Tarmac Throw Down

When President Obama stepped off of Air Force One today he probably was not expecting to be greeted with an envelope from Governor of Arizona Jan Brewer that invited him back to the state to discuss the topic of immigration. Obama was in Arizona to carry out a plan stipulated in his recent State of the Union address on Tuesday. The President and Governor Brewer proceeded to exchange words about her recent book Scorpions for Breakfast. According to Brewer, who spoke with Fox News correspondent Greta Van Susteren about the matter, the Presidents actions, "I was trying to be very gracious to him and he reacted in a manner that took me back, kind of left me breathless, to tell you the truth." Governor Brewer also said that they were glad to have the President in attendance nevertheless. For this and more on the latest news about President Obama and Governor Brewer please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Back to the Future

Some of you are probably wondering why I titled this particular article/blog "Back to the Future". Well besides my love of Michael J. Foxx in the 1985 classic movie, it kind of sums up the weekend the NFL was having. The New England Patriots played the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday and, as expected by this Patriot fan, they're going 'back' to the 'Super Bowl' (aka the future!). Before the February 5th kickoff fans of both the New York Giants and the N.E. Patriots are asking questions like "who's better? Eli or Brady?" The truth is that they are both equally great players and have made sturdy careers out of football. Bottom line? It's anyone's game. The Patriots won against the Ravens 23-20 while the Giants took out rivals the 49ers 20-17. Until game day we can speculate on the outcome, taunt other NFL fans whose teams did not make it this year and we can also look forward to those one-of-a-kind Super Bowl commercials that are sure to kick off the end of a great season.

Lights Out!

Lights out for search engines Google and Yahoo, shopping website Amazon, and encyclopedia window to the world Wikipedia all in a 24 hour protest to a new anti-piracy bill that is currently circulating in Congress. According to news reports the bill titled Protect Intellectual Property Act will require "ISPs to block access to foreign websites that infringe on copyrights. Online piracy from China and elsewhere is a massive problem for the media industry, one that costs as much as $250 billion per year and costs the industry 750,000 jobs, according to a 2008 statement by Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). But how exactly the bills would counter piracy has many up in arms."

The bill has its supporters too. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and News Corp, to name a few, say that critics of the bill simply misunderstand its intentions. It is not a surprise that a bill to ban such information has been created and is now before Congress for a vote. To learn more about the Act and what it would mean for the above mentioned websites and the way we receive information please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/01/18/wikipedia-goes-dark-for-24-hours-to-protest-us-web-piracy-bills/?test=latestnews#ixzz1jpBN5iIE

A Golden Age

Statistics tell us that the likelihood of us living to 100 or close to it is often slim. In fact studies have shown that on average a male who reaches his 65th birthday has a 20% chance of living to age 90 and a female who reaches her 65th birthday has a 32% chance of seeing 90. Personally I believe it is genetic, or a strong sense of character that can pull one close to or at the century mark. No better example can be given than Betty White. Betty has had a career in television. The star of the Golden Girls and now one of TVLand's biggest hits, Hot in Cleveland, is preparing to celebrate her 90th birthday next week and launch her new show 'Off their Rocker'. Happy Birthday to the Golden Girl who has graced so many lives and has been a joy to watch on both the small and big screens all these years.

The Verdict is In

Joran Van der Sloot, suspected Natalee Holloway kidnapper and murderer, was sentenced to 28 years in Lima, Peru. Van der Sloot was being tried for the murder of Stephanie Flores, a young woman who was escorted by Van der Sloot back to his hotel room and supposedly witnessed material on his computer that would tie him to the Holloway case. Flores was brutally strangled and left for dead. The three judge panel also ordered Van der Sloot to pay $75,000 in reparations. According to news reports: "Due to time already served, the judges said Van der Sloot's sentence would end in June 2038. But under Peru's penal system, Van der Sloot could become eligible for parole after serving half of the sentence with good behavior, including work and study." Van der Sloot reserved his right to appeal the verdict. Although there is no justice in his arrest, trail or conviction for Natalee Holloway in this case, there is comfort in knowing that he will at least be held accountable for his actions against Stephanie Flores. For this and other news please visit http://www.foxnews.com/ or http://www.cnn.com/.

In the Case of Natalee

A Birmingham, Alabama judge will decide whether or not to declare Natalee Holloway, who went missing 6 years ago in Aruba, officially deceased. According to reports it is Natalee's father who is pushing forward to have his daughter declared legally dead. "Probate Judge Alan King is hearing a request by Holloway's father to have her declared dead. The judge ruled in September that Dave Holloway had met the legal presumption of death for his daughter and it was up to someone to prove she didn't die in Aruba. He set the hearing Thursday to allow time for anyone to come forward." No new evidence has emerged in the search for Natalee and the last person suspected to have seen her alive, Joran Van der sloot, appeared before a Peruvian court earlier this week and admitted his guilt in the case of Stephanie Flores. Flores was found murdered in her hotel room on May 10, 2010 when she saw evidence on Van der Sloot's computer that would tie him to the Holloway case. For more news on Natalee Holloway or Joran Van der Sloot's murder trail please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.cbsnews.com.

