DNA-Daily News Alert™

High School Ministry Summer Camp

2010-07-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a video from our high school summer camp at Westmont College just a few weeks ago. A former high school student came and shot and edited the entire thing. Enjoy!

Politics Shmalitics

2010-03-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

To all of my readers, I wanted to apologize if I have offended anyone with my views on politics. Sometimes when people push your buttons, it fires you up and that often shows through the writing. I'm not trying to change anyone's views but was simply stating my own. Remember that time when there was freedom of speech in America? I so long for the day when we can freely express our views without being judged for them. Anyway, just wanted to throw that out there. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and that you enjoy all of the blessings that fill it!

My Aha! Moment in Ministry

2010-03-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

Over the last seven months of my internship, God has taught me a lot of valuable lessons. I think the lesson that I learned the most from happened February 3, 2010. It was a normal Wednesday night of small group with my junior and senior high school girls and our group started a new series called “Growing Spiritually.” That night we focused on how to hang out with God (develop a structured quiet time). We also continued to have one girl each week share her testimony with the group and share how God has and continues to have a significant role in her life. That particular week, it was Sarah’s turn to share her story. Sarah joined the group about half-way through our spring semester last year and is one of those girls that gets along well with everyone, is involved in student government at her school, has a very easy-going personality, and always engages in discussion in small group. When Sarah started to share her story with us, she began by addressing that her life was never a struggle. Her parents loved each other, they supported her and her family in everything that she did, and that she was content with her life. Despite the “normalcy” of Sarah’s content life, she would go home day after day and realize that something was missing and that life was not as fulfilling as it had appeared. As she continued to share with the group, the whole thing started to make sense to me. Here was a student that I assumed was a Christian because she was a committed member of our small group, often attended weekend services, and always knew exactly what to say. Then I realized that it wasn’t until I fought to create a safe environment for her that Sarah felt that she could genuinely open up and share what was actually going on in her life and that she no longer had to hide behind the “right answer.” As Sarah’s testimony came to a close, she ended it by saying that she was ready to take the next step. That night I led her in a prayer to commit her life to Christ with the love and support of her small group by her side. The uncomfortable struggles that I had faced with an angry parent in the beginning of the year were not for nothing. God strengthened me as a leader and wanted me to fight to protect the integrity and safety of my group so that they could openly and safely share what they’ve been going through and grow in community with each other. God also challenged my leadership at the start of my internship in September so that the spiritual health of my girls could be protected and that they would thrive as part of the body of Christ. I am so thankful to have learned this lesson during my internship with support and guidance from an experienced staff. This was my Aha! moment in ministry...hope you all enjoyed it!

*HOW TO Tweet Effectively

2010-03-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

Check out this video I did while I was away this last weekend in Chicago at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference #symc2010. This video will show you *HOW TO tweet effectively* and I will do that by showing you the three "A"s of Twitter. Enjoy!

Love Is In The Air

2009-12-27T23:17:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air in Orange County! Don't believe me? Check out this video posted by @ChelseyVeturis of the engagement of #OCTriumerate's @RochelleVeturis. My evening has been consumed with organizing wedding planning details, including reception venues, the guest list, and wedding dress options. If anyone has any recommendations for any of the above, I would love to hear from you!

Fernanda's Fit Philosophy...Simply Fabulous

2009-10-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

Check out this video as B3Fit's Fernanda Rocha explains how she gets fit and stays fit. For more information on the format that keeps Fernanda tone, visit www.RIPPEDusa.com.

Success For OC Social Media Tweet-Up

2009-08-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Last night in Orange County, CA, Peppino's Italian Family Restaurant was packed with the largest tweet-up in the OC area. The OC Tweet-Up was hosted by the #OCTrium, also known on twitter as @RochelleVeturis, @ReporterHaley and @ChelseyVeturis. With over 100 tweeters in attendance, the event proved to be a great success! Check out this article written by Sean Emery of the Orange County Register: http://tinyurl.com/nwgpay

Democratic National Convention Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?

2009-08-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

It is clear that the Democratic National Convention has reached an all-time low. The extreme political left has made it clear that they oppose war with other countries, however, we now know who they will go to war with...American citizens who pay their taxes, live within their means, currently are satisfied with their health care, and who genuinely love America. No one seems to hate America more than liberals. Anyone who has taken fifth grade history knows that all of the policies Obama is passing does not encourage our economy to flourish but rather to fail. I have a question for you Democratic National Convention...are you smarter than a fifth grader?

Take a look at who the DNC is going to war with now...the only people they can't brain wash and campaign their way into believing the fallacies of Obama's "hope" and "change"...conservatives. I'd rather be part of an "angry" mob than a socialistic cult.

The First Book of Government: Psalm 2009

2009-08-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

This is from an email that I received so I am not sure of the original source, but just know that I did not produce this material. I wish I had, but someone else beat me to it. Check out the "First Book of Government: Psalm 2009."

Obama is the shepherd I did not want.
He leadeth me beside the still factories.
He restoreth my faith in the Republican party.
He guideth me in the path of unemployment for his party's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the bread line,
I shall fear no hunger, for his bailouts are with me.
He has anointed my income with taxes,
My expenses runneth over.
Surely, poverty and hard living will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will live in a mortgaged home forever.
I am glad I am American,
I am glad that I am free.
But I wish I was a dog ...
And Obama was a tree.

Craziest Wedding Entrance Ever!

2009-08-03T12:49:00.001-07:00

This has got to be one of the most ridiculous wedding entrances I've ever seen. Not sure if I would do something like this for mine, but at least it seemed like everyone had a great time and will never forget it.

Ramalama Bang Bang

2009-07-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the most amazing routines to take the So You Think You Can Dance stage, choreographed by Wade Robson. The routine comes to us from season two and was brought back to the stage for the 100th episode celebration July 23rd. "Ramalama" features a surprise guest dancer. Can you spot him?

Democrats Get Desperate With Health Care

2009-07-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

In Washington this morning, Democratic speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, attempted to put a 'cap' on uncertainties regarding the proposed national health care plan. Pelosi said that there would be a "cap on cost but no cap on benefits." This could be no farther from the truth. A 'cap' on costs could only be made possible by putting a 'cap' on benefits. With this proposed bill, small businesses will be penalized for continuing to provide private health care for their employees and would actually save operating costs by 'cutting off'' employees from current private health care providers and allowing employees to switch to government-provided health care. In a press meeting with Democratic bloggers, Obama could not even recall all of the issues that this bill has hidden within it. Let me ask this question, where in the constitution is it the government's job to provide the American people with health care?

Democrats Introduce 'Robin Hood' Health Care Proposal

2009-07-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

Tuesday in Washington House Democratic leaders presented a bill that would guarantee health insurance to the American people. According to House Democrats, the bill would expand coverage, slow growth of Medicare, and penalize employers who do not provide health care benefits for their employees. Everyone knows that nothing comes for free. At least at one point in time America was intelligent enough to know this. Someone has to pay for the coverage of health insurance for all Americans. In this season of recession, who in this country can afford to pay more exorbitant taxes? House Democrats found the perfect candidates to "sponsor" this costly proposal...who better than the high-income/successful families of America who live within their means? Rob the rich to give to the poor... sound familiar? Not only does it sound like the premise of the movie Robin Hood, but it also sounds like the key ingredient in a recipe for socialism. America a socialist society? That could never happen. Wake up and read the news... we're well on our way.

