Monday 26 September 2011
US Man Jumps Into Vat Of Acid To Save Co-Worker (VIDEO)
New Jersey ironworker Martin Davis, 44, fell 12m into the vat of nitric acid on Monday morning, local time, breaking his rib and puncturing his lung.
Co-worker Rob Nuckols, 51, who was on the ground at the time, jumped in after him and pulled him to safety, NorthJersey.com reported.
"I had to get him out of there," Mr Nuckols told firefighters after the rescue.
Mr Davis was taken to hospital in a critical condition, suffering significant burns on his legs and side.
"His condition is not so good, but he’s a young guy," his brother said.
"He'll pull through."
Nuckols suffered burns on his legs and abdomen but was released from hospital later that day.
The nitric acid is used to clean metal tubing.
Martin Davis was working at Swepco Tube LLC, a metal tube manufacturing plant in Clifton, N.J., when he fell 40 feet into the tank of acid and became full submerged, fire officials said.
Clifton Fire Chief Vincent Colavitti Jr. told the Record that a fellow roofer, 51-year-old Rob Nuckols, jumped into the vat waist-high to pull Davis, 44, out. Three other workers helped Nuckols pluck Davis from the acid, which is used to clean metal tubing.
Rescue workers "cut Davis out of his clothes and sprayed him with water to limit burns," Colavitti told the paper.
Saturday 24 September 2011
Jon Jones Beats 'Rampage' Jackson : UFC 135 - Full Fight Video
A crouching Jones comes forward on his hands and knees to start the fight, which Jackson probably wasn't expecting. Jackson swats down at him and Jones reaches for a leg, but settles for the clinch after taking a knee to the gut. They battle for position against the fence and Jones lands a nice short elbow. The action stalls in the clinch, and the crowd isn't happy about it. They separate on their own and go to the center of the cage. Jones flicks out a few kicks to keep Rampage on the outside. Jackson tries to work his way in close and Jones grabs him in a clinch and nearly trips him to the mat. Looping hook from Jackson, then a head kick from Jones. Jones mixes up the kicks all over Jackson's body, and Jackson has little answer for them at the moment. Jones hops up in the air but does nothing, and Jackson rushes in only to get clinched again. Big spinning head kick by Jones missed a ducking Jackson in the final ten seconds. Jackson attacks with a series of heavy, looping hooks, but Jones avoids almost all of them. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Jones.
"Find your range!" Jackson's boxing coach, Mark Kinney, shouted at him in the corner. He comes out for the second and catches a Jones kick before coming forward with hooks. Jones avoids them, and just gets out of the way of a big uppercut moments later. Jones lands a nice straight left and Jackson nods at him. Jackson trying to bob and weave his way in, and Jones has his chin dangerously high as he backs away from the hooks. More kicks from Jones, then he reaches for the clinch. He's not letting Jackson work once he gets within a certain range. It's smart, until they have to disengage. Good left hand counter by Jackson to a Jones leg kick. Jones knocks Jackson back with a spinning back kick to the body. Jackson comes forward behind a nice left hook. Less than minute left in the round now. Jones lands a left, then a straight right. He superman punches his way into a clinch and eyes the clock. With less than ten seconds, Jones pulls guard and tries a triangle, but there's no time left to work. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Jones.
Round 4: They touch them up to start and Jones lands a glancing blow, but Jackson wobbles backwards as if he's badly hurt. Seems like he's playing possum here, and Jones approaches cautiously. Jones slips off a kick attempt and Jackson comes forward, but can't capitalize. They clinch up and Jones gets the takedown against the fence. Jackson turns and gives up his back and Jones locks up a rear naked choke. Jackson can't do much to defend as Jones rolls him over and squeezes. He tries to fight for one of Jones' hands, but it's too late. He has to tap. Jon Jones has successfully defended his light heavyweight title.
Jon Jones def. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:14 of round 4
They met in the center after the stoppage and Jackson patted Jones on the shoulder. Seems like the youngster earned some respect from the veteran tonight. They shake hands as Jackson's team attempts to see to the cut near his eye.
"Find your range!" Jackson's boxing coach, Mark Kinney, shouted at him in the corner. He comes out for the second and catches a Jones kick before coming forward with hooks. Jones avoids them, and just gets out of the way of a big uppercut moments later. Jones lands a nice straight left and Jackson nods at him. Jackson trying to bob and weave his way in, and Jones has his chin dangerously high as he backs away from the hooks. More kicks from Jones, then he reaches for the clinch. He's not letting Jackson work once he gets within a certain range. It's smart, until they have to disengage. Good left hand counter by Jackson to a Jones leg kick. Jones knocks Jackson back with a spinning back kick to the body. Jackson comes forward behind a nice left hook. Less than minute left in the round now. Jones lands a left, then a straight right. He superman punches his way into a clinch and eyes the clock. With less than ten seconds, Jones pulls guard and tries a triangle, but there's no time left to work. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Jones.
Round 4: They touch them up to start and Jones lands a glancing blow, but Jackson wobbles backwards as if he's badly hurt. Seems like he's playing possum here, and Jones approaches cautiously. Jones slips off a kick attempt and Jackson comes forward, but can't capitalize. They clinch up and Jones gets the takedown against the fence. Jackson turns and gives up his back and Jones locks up a rear naked choke. Jackson can't do much to defend as Jones rolls him over and squeezes. He tries to fight for one of Jones' hands, but it's too late. He has to tap. Jon Jones has successfully defended his light heavyweight title.
Jon Jones def. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:14 of round 4
They met in the center after the stoppage and Jackson patted Jones on the shoulder. Seems like the youngster earned some respect from the veteran tonight. They shake hands as Jackson's team attempts to see to the cut near his eye.
Violet D'Mello, Tourist, Mauled By Cheetahs In South Africa As Husband Photographs Attack
A British tourist has spoken of her "nightmare" attack by two cheetahs when she tried to protect a young girl from the large cats.
Violet D'Mello, from Aberdeen, said she survived by "playing dead" at the Kragga Kamma Game Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa last weekend.
Mrs D'Mello had entered the enclosure along with another family to pose for a photo beside the cats. One of the cheetahs then grabbed a young girl from the family and Mrs D'Mello intervened to protect her.
She told the Port Elizabeth Herald: "It all happened in just a few minutes, but it was a nightmare. They weren't being vicious. You could tell they were just excited, but it became serious very quickly.
"It all happened so fast. After his sister was free, another boy tried to make a run for it. As I stopped him, something jumped me from behind."..
A guide in the park managed to pull the cheetah off but another cat then attacked the 60-year-old. People on the scene managed to get both cats off and they escaped the enclosure. Mrs D'Mello added: "Something inside me just said, 'Don't move. Don't move at all. Don't react, just play dead'."
Mrs D'Mello suffered injuries to her head, stomach and legs during the incident, which happened during a holiday with her husband Archie.
Park manager Mike Cantor described the hand-reared cheetahs, brothers Mark and Monty, as "tame". He said: "It's not something we've ever really experienced. It's obviously very unfortunate, and we're looking into what may have startled or riled up the cheetahs."
The enclosure at the park has been closed while the incident is investigated.
Video : Capital Metro Bus Hit By A Nick
A man was taken to the hospital Friday afternoon after being hit by a Capital Metro bus near the University Co-op near the University of Texas campus.
CapMetro said on its Twitter page that the unidentified man was being taken to St. David's Medical Center but it did not appear he was seriously injured.
However, late Friday, the student was identified as Cyril Yannick "Nick" Engmann, 18, of Rockwall, Texas.
The driver of the bus was issued a running-a-red-light ticket.
The incident in the 2200 block of Guadalupe Street when several students on both sides of the street were engaging in an end-of-semester tradition known as "Foam Sword Friday." The students were waving their foam swords when a man ran into the street just as the bus was approaching, according to video posted on a student's Facebook page.
The man who was hit was among those waving a foam sword. He also appeared in the video to be wearing mask of President Barack Obama's face.
After being struck, Engmann was knocked several feet in front of the bus, but quickly got back on his feet.
One of the man's friends posted on the Foam Sword Friday Facebook page that he was in the hospital but doing well.
"He's alert and alive and will be out and about again in a few hours," the post said.
The impact left the bus with a smashed-in windshield.
"Foam Sword Friday" was first organized by UT graduate students in 2007. School of Architecture Dean Frederick Steiner told KXAN he also took part in Friday's event and said it was sanctioned by the university.
"This will likely be the last year we do it," said Steiner.
Capital Metro officials released a statement about 4:30 p.m. Friday, which said the bus driver is a 21-year-veteran with only one accident on his record, that happened 10 years ago. He will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation that will include a drug and alcohol test. If it is determined that the driver was at fault, he will face disciplinary action, according to Erica McKewen, with Capital Metro.
Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez Kiss & Hug on the Beach - Video
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez took a lovers stroll on the beach in Malibu on Friday and the paparazzi didn’t scare them away from showing affection.
Justin and Selena kissed and walked arm in arm while enjoying California’s fall weather. Onlookers say that the Biebs and SelGo exchanged a cuddly massage between throwing bread at seagulls and each other!
Selena wore short jean cut-offs and a sweater, while Justin had on a baby blue tee shirt, chain necklace, and jeans.
Love how comfortable these two are together.
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez continue their whirlwind puppy love on the beach in Malibu California on September 23, 2011
Justin and Selena kissed and walked arm in arm while enjoying California’s fall weather. Onlookers say that the Biebs and SelGo exchanged a cuddly massage between throwing bread at seagulls and each other!
Selena wore short jean cut-offs and a sweater, while Justin had on a baby blue tee shirt, chain necklace, and jeans.
Love how comfortable these two are together.
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez continue their whirlwind puppy love on the beach in Malibu California on September 23, 2011
NASA Satellite Falls To Earth - Shocking Video Footage
NASA Satellite Falls To Earth - Shocking Video Footage. The agency did not give a more specific location in a midday update on its website, which also said officials were not aware of any reports of injuries or property damage. Most of the spacecraft was believed to have burned up.
The bus-sized satellite first penetrated Earth's atmosphere somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, according to NASA and the U.S. Air Force's Joint Space Operations Center. But that doesn't necessarily mean it all fell into the sea.
NASA's earlier calculations had predicted that the 20-year-old former climate research satellite would fall over a 500-mile swath and could include land.
Because the plummet began over the ocean and given the lack of any reports of people being hit, that "gives us a good feeling that no one was hurt," but officials didn't know for certain, NASA spokesman Steve Cole told The Associated Press.
The two government agencies said the 35-foot satellite fell sometime between 11:23 p.m. EDT Friday and 1:09 a.m. EDT Saturday, but with no precise time or location.
There was rampant speculation on the Internet and Twitter, much of it focusing on unconfirmed reports and even video of debris from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite over Alberta, Canada.
Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said the spacecraft entered the atmosphere around 12:15 a.m. EDT over the coast of Washington. He said much of the debris likely fell over the Pacific Ocean, though its trajectory suggests some of it could have fallen over more heavily populated areas in the U.S. and Canada, including Portland, Ore.; Seattle; Calgary, Alberta; and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Cole said that was possible because the last track for the satellite included Canada, starting north of Seattle and then in a large arc north then south. From there, the track continued through the Atlantic south toward Africa, but it was unlikely the satellite got that far if it started falling over the Pacific.
The bus-sized satellite first penetrated Earth's atmosphere somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, according to NASA and the U.S. Air Force's Joint Space Operations Center. But that doesn't necessarily mean it all fell into the sea.
NASA's earlier calculations had predicted that the 20-year-old former climate research satellite would fall over a 500-mile swath and could include land.
Because the plummet began over the ocean and given the lack of any reports of people being hit, that "gives us a good feeling that no one was hurt," but officials didn't know for certain, NASA spokesman Steve Cole told The Associated Press.
The two government agencies said the 35-foot satellite fell sometime between 11:23 p.m. EDT Friday and 1:09 a.m. EDT Saturday, but with no precise time or location.
There was rampant speculation on the Internet and Twitter, much of it focusing on unconfirmed reports and even video of debris from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite over Alberta, Canada.
Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said the spacecraft entered the atmosphere around 12:15 a.m. EDT over the coast of Washington. He said much of the debris likely fell over the Pacific Ocean, though its trajectory suggests some of it could have fallen over more heavily populated areas in the U.S. and Canada, including Portland, Ore.; Seattle; Calgary, Alberta; and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Cole said that was possible because the last track for the satellite included Canada, starting north of Seattle and then in a large arc north then south. From there, the track continued through the Atlantic south toward Africa, but it was unlikely the satellite got that far if it started falling over the Pacific.
Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries’ Honeymoon Hot Pictures - (Video)
In just released pics from their honeymoon, Kim Kardashian and Kirs Humphries let the cameras capture their romantic getaway.
Kim, 30, and Kris, 26, wed on August 20, 2011. After their star-studded ceremony, they jetted off to Italy’s beautiful Amalfi Coast for their first trip as husband and wife. According to reports, Kris surprised his new bride with the trip, as she told various media outlets that she was not planning on a honeymoon due to her busy schedule.
The sexy, PDA-filled getaway included a stay at the five-star Hotel Santa Caterina, where they relaxed in secluded privacy. The couple enjoyed some very steamy times together in the pool and also splashed around in the Mediterranean Sea.
In these pics, the two show their affection for one another as they bathe in the sun’s glorious rays. Even more enjoyable, they did it all in barely-there swimwear — Kim in various bikinis and a shirtless Kris in just his shorts. Kim even wore a personalized white bikini with “Mr. Humphries” written on the back.
Aside from their time by the pool, the couple also enjoyed delicious meals at fine Italian restaurants. Sounds delish!
Kim, 30, and Kris, 26, wed on August 20, 2011. After their star-studded ceremony, they jetted off to Italy’s beautiful Amalfi Coast for their first trip as husband and wife. According to reports, Kris surprised his new bride with the trip, as she told various media outlets that she was not planning on a honeymoon due to her busy schedule.
The sexy, PDA-filled getaway included a stay at the five-star Hotel Santa Caterina, where they relaxed in secluded privacy. The couple enjoyed some very steamy times together in the pool and also splashed around in the Mediterranean Sea.
In these pics, the two show their affection for one another as they bathe in the sun’s glorious rays. Even more enjoyable, they did it all in barely-there swimwear — Kim in various bikinis and a shirtless Kris in just his shorts. Kim even wore a personalized white bikini with “Mr. Humphries” written on the back.
Aside from their time by the pool, the couple also enjoyed delicious meals at fine Italian restaurants. Sounds delish!
WATCH: Amazing Freddie Mercury Impression Takes Internet By Storm
The clip was part of an audition for the Queen Extravaganza, a contest marking the 40th anniversary of the legendary rockers. Mercury, their iconic frontman, died in 1991. Drummer Roger Taylor is organizing the event, which will see selected singers taking stages across North America to pay tribute to the band.
While voting doesn't start until Nov. 14, Martel has already emerged a landslide favourite.
"If Marc Martel doesn't win," tweets Nick Seaman, "It will be a travesty."
The performance itself couldn't seem less contrived, except, perhaps, for the 'dirty moustache' Martel cultivated for the audition -- a nod to the iconic Queen frontman who died in 1991.
Martel distills the song to its bare essence, a no-frills performance anchored by a voice that's almost eerily Mercuryesque.
A consummate showman with a penchant for on-stage spectacle, Mercury was born in Zanzibar as Farrokh Bulsara. While he had dated women, Mercury was known to be bisexual.
Martel's band, Downhere, was formed at a bible college in Saskatchewan -- a Gospel and Christian rock outfit that would subsequently earn three Juno awards. The band has since moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
"Our music may come from a biblical standpoint but we don’t shy away from true experiences – doubt, loss, pain, sorrow – we want to deal with all of that," Martel told the WSJ. "Queen’s repertoire deals with those emotions and feelings too and I love singing their music because at the end of the day, it’s just true.”
He also seems to be loving the sudden catapult to internet stardom.
While voting doesn't start until Nov. 14, Martel has already emerged a landslide favourite.
"If Marc Martel doesn't win," tweets Nick Seaman, "It will be a travesty."
The performance itself couldn't seem less contrived, except, perhaps, for the 'dirty moustache' Martel cultivated for the audition -- a nod to the iconic Queen frontman who died in 1991.
Martel distills the song to its bare essence, a no-frills performance anchored by a voice that's almost eerily Mercuryesque.
A consummate showman with a penchant for on-stage spectacle, Mercury was born in Zanzibar as Farrokh Bulsara. While he had dated women, Mercury was known to be bisexual.
Martel's band, Downhere, was formed at a bible college in Saskatchewan -- a Gospel and Christian rock outfit that would subsequently earn three Juno awards. The band has since moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
"Our music may come from a biblical standpoint but we don’t shy away from true experiences – doubt, loss, pain, sorrow – we want to deal with all of that," Martel told the WSJ. "Queen’s repertoire deals with those emotions and feelings too and I love singing their music because at the end of the day, it’s just true.”
He also seems to be loving the sudden catapult to internet stardom.
Friday 23 September 2011
Brutal Attack On Woman Outrages Nation : Nigeria Rape Footage
LAGOS, Nigeria -- In the grainy video, a Nigerian woman repeatedly asks her attackers to kill her as they take turns raping her at a university dormitory. The five men only promise to drive her home, pushing her back down each time she starts to stand up.
Local authorities have dismissed the 10-minute video, which has ricocheted around the Internet in recent days. But Nigeria's youth minister is calling for police to prosecute the men. Some Internet users disturbed by it are even offering rewards for information.
Activists in Nigeria say the video exposes an underreported epidemic of rape in Africa's most populous nation, and they plan to march in the coming days to draw attention to the case.
"The perpetrators go further to record it and circulate it. It shows for me that they're daring society to take action on it," said Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, the executive director of a Nigerian women's rights group called Project Alert. "It shows that there's a high level of impunity."
The video had circulated for weeks around the campus of Abia State University near Nigeria's southern oil-rich delta before being posted on the Internet. It appears to take place in a single-room dormitory or student hostel.
The men taking turns raping the woman who repeatedly asks to go home. "Please just kill me," the woman cries several times. The men laugh.
Local authorities have dismissed the 10-minute video, which has ricocheted around the Internet in recent days. But Nigeria's youth minister is calling for police to prosecute the men. Some Internet users disturbed by it are even offering rewards for information.
Activists in Nigeria say the video exposes an underreported epidemic of rape in Africa's most populous nation, and they plan to march in the coming days to draw attention to the case.
"The perpetrators go further to record it and circulate it. It shows for me that they're daring society to take action on it," said Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, the executive director of a Nigerian women's rights group called Project Alert. "It shows that there's a high level of impunity."
The video had circulated for weeks around the campus of Abia State University near Nigeria's southern oil-rich delta before being posted on the Internet. It appears to take place in a single-room dormitory or student hostel.
The men taking turns raping the woman who repeatedly asks to go home. "Please just kill me," the woman cries several times. The men laugh.
Thursday 22 September 2011
Troy Davis Execution Approaches As Calls For Clemency Continue
Troy Davis, convicted of murdering an off-duty Savannah police officer more than 20 years ago, held fast to his claims of innocence even as he was finally executed by lethal injection on Wednesday night.
Strapped to a gurney and minutes from death, Davis stated that he had not carried a gun the night of the murder and did not shoot the officer, Mark MacPhail, in a fast food restaurant parking lot on an August night in 1989.
Speaking directly to MacPhail's brother and son, who witnessed the execution, Davis beseeched them to continue to examine the events that night. "All I can ask is that you look deep into this case so you can really find the truth," he said.
Davis then addressed prison officials preparing to inject him with a lethal mix of chemicals. "May God have mercy on your souls," he said.
(SCROLL DOWN FOR A RECAP OF OUR COVERAGE)
The first injection began at 10:54 p.m. and Davis was declared dead at 11:08 p.m. Afterward, Davis' attorneys and legal advocates quickly decried the execution as a terrible miscarriage of justice.
"I had the unfortunate opportunity tonight to witness a tragedy, to witness Georgia execute an innocent man," Jason Ewart, one of Davis' attorneys, said outside the prison. "The innocent have no enemy but time, and Troy's time slipped away tonight."
Meanwhile, family members of the murdered officer expressed relief that the execution was over, according to the Associated Press.
News of the execution quieted hundreds of protesters who had lined the highway across from the entrance to the prison for hours, chanting and singing as they faced a small army of baton-wielding prison guards in full riot gear, sheriff's deputies and state police. The crowd of protesters was quickly dispersed by police after Davis' death was announced.
Strapped to a gurney and minutes from death, Davis stated that he had not carried a gun the night of the murder and did not shoot the officer, Mark MacPhail, in a fast food restaurant parking lot on an August night in 1989.
Speaking directly to MacPhail's brother and son, who witnessed the execution, Davis beseeched them to continue to examine the events that night. "All I can ask is that you look deep into this case so you can really find the truth," he said.
Davis then addressed prison officials preparing to inject him with a lethal mix of chemicals. "May God have mercy on your souls," he said.
(SCROLL DOWN FOR A RECAP OF OUR COVERAGE)
The first injection began at 10:54 p.m. and Davis was declared dead at 11:08 p.m. Afterward, Davis' attorneys and legal advocates quickly decried the execution as a terrible miscarriage of justice.
"I had the unfortunate opportunity tonight to witness a tragedy, to witness Georgia execute an innocent man," Jason Ewart, one of Davis' attorneys, said outside the prison. "The innocent have no enemy but time, and Troy's time slipped away tonight."
Meanwhile, family members of the murdered officer expressed relief that the execution was over, according to the Associated Press.