Not Your Status Qou Candidate

For someone who does not seem like much of a political threat, status qou breaker and Congressman Ron Paul who is the author of such books as END THE FED and A Republic: If you Can Keep It, certainly made his debut in the race for the White House these last couple of weeks. From Iowa to New Hampshire his name and reputation has gained a following on both the internet and on the campaign trail. Paul's following is greater in number than the conservatives or liberals would like to admit. Television reporters, news anchors and newspaper outlets struggle to find ways to ignore the Congressman's message of fiscal responsibility, ending the Federal Reserve and supporting the return to the gold standard. But there is no denying that Ron Paul exudes a confidence about himself whether it is while he's discussing monetary policy or if it is simply in a back and forth between himself and fellow candidate for office Newt Gingrich. Last night during the New Hampshire primary Mitt Romney cleared a leading 39% of the vote. Meanwhile Gingrich and Santorum, who were expected to be big hitters, were hardly a 'blip' on the radar. Is this what is in store for Romney if he continues to hold onto first place? Or can he hold onto first place? It's up the South Carolina but it is certainly clear that Ron Paul is definitely nipping at the heels of what he calls 'the establishment'. For this and more news on Congressman Paul and the New Hampshire Primary please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com, or visit Paul's official website at www.ronpaul2012.com. (Photo by the New York Times).

Primary Kick-Off

The New Hampshire Primary is well underway with the first ballot for our nation's next Republican candidate for President of the United States cast at midnight. So it comes as no surprise when news outlets report the rise of Mitt Romney. The former Governor of Massachusetts has a home just up the road and held office in the neighboring state. But Gingrich and others have taken sharp aim at Romney throughout the past week with numerous campaign made-for-tv ads. However, Romney's supporters have backed him so far as to raise $1 million worth of air time to combat Gingrich's campaign to push Romney from the race. But perhaps it is the underdogs Romney and Newt should be worried about, and not so much each other or playing politics. Congressman Ron Paul from Texas has been known for his grand fundraisers as well and last night picked up several votes along the way in New Hampshire's first few open primary districts and is a close second to Mitt. For this and more news on the Republican Primaries for President please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Honoring Arizona

One year after the bloody shooting that occurred in Arizona by a crazed gunman, Gabrielle Giffords returns to the site of the tragedy to remember and mourn the victims lost on that fateful day. Giffords, who had been among the crowd for a rally, was brutally shot in the head and quickly airlifted to the nearest medical facility for treatment. In the year that followed Giffords has went through several months of intense physical therapy to help her recover from the injuries she sustained. For Giffords her source of strength comes from various places, the country who has embraced her, her staff who worked closely with her and most of all her adoring family. Both Giffords and her husband published a book at the end of last year titled Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope. Her husband, Mark Kelly is a successful NASA astronaut, U.S. Naval captain and naval aviator who was scheduled to go back into space a final time before his wife was seriously injured at her January 2011 rally. According to FoxNews.com Jared Lee "Loughner has pleaded not guilty to 49 charges in the shooting. The 23-year-old, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, is being forcibly medicated at a Missouri prison facility in an effort to make him mentally ready for trial." For this and more on congresswoman Giffords, her heroic story of survival and the case against Loughner please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/08/tucson-marks-one-year-anniversary-deadly-rampage/#ixzz1iss6DiXf

A Year in Re-View

Although most of us have by now put 2011 well behind us, it is the job of In View (formally The Globe) to report on some of the top news stories of 2011 before we kick off a new year.

Almost a year after being attacked at a rally in Arizona, her home state, Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D) is well on her way to recovery and is seeking re-election. Giffords will reportedly attend a candle light vigil that will mark the 1 year anniversary of the shooting.



Another large story that captured the nation's attention in 2011 was that of Tot-Mom, so named by HLN host Nancy Grace, or to the public Casey Marie Anthony. Anthony was said to be the most hated woman in America when the verdict to release her was handed down and the courts found her not guilty of her daughters demise. Anthony was facing charges of first degree murder in the case of her daughter Caylee Anthony. Caylee was missing for nearly 31 days before she was reported missing and her remains were later discovered in a wooded area near her grandparents Florida residence.




2011 saw its moments of despair but it also saw moments of happiness and of hope. Prince William and his long time girlfriend Kate Middleton tied the knot in an April ceremony amidst a large and supportive crowd of onlookers. The Prince and Princess toured parts of Canada and the United States during the summer. Catherine's wedding dress is currently on display for all to see in Buckingham Palace.