Politcal Cartoon Wednesday

2009-07-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a cartoon I found on About.com:Politcal Humor. Now that Obama is the CEO of the Auto Industry and the Financial Sector, what's next...the Airline Industry? Wait a second, that's not a bad idea! http://tinyurl.com/kpebtu

Why Does Twitter Matter?

2009-06-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Author and co-found of outside.in, Steven B. Johnson, explains the importance of the trendy Twitter social network and how users have taken the network and turned it into something much greater than what the inventors had ever imagined. His cover piece in Time magazine featured a tweet from Twitter that he posted about his story about Twitter. You may need to read over that last sentence a few times to make sense of it. If you are still confused, head right to the source: http://tinyurl.com/qtvneh

It's #ThugThursday!

2009-06-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you living "ahead of your time" aka connected on Twitter, I invite you to partake in #ThugThursday. What is #ThugThursday? It's an opportunity for you to make some one's day by telling them that they are awesome, extraordinary and exquisite! I invented #ThugThursday in an attempt to eliminate the early #FollowFriday people from posting their Friday shout-outs on Thursday. For those of us living on the West Coast/Pacific Time (PST), it's very frustrating to see #FollowFridays when we are still enjoying our Thursdays. However, with Twitter being the global community that it is, early #FollowFridays seem inevitable. With that being said, let's enjoy #ThugThursday and #FollowFriday no matter which time zone you may live in. Happy Thursday!

Hong Kong's Raining Acid

2009-06-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

In Hong Kong, authorities received three different reports regarding bottles of acid falling from buildings. Between the three attacks, 54 people have fallen victim and suffered minor burns. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of the attacks stemming from the same source and have set up a 24-hour hotline for information on the attacks. http://tinyurl.com/lwhcks

Top 7 Things NOT To Say To A Single Person

2009-06-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

7. Why are you single?
How is anyone ever supposed to answer that question? Um... I don't know, because I haven't met the "right" person yet?
6. How long did your longest relationship last?
What if the single party has never been in a very serious relationship? Should they be made to feel bad about it? I just don't think this information is pertinent to helping your friend feel better about their situation.
5. You're such a great person! Why haven't you found someone yet?
This statement is the absolute worst! The single party is aware that they are a great catch. What they are unaware of is why other people don't notice these same qualities in them.
4. He/She will come in good time.
This is like saying, "The Republicans will have another 'Ronald Reagan' candidate running for president soon!" It's possible, but unlikely in the near future.
3. Maybe you aren't putting yourself out there...
Between work, going to the gym, hanging out with old college buddies, and extra-curricular activities, how much more "out there" can you get?
2. "I'll never see my grandchildren"
This one is mainly geared toward mothers. You will have grandchildren one day... If you are too old to see them, that's another issue.
1. Maybe you're single because you secretly want to be.
Do I even need to comment on this one?

Instead of saying the things listed above, try a different approach. For the 50 best things about being single, click here:http://tinyurl.com/q9whj5

Real Housewives of Washington D.C.?

2009-06-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

This week, Bravo announced that it will bring the hit show "The Real Housewives" to Washington D.C. Bravo is looking for women who attend important cultural events, political galas, fundraisers, and are at the top of D.C. society. Check Politico's site to see who they consider potential "Housewife" material: http://tinyurl.com/oe7xhm

Tasers Explained Frame-By-Frame

2009-05-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

In Lancaster, PA, WGAL News and the Lancaster Police Department conducted a basic frame-by-frame demonstration on how taser guns work. According to Lancaster police officials, taser guns are the best alternative to the violent methods previously used. http://tinyurl.com/l5ejj6

Fruit Proves To Be "Berry" Beneficial

2009-05-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

In today's society, it seems as though everything we do causes cancer. Luckily, there's a quick and easy solution in helping your body fight cancer-causing agents. According to nutritionist and author Jonny Bowden, berries contain a protective chemical that helps the human body fight cancer. Any fruit in the "berry" family will suffice - strawberries, blueberries or raspberries. These berries are also known to enhance memory activity, boost antioxidants and contain anti-inflammatory compounds. As Bowden stated in his article, inflammation is involved in diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinson's, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and obesity. To learn more about the benefits of eating berries, visit: http://www.FeelYourPower.com/berries.html

Apologies For Delay In News

2009-05-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

The DNA-Daily News Alert team apologizes for the two-week delay in bringing its audience their daily news fix. Our team will resume bringing you the news starting today. Thank you for your patience.

Prayer...America's Hope

2009-05-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today is the 58th Annual National Day of Prayer. The event is held every year to unite the nation in prayer for the leaders of our country. This year's theme "Prayer...America's Hope" is based on the verse Psalm 33:22 which states: "Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone." For more information on how to get involved, visit: http://tinyurl.com/d7dhdw
God bless America.

Miss California USA Under Attack For Beliefs

2009-05-05T22:28:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that the current Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean, has been under scrutiny and attack since her near-crowning experience at the Miss USA pageant on April 19, 2009. Prejean received a question, which should never have been asked in the first place, that was not based upon her leadership or diplomacy but on her personal beliefs regarding same sex marriage. Prejean's answer made it clear that she was raised in a household where marriage is a sacred act and is to be reserved for a man and woman. It may not have been the answer that the majority of the audience wanted to hear, but it was based upon her personal beliefs and that's the type of honest answer that the question called for. My sixth grade teacher had a poster in our classroom that read, "What is popular isn't always right and what is right isn't always popular." Miss California stood up for her beliefs in a difficult situation and did it with the utmost poise, dignity and grace. Our "One nation under God" would have been blessed to have had a Miss USA like Prejean. http://tinyurl.com/cda2nj

South Korea Creates Glow-In-The-Dark Dogs

2009-04-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

Seoul, South Korea, Scientists have engineered four beagle puppies into glow-in-the-dark dogs. The beagles, all named "Ruppy," glow red under an ultraviolet light. Seoul National University professor, Lee Byeong-chun, is head of the research team responsible for the dogs and identified them as clones of a cell donor through DNA tests. http://tinyurl.com/cmm6ef

Florida Beaches Get Lights Out For Turtle Nesting Season

2009-04-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

Miami, Florida, Wildlife officials have asked Florida beach residents to turn out their lights during the evenings or at least keep their units lit to a minimum as to not disturb the sea turtles from their nesting. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has made the request in hopes of preventing confusion for the female sea turtles as they lay their eggs. The spring and summer months are the typical nesting periods for the Loggerhead turtles. http://tinyurl.com/cm7vd6

Britain's Got Talent? Who Knew

2009-04-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

The new hit show in the United Kingdom is Simon Cowell's "Britain's Got Talent." A spin off of the hit series, "American Idol," this series showcases talent of all types, shapes and sizes. This season, viewers are receiving much more than a great performance from the contestants. After watching the shocking performance of Susan Boyle, it was clear to see that great things come in unsuspecting packages. Those who watched the hit video (with over two million hits) on YouTube, were reminded to never judge a book by its cover. That lesson was learned once again by one of the youngest contestants on the show, 10-year-old Hollie Steel.
http://tinyurl.com/dbneqk