News of the execution quieted hundreds of protesters who had lined the highway across from the entrance to the prison for hours, chanting and singing as they faced a small army of baton-wielding prison guards in full riot gear, sheriff's deputies and state police. The crowd of protesters was quickly dispersed by police after Davis' death was announced.
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Soldier Comes Out To Father and Said "I am gay" - LIVE Video
Dad, I'm gay," the soldier uttered into his cellphone. "Always have been and always known forever," he adds.
His father's reaction? "I still love you son."
With the entire confession filmed and captured on YouTube, the soldier shows relief after his father assures him it won't change their relationship.
Before mustering up the courage to tell his father, the soldier talks on camera about his fears of coming out to his family -- who he says have no clue.
Filmed and posted on YouTube, this isn't the first time he's confessed his sexuality on camera.
The soldier has had a Twitter account and YouTube account operating under the name AreYouSurprised where he talks about what it's like to be gay in the military, notes Gawker. But until now, the soldier has never revealed his face.
His father's reaction? "I still love you son."
With the entire confession filmed and captured on YouTube, the soldier shows relief after his father assures him it won't change their relationship.
Before mustering up the courage to tell his father, the soldier talks on camera about his fears of coming out to his family -- who he says have no clue.
Filmed and posted on YouTube, this isn't the first time he's confessed his sexuality on camera.
The soldier has had a Twitter account and YouTube account operating under the name AreYouSurprised where he talks about what it's like to be gay in the military, notes Gawker. But until now, the soldier has never revealed his face.
Tony Bennett's Controversial 9/11 Comments
Troy Davis was left with little to do Tuesday but wait to be executed for a murder he insists he did not commit.
He lost his most realistic chance to avoid lethal injection on Tuesday, when Georgia's pardons board rejected his appeal for clemency. As his scheduled 7 p.m. Wednesday execution neared, his backers resorted to far-fetched measures. They asked prisons officials to let him to take a polygraph test; urged prison workers to strike or call in sick; asked prosecutors to block the execution and they even considered a desperate appeal for White House intervention.
He has gotten support from hundreds of thousands of people, including a former FBI director, former President Jimmy Carter and Pope Benedict XVI, and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling gave him an unusual opportunity to prove his innocence last year. State and federal courts, however, repeatedly upheld his conviction for the 1989 killing of Mark MacPhail, an off-duty police officer who was working as a security guard in Savannah when he was shot dead rushing to help a homeless man who was being attacked.
Davis' attorneys say he was convicted based on flawed testimony that has been largely recanted by witnesses, but prosecutors and MacPhail's relatives say they have no doubt the right man is being punished.
"Justice was finally served for my father," said Mark MacPhail Jr., who was an infant when his father was gunned down. "The truth was finally heard."
As Davis' attorneys considered filing another appeal, his supporters planned vigils and rallies around the world. Nearly 1 million signed a petition seeking clemency, according to Amnesty International.
"We've been praying about it and with God on our side anything can happen," DeJaun Correia-Davis, the condemned man's 17-year-old nephew, told a rally of hundreds in front of the Georgia Capitol late Tuesday. "Let this be a case that not only highlights the death penalty but will hopefully be a big part in bringing it to an end."
He lost his most realistic chance to avoid lethal injection on Tuesday, when Georgia's pardons board rejected his appeal for clemency. As his scheduled 7 p.m. Wednesday execution neared, his backers resorted to far-fetched measures. They asked prisons officials to let him to take a polygraph test; urged prison workers to strike or call in sick; asked prosecutors to block the execution and they even considered a desperate appeal for White House intervention.
He has gotten support from hundreds of thousands of people, including a former FBI director, former President Jimmy Carter and Pope Benedict XVI, and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling gave him an unusual opportunity to prove his innocence last year. State and federal courts, however, repeatedly upheld his conviction for the 1989 killing of Mark MacPhail, an off-duty police officer who was working as a security guard in Savannah when he was shot dead rushing to help a homeless man who was being attacked.
Davis' attorneys say he was convicted based on flawed testimony that has been largely recanted by witnesses, but prosecutors and MacPhail's relatives say they have no doubt the right man is being punished.
"Justice was finally served for my father," said Mark MacPhail Jr., who was an infant when his father was gunned down. "The truth was finally heard."
As Davis' attorneys considered filing another appeal, his supporters planned vigils and rallies around the world. Nearly 1 million signed a petition seeking clemency, according to Amnesty International.
"We've been praying about it and with God on our side anything can happen," DeJaun Correia-Davis, the condemned man's 17-year-old nephew, told a rally of hundreds in front of the Georgia Capitol late Tuesday. "Let this be a case that not only highlights the death penalty but will hopefully be a big part in bringing it to an end."
Greta Van Susteren Vs Tucker Carlson Have Wild Fight (VIDEO)
Van Susteren began a feud with Carlson by taking to her blog and writing a scathing post about a Daily Caller article on some very offensive comments made about Sarah Palin by boxer Mike Tyson. The initial article quoted Tyson at length talking about allegations that Palin had a fling with former basketball player Glen Rice, but did not contain any overt denunciation of the comments. Later, Carlson posted an editor's note to the piece, stressing that he found Tyson's quotes "repulsive" -- but not before Van Susteren walloped his judgment on her blog.
She wrote that Carlson was a "pig" with no judgment who was pushing "smut" and violence against women by letting Tyson's quotes run without comment. Carlson defended himself, saying he was trying to let Tyson's words speak for themselves. On Monday, Carlson appeared on Van Susteren's Fox News show, and it was clear that the two were still in deep disagreement.
Carlson said he was confused about Van Susteren's reaction. "Somehow you assumed that we were somehow making this attack on Sarah Palin, which is the opposite in fact of what we were doing," he said. Van Susteren wasn't buying that.
"I think you're lying, Tucker," she said. She accused him of attaching his editor's note because people "started raising holy hell" about the post. "It's not journalism," she said. "It glorifies violence against women."
"Please stop your ad hominem attacks," Carlson said. He repeated that the site was merely doing its reporting job, and compared it to quoting a member of Al Qaeda.
She wrote that Carlson was a "pig" with no judgment who was pushing "smut" and violence against women by letting Tyson's quotes run without comment. Carlson defended himself, saying he was trying to let Tyson's words speak for themselves. On Monday, Carlson appeared on Van Susteren's Fox News show, and it was clear that the two were still in deep disagreement.
Carlson said he was confused about Van Susteren's reaction. "Somehow you assumed that we were somehow making this attack on Sarah Palin, which is the opposite in fact of what we were doing," he said. Van Susteren wasn't buying that.
"I think you're lying, Tucker," she said. She accused him of attaching his editor's note because people "started raising holy hell" about the post. "It's not journalism," she said. "It glorifies violence against women."
"Please stop your ad hominem attacks," Carlson said. He repeated that the site was merely doing its reporting job, and compared it to quoting a member of Al Qaeda.
Conan O'Brien Stares At Nicole Scherzinger's Cleavage
the judge was explaining how the "X Factor" is different from Simon's other shows (5 million dollar music contract, no age limit), Conan's eyes started drifting downward...and even though it seems like Scherzinger's dress was taken out of Christina Hendricks's closet, she snapped her fingers and told the late night host to "focus."
You could see it coming from a mile away--her cleavage, that is. And hey, Conan's only human, right? Right.
The boob-talk, somehow, became a perfect segue for the singer as she said that Simon's own secret for lady success was his "Moobs," which she described as "alive and alert."
And then she did a pretty spot on impression for Britney Spears. Good interview, Coco!
You could see it coming from a mile away--her cleavage, that is. And hey, Conan's only human, right? Right.
The boob-talk, somehow, became a perfect segue for the singer as she said that Simon's own secret for lady success was his "Moobs," which she described as "alive and alert."
And then she did a pretty spot on impression for Britney Spears. Good interview, Coco!
Dancing With The Stars' : Chaz Bono "Cha-Cha "
Chaz Bono made quite a memorable "Dancing With the Stars" debut during Monday night's season 13 premiere (Sept. 19).
Even though, in regards to technicality, Chaz still needs to work on his moves, he had what a lot of the contestants lacked on the dance floor -- personality. Not only did it look like Chaz was having the time of his life doing the cha-cha with partner Lacey Schwimmer, but he also seemed confident, even amidst all of the controversy.
As for the judges? They loved Chaz's cha-cha. Even the hard-to-please Len had to congratulate Chaz on his first effort: "You really came out with the right attitude. You came out to enjoy yourself, and that's what I felt you did. You're so joyous out here. Great debut, Chaz. You should be proud."
Even though, in regards to technicality, Chaz still needs to work on his moves, he had what a lot of the contestants lacked on the dance floor -- personality. Not only did it look like Chaz was having the time of his life doing the cha-cha with partner Lacey Schwimmer, but he also seemed confident, even amidst all of the controversy.
As for the judges? They loved Chaz's cha-cha. Even the hard-to-please Len had to congratulate Chaz on his first effort: "You really came out with the right attitude. You came out to enjoy yourself, and that's what I felt you did. You're so joyous out here. Great debut, Chaz. You should be proud."
Monday 19 September 2011
North Korea Party Rock Anthem (Video)
"North Korea Party Rock Anthem ft. Kim John II," that puts the official song of the summer in a crazy new light. The video matches up LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" with scenes from military parades in North Korea, bringing house beats and militarized marching together like never before... but really, we're pretty sure this has never been done before. As the title suggests, Kim Jong II does make an appearance, and even lip-syncs along. Wait for the mind-blowing to begin at the 1:00 point on the dot.
Helicopter Crashes At Marine Corps Base
Two Marine pilots were killed today after their Marine Corps helicopter crashed at Camp Pendleton, according to the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar public affairs office.
The AH-1W Cobra went down about 1 p.m. in a training area in the southeast corner of Camp Pendleton near Fallbrook.
The pilot and co-pilot aboard the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing helicopter were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders, officials said. Their names have not yet been released.
Camp Pendleton firefighters, along with other units from Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and the Fallbrook Fire Department, were on scene to contain a fire caused by the crash, according to officials.
Base officials reported the fire was approximately 80 percent contained Monday evening after it spread from roughly 2 acres to 120 acres. The fire does not possess the threat of base evacuation at this time, officials said.
There are currently three type-3 strike teams, two type-1 strike teams, 12 hand crews and three helicopters on site, officials said. Personnel will remain on site to eliminate the remaining elements of the fire.
The AH-1W Cobra went down about 1 p.m. in a training area in the southeast corner of Camp Pendleton near Fallbrook.
The pilot and co-pilot aboard the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing helicopter were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders, officials said. Their names have not yet been released.
Camp Pendleton firefighters, along with other units from Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and the Fallbrook Fire Department, were on scene to contain a fire caused by the crash, according to officials.
Base officials reported the fire was approximately 80 percent contained Monday evening after it spread from roughly 2 acres to 120 acres. The fire does not possess the threat of base evacuation at this time, officials said.
