England’s Chelsea Football Club has won the 2012 UEFA Champions League after beating Bayern Munich in a penalty shootout; marking the first time Chelsea has reigned as Europe’s champion soccer team in the 107-years they’ve been around.

The penalty shootout victory against Germany’s Bayern Munich “was a Cinderella story,” Bleacherreport.com reported.

During normal play time, the Germans dominated the soccer field, however, Chelsea’s defense held strong for the most part.  When Bayern finally did break through, they were staring down the field at the often theatrical Didier Drogba.

The old war horse that is Drogba – in what is quite likely his last game with the club, as his contract expires next month in June – sent goalkeeper Manuel Neuer the wrong direction to win the shootout 4-3 against Bayern in their hometown Allianz Arena.  Bastian Schweinstelger of Bayern missed the prior penalty shot in the shootout which came after Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Petr Cech, saved a spot-kick, in extra time, by Arjen Robben.

Early on, the game seemed swayed in favor in Bayern who won the toss to send the shootout to the home.  The Germans essentially dominated for the first 83 minutes of the game.

Bayern had an opportunity to win the match during extra time, however, they lost their chance during the lottery that is the penalty shootout as Juan Mata’s attempt was prevented by Manuel Neuer and Bastrian Schweinsteiger’s shot hit a post, leaving the match in the more than capable hands of Drogba.

Drogba scored with an impressive header that Neuer was unable to block, FoxSports.com reported.  Chelsea FC wins.

What were your thoughts on Chelsea’s 2012 UEFA Champions League win?

2012 Champions League Winner: Chelsea is a post from: The Inquisitr

Bennett indicated during a radio interview that he is simply doing his job in ensuring “that those people whose names are on the ballot have met the qualifications for the office in which they are seeking.”  He has been attempting to acquire documentation from Hawaii for eight weeks.

In a recently released statement, Bennett stated:

“First, I have been on the record since 2009 that I believe the President was born in Hawaii.  I am not a birther.  At the request of a constituent, I asked the state of Hawaii for a Verification in lieu of certified copy.  We’re merely asking them to officially confirm they have the President’s birth certificate in their possession and are awaiting their response.”

“I’m not a birther. I believe the president was born in Hawaii — or at least I hope he was,” Bennett informed Mike Broomhead during a radio interview on KFYI, “but my responsibility as secretary of state is to make sure that the ballots in Arizona are correct and that those people whose names are on the ballot have met the qualifications for the office they are seeking.”

If Hawaii does not go through with giving Bennett the gratification of receiving his records, Bennett will take strong consideration in keeping Obama out of the Arizona state ballot.  Bennett insists that this is not a political move, despite the fact that he plans on running for governor in 2014.

Ken Bennett Wants To See Obama’s Birth Certificate Before Barack’s Name Will Appear On Arizona’s Ballot is a post from: The Inquisitr

Nationally proclaimed hero Ed Ray – who led a horrified group of children to safety during the summer of 1976 after the kids had been kidnapped and held captive underground, while the captors awaited their ransom payment – died on Thursday May 17, 2012.

The unsuspecting bus driver from the farmlands of Central California never predicted he would have been involved in such a horrific event, despite the Chowchilla kidnapping that swarmed the headlines and was later turned into a TV motion picture.

Ray became a lifelong friend of the 26 students he rescued, up until his death on Thursday.  His death was attributed to cirrhosis complications of the liver.  One of the rescued students, Jodi Medrano, was quoted having said:

“I remember him [Ed Ray] making me feel safe.”

Medrano was only ten-years-old when the three men stole the school bus he was in and hid him and the rest of the kids in a confined storage van hidden inside of a rock quarry.  He held a flashlight while the bus driver helped the older students pile mattresses and remove dirt in order to create an opening to the outside world.  The children escaped after having been held captive underground for 16 hours.  During the terrifying ordeal, Jodi never left Ed’s side, the now 46-year-old was quoted by Myfoxatlanta.com having said:

“I remember he actually got onto me because I swore. Mr. Ray said, ‘you knock that off.’ I thought, whenever we get home I will be in so much trouble. That’s when I knew I was going home, because he made me have that hope.”

Jodi is now running a hair salon in Chowchilla, the same place the tragic incident occurred. Jodi informs that she kept in touch with Ray frequently, as well as a large majority of the other students rescued by Ray, and had frequent visits.  “Mr. Ray was a very quiet, strong, humble man. He has a very special place in my heart and I loved him very much,” Medrano stated while in tears.

Five hours after the bus jacking police located the empty bus in an out of sight drainage slough.  There was no sign of blood.  It wasn’t until the next day that Ray and his family and the families of the missing children receive notification indicating that the bus driver and children, age 5 to 14, were all safe.

The only adult on the bus that day was Ed Ray, who had stopped the bus on that fateful hot July summer day in order to offer his assistance to a broken down van.  It was at this point that the three armed and masked men surprised Ed and the children and took them hostage.  Afterwards, their captors drove around aimlessly for hours until finally arriving at a quarry 100 miles north in Livermore, California.  Ray and the children were buried in the van under 3 feet of dirt while the captors demanded a $5 million ransom for their safe return.  While they slept, Ray and two older children dug themselves to safety.

“He told me that he felt it was his responsibility to get the kids back home to their parents safely, that’s all he could think about,” Ray’s son, Glen Ray, stated.  He also indicated that his father loved children and that they were his life.

The three masked men, Frederick N. Woods and two brothers James and Richard, part of the high class San Francisco Peninsula families, were convicted and sentenced to life in prison.  None of the three brothers have been paroled.

What are your thoughts on Ed Ray’s death?

Ed Ray Dies: ’76 California Bus Kidnapping Hero Dead is a post from: The Inquisitr

One of the hardest things to do is to jump back into the dating game after years of being single, but Al Gore seemed to have no problems with the transition, as the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Vice President is now in a serious relationship with Elizabeth Keadle.

50-year-old Keadle is a high class Democratic donor from Southern California with a dedication to environmental causes and science.  She and Gore appeared together alongside an electric group of experts and VIPs – Richard Branson, singer Jason Mraz, and actor Tommy Lee Jones – on a business trip to Antarctica back in January.  Their intentions were to raise awareness of climate change.

It’s been nearly two years since Al and Tipper Gore shocked the public with news of their separation, which came after 40-years of marriage.  The couple was quoted having said at the time of their split:

“A mutual and mutually supportive decision that we have made together following a process of long and careful consideration.”

Sources indicate the couple merely grew apart after Gore’s bitter and surely disappointing loss in the 2000 presidential election.

While Gore has manifested himself as somewhat of a globe traveling environmental activist, Tipper has maintained interest in mental-health promotion and part-time photography.  The Gores, whom are the proud parents of four grown children, have not finalized their divorce and for such reason, the two are still legally married.

It is unknown when exactly Gore and Keadle started dating.  Sources close to the former U.S. VP indicated that Keadle had nothing to do with his split from Tipper, WashingtonPost.com reported.  In fact, the two have been associated with the same groups for multiple years.

Lyle  Turner, ex-husband of Keadle and biotech entrepreneur, and Elizabeth were both gratuitous donors to the Democratic party during the early part of the past decade, having donated at least one-hundred-thousand dollars to a DNC building fund.

The office of Gore refused to offer any additional commentary in regards to the status of Gore’s relationship with Turner or Keadles.

What are your thoughts on Al Gore dating Elizabeth Keadle?

Al Gore Is Dating Elizabeth Keadle is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Ukrainian television reporter, Vitalii Sediuk, is known for having appeared at the Venice Film Festival back in September, when he gave Madonna a beautiful bouquet of purple hydrangeas and called her “my princess.”

Madonna reacted to the flowers in a somewhat bashing manor, as the pop icon went as far as to say:

“I absolutely loathe hydrangeas.”

Madonna ditched the flowers under a table prior to entering the conference.  Shortly after, she created a short silent film titled “Madonna’s Love Letter To Hydrangeas.”  The film begins with an insincere apology and ends with subtitles reading:

“I’m left with the feeling that I still hate hydrangeas.”

Will was infuriated when Sediuk approached him on the carpet, outside of the theater, and attempted to kiss him.  In response to the smooch attempt, the Men In Black actor pushed and slapped the reporter lightly across the cheek with the backside of his left hand while clearly stating:

“C’mon man. What the hell is your problem buddy?”

After the slap, Smith stated to the surrounding crowd of fans and reporters: “He’s lucky I didn’t sucker punch him. Oh, I said that on camera. It’s all good.”

Will Smith was under the impression that Serdiuk attempted to kiss him on the lips.  The reality of the situation was that he was merely trying kiss Smith’s cheek and Will maneuvered to dodge him.  The misunderstanding could have escalated, but both maintained their composure.

What do you think of Will Smith slapping Vitalii Serdiuk?

Sources: Chicago Tribune / U.S. News

Will Smith Slaps Reporter At Men In Black III Premiere is a post from: The Inquisitr

As local authorities rushed to assist the Hong Kong flagged bulk carrier cargo ship, named the ID Integrity, that had broken down north of Cairns, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) indicated that the ship was unfortunately going through “an engine breakdown en route from Shanghai” and continued to drift towards the world’s largest known coral reef.  AMSA issued a statement in which they said:

“The crew is currently attempting to repair the engine, in the hope that the vessel will be able to resume its passage. Contingency planning is under way in case the crew cannot get the engine restarted.”

An emergency towing ship, called the Pacific Responder, has been notified and is heading towards the action along with two other tug-boats.  Early attempts to establish contact with ID Integrity were unsuccessful until Sunday morning.

Shockingly, the ship managed to float over the Shark Reef late Saturday night without sustaining damage by managing their ballast.  The voyage continued to lead west towards the Outer Reef, located on the edge of the main reef body.

ID Wallem Shipmanagement Ltd. notified the AFP that the ship had successfully navigated the Shark Reef without any trouble.

What are your thoughts on the crew of the broken down cargo ship navigating the potentially hazardous reef without incurring any damage to their vessel?

Broken Down Cargo Ship Drifts Into Great Barrier Reef is a post from: The Inquisitr

Brooke Hogan is apparently following in her father’s footsteps as the singer has signed a contract to join Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling family, TMZ reported on Friday.

The recording artist is scheduled to join TNA’s “IMPACT WRESTLING” on Thursday, May 31, 2012 on Spike TV.

As the daughter of American wrestling sensation Terry Gene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, Brooke certainly has the makings of a female wrestling diva.  She’s scheduled to play the role of Executive in Charge of The Knockouts, the female wrestling division.

