Hostage Escapes Captors after 2 Years

Two years ago a teenage St. Louis girl went missing from her home.  Authorities reported Thursday afternoon that they had taken a 24-year-old man and his mother into custody after the girl managed to escape her captors and find help.  

Authorities taking 24-year-old suspect into custody

According to authorities, "They also recovered the teen's young child, which the girl said was the result of rape by her captor.  Washington Park Police Chief David Clark said they believe the man's mother aided the crimes.  Police would not identify either of them by name because they had not been charged as of early Friday.  Police in St. Louis, Mo., had listed the girl as missing or runaway juvenile in April 2012.  She was 15 when she disappeared."  

The teen told authorities that she was repeatedly beaten and sexually assaulted almost every day.  She was only able to escape after receiving assistance from a relative.  

Neighbor Lakeitha Smith, told several news reporters that she had seen the young woman on occasion and had witnessed her coming and going from the home.  "I used to see her come out of the house, back and forth," Smith said. "I didn't think she was being held hostage in the house."  To read more about this story or other news please go to: http://news.yahoo.com/ill-police-teenager-held-2-years-escapes-captors-072505843.html

"LL to the No!"

Rapper and television star LL Cool J is probably best known for the role he plays on CBS's NCIS: Los Angeles and for writing books like "LL Cool J's Platinum Workout" but he's also known for being a pretty tough guy as an unwelcome house guest learned on Wednesday.  

LL Cool Jay

According to reports, "Early Wednesday morning, LL Cool J busted a burglary suspect who had broken into his Los Angeles home.  The actor-rapper, whose real name is James Todd Smith, discovered the man just before 1 a.m., when the alarm system in his Studio City residence was tripped.  A scuffle ensued, but the "NCIS: Los Angeles" star-whose arms (and abs!) are legendary in Hollywood-took down the trespasser and detained him while one of his daughters called 911.  When officers arrived, they took the man-whose name has not been released-into custody.  The suspect, who will be arrested on suspicion of burglary, had minor bruises."  

LL Cool J himself was unharmed during the scuffle. A spokesman for the rapper/actor told Yahoo's OMG that LL and his family are safe and thank everyone for their concern stating, "As a father, husband, and citizen, he is committed to keeping his family safe and is cooperating with authorities on this private matter."  For more on this please go to the following website: http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/jam/ll-cool-j-comes-top-during-scuffle-home-144025547.html

Director Tony Scott Dies at 68

The world awoke to the news of Director Tony Scott having passed away.  Scott was famous for movies such as Top Gun, Days of Thunder and television series like Numb3rs and The Good Wife.  The famous Director was 68 years old and had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain cancer.

Director Tony Scott

According to reports, "Police said they received a 911 call at about 12:30 p.m. that an individual had jumped off the Vincent Thomas Bridge.  The body was recovered around 3 p.m., when it was identified by authorities as Scott, according to Lt. Joseph Bale of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.  An autopsy is scheduled to be performed today.  The Coronor's Office found several notes to loved ones in Scott's car, a spokesman told The Associated Press. A suicide note was later found at his office, according to the AP.  "I can confirm that Tony Scott has passed away.  The family asks that their privacy is respected at this time," Scott's spokesman, Simon Halls, said in a statement, according to the AP."

Several celebrities took to Twitter to provide Tony Scott's family with words of comfort and condolences. Ron Howard tweeted, "No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day."  Film critic Richard Roeper also tweeted, "Most of the obits for Tony Scott will mention "Top Gun" first, but my favorite will always be "True Romance." RIP."  For more on this story please go to the following link:http://gma.yahoo.com/top-gun-director-tony-scott-had-inoperable-brain-052524341--abc-news-topstories.html

If you feel someone you love may be exhibiting signs of depression please reach out, there is hope, there is help.  http://www.afsp.org/

Johnson May Determine Outcome of 2012 Race

Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson is looking to make his presence known in the upcoming 2012 Presidential election.  Even though Johnson might not clean up the race, votes for him could of course have a ripple effect on the Romney and Obama camps.