USC Fraternity Suspended Pending Sexual Assault Charges

2009-04-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles, California, the University of Southern California's Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity faces temporary suspension after three women reported assaults at the location Wednesday. The Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity held a party at their house Tuesday evening where a 19-year-old girl reported an incident of sexual assault. According to the student, she drank some punch issued by the fraternity and then blacked out. The student woke up several hours later still in the fraternity house and partly clothed. According to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officials, the student believed that she was raped. The Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity is under further investigation by the LAPD and is on interim suspension with the university until the completion of the investigation. http://tinyurl.com/cxfnut

Iran To Launch New Sophisticated Satellite

2009-04-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Tehran, Iran, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that his country plans to launch a new satellite into orbit. This new satellite would be a more sophisticated version of the country's first domestically-made satellite, Hope, launched last February. No details have been given regarding the date of the next launch. After a successful launch in February and another one planned in the near future, the West has shown concern due to the fact that the same rocket technology used to carry satellites into orbit also has the capacity to carry weapons of mass destruction. Iran has dismissed concerns from the West and claims that its space technology is focused on communications, geological research and meteorological studies. http://tinyurl.com/crmqn7

Heroine Cheaper & Deadlier Than Beer

2009-04-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

According to John Gilbride, a special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s New York Field Division, heroine is found to be cheaper than purchasing a six pack of beer. A tiny one-dose bag of heroine can cost anywhere from $5-$10 and is easily accessible to teenagers. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, today's heroine is far deadlier than a generation prior. Fifteen to twenty years ago, the drug only contained about 10% purity. Today's heroine is approximately 70 percent pure, accelerating the possibility for overdose while permitting teenagers to get hooked on the drug at a more rapid rate. http://tinyurl.com/cm5sr7

R.I.P.P.E.D. The One Stop Body Shock™

2009-04-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

In Aliso Viejo, California, a new fitness format is sweeping Orange County. R.I.P.P.E.D. is the format conceptualized and taught by fitness instructors & founders of B3Fit, Alex Isaly and Terry Shorter. R.I.P.P.E.D. stands for resistance, intervals, power, plyometrics, endurance, & diet. With the exception of the diet portion, the rest of the acronym is what is offered in the 45-minute body-shocking class.
"This plateau-proof workout is designed to shock the body while building muscle and increasing endurance," said Isaly.
The R.I.P.P.E.D. format has a following at its home gym, the Renaissance Club Sport in Aliso Viejo, and will be launching the all new Season 3 format this Saturday at nine a.m. For more information, visit www.RIPPEDusa.com.

STOP, BE QUIET, MAKE A CONNECTION

2009-03-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

If your life is as busy as mine, then this video is for you. Take a few minutes out of each day this week to stop, be quiet, and make a connection.

Chivalry May Now Be Dead

2009-03-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

In Quanzhou, China, a young man, died after catching his girlfriend from her suicide attempt off of a seven-story apartment building. The incident occurred Wednesday evening after the couple's argument turned into suicide attempts. Wang held out his arms to break his girlfriend's fall and was immediately killed by impact. The unnamed woman faced multiple bone fractures and other series injuries and is not in critical condition. http://tinyurl.com/cwvxbw

Obama's Favorite School House Rock: Tyrannosaurus Debt

2009-03-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

In the United States, the country's debt has rapidly gone from bad to worse. To date, the U.S. National debt is $11,041,318,060,475.18. How did the United States get itself into this position? No one tells it better than the wonderful people from School House Rock.

*To keep track on the U.S. National debt, you can monitor the U.S. National Debt Clock here: http://tinyurl.com/ecpx

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2009-03-17T00:29:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!
On behalf of myself and my best friend Taryn, we wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

China's Last Eunuch Unveils Shameful Past

2009-03-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

In Beijing, China, the last living eunuch, Sun Yaoting, passed away in 1996 and will finally receive the power that was promised to him while in service to the Emperor. The Last Eunuch of China, written by amateur historian & close friend, Jia Yinghua, was written to capture the secret life of the "Emperor's slave" in a revolutionary China. The book discusses subjects such as the sex life of eunuchs, perilous castrations often done at home, and the shame and power that was inevitable with the lifestyle. The book has been published in English this year and can be purchased wherever fine books are sold. http://tinyurl.com/ckm389

Dr. Finds Benefits To Drinking

2009-03-10T11:41:00.001-07:00

Dr. Malcolm Lloyd, a Johns Hopkins and Dartmouth-trained physician and former pharmaceutical clinical researcher, claims that people who drink in moderation live longer than those who don't. Lloyd indicated that regular drinking can help prevent anything from the common cold to the onset of Alzheimer's and even certain types of cancer. According to Lloyd, drinking in moderation means one to two drinks a day for women and one to three drinks a day for men. For positive results, stay alert of total drinks consumed. Once you exceed the drink limit recommended by Lloyd, the positive effects tend to head in the opposite direction. Dr. Malcolm Lloyd is set to appear on "Good Morning America" this week to discuss his findings in further detail. http://tinyurl.com/adaug3

Socialism Made Easy

2009-03-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

New Wealth Spread butter coming to a store near you...whether you like it or not. Product made available for all by the Obama Administration and is funded by your tax dollars. Wealth Spread costs are subject to rise at any time without notice. Offer only applies to American citizens paying taxes. Illegal immigrants exempt from purchase of the product and will receive a complimentary supply for no less than four years.

Lawmakers In West Virginia Contemplate Banning Barbie

2009-03-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

Tuesday in West Virginia, Democratic Delegate Jeff Eldridge proposed a bill to ban sales of the famous Mattel Barbie doll and other dolls similar to the icon. According to Eldridge, toys such as the Barbie doll influence children to place too much importance on looks and physical beauty. On March ninth of this year, Barbie turns 50 and Mattel has already made big plans to celebrate the monumental anniversary of the doll. If I were Barbie, I wouldn't expect a birthday card from West Virginia any time soon! http://tinyurl.com/dh7ca7

16th President Returns To Disneyland

2009-02-26T14:20:00.000-08:00

For score and five years ago, animatronic Abraham Lincoln appeared on stage at the Main Street Opera House in the Disneyland park. The attraction is making its way back to the Main Street Opera House in honor of the 200th anniversary year of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The former president was born on Feb. 12, 1809. According to Disney spokesman John McClintock, Imagineers have yet to determine any solid plans for the content of the new show. However, they are certain that it will differ from the former, "Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln." Animatronic Lincoln is set to make his debut later this year. http://tinyurl.com/amjb8m

Bucks Mascot Is Nothing But Net

2009-02-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

This past weekend at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Basketball game, Milwaukee Bucks mascot, Bango, seriously injured himself in some pre-game mascot fun.

After being hit in the groin and falling through the basket, Bango suffered a torn ACL in his right knee and is scheduled to undergo surgery in late March.

California Budget Crisis Calls For Immediate Action

2009-02-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, plans to lay off about 20,000 government workers in light of the State's ongoing budget crisis. In addition to the government lay-offs, all public works projects, 275 in total, have been put to a standstill leaving thousands of construction workers jobless. In Sacramento, California, Democratic lawmakers are still making an effort to persuade Republicans to vote in support of additional tax increases for the new budget proposal. After three days of negotiation, lawmakers are still unable to deliver a budget and failed to gain a GOP vote in support of the tax increase. http://tinyurl.com/cl9e8c

68-year-old Woman Fire Hydrant Felon

2009-02-16T22:59:00.000-08:00

In Mount Clemens, Michigan, a judge dropped charges against a 68-year-old woman who was charged with misdemeanors of defacing public property and violating the fire code. The woman, Gloria Haller, painted a fire hydrant near her home yellow last September after children in the neighborhood painted the hydrant white with black spots as part of a citywide art project. According to Haller, the white hydrant was a safety hazard because it would be difficult to spot in the snow. If convicted, Haller would have faced up to 90 days in jail as well as a $500 fine. The charges were dropped last Thursday.

