So You Think You Can Dance results

"So You Think You Can Dance" results show opened with the top six dancing to "Send In The Clowns," but the song proved to be most meaningful to 29-year-old ballerina Melissa Sandvig and contemporary dancer Ade Obayomi, who the ones eliminated from the competition by the end of the tense hour. As adorable and likeable as the guy is, Broadway-loving Evan does not deserve to advance to the finals. Sorry, Evan fans! He has failed to live up to his promise week to week, even when dancing in his genre.

The fact that the judges have started to inexplicably pimp him (after bashing him throughout the first half of the season) makes me resent his presence even more. Evan's got a massive number of fans who think he can do no wrong (how else to explain his staying power?), which scares me. To think that he could beat out a well-rounded, spectacular dancer like Brandon or Kayla? Hell to the no!

As far as the ladies go, I'm still not over Janette's elimination from last week. (I know, I need therapy.) I was almost as sad to see Melissa go this week. She was this season's real underdog, and her arc on the show proved that you can teach an old dog new tricks. (She also has a sparkling personality and drop-dead gorgeous looks, which didn't hurt.) When I look at the two eliminated contestants, I think about all the memorable routines they've danced this season: "Romeo and Juliet," "The Age of Aquarius," "Breast Cancer" and Ade's gravity-defying flips.

Varalakshmi Vratham Pooja Audio

Varalakshmi Vratham Pooja Audio: Varalakshmi Vratam Festival on 31st July 2009 Today is Varlakshmi Vratham a popular festival of married ladies in the Southern States of India –Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and also Maharashtra. Married females are doing this fast because the name Varalakshmi itself can be interpreted in two ways. In one sense Varalakshmi is one who grant boons. In another,she is the Goddess who is invited into the home and honoured.

The day of the Vratham, make the house very clean and set rangoli on the floors, set up an area about 1 feet in distance across and height and one that place a plate spread the rice in it. On the rice, place a small Silver small pot (or) any other good pot. Decorate the pot applying it with Sandalwood, Kumkum, Flowers and a Coconut smeared with Turmeric powder. Chant the Sri Lakshmi Prayer and finally dedicate sweets towards Sri Lakshmi.

Different types of benefits that will accrue thanks to performing the Varalakshmi puja are “dhan” (money), “dhanyam” (grains or food), “arogyam” (health), “sampath” (property), “sathsanthanam” (virtuous offspring) and “dheerga saumangalyam” (longevity of the husband). After the offerings are made, tie the knotted thread around the neck.After the puja is over, give the Turmeric and Kumkum to everyone and tie the thread around the right hand.

Dave And Chuck The Freak

Dave And Chuck The Freak/89x Radio:Did the “Morning X” talk jocks on CIMX-FM (88.7, 89X) take a joke so far that their show was pulled from the air Thursday? Perhaps for good? For the last few days, hosts Dave Hunter, Chuck the Freak and Lisa Way have been involved in something called “Operation Dark Stall,” a microphone-driven “investigation” that began Monday after Chuck said he found an unidentified station employee lurking in an employee restroom — where it was completely dark.

On Tuesday’s show, Chuck gave an eyewitness account — he said he took off after being startled by the ominous shadowy figure — and then the jocks (and callers) followed up with humorous speculation about what one might do in the dark loo. They also called other 89X personalities and station employees and questioned them on the air, employing, of course, their usual brand of sarcasm. But the employee who was the target of their fun apparently didn’t take too kindly to the ongoing grilling and complained to management.

The plot thickened Thursday when a member of the “Morning X” team told Names & Faces that the show would not be live today. Others at the station wouldn’t comment, and a call to general manager Eric Proksch didn’t turn up any info. He is reported to be out of the office until Monday. Given the competitive nature of radio, morning talkers are known for whipping up listener interest with pranks and hoaxes. As of Thursday afternoon, the “Morning X” Web pages were still live and MP3s of the controversy were available to play.

Roger Wilson

Roger Wilson has gotten a career boost after nearly giving up on the movies - restaurant bosses sent him back to Hollywood after discovering they hired a celebrity.The star has struggled to land another role in a film equally as successful as his 1980s flicks and recently began serving up drinks at Chinese restaurant Philippe East Hampton.

Restaurant owners were stunned when patrons began to recognise the star, and decided to promote him to a position at their Los Angeles branch, where he'll mingle with more A-listers.Owner Stratis Morfogen tells the New York Post, "The story I heard was, he was a struggling musician trying to make it.

But then every A-list patron who walked in the door knew him... we spoke in detail about his past - amazing guy and amazing story. Now I've decided to bump Roger up to manager in our new Philippe location in Los Angeles opening this September (09). He is so happy to go back to Hollywood... I knew none of this."

Jackson Love Child

Omer Bhatti Michael Jackson Love Child - Joe Jackson did an interview with NewsOne where he confirmed that Omer Bhatti is indeed Michael Jackson’s son.Jackson said: “Yes, I knew he had another son, yes I did.He looks like a Jackson, acts like a Jackson, can dance like a Jackson.” Bhatti spent about 14 years living and traveling with Jackson.Joe Jackson: “Omer Bhatti is Michael’s Secret Son” video is after the jump.

Michael Jackson's children will live with their grandmother under an agreement reached with the King of Pop's ex-wife that ensures the youngsters won't have to endure a public fight over who raises them. The agreement announced Thursday preserves Jackson's wishes as spelled out in his 2002 will, and reopens the door to a relationship with Deborah Rowe, the mother of Jackson's two oldest children.

The agreement ends the possibility of a lengthy and public custody battle between Katherine Jackson and Rowe. It spares the children, who range in age from 7 to 12, from appearing before a judge and declaring who they would prefer to live with. The announcement also ends weeks of rampant speculation about who would care for the children and Rowe's intentions, which were never officially announced before Thursday.

Providence Journal

The Providence Journal’s coverage of the assault on traditional marriage advocates in Warwick, Rhode Island on July 28 has consistently downplayed how pepper spray was used on the conservative protesters, in favor of how food was thrown at them. ProJo.com’s Wednesday report on the attack ran with the headline, “Same-sex marriage protesters assaulted with food,” and didn’t mention the pepper spray until the second-to-last paragraph.

The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property, also known as the American TFP, is a conservative Catholic group based in the central Pennsylvania town of Spring Grove, and supported by hundreds of thousands of donors all over the U.S. They are conducting a “traditional marriage crusade” in the northeastern states of New York, Rhode Island, and Maine.

ProJo.com’s Wednesday report on the attack ran with the headline, “Same-sex marriage protesters assaulted with food,” and didn’t mention the pepper spray until the second-to-last paragraph. The following morning, reporter Kate Branson used a more nuanced headline (“Update: 4 accused of hurling food at activists in Warwick”), but at least mentioned the pepper spray in the second paragraph.

