Road and building damages reported after Iceland earthquake

BREAKING NEWS An earthquake has rattled southern Iceland. The U.S. Geological Survey says a magnitude 6.1 quake hit at 3:46 p.m. on Thursday. The epicenter was evidently 30 miles east-southeast of the capital, Reykjavik in Iceland. Residents of the southern Iceland city say they felt the shake. There has also been reports of damaged roads and buildings. Authorities advised many Iceland residents to leave their homes because of the possibility of aftershocks.

Strong Iceland Earthquake Hits Near Reykjavik

A strong earthquake occurred in Iceland today, about 30 miles southeast of Reykjavik at 11:46 EST, reports IceNews. The earthquake was felt in Reykjavik but nothing fell down from walls, according to the news agency.

"Police in Selfoss closed a local tunnel as a precaution. It is not yet known if anybody was hurt, but there appears to be little or no damage to the capital, Reykjavik.

"It is the strongest earthquake to hit urban areas in Iceland since 17 June 2000. It is said the only reason nobody died that day was because 17th June is Icelandic independence day, and most people were outside celebrating at the time," reports IceNews.

USGS provides the following details about the earthquake in Iceland.

Magnitude 6.2
Date-Time Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 15:46:00 UTC
Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 03:46:00 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones

Location 64.019°N, 20.916°W
Depth 10 km (6.2 miles) set by location program
Region ICELAND
Distances 55 km (35 miles) ESE of REYKJAVIK, Iceland
115 km (70 miles) NW of Vik, Iceland
230 km (145 miles) SW of Akureyri, Iceland
260 km (160 miles) SSE of Isafjordur, Iceland

Location Uncertainty horizontal +/- 4.2 km (2.6 miles); depth fixed by location program
Parameters NST=242, Nph=242, Dmin=84 km, Rmss=0.9 sec, Gp= 40°,
M-type=moment magnitude (Mw), Version=7
Source USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)

Here is the report in European metrics from Radio Netherland about the earthquake in Iceland.

Iceland has been struck by an earthquake registering 6.1 on the Richter Scale. The epicentre lay 50 kilometres southeast of the capital Reykjavik. Noone was injured, although in the town of Selfoss, close to the epicentre, several buildings were damaged.

Redbox Names Harvey CFO

Redbox has hired John Harvey as its CFO. The former EVP CFO at JetBlue Airways brings more than 20 years of experience in financial management and will be fully responsible for Redbox’s financial activities.

“Harvey brings to Redbox a proven track record of growing companies, extensive leadership experience and strategic financial skills,” said Gregg Kaplan, CEO of Redbox.

from: http://www.homemediamagazine.com/news/html/breaking_article.cfm?article_id=12798

David Archuleta Winner of American Idol 2008 Semifinal

David Archuleta became the winner of the next American Idol of 2008 Semifinal. Many bloggers had already predicted that the next winner of the American Idol 2008 song contest will be David Archuleta and here is why. Reports UltraDust from You Will Be Forever.

Archuleta has good attitude. He's not loud when. He doesn't talk back to the American Idol judges or defend himself.

1. He's super good looking. Super clean faced!
2. He sings very well.
3. He sang a CSI song! Opps, that's the wrong DAVID!
4. He sang a Switchfoot song. Opps. WRONG DAVID again.

So that's my prediction. David A Wins This Year's American Idol 2008!

Now if you're in a cave, David's wiki page and his involvement with American Idol:

David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American pop singer and a finalist on FOX's seventh season of American Idol as of May 2008. He will compete against David Cook on the American Idol Season Finale on May 20, 2008. At the age of twelve, Archuleta won the Junior Singers competition on Star Search.
Contents

David Archuleta was born in Miami, Florida to James Jeffrey Archuleta and Lupe Marie Archuleta. He has three younger siblings, Amber, Daniel and Jazzy, and an older sister, Claudia. Archuleta's family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah when Archuleta was thirteen and currently lives in Murray, Utah, where Archuleta is a student at Murray High School. The only regular job he has had was over the summer of 2007 as a sound "techie" at a park amphitheater.[5] He once suffered partial vocal paralysis but refrained from risky surgery and feels he is almost fully recovered.

Archuleta started singing when he was six because he was inspired by a Les Misérables video. "That musical is what started all of this," he said. He started performing publicly at ten years old when he participated in the Utah Talent Competition singing "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton; he received a standing ovation, and won the kid division.

Archuleta's mother is from Honduras, and much of the music he listened to as a child, according to an interview aired on American Idol, was Latin-influenced. She also "was big on dancing" according to Archuleta, and would "make" him dance to traditional music with his older sister. He also listened to jazz music, he said, from his father's collection as well as gospel, pop, rock and "soulful music." In a later interview he also revealed that his dad was a jazz musician. Archuleta also enjoys Broadway musicals.

On his American Idol "Fast Facts" page, Archuleta cites his musical influences as Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin and Bryan Adams. When asked to list his top pop artists, he cites Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bryan Adams, Kirk Franklin, and Robbie Williams. He also cites Tamyra Gray and Elliott Yamin as his favorite former American Idol contestants.[citation needed] Like Yamin and another singer he admires, John Mayer, Archuleta aspires to infuse his pop selections with a soulful vibe.

In 2003, at the age of 12, Archuleta sang on several episodes of the television show Star Search. He ended up as the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.[2] On one episode, he sang against then 13-year-old Alexandréa Lushington, who also became a "top 20" semi-finalist on American Idol alongside Archuleta. Archuleta's competing on Star Search led to appearances on The Jenny Jones Show and CBS' The Early Show, and meeting the finalists from American Idol's first season, for whom he performed a spontaneous a cappella rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls.

Archuleta won his ticket to the Hollywood final auditions (with a performance of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change") at the San Diego tryouts held at Qualcomm Stadium - July 30 and July 31, 2007. He was 16 during the Hollywood auditions (where he sang Bryan Adams' "Heaven" to unanimous praise) and, along with other contestants not yet 18, will have to go to school ("doing schoolwork in the morning and then come onto the stage and then go back to the schoolwork") while a part of American Idol's seventh season. His parents have been on hand, because he is a minor. Archuleta has also taken advantage of the decision to allow contestants to play musical instruments; he has accompanied himself on piano for his performances of "Another Day in Paradise" and "Angels."

The Los Angeles Times suspected that Archuleta avoided singing the first verse of "Imagine" because, "as a Mormon, he's unlikely to espouse the song's agnostic ideal . . . with the line about 'no religion too.'" Archuleta did, however, sing the entire song on Good Things Utah when he was 13.

from: http://www.huliq.com/59948/david-archuleta-winner-american-idol-2008
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Hoover man drops suit in wife's drowning death

A lawsuit for denial of an insurance policy payment brought by a Hoover man whose wife drowned while on their Australian honeymoon has been dismissed at the plantiff's request.

The lawsuit, which asked for approximately $45,000 and unspecified punitive and mental anguish damages, was filed March 30, 2005, by Gabe Watson.

According to Jefferson County Circuit Court records, Judge Ed Ramsey dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice at Watson's request, meaning it cannot be refiled with the same claim.