For four years Amanda Knox had waited patiently for her day of justice to come inside of an Italian prision. Knox, a Seattle native, was charged with the murder of Mereditch Kutcher and convicted of the crime in 2009 along with her then boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito. Knox was released due to lack of evidence in the case against her. Amanda was released on May 26th, 2011.











2011 instantly propelled several figures into the political spotlight. Amidst economic woes, high unemployment rates, and national spending issues it was the year of the Tea Party, Occupy Wall Street Protestors and a reminder of the upcoming 2012 election season. Among those to step up to the plate and throw their hats in the ring were Hermann Cain, Michelle Bauchman, former Governor of Mass. Mitt Romney, Gov. John Huntsman, Rick Santorum, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Texas Governor Rick Perry and Senator Ron Paul. Needless to say, this is going to be a very interesting year for politics, our economy and our nation. This is hail and farewell to 2011.

Crowns and Goals

Last night thousands of people tuned in to see who the next Miss America would be. Surprisingly it was the youngest contestant, Teresa Scanlan, who took home the crown. The Nebraska native wishes to use her title as Miss America to help women prevent and conquer eating disorders. Teresa Scanlan is 17-years-old (photo on left).







While last night was a crowning moment for a new Miss America, this afternoon will define the race to the Super Bowl as the New England Patriots take on the New York Jets. Kickoff is at 3:30pm today at Gillette Stadium. Bundle up if you're going to be out in the crowd and have a great game. For more information on Miss America please go to www.yahoo.com. For today's NFL game times and information please go to www.nfl.com or www.espn.com.

Massacre's Massive Spin

Over the weekend the United States has been mourning the deaths and injuries of those involved in the Tuscan, Arizona shooting that occurred Saturday morning at a Safeway grocery store. Senator Gabrielle Giffords was among the injured and is said to be doing well and responding to simple commands according to her doctors. However, the shooting left several others fatally injured including a 9-year-old little girl.

22-year-old Jared Loughner (pictured at left) is currently in police custody but is no longer cooperating with authorities. Instead one of Jared's former community college classmate spoke out this morning on NBC's the TODAY show about his behavior and how she feared the worst. So much so that she made her concerns known to her professor and he to the school administration.

But what is considered to the Arizona Massacre has suddenly taken a turn with liberals pointing fingers and blaming conservatives for the shooting.

According to Fox News.com "many on the American Left said the horror could be traced to the malign influence of American conservatives; members of the Tea Party; right-wing pundits Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck; former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin; and Fox News. That was the narrative of culpability spun in the immediate aftermath of the shootings by some leading liberal commentators and Democratic politicians -- despite warnings from religious leaders, lawyers, academics, ethicists, reporters and historians that such a rush to judgment only further deepens the partisan divide in America, and further poisons its discourse." (foxnews.com, 2011, p. 1).

Regardless of the finger pointing and current political climate, the truth is that no one can really be blamed for the shooting and the loss of so many lives over this past weekend except for the shooter himself, Jared Loughner. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Blogging 1-0-1

I know some people have a very lofty opinion of blogs and they like to talk about how much blogging is a lot like a journal and that all our thoughts should be kept to ourselves. However, I am a firm believer in freedom of speech, freedom or press etc... So that being said I would like to ask those who believe that our thoughts should be kept to ourselves what type of world we would live in if Bill Gates had decided to keep Windows to himself and not share it with the world? We'd be scribbling our thoughts out on paper that's where! But even then there would be no guarantee that those thoughts would stay private. So yes, blogging for me is a lot like a journal except my thoughts happen to be focused towards Global events, both breaking and past and this is like my own permanent scrap book if you may. I regret that I have not been blogging over the last several months but am grateful to be back and wish everyone a very Happy and prosperous New Year.

Representative Shot

Representative Gabrielle Giffords, the youngest woman ever to be sworn into congress and a member of the Democratic Party was severely wounded earlier today in her home state of Arizona. According to authorities a 22-year-old lone gunman named Jared Loughner is responsible for the attack that claimed the lives of a 9-year-old girl and a Federal Court Judge. Several others were wounded. Representative Giffords was hosting a rally "Congress on Your Corner" when the gunman opened fire and shot her through the head at point blank range.

FoxNews.com is reporting:

"Federal District Judge John M. Roll, a friend of the congresswoman, was among the dead that also included a 9-year-old girl and at least one of Giffords' aides. A total of at least 19 people, including three members of Giffords' staff, were shot at the "Congress on Your Corner" event, held at a Safeway grocery store. Several of the wounded are in critical condition at the university hospital." (Fox News, 2010, p. 1).