There are currently three type-3 strike teams, two type-1 strike teams, 12 hand crews and three helicopters on site, officials said. Personnel will remain on site to eliminate the remaining elements of the fire.
Jeremiah Fogle Shoots Church Pastors, Kills Wife In Florida
Jeremiah Fogle is charged with first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder after Sunday's shootings at a Lakeland church. Authorities say he killed his wife, Theresa, at the couple's home before opening fire at the nearby church.
According to the Highlands County Clerk of Courts, Fogle was sentenced to 10 years' probation in 1987 after pleading guilty to a manslaughter charge.
An affidavit states that Fogle answered the door holding a rifle and showed an Avon Park police officer the body of his wife, Diana. His stepson told investigators he heard Fogle call an ambulance and say he shot someone and wanted to kill himself.
According to the Highlands County Clerk of Courts, Fogle was sentenced to 10 years' probation in 1987 after pleading guilty to a manslaughter charge.
An affidavit states that Fogle answered the door holding a rifle and showed an Avon Park police officer the body of his wife, Diana. His stepson told investigators he heard Fogle call an ambulance and say he shot someone and wanted to kill himself.
(VIDEO) Dunta Robinson Hit Jeremy Maclin With Helmet In Falcons-Eagles Game
During the third quarter of Sunday night's game,Falcons defensive back Dunta Robinson delivered a brutal helmet-to-helmet hit on an Eagles receiver.
With the Eagles looking to build on their 24-21 lead, Michael Vick fired a laser to Jeremy Maclin in the middle of the field. As Maclin reeled in the catch, he was leveled by Robinson, who led with his hat and never even attempted to use his arms to wrap up the receiver.
"Unbelievable! Unbelievable that he has done it again," NBC broadcaster Chris Collinsworth said after the play as Maclin sprawled on the turf. Collinsworth was referring to last season's game between the two teams, when Robinson made asimilar hit on DeSean Jackson.
Fortunately, Maclin appeared to be okay and returned later in the game. Despite the big hit, Maclin finished with 13 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns.
With the Eagles looking to build on their 24-21 lead, Michael Vick fired a laser to Jeremy Maclin in the middle of the field. As Maclin reeled in the catch, he was leveled by Robinson, who led with his hat and never even attempted to use his arms to wrap up the receiver.
"Unbelievable! Unbelievable that he has done it again," NBC broadcaster Chris Collinsworth said after the play as Maclin sprawled on the turf. Collinsworth was referring to last season's game between the two teams, when Robinson made asimilar hit on DeSean Jackson.
Fortunately, Maclin appeared to be okay and returned later in the game. Despite the big hit, Maclin finished with 13 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns.
Sunday 18 September 2011
Joey Chestnut, World Eating Champ, Wins Bratwurst Eating Championship (VIDEO)
Chestnut, a construction manager in San Jose, Calif., says he prepares by fasting for two to three days before the contest, which took place at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, North America's largest Oktoberfest.
The top-ranked competitive eater in the world and reigning king of the World Bratwurst Eating Championship has defended his title in Cincinnati, washing down 35 brats in 10 minutes.
The 10 male competitors put away 170 brats in 10 minutes Saturday during the officially sanctioned contest.
One observer called the contest "pretty wild" and said he didn't know whether to throw up or get a brat for himself.
For his victory, Chestnut won $2,000 and a golden Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati chicken hat.
The top-ranked competitive eater in the world and reigning king of the World Bratwurst Eating Championship has defended his title in Cincinnati, washing down 35 brats in 10 minutes.
The 10 male competitors put away 170 brats in 10 minutes Saturday during the officially sanctioned contest.
One observer called the contest "pretty wild" and said he didn't know whether to throw up or get a brat for himself.
For his victory, Chestnut won $2,000 and a golden Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati chicken hat.
Emmys 2011 Winners, Performance Full Video HD
Outstanding Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Game Of Thrones
The Good Wife
Mad Men
Outstanding Comedy Series
The Big Bang Theory
Glee
Modern Family
The Office
Parks And Recreation
30 Rock
Outstanding Miniseries Or Movie
Cinema Verite
Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)
The Kennedys
Mildred Pierce
The Pillars Of The Earth
Too Big To Fail
Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report
Conan
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
Real Time With Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Steve Buscemi – Boardwalk Empire
Michael C. Hall – Dexter
Kyle Chandler – Friday Night Lights
Hugh Laurie - House
Timothy Olyphant – Justified
Jon Hamm – Mad Men
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Connie Britton – Friday Night Lights
Julianna Margulies – The Good Wife
Kathy Bates – Harry’s Law
Mireille Enos – The Killing
Mariska Hargitay – Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Elisabeth Moss – Mad Men
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Jim Parsons – The Big Bang Theory
Johnny Galecki – The Big Bang Theory
Matt LeBlanc – Episodes
Louie C.K. – Louie
Steve Carell – The Office
Alex Baldwin – 30 Rock
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Laura Linney – The Big C
Melissa McCarthy – Mike & Molly
Edie Falco – Nurse Jacki
Amy Poehler – Parks and Recreation
Martha Plimpton – Raising Hope
Tina Fey – 30 Rock
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Edgar Ramirez – Carlos
Greg Kinnear – The Kennedys
Barry Pepper – The Kennedys
Idris Elba – Luther
Laurence Fishburne – Thurgood
William Hurt – Too Big To Fail
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Diane Lane – Cinema Verite
Elizabeth McGovern – Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)
Kate Winslet – Mildred Pierce
Taraji P. Henson – Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story
Jean Marsh – Upstairs Downstairs (Masterpiece)
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Peter Dinklage – Game of Thrones
Josh Charles – The Good Wife
Alan Cumming – The Good Wife
Walton Goggins – Justified
John Slattery – Mad Men
Andre Braugher – Men of a Certain Age
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Kelly Macdonald – Boardwalk Empire
Archie Panjabi – The Good Wife
Christine Baranski – The Good Wife
Margo Martindale – Justified
Michelle Forbes – The Killing
Christina Hendricks – Mad Men
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Chris Colfer – Glee
Jesse Tyler Ferguson – Modern Family
Ed O’Neill – Modern Family
Eric Stonestreet – Modern Family
Ty Burrell – Modern Family
Jon Cryer – Two and a Half Men
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Jane Lynch – Glee
Betty White – Hot In Cleveland
Julie Bowen – Modern Family
Sofia Vergara – Modern Family
Kristen Wiig – Saturday Night Live
Jane Krakowski – 30 Rock
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Tom Wilkinson – The Kennedys
Guy Pearce – Mildred Pierce
Brian F. O’Byrne – Mildred Pierce
Paul Giamatti – Too Big To Fail
James Woods – Too Big To Fail
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Maggie Smith – Downtown Abbey (Masterpiece)
Evan Rachel Wood – Mildred Pierce
Melissa Leo – Mildred Pierce
Mare Winningham – Mildred Pierce
Eileen Atkins – Upstairs Downstairs (Masterpiece)
Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series
Jason Katims – Friday Night Lights
David Benioff & D.B. Weiss – Game of Thrones
Veena Sud – The Killing
Matthew Weiner – Mad Men
Andre Jacquemetton & Maria Jacquemetton – Mad Men
Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
David Crane & Jeffrey Klarik – Episodes
Louis C.K. – Louie
Steve Levitan & Jeffrey Richman – Modern Family
Greg Daniels- The Office
Matt Hubbard – 30 Rock
Outstanding Writing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special
Julian Fellowes – Downton Abbey
Todd Haynes & Jon Raymond – Mildred Pierce
Steven Moffat – Sherlock: A Study in Pink (Masterpiece)
Peter Gould – Too Big To Fail
Heidi Thomas – Upstairs Downstairs
Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report
Conan
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series
Martin Scorsese – Boardwalk Empire
Jeremy Podeswa – Boardwalk Empire
Neil Jordan – The Borgias
Tim Van Patten – Game of Thrones
Patty Jenkins – The Killing
Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
Pamela Fryman – How I Met Your Mother
Michael Alan Spiller – Modern Family
Gail Mancuso – Modern Family
Steven Levitan – Modern Family
Beth McCarthy-Miller – 30 Rock
Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special
Olivier Assayas – Carlos
Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini – Cinema Verite
Brian Percival – Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)
Todd Haynes – Mildred Pierce
Curtis Hanson – Too Big To Fail
Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
Gregg Gelfand – American Idol
James Hoskinson – The Colbert Report
Chuck O’Neil – The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Jerry Foley – Late Show With David Letterman
Don Roy King – Saturday Night Live
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Game Of Thrones
The Good Wife
Outstanding Comedy Series
The Big Bang Theory
Glee
The Office
Parks And Recreation
30 Rock
Outstanding Miniseries Or Movie
Cinema Verite
The Kennedys
Mildred Pierce
The Pillars Of The Earth
Too Big To Fail
Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report
Conan
Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
Real Time With Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Steve Buscemi – Boardwalk Empire
Michael C. Hall – Dexter
Hugh Laurie - House
Timothy Olyphant – Justified
Jon Hamm – Mad Men
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Connie Britton – Friday Night Lights
Kathy Bates – Harry’s Law
Mireille Enos – The Killing
Mariska Hargitay – Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Elisabeth Moss – Mad Men
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Jim Parsons – The Big Bang Theory
Johnny Galecki – The Big Bang Theory
Matt LeBlanc – Episodes
Louie C.K. – Louie
Steve Carell – The Office
Alex Baldwin – 30 Rock
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Laura Linney – The Big C
Edie Falco – Nurse Jacki
Amy Poehler – Parks and Recreation
Martha Plimpton – Raising Hope
Tina Fey – 30 Rock
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Edgar Ramirez – Carlos
Greg Kinnear – The Kennedys
Idris Elba – Luther
Laurence Fishburne – Thurgood
William Hurt – Too Big To Fail
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Diane Lane – Cinema Verite
Elizabeth McGovern – Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)
Taraji P. Henson – Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story
Jean Marsh – Upstairs Downstairs (Masterpiece)
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Peter Dinklage – Game of Thrones
Josh Charles – The Good Wife
Alan Cumming – The Good Wife
Walton Goggins – Justified
John Slattery – Mad Men
Andre Braugher – Men of a Certain Age
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Kelly Macdonald – Boardwalk Empire
Archie Panjabi – The Good Wife
Christine Baranski – The Good Wife
Michelle Forbes – The Killing
Christina Hendricks – Mad Men
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Chris Colfer – Glee
Jesse Tyler Ferguson – Modern Family
Ed O’Neill – Modern Family
Eric Stonestreet – Modern Family
Jon Cryer – Two and a Half Men
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Jane Lynch – Glee
Betty White – Hot In Cleveland
Julie Bowen – Modern Family
Sofia Vergara – Modern Family
Kristen Wiig – Saturday Night Live
Jane Krakowski – 30 Rock
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Tom Wilkinson – The Kennedys
Brian F. O’Byrne – Mildred Pierce
Paul Giamatti – Too Big To Fail
James Woods – Too Big To Fail
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Maggie Smith – Downtown Abbey (Masterpiece)
Evan Rachel Wood – Mildred Pierce
Melissa Leo – Mildred Pierce
Mare Winningham – Mildred Pierce
Eileen Atkins – Upstairs Downstairs (Masterpiece)
Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series
Jason Katims – Friday Night Lights
David Benioff & D.B. Weiss – Game of Thrones
Veena Sud – The Killing
Matthew Weiner – Mad Men
Andre Jacquemetton & Maria Jacquemetton – Mad Men
Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
David Crane & Jeffrey Klarik – Episodes
Louis C.K. – Louie
Steve Levitan & Jeffrey Richman – Modern Family
Greg Daniels- The Office
Matt Hubbard – 30 Rock
Outstanding Writing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special
Julian Fellowes – Downton Abbey
Todd Haynes & Jon Raymond – Mildred Pierce
Steven Moffat – Sherlock: A Study in Pink (Masterpiece)
Peter Gould – Too Big To Fail
Heidi Thomas – Upstairs Downstairs
Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report
Conan
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series
Martin Scorsese – Boardwalk Empire
Jeremy Podeswa – Boardwalk Empire
Neil Jordan – The Borgias
Tim Van Patten – Game of Thrones
Patty Jenkins – The Killing
Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
Pamela Fryman – How I Met Your Mother
Michael Alan Spiller – Modern Family
Gail Mancuso – Modern Family
Steven Levitan – Modern Family
Beth McCarthy-Miller – 30 Rock
Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special
Olivier Assayas – Carlos
Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini – Cinema Verite
Todd Haynes – Mildred Pierce
Curtis Hanson – Too Big To Fail
Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
Gregg Gelfand – American Idol
James Hoskinson – The Colbert Report
Chuck O’Neil – The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Jerry Foley – Late Show With David Letterman
Floyd Mayweather Jr. Challenges Larry Merchant After Defeating Victor Ortiz (VIDEO)
n illegal headbutt to Mayweather by Oritz caused a momentary pause in the action in the fourth. Ortiz approached Mayweather, gloves lowered, to apologize for the headbutt -- despite the fact that it certainly appeared to be intentional. With Ortiz's guard down immediately after he proffered his apology, Mayweather struck with a quick left. Ortiz, already backing up when that blow landed, was stunned. Mayweather then wound up for, and subsequently landed, a devastating right that sent Ortiz to the canvas.