In order to promote her role in TNA’s highly-rated series, Brooke will attend a New York media tour next week.  While promoting her new role overseeing the Knockouts Division, she’s also scheduled to promote Impact Wrestling’s move to 8 P.M. and the fact that the series will be telecast live this summer, beginning on Thursday, May 31.

The Tampa, Florida native is a successful singer, songwriter, and television personality who starred in two non-scripted series on VH1.  Both shows, Hogan Knows Best and Brooke Knows Best, were #1 rated shows on the VH1 network, which is actually the sister network of Spike TV.

Dixie Carter, the President of TNA Wrestling, was quoted by ImpactWrestling.com having said:

“I have really gotten to know Brooke by working with her on her music career this past year and a half. When we did talk wrestling, I not only loved her passion and knowledge of it, but the fresh, creative ideas she would come up with. She is very savvy. I asked if she would consider teaming up with me in this capacity while she also worked on her music, and I was thrilled when she said ‘yes.’ A big personality runs in her genes, obviously, and I know she is going to take an already exciting division of Impact Wrestling to another level.”

Brooke appears to be just as excited as Carter as she tweeted on Friday:

“Thank u so much for all your love and support! #blessed @TNADixie”

What are your thoughts on Brooke Hogan wrestling?

Brooke Hogan Wrestling With TNA is a post from: The Inquisitr

The 137th running of the Preakness Stakes will be broadcast on Saturday at 4:30 EDT on NBC, however, for those without access to a television set, you can still watch the live 2012 Preakness stream online.

An only-only isolation camera will be focused on the 2012 Kentucky Derby winner, I’ll Have Another.  For those looking for an isolation camera on the favorite, Bodemeister, it appears as if you’re out of luck at this year’s Preakness 2012.

To watch the second leg of the Triple Crown in Pimlico live online, visit NBC Sports to view the Preakness Stakes live online stream.

I’ll Have Another pulled off an improbable win earlier in the season in the first leg of the Triple Crown at Churchill Downs with 15-1 odds.  During the Kentucky Derby, Bodemeister took off fast from the gates, but ran out of steam as the race came to an end.

Police in Baltimore have indicated that up to 50,000 individuals showed up at Pimlico for the 2012 Preakness Stakes.  The police department expects roughly 112,000 people to show up at the event by the time the big race has been run.  Last year’s attendance was reported to have been around 107,398, making it the sixth largest.  A decline in attendance in previous years has been attributed to the elimination of the B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Beer) drinking policy.

Regardless of the elimination of the B.Y.O.B. policy, beer at the event appears plentiful as race organizers are offering all-you-can drink draft beer.  While the lines might be long, the spirits are certainly flowing.

Who do you think is going to win the 2012 Preakness?

2012 Preakness Stakes Live Stream: Watch The Race Online is a post from: The Inquisitr

Pau Gasol, who chose to play professional basketball instead of pursuing a career in medicine, was voted the 2011-12 winner of the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

The award, named after the NBA’s second commissioner, is presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association.  The annual award is given to the trainer, coach, or player who exhibits outstanding service and dedication to the community.

In regards to Gasol’s achievement, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, who is also the president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association, was quoted by NBA.com having said:

“Pau’s work epitomizes all that is good about NBA players and their charitable works not only in their own communities but around the world. Working to help children realize their potential and to provide them with opportunities they might not otherwise get truly characterizes outstanding service and dedication.”

Gasol has served as a UNICEF ambassador for the past seven years and as such, he has traveled the world in the off-season in order to work with programs focused on education and nutrition for children, LA Times reported.

The 2010-11 winner of the Walter J. Kennedy Citizenship Award was Ron Artest, also of the Los Angeles Lakers.  Prior to Gasol and Artest of the Lakers receiving of the prestigious award, Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers received the citizenship award.

Gasol is scheduled to play for Spain in the 2012 Olympic Games held in London, England between July 29 and August 12.  The professional athlete attended medical school at Spain’s University of Barcelona.  His maintained interest in the field of healthcare has resulted in his having witnessed a spinal surgery back in 2010.

What are your thoughts on the charitable efforts of Pau Gasol?

Pau Gasol Takes Home The NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award is a post from: The Inquisitr

World champion boxer Manny Pacquiao denounced his anti-homosexual remarks regarding President Barack Obama’s stance on gay marriage on May 17, 2012, after he was banned from a Hollywood mall for his alleged comments, as he said that he loves and supports gays and lesbians, The AP reported.

While Filipino politician Pacquiao claims he does love and support homosexuals, he has indicated that he is still in opposition to Obama when it comes to gay marriage.  During a Wednesday interview with The Associated Press, Pacquiao was quoted having said:

“I’m not against the gay people. I’m not condemning them. I have a cousin [who is] gay. I have relatives [who are] gay. I have a lot of friends [who are] gay, so I’m not condemning gays. What I said is I’m not in favor of same-sex marriage. That’s the one thing I said to the guy. I told [the reporter] I’m against same-sex marriage. He said, ‘Why?’ I said, ‘It’s the law of God.’ That’s all I said.”

A problem some of the readers of the Examiner.com report may have had with Manny’s comments regarding gay marriage could very well have been derived from a Bible passage, included by the author, that some readers could have easily mistaken as having been said by Pacquiao.  The quoted scripture, which comes from a passage in Leviticus, calls for the death of “a man [who] lies with a man.”

With the article’s author having clearly indicated that Pacquiao did not quote the Bible passage, a petition on change.org was suspended Wednesday, but, only after the petition managed to receive 4,868 signatures.  The petition encouraged Nike, one of Manny’s sponsors, to drop the boxing champ.

What are your thoughts on Manny Pacquiao’s most recent remarks regarding his support of homosexuality and his belief that gay marriage goes against the law of God?

Manny Pacquiao Says He Loves And Supports Gays And Lesbians is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jennifer Lopez, who was recently named the most powerful celebrity by Forbes magazine, has publicly announced that she has yet to make a decision regarding whether or not she will stay with American Idol, however, E! Online has indicated that their sources have told them that the pop star intends on leaving the popular show.

In regards to why J.Lo is intent on leaving American Idol, one of the aforementioned sources was quoted having said:

“She’s just too busy.”

Lopez, who rose to fame in the late 1990s with her breakthrough role in the biographical film Selena, told Ellen DeGeneres this week that she wasn’t sure whether or not she would renew her contract as a judge on the popular television show in which contestants sing before a televised audience and a panel of judges in the hopes of becoming the next American Idol winner; the winner receives a car and a $1 million recording contract.  During her May 15th interview with DeGeneres, the actress-singer told the talk show host:

“Now this is my second year – I don’t know if I can go for a third year. I miss doing other things. It really does lock you down, which was nice the first year with the babies being three, but now they’re getting more mobile, they’re about to go into school … So I just don’t know [if I will renew my contract as a judge on Idol].”

Jennifer, whose career was revived by signing with the show, has three movies expected to be released in the next year.  She also intends on hitting the road with Enrique Iglesias in July and August of this year for her North American tour.

What do you think, will Jennifer Lopez stick with Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler for another year of American Idol?

Jennifer Lopez Leaving American Idol, Sources Indicate is a post from: The Inquisitr

Tiger Wood’s ex-wife, Elin Nordegren, and billionaire businessman Jamie Dingman are no longer dating.  A friend of Nordegren was quoted by PEOPLE having said:

“She says Jamie’s a great guy – and they’re still friends – but I think it was just too early [after her divorce from Woods] for her to get serious with anyone.”

Reports earlier in the week indicated that the couple’s romantic relationship may have been heating up were apparently false, as her friend stated:

“Elin finds it hilarious to read news about her that people make up.”

Nordegren is currently a resident of North Palm Beach, Florida, where she’s currently studying psychology in college while raising her two children.  While juggling her kids and school, the mother of two is also overseeing construction of a new ocean-front home for her and her family.

Construction of her new home should come as no surprise to those familiar with the demolition of her 17,000-square-foot Florida home; a home which cost an estimated $12 million.  The residence was supposedly demolished due to bugs and hurricanes which left the home in poor condition.

Onshore Construction and Development’s Dan Reedy was quoted by PEOPLE having said about the demolition:

“It wasn’t built to the South Florida win-loading codes of today that were put in place because of hurricanes. We had an architect and structural engineer out here and everyone agreed that it made more sense – structurally and economically – to tear it down and start over.”

What do you think of Elin Nordegren and Jamie Dingman‘s breakup?

Elin Nordegren Splits From Billionaire Boyfriend Jamie Dingman is a post from: The Inquisitr

Usher is locked in a custody dispute with his former wife and mother of his children, Tameka Foster, and it turns out, the R&B musician has the ability to put Foster out on the streets in less than sixty days, TMZ reported.

The American R&B singer and actor, whose new song “Twisted” is scheduled to premiere May 16, 2012 on MTV, is currently in the process of settling what has been a nasty custody battle with his ex-wife.

Tameka is currently residing in Usher’s Georgia mansion, which the 33-year-old musician will be allowed to sell under the divorce settlement.  That is, as long as he provides Foster with a 60-day notice.  It is this aspect of their settlement that has the mother of five concerned about not only her future, but that of their five children, as they may soon find themselves homeless.

She is currently asking her former Grammy Awards winning husband for a permanent residence for her as well as the children the two have together.

Usher does not appear to have any intention to give in to her demands as TMZ reported that the Texas born R&B sensation responded no way, as he believes he has already paid her a sufficient amount of money over the course of their relationship.

With the two in disagreement, a judge’s ruling will ultimately decide the fate of their bitter custody dispute.

What do you think, should Usher give Tameka Foster the permanent home that she’s requesting or should he leave her out in the cold to fend for herself?

Tameka Foster: Usher’s Former Wife May Find Herself Homeless is a post from: The Inquisitr

A United States appeals court has given Apple an opportunity to seek a sales injunction against Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1, which would see the tablet immediately banned from U.S. stores and removed from shelves around the country, based on allegations of a single infringing patent.

South Korean Samsung and Apple are scheduled to attend settlement talks next week and if Apple proceeds with the injunction, it could decide whether the settlement talks will be successful or an utter failure, Reuters reported.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has indicated that the lower district California judge’s decision regarding Apple’s design patent would likely be held upon being proven valid.  Additionally, the court indicated that tablet sales in the United States should be banned until a trial could be held.