Former Gov. New Mexico Gary Johnson

According to reports, "The Libertarian Party is now touting that possibility.  An emailed statement from the organization earlier this week carried a rather sensational subject line: "Libertarian Presidential Candidate Gov. Gary Johnson Could Deprive Mitt Romney of 5 battleground states, 74 Electoral Votes, 27% of the Electoral Votes needed to win in 2012."  Libertarians reasoned Johnson, then, "could determine the winner" of the election."

The most famous third party candidate?  Ross Perot of 1992 who won approximately 19% of the vote.  It will be interesting to see the reaction from both political parties if Johnson in fact does throw his hat into the ring.  For this and more news please go to the following website: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/08/18/libertarian-eyes-spoiler-role/#ixzz23uBLAnIW

All Secure

A D.C. security guard has been given credit for stopping an attack by a gunman that could have left several wounded or dead. 

According to reports, "the shooting Wednesday morning at the downtown Washington headquarters of the Family Research Council left only one person injured: the security guard.  And after being struck in the arm, he helped wrestle the gunman to the floor, thwarting an attack that police fear could have turned deadly.  "The security guard here is a hero, in my opinion," D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier said of Leo Johnson, who was conscious and in stable condition at an area hospital after the shooting."  

The suspect,  Floyd Lee Corkins II 28-years-old from Herndon, Virginia.  Authorities have not yet released a motive for the shooting. Corkins is not a member of the Air Force but reports state that he has lived at Andrews Air Force base in some other capacity. The Family Research center is compromised of "faith, family and freedom in public policy and public opinion."  The group maintains a powerful lobbing present on those causes, testifying before Congress and reviewing legislation.  Its president, Tony Perkins, said the group's main concern was with the wounded guard."  

For more information on this story please go to the following website: http://news.yahoo.com/security-guard-credited-thwarting-dc-shooting-091440582.html

Power Ticket

Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney announced today that his running mate for the 2012 election will be none other than the House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan.  Romney made the announcement in Norfolk, Virginia.  It is no secret that Paul Ryan, a native of Wisconsin, is infamous for going toe-to-toe with several House Representatives and other committees over the budget and economic status of the nation.

Paul Ryan (left) and Presidential Candidate Romney (right)

According to reports, "A senior Romney aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Yahoo News that Romney made his decision to pick Ryan on Aug. 1-the day after he returned from an overseas trip to Europe and the Middle East.  Romney called Ryan that same day and arranged a meeting-though aides did not say when that meeting took place.  Both sides kept the secret for more than a week.  Romney and Ryan, a seven-term member of Congress, became close during the run-up to April's Wisconsin primary, when the two campaigned together for nearly a week.  Ryan, a star of the conservative movement, sometimes overshadowed Romney on the stump-but the candidate did not seem to mind.  Reporters quickly noted a buddy "bromance" between the two men, a description Romney aides did not discourage."

In speak with the American people and the press Ryan stated, "I represent a part of America that includes inner cities, rural areas, suburbs and factory towns.  Over the years i Have seen and heard from a lot of families, from those running small businesses, and from people who are in need.  But what I have heard lately troubles me the most.  There is something different in their voice and in their words.  What I hear from them are diminished dreams, lowered expectations uncertain futures."

Critics disagree believing that Ryan's current popularity with the opposition is near nonexistent and believes he could be a problem when trying to unite the country and finding a middle ground for the nations current economic status.  Conservatives confirm however, that this is a power ticket and many more agree.  For more on Romney's Vice Presidential candidate please go to the following link below.


 http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/live-video-mitt-romney-announces-vp-pick-123251121.html

Attention Getter

Imagine driving down the highway on your way to work and seeing this attention getting site through your windshield.  A dummy hanging, by its neck, from a bill board sign that reads: "Hope Your Happy Wall St."

According to reports, "Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Jeremie Elliott said the agency began receiving reports of the black billboard with white lettering along Interstate 15 near Bonanza Road at about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.  Elliott told the Associated Press the billboard appears to be a publicity stunt and it's unclear who's responsible.  The billboard space appears to belong to Lamar Advertising, Fox5Vegas.com reports.  Representatives from the company said the billboard was an act of vandalism."