Watson's filing for dismissal referred to a criminal investigation under way in Australia which is causing him "to reasonably apprehend that he risks self incrimination in this case."

Gabe Watson's wife, Christina "Tina" Thomas Watson, died Oct. 22, 2003, during a group scuba diving expedition off the coast of Queensland.

An Australian coroner conducted a four-week inquest into the death of Tina Watson and is scheduled to recommend to prosecuters in June whether he believes evidence shows a trial should take place.

from: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/05/hoover_man_drops_suit_in_wifes.html
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Stars Dance Freestyle, And The Bachelorette Gets To Choose

The three finalists on "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, 8 p.m.) are much like the winners from previous seasons.

The consistently high-scoring Kristi Yamaguchi, like Apolo Anton Ohno before her, is an Olympian trying a new skill.

Jason Taylor, like Emmitt Smith before him, is an NFL star learning some new footwork.

And Christian de la Fuente, like first-season winner Kelly Monaco, is a soap star, who has only gotten better after injuring his arm last month.

All three go freestyle in tonight's final competition for votes that will be revealed Tuesday, in this week's second-most anticipated reality show crowning.

Remote Patrol
Just a week after the Brit on "The Bachelor" proposed to young Shayne Lamas, the franchise is back with one of the two women left standing at the end of "The Bachelor" the season before last, when Texan Brad Womack decided he didn't want anybody.

DeAnna Pappas, "The Bachelorette" (ABC, 9:02 p.m.), gets her chance to choose from among 25 bachelors, who, if they're like previous guys on the receiving end of roses, are less desperate than the women, though in trying to make a first impression, one shows his abs and another his duck calls.

In cable's more twisted romantic search, Flavor Flav makes his choice on "Flavor of Love 3" (VH1, 9 p.m.) in Paris.

Sarah Jessica Parker goes "Inside the Actors Studio" (Bravo, 8 p.m.).

The actor Tim Roth chooses the titles on Turner Classic Movies tonight: "Hobson's Choice" (8 p.m.), "Brief Encounter" (10 p.m.), "Roman Holiday" (11:30 p.m.), "Cathy Come Home" (1:30 a.m.) and "The Sporting Life" (3 a.m.).

Finale Time
Ten shows call it a season tonight. Among them: "Gossip Girl" (The CW, 8 p.m.), "Bones" (Fox, 8 p.m.), "Big Bang Theory" (CBS, 8 p.m.), "Two and a Half Men" (CBS, 9 p.m.), "Rules of Engagement" (CBS, 9:30 p.m.), "CSI: Miami" (CBS, 10 p.m.), "How I Met Your Mother" (CBS, 8:30 p.m.) and "One Tree Hill" (The CW, 9 p.m.). All will return next season.

Late Talk
David Letterman: Kevin Spacey, Sen. Jim Webb, Sara Bareilles. Jay Leno: Simon Cowell, Rob Schneider, Josh Groban. Conan O'Brien: Kevin Nealon, Devotchka. Jimmy Kimmel: Ashton Kutcher, Isabella Rossellini, Gavin Degraw (rerun). Craig Ferguson: Valerie Bertinelli, Paulina Porizkova, Estelle.

from: http://www.courant.com/entertainment/tv/hc-tveye0519.artmay19,0,7557608.column
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Chesney, Atkins up for country music awards

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kenny Chesney leads all nominees at the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards with 11 and can tie Garth Brooks by winning his fourth straight entertainer of the year trophy.

Hosted by Reba McEntire, the awards air live Sunday from the MGM Grand at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS.

Other leading nominees are Rodney Atkins with six, and Brad Paisley, Big & Rich and Sugarland with four apiece.

If Chesney wins the coveted entertainer award, he would tie Brooks and trail only Alabama, which holds the record with five in a row.

Fans will choose this year's winner, the first time that's happened. All other categories are decided by ACM members.

Chesney's other nominations are for top male vocalist, song and video of the year for "Don't Blink" and vocal event for "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" with Tracy Lawrence and Tim McGraw.

He received double nominations for artist and producer for "Shift Work" with George Strait, as well as for "Don't Blink" for single of the year and "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates" for album of the year.

Atkins and Taylor Swift are the year's breakout artists.

Atkins' sophomore album, "If You're Going Through Hell," produced four No. 1 hits: "Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)," "These Are My People," "Watching You," and "If You're Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)."

That's a remarkable feat for an artist in any musical genre.

His nominations include top male vocalist, song of the year and album of the year.

Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Swift might be country's hottest act at the moment, coming off big wins at last month's Country Music Television awards and appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine's "Best of Rock" issue.

Her self-titled debut has sold 3 million copies.

Swift's three nominations tie her with Miranda Lambert as the night's most nominated woman and include top female vocalist and album of the year.

ACM voters have a history of rewarding new artists who have breakout years. Last year, Carrie Underwood took home top female vocalist, album and video of the year honors.

Other artists to watch Sunday are Brooks & Dunn, who are going for their 13th consecutive top vocal duo honor; and Rascal Flatts, which is in the running for its sixth straight win for top vocal group.

From: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j71NflP9VhsZoDwiD7y7olt7mQBAD90O7JP80
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Festivals calendar, May 2008

MAY

2 -- Peanut Butter & Jam Festival, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 907 Main St., Highland. Enjoy your lunch on the historic downtown square. Outdoor entertainment, sandwiches, popcorn. Sponsored by Highland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Highland. Free.

2 -- Springfest & Street Dance, Mascoutah. Old-fashioned fun with games for kids.

2-3 -- Cinco de Mayo Celebration, 5 p.m.-midnight Friday; noon-midnight Saturday, river's edge, Niedringhaus and Illinois 3, Granite City. Hosted by the Mexican Honorary Commission. Deejay from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday. Saturday attractions include strong man presentation at 2 p.m., Mexican folklore dancing from 6 to 7 p.m. with $8 admission, music by Fantasia from 7 to 11 p.m., inflatables for children. Beverages, food for sale.

2-3 -- Agape Fest, Greenville College, Greenville. Christian music festival.

3 -- Kids Day at the Fort, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fort de Chartres State Historic Site near Prairie du Rocher. Free. Native American Village features new and expanded activities including the game of Lacrosse and storytelling featuring Indian lore. Also, write with a quill pen, watch kettle corn being made, attend a puppet show, make and use a jump rope or small leather bag; play period yard games such as boule, sack race, hoop and stick, tug of war, nine pins and archery; face painting; trading post.

3 -- Cinco de Mayo, 4-10:30 p.m., Third Street between Piasa and State, downtown Alton. Mexican food, music, dancers, children's activities at 4 p.m., bands start at 6:30 p.m.

3 -- Concert in the Park, 7 p.m., Cleaon Etzkorn bandstand, Edwardsville City Park, Edwardsville. Edwardsville High School Band Alumni tribute concert. Pays tribute to over 75 years of band performances. Bring lawnchairs.

3 -- Tour de Stooges, Lindendale Park, Highland. Routes of 15, 22, 31, 42 and 64 miles offered. $30 adults, $20 children. Lunch and Three Stooges movies after ride. Rest stops have snacks. http://stooges.rogerkramercycling.org.