While Cupertino, C.A.-based Apple currently has the ability to demand an immediate ban on sales of Samsung’s Galaxy tablet, the company could hold off and negotiate an end to the year-long legal conflict.  This is a possibility which the district court ordered the two electronics giants to discuss prior to their talks which are scheduled May 21st through the 22nd, ZDNet reported.

The patent in question in Monday’s ruling pertains to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet’s design.  The U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California previously found the design patent could be very well be challenged as “obvious.”  In which case, the patent should have never been granted, however, the appeals court has disagreed.

Apple initiated the ongoing patent war between the two companies in April of 2011, as the company claimed that Samsung had “slavishly” copied the design of their infamous iPad.

Samsung Tablet Ban: Apple Approved To Seek Sales Injunction Against Galaxy Tab 10.1 Tablets is a post from: The Inquisitr

Barbados beauty Rihanna has once again sparked quite the controversy as the 24-year-old pop icon published pictures of herself, on May 14, 2012, virtually topless during a photo shoot for her latest single’s new video.

Pictures of the Barbadian recording artist and actress were published on Rihanna’s Facebook page under an album titled Behind the Scenes on “Where Have You Been,” which contains 188 photographs from behind-the-scenes of the set of her new Where Have You Been video.

The video itself, disregarding her latest controversial images for a moment, has received well over 27 million views on YouTube since it was published on April 30, 2012.

The good girl gone bad’s behind-the-scenes photos feature her naked from the waist up, painted with textured body paint intended to appear as reptilian scales over RiRi’s breasts.  In regards to her crocodile-like appearance, ChristianPost.com wonders:

“[...] has Rihanna finally gone too far?”

If Irish farmer Alan Graham – who previously requested that Robyn Fenty cease filming of a video, which was being filmed on land he lent to be used for the filming of her video, due to his having had “an ethos” which compelled him to feel “that it was inappropriate” to continue filming after Rihanna donned a risque farmer’s outfit – had an issue with RiRi’s last costume, what do you think he would have to say about the 24-year-old pop icon’s leopard-print robe, lacy bodysuit, and painted naked body?

Rihanna Topless Showing Off Her Reptilian Breasts In Her New Where Have You Been Video is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jay-Z admits he’s not a “huge fan of the system” and knows little of Mitt Romney, but the 42-year-old rapper from Brooklyn, N.Y. does support President Barack Obama’s announcement regarding his favorable stance on same-sex marriage, as the fourteen Grammy Awards winning artist and entrepreneur told CNN’s Poppy Harlow:

“I’ve always thought it as something that was still, um, holding the country back. What people do in their own homes is their business and you can choose to love whoever you love. That’s their business. [It] is no different than discriminating against blacks. It’s discrimination plain and simple.”

Shawn Corey “Jay-Z” Carter, partial owner of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, sold his clothing line, Roca-wear, for $204 million back in 2007.  The rapper, who is unquestionably wealthy, says that President Obama should not be perceived as a threat to the business world, as he quoted having said:

“We should absolutely support business and free enterprise in America, just not criminal activities, you know, unjust practices. [...] We should help people that are less fortunate than us, and we should all kinda find some balance. [...] Reversing the direction of the decline was a full time job in itself, so I think that it’s stabilizing a bit now as some of the numbers show.”

Jay-Z’s Philadelphia Musical Festival

Beyonce Knowles husband, Shawn Carter has announced a two-day musical festival will be held at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia on September 1st and 2nd, Labor Day weekend.

While only 70% of the acts have been confirmed by the rapper, the festival is scheduled to feature thirty acts “that embody the American spirit,” NY Daily News reported. Performances will include artists from rap, rock, Latin, dance, and R&B genres.

Time Away From The Studio For Blue Ivy

Following the Philly press conference at which Hov announced his two-day Made in America music festival, the world renown rapper told MTV News:

“I thought that I would after my daughter was born. I thought I would be more inspired with all the new feelings and everything that I’d have to write about, but it really happened the other way. I just really wanna hang out with her. I just wanna enjoy those moments for a bit and I’m sure that feeling of music will come back to me.”

Jay-Z Has Obama’s Back On Same-Sex Marriage, Announces 2-Day Philadelphia Music Festival is a post from: The Inquisitr

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine published a study on May 14, 2012 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal which indicates smoking marijuana has the ability to relieve muscle tightness, pain, and spasticity (contractions) associated with the unpredictable and often disabling disease known as multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Jody Corey-Bloom of UCSD’s School of Medicine’s neuroscience department was quoted by CBC News having said:

“We saw a beneficial effect of smoked cannabis on treatment-resistant spasticity and pain associated with multiple sclerosis among our participants. Although generally well-tolerated by our participants, smoking cannabis was accompanied by acute cognitive effects.”

The study involved thirty adult MS patients, 51-years-old on average, who suffered from spasticity, unusual stiffness which makes it difficult to control muscles, as a result of their affliction.  Patients participating in the controlled trial had not responded well to pharmaceuticals used in their multiple sclerosis treatment.  Researchers were curious whether or not the inhalation of cannabis would prove effective where pharmaceuticals had not.

Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease, affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).  While symptoms vary based on the location and severity of attacks, episodes can linger for days, weeks, or even months.  Relapse is common and the disease sometimes worsens without periods of remission.  As a result of the disease, nerves in the brain as well as the spinal cord may be damaged.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms include, but are certainly not limited to, the following: Loss of balance, problems walking, problems coordinate small movements, weakness in one or multiple limbs, constipation, double vision, painful muscle spasms, facial pain, vision loss, uncontrollable rapid eye movements, strong urge to urinate, dizziness, depression, hearing loss, fatigue, trouble chewing and swallowing food, and paralysis.

In the controlled trial, MS patients were asked to smoke, under supervision, either a marijuana cigarette (slang: “Joint”) or a placebo cigarette for three days.  Participants averaged four puffs for every cigarette.  Eleven days later, participants repeated the process with the other substance.

Rather than relying on the patients to report the effects smoking cannabis had on their multiple sclerosis symptoms, health professionals rated each individual patient’s spasticity using a standardized scale with which muscle tone in the elbows, knees, and hips were measured.

Compared to the placebo group, patients in the study smoking marijuana cigarettes had roughly 30% less spasticity, as they went from 2.74 points from a baseline score of 9.3 on the Ashworth scale.

While some patients found that they were dizzy, nauseous, or even “too high,” the marijuana seemed well tolerated for the most part as participants reported 50% less pain.

Medical Marijuana May Ease Symptoms Associated With Multiple Sclerosis is a post from: The Inquisitr

Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions have come to a tentative agreement on a new 3-year national contract in which wages, benefits, care quality, affordability, health, and workforce development for the nearly 100,000 members of the unions represented were covered.

The tentative agreement is the largest private sector union agreement to be negotiated this year.  The agreement will result in California employees receiving a 3% annual wage increase for each year of the contract and a 2% increase each year for those outside of California.

Current benefits will remain intact and dental benefits will be enhanced with the new national contract.

Kaiser has additionally decided to commit $19 million a year to two educational trust funds which are intended to ensure the company’s diverse workforce receives adequate opportunities to develop their careers.

Ultimately, the goal of the agreement is to ensure that both sides of the equation mutually benefit from a healthy symbiotic relationship, as the employees are reliant on the employer and vice versa.  The 3-year contract hopes to achieve this by ensuring that employees have access to healthy and affordable food, a healthy work environment, healthy activities for those off the clock, adequate monetary compensation for duties performed, and educational opportunities.

SEIU-UHW President Dave Regan was quoted by Market Watch having said:

“Unions and management agreed that health improvement is an essential strategy for reducing chronic conditions – one of the leading drivers of rising, unsustainable cost. Workers want to set an example and lead, so we intend to provide incentives for collective attainment of health goals – plus opportunities for union members to lead on health in their communities. This is a high-road, long-term strategy for the common good.”

The healthcare provider’s agreement with a coalition of unions of their workers will affect nurses, technicians, psychologists, scientists, pharmacists, and service workers in Oregon, Washington, Ohio, California, Colorado, Maryland, Hawaii, Virginia, and Georgia, the L.A. Times reported.

What are your thoughts on the 3-year national contract between the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions and the Oakland, C.A.-based integrated managed care consortium, Kaiser Permanente?

Kaiser Permanente Agrees With Unions On 3-Year National Contract is a post from: The Inquisitr

Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, revealed that informants had conveyed information pertaining to a Chinese plot in which female agents had been trained to poison him while seeking his blessings.

The 76-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner and Tibetan Buddhist leader resides in his temple palace grounds, located in the Himalayan foothills in Dharamsala.  His compound is kept under tight security as the widely revered spiritual leader has potent enemies in China.

Gyatso stated during an exclusive interview with The Telegraph:

“We received some sort of information from Tibet. Some Chinese agents training some Tibetans, especially women, you see, using poison – the hair poisoned, and the scarf poisoned – they were supposed to seek blessing from me, and my hand touch.”

Aides of the Dalai Lama were unable to confirm the reports of a Chinese assassination plot.

The Dalai Lama is scheduled to be awarded the world’s largest annual monetary award for someone who has contributed to the advancement of the world’s spiritual understanding.  He has decided to pass the $1.7 million award, which he will receive in a ceremony on May 14th at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, onto a secret recipient.  The recipient of his generosity will be disclosed as the event is broadcast live over the internet.

The Tibetan spiritual leader fled Tibet in 1959, alongside many of his supporters, and took refuge in India as Chinese soldiers took control of Lhasa.  The Tibetan government is currently in exile and based in India.  They are not recognized by any country.  NDTV reported that he believes China will eventually adopt democratic reforms within his lifetime.

Dalai Lama: Chinese Agents Trained To Assassinate His Holiness With Poison is a post from: The Inquisitr

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria has finally decided to divulge some insight into her divorce from NBA star Tony Parker, who was caught cheating on her with the wife of his teammate, Erin Barry.

Immediately after her dramatic split from Parker, Longoria began dating Eduardo Cruz and opted to refrain from speaking to the public about her scandalous divorce from her cheating husband.

Thirty-seven-year-old Eva indicated that she had discovered hundreds of text-messages sent by Parker to Barry, wife of fellow San Antonio Spurs teammate Brent Barry.  In regards to the confrontation she had with her then husband, she told Y! TV:

“I really wanted to provide a pillow for him to say and express why. Because I really wanted to know why. I’m not going to judge you. I’m not going to be mad in this moment. I’ll be mad later…. People say, ‘What a grace!’ And it wasn’t that. I really wanted to know, and if you genuinely want to get something out of somebody, you have to not judge.”