Regardless if it was an intentional post or vandalism the sign got the attention of countless commuters early this morning. A second billboard was also reported to authorities, and if there is an investigation it will be handled by the Las Vegas Metro Police.  To learn more about the incident please go to the following website:


 http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/08/08/dying-for-work-billboard-startles-las-vegas-motorists/#ixzz22z8S8tNr

Held Hostage

Allyson Taylor, 18, came to work on Sunday at a local sporting goods store in Yuab, California with the intention of greeting customers and doing her job.  But she did not plan on talking her way out of a very dangerous hostage situation.

Allyson Taylor, 18

The 18 year old was held hostage at gun point by 29 year old Juan Carlos Alvarez.  Alvarez eventually surrendered to police on Sunday after his attempt to rob the Big 5 Sporting Goods store.  According to reports, "Cops say that Taylor opened up a dialogue with her captor, which eventually led to a peaceful end to the standoff.  "She knew when to push, she knew when to let him be.  You can't help but thank her enough and be in awe of that young girl," said Shawna Pavey, operations support manage of the Yuba City Police Department."

Officials were worried that the situation could easily escalate due to the the store also carrying extra rounds of ammunition.  Taylor told authorities that she knew, "He didn't want to die that day. He wanted to be able to see his daughter again and so I knew that… as long as, 'You don't hurt me you can see your daughter again.He lifted up his shirt, pulled the gun out, I believe the back of his pants, and immediately pointed at me," Taylor said. "I just freaked out and then he raised the gun and let out a shot to the ceiling."  

Thankfully for Taylor the manager stayed behind after the gunman had ordered everyone else out of the store and called 9-1-1.  Alvarez attempted to get Taylor to break into the stores safe so that he could have the money.  Taylor knew her only hope of surviving the ordeal was to connect with her captor and face him, creating a dialogue between them.  In the end it paid off.  Alvarez surrendered at 3pm to local authorities.  To read more about this story please go to the link below.  

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/cops-credit-calif-hostage-ending-standoff-peacefully-133943045--abc-news-topstories.html

SOLD!

So how much do you think it would cost to buy a complete county worth of foreclosed homes, plus pay off the back taxes?  Well one millionaire found out.

Bill McMachen 

According to reports, "Bill McMachen, a businessman and former yacht dealer, paid about $4.8 billion for all 650 tax foreclosed properties at Macomb County's July 31 sale."  McMachen told MyFoxDetriot, "I got a deal nobody else could have got.  I paid all the back taxes that was due and that's what the county wanted."

McMachen decided to go into the real estate business and scooped up the properties at a July auction in the county.  Other bidders were a bit confused after making time to attend the sale of the properties only to watch them disappear in a matter of minutes.  One Canadian businessman said his company was prepared to offer a much higher price for the properties but was never given the opportunity.

The new owners of the properties told reporters that he was willing to sale the homes back to individuals who were interested at near auction prices.  For more on this story please go to the following website below.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/08/06/millionaire-buys-every-foreclosed-home-in-michigan-county-for-48-million/#ixzz22lVNbBrM

Fall from Grace

For 50 years Americans have known the best film in history to be none other than "Citizen Kane".  So what does it take for a film so revered as number 1 to fall from grace?  Here's a hint: "Good evening". That's right,  Alfred Hitchcock.

James Steward & Kim Novak in Vertigo

The master of suspense and thrills himself edged out Citizen Kane for first place.  According to Yahoo: "Made in 1958, the psychological suspense drama first entered the Sight & South poll in 1982 in seventh place--two years after its director died.  Largely ignored by the critics for most of his career, its rise in the poll is testament to how Hitchcock's reputation has steadily increased over time.  Starring Kim Novak and James Stewart, Vertigo trumped Citizen Kane by 34 votes this time around; it was five votes shy of Kane 10 years ago."