3 -- Car Cruise, 6-9 p.m., downtown Lebanon. Music, 50/50, prizes. Hosted by Laker's Car Club.

3 -- Craft Fair and Fishing Tournament, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Evansville riverfront. Cane pole furnished or bring your own. Prizes awarded. Tea party at the craft fair, bake sale. Sponsored by Evansville Business Association.

3 -- May Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., downtown Lebanon. Vendors, artisans, flowers, herbs, architectural and gardening items, food, pony rides.

3 -- Spring Fun Walk/Ride, 9 a.m. Saturday, St. John United Church of Christ, Maeystown. Five miles. Registration at 8:30 a.m. $20 adults; $10 16 and under. Benefits summer programs at Hoyleton Youth and Family Services.

3 -- Wade Ray Memorial Fiddlers Frolic and Bluegrass Show, Sparta Lions club, Sparta. $7 adults, $3.50 children. Food available. Presented by George Portz.

3 -- Law Day 5K Run/Walk, 9 a.m. downtown Belleville. Sponsored by Craig Virgin and the St. Clair County Bar Association. Celebrating National Law Day. Benefits Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation. Awards, trophies in 5K. Beverages, food, raffle. 537-9500.

3 -- Storytelling, 2 p.m., Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville.

3-4 -- Mayfest 2008, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 406 Hillsboro Ave., Edwardsville. Saturday: flower and gardening activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; book fair/used book sale; Chic Boutique in the parish hall; craft/vendor booths and food booth; craft activities and storytelling for children; musical performances and strolling musicians; tours of historic church; working blacksmith. Sunday events: festival eucharist at 10 a.m.; book fair/used book sale from noon to 4 p.m.; Edwardsville High School String Orchestra at 2 p.m.; traditional English Tea and Edwardsville String Quartet at 3 p.m.

3-4 -- Wood River Rendezvous, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Routes 3 and 143, Wood River. Historical re-enactment of the 1700-1840s frontier era. Period music, tomahawk throw, artisans/traders, black powder shoot, Lewis & Clark re-enactors, food, children's activities. Opening ceremony each day at 10 a.m., battle at 2 p.m. both days.

4 -- Spring Fling Parish Social, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. St. James Catholic Church, 405 W. Madison, Millstadt. Spaghetti dinner from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., music by Second Generation Swing, adult and children's games, cow patty bingo at 4 p.m.

4 -- Maeystown Fruehlingsfest, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, downtown Maeystown. Country, folk art, garden and architectural antiques, flowers and herbs for sale, food, creek side wine garden served by Ravissant Winery.

9 -- Peanut Butter & Jam Festival, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 907 Main St., Highland. Outdoor entertainment, sandwiches, popcorn. Sponsored by Highland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Highland.

9 -- Senior Celebration, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Programs and Services for Older Persons, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Dancing with the RSVP Orchestra, table games, prizes, lunch is $4 per person, antique car show.

9-11 -- Spring Beach Jam 2008, 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday; noon-1 a.m. Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Pontoon Beach. Features seven bands and acoustic acts (Borderline, RX Blues Band, The Alley Band, Frantic, Rock Bottom, American Dream, Michael J). Also, bike wash for charity, food concession, contests. $22 weekend pass; $10 per day.

9-11 -- Fairview Heights Homecoming, Longacre Park, Fairview Heights. Rides, food, games.

10 -- Car Cruise, 6-9 p.m. Hardee's Restaurant, Illinois 3 and 270, Granite City. Hosted by Piston Pushers Auto Club.

10 -- Pow Wow, picnic grounds, Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville. Vendors, food, drumming and dancing.

10-11 -- Lewis & Clark Departure Days, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, Hartford. Re-enactors portray life as members of the Corps of Discovery preparing for their trip west.

16 -- Peanut Butter & Jam Festival, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 907 Main St., Highland. Outdoor entertainment, sandwiches, popcorn. Sponsored by Highland Chamber of Commerce and the city of Highland.

16 -- MS Family Fun Day, 6-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday, VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Music by Double D Band from 6 to 11 p.m., rides open from 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturday rides from 1 to 10 p.m., kids craft area from noon to 3 p.m., craft show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., raffles, silent auction, vehicle cruise-in, equestrian clinic from noon to 3 p.m., food court. Entertainment Saturday is Kevin Heim from 10 a.m. to noon; St. Paul Jazz Band, noon-1 p.m., Chris Miles from 1 to 2:30 p.m., MS spokesman from 2:30 to 3 p.m., Highland Twirlettes, 3-4 p.m., Yesterday Band from 4 to 7 p.m., Savis Davis Band from 8 p.m. to midnight. Proceeds go to fight MS.

16-17 -- Randolph County Pig Party, Steeleville. Barbecue cookoff, live music.

16-17 -- Swansea Firemen's Picnic, Mel Price Park, Caseyville Ave., Swansea. On Friday: 5 p.m.-midnight with Cactus Moon Band from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. On Saturday: 4 p.m.-midnight, parade at 5 p.m. and music by Avery Hill Band from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

16-18 -- Art on the Square, 5-9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, downtown Belleville. One hundred artists will participate in the juried art show in a broad array of media. Continuous entertainment on the Main Stage and children's stage. Art demonstrations. Children's art activity area with make-it-and-take-it projects. Student art show. Cafe and market on the square. Free admission.

16-18 -- O'Fallon Mayfest -- O'Fallon City Park. Parade, car show, mile run, rides, games, music.. Sponsored by the O'Fallon Booster Club.

17 -- Car Cruise, 6-9 p.m. Culvers Restaurant, Illinois 157, Collinsville. Hosted by Laker's Car Club.

17 -- MidAmerica River Expo, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., National Great Rivers Museum, No. 2 Lock & Dam way, East Alton. Boating safety celebration, food, antique boat show, segway rides, live pelican shows.

17 -- Grafton Flood Fest, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mason Hollow Park, Main and Springfield, Grafton jon boat parade, crowning of the Catfish Queen, games, washers tournament, body building sand hurling contest, live entertainment.

17-18 -- St. Patrick Strawberry Festival,, St. Patrick's Church, 1 Pioneer Lane, Ruma.

17-18 -- Strawberry Festival, Eckert's, Belleville.

18 -- Strawberry Festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Jacob Park, St. Jacob. Strawberry desserts, games for children, crafts, entertainment. Trailnet bike ride. 644-2655.

18 -- Kids Day, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville. Hands-on activities including flintknapping, pottery making, Indian games, corn grinding, spear throwing, identifying animal tracks and pelts, Indian dance group. Food, refreshments.

23 -- Peanut Butter & Jam Festival, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 907 Main St., Highland. Outdoor entertainment, sandwiches, popcorn. Sponsored by Highland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Highland.

23-24 -- Maeystown Homecoming, Maeystown, 4:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday. Food, beverages, fried chicken plates on Saturday only. Rides, games, Fredbird, Bud Light Brigade, Krazy Klowns, duck race at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Parade at 6 p.m. Saturday. Music by Fountain Creek from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Aftershock from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday.