When asked on Lifetime what advice she would give to the 14-year-old version of herself, the actress quickly replied:

“Don’t marry that basketball player.”

In regards to Tony’s affair, which Erin denied prior to separating from Brent, Eva told de Cadenet:

“It was definitely not about me. [Knowing the truth] didn’t make me feel better, but it helped me understand. [...] It wasn’t about who he chose. I had moments of like: ‘Okay, I’m not sexy enough? I’m not pretty enough? Am I not smart enough?’ Then I immediately stopped. ‘No, no, no – don’t start doing that.’ Because you can get stuck in that cycle and you can carry that onto other things.”

These days, the Desperate Housewives star appears to be quite the confident woman as she was quoted by Y! TV having said:

“I am so secure in who I am. I really am. And I’m not conceited. I just think, ‘Wow, okay, that’s the life you want to live.’”

Eva Longoria Talks About Tony Parker Cheating And Their Subsequent Divorce is a post from: The Inquisitr

United States Senator Rand Paul commented on President Barack Obama’s public disclosure of his views on same-sex marriage, as he stated at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition:

“The president recently weighed in on marriage – and uhm, you know – he said his views were evolving on marriage and call me cynical, but I wasn’t sure that his views on marriage could get any gayer. Now it did kind of bother me, though, that he used the justification for it in a biblical reference. He said the biblical golden rule caused him to be for gay marriage. And I’m like, what version of the bible is he reading from? It’s not the King James version, it’s not the New American Standard, it’s not the New Revised version. I don’t know what version he’s getting that from.”

The 49-year-old Kentucky Senator and member of the Tea Party continued to talk about sin, family, tradition, and how the country is in a “spiritual crisis” that will require “leaders beyond your political leaders.”  Now, if you’re wondering who these leaders will be, Paul proposes:

“You need people like Senator Grassley and hopefully myself to try to fix some of these problems.”

Will Sen. Rand Paul and Grassley be capable of resolving our “political problems” and “spiritual crisis?”  The junior senator seemed to answer this simple inquiry as he stated:

“I don’t think that we’re going to fix all of them. I think there are problems beyond the political discourse.”

What do you think of 2012 Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul’s son, Randal Howard “Rand” Paul, and his commentary regarding President Obama’s stance on gay marriage?

Rand Paul Doesn’t Think Barack Obama’s Marriage Views ‘Could Get Any Gayer’ is a post from: The Inquisitr

Arcadius, a bay gelding, won $150,000 at the Iroquois Steeplechase at Percy Warner Park on Saturday before collapsing just beyond the finish line of the 3-mile race; where the horse was declared dead.

One of the five official veterinarians on the course, Dr. Monty McInturff (who various news outlets have reported as “Marty”), indicated that Arcadius died from “a heart attack” and potentially an aneurysm.

The Tennessean confirmed Monty’s assumptions as they reported that public relations director for the Iroquois, Jeff Bradford, had conveyed the findings of the autopsy report which indicated that the horse had died as a result of a bulge in the wall of the pulmonary artery known as a pulmonary aneurysm.

The horse, who was ridden consecutively for the fifth time by jockey Brian Cowley, raced for real estate executive Edward Swyer, Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, and the Hudson River Farm in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Trainer Sheppard was quoted by The AP having said in regards to Arcadius’ death:

“The horse ran a valiant race. And, it’s not like he was struggling during the race. The rider wasn’t aggressive with his whip. After he crossed the finish line, I was talking to the riders of other horses that I had in the race. I looked over and saw that he was down. The temperature was sixty-seven degrees on the thermometer in my car, and it was drizzling a bit. The course was firm but in excellent condition.”

Crowley, riding Arcadius, took the lead at the 18th national hurdle and then battled it out with Divine Fortune, ridden by amateur jockey Darren Nagle, after the final hurdle.

Dr. McInturff was quoted by The Associated Press having said:

“The horse ran a beautiful race. When he went down, we got to him very quickly and administered medications and an IV. But, his blood pressure dropped very rapidly and we couldn’t save him.”

Arcadius Dead After Winning $150,000 Race is a post from: The Inquisitr

JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon has indicated that the firm lost roughly $2 billion.  JPM’s chief investment office, which focuses on hedging, made some risky bets on synthetic credit securities that didn’t play out to the advantage of the bank.  The company, which declined 5.5% to $38.50 in extended trading at 5:55 p.m. (EST) issued a quarterly securities filing statement which read:

“This portfolio has proven to be riskier, more volatile and less effective as an economic hedge than the firm previously believed.”

Dimon has migrated the chief investment office towards larger and riskier speculative bets, according to five former employees, Bloomberg News reported on April 13.  Former JPM executives claimed that the company made bets of such great magnitude that they were unable to unwind them without having a dramatic effect on financial markets or losing capital.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS), who had $3.06 billion in hedge-fund stakes at the end of March, redeemed roughly $250 million from hedge funds as the 5th-largest U.S. bank (by assets) begins complying with new banking regulations requiring a reduction of such investments, Bloomberg reported.

The Volcker rule provision of the Dodd-Frank financial-reform law requires federally ensured banks to limit their private equity and hedge fund investments to no more than 3% of the fund or 3% of the bank’s Tier 1 capital.

Sachs, whose fund stakes were worth $17.2 billion at the end of March, stated in a filing:

“We currently expect to redeem up to approximately 10 percent of certain hedge funds’ total redeemable units per quarter over 10 consecutive quarters, beginning March 2012 and ending June 2014. In addition, we have limited the firm’s initial investment to 3 percent for certain new funds.”

What are your thoughts on JPMorgan’s $2 billion loss and Goldman Sachs’ redeeming $250 million from hedge funds?

JPMorgan Loses $2 Billion, Goldman Redeems $250 Million From Hedge Funds is a post from: The Inquisitr

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Cooney in the United States Marines returned home after being deployed in Afghanistan to be greeted by his 6-year-old son, who suffered from cerebral palsy and was unable to walk last his father saw him, walked to his father in a heartwarming video which has already received more than 660,000 views.

In the touching video, which was uploaded to YouTube by Welcome Home Blog, an announcer can be heard telling Cooney, a father of six children, through the gymnasium’s loudspeaker:

“Your children are so very proud of you!”

The boy’s mother, Melissa Cooney, elaborated upon the incident on WelcomeHomeBlog.com where she stated:

“When my husband left on his deployment, our 6-year-old son could not walk on his own. He has cerebral palsy. Doctors originally said that he would never walk or do much of anything. While daddy was away, he learned to walk. For his homecoming, we set it up for Michael to walk to his daddy for the first time ever! We kept the fact that he could walk a secret the whole time his dad was gone!”

What are your thoughts on this incredibly heartwarming video of a Marine father seeing his 6-year-old kid walk for the first time?

Marine Father Sees Son Walk For First Time Video:

Marine Father Returns Home To See 6-Year-Old Boy Walk For First Time [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Girls Scouts of the USA are facing an official inquiry by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops over concerns regarding potentially offensive program material in addition to assertions that the Girl Scouts are associated with groups whose stances conflict with the teachings of the Catholic church.

The Scouts have numerous troops sponsored by various parishes and have denied the claims while defending their many alliances.

Last year, a 7-year-old transgender, born a boy and being raised a girl, was accepted into a Colorado troop.  The acceptance of the young child angered some conservatives.

Catholic critics have raised concerns regarding a partnership between the Girl Scouts and Planned Parenthood.  The Girl Scouts’ head office has denied the claim on numerous occasions as they’ve clearly indicated that no such partnership exists.  Additionally, the scouts have stated that they take no position on sexuality, abortion, and birth control.

Girl Scouts’ director of inclusive membership strategies, Gladys Padro-Soler, was quoted by Y! News having said:

“It’s been hard to get the message out there as to what is true when distortions get repeated over and over.”

The inquiry by Catholic Bishops, which was timed perfectly to coincide with the Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary celebrations, will examine “possible problematic relationships with other organizations” as well as a variety of “problematic” program materials, according to a letter sent by Bishop Kevin Rhoades to his fellow bishops.  The letter was obtained by The Associated Press, but no additional commentary was made available.

The Girl Scouts have estimated that 25% of their 2.3 million members (575,000) are Catholic.  This is down from a peak of 3 million which occurred decades ago.

Michelle Tompkins, the spokeswoman for the Girl Scouts, was quoted having said:

“I know we’re a big part of the culture wars. People use our good name to advance their own agenda. For us, there’s an overarching sadness to it. We’re just trying to further girls’ leadership.”

What are your thoughts on the Catholic Bishops’ inquiry into the Girl Scouts?

Girl Scouts Scrutinized By Catholic Bishops is a post from: The Inquisitr

Vice President Joe Biden issued an apology to President Barack Obama on Wednesday for his shotgun remarks pertaining to the White House administration’s embrace of gay marriage.  An anonymous individual who remains anonymous was quoted having said:

“The vice president expressed remorse, regret.”

The anonymous source went onto elaborate as he said that Obama understood that Biden’s comments on Sunday had come “from the heart.”  The president and vice president of the United States exchanged words on Wednesday in the Oval Office.

Obama’s response to Biden’s apology was similar to remarks the president made during an interview with Robin Roberts of ABC News.  During the interview, Barack conveyed his stance on gay rights as he was quoted by ABC having said:

“He probably got out a little over his skis, but out of generosity of spirit. I Would I have preferred to have done this in my own way on my own terms without, I think, there being a lot of notice to everybody? Of course. But all’s well that ends well.”

Biden indicated to Meet The Press that he is “absolutely comfortable” with the notion of married same-sex couples.

When questioned in regards to the vice president’s apology, Joe’s spokeswoman Kendra Barkoff was quoted by Y! News having said:

“The president has been the leader on this issue from day one and the vice president never intended to distract from that.”

Joe Biden Supports Gay Marriages Video:

Source: Y! News Blogs

Joe Biden Apologizes To President Obama For Comments Regarding Gay Marriage is a post from: The Inquisitr

Former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield has been ordered to pay $1 million to a postal carrier who was attacked at his country home by his five free-roaming dogs back in 2011.

Court documents indicate that on April 21, 2011, Mary E. Bolton drove onto Mayfield’s property in order to deliver a package that was too large for the mailbox.  After driving passed “Beware of Dog” and “No Trespassing” signs, the carrier was attacked by five dogs.  The dogs, which were pit bull/Labrador mixes, mauled the woman until Jeremy, who was home at the time of the incident, scared the dogs away and carried Bolton into his home where he dialed 911.

