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OTTAWA — Facing an almost impossibly high benchmark, U.S. President Barack Obama lived up to Canadian expectations in 2009, according to a new poll done exclusively for Canwest News Service and Global National. One of the biggest questions surrounding Barack Obama's first year as president of the United States was whether he would live up to all the hype, or be a victim of Obamamania. Nearly three-quarters of Canadians — 72 per cent — felt that Obama lived up to their expectations. Some 14 per cent strongly agreed with the statement, while 59 per cent somewhat agreed the president accomplished what he set out to do. But 28 per cent disagreed (seven per cent strongly and 21 per cent somewhat) that he lived up to their expectations. South of the border, those responsible for electing Obama were divided. ( More behind the cut )The Vancouver Sun | |
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According to internet-celebrity gone music-maker Jeffree Star's twitter, he's working with Ke$ha on a few songs for his upcoming Blush EP. Star posted this photo of him and Ke$ha on his Twitter account -  - claiming they were "making magic." "My girl Ke$ha & I are collaborating soon.. you ready?" umm... yikes.SOURCE( ALSO ) | |
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A first look at their wedding: FF to 1:00, the Taylor Squared BREAKUP is first.
( HQ magazine scans ) | |
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Mods: The images are thumbnails linking to the screencapped lists that are hosted on a third party server - the original screencaps are seriously too huge to be shown even behind a cut, so I'm just giving ONTDers the choice of whether or not to click and see the (Very) detailed results instead of needing to scroll sideways :/Using the 2009 top ten lists of critics like AFI and Ebert: ( Pretty telling preview of the upcoming major awards season )Source | |
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 After going the Hollywood route earlier this year, Radiohead’s Thom Yorke will soon abandon vampires and Kristen Stewart for Tibet and, more specifically, a new documentary on the country’s ongoing freedom movement, titled When The Dragon Swallowed The Sun. As evident by the documentary’s homepage, the Radiohead frontman has teamed up with Irish singer/songwriter Damien Rice ( who most recently could be found busking with Bono) and American music composer Philip Glass for the film’s soundtrack.The film promises to “show, for the first time, an inside perspective on the Tibetan movement to free Tibet from Chinese occupation, its internal conflicts and contradictions.” In addition to the soundtrack’s high-profile collaborators, the film features Richard Gere, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the 14th Dalai Lama, as well as Dennis Haysbert, who narrated the prologue. Exact release dates for both the film and the soundtrack have yet to be unveiled, but, according to the film’s Facebook, the world premiere is set for early 2010. Check out the trailer here. SourceTo sum it up: NEW THOM YORKE NEW THOM YORKE
eta: I'm ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) patback409...just so nobody gets confused. Goodnight~ | |
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 For many people, the thrill of the recent revelation that the writer Jeanette Winterson is dating Susie Orbach is that Orbach is not some bolshie 20-year-old with tats and piercings who is declaring she’s a dyke and running off to do queer performance art in Dalston.
