Prosecutors in Perugia said Knox directed then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito and another man infatuated with her, Rudy Guede, to hold Kercher down as Knox played with a knife before slashing Kercher's throat.

Knox and Sollecito were convicted in 2009. Knox was sentenced to 26 years in prison and Sollecito is serving a 25-year sentence. Guede, a drifter originally from the Ivory Coast, was tried separately and is serving a 16-year sentence.

Doubts over the forensic evidence used to convict Knox, 23, and Sollecito continue to linger. Knox has appealed her conviction and is awaiting the results of retesting of two controversial pieces of forensic evidence presented at her trial.

The first is a knife found in Sollecito's apartment with Knox's DNA on the handle and what prosecutors said was Kercher's DNA in a tiny groove on the blade. Forensic experts are also testing a tiny metal clasp from Kercher's bra that was cut from her body after her murder. Forensic scientists in the investigatory phase determined that Sollecito's DNA is present on the metal clasp.

READ MORE

http://articles.cnn.com/2011-05-06/justice/amanda.knox.profile_1_knox-and-sollecito-kercher-s-dna-sollecito-s-dna?_s=PM:CRIME

Natalee Holloway's mom She's dead

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Nearly six years ago, Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway disappeared in Aruba.

Her mother, Beth Holloway, has been relentless in her pursuit of the truth in her daughter's case, which is still unsolved.

But on "The Early Show" Tuesday, when speaking about her new Lifetime TV series, Beth Holloway admitted she doesn't think her daughter is alive today.

She said she reached the realization after learning of the death of 21-year-old Stephany Flores, allegedly at the hands of Joran van der Sloot in Peru.

She said, "(When) I discovered ferocity in which he murdered Stephany Flores. That put it in perspective for me as to what transpired with Natalee."

Van der Sloot has been charged with Flores' murder and is a "person of interest" in Natalee Holloway's disappearance. Van der Sloot has been in a prison in Lima, Peru, since June 2010, pending trial. Van der Sloot admitted details of Flores' murder to a Peruvian newspaper last year, saying he hit Flores repeatedly after she looked at his laptop. He has, in recent years, admitted to involvement in Natalee Holloway's death and then recanted his accounts.

Holloway told Wragge, "It was after ... the shocking news. For me to hear that Joran had murdered another young woman, I think that's when it all came into perspective for me as to who this young man was, and he's a violent - he's a killer."

Prior to airing her new show, Lifetime also aired a documentary that showed video of Holloway visiting van der Sloot in prison last year in Peru.

Wragge asked Holloway to describe her experience of seeing him behind bars.

"I never could have imagined that I was going to be face-to-face with Joran in prison," Holloway said. "Opportunity presented itself. All parents missing a loved one will do anything and everything. And I decided, 'OK, I want to be face-to-face with him again."'

She said she was able to enter the prison with help from documentary filmmaker Peter De Vries and his team, but said she visited the prison like any other woman that day.

"It was Wednesday afternoon, Ladies' Day. I went through the proper protocol, and it just happened," she said.

Wragge asked if she was able to learn anything from talking to van der Sloot.

She responded, "No, really, as a mother, I didn't go there to get information from Joran. Because, obviously, we can't do that. We've known that's just not going to happen. We're going to go there to get information. Just remind him, I'm still there. Obviously, I'm not going to go anywhere. And show him how easy it was to walk in and be face-to-face with him."

She added, "What I think felt the best to me is when I walked out of there and left him in prison where he belongs."

READ MORE

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/10/earlyshow/living/parenting/main20061398.shtml

Though Holloway is still looking for more information about her daughter's disappearance, she's now examining other disturbing and unsolved missing persons cases on her new Lifetime show called "Vanished with Beth Holloway."

Holloway told Wragge the show is an extension of what she's done before with families of missing relatives.