Emergency services transported Bolton to a local hospital where she was treated for her injuries.  Animal control authorities confiscated and euthanized Mayfield’s dogs after the ordeal.

As a result of the mauling, Mary was unable to work for several months and lost an estimated $14,000 in income.  She also now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as nerve damage.

Mayfield has offered to reimburse the postal worker for her medical expenses, however, he did not show up in court or file or a formal answer to Bolton’s charge of negligence for allowing his dogs to roam freely on the property.

While former NASCAR driver Mayfield did express regret over the situation, he did note that he moved to the country specifically to allow his dogs to run free on his rural property, which is located nearly one-mile from the road.  He was quoted having said:

“I’m far enough off the road to not get messed with. My dogs never left that property, yet I’ve got a $1 million judgment against me.”

Jeremy Mayfield has indicated that he hasn’t filed a response because he is unable to afford to hire an attorney for this incident, let alone his other criminal charges.  In regards to the predicament that he finds himself in, he was quoted having said:

“If I had $1 million to give away, I wouldn’t be in this situation.”

Mayfield was suspended from NASCAR back in 2009 after testing positive for methamphetamine.  While he protested his innocence at the time, drivers Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson conveyed their concern with sharing the track with an inebriated Mayfield.

What do you think of the Forsyth County, N.C., Superior Court judge’s ruling in which Jeremy Mayfield has been ordered to pay $1 million to the postal carrier who disregarded the “Beware of Dog” and “No Trespassing” signs on his property and was attacked by his free roaming dogs as she ventured onto the former NASCAR driver’s private property?

Jeremy Mayfield Ordered To Pay $1 Million After Dogs Attack Postal Carrier is a post from: The Inquisitr

Supermodel Christy Turlington Burns is on the defense after catching quite a bit of flack after releasing a short documentary film – No Woman, No Cry, apparently named after a popular Bob Marley song – and standing behind her Every Mother Counts organization’s request that fellow mothers go silent on Mother’s Day.

Burn’s organization helps raise awareness about the 360,000 annual deaths of mothers attributed to pregnancy or complications with child-birth.  They are requesting that mothers everywhere go without phone calls, gifts, fanfare, and even Facebook!  The No Mother’s Day campaign states that this act of solidarity will convey:

“Just how much a mother is missed when she is gone.”

After the No Mother’s Day campaign was made public, Every Mother Counts’ Facebook fans began wondering why it is that Christy Turlington has to be such a Debbie Downer.  While there are those Facebook fans like Andres Carlos Jauregui who stated “this is stupid,” there are certainly those with contradictory perspectives coincident with those of Sondra Bloxam who clearly conveyed her support for the controversial campaign as she stated on the organization’s Facebook page:

“When I first learned about the No Mothers Day Campaign, my eyebrows crinkled like many others I am sure. I respect Every Mom Counts and the work Christy Turlington has done so I gave it a chance. I watched the video, shared it with my networks, and began talking about it. Some didn’t think silence would be effective. Others were confused as to why, as a mom, would I give up a day to be appreciated by my loved ones, even if for global maternal health awareness?? Having working in the field of sexual health organizing I can understand having difficult, even uncomfortable conversations with community members about the value of sexual health education and advocacy. This campaign felt familiar to me in that it is controversial, it is different, and it is absolutely necessary. Now, as I walk through the city and see all of the ads willing people to their stores to spend money on their mom’s, I think about No Mother’s Day, and feel empowered to reach out. Thank you for bringing mothers, and advocates alike together on this issue. I will continue to spread the word.”

Christy Turlington Burns On The Defense After No Mother’s Day Campaign Backlash [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

John Travolta‘s acting career and vast fortune are in jeopardy after two masseurs filed lawsuits alleging that the Grease star sexually harassed them, however, Denise Wingate, a costume designer who worked with Travolta on the movie Killing Season, told TMZ that she was inside of the actor’s New York suite at The Greenwich Hotel the same day one of the masseurs claimed Travolta was sexually harassing him at a hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

While the 58-year-old American actor was in New York on January 16th, the same day one of the masseurs indicated he was sexually harassed, he attended a photo session which lasted roughly 3 1/2 hours, according to Wingate.  The costume designer indicated that there were four other people, in addition to herself and Travolta, in the room while the photo shoot was underway.  She was quoted by TMZ having said:

“[The notion of Travolta sexually harassing his masseurs] is absolutely absurd.”

Wingate indicated to TMZ that John was at the hotel for the majority of the day, as he was rehearsing his lines for the movie.  Robert De Niro was also fitted by Wingate at the hotel on the day of one of the alleged incidents.

To Travolta’s defense, he has supplied a restaurant receipt from Mr. Chow’s in New York, which is dated January 16.  There are also photographs of him attending a January 16th costume fitting and flight records which indicate that the Saturday Night Fever star’s flight departed Los Angeles on January 15 and arrived in New York on the morning of January 16.

John Travolta Lawsuit: Costume Designer Proves Gay Sexual Harassment Allegations Are False is a post from: The Inquisitr

Aimee Copeland is currently fighting for her life after the young woman contracted a flesh eating disease, known officially as necrotizing fasciitis, while zip lining with friends in Carrollton, Georgia.

The 24-year-old master’s student at the University of West Georgia was using a homemade zip line, while on a kayaking adventure with friends, when the line broke and left Copeland with a gash on her left calf.  The wound introduced a life-threatening infection which claimed her leg as well as a piece of her abdomen after surgeons were forced to amputate in order to prevent the bacterial infection from spreading.

Her father, Andy Copeland, told ABC affiliate WSBTV:

“It’s a miracle she made it past Friday night.”

Necrotizing soft tissue infections are rare, but are an extremely severe type of bacterial infection capable of destroying skin, muscle, and underlying tissue.  Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat) is typically a deadly form of necrotizing soft tissue infection, it’s sometimes referred to as flesh-eating bacteria.

Copeland’s zip lining wound left her susceptible to infection and as the bacteria entered her body through the gash in her leg, it began to grow while releasing harmful toxins.  The toxins released killed tissue while inhibiting the flow of blood to her leg.  As her tissue dies, the bacteria will enter her blood stream and rapidly circulate throughout her body.

Dr. William Schaffner, chair of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, T.N., was quoted having said:

“The bacteria produce enzymes that can dissolve muscle deep down. And because it’s so deep, it can be a sneaky infection that’s not immediately appreciated by the patient. The symptom that should ring alarm bells is serious, unremitting pain. An otherwise healthy individual with a seemingly superficial injury who has severe pain should have a much more thorough evaluation. The two main treatment options are antibiotics to kill the bacteria and surgery. You have to look at the wound and think, ‘This is as far as the infection has gone; now I have to cut even further.’”

One week after the incident, Copeland’s temperature spiked and her pulse disappeared.  She was resuscitated shortly after with CPR.  Her father Andy was quoted by WSBTV having said:

“I don’t want people with long faces right now because we already had a miracle Friday night when she survived. [...] I just believe we have to stay positive right now to honor Aimee.”

The National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation has indicated that frequently washing ones hands and avoiding those with sore throats can help diminish the risk of contracting flesh-eating disease.

Flesh Eating Disease: Aimee Copeland Is Fighting For Her Life is a post from: The Inquisitr

Tatanga malware’s authors appear to be in the process of expanding their network of infected computers by spreading their banking Trojan, initially aimed at the customers of a single Spanish bank, through a free fraud protection insurance scam that preys on unsuspecting users of online banking.

Where those behind the Tatanga virus were initially intent on targeting customers of a sole bank in Spain, they appear to have expanded their illicit operations to include the customers of other banks.

Those behind the financial malware intend on stealing money as well as identities in order to perpetrate crimes pertaining to identity fraud.  In order to do so, the virus relies on social engineering techniques which are intended to trick the victim into bypassing security measures imposed by their banks.  Security measures which include one-time passwords (OTPs) and transaction authorization numbers (TANs).

Director of product marketing for online security firm Trusteer, Oren Kedem, indicated that the Tatanga variant discovered last week was not aimed at the United States.  In regards to the origins of the malware, Kedem was quoted by CSO having said:

“We don’t know where it originated, but it’s fair to assume that the people are Spanish speaking, and familiar with the Spanish banks. There is reason to believe it is coming from that part of the world.”

Tatanga currently affects nine web-browsers which include Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari, and Google Chrome.

A Trojan horse, in regards to computing, is composed of a server and a client.  Once the server is executed on the victim’s machine, a communication port is opened through which the client is able to establish a connection in order to remotely control the infected computer.  As software and hardware firewalls, like those commonly incorporated into home routers, thwart traditional Trojans by blocking unsolicited connection requests, reverse client/server viruses are now the apparent standard.

In regards to countermeasures, Kedem has indicated that banks should provide anti-malware services and training to their customers.  He was quoted having said:

“Banks need to make customers watch for any change from normal. They should be suspicious if they see any unsolicited offering, anything that is asking for new information, if the screen changes or if suddenly somebody from the bank is chatting with you. Call the bank and ask if it is genuine. The best way to be safe is to be suspicious.”

In the constantly evolving world of online security, this writer suggests Internet users utilize a variety of anti-virus software suites, either a software or hardware firewall, avoid shady websites to the best of their ability, utilize complicated passwords, never use the same “universal” password for their various accounts, carefully scrutinize anything that seems too good to be true, never divulge personal information, and regularly backup important data.  While following these directions has the ability to mitigate the risk of losing important data, being scammed, or infected with a virus, the directions will not make you impervious to infections or scams.  For this reason, always exercise caution when accessing the wild west world that is today’s Internet.

Anti-virus software often incorporates anti-virus offset scanners in order to pinpoint infections.  Essentially, an offset scanner works by scanning the code composing a given file for a string common to a known a virus in order to determine whether or not the file is infected.  As the scanner is simply searching based on a library of virus definitions, a virus must first be discovered and analyzed, often through reverse engineering and execution in controlled environments, in order for there to be a definition in the database of known viruses.  To relate to a more common world of understanding such as that of the corporeal, researchers are unable to provide a cure for a virus prior to having knowledge of the virus and the same is true when it comes to computer viruses.  Such is the perpetual cat-and-mouse game that we play.

Online Security: Free Fraud Protection Scam Installs ‘Tatanga’ Financial Malware is a post from: The Inquisitr

Michael Jackson’s bodyguard, Matt Fiddes, indicated to The Sun that MJ had ordered a hit on his brother, Randy Jackson, “in a drug-fueled paranoid rage,” which Randy’s spokesman denied, as he told TMZ that the claim “couldn’t be further from the truth … it’s completely absurd.”

