Hurricane Erika

Hurricane Erika

Tropical Storm Erika has formed quietly, since Tropical Storm Erika is on the heels of Hurricane Jimena. But Tropical Storm Erika is the Atlantic's newest storm, even though the possible Hurricane Erika may not cause that much damage. Nevertheless, while attention focuses on the PacificTropical Storm Erika Struggles to Become Hurricane Erika and Hurricane Jimena, Erika will take up the attention of the Atlantic. But it is the Leeward Islands that are most concerned with Erika at the moment.

Tropical Storm Erika officially formed last night in the Atlantic, and is now moving forward. As of 8 a.m. EST, Tropical Storm Erika was 160 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands, with maximum winds at a mere 45 mph. Despite being relatively small and uncertain to become Hurricane Erika, it is nevertheless the fifth storm system of the Atlantic hurricane season. Thus far, Tropical Storm Erika is resembling Danny, which was only a minor hurricane that went down to tropical depression status by the time it reached land. The projected path of Tropical Storm Erika is uncertain thus far, as is whether the system could become a hurricane later in the week.

The Tropical Storm Erika projected path possibilities have it going either towards the Southeast and Florida - which has been relatively spared from hurricanes thus far this season - or headed for the West and areas like Puerto Rica and Cuba. For now, the system is heading for the Leeward Islands to deliver a few inches of rain. Afterwards, a possible Hurricane Erika could head for the north, but it appears too disorganized for forecasters to be sure at the moment. If this is all that the system is going to do, then it would be another Atlantic storm front that ultimately provides little damage. The real action remains in the Pacific, as Hurricane Jimena storms its way through Mexico and Baja California. But the much hyped Hurricane Jimena is starting to weaken itself, to the relief of thousands in the affected areas - though the damage may still be substantial.

Raquel Carreras

Raquel Carreras

Raquel Carreras was a cheerleader at Northeast High School cheerleader. Mom Lesa Ledesma has pleaded to manslaughter for letting her son Shawn drive You see, Shawn was 15, too young to drive. Raquel was just 14 years old. Ledesma agreed to 30 days jail, 5 years probation with 2 years house arrest. Without that plea agreement on a trial set to start today, she would have faced upwards of 15 years in prison for Raquel Carreras ’s death.

Michelle Carreras’ mother, Raquel’s mom, asked for and got Ledesma to serve her jail sentence over Christmas, pay $5000 restitution for funeral services, and draft an apology. the Ledesma’s attorney said the following to the court: “This was a tragedy. She’s truly sorry for her part in it. If she could take back her actions of giving her keys to (her son) she would do it.” Shawn Ledesma has reportedly pleaded to vehicular homicide.

Whitney Houston On Good Morning America

Whitney Houston On Good Morning America

Whitney Houston has “140 million albums sold, more awards than any other female performer in history,” boasted Good Morning America today, touting her “first television performance in seven years” (watch it on their Website). The singer bounded out with a lot of energy and yelled “love you!” during first line of “Million Dollar Bill,” but she danced rather than sang the first chorus, confirming yesterday’s reports that her first major television appearance promoting her new I Look to You left the diva breathless. Houston filmed the short set in New York’s Central Park yesterday afternoon.

“I love you New York,” she announced at end of the song. “I love you Good Morning America. God bless you all. Thank you for coming, you’re making me feel so good.” She then ran upstage to hug host Diane Sawyer, who Houston called “one of my dearest friends.” Sawyer is the journalist who conducted the infamous “crack is wack” interview in 2002 during which Houston disclosed she had struggled with drug problems. “I’m overwhelmed with love and support, your prayers mean so much to me and I love you all for coming,” Houston told the crowd, adding defiantly, “I never left!”

“Seven years ago, looking in each others’ eyes, it was a very different world then. I was worried for you,” Sawyer told her. “Don’t be worried anymore. If you know God, then don’t be worried,” Houston replied, saying it was “my faith” that brought her here now. “The love and support of my family, which I do have. People who care about you in the good and bad times.” In 2002, Houston told Sawyer, “I partied a lot. Trust me: I partied my tail off. You get to a point where you know the party’s over.”