Hitchcock is also famous for films such as The Birds, Psycho and The Trouble with Harry.  This blogger's personal favorite and recommendation, Rope, also starring James Stewart, is a true nail bitter.  For more on the Sight & Sound poll please go to the following link below.

http://movies.yahoo.com/news/vertigo-tops-citizen-kane-greatest-film-time-poll-174039158.html

Happily Ever After

It's the sort of love story you expect only to happen in the movies.  Hollywood classics where the guy gets the girl...eventually.  Either way, on New York couple will be celebrating their happily ever after this weekend, the catch?  They've been divorced from one another nearly 48 years.

Roland Davis and Lena Henderson

According to reports, "Lena Henderson and Roland Davis got married in Chattanooga, Tenn., while they were still teenagers in 1964.  They had four children during that time, but later divorced.  All these years, the two remained on good terms.  David remarried and Henderson would even give his new wife pointers on how to deal with him."

Davis had relocated to Colorado to be with his wife but after she passed away a few months ago he was speaking with Lena and asked her to marry him over the telephone.  Lena of course accepted his proposal and the wedding for the 85 year old couple will be held Saturday. For more information on this happily ever after please go to the following website below:

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/31/ny-couple-85-to-remarry-after-48-year-divorce/?test=latestnews#ixzz22EfCcRx9

The Dark Knight Rises....$64 Million

After the deadly shooting in Aurora, Colorado that left several people dead and countless others injured at the hands of gunman James Holmes, Director, creators actors and actresses of the movie have proven that Batman and the America spirit rises.  The movie caught a whopping $64 million at the box offices since opening weekend.

According to a movie review posted by Yahoo, "The movie added another $122.1 million from 17,000 locations in 57 overseas markets, upping its international gross to $248.2 million.  The worldwide gross after two weeks is $537 million for "Dark Knight Rises."

Some had speculated that the movies initial gross would not be has high, especially after the attacks in Colorado.  The film stars Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman and has some political undertones to it if you watch, and listen, carefully.  For this and more on the box office hits this weekend please go to the following website:
http://movies.yahoo.com/news/dark-knight-rises-rallies-revive-box-office-64m-161257782.html

In Hot Water

On the eve of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games scheduled to take place in the historic city of London, England, there are two athletes no one can ignore.  Micheal Phelps, a 14 time gold medalist in swimming, and  Ryan Lochte a basic unknown who is 11 medals behind Phelps.

The two have been sparring with words back and forth since the Olympic try-outs, and Lochte told the press on Thursday, "That was just a little appetizer.  This is the big show.  I wasn't working for the Olympic trails.  I was working for this.  I know I can go a lot faster."

Ryan Lochte

Lochte also stated that he was not at the Olympics to win a bronze or silver medal but to win gold.  Phelps himself had a few comments and acknowledged that winning a gold medal in London "will be a lot more challenging" than it was in Beijing."  Phelps, who became an almost overnight sensation in the swimming world is not known for backing down when facing challenges.  


So who is this Olympian underdog who has suddenly entered the ring and believes he can catch up to Phelps huge win from 2008?  Born in Daytona Beach, Florida Lochte and was coached into swimming by his father Ryan and his mother Ike.  According to Lochte's biography that can be found at: http://ryanlochte.com/bio/: he isn't just a swimmer but a designer who has his own brand of shoe from Speedo. His personality however is perhaps the exact opposite of Phelps.  While competitiveness is important Ryan sees a need to also have fun when he swims.

Somehow, regardless if these two win-lose-or-draw I have a feeling the swimming competition will undoubtedly be the one event that keeps us on the edges of our seats this summer.  Enjoy the Summer Olympics of 2012! Tune in for the opening ceremony tonight.  If you would like to read more about this story please go to the following website.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/olympics--ryan-lochte-sets-his-sights-on-gold--ndash--and-michael-phelps--ndash--in-london.html

"I Feel a Need....A Need for Speed!"

25 year old Randy George Scott has a need....a need for speed!  But his need for speed was a need for the local authorities to find him.  The motorcyclist filmed his expedition on Victoria Highway that left other motorists in the dust as he weaved in and out of traffic at an astonishing 186mph.

