WebProNews

Author: Val Powell

  • Clarissa Dickson Wright Of “Two Fat Ladies” Fame Dies At 66

    Clarissa Dickson Wright Of “Two Fat Ladies” Fame Dies At 66

    Clarissa Dickson Wright rose to fame for being one of the cooks in BBC Two’s cooking program called Two Fat Ladies. The series ran from 1996 to 1999.

    In the show, Wright, together with her co host, Jennifer Paterson, travel to different places in the United Kingdom and cook big meals using unique ingredients. Both women have a knack for using strong flavors, and typically cook with garlic, seasonings, and anchovies.

    Wright’s agents, Elly James and Heather Holden-Brown, said that she had been sick for months. She had been confined in the hospital since the year started. Wright died on Saturday at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh. Details regarding her death were not specified.

    Wright, born Clarissa Theresa Philomena Aileen Mary Josephine Agnes Elsie Trilby Louise Esmeralda Dickson Wright, was born to an affluent family. Her father, an excellent surgeon who treated members of the royal family, became an alcoholic. Her mother is of Australian descent and also came from a wealthy family.

    Wright became a lawyer at the age of 21. She also became an alcoholic, just like her father, but opted for a a lifestyle of sobriety when she stopped drinking on her 40th birthday. Reports say that she spent around £2.8 million of her inheritance on alcohol in the span of 12 years.

    She then focused more on her cooking and ended up being the host of Two Fat Ladies in her forties.

    Wright and Paterson became popular, as they went against health-conscious cooking and used large amounts of bacon, lard, and other “unhealthy” food items. According to Suzanne Hamlin of The New York Times, the women did not follow anything “by the book” in their show.

    Two Fat Ladies finished its run in 1999, as Paterson died of cancer.

    Sources said that a few weeks before she passed away, Wright had been calling friends and asking them for help for a crossword puzzle clue that she was having trouble with. Close friends say that her intelligence, fun, and laughter will be missed by many.

    Two Fat Ladies Cook Lard

    Image via Facebook

  • States Consider $0 Tuition Fee For Community College

    Nothing gets the attention of consumers like the word free. In recent reports, state officials in a few states are considering the idea of a free community college education. This is being looked into, as it is seen as an effective way of getting more citizens to attend community college.

    This proposed idea is also said to increase the number of people to attain a higher education. If this passes, states with free community college education will have workforces that are more appealing to employers.

    Senator Mark Hass of Oregon said, “I think everybody agrees that with a high school education by itself, there is no path to the middle class.” According to information from the Oregon University System, people with only a high school degree earn less money than those who have a degree.

    According to the results of a poll that was conducted last February, 94% of Americans agree that continuing to study after high school is important. However, only 23% think that education beyond high school is affordable.

    Through the years, the cost of attending a community college has increased, due to lessened support from the states. On an average, a student will have to pay around $3,300 for a year of community college, and that amount does not include other fees and books. This amount is much cheaper than attending a university, but it is still a large amount to those who are on the fence about getting a higher education.

    Governor Bill Haslam of Tennessee is proposing the “Tennessee Promise,” which states that the any high school graduate can get a $0 tuition for community college.

    In Oregon, Governor John Kitzhaber has approved a bill that tasks the state commission to see if free community college is possible.

    In California, no-cost community colleges were available until the 80’s – just before the fiscal crisis. The commission is also looking into the possibility of bringing back free education to the state.

    Commission reports regarding the issue are expected to be done late this year. That gives state officials and lawmakers ample time to decide whether to go through with the idea next year.

    Should Community College Be Free


    Image via Twitter

  • Return Of The Jedi: New ‘Star Wars’ Movie Takes Place 30 Years Later

    Return Of The Jedi: New ‘Star Wars’ Movie Takes Place 30 Years Later

    It’s official – Disney and Lucasfilm’s latest project, “Star Wars: Episode VII” will start filming in May, representatives from both companies announced on Tuesday.

    At the helm of the new “Star Wars” film is J. J. Abrams, who also directed two “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible” movies. The plot, which is set three decades after the events of “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi”, will begin shooting at Pinewood Studios near London.

    Not much has been revealed of his highly anticipated sci-fi franchise installment, but according to “Star Wars” official website, the film will feature “some familiar faces” and introduce three “new young leads”.