Cash for Clunkers Suspended

Cash for Clunkers program has been suspended, due to the fact that it is Out of Money. It seems that it was funded with 1 Billion dollars and while this is a lot of money, when you realize that up to $4,500 was given away for each car, that is only 20,000 People who got money. 20,000 out of 250 Million, and I bet 50 million who could have qualified.

Well it’s over for now, but not too late for Martial Arts Schools (click to see a list of the best ones in DFW) to get some Free Publicity. See below from my previous article. You can still get local press coverage for your Clunker Smashing project and now a lot of sympathy because your school can’t get a new car. The new Government Cash for Clunkers Program 2009 is going to be a big boom for Martial Arts Schools across America with this particular rule that must be applied to all cars in the program.

Especially intriguing is the new Cash for Clunkers program's last-minute revision requiring car dealers to"transfer the trade-in vehicle to a disposal facility that will crush or shred it so that it will never be returned to the road, although parts of the vehicle, other than the engine block and drive train (unless the drive train is sold in separate parts), may be sold." That means that all the cars that have to be “driven” not pushed into the car dealers must be shredded or disposed of in such a way that they can never be used on the road again.

Buick Open

Sports writer Jo-Ann Barnas is blogging from this week’s Buick Open. Come back throughout the day for periodic updates. Brian Bateman’s team, which includes new Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, isn’t exactly lighting up the course: the group is even through 12 holes (after starting on the back nine). Afternoon play is slow, which is typical for a pro-am filled with amateurs with varying degrees of ability. Schwartz’s group, for example, is en route to a five-hour-plus round. It teed off at 12:50 p.m.

With the start of training camp just two days away, Schwartz seems to be enjoying himself -- and the fans seem to be enjoying him. While members of his group walked ahead to the first tee to play their second nine, Schwartz stayed behind for a minute to sign autographs. He commented to one fan that he had been signing a lot of commemorative flags from No. 17. He theorized, “ 'cause that’s the party hole, huh?’” Schwartz is correct; the par-three 17th has long been known as one of the most raucous holes on the PGA Tour.

If the Buick Open indeed ends its 51-year run with this year’s event, Woody Austin said that hole will be the one he’ll miss the most. Austin won the Buick in 1995, his rookie year, by defeating Mike Brisky on the second hole of a playoff. “Since it was my rookie year, it was kind of my first experience with a rowdy crowd,” Austin said of the 17th. “I’d been playing with Freddie Couples the first couple of days and always hearing, 'Fred-die! Fred-die!’

Julie A. Corey

Julie A. Corey has been held as a fugitive from justice in the case of Darlene Haynes. Corey will be arraigned on Thursday in Concord NH. Darlene Haynes (pictured above) was found murdered in the closet of her apartment on Monday. She had suffered injuries to the head. However, it wasn't until the autopsy that it was realized that her baby, at that time eight months after conception, had been cut out of her body. As we said yesterday, this is not the first time such a terrible thing has happened to a pregnant woman.

Julie A. Corey went to a New Hampshire homeless shelter on Tuesday night and told staff there that she was the mother of the six day old baby. However, she seemed to know very little about the baby and so, suspicious, the staff informed the police. Remarkably, the baby, who Darlene Haynes had intended to call Sheila Marie, appears to be in "fairly good health" in hospital.

Julie A. Corey reportedly told neighbors she was pregnant with a baby girl when she moved into 3 Henry Terrace Apartments in April. “She said she was due in June,” said a neighbor. “She called me over on Friday and said she had the baby on Thursday. “That was it. She wasn't nervous at all. I didn't question it because nowadays hospitals are baby drive-throughs.” The neighbor, in an interview this morning, said Ms. Corey, 35, and her boyfriend, Alex Dion, had moved into apartment 7A, where Alex's uncle lived.

Beer Summit

At 6pm today, a beer war of international scope will begin. That's because the participants in the Beer Summit -- President Barack H. Obama, Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, and Cambridge, Massachusetts Police Sargent James Crowley -- will each be drinking different beers. Those who thought that Boston Brewing Company (SAM) would be a big winner, including me, could be out to lunch unless a last minute lobbying effort pays off.

And it now looks like today's Beer Summit will pit two corporate beer titans -- Belgium's Anheuser-Busch's InBev NV and Colorado's Molson Coors Brewing Company (TAP) -- against each other and a privately-held Jamaican brewer, Desnoes & Geddes (D&G). Which company will benefit the most from this beer face-off at the picnic table on the South Lawn?

Meanwhile, it strikes me as a missed opportunity to give so much publicity to firms based in Belgium, London, and Jamaica when there is a perfectly good American company -- Boston Brewing -- which could probably benefit from a little help. Peter Cohan is president of Peter S. Cohan & Associates. He also teaches management at Babson College.

Sugar Glider

Today's pet of the day is a new one for us — sugar gliders! These adorable little creatures belong to Mike Nantel of Jacksonville. Mike was nice enough to give us his take on Sugar Gliders as pets. They take special care, especially when they are young, and have a diet that's far more complex than cat or dog kibble. Sugar glider enthusiasts say with some time and consideration they make good pets. Here's some more information on that.

"I love Sugar Gliders as pets because they are a bit different than the average household pet. They are exotic, come from the New Zealand area and are just something you don't see every day. They are nocturnal marsupials (members of the Kangaroo family) and they do have a pouch. If I was asked if I recommend them, I would, but I would say go to a reputable breeder and anticipate spending as much time as you can with them for the first 6 months. For me, I brought them to work several times and no one knows because they are so small and make no noise during the day."

They take a bit of work in the beginning when they are young to "bond" with you, but once they do, they CRAVE to be on you and be near you. They love to be in my pocket or to curl up on my shoulder at the base of my neck. They do live in a cage and are not litter box trained, but they are very clean and allergy free. They love people so much that a couple of nights, somehow if their cage was accidentally left open, they actually made their way from the family room, under my bedroom door and gave me a facehug!

Omer Bhatti

In an interview posted on NewsOne.com, Joe Jackson talks about Omer Bhatti and told the reporter that he knew Michael had another child. "Yes, I knew he had another son, yes I did," Jackson said in the video. He also discussed Bhatti's dancing abilities and his resemblence to the Jackson clan. "He looks like a Jackson, acts like a Jackson, can dance like a Jackson," he said.

As a child, Bhatti often traveled with Jackson and even lived at the singer's Neverland ranch. Court records show Bhatti was living at Neverland when authorities raided the estate in 2003 looking for evidence of child molestation. Bhatti was briefly interviewed by investigators and was initially on the defense's list of prospective witnesses. But he was never asked to testify. At Jackson's memorial at Staples, Bhatti was prominently seated in the front row next to the pop star's children and siblings.