Super-Human Michael Phelps Super Suspended

2009-02-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

USA Olympic gold medalist, Michael Phelps, missed the mark Thursday when he lost a major sponsor and was suspended from competition for three months by USA Swimming. Sunday, News of the World, a British tabloid, published a photo of Phelps inhaling marijuana. The photo was taken in November at a house party in Columbia, South Carolina. Due to the upsetting image of the photo, Kellogg Co. revoked their sponsorship of Phelps in light of the situation and were joined in their decision by the sport's national governing body, USA Swimming. According to the Associated Press, Phelps has acknowledged his bad behavior and hopes to regain the trust and support of fans across the country. Phelps has resumed training in Baltimore, his hometown, and will compete again this May in Charlotte, North Carolina http://tinyurl.com/am949u

High School Skit Proves Popular

2009-02-05T22:11:00.000-08:00

The song "Everything" by Lifehouse has set the tone for an emotional skit re-created by teenagers across the country. The skit depicts a new type of drama known as a human video.

Vatican Forces Bishop to Confess

2009-02-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

Today in Rome, the Vatican called on Bishop Richard Williamson to repeal his statements denying the Holocaust. In a broadcast interview conducted last month, Bishop Williamson repudiated the existence of Nazi gas chambers and was nearly excommunicated. Pope Benedict XVI revoked the excommunication of four bishops last month, including Bishop Williamson. According to The New York Times, it was done as an act of "compassion."http://tinyurl.com/dnxyeh

"Sets and the City" to Return to Universal Studios Hollywood

2009-02-03T23:53:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, Universal Studios Hollywood announced plans to reopen the Universal back-lot sets this summer. Last June, roofers working on the backlot sets accidentally set fire to the New York street scape, the King Kong attraction and parts of Courthouse Square; featured in the Back To The Future trilogy. The New York street scape was featured in Spider-Man 2, Transformers and Bruce Almighty...to name a few. Additional sets also scheduled to open this summer include a new London-based street as well as a modern-based cityscape. The studio press release failed to mention when the King Kong attraction will reopen but did note that it is currently under construction. All sets will be made visible to the public via the Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Tour. http://tinyurl.com/csplmo

Britain's Inability to Cope With Snow Leaves Europeans Embarrassed

2009-02-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

A recent six-inch snow fall has brought the United Kingdom to a standstill. Unaware of how to respond to such weather conditions have left the city trains empty, commuters stranded and all of Europe watching in embarrassment. Failure to cope with winter weather could cost the British economy £3 billion. http://tinyurl.com/dhewbd

Super Bowl Ticket Ridiculously High

2009-01-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and host stadium of Super Bowl XLIII, is also home to one of the most expensive tickets for sale on StubHub.com. For a single seat in a luxury suite on the club level, the ticket is priced to sell at $254,554. Quite a price to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals play. Even with tough economic times, it seems as though some sellers are still looking to make a profit. http://tinyurl.com/ae7z7x

Mexican Drug Cartels Behead New Police Chief

2009-01-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

In Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the local police station found the head of their new police chief in an ice bucket on their doorstep Sunday afternoon. The new chief, Martin Castro Martinez, was abducted Saturday, along with five other police officers and a civilian. Castro Martinez was abducted only four days after he took the position. He was found with a note from La Linea, the dominant drug cartel in the state. The note threatened a rival drug cartel with violence. According to El Universal, the new chief was one of 15 people executed within 24 hours in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Just across the border from El Paso, Texas, Chihuahua has one of the highest homicide rates in Mexico. http://tinyurl.com/78c2m5

Wisconsin Mayor Resigns After Under-Age Sex Scandal

2009-01-20T15:15:00.001-08:00

A Wisconsin mayor resigned today after being charged with six felonies. Mayor Gary Becker of Racine, Wisconsin, attempted to arrange a sexual encounter with a female he believed to be 14 years of age. Becker used his city computer to arrange a meeting with the girl at a nearby mall in Milwaukee. What he didn't know was that he was really chatting with an undercover state agent. Becker planned to meet the 14-year-old girl at the mall to buy her lingerie and then offered to take the girl back to a hotel room for "lots of fun." The investigation began last month, when a computer technician found six pornographic images of what appeared to be underage girls. The technician alerted the police, who immediately turned the operation over to state investigators. Investigators found up to 1,800 sexually explicit chats on Becker's computer. The former mayor faces up to 114 years in prison and $370,000 in fines. http://tinyurl.com/8h8gu9

Happy Martin Luther King Day

2009-01-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

It's Martin Luther King Day...take a few seconds to watch the man of the hour give one of the greatest speeches of the century. http://tinyurl.com/ysyskw

Senior Citizens Missing From Cruise Ship

2009-01-16T23:27:00.000-08:00

A 90-year-old man and his 79-year-old spouse were reported missing from a Carnival Cruise ship Friday, in Long Beach, CA. The cruise departed from Long Beach on Monday and traveled to Santa Catalina Island, Ensenada, Mexico, and returned to port in Long Beach on Friday. Carnival Cruise officials speculate that the couple fell overboard as their belongings were found inside their double-locked cabin. Officials also noticed that the door leading from the cabin to the balcony remained unlocked. According to the FBI, the couple was last seen Tuesday evening on the ship near their room. The Coast Guard has been searching for the couple by plane since Friday. The couple's names and specifics have not yet been released. http://tinyurl.com/axa8rh

Scandalous Behavior Rewarded In Workplace

2009-01-15T14:58:00.000-08:00

A new study found an additional meaning to the phrase "dress for success." The study, conducted by fashion forum website www.theragtrader.com, polled 3,000 professionals and found that 48% of women believe the way they dress directly affects them in the workplace. According to the survey, more than 27% admitted that they would wear a risque outfit in order to strive toward advancement in the company. Scandalous or smart? It seems that nowadays, in order to get a raise, you must give a raise...to the skirt that is. http://tinyurl.com/77sqnd

Ohio Man Sues Police

2009-01-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

Car decals seem to be the latest trend in expressing yourself and pimping out your ride. But what happens when a police officer decides to pull you over because of the sticker on your car? Jasbir Singh of Lockland, Ohio, found out the hard way. Singh was pulled over and cited by a Lockland police officer a year ago for displaying a police union sticker on his car. The sticker was given to Singh by a friend who is a Cincinnati police officer. According to Lockland law, anyone who is not entitled to do so is forbidden from displaying the law enforcement agency emblem or the emblem of a police organization on their vehicle. Singh thought that by displaying the sticker he was simply showing support for law enforcement and didn't see a problem. His sticker displayed the letters "FOP" (Fraternal Order of Police) and did not indicate that he was a member of law enforcement. Singh received a $100 fine and was ordered to peel the sticker off of his vehicle. He sued on Monday in the U.S. District court and hopes to receive the right to put the sticker back on his vehicle. http://tinyurl.com/83xmw7