"We touched gloves and we were back to fighting and then I threw the left and right hand after the break," Mayweather told reporters after the fight. "In the ring you have to protect yourself at all times."
After the fight, Mayweather was approached by highly decorated 80-year-old boxing analyst Larry Merchant. True to his no holds barred style, Merchant was not bashful about asking Mayweather about the controversial knockout. Mayweather did not appreciate the line of questioning and went off on a tirade against Merchant while HBO cameras continued to roll. Finally, the pay-per-view audience was getting its money's worth.
“You never give me a fair shake, alright, so I am going to do you a favor and let you talk to Victor Ortiz," said Mayweather. 'You never give me a fair shake. You are shit and HBO should fire you. You don’t know shit about boxing. You ain’t shit.”
Merchant quickly snapped back at Mayweather, “I wish I was 50 years younger. I would have kicked your ass.”
"We touched gloves and we were back to fighting and then I threw the left and right hand after the break," Mayweather told reporters after the fight. "In the ring you have to protect yourself at all times."
After the fight, Mayweather was approached by highly decorated 80-year-old boxing analyst Larry Merchant. True to his no holds barred style, Merchant was not bashful about asking Mayweather about the controversial knockout. Mayweather did not appreciate the line of questioning and went off on a tirade against Merchant while HBO cameras continued to roll. Finally, the pay-per-view audience was getting its money's worth.
“You never give me a fair shake, alright, so I am going to do you a favor and let you talk to Victor Ortiz," said Mayweather. 'You never give me a fair shake. You are shit and HBO should fire you. You don’t know shit about boxing. You ain’t shit.”
Merchant quickly snapped back at Mayweather, “I wish I was 50 years younger. I would have kicked your ass.”
Alexander Lebedev Punches Sergei Polonsky On TV (VIDEO)
Russian tycoon Alexander Lebedev has punched a fellow billionaire on a television panel show after a discussion on the financial crisis degenerated into petty name-calling.
Ledebev, a former KGB operative and owner of two major newspapers in the United Kingdom, wrote on his blog that property developer Sergei Polonsky had earned the clobbering by behaving abusively throughout the recording of the program.
In a preview clip posted on the NTV channel's website ahead of the show airing Sunday, Polonsky is seen saying that he sometimes felt like "bashing (Lebedev) in the face," prompting the newspaper owner to jump to his feet.
After sitting back down, Lebedev then swiftly delivered a sucker punch, sending Polonsky tumbling to the ground.
Punch-ups and heated exchanges between guests are a common on Russian political discussion shows.
Ledebev, a former KGB operative and owner of two major newspapers in the United Kingdom, wrote on his blog that property developer Sergei Polonsky had earned the clobbering by behaving abusively throughout the recording of the program.
In a preview clip posted on the NTV channel's website ahead of the show airing Sunday, Polonsky is seen saying that he sometimes felt like "bashing (Lebedev) in the face," prompting the newspaper owner to jump to his feet.
After sitting back down, Lebedev then swiftly delivered a sucker punch, sending Polonsky tumbling to the ground.
Punch-ups and heated exchanges between guests are a common on Russian political discussion shows.
Floyd Mayweather Vs Victor Ortiz Full Fight Video
An illegal headbutt to Mayweather by Oritz caused a momentary pause in the action in the fourth. Ortiz approached Mayweather, gloves lowered, to apologize for the headbutt -- despite the fact that it certainly appeared to be intentional. With Ortiz's guard down immediately after he proffered his apology, Mayweather struck with a quick left. Ortiz, already backing up when that blow landed, was stunned. Mayweather then wound up for, and subsequently landed, a devastating right that sent Ortiz to the canvas.
"We touched gloves and we were back to fighting and then I threw the left and right hand after the break," Mayweather told reporters after the fight. "In the ring you have to protect yourself at all times."
After the fight, Mayweather was approached by highly decorated 80-year-old boxing analyst Larry Merchant. True to his no holds barred style, Merchant was not bashful about asking Mayweather about the controversial knockout. Mayweather did not appreciate the line of questioning and went off on a tirade against Merchant while HBO cameras continued to roll. Finally, the pay-per-view audience was getting its money's worth.
“You never give me a fair shake, alright, so I am going to do you a favor and let you talk to Victor Ortiz," said Mayweather. 'You never give me a fair shake. You are shit and HBO should fire you. You don’t know shit about boxing. You ain’t shit.”
Merchant quickly snapped back at Mayweather, “I wish I was 50 years younger. I would have kicked your ass.”
"We touched gloves and we were back to fighting and then I threw the left and right hand after the break," Mayweather told reporters after the fight. "In the ring you have to protect yourself at all times."
After the fight, Mayweather was approached by highly decorated 80-year-old boxing analyst Larry Merchant. True to his no holds barred style, Merchant was not bashful about asking Mayweather about the controversial knockout. Mayweather did not appreciate the line of questioning and went off on a tirade against Merchant while HBO cameras continued to roll. Finally, the pay-per-view audience was getting its money's worth.
“You never give me a fair shake, alright, so I am going to do you a favor and let you talk to Victor Ortiz," said Mayweather. 'You never give me a fair shake. You are shit and HBO should fire you. You don’t know shit about boxing. You ain’t shit.”
Merchant quickly snapped back at Mayweather, “I wish I was 50 years younger. I would have kicked your ass.”
Saturday 17 September 2011
UFC Fight Night 25: Jake Shields vs. Jake Ellenberger Fight Video
It wasn't the ideal day for Bay Area mixed martial arts, as Jake Shields of Cesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu found himself slipping further away from getting back at a shot for welterweight gold, losing in the first round to Jake Ellenberger by way of TKO in the main event at UFC Fight Night 25: Shields vs. Ellenberger. Shields started off the fight looking for a pawing jab and attempted to get the fight to the mat or up against the cage, as is his specialty as a wrestler. Ellenberger is no slouch himself in that regard, he shrugged off the takedowns and went for a couple one-two punch combinations, before landing big on Shields with a knee. Shields started to crumple and Ellenberger pulled him down into another knee and that was, how you say, that.
Ellenberger swarmed and landed two huge shots on the side of the head of the turtling Shields, who managed to get a hand up and in the way to block off a couple more, but was doing nothing to improve his position at all and referee Kevin Mulhall jumped in to stop the fight. Shields was so out of it that he tried to grab a single leg on the referee, who was able to stuff it, to his credit. Officially, Ellenberger gets a TKO at 53 seconds of the very first round of action.
It was the perfect result for Ellenberger, a strong wrestler in his own right, but one who prefers to strike to set up a grinding attack in the later rounds. The gameplan going in was one of "sprawl-and-brawl," and that's exactly what he did: stuffed the takedowns and found Shields' chin. Ellenberger has been waiting to crack into the upper echelon of the UFC's welterweight division, with his last two opponents bailing for bigger fights after being scheduled.
While the loss doesn't necessarily hurt Bay Area MMA, the San Francisco-based Shields will need to go back to the drawing board. At the very least, Ellenberger is based in Lake Forest, California ... so at least we're keeping a rising star in-state. Next for Ellenberger would be the very best the division has to offer: guys like BJ Penn, Jon Fitch, Nick Diaz - all of the guys who necessitate a potential shot at champion Georges St. Pierre. For Shields, a step down and some work on his always-shaky standup is required.
Ellenberger swarmed and landed two huge shots on the side of the head of the turtling Shields, who managed to get a hand up and in the way to block off a couple more, but was doing nothing to improve his position at all and referee Kevin Mulhall jumped in to stop the fight. Shields was so out of it that he tried to grab a single leg on the referee, who was able to stuff it, to his credit. Officially, Ellenberger gets a TKO at 53 seconds of the very first round of action.
It was the perfect result for Ellenberger, a strong wrestler in his own right, but one who prefers to strike to set up a grinding attack in the later rounds. The gameplan going in was one of "sprawl-and-brawl," and that's exactly what he did: stuffed the takedowns and found Shields' chin. Ellenberger has been waiting to crack into the upper echelon of the UFC's welterweight division, with his last two opponents bailing for bigger fights after being scheduled.
While the loss doesn't necessarily hurt Bay Area MMA, the San Francisco-based Shields will need to go back to the drawing board. At the very least, Ellenberger is based in Lake Forest, California ... so at least we're keeping a rising star in-state. Next for Ellenberger would be the very best the division has to offer: guys like BJ Penn, Jon Fitch, Nick Diaz - all of the guys who necessitate a potential shot at champion Georges St. Pierre. For Shields, a step down and some work on his always-shaky standup is required.