Bhatti is also said to be seeking a DNA test to determine whether Jackson is in fact his father. Jackson's brother Jermaine has said Bhatti would be welcomed into the family, if he's proven a Jackson. "If Omer's his son, he's his son," Jermaine told Britain's the Daily Mail. 'We won't deny it. We are going to give him the same love and care that we give Prince and Paris and Blanket. I can't clearly say if he is Michael's but I saw this kid around him."

Peggy Cooper Cafritz

The Peggy Cooper Cafritz manse burns to the ground; D.C. Council gins up new revenue; gay lawyer says cop called him a fag; Fox 5 keeps the heat on OUC; and Banita Jacks is found guilty. Fire gutted the Chain Bridge Road mansion and extensive art collection of longtime D.C. arts patron Peggy Cooper Cafritz late Wednesday, and officials said low water pressure slowed firefighters' efforts to contain the blaze.

Peggy Cooper Cafritz’s mansion, on the 3000 block of Chain Bridge Road NW, was consumed last night by a massive fire, destroying much of her magnificent art collection. She was away in Nantucket at the time; neighbors rescued her pets. And, yet again, water supply was an issue in battling the blaze, leading to FEMS pointing the finger at WASA.

It took nearly two hours to find a sustained stream of water strong enough to fight the fire, Fire Chief Dennis Rubin said. A spokeswoman for the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority, however, said the problem stemmed from fire crews trying to use too many hydrants connected to the same small water main, instead of other hydrants available in the neighborhood.

iPhone hackers

Major SMS iPhone hack to be set free tomorrow at Black Hat If you get a strange text message containing only square box any time after today, you might be the victim of an SMS hack that could leave your iPhone totally exposed to a would-be hacker. How do you avoid it? Short of a patch from Apple, your only recourse is to power down your iPhone as quickly as possible.

The hack involves sending a series of SMS messages to hijack the iPhone. At that point, the hacker could control all functions of the iPhone, and could even use it to hijack more iPhones. This isn't the only news of security risks associated with the iPhone. Forensics expert Jonathan Zdziarski recently bypassed the iPhone 3GS's passcode PIN and backup encryption with relative ease.

Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) has fired another salvo against the iPhone jailbreaking scene with their claim that jailbroken iPhones could be used to attack and disable cell-towers, as well as helping drug dealers avoid getting pinched by the “fuzz.” In the ongoing battle between Apple and iPhone hackers, Apple would have us believe that iPhone hackers could levy “potentially catastrophic” cyber-attacks against wireless networks.

More To Love Fox

Tonight, “More to Love” — a new reality show about “real women” fighting for the love of a heavier-set guy — debuts on Fox to a surprising lack of controversy. The program, hosted by plus-size model Emme and the brainchild of “The Bachelor” mastermind Mike Fleiss, was greeted with skepticism when it was first announced, and dismissed as a exploitative dating show for overweight people.

However, now that critics have received a chance to screen the show — which centers around Luke Conley, a 330-pound, 26-year-old real estate developer — most have concluded… it could have been worse. A sampling of reviews: “It’s better than ‘The Bachelor.’ There’s an added dimension of reality and of simple, relatable human emotion. In a way, this is ‘The Bachelor’ for the rest of us. The downside is that the rejection element on ‘The Bachelor’ is ho-hum.

“Not that these people aren’t pretty. They may be larger than most, but they are young and shiny and dressed to the nines. (And there is nothing homogeneous about them; they come in a variety of shapes and styles.) Conley, who also wears his bulk well, seems like a nice guy, but he is also a bit of a kid in a candy store, finagling kisses right and left.”

Chris Harrison Blog

Chris Harrison's blog is more highly anticipated sometimes than the show he hosts. The Chris Harrison blog about the previous night's Bachelor or Bachelorette episode is always a big feature on Entertainment Weekly's website. Chris Harrison gets to write a blog over these episode becauseChris Harrison Blog Goes into Hibernation he hosts The Bachelor and Bachelorette, and can give fans a behind-the-scenes perspective on all the drama.

Chris Harrison is already famous for hosting The Bachelor franchise, but has extra Internet fame for the blog he posts after every episode. Harrison blogs about everything that went into making the previous episode, and the actions of the contestants before they made their choices.

The Chris Harrison blog approached its season finale, much like The Bachelorette itself. Since Harrison himself was part of the drama, when he talked things out with Bachelorette Jillian Harris before she chose Ed Swiderski, many wanted to read his blog and get his take on the scene. Harrison wrote that Jillian "needed a friend to talk to" who would lead her back to where she really wanted to go - with Ed. Despite Reid Rosenthal making a final pitch, Harrison helped Jillian gather herself and make the choice to marry Ed.

Kai Chase

Michael Jackson's chef, Kai Chase, is speaking out about the day the King of Pop died and the role played by the singer's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. Chase said she knew something was amiss when Murray didn't come downstairs to get the juices and granola he routinely brought Michael Jackson each morning.

Kai also said she was also used to seeing the doctor coming down the steps carrying oxygen tanks. But Murray didn't come downstairs on the morning of June 25. "I thought maybe Mr. Jackson is sleeping late," Chase said. "I started preparing the lunch and then I looked at my cell phone and it was noon. About 12:05 or 12:10 Dr. Murray runs down and screams, 'Go get Prince!'" "He's screaming loud. I run to the den where the kids are playing. Prince runs to meet Dr. Murray and from then on, the energy in the house just changed."

Then, a small group consisting of the three children, their nanny (Grace , a housekeeper and Chase held hands and began to pray in a circle, Chase recalled. As paramedics raced to the room - with Jackson already dead - Chase said, "We were all praying, 'Help Mr. Jackson be O.K.' "Then everyone was very quiet." At about 1:30 p.m. she said that security guards told her and other staff to leave the property because "Mr. Jackson was being taken to the hospital."

Daniel Patrick Boyd

Daniel Patrick Boyd, a seemingly,unassuming 39 year old father of two, is accused of plotting a violent jihad. The Raleigh, North Carolina man lived with his wife, two sons, and four other men and owned his own drywall business. Daniel, his two sons, and the four men who lived with him have all been charged.

Daniel Patrick Boyd is a United States citizen and legal resident of North Carolina, along with his sons Zakariya Boyd and Dylan Boyd. Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan and Ziyad Yaghi are both United States cities and North Carolina residents.. Hysen Sherifi is a native of Kosovo and a United States legal permanent resident of North Carolina. Anes Subasic is a naturalized United States citizen and resides in North Carolina.