Women Can Smell A Man's Intentions

2009-01-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been on a date and wished you could magically read the man's mind to find out what his intentions were? According a study conducted by Denise Chen, psychologist at Rice University in Houston, women can subconsciously tell by the scent of man's sweat if he's in the mood or not. Chen pins it down to a chemical or hormone called pheromone. Pheromones can be found in our sweat and trigger a natural behavioral response in another member of the same species. This behavioral response is a subconscious response, so we don't know when we are communicating with them. In the study, Chen found that a woman responds differently to men's sexual sweat hormones and to his normal sweat hormones. And we thought it was just a woman's intuition! For more details on this study: http://tinyurl.com/8mdnjr

A New Threat To The NBA

2009-01-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

There is a new force stirring up the NBA. Portland Blazers center Joel Pryzbilla, received a $7,500 fine for participating in an altercation with New Orleans center, Tyson Chandler. But Pryzbilla is not the problem, his grandmother is. Pryzbilla's grandmother, nicknamed Vanilla Grandmilla, plans to write NBA Commissioner David Stern a series of letters in disagreement with the fine. It is certain that Stern has dealt with far greater issues in the NBA than a mere grandmother. Take the entire country of Canada for example. But watch out Stern, this isn't just any grandma after you, it's the the Vanilla Grandmilla. http://tinyurl.com/857v8l

Modern Day Miracle

2009-01-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

Chelsea Banton, a resident of Mint Hill, North Carolina, has faced medical complications her entire life. After being born five weeks prematurely, the doctors only gave Banton 36 hours to live. Banton surpassed every one's expectations and spent the first four months of her life in a neonatal intensive care unit. As a toddler, Banton was hospitalized for pneumonia in the pediatric intensive care unit in Charlotte, North Carolina's Presbyterian Pediatrics Hospital. This was the first of many trips to Presbyterian Pediatrics Hospital to come. Throughout the great deal of health complications that Banton faced, her family never lost hope. According to the Banton family, prayer was a key factor in helping them cope with Chelsea's on-going illnesses. They were praying for a miracle. In late October of 2008, the Banton family had to make the hardest decision yet. They had to decide when to remove the ventilator that was helping Chelsea breathe. The Bantons came to the conclusion that Chelsea had suffered enough and that the next time the ventilator was removed, they would not attempt to re-attach any longer. November 1, 2008, the ventilator was removed for good. Chelsea was able to breath on her own, but was steadily growing weaker. On November 5, 2008, a nurse practitioner noticed something unusual on the monitor showing the door to Chelsea's room. The nurse called Chelsea's mother, Colleen Banton, in to the room to view the bright image on the monitor. It was at that moment that Colleen realized what she was looking at. According to Jane Duckwall, special correspondent to The Charlotte Observer, Colleen saw an angel. She pointed her digital camera to the monitor to capture the image. After that moment, the hospital removed Chelsea's oxygen mask and as soon as they did, her stats went up, her color came back and she was able to breathe normally. Colleen Banton believes that her prayers were answered through the angel and that she witnessed a miracle. On Christmas day, Chelsea turned 15-years-old. Yet another miracle for the Banton family. http://tinyurl.com/6t5ro5

Sex, Alcohol & Violence...On Myspace

2009-01-05T21:14:00.000-08:00

A new study finds that the most common topics discussed on myspace, the social networking site, are sex, alcohol use, and violent behavior. According to CNN writer, Elizabeth Landau, 54% of teens using myspace are participating in conversations based on these risque topics using either words or photos. The study followed 500 teens, both male and female, all 18 years of age. On a lighter note, the study also mentioned that not all teens who discuss risky behavior participate in it. However, researches did say that discussing such topics could signify desires toward such detrimental behavior in the future. Parents are advised to monitor their child's myspace page and to be aware of conversations, both public and private, that their child is engaging in. http://tinyurl.com/9sso2l

Army Eases Up On Overweight Enlistees

2009-01-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

Due to a recent drop in enrollment, the U.S. military is giving overweight enlistees a second chance. A newly introduced waiver program allows those who do not qualify because of their weight, a chance to get in shape after enlisting. Despite the fact that the Army has met their quota, they have noticed a recent decline in registration. Of those willing to join, a great number do not meet the weight requirement. Nutritionists speculate that the amount of overweight Americans will not go away any time soon. With the unstable economy, Army officials believe that more and more people will be looking to the armed forces for job stability. If this occurs, officials will then plan to remove the waiver program. http://tinyurl.com/6vu5tb

Hawaiians Create 'Barack. O Blend'

2008-12-31T09:08:00.000-08:00

Hawaiians have something brewing down on the islands. The latest coffee blend, "Barack. O Blend," includes coffee beans from each country related to President-Elect Barack Obama's life. Coffee beans from Hawaii, Indonesia and Kenya, are all included in the blend. The article, written by Mark Memmott and Jill Lawrence of USA Today, stated that Obama was born in Hawaii, he lived in Indonesia as a child and his father was from Kenya. Months after the election, this information still seems puzzling to me. The facts regarding Obama's country of origin just don't seem to measure-up. During the election hype of November, I can recall a group of Kenyans on CNN rejoicing in a tiny room upon hearing the announcement that Obama was elected president. I can also recall the interview. One Kenyan man was ecstatic because one of "their own" was finally president and that this would "significantly help their situation." If only Obama's father was from Kenya, how would this significantly help their situation? I mean, it isn't as though Obama was from Kenya, right? I also find it puzzling that the case questioning Obama's birth certificate has repeatedly been thrown out of the courts. For someone who is a "native-born citizen," this shouldn't even be an issue. The fact that it is an issue should give us all something to question. Don't expect to hear it from the liberal media anytime soon. Until then, enjoy the roast! http://tinyurl.com/a5sqtu

Lost Wallet Found 55 Years Later

2008-12-29T11:13:00.000-08:00

Vintage car collectors, Jon Beck, 61, and Chuck Merrill, 72, made the discovery of a lifetime...or so they thought. Beck and Merrill purchased a 1946 Hudson car in hopes of restoring it back to mint condition. While driving the 1946 Hudson home upon purchasing the vehicle, the men noticed something peculiar peeking out of the backseat. Beck and Merrill discovered a leather wallet with $10, several jewelery receipts, a military ID, social security card and a 1952 driver's license. Beck and Merrill used the information they had found for an extensive Internet search in pursuit of the mystery wallet-owner. Although the name on the license read, Glenn Putnam, the men discovered that Mr. Putnam had since changed his name to Glenn Goodlove. Beck and Merrill called Mr. Goodlove to inform him of their discovery. As Mr. Goodlove tried to remember how he initially lost the wallet, the only thing he could think of was that he had misplaced it when he was in the back seat of his car, making out with a girl, when he was home on leave from the US Navy. http://tinyurl.com/2vhjh6

How To Stop A Soar Throat

2008-12-29T10:52:00.000-08:00

It's flu season and bacteria is in the air. Perhaps you have noticed a soar throat developing. It may not be just a simple soar throat. A soar throat is often an early symptom of a cold, strep throat or tonsillitis. Ever wonder how to stop a soar throat before it gets worse? Well thanks to the wonderful people at Discovery Health and The American Academy of Family Physicians, here are a few suggestions for how you can help ease sore throat pain:

1. Gargle with a warm salt water solution.
2. Suck on a throat-soothing lozenge or a hard candy.
3. Suck on a Popsicle, or similar frozen dessert.
4. Drink plenty of fluids.
5. Run a humidifier.
6. Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen.