This is about the nice lady in your street who puts out her recycling bins, gives dinner parties, reads the good newspapers and, one day, leaves her male partner of many years and runs off with someone the bad papers would describe as a “notorious lesbian”. Orbach, 63, the psychologist and author of the classic Fat Is a Feminist Issue, is the latest in a new wave of late-flowering lesbians, who often leave their husbands after having children together. Check out Mary Portas, 49, who divorced her husband of 13 years in the 1990s and now lives with her two children and her glamorous girlfriend, the Grazia fashion writer Melanie Rickey. Or the 43-year-old singer Alison Goldfrapp, famous for teasing audiences into a dark sexual frenzy, who recently embarked on a relationship with Lisa Gunning, the hip film editor who worked on Sam Taylor-Wood’s John Lennon movie, Nowhere Boy. As if to remind us that lesbian love is for ever lurking, on New Year’s Eve ITV1 presents us with Joanna Briscoe’s Sleep with Me, an erotic drama involving a middle-class woman whose relationship with her boyfriend is shattered when she falls obsessively for another woman. Back in the 1990s, when the phrase “lipstick lesbian” was coined, Martina Navratilova and kd lang were pretty much the only lesbians anyone had ever heard of. Things are different now — and, once you have good role models, it appears that the floodgates open. This month, in America, 62-year-old Meredith Baxter, famous as the hippie mom in the 1980s Michael J Fox vehicle Family Ties, also came out. The thrice-married actress is a big name over there, making this the biggest lesbian story since Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon, 43, left the father of her two kids to make a go of it with the unapologetically butch Christine Marinoni. Last month, Baxter and the Top Gun diva Kelly McGillis (another recent midlife lezza) were spotted together on board the Sweet Caribbean Cruise for lesbians, appearing, said the National Enquirer, “very relaxed and comfortable”. You bet they were comfortable. Just ask Jennifer, a 41-year-old divorced mother of three from Manchester. She says she often finds herself being approached by women — usually describing themselves as bisexual, and often with a man in the background they’re cheating on. “You don’t feel like you’re being used for sex when you have sex with a woman,” she says. “Maybe it’s because women are on the same wavelength. We’re nicer to each other.” Or ask Sarah, a 40-year-old costume designer. Her 14-year-old daughter encouraged her to go out more when she split with her husband of 15 years. She didn’t mind that many of her mother’s friends were lesbians, and Sarah soon found herself having a string of affairs. “Hanging out with lesbians is sort of like an X-rated Malory Towers — sort of mischievous and sexy,” she says. “The icing on the cake is that you don’t need contraception and there’s less chance of getting a sexually transmitted disease.” Sharon Stone has another take on the allure of lesbian love. Two years ago, she confessed to me in an interview that some of her best dates had been with “butch lesbians”, because they know how to take control. “Everybody is bisexual to a certain area on the scale,” she said. “I like masculinity and, in truth, only women do that now. If you go out on a date with women, then women take you. They date you. They call you up and say ‘I’m going to pick you up at seven’, and you don’t have to say where you want to go, and they take you to somewhere great and you can dress like a chick.” ( More )Source: http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_ and_style/women/relationships/article696 4902.ece?token=null&offset=12&page=2 As a lesbian, I say YAY for everyone coming out! And Goldfrapp is in a same sex relationship? Awesome! | |
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 Comedian, UFC Commentator, and former-Fear Factor star Joe Rogan has some upcoming comedy tour dates. Check 'em out below : ~ Hollywood, CA - Melrose Improv - 12/31/09 10:00pm
~ Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues Vegas - 01/01/10 8:00pm
~ WASHINGTON, DC - 9:30 Club - 01/10/10 7:00pm
~ Miami Beach, FL - Lincoln Theatre Miami - 01/22/10 8:00pm
~ Pasadena, CA - Ice House - 01/29/10 TBD
~ Pasadena, CA - Ice House - 01/30/10 TBD
~ Newtown, NSW - Enmore Theatre - 02/20/10 TBD
~ Addison, TX - Addison Improv - 02/26/10 TBD
~ Addison, TX - Addison Improv - 02/27/10 TBD
~ Addison, TX - Addison Improv - 02/28/10 TBD
~ Tempe, AZ - Tempe Improv - 03/11/10 TBD
~ Tempe, AZ - Tempe Improv - 03/12/10 TBD
~ Tempe, AZ - Tempe Improv - 03/13/10 TBD
Visit JoeRogan.Net for more info. Other Joe Rogan Tidbits :: ~ He's got a Twitter account : @joerogandotnet. He often does UStream chats.
~ He did UStream chat tonight which you can re-watch http://bit.ly/8rHDNo
~ Joe hands-down had the best reaction to '2 Girls 1 Cup; : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhevNN1BDnQ
~ He's currently working on writing a book.
~ He ripped his pants during a recent comedy show (photographic proof here).
~ He currently does commentary for the UFC.
~ He is working on a new film called "The Zookeeper" (expected October 2010). The plot : The animals at one particular zoo decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zookeeper gain the attention of one particular woman. Awwwww. The film also stars Sylvester Stallone, Jon Favreau, Adam Sandler, Ken Jeong, Rosario Dawson, Judd Apatow, Kevin James, Donnie Wahlberg, and Cher. bring back fear factor ! | |
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 In this heartbreaking time, tons of friends, family, musicians have commented via Twitter and their blogs with their support. Everything can be found below. A huge thank you goes out to our great friend Jessica M for putting all this together! We will update with more as they come. Blog links, photos and everything else under the cut. Long. TWITTER:
Slash Hudson- Really sad news, Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan has died. This is a tragic turn of events, he will be mourned by many….