    According to international news agency Reuters, Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that the character R2D2 will be making a comeback in the film. Rumors have been circulating that Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford would make an appearance in the movie, although Iger has yet to confirm any casting news. Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o is reportedly in talks to play a role in the new movie, while “Girls” actor Adam Driver is in the final negotiation stages to play the main villain, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

    The “Star Wars” franchise was created by George Lucas, who also directed several of the film installments. It is considered one of the most successful film franchises in terms of revenue and influence on pop culture. It consists of six films that have collectively earned more than $4.4 billion at the international box office since the first installment was released in 1977.

    “Episode VII” will be the fifth “Star Wars” movie to be filmed in the United Kingdom. The original Star Wars trilogy was also filmed in the UK, specifically at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.

    The release date for “Episode VII” is December 18, 2015. Apart from directing the movie, Abrams has also co-written the screenplay alongside Lawrence Kasdan.

    STAR WARS EPISODE VII Rumors


    Image via Twitter

  • Illinois Primary 2014: Bruce Rauner Wins Republican Gubernatorial Nomination

    Bruce Rauner won the GOP primary in his bid for governor in the state of Illinois. The other Republican Party challengers were Sen. Kirk Dillard, State Sen. Bill Brady, and state Treasurer Dan Rutherford. It is Rauner’s first time bidding for the nomination.

    The unofficial vote count shows Rauner collected 40 percent of votes, while Dillard, Brady, and Rutherford got 38, 15, and 7.5 percent respectively.

    The Democrats have already given their nod to incumbent governor Pat Quinn, who received 72 percent of the votes. Tio Hardiman got the remaining 28 percent.

    The Democratic Party has been holding the gubernatorial fort since 2003, and they have also controlled the Legislature and most offices in the state. The arrival of Rauner into the picture is sure to be a cause of concern, especially since some voters have expressed their desire to break an alliance between the Democrats and organized labor.

    Bruce Rauner Votes In Primary

    Rauner also has a massive campaign fund. He was able to raise more than $14 million, which includes more than $6 million of his own wealth. His financial status was used against him by Quinn, however, who aired television commercials attacking him over the issue of minimum wage.

    Governor Pat Quinn On Minimum Wage

    In the south, the voters’ desire for change stemmed from marginalization. They feel neglected, with most, if not all, of the political favor going to the Democrats and the area of Chicago. One Godfrey resident laments, “All of our money goes up there while southern Illinois gets the crumbs.”

    On the other hand, organized labor groups are skeptical of Rauner, who they think may weaken unions in the same way other Republican governors have. Rauner had stated that his leadership would be modeled after those by former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Daniels and Walker rolled back union influence to attract business and reduce labor costs.

    The Illinois gubernatorial election will be held on November 4, 2014.

    Image via YouTube

  • Rolling Stones Cancel Concerts Following L’Wren Scott’s Death

    The Rolling Stones have postponed a series of their concerts for their 14 ON FIRE tour in Australia and New Zealand following the death of frontman Mick Jagger’s girlfriend, L’Wren Scott.

    Scott, 49, was a fashion designer who has been with Jagger, 70, since 2001. Her body was found by her assistant hanging in her Manhattan apartment. Reports say that there was no apparent foul play. Medical experts have yet to provide the official cause of death. The incident is a suspected suicide, but there was no note found at the scene.

    Sources say that Scott has been struggling with her business and also in her relationship with Jagger. LS Fashion LTD, Scott’s clothing company, is reportedly millions of dollars in debt. A source close to the Jagger also said that Scott has been having issues, as she has been with Jagger for 12 years, but there were still no talks of their future together as husband and wife.

    Scott’s close friends also stated that the designer had been acting a bit strange and was avoiding their calls for at least a week before the incident.

    In an official announcement, the band says that they are disappointed and sorry for postponing their concerts. Fans who are planning to attend the concert are asked to hold on to their tickets and wait for the announcement of the new concert dates.

    Jagger has also released a statement regarding the death of Scott. The rock legend thanked the people who have sent him messages and those who have paid tribute to Scott. “I am still struggling to understand how my lover and best friend could end her life in this tragic way,” he said.

    In the midst of this tragic event, the New York Post published a story saying that Scott and Jagger had split up. According to Jagger’s rep, Victoria Scarfone, the story is 100% untrue and inaccurate.

    Rolling Stones 14 On FIRE

    Image via YouTube

  • Mumps Outbreak Grows To 28 Cases At Ohio State University

    A recent mumps outbreak at the Ohio State University has ballooned to 28 cases, according to public health officials. The spokesperson of the city health department made a statement on Tuesday that the number could increase with students coming back to school from spring break.