23-25 -- Spring Greek Festival, 4-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 405 Huntwood Road, Swansea. Greek food and pastries, Greek band and dancers.

23-25 -- Elks Fest 2008, 6-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Granite City Elk's Lodge, 4801 Maryville Road, Granite City. Music, food, games, rides.

23-25 -- Nashville Maifest, Memorial Park, Nashville. Slow-pitch tournament, live music, children's entertainment, food, refreshments.

24 -- Midwest Regional Fly-In, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Louis Downtown Airport, Cahokia. Features ultralights, powered parachutes, light sport aircrafts, warbirds plus an auto show with vintage and classic cars. $1 admission. RC Aircraft Aerobatic demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

24-26 -- Memorial Day Weekend Festival, Eckert's Farm, Belleville. Goodies, wagon rides and more.

25 -- Maifest and 142nd Anniversary Celebration, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Turner/Metter Park, Columbia. Sponsored by Columbia Gymnastic Association. Entertainment: Waterloo German Band, noon-4 p.m., Band Room Brass, 5-7 p.m., dancing and gymnastics exhibitions by the Turning School classes. Chicken dinners, bratwurst dinners, sandwiches.

26 -- Memorial Day in Hecker, 9:30 a.m., St. Augustine's Cemetery, Hecker. Guest speakers, music, flyover, recognition of local veterans and other dignitaries. If rain, event will be held inside the Hecker Community Center.

30 -- Peanut Butter & Jam Festival, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 907 Main St., Highland. Outdoor entertainment, sandwiches, popcorn. Sponsored by Highland Chamber of Commerce and the city of Highland.

30 -- Ainad's Annual Circus Parade, 7:30 p.m., 17th and West Main streets, Belleville. Parade ends at Mascoutah Avenue and East Main Street.

30-June 1 -- Ss. Peter & Paul Homecoming, 207 Vandalia St., Collinsville. Friday attractions: noon-11 p.m., food, rides, games, refreshments, bands, Sparkle the Clown from 2 to 4 p.m. with balloons and face painting, Collinsville High School Jazz Band from 2 to 4 p.m., raffle drawings, music by Ticket to the Beatles from 7 to 11 p.m. On Saturday: noon-11 p.m., 5K run/walk at 8 a.m., food, rides, games, refreshments, raffles, former St. Louis Cardinal baseball players autograph booth from noon to 2 p.m., Fredbird from 2 to 3 p.m., music by Blue Marlin Band from 2 to 5 p.m., Sparkle the Clown from 3 to 5 p.m., Mass at 4:30 p.m., music by Z Band with Elvis from 7 to 11 p.m. On Sunday: noon-10 p.m., 8 and 10:30 a.m. Mass, music by USAF Starlifter Band from 1:45 to 3 p.m., Jean Kittrell and the St. Louis Rivermen from 4 to 6 p.m., raffle drawings and music by Wild, Cool & Swingin from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

31-June 1 -- Ainad Shrine Circus, 2, 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1, 6 p.m. Sunday, Belle Clair Fairgrounds, 200 S. Belt East, Belleville. $12 per person for adults, $8 for children. Tickets available at Schnucks, Hucks or Moto Mart stores.

from: http://www.bnd.com/events/story/322667.html

Biochemist gets life for killing husband by stuffing him in vat of acid

FRESNO - A biochemist convicted of killing her estranged husband by knocking him out and stuffing him into a vat of acid - possibly while still alive - was sentenced today to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Larissa Schuster, 47, of Clovis, was convicted in December of murdering Timothy Schuster with the special circumstance that the murder was committed for financial gain.

His half-dissolved remains - intact from only the belt buckle down - were found a few days after he was reported missing in July 2003 in a 55-gallon barrel concealed inside a storage unit his wife had rented.

Kristin Schuster, the couple's adult daughter, told a Fresno County Superior Court judge at today's sentencing hearing that she felt safer knowing her mother would be behind bars.

"I've been living for five years not knowing if I would have to worry for my own safety," she said. "In your quest to become a dominating power freak, you became your own demon. You have hurt me for so many years and probably smiled inside, but look who's smiling now."

The judge also rejected defense attorneys' request for a new trial in the gruesome case, which took nearly five years to prosecute.

Defense attorney Roger Nuttall did not immediately return calls seeking comment after the sentencing.

Prosecutors said Schuster and her former lab assistant, James Fagone, first immobilized Timothy Schuster with a stun gun and a chloroform-soaked rag. Then they bound his hands and feet, before dumping him head first into the barrel and pouring bottles of hydrochloric acid on the body, they said.

In December 2006, a Fresno jury convicted Fagone of first-degree murder and burglary for his role in the slaying, but he was acquitted of kidnapping. He also was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

But Larissa Schuster's high-profile case had to be moved to a Los Angeles County court after a Fresno County judge decided an impartial jury couldn't be found locally.

A researcher for the defense said more than 85 percent of local residents had heard of the case.

The Schusters were in the middle of a divorce after nearly 20 years of marriage when Timothy Schuster disappeared from his tony Clovis home in July 2003.

Fagone testified during his two-week trial that he had stopped working at the chemistry lab by that time, but Larissa Schuster intimidated him into kidnapping and burglarizing her husband.

Prosecutors said Fagone accepted $2,000 from his former boss in exchange for help with the slaying.

In Schuster's case, prosecutors presented cell phone records, orders for three cases of hydrochloric acid and other evidence showing that she had engineered and participated in her husband's murder.

Fresno County District Attorney Elizabeth A. Egan called the Schuster case "especially gruesome" in a statement issued today.

"Even in light of the human depravity we witness on a daily basis, the grotesque nature of this crime stands out," Egan said.


from: http://www.mercurynews.com
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It's time to kill corn subsidies and go Brazilian

from: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080512.RREGULY12/TPStory/Business

ERIC REGULY

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May 12, 2008

New in the ROB, feature columnist Eric Reguly will write in this space every Monday.

Your doctor will tell you not all cholesterol is created equal. The dangerous version can kill you, the good can make you healthier. Brazil uses the same line with ethanol. The corn-based stuff pumped out by the Americans and Canadians is bad, bad, bad. But our sugarcane ethanol is cheap and plentiful and environmentally friendly.

There is no doubt sugarcane ethanol is the more attractive fuel by almost every measure; just how much is still matter of political and scientific debate. Which raises the question: If there is good ethanol and bad ethanol, why not take the good, ditch the bad and put the billions of savings to other uses?

Forget it. The United States and Canada use a wall of import duties and tariffs to repel Brazil's sugarcane ethanol, and protect corn ethanol. They do so in spite of the barrage of evidence that the latter is harmful to taxpayers and the environment and is pushing up food prices around the world.

In Canada, the House of Commons just approved a bill that will require gasoline to have 5-per-cent ethanol content by 2010. Europe is implementing aggressive biofuel content rules. The Americans treat corn ethanol as a birthright.