Puddle Of Mudd – We are truly saddened by the loss of the Rev. What an amazing drummer. Our condolences go out to the band, their fans, their friends, and of course their families. R.I.P.
Clint Lowery (Sevendust) – My heart goes out the family of Jimmy “the rev”!! I didn’t know him but was a big fan of his in particular. Very sad
Chris Daughtry (American Idol) – People are dying far too young these days…very sad news about “The Rev”
Shinedown – Our hearts go out to our brothers in A7X .We lost a great man yesterday . .There are no words to explain what we lost exactly. R.I.P- Rev
Brent Smith (Shinedown) – All of my love goes out to everyone in A7X. Jimmy you will never be forgotten.
Zach Meyers (Shinedown) – Rest in Peace to “The Rev” . Jimmy was one of the coolest mother fuckers Ive ever met. . and the best late night Texter ever. . Your Missed
Rev Theory – We lost a great drummer yesterday in James “The Rev” Sullivan. We had the honor and privilege to tour with Avenged Sevenfold this past year and it was one the best tours we have ever been on. He will be greatly missed.
Ben Baller – I feel like really canceling my trip 2moro night. I don’t feel like doin shit really. this year is fucking lamer then lame. #RIP Rev #RIP AM
Alicia Way – What terrible news. I wish I could explain how much you will be missed Jimmy. RIP my buddy… Xoxoxo
Josh Madden – Another Angel…Thinking of the friends that left this year, It’s always the right time to say I love you.
David Cook (American Idol) – Thoughts to friends and famIly of The Rev, drummer for Avenged Sevenfold. Dead at 28. Sad news
Andrew Stricko (Faber Drive) – rip jimmy ‘the rev’ sullivan. i can’t believe you’re gone, you were and continue to be a huge inspiration. listen to avenged sevenfold.
Vicky T (Cobra Starship) – #RIPtherev @diegoschokehold I did not know until now. that’s terrible. Why are so many people dying this year? so sad.
Andy Skib (To Have Heroes) – Listening loudly to @TheOfficialA7X tonight. Amazing drummer, sad to hear the news.
Thrice – My thoughts are with our former label mates @ Hopeless Records, Avenged Sevenfold, and the friends & family of Jimmy Sullivan. -riley
Audrina Patridge (The Hills) – rip jiimmy from avenged sevenfold:(:( he was an amazing drummer and a fun person to be around!
Kara Monaco – No Jimmy Sullivan died!!! Why? :( Such a badass drummer. So sad.
Grant Cobb (Tattoo Artist) – Fuck you death, I don’t remember the last time someone died i hated. You keep taking people I care about! Gonna miss you J, RIP.
Corey Bohan (BMX) – RT @OfficialAudrina: rip jiimmy from avenged sevenfold:(:( he was an amazing drummer and a fun person to be around!
Brian Haner Sr – Cried all night. I am heartbroken. Jimmy is gone and my world is a sadder place.
Jay E Beats – REST IN PEACE JIMMY “THE REV” SULLIVAN…. So sad right now 2010 get here faster
Glamour Of The Kill – RIP Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan.
Porter McKnight (Atreyu) – So terribly sorry to hear about The Revs passing, my best to a7x and their families.
Dan Jacobs (Atreyu) – wow… RIP Rev…. speechless
Travis Miguel – Thoughts, prayers, and condolences to A7X and their camp. My heart goes out to them.
Story Of The Year – Sad sad day. My heart goes out to the A7X family. What a tragedy. -Ryan
Escape The Fate – R.I.P A7X drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan – Our hearts go out to A7X, and their family
Tony Lovato (Mest) – RIP friend..
Joel Madden (Good Charlotte) – I’m deeply saddened by the loss of our friend. I’m off twitter for the rest of the year. My prayers go out to Jimmy’s family tonight.