For more information: http://tinyurl.com/8sxcwg

Christmas Eve Masacre In Covina, CA

2008-12-26T08:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve was a deadly evening in Covina, CA on Wednesday the 24th. Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, a 45-year-old resident of Montrose, was supposed to head to the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where he was expected to volunteer as an usher at the midnight Mass service. Instead, Pardo jumped into a rental car and headed for his ex-wife's parent's home in Covina.

Dressed as Santa Clause complete with a large present, Pardo rang the doorbell of the home. As an 8-year-old girl answered the door, Pardo shot her point-blank with a semiautomatic handgun. Upon shooting the girl, Pardo entered the home and opened fire to the 2 dozen partygoers. Pardo also opened-up the large present he was holding that contained flammable liquids and began pouring it all over the two-story home. Amid the chaos, family and friends fled the burning home and retreeted to the surrounding neighborhood homes where they dialed 911.

According to Covina official, the 8-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl who were both shot were transported to the nearest hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 8 bodies remain in the ruins of the burnt-down house. Authorities believe Pardo's former wife and her parents were among the 8 killed. Pardo was found dead at his brother's home in Slymar. http://tinyurl.com/ayrxl5

Here Comes Santa Clause

2008-12-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), is known for monitoring air and space threats against the U.S. & Canada...however, that's not all it is known for. Children and adults around the world look to NORAD as the official Santa Tracker. For fifty years, NORAD has been responding to phone calls and emails regarding Santa's whereabouts. According to Ivan Moreno of the Associated Press, the tracking center answered 94,000 phone calls and responded to 10,000 e-mails last year alone. Approximately 10.6 million people around the world visited the web site last year at Christmas time. The web site can be viewed in 7 different languages and displays a world map with the locations that have been visited, noted by a present, and the current location, marked with a Santa icon. A timer even counts down the estimated time that Santa will remain at the current location. If you have any non-believers in the house, this is the perfect website to take them to. After all, NORAD is run by the U.S. military. http://tinyurl.com/a8j25k

Dubai Home To World's Only 7-Star Hotel

2008-12-24T10:19:00.000-08:00

The Burj Al Arab Hotel, built in 1999, is the world's most luxurious hotel and was unofficially billed the only 7-star hotel in existence. As if those titles were not enough, the Burj Al Arab Hotel is also the tallest hotel standing, dominating the Dubai coastline at a height of 321 meters. What makes this hotel the most luxurious? A chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, exclusive in-suite check in, a private reception desk on every floor, highly trained butlers available around-the-clock, world class dining, and more. The hotel does not host mere rooms but 202 suites, each one arranged over two floors that span 169 sq. mts up to 780 sq. mts in size. The suites also feature floor to ceiling glass windows that offer the best views of the Arabian Gulf that money can buy. For more information on the feature and amenities at the world's most luxurious hotel, visit their website: http://tinyurl.com/8zyu52

Elf Yourself This Christmas

2008-12-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

Need a quick way to entertain yourself over the holidays? Thanks to Office Max and JibJab, it is now possible to transform yourself into an elf via the world wide web...literally. Elf Yourself can be found at: http://www.elfyourself.com/ At this website, you can add up to five pictures, choose your theme and let the entertainment begin. You can purchase the video for $5. My sister got carried away and came up with this fun family memory: http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/7OFnL7Bjj5u1Q2gtI9tD Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

Bible Still Best-Seller

2008-12-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

How is it possible that the first book ever printed on Gutenberg's printing press is still the world's number one best-seller? And that's only the printed version. Manuscripts delicately labored by scribes date back even further than the Gutenberg bible. According to Stephanie Simon, writer for the Wall Street Journal, 90% of households already own a bible. What's more shocking is that an estimated 25 million copies are still sold each year. Simon believes that sales continue to dominate the marketplace due to innovative design, color, style and the ultimate niche marketing. http://tinyurl.com/79xud5

Princeton Researchers Discover New Laser

2008-12-23T16:12:00.001-08:00

The professors at Princeton University have done it again. This time, they have found a brand new way to generate laser light. While scientists were working with a quantum cascade laser, they noticed a different beam that needed less power than the usual laser beams. According to TechRadar.com writer, Mark Harris, quantum cascade lasers are a tenth as thick as a human hair and 3 millimeters longe. Because the new laser runs well at lower currents and is not affected by temperature change, it is likely to be used for the next generation of medical devices and industrial sensors. http://tinyurl.com/6www8z

5 Most Under-Rated Performances For 2008

2008-12-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hollywood is a dog-eat-dog atmosphere where only the best not only survive, but thrive. Actors receive Oscars, SAG Awards, Emmy's, etc., for their unforgettable performances on the big screen. At least some of them do. One L.A. Times journalist, Scott Feinberg, dishes out his top 5 under-rated performances of 2008. Number one on his list is Kiara Knightley for her role as Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, in "The Duchess." Number two is Viggo Mortensen for his performance as the Professor John Halder in "Good." Actress Kate Beckinsale takes the number three spot for her role as Rachel Armstrong in "Nothing but the Truth." Number four on Feinberg's list is Academy award-winning actor Dustin Hoffman for his non-Academy award-winning role as Harvey Shine in "Last Chance Harvey." And last but certainly not least on the list of under-rated performances for 2008 is 14-year-old Dakota Fanning, for her portrayal of Lily Owens in "The Secret Life of Bees." For more information on Feinberg's top five under-rated actors for 2009: http://tinyurl.com/98x3ln

New Trend Amongst The Dead

2008-12-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows you can't take it with you, or can you? According to Robert Roy Britt, Editorial Director of Live Science, several funeral directors across the country have noticed a strange trend in recent burial requests. More and more of the under 40 crowd have requested that their cell phone be buried with them. For centuries, civilizations have requested items of all sorts to accompany them as they leave this world and head for a new one. But no matter how hard some may try, cell phone and all, there is no earthly reception in the afterlife. http://tinyurl.com/59vbkj

New Cure For Malaria

2008-12-22T21:16:00.000-08:00

The F.D.A. is set to approve a new cure for Malaria, an infectious disease caused by parasites, within the next year. 515 million cases of malaria are reported worldwide each year. In the U.S., 1,500 cases are treated each year. The disease can be contracted by anyone bitten by an infective female mosquito. According to Donald G. McNeil of the New York Times, the new drug, Coartem, combines artemether, an artemesinin derivative, with lumefantrine, a drug developed by Chinese scientists, which does not kill parasites as quickly but lingers in the blood longer. The drug is made by the Swiss company Novartis. http://tinyurl.com/axqpdm

Weekend Box Office Blames Weather

2008-12-22T07:59:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was, or should have been, a big weekend for the box office. With movies such as Jim Carrery's comedy "Yes Man," Will Smith's drama "Seven Pounds," and the animated feature "The Tale of Despereaux," box office figures should have been soaring through the roof. Instead, an unprecedented turn in the weather kept much of America's movie-going audience at home. "Yes Man" lead the box office, bringing in $18.2 million, while "Seven Pounds" came in second with $16 million. Universal Pictures' film, "The Tale of Despereaux" came in third with $10.5 million. While the distributing companies of these films are not at all pleased with the figures from last weekend, they do expect to see the difference in weeks to come. http://tinyurl.com/7ujqyd