Though Daniel Patrick Boyd looks like your typical, run-of-the-mill American citizen, authorities say his terrorist training spans several decades. In fact, authorities state that Boyd trained in terrorist camps in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Despite their denials, influential Democratic Sens. Kent Conrad and Chris Dodd were told from the start they were getting VIP mortgage discounts from one of the nation's largest lenders, the official who handled their loans has told Congress in secret testimony.

Susanna Hoffs

Bangles musician Susanna Hoffs team up for an engaging collection of cover songs from the '70s. The album "Under the Covers Vol. 2" uncannily re-creates tracks from artists like Fleetwood Mac and Carly Simon. Working out of his home studio, Sweet—joined by drummer Ric Menck and multi-instrumentalist Greg Leisz—nails every sonic nuance, buried under cumulous clouds of glorious boy/girl harmonies.

In 2006, Sweet and Hoffs demonstrated with engaging '60s collection Under The Covers Vol. 1 that revisiting rock standards is a viable aesthetic pursuit. Like its predecessor, their new '70s retrospective uncannily re-creates indelible tracks from primary Sweet inspirations Todd Rundgren (twice), Big Star, Fleetwood Mac (with Lindsey Buckingham guesting) and Yes (ditto Steve Howe), while also giving Hoffs a chance to wrap her crystalline voice around unexpected choices like Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" and Bread's "Everything I Own."

Pop sensation Matthew Sweet and Bangles vocalist Susanna Hoffs visit the GRAMMY Museum on Tuesday, July 21, to discuss and perform selections from their newest project, "Under The Covers Vol. 2." Tickets for the event, part of the museum's series The Drop, are on-sale now, but we've got five pairs for some lucky blogdowntown readers. The pair released "Under The Covers Vol. 1," their first collaboration, in 2006. The followup release comes out on Tuesday, the day of the GRAMMY Museum event. The albums feature covers of songs from the 1960's and 1970's.

Cash for clunkers program 2009

Cash for clunkers program 2009 you maybe wondering what's all about cash for clunkers program or Scrappage Program right? Scrappage Program is a program by the government which to promote the replacement of old vehicles to modern vehicles. Scrappage Program was named in many different countries like in the US it's called "cash for clunkers" that is now gaining some buzz about cash for clunkers program 2009 over the internet.

It may sound a bit good and yes cash for clunkers program is aiming for stimulating the industry of automobile and to lessen high emission or insufficient vehicles in the road. Cash for Clunkers, Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS)-- no matter the name it's all part of the new Green Giant Government about which I've already been writing. It's true that I've had my fun supplying solutions for Climate Change ... but this-- this Cash for Clunkers with it's last minute "final rule"-- greatly surpasses even my own ingenuity.

Obama's billion dollar boondoggle was spelled out in it's final rules and issued to car dealers on Thursday in Green Giant Government's first in an undoubtedly long line of efforts to "help consumers buy or lease a more environmentally-friendly vehicle". For the sake of time, space, and sanity, I'll only summarize the best parts of the 136-page final rule.

Liz Claman

Liz Claman and Cheryl Casone are scheduled to compete in this Sunday's NYC Triathlon. It'll be the first triathlon for both women. Claman reports she's been training five days a week (often at 5 a.m.), and Casone spends "six days a week in a pool, on a bike, or running..." Fox Business' Liz Claman is about to run her first triathlon. The mother of two has been training hard.

Claman says, "I'm excited. It's something I've never done. When there is something you've never done before, why not go for that challenge, break out of that mold that forms around you every day at work, do something different." It's really different compared to the "old-school" workouts she used to do. Claman says, "I was the original aerobisizer. Embarrasing. I was at Jane Fonda's workout in Los Angeles when I was eighteen."

But sweating it out with Fonda is no triathlon but, with the help of her health coach, claman is getting both mentally and physically prepared. With a five day a week workout plan that often begins at 5 a.m., claman has her hands full. What is she looking forward to most after she crosses the finish line? She jokes, "cheesecake." The anchor of "Countdown to the Closing Bell" is also a regular contributor to Fox 5 News.

Dayana Mendoza

The gorgeous Dayana Mendoza, Miss Venezuela, was crowned the 2008 Miss Universe winner earlier this evening in Nha Trang, Vietman. The pageant, which was hosted by talk show host Jerry Springer and Spice Girl Mel B, had four Latina finalists in the Top 5 – Miss Mexico, Miss Colombia, Miss Dominican Republic, and Mendoza, Miss Venezuela.

Venezuelan native Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the 2009 Miss Universe telecast. During her reign, Mendoza has traveled the globe as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research and legislation. The newly crowned Miss Universe will go on to do the same.

Each contestant from more than 80 countries around the world will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2009. Billy Bush, co-anchor of "Access Hollywood," and Claudia Jordan of "Celebrity Apprentice" and "Deal or No Deal" will serve as co-hosts of the pageant live from Atlantis, Paradise Island Aug. 23. The competition is slated to air on NBC and Telemundo.

Shana Martin

Shana Martin and her contemporaries today, it occurred to me that a new class of women athletes may be emerging, perhaps even tougher than their male counterparts. News out of one of these competitions, The Lumberjack World Championships, painted a whole new picture of women in sport for this writer. In an article entitled Walking on Water, Penn State student Alyse Schroeder edged out Shana Martin in a race across water, atop logs connected by ropes, and then back again.

Shana, a former gymnast and pole vaulter, is also a trainer, holds a black belt in Karate, and competes in triathlon events. As stated in her bio at Stihl/ESPN, her first love has always been lumberjack sports. The events in Madison take the tough little competitor back home to where it all began for her, and the events and competition have been her way of life obviously. Toughness however, is not always about physical prowess, which Shana learned early on, her mother having Huntington’s disease. Now Shana supports causes to help people and families suffering from the dread affliction.

Shana, like so many great athletes, attributes more of her success to mental toughness, and her need to cope through athletics, than any God given talent. From my perspective, it is really cool to discover new people (to me and maybe you that is) who make “real sport” a valuable part of our lives.

Time For Dinner

Time For Dinner, you can enjoy quick, easy and affordable restaurant-quality meals steamed in their own bag. Contessa MicroSteam meals require no pots, no pans, no mess and, because of innovative steam technology, your elegant dinner will be healthy as well as delicious. Your guests will never believe it came from a microwave. With recipes like Italian Sausage Rigatoni, Balsamic Glazed Shrimp and Chicken Marsala you'll have a delicious variety of entertaining secrets that will take the anxiety out of meal preparation.

When you're busy it seems like the best place to meet up with friends is for dinner at a local restaurant. But these days, with everyone on a budget, eating out isn't in the cards. Always having a few items on hand makes it easy to entertain, no matter how much (or little) time you have to prepare.