Mike Lewis (Lostprophets) – Just found out a great guy passed away. Very sad. My thoughts go out
Tal Cooperman (DCMA Collective) – I woke up this morning praying that I just had a bad dream! I lost a friend and most of all a brother. Jimmy you will be missed forever! :(
Beau Bokan (Blessthefall) – #riprev
The Used – James Owen Sullivan you will be missed. Our thoughts go out to your family and friends. You are a great drummer, musician and you were taken from us way too soon. There’s not much more we can say other then we love you. THE USED
Papa Roach – This is a sad day for Rock And Roll. RIP Jimmy “Rev” Sullivan. You will be greatly missed, my friend.
Buckcherry – The Rev… You will be missed. Rest in peace our brother from the road. The entire A7X family is in our thoughts.
Katie Gilbert (Gods Girls) – @JoelMadden life takes from us the things we <3 robs us of the special 1s puts them high where we can’t climb we only miss them all the time
Sarah Madden – Just heard the news about the passing of the drummer from Avenged Sevenfold. My prayers & heart go out to his family & friends.
Billy Martin (Good Charlotte) – Woke up to the sad news. You will be missed Jimmy.
Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance) – fuck i just heard…im at a loss. rest in peace rev, you will be missed.
Mick Morris (ex-Eighteen Visions) – R.I.P. Jimmy Sullivan (The Rev)… such an amazing person and drummer. i spent many amazing times and played some incredible shows with him.
Jamie Oliver (Lostprophets) – I have lost a very good friend, have shared so many good times with Jimmy(The rev)A7X. The nicest guy.the world seems a little dimmer today
Baltimore’s 98 Rock – And YES RIP the REV. We are very lucky to be good friends with A7X and give our love to the rest of the band during this time.
Stryker (LA KROQ) – I am so sad to hear about the REV. Such a nice, great and generous guy towards me. My condolences to the Avenged family & his family.
Jamey Jasta/Hatebreed – R.I.P. Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Thoughts and prayers to his band, friends and family. He’ll be missed http://tweetphoto.com/7513849
Rev Run (Run DMC) – RIP James (The Rev) Sullivan member of Avenged Sevenfold Band. My deepest condolences to family friends & fans
Revok – Revok1.com: REST IN PEACE JIMMY “THE REV” SULLIVAN
Alex Deleon (The Cab) – @xoanasullivan i know. met him when i was 13. he gave me his drumsticks and talked to me for awhile. such a nice guy. he will be missed.
Bullets And Octane – JIMMY “THE REV” SULLIVAN (drummer of Avenged Sevenfold has passed away at aged 28) our thoughts are with you and the family.
Christine Dolce (Model) – http://twitpic.com/vp4na – RIP Jimmy “The Rev ( Read more... )Source: deathbatnews.com | |
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 So sad to read that the New York State Senate voted down the Gay Marriage Bill. It saddens and sickens me that modern government and society has learned nothing from history but continue the vicious cycle of ignorance and intolerance whilst quoting and twisting from a bible that at its root, preaches love and understanding and equality for all. ( more )source | |
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Tue Dec 29, 3:48 PM By Parisa Hafezi and Reza Derakhshi TEHRAN (Reuters) - A representative of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday opposition leaders were "enemies of God" who should be executed under the country's sharia law. ( Read more... ) | |
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  Who'll it be for John Abraham: Scarlett or Anne?The international arena are definitely turning their heads and noticing Indian cinema. Starring in a Hindi film seems to be on everyone's to-do list. Kambakkht Ishq and Blue have been two of the latest releases to have roped in big Hollywood stars however the roles have been quite small. However looks like Shirish Khunder, Farah Khan and John Abraham are adamant to cast an A List Hollywood actress for their upcoming venture which is jointly produced by all three and has John in as leading star. Buzz is that they're in talk with Scarlett Johansson (Vicky Christina Barcelona) and Anne Hathaway (Princess Diaries, The Devil Wears Prada) for a leading role. The two ladies are said to be flying from LA to India to finalise the deal. However Shrisih is yet to fully confirm on this news. He gave a statement confirming many of the rumours, "The story has a tremendous international appeal. The female protagonist will be a foreigner or so we decided to cast a Hollywood actress for it. Today, actors abroad are aware of Indian cinema and are open to working in films here. We have the means and we are doing what's best for the film."( Read more... )SourceFor the tl;dr crowd, Bollywood's looking to cast a young A-list actress in the movie "Alien Sahib" starring John Abraham. (Sahib, according to Wikipedia, can mean "owner/proprietor," but more likely "Your Grace," or "companion.")This is John Abraham, FYI.  | |