Josh Turner Surprises Scotty McCreery During Hometown Concert

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An emotional day became unforgettable for Scotty McCreery on Saturday, May 14. The 17 year old  kept his cool while fans screamed, cried and even proposed marriage during a media tour and promotional stops at local Garner, N.C. businesses. Taste of Country was there as the love shown by friends and family began to peel away the layers of his usually steady demeanor. The afternoon reached a fever pitch when McCreery’s hero Josh Turner walked out singing his hit song ‘Your Man.’

McCreery had just begun his “theme song” when Turner strutted out and picked up the next verse. “Oh my goodness!” McCreery shouted while waving off his band. It was the only time all afternoon he struggled to find the perfect thing to say.

“All these people are here for you,” Turner told McCreery. “I had heard you never sang this song with a band before and were a little bit nervous, so I decided I would bring a few of my guys in.” The duo picked up the song from the start, and traded verses and praise before going into Turner’s first radio hit, ‘Long Black Train.’

The high school junior showed incredible stage presence for someone who’s experience is limited at best. He was charismatic and funny, worked both sides of the audience, and even remembered to wave to the special fans in the first few rows. He hammed it up a little with Josh Turner, but never came off cornier than one would want. Amongst the songs he recreated for his fans was ‘Gone,’ ‘Letters From Home,’ and ‘The River,’ all tracks that were essential to his success thus far in the competition.

Hours earlier, during the parade leading up to the concert at Lake Benson park, fans watched as their native son buried his head in his hands and came up with rosy cheeks and watery eyes. Organizers expected 30,000 people despite the threat of storms. Fortunately, the only thing that got wet before McCreery finished was his sleeves, as he dabbed his teary eyes. Expect that scene to make the cut during this Wednesday’s episode of ‘American Idol.”

Watch Josh Turner Surprise Scotty McCreery

Survivor Redemption Island Cast Is Boston Rob finally victorious

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As much as we could spend this entire article talking about each of the cast members involved in the "Survivor: Redemption Island" finale, we have to quote Boston Rob in saying "let's be real" -- it really is all about the resident mastermind.

How badly did Rob deserve to win this season? Let us count the ways:

    * Even though he didn't need it, Rob decided to play the idol after Andrea returned to the game. Letting his pride get to him would have been the biggest mistake since JT decided to write Russell a letter.
    * Also, Rob managed to be smart enough to not listen to Natalie, and cut Ashley loose at the final four. This was the biggest threat left in the game. (Unfortunately, the time constraints in this episode meant we had no "tribute to the fallen" -- which is a tradition that has gone back since the beginning.)
    * Of course, we also have the fact that he has dominated since the beginning, making strong alliances and winning challenges along the way.

At the end of all this, there was one question left -- would the jury actually vote for a guy who has been responsible for pretty much every vote in the game? This was Rob's problem in "All-Stars," but he received some immediately help right out of the gate thanks to both Phillip and Natalie -- who both pretty much admitted that the only reason they are even around is because of him.

Then ... we had the jury. What a bitter jury this was! Almost as if these people have not ever seen this game before, the majority of them blabbered on about "loyalty" and "being respected" and whatnot. This is a game! There have been people to win and play honorably, but they are few and far between. Finally, David tried to shake some sense into these people by reminding them that Rob played the best strategy in history. (Okay, that could be disputed -- but he's certainly played an incredible game.) Natalie at least did a decent job explaining herself during the process -- meanwhile, Phillip completely wasted a chance to say that his craziness was a ruse and that it was some kind of twisted strategy to make it to the end. Instead, he wore a cape, a feather, and acted defiant.
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So would these God-loving, honestly-embracing people actually vote for the mastermind to win? It was a shock first of all to see Ralph vote for Phillip, but then things went back to normal and Rob finally took home the victory he should have received back on "All-Stars" so long ago. Is he the best winner ever? Stay tuned -- we'll have our ranking soon.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: 'Survivor: Redemption Island': Is Boston Rob finally victorious? - National TV | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/tv-in-national/survivor-redemption-island#ixzz1MV1at7ez

Disney Cruise Fun For All Ages

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If you are like me then you grew up loving Disney movies. The Princess and the Prince may not be the same as they were back then but there are still some great movies. What would be better than going on a Disney cruise? Not too many things that is for sure.

disney cruiseSome of the things that you can expect on a Disney cruise are live Disney shows as well as meet and greets with the characters. You will be able to get plenty of photos with your favorite characters which will allow you to capture memories for years to come. A Disney cruise will appeal to anyone no matter what age they are.