    The official added that the infected individuals include eighteen students and one staff member. The report did not mention if the patients were unvaccinated, although both the university and the Ohio state law do not require the MMR immunization vaccine in order to be admitted to a college.

    The outbreak was said to have started on February 11 and the last reported incident took place on March 12. Of the confirmed mumps cases, 11 are female and 12 are male, and their ages range from 18 to 48 years. One of the patients is related to a student, another is a staff member, and three infected individuals neither study nor work at Ohio State but have connections to the university community.

    The spokesperson further said that health authorities are mapping cases to determine the cause of the outbreak. No one is currently hospitalized, although three people were reported to have been confined at a hospital for at least one day.

    Public and university health officials advised Ohio State students and staff to take proper precautions to avoid catching the virus as they make their return to class on Monday.

    Mumps is an infectious viral disease that can spread the same way as the cold and flu – through droplets of saliva that can be picked up or inhaled from surfaces and transmitted to the mouth or nose. Early signs of mumps include a headache, fever, fatigue, and some muscle pain. These symptoms progress into painful swelling of the parotid glands, which are apparent at the side of the patient’s face, giving him or her a hamster-like appearance.

    How To Prevent Mumps


    Image via OSU.edu

  • Beastie Boys And GoldieBlox Settle Lawsuit Over Use Of ‘Girls’ Song

    Rapcore band Beastie Boys has finally settled their battle with the Oakland-based toy company GoldieBlox. The news was reported in the Oakland Tribune, but other details regarding the amount of settlement was not disclosed.

    GoldieBlox is geared towards manufacturing construction and engineering toys for girls in order to break stereotypes. In one of their advertisements, Princess Machine, the company used Girls, a Beastie Boys song that was released in 1987. The advertisement went viral last year when it aired during the Super Bowl.

    The band says that they support what the toy company stands for, but they have already decided long ago to have a blanket ban on the use of their songs in any type of advertisement.

    The toy company was the first to sue the band stating that the use of the song was a parody, as the lyrics were changed to suit the commercial. The Beastie Boys then countersued, since they were following the their fellow band member Adam Yauch’s will. A statement in the will says, “in no event may my image or name or any music or any artistic property created by me be used for advertising purposes.”

    GoldieBlox said that they did not know about Yauch’s will and they did not want to be in a legal battle with the Beastie Boys. They then took down the commercial from YouTube. The Beastie Boys also criticized the company for not using original music. GoldieBlox has also used music from other artists, such as Avicii, Daft Punk, and Queen.

    According to a spokesperson from GoldieBlox, the settlement between the two parties include an apology from the toy company on their official website, and a fee that will be given to the Beastie Boys based on the toy company’s revenues. The amount will be donated by the band to various charities that support math, engineering, technology, and science education for girls.

    The Goldie Blox Ad that triggered the lawsuit

    Image via YouTube

  • Mercury Is Shrinking; NASA Makes Startling Revelation

    Mercury Is Shrinking; NASA Makes Startling Revelation

    Mercury, considered the smallest planet in the entire solar system, is said to be shrinking to an even smaller size.

    The findings were published in the Nature Geoscience and research shows that Mercury now has a diameter of more or less 3,032 miles, which is 8.6 miles smaller than its diameter 4 billion years ago.

    In the 1970s, scientists have already observed that the planet became smaller because it has been cooling down as years passed by. This was evidenced by the photos of the planet taken by the Mariner 10 probe.

    The recent findings were based on data that was gathered from the MESSENGER spacecraft of NASA. The spacecraft entered Mercury’s orbit back in 2011 and was able to map 55% of the area that the Mariner 10 had missed.

    Researchers were able to say that Mercury is shrinking due to the wrinkles that appear on its surface, which can be likened to wrinkles that appear on an apple’s surface when it starts to dry up and shrink.

    Today, there is a more accurate explanation to the shrinking – plate tectonics. According to one scientist, they have seen big slabs of rocks sliding over each other, and the landscape of the planet is crumpling up as a result. The difference between the Earth and Mercury is that Earth has several plates that shift, while Mercury only has one shell as a crust.

    The movement of rocks sliding has provided a beautiful effect that they call scarps. Paul Byrne, the study’s lead author, said that the scarps that result from plate tectonics are Mercury’s own version of a mountain belt that provides a picturesque landscape. The wrinkly features found on Mercury have also been found on Mars and on the Moon.