Quick and easy entertaining depends on preparation. Having these items on hand at all times will prepare you for an intimate meal for four or a boisterous gathering of 10. Odds are you've got hours and hours of music stored in your MP3 player. So create and keep a dinner party playlist with your music. An mp3 dock with speakers makes it easy to play music at a low level in the background for instant atmosphere.

Tour de France Stage 21

Can Mark Cavendish take a 6th stage win of the Tour and his 10th in his 3 years of racing the Tour. This is a sensational effort from the Isle of Man rider. The Manx missile will again be unstoppable today. David Millar, Fabian Cancellara, Alessandro Ballan and Stijn Devolder could be just some of the 4 riders who could break free of the peloton in the Tunnel ala Alexandre Vinokourov in 2005.

Alberto Contador solidified his spot atop the cycling world on Sunday after capturing his second career title, finishing the final Stage 21 101.9-mile trek of the Tour de France in comfortable style to hold off Andy Schleck and Lance Armstrong. Schleck finished second overall, 4 minutes, 11 seconds behind Contador while Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner, managed to hold on to third, 5 minutes, 24 seconds back.

While Contador celebrated as the Tour de France overall winner Thor Hushovd grabbed the green jersey for the points classification and Franco Pellizotti won the polka dot jersey as the best climber. Mark Cavendish also had a strong Tour de France, wining six stages in the event. David Millar, Fabian Cancellara, Allesandro Ballan and Stijn Devolder could be just some of the 4 riders who could break free of the peloton in the Tunnel ala Alexandre Vinokourov in 2005.

NYC Triathlon

Heat, humidity and jellyfish were all factor in the 2009 NYC triathlon. But in the end it was Gregg Bennett who won on the Men's side of the race and Rebeccah Wasner on the women's side. "On the men’s side, Andy Potts emerged from the swim first with a time of 12:14, with three-time NYC Triathlon winner Greg Bennett and Andy Reed following quickly behind. After racing through the transition, the earlier rain left a slow track that demanded caution from even the slickest Pros."

Bennett won while, "Andy Potts finished less than a minute later, followed closely by Matt Reed, Yoder and Stuart Hayes to round out the men’s top five." Today, at the sound of the starting gun, Ocala's Robbie Phillips will compete alongside his father, Bob, and 3,400 other top-notch athletes at the ninth annual Nautica New York City Triathlon.

Making it to this premiere sporting event, which features competitors from all 50 states and 20 nations, is a major feat in itself for any athlete. For 18-year-old Robbie, who has autism, it has been a special journey. As a child, Robbie was severely overweight, was sick and couldn't do much of anything physically. In addition, he couldn't speak and didn't interact with others.

Stephen Murray Crash Video

Stephen Murray crash video which was taken on on June 22, 2007 during the the BMX Dirt finals of the Panasonic Open. Murray was badly indured in this accident. Stephen Murray, the BMX rider, had an horrific crash two years ago while in competition. Yes, given that the event was televised there is indeed a Stephen Murray crash video.

However, rather than simply watching the video of the crash, why not check out this one about both Murray's crash and the aftermath. For Stephen Murray broke his neck in that crash and he is now quadriplegic. Further parts of the Stephen Murray videos abd the crash and the aftermath are available on Youtube, here.

Stephen Murray was critically injured after crashing in the BMX Dirt finals of the Panasonic Open, the first stop of the AST Dew Tour, on June 22, 2007. After the accident, Murray was rushed to a Baltimore-area hospital where he received treatment and has undergone several operations.

Alexis Cohen American Idol

American Idol auditioner Alexis Cohen died at age 25 on July 25 after being struck by a car in Seaside Heights, N.J., the Associated Press reports. Cohen's colorful behavior in early episodes of Idol's seventh and eighth seasons, including repeated rude gestures directed at the judges, made her a memorable presence. Authorities are seeking further information about the fatal collision.

According to AP – Authorities say a 25-year-old former two-time “American Idol” contestant has been struck and killed by a car in a New Jersey shore town. The Asbury Park Press reports that Alexis Cohen, of Allentown, Pa., was killed early Saturday in Seaside Heights.

Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office says an autopsy indicated she suffered chest, head and abdominal injuries. Mohel says investigators are seeking more information about the collision. Cohen auditioned in Philadelphia for the popular Fox singing competition in August 2007, and the episode was aired in January 2008. She tried out again during the show’s eighth season.

Lowell Folk Festival

Lowell Folk Festival kicks off in downtown Lowell, with 22 artists performing on six stages, playing everything from polka to jazz and beyond. The three-day music extravaganza is set to begin tomorrow and run through Sunday. Those who attend will be treated to traditional music, food, dancing and crafts from all corners of the globe.

"It is all about taking ethnic traditions and bringing it to the big stage," said John Marciano, who is in charge of programming music for the festival. "You just can't access this music any other day of the year." Though it's called a folk festival, this event features many genres of music, from bluegrass, to Celtic and gospel, to blues. The main concept is to present traditional music from regions throughout the world in its original context.

"It is as close to the real deal as possible," Marciano said. "This is music that is handed down from one generation to the next. It's not whitewashed at all. That is the difference with the Lowell Folk Festival." Since its 1987 debut as the National Folk Festival, what has since become the Lowell Folk Festival continues to draw artists from all around the world.

Anabela Janke

This week, on “unemployment news” we know about the case of Anabela Janke (photos below), the wife of Scott Janke who was fired because she married her! It is good to clarify that Anabela Janke is also known as Jazella Moore in the porn World. Scott Janke used to work as Fort Myers Beach Town Manager, but soon after the mayor and council members heard about his wife they fired him! Isn’t one allowed to have a private life with anyone?

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Larry Kiker said, "Our issue is the situation town was put in in terms of how effective we can govern and whether or not it this was going to serve as a distraction for that, and we felt like it would." On "The Early Show" Anabela said she didn't think her husband was being treated fairly.

Scott added, "When this story began to break, I was actually called by a local reporter, who also called the mayor about a day before he was going to actually print these articles. And the mayor and I chatted on the phone. Because of my ethics, I said, 'I'm willing to resign with compensation if the town council thinks it will help the community not be so distracted." '

E Lynn Harris

E. Lynn Harris, the best-selling Arkansas author known for contemporary stories about African-Americans, died today during a West Coast book tour. His personal assistant confirmed an unspecified health event this morning, but said she was awaiting word from the scene before providing specifics..

Arkansas Sports 360 provided the first formal report that Harris had died. The item did not cite a source, but Harris was close to the UA Athletic Department and had worked as coach and sponsor of the cheerleaders. Black Voices later confirmed the report, citing a spokesman for his publisher. Word of the health event began making the rounds on Twitter earlier in the morning.