If the parents need a little time to themselves there is a daycare on board what caters to kids up to 13 years old. If your kids are 14 to 17 there is a room that they can hang out at which will allow them listen to music, watch television and play the latest video games. As you can see going on a Disney cruise is a great idea. If you at the right time you will be able to find a great discount.

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http://www.wagerrun.com/5291/disney-cruise-fun-for-all-ages/

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Angelman Syndrome Causes Risk factors

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What is Angelman Syndrome?

Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes developmental delay and neurological problems. The physician Harry Angelman first delineated the syndrome in 1965, when he described several children in his practice as having "flat heads, jerky movements, protruding tongues, and bouts of laughter." Infants with Angelman syndrome appear normal at birth, but often have feeding problems in the first months of life and exhibit noticeable developmental delays by 6 to 12 months. Seizures often begin between 2 and 3 years of age. Speech impairment is pronounced, with little to no use of words. Individuals with this syndrome often display hyperactivity, small head size, sleep disorders, and movement and balance disorders that can cause severe functional deficits. Angelman syndrome results from absence of a functional copy of the UBE3A gene inherited from the mother.

Is there any treatment?

There is no specific therapy for Angelman syndrome. Medical therapy for seizures is usually necessary. Physical and occupational therapies, communication therapy, and behavioral therapies are important in allowing individuals with Angelman syndrome to reach their maximum developmental potential.

What is the prognosis?

Most individuals with Angelman syndrome will have severe developmental delays, speech limitations, and motor difficulties. However, individuals with Angelman syndrome can have normal life spans and generally do not show developmental regression as they age. Early diagnosis and tailored interventions and therapies help improve quality of life.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports and conducts research on neurogenetic disorders such as Angelman syndrome, to develop techniques to diagnose, treat, prevent, and ultimately cure them.

Risk factors

Angelman syndrome is rare. In most cases, researchers don't know what causes the genetic changes that result in Angelman syndrome. Most people with Angelman syndrome don't have a family history of the disease. In a small percentage of cases, however, Angelman syndrome may be inherited from a parent, so a family history of the disease may increase a baby's risk of developing Angelman syndrome.
Organizations

Angelman Syndrome Foundation
3015 E. New York Street Suite A2265
Aurora, IL 60504
info@angelman.org
http://www.angelman.org
Tel: 630-978-4245
800-432-6435
Fax: 630-978-7408

The Arc of the United States
1010 Wayne Avenue Suite 650
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Info@thearc.org
http://www.thearc.org
Tel: 301-565-3842
Fax: 301-565-3843 or -5342

SOURCE: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Annette Funicello Biography on Wikipedia

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Annette Joanne Funicello (born October 22, 1942) is an American singer and actress. She was Walt Disney's most popular cast member of The Mickey Mouse Club,[1] and went on to appear in a series of beach party films.

Biography and career

Early life and early stardom

Annette Joanne Funicello was born in Utica, New York to Italian-Americans Joseph and Virginia Funicello. Her family moved to Southern California when she was four years old.[2] Funicello took dancing and music lessons as a child to overcome shyness. In 1955, the 12-year-old was discovered by Walt Disney when she performed as the Swan Queen in Swan Lake at a dance recital in Burbank, California. Disney cast her as one of the original "Mouseketeers". She was the last to be selected, and the only one personally picked by Walt Disney himself. She proved to be very popular and by the end of the first season of Mickey Mouse Club, she was receiving 6,000 letters a month, according to her Disney Legends biography.