    This new findings will allow further studies to be conducted so scientists can answer different questions, such as why the shrinking happens, and when it started.

    Why Is The Planet Mercury Shrinking?

    Image via YouTube

  • Lady Gaga’s ‘Brooklyn Nights’ Track Leaks Online

    A song that was supposed to be included in Lady Gaga’s 2013 album ARTPOP made its way online over the weekend. The track with the title “Brooklyn Nights” was said to be recorded almost four years ago when the singer was working on her 2009 EP The Fame Monster.

    Gaga revealed the title of the song in a Q&A session on Twitter on September 20 last year, in anticipation of ARTPOP’s release. However, the song, produced by DJ White Shadow, was nowhere to be found in the album’s final track list. The singer later revealed that the track would be available to audiences via the ARTPOP mobile app.

    In the pop ballad “Brooklyn Nights”, Gaga sings about a failed relationship. The song is somewhat nostalgic, and gives listeners a glimpse of the once-happy relationship: “I always thought it was you / You always thought it was me / We always thought we were it / Seemed like a real perfect fit”.

    The thoughts are of a young couple in love, no doubt. This was confirmed in the next lines that say even though they were young, they could grow old together until the very end. However, this love was short-lived: it doesn’t appear that they can be together forever. Things have changed from when they spent happy nights in Brooklyn.

    The relationship must have gone toxic, and the couple had already gone their separate ways. This is where Gaga starts reminiscing about the old times and their domestic life, from missing their old chandelier to watching Rocky IV.

    So what went wrong?

    The song doesn’t say, but in the next lines we hear about how she found an old pair of keys to the apartment that she shared with her significant other, and it made her want to see him again to see if they can “make it work”. It’s been seven years and she had had a string of bad dates, and was hoping that she could spend a night hanging out with “the old you”. Maybe then, she sings, they can be themselves and tell the truth.

    Listen To Lady Gaga’s ‘Brooklyn Nights’

    Image via YouTube

  • Jodi Arias Retrial To Begin In September

    Jodi Arias Retrial To Begin In September

    Jodi Arias, the former waitress convicted of first-degree murder, is set to face the court again in September for the second phase of her trial.

    Arias was convicted in May last year for the killing of her boyfriend Travis Alexander in June 2008, but the jurors were unable to reach a decision on her sentence.

    The retrial will begin on September 8 with jury selection. Under Arizona’s statutes, while Arias’ conviction stands, the prosecutors may put on a second penalty phase with a new jury, who may arrive upon a unanimous decision for a death sentence.

    If the new jury fails to do so, the death penalty will be removed from consideration. It would then be up to the judge to sentence her to a life behind bars, or to be eligible for release after 25 years.

    Alexander’s body was discovered by his friends in his house in Mesa, Arizona on June 9, 2008. He was in the shower, with his throat slit, a gunshot to the head, and multiple stab wounds. According to reports, he had been stabbed a maximum of 29 times.

    Alexander Travis’ autopsy (graphic)

    The medical examiner’s testimony stated that Alexander’s windpipe, jugular vein, and common carotid artery had been slashed. The examination revealed that he had defensive wounds on his hands, indicating that he struggled against the attack.

    Alexander was supposed to take an important conference call on the night of June 4. When his friends failed to get into contact with him, they went to his home on June 9. His roommates first said he was out of town, until they opened the master bedroom and found his body in the shower.

    One of the pieces of evidence that linked Arias to the homicide was Alexander’s digital camera. Investigators were able to recover detailed images that showed the couple in sexually suggestive poses and of Alexander bleeding in the shower. Another piece of evidence was a bloody palm print that contained Alexander’s and Arias’ DNA, which unquestionably put Arias in the crime scene.

    Arias, his on-again, off-again girlfriend was charged for the murder. It was also discovered that she had been stalking him prior to his death. Arias testified that she killed him in self-defense, but was found guilty.

    Jodi Arias’ side of the story

    Jodi Arias found guilty of premeditated murder after lying to the jury

    Image via Murderpedia.org

  • Cody Simpson Dances The Cha Cha Cha On Dancing With The Stars

    Australian pop singer Cody Simpson graced the stage of Dancing with the Stars on its 2-hour premiere episode for season 18.

    Other celebrities joining this season are Drew Carey, Amy Purdy, Billy Dee Williams, Sean Avery, NeNe Leakes, Candace Cameron Bure, Meryl Davis, James Maslow, Charlie White, Diana Nyad, and Danica McKellar.