Giffords was initially pronounced dead by several leading news organizations but according to doctors Giffords life was saved and she is now responding to commands. They expect a full recovery. Thoughts and prayers go out to Representative Giffords, her family, staff, and those who lost loved one's and those who were injured due to this recent incident.

President Obama condemned the attack on the Representatives life in a speech shortly after the news about Giffords was announced. News organizations are now treading that Giffords was the intended target of 22-year-old Jared Loughner. Arizona has lately been a hot-bed of several controversial political topics such as border control. The shooter is now in police custody. To learn more about this and other news stories please to go www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

When the Saints Go Marching In!

It's a win for the New Orleans Saints. An amazing football season came to an end tonight with the much anticipated match up of the year that pitted the New Orleans Saints against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl 44. The Colts are a long time favorite of football fans everywhere and were thought to have the upper hand again this year.
The Saints seemed to struggle through much of the 1st half of the game, but made a stunning recovery after half time. Coming back in the 3rd quarter the Saints were nearly tied with their rivals 16 to 17 but broke free with a touch down that put them 22 to 17 and eventually the underdog team found themselves in the winners circle. At 31-17 the Saints became another NFL team to win a Super Bowl. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.nfl.com.

Phil the Chill

Punxsutawney Phil has been an expert on matters of weather for years, especially when it comes to how much longer we can expect to see snow and ice. The groundhog rose bright and early this morning to show off his new shadow. That's right, another six weeks of winter weather is yet to be enjoyed or dreaded by all. For most of the South and Northeast this year has been full of 8-15inch snow falls, winter weather advisories and school closings. With another weekend winter watch in effect, will Phils prediction become a winter weather reality? For more go to www.foxnews.com or www.yahoo.com.

Brown's Breakthrough

Little known Republican candidate Scott Brown from Massachusetts shocked the nation and the capitol yesterday evening by winning his bid of former Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy's Senate seat. Brown, whose campaign was aided by the help of former Mass. Governor Mitt Romney and his team, defeated Democrat Martha Coakley. According to news reports "With nearly all precincts reporting, returns showed Brown leading Coakley 52-47 percent, by a margin of 120,000 votes. Independent candidate Joseph Kennedy was pulling 1 percent." For this and more information on Scott Brown please go to http://www.foxnews.com/, http://www.cnn.com/, or http://www.msnbc.com/.

Brittany Murphy Dies at 32

Hollywood starlet Brittany Murphy who is best known for her roles in movies like "Clueless" and "8 Mile" with rapper Eminem, was found dead in her Los Angles home Sunday. According to a coroner official the young actress died of what appeared to be natural causes. Other news outlets reported Murphy's death to have been caused by heart failure. Brittany Murphy was pronounced dead at 10:04 am at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. "An official cause of death may not be determined for some time, since toxicology tests will be required, but "it appears to be natural," Winter said. He said an autopsy was planned for Monday or Tuesday," says OMG on Yahoo.com. For this and other stories please go to www.cnn.com, www.foxnews.com, or www.yahoo.com.

Going Rouge

Sarah Palin is blazing a new trail for herself and the GOP. After months of speculation as to why she stepped down as Governor of Alaska the answer was made clear yesterday as she gave her first interview to Oprah. Palin believes that by stepping down she has more power, time and the ability to speak her mind about issues that matter to the American people. In her new book, Going Rouge, Palin talks about her time in the McCain camp. Palin did not give up any details about whether or not she would be running for President in 2012, instead she is focusing on the issues and her family life. For this and more information go to http://www.foxnews.com/ or http://www.cnn.com/.

Fort Hood Devistated

Yesterday evening Fort Hood, Texas Army psychiatrist Major Nidal Malik Hasan unleashed a hail of gunfire that took the lives of 13 people and injured 30 more. According to reports the Major was about to deploy back to Iraq and was absolutely distraught about his deployment. Witnesses said they felt that Hasan was calm and further reports added taht Hasan had spent the days before giving away furniture from his own home. Authorities have searched Hasan's apartment and are also looking into the possibility that the gunman made several internet postigns about suicide bombers. For this and other news pelase go to http://www.foxnews.com/ or http://www.cnn.com/.

Yanking Our Chains

That's right folks its time for the World Series and Game 5 is up and going tonight and Game 6 has already been scheduled for Wednesday. So what's the score? In Game 1 the Phillies took the Yanks 6-1, Game 2 had Yankee's fans cheering louder than ever as they over powered the Phillies 3-1, Game 3 again saw the Yankee's come out the winners scoring 8 over the Phillies 5, Game 4 went to N.Y.C. again with a score of 7-3, and finally this evenings game went back to the city of brotherly love. Phillies 8 and New York close behind with 6.
For the first time since 2003 Game 6 will begin and Wednesday night Yankee Fans all over will be anxiously watching to see if their team brings home the 27th World Series trophy. But the Phillies aren't out yet. They too are keeping their eyes on the prize and could force a tie that would lead both teams in Game 7. A feat that has not happened since 2002. For this and more exciting sports updates please go to www.mlb.com.