In addition to appearing in many Mouseketeer sketches and dance routines, Funicello starred in several serials on The Mickey Mouse Club. These included Adventure in Dairyland, Walt Disney Presents: Annette (which co-starred Richard Deacon), and the second and third Spin and Marty serials - The Further Adventures of Spin and Marty and The New Adventures of Spin and Marty. In a hayride scene in the Annette serial she performed the song that launched her singing career. The studio received so much mail about "How Will I Know My Love" (written by the Sherman Brothers), that Walt Disney issued it as a single, and gave Funicello (somewhat unwillingly) a recording contract.

Actress and singer

After the Mickey Mouse Club she remained under contract with Disney for a time, with television roles in Zorro, Elfego Baca and The Horsemasters. For Zorro she played Anita Cabrillo in a three-episode storyline about a teen-aged girl who arrives in Los Angeles to visit a father who does not seem to exist. This role was reportedly a birthday present from Walt Disney, and the first of two different characters played opposite Guy Williams as Zorro. Annette also co-starred in Disney-produced movies such as The Shaggy Dog, Babes in Toyland, The Misadventures of Merlin Jones, and The Monkey's Uncle.[4]

Although uncomfortable being thought of as a singer, Annette had a number of pop record hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s, mostly written by the Sherman Brothers and including: "Tall Paul," "First Name Initial," "O Dio Mio," "Train of Love" (written by Paul Anka) and "Pineapple Princess." They were released by Disney's Buena Vista label. Annette also recorded "It's Really Love" in 1959, a reworking of an earlier Paul Anka song called "Toot Sweet"; Anka reworked the song for a third time in 1962 as "Johnny's Theme" and it opened The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson on television for the next three decades. In an episode of the Disney anthology television series titled "Disneyland After Dark," Annette can be seen singing live at Disneyland. Walt Disney was reportedly a fan of 1950s pop star Teresa Brewer and tried to pattern Annette's singing in the same style. However, Funicello credits "the Annette sound" to her record producer, Tutti Camarata, who worked for Disney in that era. Camarata had her double-track her vocals, matching her first track as closely as possible on the second recording to achieve a fuller sound than her voice would otherwise produce. Early in her career, she appeared on the NBC interview program Here's Hollywood.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annette_Funicello

Derek Boogaard Dead at 28

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New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard was found dead Friday in his Minneapolis apartment. He was 28.

The team announced Boogaard's death Friday night, but gave no details.

The Star Tribune newspaper in Minneapolis first reported Boogaard was found dead in his home by members of his family. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office in Minnesota confirmed those details and said an autopsy was pending.

"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual," Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather said. "He was a very thoughtful person, who will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."

Boogaard signed a four-year, $6.5 million deal with Rangers in July and appeared in 22 games with them last season. He had a goal and an assist to go with 45 penalty minutes.

One of the most feared fighters in the league, the 6-foot-8 Boogaard missed the last 52 games of the regular season with a concussion and shoulder injury and did not play in the playoffs.
ELsewhere
Like sis, Venus to skip French

Venus Williams pulled out of the French Open 24 hours after her younger sister Serena withdrew, making it the first Grand Slam tournament since 2003 without either Williams.

Venus' agent, Carlos Fleming, wrote in an e-mail to the Associated Press that the seven-time Grand Slam champion notified tournament organizers she wouldn't compete at Roland Garros, where play starts May 22, because of a hip injury.

-- The No. 7 Stanford men extended their win streak to 11 matches, dispatching Army 4-0 in the first round of the NCAA championships. No. 14 Cal beat Marist 4-0 at Berkeley.

Motor sports: Kyle Busch won the Trucks Series race at Dover (Del.) International Speedway, racing all 200 miles without incident against rival Kevin Harvick.

-- Josh Hayes captured the provisional pole during qualifying for the SuperBike class at the West Coast Moto Jam at Infineon Raceway.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/05/13/SP091JG17O.DTL#ixzz1MJHTPXUN