Fiddes has claimed that MJ ordered members of his entourage to shoot Randy during an argument pertaining to a potential Jackson 5 reunion tour.  He also claims that the king of pop was on drugs at the time he ordered the shooting.  Jackson’s bodyguard was quoted having said:

“Michael was caught in a war with his brothers for years. They were desperate to sign him up to a $500 million deal for a Jackson Five reunion tour. By 2005 Michael had surrounded himself with Nation of Islam bodyguards and became paranoid to the point that he would bar family from coming into his home. Things reached a head when Randy was trying to force his way past the bodyguards to speak to him in one of his rented homes. Michael ordered him to be shot. He was out of mind on drugs and luckily Randy was OK. Michael shouted at the bodyguards that he wanted Randy shot, and Randy really feared he’d be killed. I don’t think Michael ever intended to kill him and told the guards to shoot him in the leg. But Randy was so scared he got on the phone and threatened to call the press.”

Much to the contrary, Randy’s rep was quoted by TMZ having said:

“There’s no way in the world that this actually happened.”

The bodyguard, who also happens to be a martial arts master, didn’t stop with his allegations of a murder plot, he went onto accuse Michael of having had a brief affair with Whitney Houston.

Rather than engage Matt Fiddes in court, Randy’s representative indicated that Michael Jackson’s family had decided to simply ignore the late musician’s bodyguard, at least for the time being.

Randy Jackson Denies Michael Jackson Tried To Murder Him is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Food and Drug Administration indicated on Tuesday that Truvada appears to be both safe as well as effective when it comes to the prevention of HIV.  They concluded that daily ingestion of the HIV pill has the potential to prevent patients from being infected with the “serious and life-threatening illness that requires lifelong treatment,” MSNBC reported.

The HIV pill favored by the FDA is now that much closer to becoming the first drug approved on the market that is capable of preventing the virus which causes AIDS from infecting healthy people.

A panel of FDA advisers will take the review into consideration on Thursday, as they decide whether or not to approve Truvada as a preventative treatment for those at high risk of contracting HIV through sexual intercourse.  While the FDA is not technically required to adhere to the advice of its panel, it typically does.

Gilead Sciences Inc., based in California’s Foster City, has been marketing the their AIDS pill as a treatment for those infected with the virus since back in 2004.

Truvada is a composed of two older HIV drugs known as Viread and Emtriva.  The two predecessors were often prescribed by doctors as part of a drug cocktail designed to make reproduction for the virus more difficult.  Not only do those with low viral levels experience reduced symptoms, they are also far less likely to develop AIDS.

Researchers first reported, back in 2010, that Truvada was capable of preventing healthy individuals from contracting the HIV virus.  The conclusion came as the result of a three-year study in which patients were administered daily doses of the drug.  When accompanied by counseling and condoms, healthy bisexual and homosexual men taking their daily regiment of HIV pills were 44% less likely to be infected by the virus.

AIDS United’s vice president, Ronald Johnson, was quoted having said:

“If we’re going to reduce the more than 50,000 new HIV infections in this country each year, we need to increase the available options for people.”

HIV Pill Truvada Side Effects Video:

HIV Pill ‘Truvada’ Might Soon Be Released is a post from: The Inquisitr

Tom Gabel, the lead singer of the punk rock band known as Against Me!, has indicated that he’s intent on becoming a woman.

The 31-year-old rock star told Rolling Stone that as a child, he had experiencing a feeling of disconnection from his physical body and that he has a condition which is known as gender identity disorder.

In order to migrate towards becoming a female, Tom intends on undergoing electrolysis in addition to taking hormones.

Punk rock musician Gabel is also considering gender reassignment surgery.

In regards to his childhood, the Florida punk rocker was quoted by the AP having said:

“Growing up, my experience with transsexualism was nothing but shame.”

Tom intends on changing his name from Thomas James Gabel to the considerably more feminine Laura Jane Grace.

While his gender dysphoria may leave some questioning his sexual preference, Against Me!’s lead singer has clearly conveyed his preference as he has indicated that he is not attracted to men and will remain married to his wife, with whom he has a 2-year-old daughter.

Gabel’s decision to publicly come out as a transgender follows rapper Queen Latifah‘s recent announcement regarding her own sexual preference, as it turns out the actress is homosexual.

Against Me! is quite possibly most well known for their hit song Thrash Unreal.  The band, along with their transgender lead singer, is scheduled to tour with The Cult later this month.

What are your thoughts on Tom Gabel’s sex change?

Tom Gabel Of Against Me! Is Becoming A Woman, New Name Will Be Laura Jane Grace is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Securities and Exchange Commission has alleged that financial adviser Ephren Taylor scammed “over $11 million” from what was primarily “African-American churchgoers” in a giant Ponzi scheme which spanned across the United States.

At the New Birth Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, Taylor walked into the pulpit and accepted the microphone from pastor Eddie Long, who had just introduced him to the Sunday morning crowd of churchgoers, and stated:

“Everything he says is based on the word of God. We’re going to show you how to get wealth and use it for the building of his kingdom.”

With compelling sermon-like pitches intended to sway churchgoers into investing into fictitious business ventures and introductions from powerful pastors, alleged scam artist Ephren Taylor managed to peddle his Ponzi scheme in at least 40 states.

Taylor first gained notoriety as his rags to riches story received national attention.  The now 29-year-old African-American grew up in poverty in Blackwater, Mississippi.  He eventually developed a video game which turned him into a millionaire while still a teenager.  He told ABC News in an interview back in 1997 that he was worth an estimated, “20 million on a bad day.”

A private investor, Lillian Wells, was scammed of her life savings after hearing Taylor speak at New Birth.  He told Wells that her money would be invested in a venture called City Capital Corporation which was turning around homes in inner cities.  In exchange for her life savings, the shady financial adviser claimed she would receive a 20% return on her investment.  In regards to how she was swindled, Wells stated:

“He quoted scriptures.”

When Wells attempted to pull the initial capital invested into the venture out, Taylor simply disappeared.  She was quoted having said:

“I couldn’t get a hold of anybody. You just can’t get them. That’s it. You just couldn’t get anybody.”

Wells, now struggling like many of the victims of Taylor’s more than $11 million Ponzi scheme, is now trying to prevent her home from going into foreclosure.  She has indicated that she’s unsure on whether or not she will ever get her money back, however, she would like to see the con artist held accountable for his deception.

What are your thoughts on Ephren Taylor’s Ponzi scheme?

Ephren Taylor Charged By SEC With $11 Million Ponzi Scheme is a post from: The Inquisitr

Video evidence in which Fullerton police can be seen beating Kelly Thomas, a mentally ill homeless man, was introduced for the first time in the second day of a preliminary hearing to determine whether two police officers should be ordered to stand trial for beating Thomas to death.

The Kelly Thomas beating video shows the schizophrenic laying on the ground without a shirt on as uniformed police officers hit him with fists, a baton, and the butt of a stun gun. The violent encounter, which occurred outside of a bus depot to which the Fullerton police were called to investigate a homeless man breaking into vehicles, landed Kelly in the hospital where he later died.

During the terrifying ordeal, 37-year-old Thomas screams out:

“Dad, they are killing me!”

Those two polices charged in Kelly’s death, Manuel Ramos and Cpl. Jay Cicinelli, have both plead not guilty as their defense insists the death was the fault of St. Jude hospital in Fullerton, C.A., where he was taken following the violent altercation.

Defense attorney John Barnett questioned trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Lewaka, the chief trauma surgeon at UCI where Kelly was later transferred, confirmed that paramedics had informed him that doctors at St. Jude hospital had struggled with the insertion of a breathing tube. He indicated that were a breathing tube not quickly inserted into the patient, it could lead to a low level of oxygen in the blood, and eventually death, however, he said records did not indicate any such problem. Lewaka was quoted by the L.A. Times having testified:

“They did everything right.”

Kelly Thomas Beating Video Introduced As Evidence In Homeless Man’s Murder Trial is a post from: The Inquisitr

NY Yankees closer Mariano Rivera visited with surgeons on Monday in regards to his torn ACL and things didn’t go as smoothly as anticipated, as his agent Fernando Cuza was quoted by FoxSports.com having said:

“We ran into complications.”

The Yankees and Cuza did not divulge any additional information pertaining to what Dr Chis Ahmad, David Altchek, and Dr. Russell Warren, discovered in regards to Mariano Rivera’s torn ACL.  Yankees general manager Brian Cashman stated:

“I won’t comment that right now. He was at the hospital for Special Surgery and saw Dr. Warren and then saw [Dr.] Ahmad. He was scheduled to see both.”

Rivera’s injury came as a result of shagging practice fly balls at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday, where he collapsed in center field and began holding his knee.  Last week’s Kansas City diagnosis indicated that he had a torn meniscus as well as a torn ACL and that he would require surgery which would bring the 42-year-old’s season to a screeching halt.

Along with Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte, Mariano is part of the Yankees’ Core Four.  Pettitte, who turns 40 next month, is set to be back on the mound in the Bronx come Sunday.  He’s scheduled to start against the Seattle Mariners in his first MLB outing since his 2010 postseason retirement.  Manager Joe Girardi was quoted by Fox Sports having said:

“It will be a great day at the Stadium.”

With only two teams, Minnesota and Colorado, having worse averages this season, it would be interesting to see how the New York Yankees’ rotation plays with both Michael Pineda and Mariano Rivera out with injuries.

Mariano Rivera Ran Into ‘Complications’ During Doctor Visit is a post from: The Inquisitr

The first major step towards beginning construction of the Minnesota Vikings new stadium has been completed as the Minnesota House of Representatives approved a bill to build a new $975 million stadium in Minneapolis.

The House negotiated for eight hours on Monday before they finally approved the bill by a vote of 73-58. After an amendment was passed earlier in the day, raising the originally agreed-upon $427 million contribution from the Vikings to $532 million, the team was left with roughly 55% of the construction costs.

The agreement could ultimately result in the Vikings staying in Minnesota for the next 30 years and passing the House floor is widely considered to be the first big step towards sealing the deal.

Representative John Kriesel, who is in favor of the stadium, was quoted by FoxSportsNorth.com having said:

“I think we’re all committed to getting it done now. Big step here; we have never gotten this far. So, I’m excited where we’re at, but there is still work to be done. We need to get on this now.”

The next big step towards beginning construction on the Vikings new stadium will be to pass the bill in the Senate. After which point, the Senate and House versions of the bill would be worked out in a conference committee prior to returning to the House and Senate for another vote.