A Change of Hands?

November 4th will be the one-year anniversary of President Obama's infamous win as he spread messages of Change and Hope throughout the country. However, one year later almost to the day, Virginians are singing a different tune. What was it that made voter turn out so strong? Which ad campaign successfully got its message out to the public? McDonnell, the Republican candidate for Governor of the state has been struggling for months and finally tonight has realized victory. But with one victory under its belt, does this spell a change of hands for the country's direction? As the GOP begins to rebuild its base from last November's Presidential election party members are also keeping a close eye on yet another state this evening. With the New Jersey Governorship up for grabs, the Republican Chris Christie is currently holding a three point lead over Democrat John Corzine. Corzine has had the Presidents support throughout much of his campaign. For this and other election news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Patrick Swayze Dies at 57

It seems that over the last few months we have said good bye to one too many of our childhood stars. First Farrah, the Charlies Angel who touched all our hearts with her tribute to her son, the love of her life and her friends with her candid documentary about her struggle with cancer.
Then Michael Jackson. A music legend who struggled with fame and was constantly in the spotlight or scrutinized or stalked by the tabloid media. Jackson died at the age of 50 and was laid to rest earlier this month.
However, today, we say good bye to yet another legend. Patrick Swayze who swept American teenage girls in the 80s off their feet with Dirty Dancing, and who spellbound audiences as he played in Ghost. Swayze, the current star of A&E's new series The Beast, passed away at the age of 57 after his 20 month long battle with Pancreatic cancer.
He was surrounded by family and friends according to his publicist Annett Wolf. Our thoughts are with the Swayze family and friends. For this and other information please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com.

Obama Heckled for Health Care

The man pictured above is non-other than Representative Joe Wilson from South Carolina. The Republican Rep is being reprimanded today for his comments during last nights televised speech given by President Obama to the joint session of congress and the American people. At one point during the Presidents speech he stated that the health care plan he was hoping to have pass would not include illegal immigrants. After the president said these defining words Rep. Wilson and other members of congress booed him. However, Wilson's remarks were the loudest as he called out "You lie!" It was clear that the words had stunned Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Joe Biden who took their seats just behind President Obama. For those Americans who did not get to witness the heckling over health care reform first hand, all the proper news affiliations certainly covered it this morning. Representative Wilson has issued an apology to the President saying that his statement was regrettable. However, most Americans applauded Wilson for speaking up while others believe his comments were disrespectful. Senator Lindsey Graham stated that Obama's speech was "At times, overly combative", and that she felt, "he behaved in a manner beneath the dignity of the office. I fear his speech tonight has made it more difficult — not less — to find common ground." The debate about health care reform still rages and as the President hopes for an agreement, one may be reached later rather than sooner as hoped. For this and other news please go to http://www.foxnews.com/, http://www.cnn.com/ or http://www.msnbc.com/.

Senator Kennedy Dies at 77

Senator Edward Kennedy passed away this morning after a year long battle with brain cancer. Kennedy was known as the "liberal lion" of the Senate and served for fifty years. In 1980 Kennedy attempted to run for the U.S. Presidency but lost. Kennedy survived his brothers John and Bobby to carry on his political career and head the Kennedy clan as the patriarch of the family. A statement released by his family read, "We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all." For this and other news please go to http://www.msnbc.com/, http://www.cnn.com/, or http://www.foxnews.com/.

Walter Cronkite Passes Away at 92

He was known as one of the greatest voices in American news broadcasting. Walter Cronkite, age 92, passed away this evening from cerebral vascular disease. Cronkite worked for CBS from 1962 to 1981 and became known as "The most trusted man in America." Over his long career as broadcaster Cronkite was also the first man behind a news desk to be called a newsanchor. The term has since stuck around and today many great newscasters such as Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings are referred to in the same light. According to CBS Corp. chief executive Leslie Moonves, "He was a great broadcaster and a gentleman whose experience, honesty, professionalism and style defined the role of anchor and commentator." Cronkite passed at his Manhattan home surrounded by family. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Palin Pulls Out

Is it the end of her political career, or is it the beginning of Palin's Presidential bid? Sarah Palin, the one time Vice Presidential candidate for John McCain during the 2008 election announced that she will be stepping down as Governor of Alaska later this month. Pailn has had her share of controversy's both publicly and privately since the election. For now it is unclear if the Governor will turn her her resignation into a bid for 2012 but whatever her plans Palin can rest assured that the GOP is watching. According to Representative John Culberson (R-Texas),"I know that liberals attack the most prominent and most likely Republican nominee, the more loudly liberals attack a potential Republican nominee, the more I think they're likely to be successful." While it is unconventional for Palin to resign in the middle of her first term of governor the party believes that her gambles have paid off in the past and that this one just might too. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Sending Madoff Off