Born in Michigan, Harris grew up in Little Rock. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he was the school's first black cheerleader. He continued to be a diehard Razorback fan. He has taught adjunct courses in the English department, most recently last fall. His latest book, "Basketball Jones," is about the gay lover of an NBA star.

Dancing down the aisle

The wild dance down the aisle of JK wedding dance entrance (even more wacky than the moment a reporter proposed to Tom Brady wearing a wedding dress.) So here are two wedding entrance songs -- now and then. Why both? Frankly, I am a traditionalist. I believe that marriage is a solemn occasion. But perhaps two young people with this much joy in their hearts and with the ability to have this much fun starting off their life together are setting the stage for happily and laughingly ever after.

When I write about meeting and marrying the love of your life, it is generally from the perspective of falling in love, finding love, and identifying qualities in a perfect husband. This week three of us at the Examiner wrote on this topic simultaneously. (See links after the video). Some of you may remember a piece I wrote about Love and Laughter a few weeks ago.

Jill and Kevin Heinz decided to shake things up a bit, literally, for the usually traditional walk down the aisle. The Heinzes, led by their enthusiastic wedding party, threw on some hip hop and boogied their way through a St. Paul Minn. church on June 20. Now a video of their dancing wedding party entrance is an Internet sensation, pulling in more than 1.4 million hits on YouTube.

Youtube Wedding Dance

Epic wedding dance brings YouTube fame It began like every first dance at a wedding – the bride and groom swaying gently to a ballad as guests looked on fondly. But then this couple's dance took a hilarious turn, as they busted killer moves in a six-minute musical medley of epic proportions.

Brian and Katie started jiving to Elvis Presley, doing the twist and dancing to songs from throughout the years, all the way to Eminem and OutKast. In a neat twist, the loved-up pair, whose routine has been watched nearly 7million times on YouTube, finish with the ballad played at the beginning of their performance. The latest YouTube sensation is a video of a wedding party literally partying down the aisle of a church in St. Paul, Minn.

Starting with ushers tossing programs into the air like confetti, the seven bridesmaids and five groomsmen groove down the aisle, then part as the groom, 28-year-old Kevin Heinz, somersaults toward the altar. Finally, bride Jill Peterson struts in to Chris Brown's "Forever," shaking her hips and pumping her bridal bouquet into the air.

Maria Rosaria Carfagna

Maria Rosaria Carfagna is an Italian politician and former showgirl. After obtaining a degree in law, Carfagna worked for several years on Italian television shows and as a model. She later entered politics and was elected to the Chamber of Deputies for Forza Italia party in 2006. On May 8, 2008, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi appointed her Minister for Equal Opportunity, a move that received international attention due to her background and her appearance.

Encabezaron la delegación las "anfitrionas" designadas por el gobierno italiano Mara Carfagna, ministra para la Equidad de Oportunidades y María Stella Gelmini, ministra de Educación. A cada una de ellas el Papa le regaló un rosario. Del grupo no formaron parte las esposas de los líderes que verán durante estos días al Papa: Taro Aso (Japón), Kevin Rudd (Australia), Lee Myung-bak (Corea del Sur), Barack Obama (Estados Unidos) y Stephen Harper (Canadá).

Al finalizar la audiencia con el obispo de Roma las "primeras damas" fueron acompañadas en una visita guiada por los Jardines Vaticanos donde pudieron admirar una réplica de la gruta de la Virgen de Lourdes y la antigua torre de la Radio Vaticana. Después se trasladaron a la Basílica de San Pedro a la cual ingresaron por la Puerta de la Oración. Allí recorrieron los altares de la Cátedra, donde concluyeron su itinerario.

Cash For Clunkers Stimulus

cash for clunkers to first-time home-buyer plans to subsidized health-care benefits, here’s how to make the most of the government’s new programs. Critics say that all of the moving parts of the Obama stimulus plan are barely moving at all—that the broad package of economy-goosing goodies isn’t being managed aggressively enough to produce results.

The mortgage-modification program has barely scratched the surface of the 1.6 million properties headed for foreclosure, and the Feds are still fine-tuning programs aimed at would-be refinancers and car buyers. “I don’t get the sense of urgency,” Senate banking committee chairman Christopher Dodd said at recent oversight hearings.

But for consumers, it might all be moving too fast. Blink and you might miss the whole “cash for clunkers” program, which starts on July 24 and will only be on the table for a little more than three months. Also, there’s a good chance the $8,000 refundable tax credit for first-time home buyers will expire before lenders figure out how to use it. Laid-off workers, car shoppers, and homeowners have to keep up with ever-shifting program guidelines and procedures while keeping a list of varying deadlines in mind.

Elaine Hendrix

Elaine Hendrix starred alongside the then-child star Lindsay Lohan in the hit Disney film “The Parent Trap” twelve years ago, and even though the two never exactly formed a friendship Hendrix is not surprised that the troubled Tinseltowner is where she is today. The actress/animal rights activist believes, as a nation, America needs to start addressing our internal affairs.

“I didn’t know she was going to be the next big thing, but it’s not really a surprise that she is where she is. She’s extremely talented, but she has a tumultuous family dynamic happening so it’s not really a surprise she is where she is,” Hendrix told FOX411. “She is in the position to have whatever kind of career she wants, she just has to get straight about what it is exactly that she does want and what she’s willing to do for it. Growing up having the experiences she’s had, those things affect her behavior and her decisions.”

“I think it is really hard when you start stepping into other people’s countries and try to tell them what to do, and yet how do you let other people get beaten up by bullies and bigger people?” Hendrix questioned. “There are also certain trade agreements that I don’t agree with, I very much don’t agree with farming out a lot of our industry to other countries. I think we need to be creating more jobs and more opportunities and people need to be remembering to buy American, for our economy and ourselves.”

Hoboken411

Mason proposed three sites on which Hoboken could advertise: Hoboken411, the Hudson Reporter website and yours truly, Hoboken Now. But Carol Marsh, who's returned to the Council, took issue with 411, saying the city should used "reputable news sources" and that that some residents have had "some problems with the people running Hoboken 411."

This sparked a heated discussion between the Council members (mostly on whether or not to vote on the resolution) and newly elected Council president Dawn Zimmer ultimately tabled the proposal, prompting anger from both Mason and Mike Russo, who said tabling was improper to do. Zimmer today said she stands by her decision.

"Overall, I think it's a good idea to publicize via the Internet, but are we going to put a public notice on 411 when certain members of the public have been banned from there? That's a concern that the Council as whole needs to talk about if Ms. Mason proposes this again," said Zimmer. Zimmer said she tabled the ordinance because it wasn't presented in writing first and she wanted to give public notice so they could come speak on the idea.