The Brazilians are old ethanol pros. Sugarcane ethanol came to life in the 1970s, when the twin oil shocks made gasoline prices unaffordable. The government subsidized production and encouraged auto makers to engineer cars that could run on ethanol.

The effort was pretty much a dud. The engine technology was abysmal and falling oil prices soon made gasoline attractive again. In the 1980s, Brazil killed the subsidies.

But Brazil saw a long-term future in sugarcane ethanol, and it slowly came back to life. The fuel could create jobs in the deregulating agriculture industry, reduce the dependence on foreign oil and give motorists a choice at the pumps. Technological improvements would allow car engines to run on various ethanol-gasoline mixtures.

At the time, sugarcane's relative environmental benefits were of no concern.

The attraction was low cost and high efficiency in a country too poor for high-tech alternatives to gasoline and diesel.

Sugarcane is everything corn is not. Corn is a food. Turning it into fuel raises food prices because of competition for arable land. In the United States alone, one-third of the corn crop goes to ethanol production. In the European Union, some 15 per cent of arable land will have to be devoted to biofuel production to meet content mandates. Yes, sugar is food. But it is not a staple.

Sugarcane ethanol is inexpensive to produce. It requires no irrigation and only small amounts (relative to corn) of fertilizers and pesticides. It grows year round. The factories where sugarcane is turned into ethanol are clever little contraptions. The waste material is burned to produce steam, which spins a turbine to make electricity. About 3 per cent of Brazil's electricity comes from the ethanol factories. The figure is expected to rise to as much as 15 per cent by 2015.

Where sugarcane shines is in efficiency. One hectare yields 7,500 litres of ethanol. One hectare of corn produces about 4,000 litres, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The Brazilian sugarcane association, known as Unica, claims one unit of energy is required to produce nine units of sugarcane ethanol. The ratio for corn is far worse, at one to two. Did we mention Brazilian ethanol gets no subsidies?

To be sure, sugarcane is not perfect. Since most of it is harvested by hand (mechanization is coming), the working conditions can be grim, and flash burning is often used to clear the foliage around the plants to make access easier. Burning creates carbon dioxide. While sugarcane is grown near Sao Paolo, well south of the Amazon rain forest, the argument can be made that the land devoted to sugarcane displaces other crops, resulting in deforestation elsewhere.

Add up the pluses and the minuses and sugarcane ethanol blows corn ethanol off the farm. So why not import it?

Because ethanol is all about transferring wealth to the American and Canadian corn industries. The subsidies are rich, the market is guaranteed through content goals. The American corn ethanol machine will tolerate no threats. The new U.S. Farm Bill proposes to extend the ethanol import tariffs - 54 cents (U.S.) a gallon - for another two years.

Canada's corn ethanol industry, while smaller, also sucks up a fortune in subsidies for dubious environmental benefits and unwelcome upward pressure on food prices. If Canada wants ethanol, import the good stuff. If it wants to be serious about the environment, kill domestic ethanol subsidies and plow the money into technology devoted to making the oil sands cheaper. "The oil sands need enormous investment to make them environmentally sustainable," says Annette Hester, a research fellow at the Canadian International Grains Institute.

The chances of either happening are small. The Canadian and American ethanol policies border on the insane.

Flex fuel reigns in Brazil

In Brazil, 90 per cent of new cars are 'flex-fuel' vehicles - they can burn any combination of gasoline and ethanol.

By 2012, half of the Brazilian car fleet (25 million vehicles) will be flex-fuel vehicles.

Brazilian gasoline contains no less than 25 per cent ethanol.

"Untraceable" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian"

Out this week on DVD, is the thriller “Untraceable.” Diane Lane stars as Jennifer Marsh, a secret service agent who is pulled into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse when an unknown person creates a Web site showcasing their victims with a live feed for the world to see. The victims’ fate is determined by the number of people who visit the site. The more that visit, the quicker the victim dies. Soon spreading like wildfire, the world is logging on to KillWithMe.com out of sheer curiosity to what the site is all about, unknowingly turning themselves into an accomplice to murder.

Marsh, of the FBI, and her team scramble to shut down the site, but because the killer is well-versed in computers, he has made the site unable to be touched and himself unable to be found. Now all the FBI can do is watch as the body count grows all the while trying to pick up clues in attempt to find the stranger behind the computer.

This was a pretty decent one, and I was reminded while watching of how not too many of these Internet-related thrillers are made. So with that there was an advantage because it wasn’t all recycled material done from years past. It made me think of “Silence of the Lambs” meets “The Net.” The Web site addition to the plot kept it from feeling like a remake of “Lambs” but more like an updated version with a twist. So while not completely original, it does have some ideas of its own. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours. Entertaining with plenty scenes of tension that only the horror fans will be able to watch with both eyes.

IN THEATERS
Out today is the next installment of the popular Narnia movies. “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” picks up about a year after the events from the first movie and continues to follow the adventures of the four children, the famous lion, as well as new, weird-looking characters with even weirder names. From what I gather, only die-hard fans of the series will be able to properly explain what seems to be an overly complex story to what is supposed to be a kid’s movie. In turn, those die-hard fans are also probably the ones who will get the most enjoyment out of it as well.

I wouldn’t expect your random moviegoer to walk into this one and end up adding it to their top 10 list. These movies have a built-in audience — the ones who read the books. The first one brought in nearly $300 million so expect this follow up to do just as well, which will pave the way for the rest of the series.

from: www2.islandpacket.com/
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Anna Nicole Smith's mom sues website

Virgie Arthur, mother of the late model Anna Nicole Smith, is suing TMZ website and Howard K. Stern for tarnishing her image by spreading false story.

Virgie alleged that TMZ website and Howard K. Stern, lawyer and partner of Anna Nicole, spread the false story that she gave birth to the child of her stepbrother. The website carried a story with the headline: 'Virgie Has Son With Step-Brother'. The lawsuit says that their goal was to do away with anyone who opposes Howard K. Stern or his interest. Now, Virgie Arthur wants financial compensation as an apology. However, she has not denied the story.

Anna Nicole Smith was a very popular reality TV stars and a Playmate models. She married billionaire J Howard Marshall, who was 63 years her senior. She died of drug overdose last year at the age of 39.

from: entertainment.oneindia.in
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"Blame It On The Rain"

You said you didn't need her
You told her good-bye (good-bye)
You sacrificed a good love
To satisfy your pride
Now you wished
That you should have her (have her)
And you feel like such a fool
You let her walk away
Now it just don't feel the same
Gotta blame it on something
Gotta blame it on something

Blame it on the rain (rain)
Blame it on the stars (stars)
Whatever you do don't put the blame on you
Blame it on the rain yeah yeah
You can blame it on the rain
Get
Ooh, ooh (ooh)
I can't, I can't. I can't, can't stand the rain
I can't, I can't. I can't, can't stand the rain
Yeah, yeah
Should've told her you were sorry (sorry) huh
Could have said you were wrong
But no you couldn't do that. No, no
You had to prove you were strong ooh
If you hadn't been so blinded (blinded)
She might still be there with you
You want her back again
But she just don't feel the same
Gotta blame it on something
Gotta blame it on something