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Kristen Stewart: RPattz fans hate me Twilight star intimidated by Robert Pattinson devotees  Kristen Stewart has admitted that she finds Robert Pattinson's devoted fans a little intimidating. The actress realises the rumours about her and co-star Robert make his female admirers see green. ‘Girls are scary,' she says. ‘They covet Rob. I think half of them must hate me.' Kristen, 19, is also finding it hard to deal with her own rising status. ‘Nothing about being a celebrity is desirable,' she tells Fabulous magazine. ‘I'm an actor. It's bizarre to me that everyone is so obsessive.' sourceThis is the work of the Anti-Kristen. Always we must reject his works and keep Kristen faithfully in our hearts | |
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 Film Synopsis-Marcus is a wounded Roman soldier living in Britain during the 2nd Century A. D. Along with his Celtic slave, Esca, Marcus undertakes on a perilous journey into the wilds of the far north in an attempt to retrieve the Eagle emblem of the vanished Ninth Legion, which was lost under Marcus father's command ten years before. Starring: Jamie Bell, Channing Tatum, Donald Sutherland, Mark Strong ( Pics )WORK THOSE HIP BONES, JAMIE! And Channing? I've never been that big of a fan but damn I can't wait for this movie.  Pictures Source; Oblig Source | |
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Rove: Champion of "traditional" divorce Karl Rove is an outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage, citing "5,000 years of understanding the institution of marriage" as his justification. He also famously engineered multiple referenda to incorporate a ban on same-sex marriage into various states' constitutions in 2004 in order to ensure that so-called "Christian conservatives" and "value voters" who believe in "traditional marriage laws" would turn out and help re-elect George W. Bush. Yet, like so many of his like-minded pious comrades, Rove seems far better at preaching the virtues of "traditional marriage" to others and exploiting them for political gain than he does adhering to those principles in his own life: Karl Rove granted divorce in Texas
Karl Rove, former senior adviser to President George W. Bush, has been granted a divorce in Texas after 24 years of marriage, a family spokesperson said. Dana Perino, the spokesperson, said: “Karl Rove and his wife, Darby, were granted a divorce last week. The couple came to the decision mutually and amicably, and they maintain a close relationship and a strong friendship" . . . A family friend told POLITICO: "After 24 years of marriage, many of which were spent under incredible stress and strain during the White House years, the Roves came to a mutual decision that they would end the marriage."
Rove obtained his divorce under Texas' "no-fault" divorce law, one of the most permissive in the nation. That law basically allows any married couple to simply end their marriage because they feel like it. Texas, needless to say, is one of the states which has constitutionally barred same-sex marriages, and has a Governor who explicitly cites Christian dogma as the reason to support that provision, yet the overwhelming majority of Texan citizens make sure that there's nothing in the law making their own marriages binding or permanent -- i.e., traditional. They're willing to limit other people's marriage choices on moral grounds, but not their own, and thus have a law that lets them divorce whenever the mood strikes. That's the very permissive, untraditional and un-Christian law that Rove just exploited in order to obtain his divorce. ( Read more... )1. ew who would marry him
2. it's funny that his first wife was someone named Valerie | |
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[follow up to this post]  A British tabloid report claiming that Rihanna will have to tone down her raunchy performances for her New Year’s Eve concert in Abu Dhabi is “totally inaccurate” according to organisers Flash. The Daily Mirror reported on Sunday that the Barbadian singer had been told to dress more conservatively for her concert in the UAE and that the star was now “tearing her hair out over what to do”. It also reported that Rihanna is being paid $500,000 for the concert. In a statement, organisers Flash rubbished the claims, saying ‘‘the facts and figures recently reported around Rihanna’s Abu Dhabi concert are totally inaccurate. Rihanna is bringing an incredible new stage show to the capital and there’s no doubt the event will be fantastic; an ideal way to celebrate the beginning of a new decade.”Abu Dhabi has recently hosted concerts from international artists including The Killers, Aerosmith and Beyonce, all of whom performed their concerts without restrictions. source | |
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Dov Hikind, NY Assemblyman, Calls For Ethnic Profiling Bill (VIDEO)