Vibram FiveFingers

Vibram FiveFingers shoes have been around for a couple of years but the word is spreading that they are good. You will find them on Amazon.com in many styles and colors for around $75.00. Even if FiveFingers aren't the perfect running shoe it seems they would be great for bike riding, weight training, and kayaking just to name a few fitness activities. Each style has suggested sports that the shoes would be suitable for.

Right here in Concord, Massachusetts the company, Vibram, teamed up with Dr. Daniel Leiberman of Harvard University for scientific research of barefoot and/or running without too much on the foot. They came up with FiveFingers. They remind me in a way of Crocs. People said they were ugly. They now come in many styles and so many colors! They are the most comfortable shoe I've worn and I think they're cute. I will have to let you tell me about your experiences with FiveFingers.

"Motion studies demonstrate that when running barefoot, one naturally lands on the forefoot, directly below your center of gravity. This results in optimum balance, increased stability, less impact, and greater propulsion. According to Dr. Ivo Waerlop of the Vibram Biomechanics Advisory Board, “Running in FiveFingers improves agility, strength, and equilibrium, plus it delivers sensory feedback that allows runners to make immediate corrections in their form. This greatly improves running efficiency.”

Omer Bhatti Pictures

Michael Jackson’s secret son 25 years Omar Bhatti Norwegian rapper (mother Pia Bhatti) is no secret now, you will found him in most of the recent family photos. Even couple of weeks ago Omar Bhatti was allowed to sat in the front row circled by the Jackson family at the Michael Jackson’s memorial service at the Los Angeles .

Presently Mr Bhatti is seeking a DNA test to prove that he is really Jackson’s son. Jermaine Jackson Michael’s brother had announced that Omer Bhatti will be welcomed into the family if he could prove that he is the fourth child of Jackson. A Fox News report in 2004 claimed Michael had been telling his friends he was the father, but they were unsure whether or not to believe him.

Jermaine also added that he is not yet sure whether Omer is his brother’s son. But if he is a Jackson, he would be treated exactly the same as Michael’s three younger children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris Michael, 11, and Blanket (Prince Michael II) seven. However, Omer’s appearance and his physical similarities to Michel ’s official son Blanket, has indeed fuelled speculation that he might be the son of Michael Jackson( see picture at the top).

Anabela Mota Janke

Anabela Mota Janke might well go down as one of the great free speech cases of our time. Or as an alternative, you might think that Anabela Mota Janke's (some are spelling it Jenke) case will end up displaying the absurdity that the defense of the First Amendment has now become. The essential background is that Anabela Mota Janke also performs as a porn "star" (we believe that "star" is the correct signifier for anyone in this industry:

almost no one is ever described as a bit part player in porn films) under the name Jazella Moore. She even has her own website (here) which contains what might be called light cheesecake shots (certainly nothing so revealing as Playboy these days) and some dribs and drabs of cod philosohphy: I discovered that by approaching sexual pleasure resolved of guilt and fear and with need distilled to shared, creative adventure, the paradox of the Madonna/Whore was broken and with that the power of ecstatic joy could triumph.

Err, yes dear: it's not all that unusual for girls educated by nuns to grow up into women who are indeed interested in sex. The Catholic Church would have many fewer adherents in this generation if that were not true. However, this is not what has brought Anabela to fame from her origins in Portugal. No, she is married to Scott Janke, something which is no doubt very nice for both Scott and Anabela. Scott, until very recently, worked as the City Manager for Fort Myers Beach in Florida.

Tour De France Stage 18

Tour De France Stage 18 Results. After Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck dominated the Queen of Stage 17 by gaining more than two minutes on Armstrong, Wiggins, and Kloden, the Tour De France Stage 18 Results will be another story for it will be a 40-kilometer Individual time trial. The Tour De France Stage 18 Individual Time Trial will be in the advantage of Wiggins, Contador, and Armstrong that the Schleck brothers will try to stay in with them.

So with the riders completing stage 18 of the 2009 Tour de France today, fans are left wondering who will win this stage and who will be crowned the overall winner on Sunday, when the race ends in Paris. According to examiner.com, today’s stage is a 40 kilometer time trial around Lake Annecy. After yesterday’s stage 17 results, the overall standings have changed slightly, with American rider Lance Armstrong falling down to fourth position.

Alberto Contador, who is Armstrong’s fellow teammate, is still holding on to his first place spot on the leaderboard, with Andy Schleck in second. This stage of the race could well see the standings change again, with some of the riders falling places and some going up on the leaderboard. One thing is certain and that is, that Bradley Wiggins should do well in this stage as he is a time trial specialist, so we may see him creep up in the overall standings.

Baja Fresh

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announced the opening of the restaurant’s sixth franchise location of the year on July 16, 2009. The company’s new Baja Fresh Express location, inside the Hilton Anaheim, offers flavorful and fresh Mexican food. Reportedly, the planned 750 square-foot restaurant is owned and operated by Vincent and Winnie Yee. The two also own and operate a number of additional restaurant and retail businesses.

Charles Rink, president of Baja Fresh, said: “We are happy to welcome Vincent and Winnie to the Baja Fresh family. We value our partnerships and look forward to many successful years to come.” Vincent and Winnie Yee, Baja Fresh's frenchise partner, said: “Baja Fresh stays true to their name, FRESH!. There has always been a demand for a fast casual concept at the hotel and convention center and the Baja Fresh Express is exactly what we were looking for. Coupled with delicious, healthy and reasonably priced entrees, we have a winner.”

The coupon is a company promotion through the Baja Fresh Facebook page. Not every location is participating --- unfortunately, Rosslyn and Clarendon in Virginia are among them. Thanks to Sun Intern Lindsay Deutsch for spotting the tip. Nearby locations include Timonium, Columbia, Hunt Valley, Arundel Mills/Hanover, Bel Air and Annapolis. Let us know if you find out one of these locations is not accepting the coupon!

Valerie Jarrett

Valerie Jarrett was the keynote speaker at the inaugural session of the 46th Annual Convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) on Friday, July 3rd. Ms. Jarrett, who serves as a Senior Advisor and Assistant to President Obama for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, was introduced to the Convention’s participants by ISNA President Dr. Ingrid Mattson.

Pastor Rick Warren, of The Saddleback Church, was the keynote speaker at the main session on Saturday, July 4th. With the convention theme being "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," it was only fitting that Pastor Warren speak about religious freedom and understanding. "Tolerance isn't enough. Nobody wants to be to be tolerated."

Valerie Jarrett, a longtime friend and ally of Barack Obama’s who now works alongside him in The White House. Her role, classified a senior adviser and assistant to the president for intergovernmental affairs and public engagement, is better stated as “Obama’s intermediary to the outside world.”