Reno Air Show Plane Crash - Watch Live Footage Video HD
National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Terry Williams told The Associated Press Saturday that a team has arrived from Washington to join regional officials. He said it's too early to say what caused the crash, though event organizers suggested a mechanical problem.
As thousands watched in horror, the P-51 Mustang suddenly pitched upward, rolled and nose-dived toward the crowded grandstand. It then slammed into the tarmac and blew to pieces in front the pilot's family and a tight-knit group of friends who attend the annual event.
It appears that other than the pilot, the injuries and deaths were caused by flying parts of the disintegrating plane – not a direct hit.
"It came down directly at us. As I looked down, I saw the spinner, the wings, the canopy just coming right at us. It hit directly in front of us, probably 50 to 75 feet," Ryan Harris, of Round Mountain, Nev., told the AP.
"The next thing I saw was a wall of debris going up in the air. That's what I got splashed with. In the wall of debris noticed there were pieces of flesh."
Besides veteran Hollywood stunt pilot Jimmy Leeward, two spectators were killed and more than 50 were injured amid a horrific scene strewn with smoking debris. There were reports five people were killed, but hospitals confirmed three deaths to the AP on Saturday.
Bloodied bodies spread across the area as people tended to the victims and ambulances rushed to the scene. Video and photos of the crash were captured by several people in the stands, and the horrific images of the wreckage were transmitted around the world within minutes.
John Townes, a Reno pilot, said the plane didn't sound right.
"It wasn't quite vertical. It was at a very slight angle and because of that I think it probably saved a lot of people," he said.
"Normally when you see an air crash, you see recognizable wreckage. There was nothing, just little bits of metal."
Prior to Friday, 19 people had been killed at the National Championship Air Races since their start 1964, organizers said, at least two in P-51s. In 1999, a Mustang disintegrated during a race, scattering debris and damaging a house. In 1994, one of the planes crashed next to a runway after engine failure sprayed the windshield with oil.
As thousands watched in horror, the P-51 Mustang suddenly pitched upward, rolled and nose-dived toward the crowded grandstand. It then slammed into the tarmac and blew to pieces in front the pilot's family and a tight-knit group of friends who attend the annual event.
It appears that other than the pilot, the injuries and deaths were caused by flying parts of the disintegrating plane – not a direct hit.
"It came down directly at us. As I looked down, I saw the spinner, the wings, the canopy just coming right at us. It hit directly in front of us, probably 50 to 75 feet," Ryan Harris, of Round Mountain, Nev., told the AP.
"The next thing I saw was a wall of debris going up in the air. That's what I got splashed with. In the wall of debris noticed there were pieces of flesh."
Besides veteran Hollywood stunt pilot Jimmy Leeward, two spectators were killed and more than 50 were injured amid a horrific scene strewn with smoking debris. There were reports five people were killed, but hospitals confirmed three deaths to the AP on Saturday.
Bloodied bodies spread across the area as people tended to the victims and ambulances rushed to the scene. Video and photos of the crash were captured by several people in the stands, and the horrific images of the wreckage were transmitted around the world within minutes.
John Townes, a Reno pilot, said the plane didn't sound right.
"It wasn't quite vertical. It was at a very slight angle and because of that I think it probably saved a lot of people," he said.
"Normally when you see an air crash, you see recognizable wreckage. There was nothing, just little bits of metal."
Prior to Friday, 19 people had been killed at the National Championship Air Races since their start 1964, organizers said, at least two in P-51s. In 1999, a Mustang disintegrated during a race, scattering debris and damaging a house. In 1994, one of the planes crashed next to a runway after engine failure sprayed the windshield with oil.
Brazil: Patricia Acioli Assassination Is Intimidating Message From Militias
The Rio de Janeiro state judge paid for that fearlessness: Acioli was shot to death in front of her house last month. And all of the 21 bullets that hit her came from a lot issued to police, including some in Sao Goncalo, the city where she worked.
While violence and impunity are common in Brazil, the brazen murder of Acioli was an especially heavy blow, a message of intimidation from the vigilante militias.
The slaying was "a wound to the lawful state, to democracy; the figure of the judge is a symbol of justice," said Denise Frossard, a retired judge who presided over some of Rio's first cases against the militias in the 1990s. "If she is a judge and can be killed, how can a citizen feel secure enough to be a witness?"
Acioli's death was the first murder of a judge in the state's history, though Frossard herself survived three assassination attempts and had eight security guards ensuring her safety while she was on the bench.
Violent militias have grown in power and scope in recent years, taking over poor communities formerly controlled by drug dealers and coercing residents to pay for illegal utility hookups, transportation, and security. Their members include former and current police, firefighters and jail guards. Investigators say they have elected members as state and city legislators. They also have been praised by politicians, including Rio de Janeiro's mayor, for taking back swaths of territory from drug gangs.
A probe by the state legislature in 2008 found militias were connected to execution-style killings, far-reaching extortion schemes, and the kidnapping and torture of a group of journalists investigating the gangs' activities.
Acioli had been repeatedly threatened for taking on the police officers who were part of the gangs, and she had written letters to her superiors requesting protection. One week before her murder, she went to Rio police's internal affairs office and said she was being threatened by officers from Sao Goncalo, where she worked, and Niteroi, where she lived.
The last case on her docket on Aug. 11, the day she died, involved policemen charged with executing an 18-year-old man in a slum. One of her last acts as a judge was to authorize their arrest.
While violence and impunity are common in Brazil, the brazen murder of Acioli was an especially heavy blow, a message of intimidation from the vigilante militias.
The slaying was "a wound to the lawful state, to democracy; the figure of the judge is a symbol of justice," said Denise Frossard, a retired judge who presided over some of Rio's first cases against the militias in the 1990s. "If she is a judge and can be killed, how can a citizen feel secure enough to be a witness?"
Acioli's death was the first murder of a judge in the state's history, though Frossard herself survived three assassination attempts and had eight security guards ensuring her safety while she was on the bench.
Violent militias have grown in power and scope in recent years, taking over poor communities formerly controlled by drug dealers and coercing residents to pay for illegal utility hookups, transportation, and security. Their members include former and current police, firefighters and jail guards. Investigators say they have elected members as state and city legislators. They also have been praised by politicians, including Rio de Janeiro's mayor, for taking back swaths of territory from drug gangs.
A probe by the state legislature in 2008 found militias were connected to execution-style killings, far-reaching extortion schemes, and the kidnapping and torture of a group of journalists investigating the gangs' activities.
Acioli had been repeatedly threatened for taking on the police officers who were part of the gangs, and she had written letters to her superiors requesting protection. One week before her murder, she went to Rio police's internal affairs office and said she was being threatened by officers from Sao Goncalo, where she worked, and Niteroi, where she lived.
The last case on her docket on Aug. 11, the day she died, involved policemen charged with executing an 18-year-old man in a slum. One of her last acts as a judge was to authorize their arrest.
Watch Jimmy Fallon And Stephen Colbert Sing Their Hearts Out
If the conclusion of the best-friendship between Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert has gotten you down, you’ll want to tune in to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight. What transpires between Colbert and Fallon is truly magical. Can’t wait? Watch their beautiful duet right here.
Not since Fievel Mousekewitz and his sister Tanya sang to each other across the distance in An American Tale has there been such a heartfelt rendition of “Somewhere Out There,” until tonight. If you don’t want to wait until the episode airs (tonight at 12:35 a.m. EST on NBC) watch the video below, which also includes some of the highlights of their six-month bromance, and the potential candidate to fill in as a new BFF to either of them
When we talk to our grandchildren about the the time between March 3, 2011 and September 3, 2011, only one event will define the period: The brief but passionate best friendship of Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert. Even our own Arianna Huffington had a significant stake in seeing that Stephen and Jimmy's relationship could go the distance. And if nothing else, their fraternal bond producedthis glorious moment of television that will live in our hearts forever.
But all good things must come to an end, and so it was with Colbert and Fallon's status as BFFFSM (Best Friends Forever For Six Months), which expired last week. On Thursday night's "Colbert Report," the rival talk show hosts realized that they could no longer express their devotion to each other as best friends, noting the cruel irony of their relationship ending at the same time that they're competing against each other for the Emmy.
The loss has clearly hit them both hard. On Friday night's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," they could barely hide their longing. After some introspection, the show took a turn for the Feival, and Fallon and Colbert dueted on "Somewhere Out There" for a Rondstadt-flavored ode to their lost love.
Is their relationship really over? How can they move on? Who will win the Emmy? And will Anderson Cooper actually befriend either of them? These are questions, y'all.
Not since Fievel Mousekewitz and his sister Tanya sang to each other across the distance in An American Tale has there been such a heartfelt rendition of “Somewhere Out There,” until tonight. If you don’t want to wait until the episode airs (tonight at 12:35 a.m. EST on NBC) watch the video below, which also includes some of the highlights of their six-month bromance, and the potential candidate to fill in as a new BFF to either of them
When we talk to our grandchildren about the the time between March 3, 2011 and September 3, 2011, only one event will define the period: The brief but passionate best friendship of Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert. Even our own Arianna Huffington had a significant stake in seeing that Stephen and Jimmy's relationship could go the distance. And if nothing else, their fraternal bond producedthis glorious moment of television that will live in our hearts forever.
But all good things must come to an end, and so it was with Colbert and Fallon's status as BFFFSM (Best Friends Forever For Six Months), which expired last week. On Thursday night's "Colbert Report," the rival talk show hosts realized that they could no longer express their devotion to each other as best friends, noting the cruel irony of their relationship ending at the same time that they're competing against each other for the Emmy.
The loss has clearly hit them both hard. On Friday night's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," they could barely hide their longing. After some introspection, the show took a turn for the Feival, and Fallon and Colbert dueted on "Somewhere Out There" for a Rondstadt-flavored ode to their lost love.
Is their relationship really over? How can they move on? Who will win the Emmy? And will Anderson Cooper actually befriend either of them? These are questions, y'all.
Friday 16 September 2011
Jon Stewart Rips Obama Solyndra Scandal (VIDEO)
Stewart approached the story of Solyndra's collapseafter receiving over $500 million from the Obama administration to produce green energy by comparing it to previous scandals the media has eaten up, from Bill Ayers to birth certificates. But as he went through the scandal piece by piece, he couldn't deny the "weapons-grade political fodder" that is Solyndra's bankruptcy.
Not only does Solyndra sound like a dystopian future planet, but Obama's endorsement of it -- including a personal tour of the facilities -- adds insult to injury when it comes to the half a billion dollars it received from the government before its collapse. Although according to Stewart it only took about 1.3 percent of the money give to green energies by Obama, it was their poster child.