Ever heard the expression, "up the creek without a paddle"? Well by now Bernie Madoff should. Madoff, a confessed Ponzi-scammer was sentenced today to 150 years in prison. Madoff managed to swindle some of Hollywood's elite, A-listers and even famous novelists out of their billions. Sixty-five billion dollars to be exact. Madoff is seventy-one-years-old and according to the presiding judge, Denny Chin, none of Madoff's family members or friends offered a letter asking for leniency of the scammers sentence. For this and more information please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

King of Pop King of Debt?

Yesterday afternoon Michael Jackson was rushed to UCLA medical center in Los Angles. It was reported that Jackson had been in Los Angles to reherse for 50 upcoming shows that he was scheduled to hold in Britain as early as next month and parts of next year. Paramedics who responsded to the call entered his rental home and found the fifty-year-old pop singer unconscious and not breathing. After being admitted to the hospital TMZ reporters were told that Jackson was not fairing well. At three thirty in the afternoon, eastern time, News broke that Jackson had been pronounced dead. Michael Jackson leaves behind three children and two privious wives. Contraversy and mystery is surrounding the death of Jackson. According to reports, "The Los Angeles County Coroner's office said the autopsy would begin Friday morning, but it could take six to eight weeks to determine a cause of death, which will likely have to wait for the return of toxicology tests." Despite his death Jackson leaves behind $400 million in debt and at one point Jackson owed Bank of America nearly $270 million. The tour Jackson was reportedly suppose to hold in Britain starting July 8th of this year, is yet another expense. Tickets reportedly sold out on TickMaster and the tours were suppose to be Jackson's big come back before his sad and untimely passing. For this and more news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com, www.yahoo.com, or www.thestreet.com.

Farrah Fawcett Passes After Battle with Cancer

For everyone who grew up in America during the 1970s Farrah Fawcett's name was synonymous with the television series Charlie Angels. The sixty-two-year-old mother of one son, and life long love of Ryan O' Neil, passed away yesterday June 25th after her long battle with cancer. Fawcett chronicled her illness with a recent documentary that detailed her diagnoses, her treatments and struggles with the disease. However, Fawcett's determination never ceased and it inspired a lot of people. The documentary touched many lives and many other families the world over who were/are going through the same trails and tribulations with cancer. Fawcett's son, Redmond, was unable to be released from prison to see his ailing mother before her death. Redmond has be incarcerated on drug charges. O' Neil stated in a recent 20/20 interview with Barbara Walters that he had asked Farrah to marry him, to which she had said yes. Sadly Farrah passed yesterday morning with her family, including her elderly father, by her side. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Guilty Verdict = Probation

For Chris Brown and Rhianna, both pop singers and once long time couple, the wait is over. Brown, who faced charges of assault on the songstress Rhianna in his vehicle this past February, as pleaded guilty. According to reports, "Brown will be sentenced on Aug. 5, but the terms of the plea deal call for him to serve five years of formal probation and six months — roughly 1,400 hours — of community labor." Brown reportedly entered his plea before the preliminary. Rhianna in turn received a stay-away order from the judge after Brown had exited the court room. Both have been ordered to stay 50 feet from each other except at music events where they will be allowed to at least be 10 feet apart. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Home Run

Sixteen-year-old Bryce Harper will be leaving his Las Vegas high school to attend a 2-year GED program at a community college in order to pursue his dream of becoming a major league baseball star. Harper, who appeared on the front of Sports Illustrated magazine, is extremely talented. So much so that newspapers, magazines and headlines around the world have given him the title "The Chosen One." While moves such as Harper's have raised eyebrows his father, Ron Harper, stated "People question your parenting and what you're doing. Honestly, we don't think it's that big a deal. He's not leaving school to go work in a fast-food restaurant. Bryce is a good kid. He's smart, and he's going to get his education." By dropping out of school this will make Bryce Harper eligable to be drafted in 2010. For his and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

De-Throned

Miss California 2009, Carrie Prejean, finally got the boot, by the Trump himself. Mr. Trump and pageant officials claim that her dismissal is not due to her previous comments about homosexual marriage, but instead that she breached her contract when she refused to attend certain events. According to news sources Trump provided this statement to Carrie, "I told Carrie she neededto get back to work and honor her contract with the Miss California USA Organization and I gave her the opportunity to do so," Trump said in a statement. "Unfortunately it just doesn't look like it is going to happen." Tami Farrell, 24, the first runner up to be Miss California will be assuming the duties and responsibilities of Miss California in light of Carrie's dismissal. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Museum Shooting