Blame it on the rain that was falling, falling
Blame it on the stars that did shine at night
Whatever you do don't put the blame on you
Blame it on the rain yeah yeah

You can blame it on the rain
Cos the rain don't mind
And the rain don't care
You got to blame it on something
(Blame it on the rain)
(Blame it on the stars)
Whatever you do don't put the blame on you
Blame it on the rain yeah, yeah
You can blame it on the rain
Girl

Ooh, ooh (ooh)
Girl
I can't, I can't. I can't, can't stand the rain
I can't, I can't. I can't, can't stand the rain

Get
Girl
(Whatever you do...)
(Blame it on the rain yeah, yeah) x 3
You can blame it on the rain, blame it on the rain,
blame it on the rain baby
(Blame it on the rain yeah yeah)
Blame it on the stars that did shine that night
(Blame it on the rain yeah yeah)
Blame it, blame it on the rain
woo
I'm walking
I'm walking

Walking in the rain
Walking in the rain

(Rain, rain)
(Stars, stars)
Whatever you do don't put the blame on you
(Blame it on the rain)
yeah yeah
(Blame it on the rain)
that keeps falling, falling
(Blame it on the stars)
that did shine that night
Whatever you do don't put the blame on you
Blame it on the rain yeah yeah
Blame it on the rain (rain, rain

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Still full of fire

Some legends die young. Others fizzle out into a mix of quiet obscurity and semi-retirement or, even worse, ironic self-parody. But then there are the few musical heroes whose souls fade naturally like a favorite pair of jeans. And if anybody lingering from the 1970s has still got soul, lord knows, his name is the Rev. Al Green.

The knees have worn a little thinner, and the seams will never return to the store-bought crispness they once held, but overall, Green is no worse for wear. Apparently, life at 62 is no less sexy than it was at 32.

Here it is, folks, the soundtrack to all your summer copulating: Lay It Down. Green's latest album finds the elder-spokesman of getting down and funky in fighting, no, loving, form. Green sounds as if he has stepped straight out of a '70s time capsule, plaid-patterned suit and all.

Everything clearly bears Green's stamp of approval, but a lot of the execution comes courtesy of producer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, drummer of The Roots and Philadelphia's current music genius in residence. With distinct admiration for the work of Willie Mitchell, Green's longtime go-to guy behind the boards, Thompson and co-producer James Poyser (Erykah Badu, Common) keep the arrangements classically organic and appropriately soulful.

They push Green's remarkably preserved voice front and center in the mix, delicately integrating strings, brass and guest singers without intruding on the intimacy. The title-track album opener (featuring Anthony Hamilton) sets the rapturous tone with the backing singers booming what could very well be Green's entire musical mantra summarized: "Lay it down/ Let it go/ Fall in love."

The sermon fits as well now as it did then. Whatever Green lacks in songwriting, he has always made up for with burning conviction. His lyrics become all the more believable in their passionate delivery.

"The smile on your face/ Your lips on mine" and "a love divine" would be considered cliché coming from almost any other singer. But Green propels these lines into his upper-falsetto on "Too Much," unleashing his mixed pain and joy on the stock phrasings. "I'm Wild About You" is not exactly a mind-blowing declaration either, but Green sells every last groove. Sometimes it really is the singer, not the song.

Not to mention, the guy's accompaniment is not exactly shabby. Thompson and Poyser bring a lot to the table musically, culling a high-profile supporting cast to round out the Lay It Down session players. Green is not the only one on board with an impressive set of pipes.

John Legend complements his musical idol beautifully while trading vocals on the lights-down-low number, "Stay with Me (By the Sea)." British singer Corinne Bailey Rae joins in the background after taking a seductive turn on the lead for "Take Your Time." Her request, "I want to take a little time/ Just to fall in love again," seems so little to ask from such a sultry narrator.

With all the smooth R&B going down, it is a relief to hear some much-needed punch and sass on the album, courtesy of Amy Winehouse's Dap-King Horns section. The group's contributions on Lay It Down's two strongest tracks, "You've Got the Love I Need" and "All I Need," bring it all back home to Green's heyday at Hi Records.

No one has to tell Green it is his show to steal. He just jumps in and takes the reins, riding an endless wave of enthusiasm all the way through to the Motown/Stax-inspired finale, "Standing in the Rain."

On the closer, Green belts, "Write this down if you can/ I'm a cold hard working man." And with the hardest working man in show business no longer alive, (James Brown, one of Green's greatest influences), Green may just inherit the title.

Blame it on the intoxicating magic of love and bongos - Lay It Down breezes by incredibly quickly for a full 45-minute LP. A true sum of its parts, the album is airtight. There really are no weak moments, not an ounce of filler snuck in.

At the same time, Lay It Down does not offer any radical reworking of Green as an artist. Despite recruiting a younger crew, outside Green's working circle, Thompson and Poyser play to the singer's strengths. They have aimed to create the ultimate Al Green album, something representative of his mid-'70s stride.

There is no new angle, and that is exactly why Lay It Down finds success. Why destroy the winning formula?

While so many of his contemporaries preached to an increasingly turbulent America through socially minded R&B, Green stuck to what he knew best - sweet, funky love. Today, our country is no less turbulent, but Green just keeps on laying it down like he always has.

Thankfully, some things never change.

from: http://media.www.diamondbackonline.com

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>

Lori Drew charged over MySpace suicide

A Los Angeles federal grand jury has indicted a woman for her alleged role in a MySpace online hoax played on a 13-year-old girl who later committed suicide.

Lori Drew of St Louis, Missouri was indicted on Thursday on one count of conspiracy and three counts of accessing protected computers without authorisation to obtain information to inflict emotional distress.

Each of the four counts carries a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison.

Drew allegedly helped create a fake MySpace account to contact neighbour Megan Meier who thought she was chatting with a 16-year-old boy named Josh Evans.

At the time of the incident, the Drews and the Meiers lived four doors apart in Waterford Crystal Drive, in the town of Dardenne Prairie. The Drew's teenage daughter and Megan were friends.

The online relationship between "Josh" and Megan bloomed for several weeks before the tone suddenly changed.

On October 15, 2006, Josh sent Megan a message saying, 'I don't want to be friends with you anymore because you're not nice to your friends'.

That post triggered a flood of hate posts from other users.

"All of Josh's friends and all of Megan's friends were calling Megan a whore, a fat ass. Calling her all kinds of god awful names," Megan's mother,Tina, told the ABC network in an interview last year.

Meier hanged herself on the evening of October 16, 2006 after receiving cruel messages, including the last message sent from Josh which read: "the world would be a better place without you, and have a s**t rest of your life."

After that, Josh's profile vanished from MySpace.

It wasn't until several weeks after Megan's death that the Meiers discovered Drew's involvement in the fake MySpace profile.

Drew, who was 48 at the time of the incident, has denied creating the account and sending messages to Megan.

She claimed through her lawyers that she did not instigate the Josh Evans profile, nor did she use the fake profile to communicate with Megan. While she knew about the ruse, the lawyer said, she was apparently unaware that the Josh profile had been used to attack her neighbour's daughter.