Stewart did give the President's investment, however foolish, the benefit of the doubt, saying that thefailure of one company doesn't discredit the entire idea of a green energy economy, but he had to add one big "but":
What really adds the shock value to the situation, and what has given House Republicans and the media even more ammunition against the President, is a "whiff of sinister cronyism." Watch the full segment below to hear Stewart's reaction to insider warnings that predicted Solyndra would go bankrupt this year, reports that a top Solyndra investor visited the White House several times before their loan was approved
Not only does Solyndra sound like a dystopian future planet, but Obama's endorsement of it -- including a personal tour of the facilities -- adds insult to injury when it comes to the half a billion dollars it received from the government before its collapse. Although according to Stewart it only took about 1.3 percent of the money give to green energies by Obama, it was their poster child.
Stewart did give the President's investment, however foolish, the benefit of the doubt, saying that thefailure of one company doesn't discredit the entire idea of a green energy economy, but he had to add one big "but":
What really adds the shock value to the situation, and what has given House Republicans and the media even more ammunition against the President, is a "whiff of sinister cronyism." Watch the full segment below to hear Stewart's reaction to insider warnings that predicted Solyndra would go bankrupt this year, reports that a top Solyndra investor visited the White House several times before their loan was approved
Texas Execution Halted Amid Supreme Court Review : Duane Buck Case
The court on Thursday halted the execution for Duane Buck, 48, two hours into a six-hour window when he could have been taken to the death chamber. Texas officials, however, did not move forward with the punishment while legal issues were pending.
Buck was sentenced to death for the fatal shootings of his ex-girlfriend and a man in her apartment in July 1995. His attorneys had asked both the Supreme Court and Texas Gov. Rick Perry to halt the execution because of a psychologist's testimony that black people were more likely to commit violence. Buck's guilt is not being questioned, but his lawyers contend the testimony unfairly influenced the jury and Buck should receive a new sentencing hearing.
The nation's highest court, without extensive comment, said it would review an appeal related to that testimony. The decision meant Perry did not have to act on a request from Buck's lawyers that the governor use his authority to issue a one-time 30-day reprieve.
Buck's case is one of six that then-Texas Attorney General John Cornyn – a political ally of Perry who is now a Republican U.S. senator – reviewed in 2000 and said needed to be reopened because of racially charged statements made during the sentencing phase. In the other five cases, new punishment hearings were held and each convict again was sentenced to die.
State attorneys contend Buck's case was different from the others and that the racial reference was a small part of larger testimony about prison populations. Jurors in Texas must decide on the future danger of an offender when they are considering a death sentence.
Perry is a capital punishment supporter and as frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination his actions now are coming under closer scrutiny. During his 11 years in office, 235 convicted killers in Texas have been put to death. His office said he has chosen to halt just four executions, including one for a woman who later was executed.
Among the people with doubts about the delayed Texas death sentence that’s now become a campaign issue for Gov. Rick Perry: John Cornyn and Antonin Scalia.
In 2000, Cornyn — a Perry ally who’s now the state’s junior senator — was the Texas attorney general who said that several convicts’ death sentences had been unfairly influenced by a psychologist’s testimony that black convicts were by their race more likely to re-offend. Among those on Cornyn’s questionable list: Duane Buck, an African-American who was sent to death row in 1997
Buck’s attorneys unsuccessfully sought a reprieve from Perry on Wednesday, but because he was out of state while campaigning in Virginia, the decision fell to his lieutenant governor. But Justice Scalia, who oversees the 5th Circuit for the Supreme Court, which includes Texas, granted a stay in order to give time for the case to be reviewed.
Cornyn’s old doubts about the cases in which the psychologist had testified were a key element of the papers Buck’s lawyers filed with the Supreme Court.
“It is inappropriate to allow race to be considered as a factor in our criminal justice system,” Cornyn said in a 2000 press release. “The people of Texas want and deserve a system that affords the same fairness to everyone. I will continue to do everything I can to assure Texans of our commitment to an equitable criminal justice system.”
According to transcript excerpts of the sentencing hearing that appear in Buck’s appeal, psychiatrist Walter Quijano, answered “yes” when prosecutors asked him under cross-examination if “the race factor, black, increases the future dangerousness for various complicated reasons; is that correct?”
The other convicts in whose cases Quijano testified all received new sentencing hearings, and all were eventually again sentenced to death, but Buck was not allowed a new sentencing hearing because at the time of Cornyn’s statement, his case was in the local district court, where a district attorney, not the state attorney general, would have had jurisdiction.
Buck was sentenced to death for the fatal shootings of his ex-girlfriend and a man in her apartment in July 1995. His attorneys had asked both the Supreme Court and Texas Gov. Rick Perry to halt the execution because of a psychologist's testimony that black people were more likely to commit violence. Buck's guilt is not being questioned, but his lawyers contend the testimony unfairly influenced the jury and Buck should receive a new sentencing hearing.
The nation's highest court, without extensive comment, said it would review an appeal related to that testimony. The decision meant Perry did not have to act on a request from Buck's lawyers that the governor use his authority to issue a one-time 30-day reprieve.
Buck's case is one of six that then-Texas Attorney General John Cornyn – a political ally of Perry who is now a Republican U.S. senator – reviewed in 2000 and said needed to be reopened because of racially charged statements made during the sentencing phase. In the other five cases, new punishment hearings were held and each convict again was sentenced to die.
State attorneys contend Buck's case was different from the others and that the racial reference was a small part of larger testimony about prison populations. Jurors in Texas must decide on the future danger of an offender when they are considering a death sentence.
Perry is a capital punishment supporter and as frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination his actions now are coming under closer scrutiny. During his 11 years in office, 235 convicted killers in Texas have been put to death. His office said he has chosen to halt just four executions, including one for a woman who later was executed.
Among the people with doubts about the delayed Texas death sentence that’s now become a campaign issue for Gov. Rick Perry: John Cornyn and Antonin Scalia.
In 2000, Cornyn — a Perry ally who’s now the state’s junior senator — was the Texas attorney general who said that several convicts’ death sentences had been unfairly influenced by a psychologist’s testimony that black convicts were by their race more likely to re-offend. Among those on Cornyn’s questionable list: Duane Buck, an African-American who was sent to death row in 1997
Buck’s attorneys unsuccessfully sought a reprieve from Perry on Wednesday, but because he was out of state while campaigning in Virginia, the decision fell to his lieutenant governor. But Justice Scalia, who oversees the 5th Circuit for the Supreme Court, which includes Texas, granted a stay in order to give time for the case to be reviewed.
Cornyn’s old doubts about the cases in which the psychologist had testified were a key element of the papers Buck’s lawyers filed with the Supreme Court.
“It is inappropriate to allow race to be considered as a factor in our criminal justice system,” Cornyn said in a 2000 press release. “The people of Texas want and deserve a system that affords the same fairness to everyone. I will continue to do everything I can to assure Texans of our commitment to an equitable criminal justice system.”
According to transcript excerpts of the sentencing hearing that appear in Buck’s appeal, psychiatrist Walter Quijano, answered “yes” when prosecutors asked him under cross-examination if “the race factor, black, increases the future dangerousness for various complicated reasons; is that correct?”
The other convicts in whose cases Quijano testified all received new sentencing hearings, and all were eventually again sentenced to death, but Buck was not allowed a new sentencing hearing because at the time of Cornyn’s statement, his case was in the local district court, where a district attorney, not the state attorney general, would have had jurisdiction.
NASA's Kepler Mission Discovers a World Orbiting Two Stars
"This discovery confirms a new class of planetary systems that could harbor life," William Borucki, the principal investigator of the Kepler telescope said in a statement. "Given that most stars in our galaxy are part of a binary system, this means the opportunities for life are much broader than if planets form only around single stars. This milestone discovery confirms a theory that scientists have had for decades but could not prove until now."
Kepler 16b was discovered by the Kepler space vehicle, a satellite telescope that searches for habitable planets. Scientists, however, do not believe that life exists on the planet. The temperatures are about minus 150 degrees Fahrenheit, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Researchers say that Kepler 16b is composed of roughly half rock and half gas. The suns that the planet orbits are smaller -- and cooler -- than Earth's sun; one of the stars is about 69% the mass of the sun and the other is about 20%. According to The New York Times, one of the stars is orange, and the other is red, and the planet orbits both stars every 229 days.
Astronomers further observed that the brightness of the system dipped even when the stars were not eclipsing one another, hinting at a third body. The additional dimming in brightness events, called the tertiary and quaternary eclipses, reappeared at irregular intervals of time, indicating the stars were in different positions in their orbit each time the third body passed. This showed the third body was circling, not just one, but both stars, in a wide circumbinary orbit.
The gravitational tug on the stars, measured by changes in their eclipse times, was a good indicator of the mass of the third body. Only a very slight gravitational pull was detected, one that only could be caused by a small mass. The findings are described in a new study published Friday, Sept. 16, in the journal Science.
"Most of what we know about the sizes of stars comes from such eclipsing binary systems, and most of what we know about the size of planets comes from transits," said Doyle, who also is the lead author and a Kepler participating scientist. "Kepler-16 combines the best of both worlds, with stellar eclipses and planetary transits in one system."
This discovery confirms that Kepler-16b is an inhospitable, cold world about the size of Saturn and thought to be made up of about half rock and half gas. The parent stars are smaller than our sun. One is 69 percent the mass of the sun and the other only 20 percent. Kepler-16b orbits around both stars every 229 days, similar to Venus’ 225-day orbit, but lies outside the system’s habitable zone, where liquid water could exist on the surface, because the stars are cooler than our sun.
"Working in film, we often are tasked with creating something never before seen," said visual effects supervisor John Knoll of Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm Ltd., in San Francisco. "However, more often than not, scientific discoveries prove to be more spectacular than anything we dare imagine. There is no doubt these discoveries influence and inspire storytellers. Their very existence serves as cause to dream bigger and open our minds to new possibilities beyond what we think we 'know.'"
Kepler 16b was discovered by the Kepler space vehicle, a satellite telescope that searches for habitable planets. Scientists, however, do not believe that life exists on the planet. The temperatures are about minus 150 degrees Fahrenheit, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Researchers say that Kepler 16b is composed of roughly half rock and half gas. The suns that the planet orbits are smaller -- and cooler -- than Earth's sun; one of the stars is about 69% the mass of the sun and the other is about 20%. According to The New York Times, one of the stars is orange, and the other is red, and the planet orbits both stars every 229 days.
Astronomers further observed that the brightness of the system dipped even when the stars were not eclipsing one another, hinting at a third body. The additional dimming in brightness events, called the tertiary and quaternary eclipses, reappeared at irregular intervals of time, indicating the stars were in different positions in their orbit each time the third body passed. This showed the third body was circling, not just one, but both stars, in a wide circumbinary orbit.
The gravitational tug on the stars, measured by changes in their eclipse times, was a good indicator of the mass of the third body. Only a very slight gravitational pull was detected, one that only could be caused by a small mass. The findings are described in a new study published Friday, Sept. 16, in the journal Science.