Obama Chooses Warren For Invocation

2008-12-17T23:40:00.000-08:00

President Elect Barack Obama announced today that pastor and author of The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren, will be giving the invocation at Obama's inauguration next month. Warren pastors megachurch Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California and was the host of the first presidential forum held last August on the church campus. Typically, former U.S. presidents have chosen their personal pastors to perform the invocation at the inauguration ceremony, but given the bad P.R. and peculiar history with former pastor Jeremiah Wright, who can really blame Obama for his decision? According to the U.S. News & World Report, 73% of white evangelicals supported Senator John McCain over Obama. Choosing a prominent evangelical figure, such as Warren, is a blatant effort from the democrats to appease to the conservative base post-election. You won't see the far-left jumping for joy over the decision. Gays and Lesbians feel as though this decision is a stab in the back. In fact, many attending the inauguration ceremony plan to turn their back and use middle-finger signals when Warren is signaled to speak. How mature of them. Why not just throw a shoe? Oh wait, it's already been done. Back to the drawing board. http://tinyurl.com/4lg6jt

UK Cosmo In Hot Water With Johansson

2008-12-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

Actress Scarlett Johansson is threatening to sue the UK Cosmopolitan Magazine for running fabricated quotes on a cover story in the January edition. According to the guardian.co.uk, the fabricated quotes discussed Johansson's marriage to actor Ryan Reynolds. The magazine claims that the quotes came from an agency journalist and were printed with the belief of approval from Johansson and her publicist, Marcel Pariseau. The guardian.co.uk writes "The magazine has told Pariseau the quotes were bought from Hot Features, an agency based in London whose clients include magazines and newspapers." Pariseau said that his client will sue the publication unless the article is retracted. http://tinyurl.com/6obcjn

New Food Pyramid For Children

2008-12-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

Is your child a picky eater? The federal government has come up with a new food pyramid aimed at children ages 2 to 5. The pyramid comes in the form of an interactive web site called MyPyramid for Preschoolers. The web site offers personal nutrition guidance, tips, and sample meal & snack patterns for parents with picky eaters. The web site can be found at MyPyramid.gov. http://tinyurl.com/5qe8rf

Disney Fires Pirates Over Female Flashers?

2008-12-13T22:53:00.000-08:00

Disney denies recent rumors of laying off four pirate cast-members, on account of female park visitors flashing the character in the park. The four men played the role of "Jack Sparrow" and interacted with park guests on a daily basis. Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown was unable to comment on the real reason the four "Jack Sparrow" characters were laid off. Disney has assured us that Jack Sparrow has set sail for now and will one day return to the park again. http://tinyurl.com/64kzvw

Legendary 1950s Pin-Up Model Dies

2008-12-11T23:39:00.000-08:00

1950s pin-up model, Bettie Page died this evening of pneumonia at a Los Angeles area hospital. Page lost consciousness after suffering from a heart-attack one week ago. The 58-year-old pin-up model has been praised for her work by Vanity Fair, The New York Times, Playboy and TV Guide...to name a few. A private funeral service will be held at Westwood Memorial Cemetery Tuesday, December 16, where she will be put to rest several feet away from another female sex icon, Marilyn Monroe. http://tinyurl.com/6gfeo4

Real Housewife of Atlanta Broke!

2008-12-11T22:05:00.000-08:00

Bravo TV's Real Housewives series have swept Orange County, New York and Atlanta. From Orange County oranges, to Georgia peaches, these women appear to have it all. The Real Housewives of Atlanta has a housewife that may not be as wealthy as it appeared on the show. Atlanta housewife NeNe Leakes claims that she doesn't keep up with the Jones, she is the Jones. According the the "I Team" at FOX 5 news, Leakes is nowhere near the Jones, she's flat out broke.
http://tinyurl.com/5dxpdn

Jack-In-The-Box Burger Tops The Naughty List

2008-12-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

We all know that eating fast-food is not the wisest choice when it comes to eating healthy. What most of us don't know is how detrimental some of the options on the menu can be. According to the Cancer Project, Jack-In-The-Box's junior bacon cheeseburger was ranked the unhealthiest item on the "value menu" at a fast-food chain. For about $1, you aren't just purchasing a burger, but rather a load of saturated fat, processed meats, sodium and other ingredients that can lead to heart-disease and diabetes. So next time you glance at the value menu, stop and think about what is really valuable to you...a dollar or your well-being. http://tinyurl.com/65hk5q

Leno's Playing With The Big Boys

2008-12-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

Is Jay Leno leaving NBC? No, but he is leaving his 11:30 p.m. time slot and moving up to prime time. His new show on NBC will follow a similar format to "The Tonight Show" and will maintain many of the same comedic elements that television audiences have grown to love since 1993. Instead of competing with fellow late-night, David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Chelsea Handler and Jon Stewart, Leno will be competing with prime time award-winning dramas including CSI Miami, Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and House. http://tinyurl.com/67gkjj

RIPPED On Tour

2008-12-04T22:12:00.000-08:00

This weekend the hottest fitness craze in Orange County hits the road and heads up north to start the first of many B3Fit RIPPED tours. Alex Isaly, Terry Shorter, and Anna-Rita Sloss, the three founding fitness aficionados, are responsible for the RIPPED phenomenon. The format that Isaly, Shorter and Sloss created, incorporates the RIPPED acronym; Resistance, Intervals, Power, Plyometrics, Endurance & Diet (done at home). Each element, except for diet, is included in the 45-minute class. The tour kicks off in Walnut Creek, CA at Renaissance Club Sport and concludes in Fremont, CA at the Fremont Club Sport. For more information about the B3Fit RIPPED phenomenon, visit http://www.rippedusa.com/.

Spain's Battle Over Youth

2008-12-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

Spain's Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodridguez Zapatero, has and agenda of his own for the youth of his country. Zapatero plans to add a new compulsory subject to schools called Education for Citizenship. This new subject will force students to learn the government's views on delicate social themes such as divorce, sexuality, gay-marriage and abortion. Many of the country's conservative Catholics are horrified by the new subject. Catholic parents understand that the mind of the youth are vulnerable and can be easily manipulated, giving the government control of an entire generation. On the other hand, many parents support Zapatero's idea of the course as long as it is optional. http://tinyurl.com/5gn9mc

Phelps Sets Another Record

2008-12-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

23-year-old Michael Phelps now has another award to add to his 14 Olympic gold medals. Sports Illustrated recently named him Sportsman of the Year 2008. Phelps is the first swimmer to receive this honor and can now be associated with Sports Illustrated's elite athletes, including Tom Brady and Tiger Woods...to name a few. The year 2008 took Phelps to the Beijing Olympics of 08-08-08, brought Phelps 8 gold medals, 8 world records, and made him the 2008 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. If his lucky number isn't already 8, it definitely should be! http://tinyurl.com/5wx56n

NATO Commences Talk With Russia

2008-12-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

NATO plans to resume talk with Russia in a low-level effort to improve their contacts with the country. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, will attend her final Nato ministerial meeting. According to the BBC News, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili warned the West of "grave risks of returning to business" with Russia after its conflict with Georgia in August. Rice agreed with Nato's decision in resuming talk with Russia, but still believes that their actions against Georgia were "unacceptable." Talk regarding Georgia and the Ukraine's eventual Nato membership have been the topic of conversation with the alliance. http://tinyurl.com/6g2ahk

Irresistible Cars For Thieves

2008-12-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

Are you driving a car that says, "steal me" all over it? According to the 2005-07 theft claim frequency report, SUVs are among the top stolen vehicles in the country. Cadillac Escalades are at the top of the list by a long shot and Hummers follow closely behind. So what type of a car is a safe bet against thieves? The Buic Rainer, Subaru Forester, Ford Focus or a Volvo V70 are all safe bets. Given the choice between a Cadillac Escalade or a Mercedes E Class sedan, a thieve is 15 times more likely to go for the Escalade. Surprisingly, the Mercedes E Class sedan was listed as the least-stolen car on the list. Bottom line, if you absolutely have to drive a luxury vehicle, go for the Mercedes...after all, it is more likely to be around at the end of the day. http://tinyurl.com/5p45xw

MSNBC Host Heads For The Senate?