    The premiere show had each pair dancing a contemporary routine–the foxtrot or cha cha. Simpson, together with his professional dance partner Witney Carson, danced the cha cha to the tune of Timber by Pitbull. The pair did a great job and garnered praise from the judges.

    Bruno: “Fresh, cool, spunky! A lovely individual style.”

    Carrie Anne: “You are fantastic on the upper body.”

    Len: “Full of confidence, full of attack, full of energy!”

    They got a total score of 22 out of 30 points – 7 from Carrie Anne, 7 from Len, and 8 from Bruno.

    The dancing show changed its format, and for the first time, viewers will have the power to vote and switch up the dancer-celebrity pairs. Everyone in the competition will be affected with this new rule, as they are required to switch partners at any point in the season.

    March 17 was a special day for the 17-year-old pop star, as it is not only the start of his dancing gig, but also the day when his new single entitled Surfboard was released. The new single shies away from his previous works that are standard pop songs. This song might also be a hint of what the pop star’s third album is going to sound like. The new single is a mix of progressive pop with a hint of dubstep, and is the perfect tune for summer.

    Simpson and Carson will be dancing the tango on next week’s Dancing with the Stars.

    Image via YouTube

  • US Navy SEALs Take Over Rogue Libyan Oil Tanker

    United States Special Forces took over an oil-filled commercial tanker that left a rebel-controlled Libyan port. The raid was intended to foil the rebels’ plans to sell petroleum on the global market.

    The raid took place on Sunday night in the Mediterranean Sea southeast of Cyprus. The SEALs successfully carried out the operation without firing any shots or injuring any of the captured rebels. The ship’s captain described the three armed Libyans as hijackers.

    According to a Pentagon spokesperson, the Morning Glory oil tanker was the first vessel to have loaded crude from a rebel-controlled port since a separatist insurgency against Tripoli’s government broke out in July of last year. There was no mention of the tanker’s destination.

    The spokesperson added that the Obama-approved operation was a reflection of the United States’ policy to boost Libya’s frail central government, which has faced multiple challenges since Moammar Gadhafi was ousted in 2011.

    The combination of Libya’s weak government and burgeoning army has made it increasingly difficult for the nation to put its foot down on former anti-Gadhafi militias, who are currently using their military capabilities to leverage the state to their oil-related agenda.

    Libya’s government had been openly against the militia’s participation in the country’s oil trade, and even threatened to blow up the tanker at one point. Once the Morning Glory set sail last week, lawmakers of the transitional parliament removed Prime Minister Ali Zeidan through a vote of no confidence. The defense minister was appointed as interim leader.

    The Libyan government released an official statement on Monday crediting the American and Cypriot governments for intercepting the illicit oil shipment. It also confirmed that the sale of Libyan petroleum is the primary source of national revenue, which is why any illegal activities surrounding it will not be tolerated.

    The Morning Glory is headed back to Libya under the authority of 25 U.S. sailors, and is expected to reach port within four days. The Libyan hijackers are in U.S. custody, although their prosecution has not yet been determined.

    Navy SEALs training at sea

    Image via YouTube

  • Def Leppard Announces 2014 North American Tour With Kiss

    Fans of hard rock and heavy metal can rejoice because an epic team-up is about to happen this year. Legendary bands Kiss and Def Leppard are headlining a 2014 summer tour of the United States and Canada. Both groups made the announcement on Monday at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. The press conference was shown to the public via live streaming on the Live Nation website.

    According to Kiss rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley, the 42-city tour is bound to “deliver good news and excitement” to fans of both bands. It is scheduled to kick off on the 23rd of June in West Valley, Utah and end on the 31st of August in Woodlands, Texas. Tickets go on sale starting Friday.

    Stanley added that Kiss “couldn’t pick a better band” than Def Leppard with whom to collaborate in this tour. He said that both bands have stood the test of time and putting them together promises a “great night of music”.

    Kiss/Def Leppard press conference

    While the two bands share several similarities including their brand of music and the era they first came out, this will be the first time that they share a bill. Stanley declared that the collaboration seemed to be a “natural fit” and that one of Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen’s earlier bands, Girl, performed as Kiss’ opening act in the early 80’s.

    Def Leppard lead vocalist Joe Elliot said that he and Kiss bassist Gene Simmons first approached the idea of their respective bands touring together when both of them played in several South American gigs a couple of years ago as part of a rock ‘n’ roll all-stars tour.