She claims the profile was the work of her teenage daughter and a teenage employee called Ashley Grills.

Last month, Grills, now 19, went on national TV saying that while she was responsible for setting up the fake Josh profile, Lori Drew and her daughter were also involved in the cruel hoax.

from: www.smh.com.au

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John Phillip Law, 70; actor played blind angel in 'Barbarella'

John Phillip Law, a tall, blond actor who cut a striking figure as the blind angel opposite Jane Fonda in 1968's "Barbarella" and in other film roles, has died. He was 70.

Law died Tuesday at his Los Angeles home, his former wife, Shawn Ryan, said. The cause of death was not announced.

Born in Los Angeles on Sept. 7, 1937, to L.A. County Sheriff's Deputy John Law and actress Phyllis Sallee, Law decided to become an actor after taking drama classes at the University of Hawaii.

He moved to New York in the early 1960s, studied with Elia Kazan at the Lincoln Center Repertory Theater and landed bit parts on Broadway. He went to Europe and found work in a handful of Italian films, where he caught the attention of Norman Jewison. The director cast Law as Alexei Kolchin, a young Soviet submariner who wins the heart of a teenage baby-sitter in "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming," his 1966 Cold War comedy set in New England.

Law's next break came in Roger Vadim's science fiction fantasy starring Fonda, who was then married to the director.

Equipped with oversize, feathery wings, Law's bronzed angel, Pygar, shields Fonda's gun-toting, go-go-boot-wearing heroine in her intergalactic adventures.

After gaining notice for his roles in "Hurry Sundown" (1967), "The Sergeant" (1968) opposite Rod Steiger, and "The Red Baron" (1970), Law starred as the ruthless Robin Stone in "The Love Machine," a 1971 version of Jacqueline Susann's pulp novel. The movie flopped.

Law, who mastered Italian and Spanish in his European travels, worked steadily in Hollywood and abroad, appearing in such action-adventure movies as "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad" (1974), "The Cassandra Crossing" (1977) and "Tarzan the Ape Man" (1981), among others. He also had a stint playing Jim Grainger on the daytime television drama "The Young and the Restless."

At the beginning of his career in the '60s, Law lived in a 1924 Los Feliz mansion with his brother, Tom, who had been the road manager for Peter, Paul and Mary.

The brothers rented rooms to up-and-coming singers and artists, including Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol and Tiny Tim, turning the home into a vibrant salon of emerging pop-culture icons. Life at the Castle, as it was known, was documented in “Flashing on the Sixties,” a 1987 collection of photos and text by Tom's former wife, Lisa Law.

Besides his brother, Law is survived by a daughter, Dawn, and a grandson.

Services will be private.

from: www.latimes.com

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America’s Next Top Model’: Size 10 triumphs!

Unbelievably, the plus-size girl won “America’s Next Top Model.” Even more unbelievably, winner Whitney Cunningham is “plus size” at size 10! As Tyra Banks told “Miss J.” earlier in the episode, “She’s not big. Only in modeling is she big. On the street, she’s just a hot girl.”

Actually, the most damning slam against Whitney (who’s from West Palm Beach, Fla.) throughout was that she was, if possible, too pretty — and too “pageanty.” The judges often told her she came off as fake, but they were easier on some of the other women who seemed equally fake to me, especially when trying (and failing) to act. But two things made Whitney the winner (in addition to the fact that Tyra Banks is worried about eating disorders in too-skinny models): She peaked at the right time, taking direction well and improving, and the sponsor is Cover Girl. If I’ve ever seen a Cover Girl model, it’s Whitney. I was pretty sure she had it in the bag as soon as Fatima, who seemed to have been anointed the winner early on despite being really, really annoying, was eliminated third from last.

I liked the way judge Paulina Porizkova summed Whitney up: ”This should not be called plus size or full-figured. This should just be called beautiful.”

from: www.stltoday.com

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Scarlett Johansson Only No. 2 on MaScarlett Johansson Only No. 2 on Maxim's Hot 100 Listxim's Hot 100 List

Scarlett Johansson may be No. 1 with fiancee Ryan Reynolds, but that wasn't the case with Maxim magazine.

The popular lad mag instead gave top honors to supermodel Marisa Miller.

"Not since Cindy Crawford ruled the catwalk has a pinup born and bred on U.S. soil so thoroughly captured the imagination of the American male," states the magazine.

This leaves the usual suspects like Johansson and Jessica Biel to follow in the model's long-legged wake.

Also making the Top 10 are Eva Longoria Parker, former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Sarah Michelle Gellar, Elisha Cuthbert, Eva Mendes, singer Christina Aguilera, the rehabbed Lindsay Lohan and Disney Channel star Ashley Tisdale with her new nose.

Other notables on the lengthy list include: MySpace sensation/bisexual Tila Tequila, "Dancing With the Stars" pros Cheryl Burke and Julianne Hough, " Harry Potter's" barely legal Emma Watson, pint-sized favorite Kristen Bell, "Gossip Girl" rivals Leighton Meester and Blake Lively (of course Serena scored better), Joss Whedon favorite Eliza Dushku, the scandal-free Hilary Duff, Ashlee Simpson and Vanessa Hudgens, whose spot was likely sealed when nude photos of her appeared on the Internet.

from: www.zap2it.com

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Marisa Miller heads Maxim's Hot 100 list

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - American supermodel Marisa Miller has knocked actress Lindsay Lohan from the top of men magazine Maxim's list of the 100 hottest women in the world, the magazine said on Wednesday.

It was the first time that Miller, 29, a Victoria's Secret model, appeared on the annual list and comes after she also graced the cover of the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

"(Miller) embodies the official return of the all-American supermodel. Not since Cindy Crawford ruled the catwalk has a pinup born and bred on U.S. soil so thoroughly captured the imagination of the American male," noted Maxim editorial director James Kaminsky.

Lohan, who topped last year's list of the Hot 100 "Ultimate List of the World's Most Beautiful Women," fell to a somewhat lukewarm No. 9.

"After a tumultuous year involving a car wreck and rehab, La Lohan had Hollywood wondering if she was worth the trouble," said Kaminsky.

Miller was followed by actress Scarlett Johansson, a "dangerously curvy bombshell" who, according to Maxim, also possesses "the acting chops to back up her mind-melting hotness."

And while Jessica Biel may have starred on the U.S. family-friendly television drama "7th Heaven" as a preacher's daughter, the actress is starring at No. 3 on the Hot 100.

Britney Spears just cracked the Top 20 in the ninth annual list, squeaking in at No.19 after a year that included stints in rehab and a notorious head-shaving incident.

The rest of the list includes the usual suspects - Beyonce, Charlize Theron, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Heidi Klum, and some new faces, including 22-year-old Ashley Tisdale from the hit tween movie series "High School Musical."

Rounding out the Hot 100 women in film, television, music, sports and fashion at No.100 is Tila Tequila, the self-professed bi-sexual TV reality star.

from: uk.reuters.com

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John Edwards to Hop on Obama Bandwagon

Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards was expected to formally endorse Barack Obama in the 2008 election Wednesday, according to reports.