88-year-old James Vonn Brunn entered the Washington, D.C. Holocaust Museum this afternoon not as a visitor or tourist but as an angry World War II veteran known, via his personal website, to be anti-semetic. Brunn was arrested in 1983 for bringing a gun into the Federal Reserve building and was arrested and sentenced to four years in prisoin. Brunn was released in 1989. During his assault on security guards, tourists, and visitors of the museum this afternoon Brunn shot and killed a 39-year-old security guard. No tourists or visitors were injured. Police are currently investigating the shooting and the shooter more closely. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.yahoo.com.

Live Long and Prosper

Star Treck hit it big at the box offices this weekend. Taking in $4 million alone during special midnight previews, the remake directed by J.J. Abrams brought in a whopping $76.5 million from Friday to Sunday. Abrams, who cast Heroes Zachary Quinto in the role of the half-human, half-Vulcan Spock was expecting the movie to only take in $50 million. However, Abrams credits the up beat reviews for the movies huge gains. Star Treck surpassed The Dark Knight which closed out its record breaking box office debut last summer with $6.3 million. Perhaps this calls for a sequal. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or ww.cnn.com.

Swine Flu Claims 1st victim in the United States

On Monday, a twenty-three month old boy from Texas passed away from the recent outbreak of swine flu. Officials say that the family members of the deceased child have no symptoms of the illness. According to Fox News, "There are a total of 91 confirmed swine flu cases in the U.S., including Massachusetts, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada and Indiana and probable cases being reported in Illinois, Nebraska and Minnesota. South Carolina health officials have identified eight additional 'probable' cases of swine flu, bringing the total number to 10." For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Flu Season....Again?

While most Americans are looking forward to warm, summer weather, most are finding it difficult to escape a pesky winter virus. The flu. In 1918, during World War I our country saw an outbreak beyond proportion with simple influenza. The illness spread and broke out into a pandemic, which is classified as a spreading of an illness that affects large amounts of the population.
Today, at the start of the 21st Century there is a simple vaccination shot that each citizen of the United States can receive at the beginning of each winter season. However, recently a new form of the flu has spread. It has found its way to New York City and even Texas. According to reports, "The head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that 40 people in five states have been sickened with swine flu."
Outside the country, in Mexico, a 149 people have died. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) are on high alert and the United Sates government had declared a public health emergency on Sunday according to reports. For this and other information please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Lock Down

The White House went on lock down temporarily this morning. According to news reports, "A small, single-engine plane strayed into restricted air space near the U.S. Capitol on Friday, forcing anxious officials to place the White House in temporary lock down and take steps to evacuate the U.S. Capitol." The small plane was escorted to a nearby Maryland airport via F-14 and helicopter escorts. The crisis was over within minutes and the owner of the landing strip where the plane identified as a Cessna 180 landed said that it was all due to a GPS mistake. President Obama was believed to have been in the White House at the time, although reports have not confirmed the Presidents location. However, he did manage to keep to schedule making a 1:30pm appearance Diplomatic Reception Room to deliver an address on education. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Over Kill

So how does someone survive being shot in the head with a nail gun at least 30 times? They don't. Such was the situation for Chen Liu from Sydney, Australia. The 27-year-old was found in the Georges River last November. According to news sources, "He was bound with electrical wires and an extension cord and the carpet was neatly folded with each end tucked in and then bound with three strips of wire." The nail gun used was high powered enough to drive nails as long as 85-mm. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Angels and Demons vs. The Press

Ron Howard might have scored it big with the Da Vinci Code starring Tom Hanks but Dan Brown's latest thriller movie Angels and Demons is stirring up quite the controversy of its own. Part of the controversy comes from New York Daily News reporter Bill Donahue who wrote that Angels and Demons did a good job of "smearing the Catholic Church with fabulously bogus tales." Howard responded by writing a statement that said, "And let me be a little controversial: I believe Catholics, including most in the hierarchy of the Church , will enjoy the movie for what it is: an exciting mystery, set in the awe-inspiring beauty of Rome." Despite the up roar and the controversal opinions of millions of movie-goers and critics about Howard's latest work, Dan Brown announced his follow up novel to the Da Vinci Code earlier this week. The Last Symbol will be released on September 15th. Angels and Demons will also star Tom Hanks and will be in theaters May 15th.