    Kiss is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year with an induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this month. Elliot also revealed that Def Leppard has started writing music for the group’s upcoming album. Collen said that the album is expected be released in 2015.

    Kiss/Def Leppard tour dates

    Image via YouTube

  • Jim Irsay: Indianapolis Colts Owner Facing Felony Charges

    Jim Irsay, the owner and CEO of NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, faces four felony counts for possession of a controlled substance, along with a preliminary misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated. The charges against Irsay were confirmed by Deputy Bryant Orem of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department.

    The Colts owner was pulled over on Sunday night after roadside police observed him driving slowly near his residence in Carmel, Indianapolis. He also stopped in the roadway and failed to use a turn signal. He was given several sobriety tests that he failed, prompting police to arrest him.

    A vehicle search also tuned up multiple prescription drugs. The police also found drugs that were not associated with the prescription bottles inside the vehicle.

    Irsay was released from the Hamilton Country Jail the following day after posting $22,500 bail. His hearing is scheduled for March 26.

    Friends of Irsay, and even some Colts insiders, have long known about his struggle with drugs, and have tried to get him into rehab. They even tried to persuade him to get a driver to keep him away from being behind the wheel, but Irsay would have none of it. He dismissed their concerns, even if it was physically obvious that something serious was going on. To explain his 60-pound weight loss, Irsay insisted that his doctors wanted him to lose weight for the good of his hip and back.

    In a tweet Irsay posted in October 2013, he said that doesn’t drink, and hasn’t done so in 15 years. He had also overcome his dependence on painkillers after his orthopedic operations after undergoing therapy. The plastic surgeon who used to write Irsay’s painkiller prescriptions no longer treats him, and the pharmacy he used to get his medications from says that Irsay has not been a customer since his treatment.

    In November, Irsay’s wife Meg filed for divorce after 33 years of marriage and 10 years of being separated. They have three daughters.

    Image via YouTube

  • Hellfire Missiles: U.S. Government Sends Ammunition To Iraqi Forces

    To show its continued support to the Iraqi forces against their ongoing campaign against terrorism, the United States has sent 100 Hellfire missiles and other ammunition to Iraq, officials of the U.S. Embassy to Iraq announced on Sunday.

    According to the Embassy’s official statement, the shipment was sent earlier this month with the purpose of reinforcing the Iraqi Security Forces who are currently battling al-Qaeda splinter group ISIL or Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

    The statement also expressed the U.S. government’s intention to send more weapons to Iraq within the next several weeks because of its belief in the importance of having “modern and effective weaponry” in facing the potential danger that the ISIL can bring to Iraq and the region. According to Embassy officials, the U.S. has already given the Iraqi security forces thousands of assault rifles, grenades, machine guns, sniper rifles, as well as more than 11 million rounds of ammunition since mid-January.

    The Associated Press reported that militant positions in the war-torn province of Al Anbar are frequently targeted by Iraqi warplanes, which use Hellfire missiles to eliminate the camps. For the past couple of months, Iraq’s western cities have experienced intense clashes between the combined forces of the Iraqi government and their allies from the Sunni militia, and militant groups associated with al-Qaeda along with other insurgents. The rebel groups hold the city of Fallujah and parts of Al Anbar capital of Ramadi.

    In a related story, two police officials – who spoke on condition of anonymity – reported that a suicide bomber allegedly crashed his explosive-filled car into a joint security area near Ramadi on Sunday. The explosion killed three police officers and two soldiers. Another casualty involved a car bomb that went off in the southeastern region of Baghdad. Four people were reported killed on the spot, and surrounding shops and vehicles were also damaged.

    The AGM-114 Hellfire Missile

    http://youtu.be/byIsaZ5WYyM

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Flavia Pennetta Wins Indian Wells Title

    Flavia Pennetta Wins Indian Wells Title

    Italian tennis player Flavia Pennetta beat Polish Agnieszka Radwanska in the women’s final of Sunday’s BNP Paribas Open event at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California. It is the biggest title of her career.

    The 6-2, 6-1 tally was a devastating loss for Radwanska, who suffered a knee injury prior to the match that affected her mobility. As she accepted her second-place trophy, she tearfully told the crowd she was “sorry I couldn’t run.” She was practicing when she hurt her left knee, and tried everything to prepare herself for the big game. “But I didn’t expect it to be much worse,” she said.

    Radwanska had no specific diagnosis for her injury, but she said that she would try to play in a match in Miami the following week. She receives a runner-up check worth $500,000, and maintains her position at No. 3 in the world. Serena Williams and Li Na take the first and second spots, respectively.