According to reports, "Scott surrendered to authorities at the Kelowna, B.C., police department on Tuesday.  Canadian law enforcement has issued a warrant for Scott's arrest earlier this month.  "The man allegedly responsible for the infamous YouTube video known as 'Victoria Highway Run 299km' is in custody," Kelowna police said in a statement.  Scott was charged with reckless driving.  The speed limit on the stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway where Scott was allegedly speeding is 50mph."


So, the next time you feel the need to speed, you might want to think about the consequences for just a second.  In the mean time though you can find the video on YouTube or click to play above.  For more on this story please go to the following website. 


http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/motorcycle-speeding-youtube-arrest-186-300-172105722.html

Penalties Handed Down to Penn State

There is no doubt that Penn State has taken a huge hit since the admissions of staff that Jerry Sandusky was responsible for countless inappropriate acts with children in the showers of Penn Stadium.

With word spreading that Joe Paterno knew about the alleged sex abuse by Sandusky, the infamous coach whose career had placed the Nittany Lions as the number 1 winning team of college football, dropped to number 12 just.  Several other administration members also knew, but had decided to cover for Sandusky, a mistake that has costed the well-known, aspiring New England University not just its football wins but Joe Paterno his character as well.

Students of Penn State react to NCAA Ruling

According to reports, "NCAA President Mark Emmert informed students through a huge flat-screen television that most of the wins they celebrated no longer count.  Sanctions were handed down for the school's role in covering up former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky's child sex crimes."

With news of the recent developments and penalties that were handed down to Penn State students jumped in and commented about their school and to offer condolences to the families affected by Sandusky.  D.J. Newbill a basketball guard told reporters, "Our hearts go out to the victims.  But it's a great school.  It's a great program.  There is still tradition.  It's still our lives.  It's still a good place."

Where do students, faculty and staff of the University go from here?  It's a good question, but as Newbill stated, "It's still a good place," and that good place is a great place to start over.  For more information on the decision by the NCAA please go to the following website:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf--penn-state-students-are-sad--mostly-quiet--but-resolve-to-improve-the-school-s-reputation.html

Tragedy in Aurora

Depsite it's beautiful name there was nothing breathtaking about Aurora, Colorado over the weekend except the news of a masked gunman who opened fire early Saturday morning at a Cinema during the midnight showing of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises.

James Holmes, 24 in Court

Authorities were quick to apprehend the suspect who left 12 dead and several others severely injured.  According to reports, "James Holmes, 24, who is accused of killing 12 people and wounding 58 others inside a packed movie theater in Aurora, Colo., will be formally charged next Monday.  he is being held without bond.  Holmes has been held in solitary confinement at the Arapahoe County detention facility since Friday.  He is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder, and he could also face additional counts of aggravated assault and weapons violations.  Authorities say the former graduate student is refusing to cooperate and it could take months to learn what prompted the horrific attack on moviegoers at a midnight screening of the latest Batman film."

Holmes' apartment was also a death trap for emergency crews who had go in with remote control cameras to seek out any sort of incendiary devices.  Law enforcement officials told reporters that they did in fact find multiple booby traps and ammunition as well as 10 gallons of gas that appeared to read to explode.  The source told reporters, "The idea was...he wanted to burn this place down.  And the gas would have made that fast."

Holmes age 24, made his first appearance in court today.  Thoughts and prayers go out for audience members who lost loved ones and friends during the violence.  For more on this story please go to the following website:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/23/investigators-find-batman-mask-poster-at-movie-theater-massacre-suspect/#ixzz21QJzBwt7

Darkness Rises during Dark Knight Showing

Last night in Denver, Colorado movie goers hoping to see the final installment of the Batman franchise The Dark Knight Rises were faced with a real darkness that left 50 people injured and 12 reportedly deceased.

According to reports, "Witnesses say they heard a series of explosions and up to 20 gunshots after the scene grew chaotic.  About 100 witnesses were taken to a local high school to be questioned by police.  Police, ambulances and emergency crews swarmed on the Aurora, Colorado theater after frantic 911 calls around 12:30a.m., local time, officials said."