Alex Donnelley

Alex Donnelley is dating Billy Joel. According to Page Six, Donnelley met Joel backstage at a concert and "The two hit it off immediately,". They have been seen together at Joel's home riding motorcycles and going boating. Alex Donnelley was on the soap opera "The Young and the Restless" from 1986-2001. She played Diane Jenkins on the show.

Billy Joel is not the first musician Alex Donnelley has been with. She was previously married to Robert Lamm from the band Chicago. Donnelley is 49 and much older than Joel's soon to be ex-wife Katie Lee Joel. Katie is only 27 years old. Perhaps an older woman is just what Billy Joel needs.

Billy's daughter, Alexa Ray Joel was not surprised when her dad told her he was getting divorced. She told Ok! Magazine "I have a pretty good women’s intuition so I could tell," adding "I know my dad very well. So I’m behind him, you know." Elton John and Billy Joel are touring together in the in the "Face 2 Face" tour.

Tony Bernazard

Tony Bernazard attempted to fight players from the Double-A Binghamton Mets, and removed his shirt in the process. It’s so weird I can’t even process this, so I’ll leave it to Adam Rubin to fill you in. GM Omar Minaya acknowledged Bernazard spoke to the B-Mets in a "stern voice," but said he had no knowledge of the scope being portrayed.

Bernazard particularly went after middle infield prospect Jose Coronado, using a slang term associated with a woman's anatomy, a source indicated. The confrontation happened about 10 days before the All-Star break, according to insiders.

"I know he did have a team meeting with them," Minaya told the Daily News. "It was not a 'you-guys-have-been-great meeting.' I know he spoke to them in a stern voice. But as far as what he was wearing, what kind of shoes he was wearing, I don't know anything about that." Rubin goes on to note that Bernazard recently verbally attacked his deputy during a recent game at Citi Field.

Andrea McNulty

Andrea McNulty who works as an employee in Harrah’s Casino of Reno, has filed a civil lawsuit against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. McNulty’s lawyer Calvin R. Dunlap filed a six count civil complaint on behalf of his client in Washloe County, Nevada on Friday. These counts are: assault, sexual assault and battery, false pretenses, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and fraud.

“This weekend Andrea McNulty served Ben Roethlisberger with a civil complaint accusing him of sexually assaulting her in July 2008. Ben has never sexually assaulted anyone; especially Andrea McNulty. The timing of the lawsuit and the absence of a criminal complaint and a criminal investigationare the most compelling evidence of the absence of any criminal conduct. If an investigation is commenced, Ben will cooperate fully and Ben will be fully exonerated.”

Media sources have begin reporting that Roethlisberger is among nine defendants named in the suit alleging "one civil count of assault, one civil count of sexual assault and battery, one civil count of false imprisonment, one civil count of false pretenses, one civil count of fraud, and one civil count of intentional infliction of emotional distress."

Solar Eclipse July 2009 Time

Solar Eclipse July 2009 will be seen in India from 5.35 a.m. to 7.25 a.m. of July 22. and there will be a total eclipse for the duration of 6 minutes and 47 seconds. The solar eclipse that will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 will be a total eclipse of the Sun with a magnitude of 1.080 that will be visible from a narrow corridor through northern India, eastern Nepal, northern Bangladesh, Bhutan, the northern tip of Myanmar, central China and the Pacific Ocean, including the Ryukyu Islands, Marshall Islands and Kiribat.

The longest solar eclipse of the century is less than 24 hours away! According to experts, the total solar eclipse taking place Wednesday, July 22, 2009, will last over 6 1/2 minutes. Total contact time will be almost 3 hours, from approximately 0h30minutes to 3h00m Universal Time (times are approximate and vary according to expert; some have contact starting as late as 0h55m and ending after 4h00m UT).

The eclipse is part of the Saros cycle, which also includes the record-setting July 1991 solar eclipse, and is the second of three eclipses to occur within a month. The other two eclipses were lunar eclipses, one of which took place on July 7, 2009, and the other of which will occur August 6, 2009.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry sends kids who were snubbed by swim club to Disney World They’re going to Disney World – and it’s all thanks to Tyler Perry. After learning that 65 kids from a minority Pennsylvania day care center were turned away by a mostly white swim club, Perry is sending the snubbed youngsters to the happiest place on Earth.

The beloved playwright is footing the entire bill for the kids from the Creative Steps day care center in suburban Philadelphia, including their airfare, food, accommodations and admissions for a three-day visit in sunny Orlando, after the children were kicked out of the Valley Swim Club in Huntingdon Valley, Penn., on June 29.

Perry, 39, in such stage and screen hits as "Medea Goes to Jail" and "Meet the Browns," recalls seeing one of the Creative Steps kids crying on the news about being shunned and humiliated at the club. CNN reported some of the children complained that white club members made racist comments to them.

Hot Air

A person's silhouette is casted on the hot air balloon owned by Mark Enszer, of Saginaw called "Celebration" early Saturday morning during the Hot Air Jubilee at the Jackson County Airport. Pilots were not able to fly the balloons because winds aloft were too strong making it dangerous to fly. Instead a handful of pilots tethered their balloons to the ground.

This photograph is all about the color and shapes. I captured it with my D700 and 17-35mm wide angle zoom positioned just at the opening of the balloon. A little cliche, but I've never had the chance to make the image myself. It was a beautiful, sunny morning to make photographs, but unfortunately I had to do it from the ground because the winds a few hundred feet up were too strong for the balloons to fly.

Of course, it's 3:30 a.m., so they may just be doing downtime for service or something. The site seemed to go down while I was working on an "IG-Gate Update" report in the Green Room. Figured it was just a glitch, so I finished writing the post in Word format, but when I went back -- two hours later -- I still couldn't get the site to come up.

Robin Katz

Robin Katz formerly of Chase is the hot topic today in New York press which is debating how allegedly hot this alleged thief is not. The New York Post says she’s ubber hot. The New York Magazine says not. Katz is the former Chase employee charged with progressively stole $110,000 from her client. The Post writers are drooling of her looks, calling her the “banker beauty” and calling her “sexy”.

The New York Magazine disagrees with The Post’s standards in journalism women.
“[W]e find her to be more like average, but let’s not get into it.” Of course, LALATE likes her line on Myspace:”rocket scientist by day, party fool by night”. But even with that, the question remains for readers - guys, does Robin make you weak in the knees, or just weak in the wallet?

Robin Katz, a 25-year-old Chase employee who gradually siphoned $110,000 from a client and then skipped town, is actually kind of flattering. Not only does the Post call her a "banker beauty" and "sexy" (we find her to be more like average, but let's not get into it, commenters), they make her sound kind of awesome.