"Most of what we know about the sizes of stars comes from such eclipsing binary systems, and most of what we know about the size of planets comes from transits," said Doyle, who also is the lead author and a Kepler participating scientist. "Kepler-16 combines the best of both worlds, with stellar eclipses and planetary transits in one system."
This discovery confirms that Kepler-16b is an inhospitable, cold world about the size of Saturn and thought to be made up of about half rock and half gas. The parent stars are smaller than our sun. One is 69 percent the mass of the sun and the other only 20 percent. Kepler-16b orbits around both stars every 229 days, similar to Venus’ 225-day orbit, but lies outside the system’s habitable zone, where liquid water could exist on the surface, because the stars are cooler than our sun.
"Working in film, we often are tasked with creating something never before seen," said visual effects supervisor John Knoll of Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm Ltd., in San Francisco. "However, more often than not, scientific discoveries prove to be more spectacular than anything we dare imagine. There is no doubt these discoveries influence and inspire storytellers. Their very existence serves as cause to dream bigger and open our minds to new possibilities beyond what we think we 'know.'"
Thursday 15 September 2011
Selena Gomez shows off new 'tattoo' tribute to boyfriend Justin Bieber
The crudely written 'Justin' mark, which also had a little heart underneath it seemed to be written in magic marker when she performed at Sin City's Mandalay Bay.
Justin, 17, recently revealed he wants to have children when he is in his mid-twenties, in a thinly-veiled hint to the Witches of Waverly Place star
He said: 'I want to be a young dad, by 25 or 26 I want to see myself, like, married or start looking for a family.'
While his words might send the Beliebers - his army of loyal fans - into a frenzy, the person who should be excited is 19-year-old Selena, who Bieber calls 'amazing' in the interview.
It seems his hardcore fans can relax as he was quick to point out that they won't be getting married any time soon saying: 'One thing...I'm not looking to get married now.'
However this qualifier could just be publicity bluster, as the pair seem to be sharing some seriously strong puppy love.
However their relationship is being tested, as the couple have to spend so much time apart due to their busy careers.
However Justin does seem to be thinking about how he can use his fame to do something positive.
Discussing his difficult upbringing with single mother Patti Mallette, he said: 'I love what I do but I think it’s important to give back, especially for me. I was less fortunate. I didn’t have a lot. I grew up in geared-to-income housing. It was always rough for me.
'We went to the food drive all the time. I always thought, 'If I ever get rich or famous, I will help people who are less fortunate than me.
Justin, 17, recently revealed he wants to have children when he is in his mid-twenties, in a thinly-veiled hint to the Witches of Waverly Place star
He said: 'I want to be a young dad, by 25 or 26 I want to see myself, like, married or start looking for a family.'
While his words might send the Beliebers - his army of loyal fans - into a frenzy, the person who should be excited is 19-year-old Selena, who Bieber calls 'amazing' in the interview.
It seems his hardcore fans can relax as he was quick to point out that they won't be getting married any time soon saying: 'One thing...I'm not looking to get married now.'
However this qualifier could just be publicity bluster, as the pair seem to be sharing some seriously strong puppy love.
However their relationship is being tested, as the couple have to spend so much time apart due to their busy careers.
However Justin does seem to be thinking about how he can use his fame to do something positive.
Discussing his difficult upbringing with single mother Patti Mallette, he said: 'I love what I do but I think it’s important to give back, especially for me. I was less fortunate. I didn’t have a lot. I grew up in geared-to-income housing. It was always rough for me.
'We went to the food drive all the time. I always thought, 'If I ever get rich or famous, I will help people who are less fortunate than me.
Robert Lyons Stabbed Mother To Death In Fight Over Avril Lavigne Tickets
A suburban Chicago man who admitted to stabbing his mother to death allegedly told authorities that his actions stemmed not from his bipolar disorder but from anger that she refused to get him tickets to an Avril Lavigne concert.
Linda Bolek was home sick on March 14, 2008 in the Carol Stream, Ill. condo she shared with her son,Robert Lyons, who had asked her to take him on several errands that day, the Chicago Sun-Timesreports. When she refused to call a friend to arrange skybox tickets for an upcoming Avril Lavigne concert, prosecutors claim Lyons flew into a rage, hitting his mother twice in the head with a bottle of champagne and stabbing her nine times in the back.
Lyons, 39, whose first-degree murder trial began Wednesday morning, has been in jail since police arrested him at a Hooter's restaurant in Schaumburg hours after finding his mother's body, the Daily Heraldreports. Bolek's body had been defiled with household chemicals when police found her while responding to a tip about a possible domestic dispute.
Lyons suffers from bipolar disorder and reportedly had had a tumultuous relationship with his mother since he moved in with her a year earlier. Lyons' court-appointed attorneys describe an incident earlier that day where Bolek held a kitchen knife to her son's face during an argument, the Sun-Times reports. Assistant Public Defender Valerie Pacis argued in court that Lyons' actions were reactive and unplanned. The defense is not disputing that Lyons was responsible for Bolek's death.
Assistant State’s Attorney Ann Celine O’Hallaren contended in court Wednesday that the nature of Bolek's injuries do not support the notion that Lyons was acting defensively, citing the multiple stab wounds in the victim's back, one of which caused the blade to break, according to prosecutors.
Linda Bolek was home sick on March 14, 2008 in the Carol Stream, Ill. condo she shared with her son,Robert Lyons, who had asked her to take him on several errands that day, the Chicago Sun-Timesreports. When she refused to call a friend to arrange skybox tickets for an upcoming Avril Lavigne concert, prosecutors claim Lyons flew into a rage, hitting his mother twice in the head with a bottle of champagne and stabbing her nine times in the back.
Lyons, 39, whose first-degree murder trial began Wednesday morning, has been in jail since police arrested him at a Hooter's restaurant in Schaumburg hours after finding his mother's body, the Daily Heraldreports. Bolek's body had been defiled with household chemicals when police found her while responding to a tip about a possible domestic dispute.
Lyons suffers from bipolar disorder and reportedly had had a tumultuous relationship with his mother since he moved in with her a year earlier. Lyons' court-appointed attorneys describe an incident earlier that day where Bolek held a kitchen knife to her son's face during an argument, the Sun-Times reports. Assistant Public Defender Valerie Pacis argued in court that Lyons' actions were reactive and unplanned. The defense is not disputing that Lyons was responsible for Bolek's death.
Assistant State’s Attorney Ann Celine O’Hallaren contended in court Wednesday that the nature of Bolek's injuries do not support the notion that Lyons was acting defensively, citing the multiple stab wounds in the victim's back, one of which caused the blade to break, according to prosecutors.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Amazing 3D Drawing Machine Created By Twin Artists
Linear perspective’s been around for a while, ever since the 15th Century to be exact, when the architect and engineer Filippo Brunelleschi ostensibly invented it. Brunelleschi developed the idea of the “vanishing point,” which led painting to emerge from its flat, two-dimensional form into the three-dimensional realism that came to define the Renaissance period. And while Brunelleschi’s ideas continue to form the basis of all three-dimensional renderings, from artist sketches to fancy design software, not a whole lot of innovation has been made on the linear perspective front since the mid-1400s.
The Oakes brothers are a pair of twin artists who are picking up where Brunelleschi left off and offering up a fresh perspective on perspective. They’ve devised an “easel” machine that enables you to draw in perfect perspective, achieving that all illusive realism that can only be accomplished through accurate proportion and scale.
Following a similar track of scientific inquiry, the pair explored the nature of stereoscopic vision and its effect on our idea of what three dimensional space is. What they’ve developed is essentially a technique for willfully activating “double vision,” isolating the images captured by each eye. In doing so, they’re able to let one eye scan the scene while the other plots it on the canvas. Their custom constructed concave “easel” plays tricks on your eyes, making the paper melt away and allowing the artist to trace the scene beyond it.
The Oakes brothers are a pair of twin artists who are picking up where Brunelleschi left off and offering up a fresh perspective on perspective. They’ve devised an “easel” machine that enables you to draw in perfect perspective, achieving that all illusive realism that can only be accomplished through accurate proportion and scale.
Following a similar track of scientific inquiry, the pair explored the nature of stereoscopic vision and its effect on our idea of what three dimensional space is. What they’ve developed is essentially a technique for willfully activating “double vision,” isolating the images captured by each eye. In doing so, they’re able to let one eye scan the scene while the other plots it on the canvas. Their custom constructed concave “easel” plays tricks on your eyes, making the paper melt away and allowing the artist to trace the scene beyond it.
Serena Williams On U.S. Open Outburst
Serena Williams says her emotions got the best of her when she berated the chair umpire during her loss to Sam Stosur in the U.S. Open final.
"My emotions did get the best of me this past weekend when I disagreed with the umpire," Williams tweeted Wednesday. "It has been a long road to get back to the US Open this year, and I am thankful to have had such a great two weeks in New York."
Williams' tweet came two days after she was cited for a code violation and fined $2,000 for verbally abusing chair umpire Eva Asderaki.
Facing a break point while serving in the first game of the second set Sunday night, Williams hit a forehand that she celebrated with a yell of "Come on!" Asderaki applied the hindrance rule, noting the scream came while Stosur reached out and got a racket on the ball. Asderaki awarded the point to Stosur.
That set Williams off on a series of insults directed at the official, reminiscent of her tirade on the same court when she berated and brandished her racket at a line judge who called a foot fault in the 2009 semifinal against Kim Clijsters.
Stosur stunned Williams 6-2, 6-3 Sunday, winning her first Grand Slam title. She became the first Australian woman to win a major championship since Evonne Goolagong Cawley at Wimbledon in 1980.
Williams won two tournaments heading into the U.S. Open and was considered a favorite despite being sidelined nearly a year with injuries and health issues. She returned in June after dealing with two foot surgeries and blood clots in her lungs.
Monday 12 September 2011
Spartacus' Star Andy Whitfield Dead
Whitfield died Sunday in Sydney, Australia, 18 months after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, manager Sam Maydew told the Associated Press.
"On a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18 month battle with lymphoma cancer," Whitfield's wife Vashti said in a statement. "He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was."
Andy Whitfield – who was born in Wales and moved to Australia in 1999 – was a virtual unknown when he was cast as the legendary Thracian slave in "Spartacus," a role made famous by Kirk Douglas in the 1960 Stanley Kubrick film.
The series proved a breakout hit for the Starz network and made waves with its graphic violence and sexuality.
Whitfield appeared in all 13 episodes of the first season that aired in 2010, and was preparing to shoot the second when he was diagnosed with cancer.
While waiting for Whitfield's treatment and expected recovery, the network produced a six-part prequel, "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," that aired earlier this year with only a brief voiceover from the actor.
But in January after Whitfield's condition grew worse, the network announced that another Australian actor, Liam McIntyre, would take over the role.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield," Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement Sunday night. "We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in `Spartacus' and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life."
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