Theater in Aurora, Colorado

The suspect, 24-year-old James Holmes is in police custody. Authorities told news reporters that Holmes had fired inside the theater and then ran to the parking lot where he was apprehended.  "Holmes wore a bulletproof vest, police said, and was carrying a rifle and two handguns.  The handguns may have been placed in the theater before the shooting."  The Federal Bureau of Investigations is also weighing in on the recent violence, spokesman Jason Pack told reporters, "there's no indication in the investigation so far as any connection to terrorism."

The youngest victim being treated for wounds is a 6 year old.  Many others are in critical condition.  Thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who lost loved one's in the tragedy.  For more on these events please go to the following website: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/20/several-reportedly-dead-injured-after-shooting-at-colorado-movie-theater/#ixzz21AgaBXnH

American Ingenuity Brought to You By.....

By now they are probably the most uttered words around the globe.  Making headlines on the evening news programs, circulating the writers desk of numerous magazines and newspapers, but the "You Didn't Build That" statement has become the gaffe of the Presidential campaign.

President Obama delivered the speech in Roanoke, Virginia on Friday in which he stated that everyone had someone to inspire them to do more, create something or helped them along the way.  This included of course, parents, friends, teachers etc... While the message itself had good intentions, and most of it understandable, because we do get our inspiration for new businesses and innovations from those in our lives, it has clearly backfired.

Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney stated, "This is the height of foolishness.  It shows how out of touch he is with the character of America.  When you attack success...you will see under this president less success."  According to reports, "Romney accused Obama of trying to "diminish" individual achievement.  Before he launched into his stump speech, Romney asked members of the audience Wednesday to raise their hands if they run a business.  "Take that, Mr. President," Romney said after the hands went up."

Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod weighted in on Twitter saying, "Isn't it ironic that the guy who sticks his millions in foreign tax havens says the president's views are 'extremely foreign?"

Comments about the tweet?  Well at least Romney is wealthy enough to place his money in foreign banks, but he doesn't want the country that provided him that luxury to lean towards those countries political tendencies. Banking is one thing, being in a position like President is another.  For more on this story please go to: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/07/18/romney-goes-on-offense-over-jobs-remark/#ixzz210VD6TI7

How Many Ways Can You Say Busted?

Ohio authorities have arrested a 17-year-old boy for running a multimillion dollar drug ring across two school districts much to the shock of his fellow classmates, teachers and parents.

Yahoo News reported that the, "Ohio police have arrested an alleged drug kingpin, a 17-year-old accused of running a multimillion dollar ring that distributed high-grade marijuana through two school districts and netted $20,000 a month. When cops raided the boy's bedroom at his parents' home, they found over $6,000 in cash, prosecutors said.  Authorities have not released the student's name, because he was a 16-year-old minor at the time he committed the alleged drug deals. Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said the boy will be tried as juvenile."


Authorities had been suspicious of the selling of marijuana last year in the Mason County school district for $300-$400 an ounce.  An undercover officer was sent to obtain information about the operation and was able to even purchase drugs within the school system.  The undercover officer later discovered the student behind the operation.  


Six other adults were arrested in connection with the drug ring.  Authorities reported having seized 600 plants with a street value of $3 million.  For more on this store please go to the following website:


http://news.yahoo.com/ohio-high-school-kingpin-arrested-major-drug-bust-164911807--abc-news-topstories.html?_esi=1

Dead Man Tells Tales

A 59-year-old Utah man decided that the best way to confess his trespasses in life was to write his own obituary.

According to reports, "Friends and family of Val Patterson learned Sunday that the man they thought held a doctorate from the University of Utah received the degree thanks to a paperwork mistake and that he never even graduated. Patterson pasted away on July 10th of cancer and apparently wrote the account of his life in first person sometime last fall."

But besides having not graduated from the University of Utah Patterson also claimed that he stole a safe from  an Inn back in 1971.  According to his widow the accounts are all true.  The obituary column can be found in the Salt Lake City Tribune.  For more on this story please go to:

 http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/17/utah-man-pens-his-own-obituary-to-confess-indiscretions/#ixzz20scB2lw9