Once the final tally of the House was displayed on television screens outside of the Capitol, Vikings fans began a massive celebration which went on past 11:00 p.m. on Monday night. After the results were in, Governor Mark Dayton stated:

“The Voices of the people of Minnesota were heard tonight.”

What are your thoughts on the new Vikings stadium?

Vikings New Stadium: Minnesota House Approves Bill To Build is a post from: The Inquisitr

Former Playboy Playmate Julia Orayen stole the show at a presidential debate in Mexico as she appeared in a form-fitting white dress, boasting her generous cleavage, to deliver a box of papers which would determine which of the four presidential candidates would speak first.

Essentially a Mexican version of Vanna White, Orayen’s brief appearance created quite the buzz on social networking websites including Twitter, as former Mexican Foreign Minister Jorge Castaneda tweeted:

“The best was the girl in white with the cleavage at the beginning.”

The curvaceous model, who has posed nude for Playboy, wore a skintight white dress with tear-drop cutout.

Orayen’s name held the third and fourth position under Twitter’s Mexico City trends throughout the day of the presidential debate, MercuryNews.com reported.

Director of the Federal Electoral Institute Alfredo Figueroa, who requested an aide in “sober dress” as he is responsible for organizing the debate, blamed the incident on a production associate hired to assist with the political debate.  The Federal Electoral Institute issued an apology to the citizens of Mexico.

Orayen indicated that the production team hired by the institute had instructed her to adorn a long, white dress, which she selected from her own closet.  She was quoted having said:

“It was my only choice for a long dress. I didn’t think it would reveal as much or cause this much scandal. i learned I like myself better when I’m covered up.”

New Alliance party candidate Gabriel Quadri told MVS radio:

“It is impossible not to concentrate your attention on a woman so spectacular.”

Enrquie Pena Nieto of the Institutional Revolutionary Party currently maintains a double-digit lead over conservative Josefina Vazquez Mota and leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

What do you think about the Julia Orayen’s scandalous attire at the Mexican debate?

Julia Orayen: The Real Winner Of The Mexican Presidential Debate [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Meow, a 39-pound cat who was propelled to national celebrity status for his obesity, died Saturday from respiratory complications related to the feline’s girth, Santa Fe Animal Shelter executive director Mary Martin stated.

After traveling from the East Coast to Santa Fe while stored in a carrier aboard an airplane, the massive kitty was featured on the Today show with Anderson Cooper, where the enormous cat met actor Hugh Grant.

In regards to whether or not storing Meow aboard an airplane in order to transport him for his national television appearance was a contributing factor his death, shelter officials denied that the appearance stressed the cat out and attributed to the fat cat’s death, as they were quoted by BostonHerald.com having said:

“We were wondering about that. But he wasn’t showing that. Cats don’t like stress. But he liked people. I think he was more stressed not being around people. He was purring all the time.”

The ridiculously large cat was taken in by a shelter in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after his Roswell owner was unable to care for him any longer.

While the average cat weighs between 8 and 12 pounds, Meow was an incredible 39-pounder who, according to Santa Fe veterinarian Jennifer Steketee, the massive cat’s health had been improving prior to his death as he had lost 2-3 pounds.  The shelter kept the cat on a fresh protein diet consisting of turkey, chicken, and some Wellness kibble.  Prior to the incorporation of his healthy feline diet, he may have been consuming strictly hot dogs, as Martin was quoted having said:

“The Roswell shelter told us he had been on a hot dog diet. Then [the former owner's] daughter said that was not true. So we don’t really know [what he's been eating].”

What are your thoughts on the 39 pound cat’s death?

39-Pound Cat Named ‘Meow’ Dies From Pulmonary Failure is a post from: The Inquisitr

Gary Coleman, the famous childhood actor that starred in “The Diff’rent Strokes” television series, died of a head injury sustained in a fall two years ago, leaving an estate that has been claimed by two people. Anna Gray, Coleman’s ex-girlfriend and former manager of his estate, and Shannon Price, Coleman’s ex-wife who continued to live with Coleman after their divorce in 2008 until his death in 2010, both claim to be the beneficiary to Coleman’s estate, which contains a house worth $324,000, a pension, and other unknown assets.

The unfolding court battle is taking place in Provo, Utah. Anna Gray is representing herself in court and she claims that in 2005 Coleman named her the beneficiary and executor to his estate. Gray asked Price why she had her name removed from the deed to the house to which Price replied that it was a condition of the divorce.

Shannon Price, age 26, said that she met Gary Coleman while filming the movie “Church Ball” in 2005. They married in 2007 and divorced less than a year later for reasons that are sealed by a court order. Price and Coleman continued to live together following the divorce until his death in 2010.

Price stated in court that although her relationship with her now deceased ex-husband had “ups and downs… we couldn’t be without each other”, which is why they continued to live with each other even after divorce.
However, Audra Wright, Price and Coleman’s neighbor, testified in court that Price and Coleman kept separate bed rooms and that their house was messy. Wright testified that Price often complained to her about fights, financial problems, and once asked her “…[if she had] seen a black guy with a black eye?”, after which “…she called Gary over and said ‘Show her your black eye’”.

Wright claims that Price would grab Coleman by the wrist and pull him along instead of holding hands and that she “…[thought] that made him look like a child”.

Although Coleman’s estate is not that sizable, many believe that there is real value is in the rights to the Gary Coleman brand.

Coleman’s parents have not yet tried to claim to be the beneficiary.
Source: Y! Finance News

Gary Coleman’s Former Wife And Girlfriend Battle Over His Estate is a post from: The Inquisitr

As Francois Hollande prepares to become France’s first socially elected president in over 15 years, his love interest Valerie Trierweiler is preparing to become the country’s first unmarried First Lady.

Hollande and Trierweiler have been in a relationship since 2006 and many are already considering his love to be the next First Lady.  As the first unmarried right hand lady, Valerie has managed to quickly capture the attention of the masses who have been left wondering whether or not the two will decide to get married as a result of Hollande’s recent promotion.  For now, he’s stated that the two have no intention of planning a wedding anytime soon, ChristianPost.com reported.

Trierweiler, who has been employed by Paris Match since 1989 as a political reporter, will be taking the place of the beloved former First lady Carla Bruni, Nicolas Sarkozy’s wife, who was a supermodel prior to her becoming a singer and eventually France’s First Lady while her husband served as president.

Paris Match ran a cover article in which the twice-divorced Trierweiler was depicted as Hollande’s new “charm,” to which she quickly responding having said:

“Bravo Paris Match for its sexism … my thoughts go out to all angry women. What a shock to find yourself on the front page of your own paper. I am angry to see the use of photos without my agreement and without letting me know.”

In order to avoid a conflict of interest, Trierweiler, a mother of three, began covering the art world instead of politics for her magazine.

What are your thoughts on the unmarried First Lady, Valerie Trierweiler, being put on blast by her own magazine?

Valerie Trierweiler To Become France’s First Unmarried First Lady is a post from: The Inquisitr

Two Polish architects, Marek Rozhanski and Irek Glowacki, designed an upside down house as a tourist attraction in the western Austrian village of Tertens.

Not only is the house upside down on the exterior, the interior is inverted too.  The bathroom, children’s bedroom, and even the garage are all upside down.

Virtually every aspect of the inverted abode appears to be flipped upside down.  Even the foundation can be seen on what would traditionally be considered the roof, or top of the home.

Throughout the years, there have been those who pondered similar creations which usually entailed the nailing of furniture to the ceiling.  Strangely, this is not the first time a structure of this type has been concocted.

An upside down laboratory, WonderWorks in Orlando, F.L., is a popular tourist attraction in the sunshine state.  Additionally, Sakasa restaurant in Japan is also upside down.  Even the fixtures and sign board are inverted at the Japanese restaurant.

Glowacki and Rozanski, the two Polish architects who designed the silly house, allocated eight months towards the construction of the home at Terfens-Vomperbach, Tyrol.

The interesting house, which was created as a tourist attraction, is currently open for public viewing.

Similar in some capacity to the upside down mountain in France, the Pic de Bugarach, which is believed to have erupted thousands of years ago, ultimately creating the inverted mountain.

Do you think Austria’s new upside down home will become a popular tourist attraction?

Upside Down House Becomes Austrian Tourist Attraction [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a new report in which they indicated that an estimated 42% of Americans will be obese by the year 2030.

That’s roughly an additional 32 million Americans who will become obese in the next 18-years.  Not only that, the proportion of severely obese Americans will reach roughly double the current rate, reaching an astounding 11%.

An increase of this caliber would manifest $550 billion worth of health care costs derived from obesity-related ailments, according to the CDC report.

One of the authors of the obesity report published on the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Eric Finkelstein, was conveyed his concern with the rising rate of severely obese as he quoted by Y! News having said in a press conference:

“Their weight continues to increase. Over the last 10 years, it has gone up tremendously. This is a group at great risk of health complications, and yet they are increasing at an even greater rate than the rate of obesity.”

The report, which was released at the CDC’s Weight of the Nation conference, was conjured by various authors who collaborated in an effort to analyze data collected from every state, which was then used to project the aforementioned obesity statistics.  Researchers accounted for a number of variables influencing obesity rates which included the cost of gas, unhealthy and healthy foods, and even Internet access.  In regards to the projections, Finkelstein was quoted having said:

“Predicting obesity is tricky and no one variable showed up as causing obesity.”

Dr. William Dietz, another one of the author’s of the CDC study, indicated that currently overweight or obese children would likely account for a considerable percentage of the increasing rates.  He was quoted having said:

“We know that about 50% of severe obesity in adults is consequence of obesity in childhood.”

What are your thoughts on the CDC’s recently projected obesity statistics?

Obesity Statistics: 42% Of America Obese By 2030 is a post from: The Inquisitr

Two of the two-hundred elite jet jockeys certified to fly the F-22 Raptor have risked their careers to blow the whistle on safety and health concerns regarding the sophisticated stealth fighter airplane’s internal oxygen delivery system.

The oxygen system, which has already attributed to one F-22 pilot’s death, was fixed with a charcoal filter which was intended to purify the air of contaminants in addition to collecting contaminants for further review.  It turns out that the carbon filters were delivering a mixture of oxygen laced with charcoal, resulting in an additional health concern as inhaling charcoal is detrimental to one’s health.