2008-12-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

According to FiveThirtyEight, MSNBC host Chris Mathews has future plans of running for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Mathews plans to run in Pennsylvania as a Democrat in 2010. Was it wise for this journalist and news anchor to announce his support for a specific political party? Aren't good reporters supposed to maintain a fair and unbiased perspective to the news in which they report? We already know how Mathews plays hardball, let's see how he does with his race for the Senate.
http://tinyurl.com/5p4cl4

Mumbai Attack Ends

2008-11-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

The battle at the financial capitol of India has finally come to an end. Terrorists embarked a 3-day attack in Mumbai, centered around the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel. So far, 172 bodies have been found dead. Along with the Oberoi & Trident luxury hotes, the Nariman House, a Jewish out-reach center was also seized. Gunmen, between the ages of 20 and 25, reportedly killed whoever was in plain sight. According to the State Department, 5 of the fallen victims were Americans. In Washington, President Bush has pledged U.S. support to India in both the investigation and in the country's recovery. http://tinyurl.com/6dd7yv

What Happens In Mexico...

2008-11-28T20:54:00.000-08:00

What happens in Mexico stays in Mexico and is not always legal in the United States. Take Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag's wedding for example. The couple wed last Thursday in Cabo San Lucas Mexico and have yet to make their vows official in the states. Speidi has acknowledged that their wedding in Mexico was purely symbolic and not legally binding. There have been no records of the couple stating that they received a marriage license in Mexico and so far none have been acquired in the states. So one has to ask, was this a publicity stunt? Looking back at the couple's track record, it would be silly to think of it otherwise. After all, the fame and trust-fund money can't last forever. http://tinyurl.com/6psu77

Prevention Eats Away Cancer

2008-11-28T15:24:00.000-08:00

The second leading cause of death among Americans is cancer. With increased research, fund-raising and efforts in prevention, government records have shown a 1.8% decline in cancer-caused deaths. Better treatment, early detection, and changes in lifestyle are all major factors that have contributed to the decline. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Americans with 652,000 reported a year. 560,000 die each year from cancer. http://tinyurl.com/5kx8j7

Black Friday Turns Deadly

2008-11-28T14:57:00.000-08:00

A 34-year-old man was trampled to death at 5 a.m. this morning while attempting to open the doors at a WalMart store in Valley Stream, New York. It has been reported by the Nassau County police that the man lived in Queens and was a temporary employee hired as extra help for the holiday season. Crowds formed a line beginning at 9 p.m. last night and by this morning there were around 2,000 shoppers outside the store. Authorities have not yet released his name.
Two people were killed at a Toys 'R' Us in Palm Desert, California, around noon today in a shooting. Riverside County police have yet to reveal the names, ages, and gender of the two victims.
http://tinyurl.com/6p2z6e

Gearing Up for Saturday

2008-11-27T10:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday at 5 Pm the USC Trojans take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Coliseum. For many seniors, this Saturday's "Senior Night" will be the last time they take the field at the Coliseum. For one junior, it may also be his last time. Junior safety Taylor Mays, has already been regarded as a NFL first-round-draft pick, but has already maintained that any decisions regarding the NFL can wait until after a bowl game. 6-foot-3, 230-pound Mays plans to play this Saturday's game like any other game because for him it's not senior night. USC is currently ranked number five with a 9-1 record and has won six straight games in the USC/Notre Dame series. http://tinyurl.com/64bous

Snow in Southern California

2008-11-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

It's official the snow has arrived. The good news is that there is a light dusting to 1" of snow in Big Bear. The bad news is that mother nature did not provide enough snow to start the ski season for the holidays. The base temperature is currently 37 degrees and the summit temperature is 35 degrees. For more information about when the local slopes will open, visit: http://tinyurl.com/4953vl
Happy Thanksgiving!

Contaminated Syrup Kills Babies

2008-11-26T11:34:00.001-08:00

In Nigeria 25 children between the ages of three months and four years have died after taking contaminated teething syrup. The syrup was found to be polluted with with diethylene glycol, most commonly seen in engine coolant and anti-freeze. So far, ten other children have been taken to the hospital. Symptoms to look for in children who have taken the teething syrup include convulsions, diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, inability to urinate and fever. http://tinyurl.com/5bjgrd

Tips For A Successful Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

Is your kitchen starting to look similar to an episode of the Food Network's Challenge? There is so much food in your kitchen, you could probably accommodate a football team! Thanksgiving is upon us and it's definitely a time to reflect on what you are thankful for. I am thankful for getting my body fat down 5.6% last month in the RIPPED Challenge. RIPPED Trainer Alex Isaly has 8 helpful tips on how to stay at your best this thanksgiving. http://tinyurl.com/6ett2b

First Lady Speaks Out

2008-11-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

Plans are in the works for First Lady Laura Bush to write a memoir about her life in the White House. The first lady plans to keep the memoir positive with minimal criticism. She and daughter Jenna Bush published a children's book last spring by HarperCollins titled "Read All About It." Publishers believe that the first lady's memoir will do much better in bookstores than the children's book has done. According to Nielson ratings, only about 77,000 copies have sold to date. The final publisher for the memoir has yet to be chosen. http://tinyurl.com/6jtudq

The Original Housewives Are Back

2008-11-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

They're back! Tonight on Bravo TV the Real Housewives of Orange County are kicking off their fourth season and introducing a new housewife, 30-year-old Gretchen Rossi. With Rossi's youth and looks, Gretchen might be the new hottest housewife of Orange County. To see what lies behind the gates this season, tune in to Bravo TV tonight at 10PM. http://tinyurl.com/5s9c7u

Sex & The City Sequel

2008-11-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

Sarah Jessica Parker is making plans for a sequel to her box office hit "Sex and The City" movie. Story lines are still in the works and SJP has already made clear that a child is an unlikely addition to character Carrie Bradshaw's new life with husband Mr. Big. SJP hopes to begin shooting the film next summer to be out in theaters by 2010. http://tinyurl.com/5aesyy

Flying to Bangkok? Expect Delays

2008-11-25T08:28:00.000-08:00

Thai protesters have partially shut down the Bangkok international airport today. Departing flights have been canceled while incoming flights are still being allowed as Bangkok is the major hub for all travelers connecting flights to Australia and Europe. The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters are acting out in efforts to forbid Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from returning to the country. Demonstrators have moved into the passenger terminal and are armed with wooden sticks and golf clubs. So far, 8 people have been injured. http://tinyurl.com/6b8hvz

Till Death Do They Part

2008-11-24T16:10:00.000-08:00

Speidi is now official. 22-year-old Heidi Montag went against mother's wishes and secretly wed 25-year-old beau, Spencer Pratt. The event took place last Thursday in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and lacked any sort of immediate family, minus their biggest fans, the media. The full article hits the stands this week exclusively in US Weekly. http://tinyurl.com/66fq8u