In the wake of this past weekend's attempted terror bombing, Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind plans to reintroduce his 2005 bill that would allow police to use ethnic profiling to spot terrorists.Hikind believes that ethnic profiling is not unconstitutional because "he says a 'compelling governmental interest' in using it to save lives."Under Hikind's bill, race and ethnicity would be fair game for police officers when deciding who to stop, question and search. Hikind says he personally does not believe in profiling, but "there are exceptional situations where you have to use exceptional means." He continues: "We can go after 80-year-old men and women getting on a plane. But the reality is that you look at the profile of what terrorists have looked like, where they come from and so on and it just makes sense to use that along with other things." We're not saying only look at one group. What we're saying is: Let's go with the odds. It makes sense. We do it in baseball, by the way. We do it in many other areas. It surely makes sense to do it if the possibility is there to save the lives of innocent people all over the world." | |
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Mob retaliation possible after Rizzuto slayingMafia experts are warning of a potential organized crime war following reports that Nick Rizzuto Jr., the son of Canada's most powerful mobster, has been killed in what they call a "shocking" murder. Rizzuto — the eldest son of Vito Rizzuto, the so-called head of Canada's Mafia — was gunned down on Monday in broad daylight on a residential street in Montreal's Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood.The brazen assassination took aim squarely at the entire Rizzuto clan and its leadership, not just Nick Jr., according to Antonio Nicaso, an author and expert on the Mafia. Attacking an eldest son sends a clear message, and "this is an unprecedented challenge to the power of the Rizzuto clan family," Nicaso told CBC News. ( Read more... )For some reason it continues to surprise people that Canada has gangs and mafia activity that doesn't involve smuggling maple syrup or something. | |
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Iran detains Nobel laureate's sisterCNN) -- Iranian intelligence officials have detained the sister of Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, the Iranian lawyer and human rights activist said. Ebadi said Monday that three men and a woman arrived at the Tehran home she shared with her sister, searched the house and seized Nushin Ebadi, 47, and her computer. "They have detained her so I stop my work," Shirin Ebadi, 62, told CNN's Reza Sayah in a phone call from London. "She has done nothing wrong. She's not involved in human rights work, and she's never participated in any of the protests." ( cut ) | |
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A young Palestinian woman paints a mural to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Israel's offensive in Gaza, in Gaza City, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009. The Arabic text reads "Gaza". ( bigger )
Hatem Moussa (AP Photo) | |
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Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.) on Tuesday became the first lawmaker to call on Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to resign after the recent attempted airline bombing.
The veteran member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee called for Napolitano's ouster in the wake of the attack on the Northwest Airlines flight on Christmas Day. Earlier this year, some Republicans called on Napolitano to step down after her agency issued a report warning of the dangers of right wing "extremists." Burton made his remarks on Twitter: Secretary Janet Napolitano should resign, saying ‘the system worked,’ undermines the confidence of Americans #redin #tcot Napolitano came under fire after she said Sunday that "the system worked," noting the crew of Flight 253 "took appropriate action" to address the terrorist plot as it unfolded. But her remarks were met with instant criticism, prompting the Homeland Security chief to clarify herself during a round of media appearances Monday morning. The secretary then conceded on Monday that the system did not work. “Our system did not work in this instance," Napolitano told "The Today Show." "I think the comment is being taken out of context." Other Republicans, such as House intelligence committee ranking member Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), have criticized the handling of the attempted bombing, saying that the administration has not done enough to address terrorist threats on the United States. The Obama administration and several congressional committees have said they will launch full investigations into the attack allegedly carried out by 23-year-old Nigerian Umar Abdul Farouk Adbulmutallab. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs over the weekend stressed that the attack should be a "nonpartisan issue." sourceThe comments. Oh the comments. Look at this little gem: "Janet looks and acts like she should be doing the dishes and cleaning up at home…not running the security of our country…please…this administration is such a joke." | |