CraigsList Killer

Philip Markoff, age 22, has more to worry about these days other than wedding invitations and tuxedo rentals. On April 14th the medical lab technician at Boston University shot and killed 26-year-old Julissa Brisman of New York City in a Boston hotel. However, Markoff is also being charged with the April 10th kidnapping and armed robbery that took place at a different Boston hotel. According to reports from former high school classmates Markoff was a bully with a "hatred for people". His lab partner echoed this sediment saying that "He just wasn't right in the head, an I knew it, and probably other people did, too." Markoff would lure his victims to posh hotels within the city via the popular website Craigslist. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Miss California Disses Perez Hilton

For viewers around the country last night the Miss USA competition was probably the most watched, especially after Miss California (photo above) answered Perez Hilton's question about legalizing same-sex marriage. Miss California politely replied that she believed marriage should be between a man a woman. This controversial statement had some Americans in the crowd cheering and others remaining silent, not knowing how to react. However, for standing her ground Americans should be proud. It is a difficult thing to do today, to go against the grind of the popular media in Hollywood. Besides Miss USA is supposed to be a role model not a politican. But rest assured, this being a free country and all, Perez Hilton had his say on his blog earlier today about how he believes she should not have won the coveted title. Miss North Carolina took home to the crown and will reign for a full year as Miss U.S.A. Congratulations to all those who competed.

Natasha Richardson: Dies from Ski Injury

Natasha Richardson, the wife of actor Leiam Neeson and daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave passed away yesterday from an injury that she received while skiing in Canada. Richardson who had fallen on the slopes was urged to see a doctor. After a few hours she complained of a serious headache and was admitted to the nearest medical care facility. She was transferred to New York where she received care until her passing. Ski resort officials tell press that the actress had no visible signs of significant head trauma but they did everything to aid her after the fall. It is reported that the, "The New York City medical examiner's office is performing an autopsy." Richardson and Neeson had been married since 1994 and have two children together, both boys. For this and other news please go to http://www.foxnews.com/ or http://www.cnn.com/.

Homecoming

Nadya Suleman, several photographers, jouranlists, neighbors and curious onlookers welcomed home two of the eight longest surviving octuplets yesterday. According to reports, "This is a happy moment for everyone — the family, physicians, nurses and entire NICU staff," said Dr. Mandhir Gupta, a neonatologist at the medical center. "It is always rewarding whenever a premature infant goes home as a healthy baby." Suleman will be raising all 14 of her children in her recently purchased four-bedroom, three-bath home in La Habra, about 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles. There is still backlash from Suleman's discision to have eight children on top of the six she was already caring for after the public learned she had little means of providing for her extended family. Some question Suleman's ability to provide the right amount of affection and attention to every one of her children. For this and other news please go to http://www.foxnews.com/ or http://www.cnn.com/.

12 Dead in Alabama

12 dead after a shooting spree that lasted through two county's in Alabama. Michael McLendon's motive for the massacre that took the lives of innocent bystanders as well as his family members, is not known. McLendon reportedly killed his own mother, placed her on the sofa inside the house and lit her body on fire. According to reports, "The bloodshed, which spread across two counties and claimed 11 victims plus the gunman, began about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday when McLendon burned down the house he lived in with his mother in Kinston, Alabama." Joshua Myers, a deputy for one of the local sheriff's offices lost his wife and eighteen month old daughter in the attack. Myers' four year old daughter survived the shooting and underwent surgery to remove a piece of metal from her leg. She is in stable condition. Apparently police officials also noted that McLendon's car was well stocked with ammo and equipment to accompany his rampage. McLendon later took his own life. For this and other news please go to http://www.foxnews.com/ or http://www.cnn.com/.

Economic Slump or Show Down?

Everyone is reading the headlines about unemployment, job losses, the governments recent billion dollar stimulus package, AIG's endless troubles and GM's doubtless hopes of succeeding for the future. Even this morning the nation is waking up to the new report that unemployment has risen, yet again, to 8.1%. Amidst all the speculations and the finger pointing there is one question that still looms.
Are we heading for another economic depression? A depression like the one's our grandparents saw in the 1930s? In 1980 our unemployment was about the same as it is today. Stocks were bad, as they are today, and a new President entered office, again just like today. So what is the difference? The difference is, from a historic point of view, that during the hardships of the Great Depression people stood in bread lines--NOT at job-markets or job-fairs. There were no jobs and no real hope, that is until FDR legislated the New Deal.
Pulling Americans up by their boot straps and working hard to construct projects such as the Blue Ridge Parkway via the Civilian Conservation Corps and local libraries and town businesses completed by the Works Progress Administration was exactly what the country needed. So if that is the case are we in line for a new New Deal? Honestly no one knows for sure but it is certain that needless spending and gloomy remarks from leaders in government are not what we need. And while there might be some truth to what they are saying, the truth is also that we are a nation of prosperous people. We are a nation of inventors and dream seekers and it's high time we started to pull ourselves up by the boot straps instead of asking big government to do it for us.