    Pennetta’s win, fair or not considering her opponent’s injury, is still seen as a major comeback into the game. In August 2012, she underwent a serious wrist surgery. Last June, her ranking dropped to 166th in the world, and she had to struggle to rebuild her career. She was eventually able to get into the semifinals of the U.S. Open.

    For the Indian Wells tournament, Pennetta was able to enter at the 21st spot and was seeded at 20th, but didn’t seem like the one who would bring home the championship. Now she not only has the first-place crystal trophy, but $1 million as well. The winning check represents 13 percent of her career winnings.

    “After so many years and so much work, this is the moment I always waited for,” Pennetta said. At 32, she is the third-oldest winner of the tournament, next to Martina Navratilova who won when she was 33 and 34 years of age in 1990-1991. It’s Pennetta’s 13th year as regular competitor, and though she thinks of herself as “old” she knows she’s a good athlete with the strength and experience “to handle the emotion and everything” that comes with being in a tournament.

    Watch highlights from the match

    http://youtu.be/NiUAnLd5XKI

    Image via YouTube

  • Emmanuel Sanders Signs Deal With Denver Broncos

    Wide receiver, Emmanuel Sanders, has signed a three-year deal with the Denver Broncos last Sunday. The deal is worth $18 million if Sanders is able to achieve all the performance bonuses in the contract.

    However, striking the new deal with the Broncos left Sanders’ agent in hot water. According to a team official, the 25-year-old football star’s agent did not adhere to the rules of negotiations.

    Reports say that Steve Weinberg, Sanders’ agent, has already accepted a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. He then started negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without providing information about the negotiations with the Chiefs. In the end, the agent finally signed an agreement with the Broncos on behalf of Sanders.

    Sources previously stated via ESPN that other teams might be hesitant to sign Sanders due to medical concerns. Sanders sustained injuries in the 2010 season and as a result, has a screw placed in each foot.

    Weinberg’s process angered executives in the 49ers organization, as he blew off several meetings regarding Sanders that were already scheduled. One of the executives said, “This was one of the worst situations in modern football negotiations.” Weinberg had no comment about the allegations.

    On Sunday’s news conference, Sanders talked about the issue saying that there was no handshake, and that the negotiations with the other teams were close, but not anything official.

    John Elway, Broncos’ executive vice president and general manager, says that they did not have an idea that there were issues with other teams when they were in negotiations with the player. He also said that miscommunication in negotiations happens all the time.

    The Denver Broncos officially welcomed Sanders by tweeting an image of the player with the caption “Emmanuel Sanders has officially signed with the #Broncos. RT to welcome him to Denver!”

    Sanders also mentioned that he is happy to have ended up with a team that he wanted to be part of.

    Image via Denver Broncos, Twitter

  • Mike Schmidt, Baseball Hall of Famer, Reveals Recent Battle With Advanced Skin Cancer

    Renowned Philadelphia Phillies slugger Mike Schmidt recently announced on Sunday that he had been diagnosed with stage III Melanoma last summer. Schmidt claimed that the cancer is gone, but the Melanoma required him to undergo continuous chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

    According to Ryan Lawrence of Philly.com, The 64-year-old Baseball Hall of Famer decided not to perform his regular duties as this year’s spring training guest instructor because of this health condition. Schmidt had been undergoing his final round of chemotherapy a day after the exhibition games commenced.

    Schmidt said that he found out about the cancer during a visit to his dermatologist because of a spot on his hand. But despite the challenges he has faced in the last couple of months of treatment, Schmidt said that he considers himself “a lucky man” for being able to detect the Melanoma relatively early. Feeling “fantastic”, Schmidt advised the public to have their skin checked by a doctor at least once a month.

    The three-time National League Most Valuable Player looked fit and healthy when he appeared at the Phillies camp in Bright House Field. Careful to avoid the sun’s rays, Schmidt selected well-shaded areas on the grounds to rest under. Although he missed this year’s camp, Schmidt said that he intends to return as an active instructor next year, if his health permits it. In the meantime, Schmidt will join the Phillies’ TV crew as they cover 13 home games this season.

    The most obvious effects of the cancer can be seen (or heard) in his voice. Schmidt said that the two surgeries he went through caused his voice to become raspy and his taste buds to lose their sensitivity. He is currently taking depression medication to aid him in the recovery process.