Edwards, a former North Carolina senator, was to announce his decision to back Obama (D., Ill.) during a campaign appearance Wednesday in Grand Rapids, Mich., according to The Associated Press.

A two-time presidential contender, Edwards became John Kerry's running mate after losing the presidential nomination in 2004. He dropped out of the 2008 race in January.

Though Edwards was rumored to be leaning toward endorsing Obama rather than New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, he'd made no formal announcement before Wednesday. Clinton trounced Obama in Tuesday's West Virginia primary, but the victory was largely symbolic, as Obama continues to lead among voters and superdelegates.

Angelina Jolie expecting twins

Angelina Jolie is reportedly pregnant with twins.

It is alleged the 30-year-old actress, who announced last week she is expecting lover Brad Pitt's baby, is expecting two babies because of fertility treatment.

A source close to the couple is quoted in Britain's The Sun newspaper as saying: "Angelina is overjoyed. Getting pregnant with one of Brad's children would have been God's precious gift to her.
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"Now we believe she is carrying twins. Angie is in seventh heaven."

Another source told a US magazine: "I understand that she's undergone fertility treatments to help her conceive and it certainly seems to have worked."

The sexy 'Tomb Raider' star has always wanted a big family and already has two adopted children, Maddox, 4, and 1-year-old daughter Zahara.

The actress recently told American TV show 'Celebrity Justice': "I think if children need a home, to adopt them is wonderful.

"So we'll see how big my family grows over time."

Meanwhile, internet auction site eBay has removed an ultrasound picture claiming to be Brad and Angelina's unborn child.

A spokesman for the site said: "This listing was being marketed as coming specifically from Angelina Jolie.

"There was no indication in the listing that she had given agreement to this."

from: www.femalefirst.co.uk

News from the Votemaster

Democrat Travis Childers (CHILL-ders), a court official in Prentiss county, beat Republican Greg Davis, mayor of Southaven, in a runoff election for House district MS-01 by a margin of 53% to 47% yesterday. The seat, which is R+10, became free when Gov. Haley Barbour appointed its occupant, Roger Wicker, to the Senate to fill the vacancy created when Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) resigned. This is the third stright loss for the GOP in a contested heavily Republican district this year. On March 8, scientist Bill Foster (D) defeated businessman Jim Oberweis (R) in IL-14 an R+5 district in the Chicago suburbs. On May 3, Louisian state legislator Don Cazayoux defeated former representative and newspaper publisher Woody Jenkin in R+7 LA-06. And now MS-01. All three races saw the national parties heavily involved. Both the NRCC and the DCCC spent upwards of $1 million on these races and outside groups, such as the conservative Freedom's Watch, poured in hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The MS-01 loss is especially painful to the GOP for three reasons. First, the Republicans tried very, very hard here, pouring in huge amounts of money and having Gov. Haley Barbour and Vice President Dick Cheney campaign for Davis. Second, in IL-14 and LA-06 they could argue they had flawed candidates. That doesn't hold here. Greg Davis is a popular mayor who has done a good job and has never been involved in any scandals. Third, this election was the second field test of the Republicans' November strategy, which they rolled out against Cazayoux and refined here. They ran ads bitterly attacking Childers as a close associate and fellow traveler of Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi. They called him a LIBERAL (them's fightin' words in Mississippi). They said he didn't represent Mississippi values. They tried everything. It didn't work.

At this point NRCC chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) is probably sweating bullets. He has hardly any money left and the only arrow in his quiver is calling Democrats tax-and-spend liberals. If that doesn't work in R+7 districts (LA-06) and R+10 districts (MS-01) what's going to happen in swing districts like AZ-01, FL-15, IL-11, IL-18, MN-03, NJ-07, NY-29, OH-15, OH-16, VA-01, and VA-11, all of which are Republican-held open seats that are R+5 or less?

The implication of LA-06 and MS-01 is that tying a Democratic House candidate to Obama (the Republicans assume he will be the nominee; they don't even mention Clinton) doesn't seem to hurt, not even in overwhelmingly Republican districts in the deep South. It certainly isn't going to hurt in New Jersey and Minnesota. And Obama may have de facto coattails by getting many young voters to register and vote this year, and most of these will vote a straight Democratic ticket.

In other election news, Hillary Clinton swept to a landslide victory over Barack Obama in the West Virginia Democratic primary, just as the polls had predicted. She got 67% of the vote to Obama's 26%. John Edwards, whose name was on the ballot, got 7%. She won every county. The delegate count is not clear yet but she is likely to win about 18 pledge delegates to his 8. The exit poll data were not available when this posting was made, but it is very likely to be similar to Pennsylvania and Ohio, with lower income blue-collar whites went for Clinton strongly. In West Virginia, these voters represent a very large fraction of the electorate, which is why she did so well. However, Obama picked up several supers yesterday (including a former DNC chair, Roy Romer, who was picked by Bill Clinton) which mitigates Clinton's delegate gain to some extent (see below).

On the Republican side, John McCain got 76% of the West Virginia vote, with Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul, and Mitt Romney getting 10%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. This shows that McCain has yet to unite the party behind him. A quarter of the Republican voters still don't like him.

A new poll in Oregon, which has mail-in voting that ends next Tuesday shows Obama ahead in the beaver state 55% to 35%. Next Tuesday Kentucky also votes and Clinton is likely to win there almost as big as she won today in West Virginia. The next result of next week is that Oregon and Kentucky will cancel each other out and the difference in delegates will not change much as a result of those two states.

The polling results for all primaries and caucuses are available as a Web page and in .csv format.
Delegates
Source Clinton Obama Obama-Clinton
Washington Post 1717 1883 +156
NY Times 1690 1875 +185
AP 1717 1883 +156
CNN 1713 1881 +168
ABC 1712 1885 +173
CBS 1721 1881 +160
MSNBC 1721 1881 +160

Needed to win: 2025

john tyler hammons

from http://www.chicagotribune.com

A 19-year-old freshman at the University of Oklahoma was elected mayor Tuesday of Muskogee, a city of 38,000 in the northeastern part of the state.

With all precincts reporting, John Tyler Hammons won with 70 percent of the vote over former Mayor Hershel Ray McBride, said Muskogee County Election Board Secretary Bill Bull.

"The public placing their trust in me is the greatest, humbling and most awesome experience I've ever had in my life," said Hammons, who is from Muskogee but attends the university in Norman.



The two candidates squared off in a runoff election for the nonpartisan post after neither secured 50 percent of the vote in a six-person election April 1.

Hammons, who will be sworn in next week, said he plans to continue his college education but expects to transfer to a school closer to Muskogee.

"Being elected does not change my desire to continue my education," he said. "We will schedule our time in an appropriate fashion so that I can be mayor and stay in school."

Hammons replaces Wren Stratton, who decided not to seek re-election after one term.

The mayor leads the nine-member city council and serves as a voting member. Hammons said a key to his platform that resonated with voters was openness of government and keeping citizens better informed of city operations.

"I think that's been a detriment to the trust of the citizens of Muskogee," he said. "Once we have that trust, we can solve any other problem."

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