F-22 Pilot Josh Wilson told CBS News’ 60 Minutes on Sunday:

“There have been squadrons that have stood down over concerns. And there’s been threat of reprisals. There’s been threat of flying evaluation boards clipping our wings and doing ground jobs. And… in my case, potentially getting booted out of the Air Force. So right now there’s an example being set of, ‘Hey, if you speak up about safety, you’re going to be out of the organization.’”

Fellow Raptor pilot Jeremy Gordon, a veteran pilot with the Virginia Air National Guard, has requested not to fly the stealth aircraft, citing health concerns attributed to the malfunctioning oxygen system.

Lockheed Martin/Boeing’s F-22 Raptor is an ultra-maneuverable fighter aircraft which utilizes stealth technology in addition to an array of offensive capabilities designed to give the fifth-generation jet air superiority.

Due to the inherent risk of operating a fighter airplane such as the F22, the pilots have essentially been told to man up and continue flying while the problem is isolated and resolved.

What are your thoughts on the two pilots coming forward to blow the whistle on the health and safety concerns currently associated with operating the $420 million F-22 Raptor?

F-22 Raptor Pilots Claim Military Attempted To Threaten Them Into Silence is a post from: The Inquisitr

Justin Bieber is currently in the process of recording his Believe album and the 18-year-old Canadian musician took the studio with Kanye West to add what is sure to be some insane diversity to his upcoming album.

While the Biebster’s collaboration with Yeezy is scheduled for release until June 19, he did convey his experience with the rapper as he told MTV News during the premiere of his new music video for Boyfriend:

“Just being in the studio with him, he’s just so creative and everything he says, he means it, and he’s just really smart. So I think it’s always great to get into the studio with those people. Basically, he was just talking about going out of the box and doing things that are different and he’s like, ‘I want to just make you cool.’ He wants to just basically do records that people wouldn’t necessarily think I would do.”

Bieber indicated that West was incredibly supportive, without criticism, as he was quoted having said:

“He never gave me advice on my rapping, but every rap record that I played him, he’s like, ‘Yo, that’s your best one!’ He’s never said, ‘I don’t like that.’ He’s always been super supportive.”

The Biebs later joked that Kanye was “just taking my women,” in regards to Kim Kardashian.  He continued the comedy routine as he joked about his lack of a head’s-up that the two were dating, as he was quoted having said:

‘”She didn’t even call me! It was crazy.”

Justin Bieber Discusses Working With Kanye West Video:

Justin Bieber Jokes Kanye West Is ‘Taking My Women’ In Regards To Kim Kardashian is a post from: The Inquisitr

Brad Keselowski, a 28-year-old Michigan born race car driver and team owner, contradicted popular belief when he lead on the last lap and proceeded to take the win at Talladega Superspeedway.

The 2012 Talladega winner was the first driver in the last five Talladega races to take the white flag and the hold onto the lead to take home the win.  Keselowski was quoted by The Associated Press having said:

“I had this whole plan if I ever got in that situation where I was leading; I thought about it and thought about it, dreamed about what to do, and sure enough, going into (turn) three, it was just me and Kyle. I knew the move I wanted to pull. It worked because the guy running second should have the advantage, but I had this move all worked up in my mind.”

After pulling high into the third turn at Talladega, Keselowski pulled off of Busch’s bumper and left Busch’s No. 18 car in the dust.  Busch initially seemed bewildered by what had just occurred, he was later quoted having said:

“I must have screwed something up, because we got to turn three and came unhooked. Just gave the win away over there. Not sure exactly what happened. We definitely need to go back and figure out what it was.”

A nine-car wreck occurred with only four laps remaining.  As a result, Eric McClure was taken to the hospital in order to be treated for injuries.  His sister who is coincidentally his public relations representative indicated that he was in stable condition on Sunday.

What are your thoughts on Brad Keselowski’s win at Talladega?

2012 Talladega Winner: Brad Keselowski Wins Over Kyle Busch [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Talladega Superspeedway played host on Saturday to a nine-car crash during the closing laps in which Eric McClure, a Virginia born NASCAR driver who finished 19th in 2011, was injured and subsequently airlifted to UAB Hospital, where he will stay overnight.

Public relations representative for McClure, Emily Brandt, issued a statement in which she said:

“Eric is awake, alert, and talking to family members. He is being kept overnight for further observation.”

McClure’s No. 14 Toyota slammed hard into the SAFER barrier on the inside wall after Michael Annett hit Kevin Harvick’s No. 33 Chevrolet in the rear on the backstretch and caused a multi-car wreck.

After emergency workers cut the roof off of McClure’s race car, he was placed onto a stretcher, and immediately airlifted to the hospital.  NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp stated:

“I’m told he was conscious, alert and talking to the attendants when he was transported down.”

Annett divulged some insight into the mindset of NASCAR drivers as he was quoted by NASCAR having said:

“We were sitting there in fifth on that final restart and got a really good push from the No. 18 [Logano] and we shot the middle. Everyone is doing what they have to do at these races. The No. 33 [Harvick] came over to try to block us and we had such a run going that if I slammed on the brakes it was going to turn me so I just stayed in the gas and tried to shoot the hole. When it closed it was too late to do anything. Unfortunately we tore up a bunch of race cars. Everybody is trying to get everything they can on those last two laps. It is just the way this racing is.”

A team statement released Sunday afternoon indicated that McClure is currently in stable condition. McClure’s sister and team publicist, Emily Brandt, was quoted by Sporting News having said:

“McClure and his family would like to express their thanks to the NASCAR community for their thoughts, support and concern.”

Eric McClure Crash Video:

Eric McClure Crash: Airlifted To Hospital After Wreck At Talladega [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

]]> http://www.inquisitr.com/231250/eric-mcclure-crash-airlifted-to-hospital-after-wreck-at-talladega-video/feed/ 2 Eric McClure Crash http://www.inquisitr.com/231211/beastie-boys-adam-yauch-dead-mca-tribute-with-madonna-and-mix-master-mike/ http://www.inquisitr.com/231211/beastie-boys-adam-yauch-dead-mca-tribute-with-madonna-and-mix-master-mike/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 23:43:58 +0000 Victor Johnson http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=231211

Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys died on Friday (May 4th) after losing his bought with cancer.  In an act of commemoration, world renown entertainer Madonna issued a statement in which she said: “I’m very sad to hear about Adam’s passing. God bless him and his family.” When the Beastie Boys were just getting [...]

Beastie Boys Adam Yauch Dead: MCA Tribute With Madonna And Mix Master Mike is a post from: The Inquisitr

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Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys died on Friday (May 4th) after losing his bought with cancer.  In an act of commemoration, world renown entertainer Madonna issued a statement in which she said:

“I’m very sad to hear about Adam’s passing. God bless him and his family.”

When the Beastie Boys were just getting started, the well established Madonna decided to include the trio in her 1985 The Virgin Tour as an opening act.  A year later, the Beasties released their iconic debut album License To Ill.

World champion turntabilist Mix Master Mike received the call to work with the Boys on their Grammy Award winning album Hello Nasty.  Ever since their collaboration, Mike has been jammin’ out with the trio and was hit particularly hard by the the death of Adam Yauch.  The infamous DJ issued a statement to MTV News in which he said:

“The music world has lost an Icon and i lost a brother. I give thanks to Adam Yauch for allowing me to be apart of the Beastie legacy. I am so honored to have graced the stage with my idols for 15 historic years. Thank U for your friendship and thank you for picking me to be your DJ. forever I will hold you close to my heart. My Condolences go out to the Yauch family.”

Tributes Friday night included Chris Martin’s slowed down rendition of the Beastie Boys (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers dedication of their show in Newark, New Jersey as RHCP frontman Anthony Kiedis was quoted by Rolling Stone having said to their audience at the Prudential Center:

“We’re playing this show tonight for Adam Yauch.”

What are your thoughts Beastie Boy MCA’s death?

Adam Yauch Died Video:

Beastie Boys Adam Yauch Dead: MCA Tribute With Madonna And Mix Master Mike is a post from: The Inquisitr

]]> http://www.inquisitr.com/231211/beastie-boys-adam-yauch-dead-mca-tribute-with-madonna-and-mix-master-mike/feed/ 5 Beastie Boy Adam MCA Yauch Death http://www.inquisitr.com/231126/eli-manning-snl-giants-quarterback-hosts-saturday-night-live/ http://www.inquisitr.com/231126/eli-manning-snl-giants-quarterback-hosts-saturday-night-live/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 22:08:45 +0000 Victor Johnson http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=231126

New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning, who has two Super Bowl wins under his belt, played the role of host on Saturday Night Live. With comical monologue and a pun at brother Peyton’s expense, Eli’s sketch comedy experience was quite entertaining. At the end of the show, Manning could be seen wearing mascara, lipstick, and [...]

Eli Manning SNL: Giants Quarterback Hosts Saturday Night Live is a post from: The Inquisitr

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New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning, who has two Super Bowl wins under his belt, played the role of host on Saturday Night Live.

With comical monologue and a pun at brother Peyton’s expense, Eli’s sketch comedy experience was quite entertaining.

At the end of the show, Manning could be seen wearing mascara, lipstick, and a crazy wig as he portrayed a drag queen.

For an ordinary human, performing live sketch comedy in front of 100 million viewers induces nausea, as the notion of failure often weighs heavy on the mind.  But Manning is certainly no ordinary human as the Super Bowl XLII MVP performs exceptionally well under the immense pressure of playing in the National Football League, so performing live on Saturday Night Live appeared to be a walk in the park for the professional athlete who breezed through his responsibilities as host of SNL.

Manning, who was drafted as the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Chargers, called Saturday:

“Definitely the third-most exciting night of my life. I finally feel like a real New Yorker. It took a few years, but now I’m an expert.”

After instructing the audience to visit Olive Garden in New Jersey for good New York City Italian food, the 31-year-old QB from Louisiana stated:

“Hey, I play for the New York Giants, and all my games are played in New Jersey.”

He poked fun at the Little Brothers as he discussed one of his favorite hobbies:

“I get some bulky shopping bags and three of the fattest kids I can find … then we all walk hand-in-hand next to each other in Times Square, slow as heck. It’s so fun.”

What were your thoughts on Eli Manning’s performance hosting Saturday Night Live?

Eli Manning SNL Promo Video:

Source: Fox Sports

Eli Manning SNL: Giants Quarterback Hosts Saturday Night Live is a post from: The Inquisitr

]]> http://www.inquisitr.com/231126/eli-manning-snl-giants-quarterback-hosts-saturday-night-live/feed/ 3 Eli Manning Drag Queen