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 As an effort to overturn Proposition 8 makes its way to the U.S. District Court in San Francisco next month, a lingering question is whether the upcoming trial over same-sex marriage will be televised. Such extensive coverage would be a first for a federal court in the Western states, as there has been a long tradition of prohibiting cameras or restricting them to oral arguments and the like. A media coalition, including the major broadcast networks, Dow Jones & Co. and Hearst Corp., is asking U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker for permission to broadcast and webcast the proceedings, which are scheduled to begin Jan. 11, with cabler In Session (TruTV's daytime format, formerly known as Court TV News) providing the gavel-to-gavel pool. The plaintiffs who are seeking to overturn Proposition 8, a state constitutional ban on gay nuptials that passed in California in 2008, do not object to the idea, nor do their attorneys, Ted Olson and David Boies. But defenders of the proposition do object, citing that the exposure will subject witnesses and litigants to the "potential for intimidation" and that perhaps the "right to a fair trial will be undermined." In a letter sent to Walker on Monday, their attorney, Charles Cooper, referred to the aftermath of the 2008 election, a time marked by protest rallies, marches and, in some cases, boycotts of those who contributed to the Yes on 8 campaign, including one website that identified donors and their addresses with a Google map overlay. Indeed, some potential witnesses have indicated that they will not be willing to testify at all if the trial is broadcast or webcast beyond the courthouse," Cooper wrote.The case, officially called Perry vs. Schwarzenegger, was filed in May by Olson and Boies, after marriage equality supporters exhausted their efforts before the state Supreme Court. A group of entertainment industry activists, including Rob Reiner, Bruce Cohen and Dustin Lance Black, are backing the effort via the American Foundation for Equal Rights, led by political consultant Chad Griffin. Although there are no procedures in place for televised trials in the circuit, there has been a recent movement afoot to test the waters in federal civil cases that do not have a jury -- just what the Prop. 8 case is. Earlier this month, the Judicial Council for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an announcement that cameras would be allowed in such cases on an "experimental basis," citing the need to keep the public better educated about the judicial process. But such a move in the Prop. 8 case still has to be cleared with Walker. Given the media interest, Walker already has made arrangements for an overflow courtroom with a closed-circuit feed, and will allow reporters to text and even tweet during the proceedings -- as long as it is not disruptive. Attorney Thomas Burke, representing the media coalition, said that they anticipated there would be some opposition to the effort, but he noted that because the trial will be public, witnesses will be identified whether cameras are present or not. Of Cooper's concerns over privacy, Burke said, "That is not an argument for a wholesale ban on coverage." Burke added that their goal is to obtain "access in the broadest way" yet consistent with conditions placed on them by Walker. Moreover, given the historic nature of the case, interest among the public in the details of the proceedings are significant, Burke suggested. "It is not about a crime or an individual," he said. "The issues in this case are political, social, religious. It has got it all." www.variety.com/article/VR1118013160.html | |
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MONTPELIER, Vt. – The birth mother of a 7-year-old Virginia girl must transfer custody of the child to the woman's former lesbian partner, a Vermont judge ruled, adding that it seems the woman has "disappeared" with her daughter.Vermont Family Court Judge William Cohen ordered Lisa Miller of Winchester, Va., to turn over daughter Isabella to Janet Jenkins of Fair Haven at 1 p.m. Friday at the Virginia home of Jenkins' parents.
But in the Dec. 22 order denying Miller's request to delay the transfer of Isabella, Cohen wrote: "It appears that Ms. Miller has ceased contact with her attorneys and disappeared with the minor child."( Read more... )Source | |
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Pressure rises to stop antibiotics in agricultureFRANKENSTEIN, Mo. – The mystery started the day farmer Russ Kremer got between a jealous boar and a sow in heat. The boar gored Kremer in the knee with a razor-sharp tusk. The burly pig farmer shrugged it off, figuring: "You pour the blood out of your boot and go on." But Kremer's red-hot leg ballooned to double its size. A strep infection spread, threatening his life and baffling doctors. Two months of multiple antibiotics did virtually nothing. ( Read more... ) | |
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ohnotheydidnt - Movie City News compiles the top critics' scorecards for 2009 films [+422]