    Schmidt, who is considered by many as the greatest third baseman of all time, shared that his family has a history of Melanoma. His grandfather, who was also afflicted with the disease, survived it but lost one of his ears in the process.

    Watch Mike Schmidt’s 500th Home Run

    Image via YouTube

  • Rupert Murdoch Tweets: MSNBC’s Chris Hayes Comments

    Everyone who follows Rupert Murdoch on Twitter knows that his tweets can be a little controversial. Political commentator Chris Hayes recently commented on the business magnate’s tweets saying that Murdoch is a “proud Twitter crank.”

    Murdoch’s tweets cover various topics from global warming to criticizing the president. In one his recent tweets, the 83-year-old CEO of News Corporation commented about the missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370.

    “World seems transfixed by 777 disappearance. Maybe no crash but stolen, effectively hidden, perhaps in Northern Pakistan, like Bin Laden.” The tweet was dated March 14.

    This was not the first time Murdoch tweeted about the missing aircraft. Just one day after the plane’s disappearance, he tweeted, “777 crash confirms jihadists turning to make trouble for China. Chance for US to make common cause, befriend China while Russia bullies.”

    According to Hayes, Murdoch is like an angry man who would spend time on conservative message boards and turn to Twitter when he reads about something that he does not like. He also referred to one specific tweet wherein Murdoch seemed to deny the threat of global warming. “Wild winter is US, UK, etc. no respectable evidence any of this man made climate change in spite of blindly ignorant politicians.”

    Chris Hayes call Rupert Murdoch a “Twitter Crank”

    Hayes also showed a newspaper with the headline “Kangaroos ‘Fainting’ In Australia Heatwave.” The newspaper, of course, was one of the Australian newsprints that Murdoch has acquired.

    Murdoch does not only tweet about political and environmental issues. He also shares his personal views on life, and the movies and books that he appreciates.

    “Have just. Read The Rational Optimist. Great book.”

    “Simplicity so much easier, and both more beautiful and stronger. Leads closer to fairness for all.”

    Despite of Murdoch’s sometimes weird and controversial comments, Hayes is appreciative of Twitter, as it allows him to view unfiltered and unedited thoughts of personalities, such as Murdoch.

    Image via YouTube

  • Manny Pacquiao Vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. Fight Could Yield $50M For Each Fighter

    The long-desired super fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. may not be in the works yet, but if both fighters keep winning in their respective next fights, each could command a guaranteed $50 million when they finally meet glove-to-glove.

    Bob Arum, the CEO for Top Rank Promotions, previously stated his belief that Pacquiao will eventually fight Mayweather “in the near future.” It’s all up to Mayweather, who has said that he is willing to face Pacquiao, but on condition that the Filipino boxer cut his ties with Arum’s group. Mayweather insists that he has no interest in doing business with Top Rank Promotions.

    Arum says that they are prepared to “dumb down the rhetoric” just to get the fight done. He can see the match happening, he says, but he can’t say that the match will transpire “because it takes two to tango.”

    Pacquiao is currently in Hollywood preparing to face reigning World Boxing Organization champion Timothy Bradley on April 12 and avenge his controversial loss in June 2012. The rematch will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. If Pacquiao wins the match against Bradley, he will likely face long-time opponent Juan Manuel Marquez in a fifth showdown. A win over Marquez means that Pacquiao’s next match could finally be against Mayweather.

    The Filipino boxing icon has been training incessantly in Hollywood’s Wild Card Boxing Club for next month’s fight. Celebrities, from Hollywood actors and music artists to basketball stars, have been known to drop by the gym to watch Pacquiao in his training sessions. One of the biggest stars to grace the venue is the legendary musician Bob Dylan, who watched Pacquiao go through eight rounds of sparring.

    Dylan is not only a fan of the sport; he actually worked out with former boxer Bruce Strauss. When the 72-year-old musician walked in the Wild Card gym, he shook Pacquiao’s hands and also posed for a photo with the boxer. He then went on to watch the training session “like a hawk.”

    Mike Tyson: Pacquiao looks spectacular, Mayweather is boring

    http://youtu.be/khY2rhALo54

    Image via Manny Pacquiao, Twitter

  • FIFA World Cup 2014: Will Brazil Be Ready?

    Brazil will be hosting the next FIFA World Cup, but many are wondering if they will be ready in time, as there are less than 3 months left before the event is scheduled to begin.

    Cuiaba, the capital city of Brazil’s Mato Grosso state, is filled with unfinished structures that were supposed to be done last December. Reports also say that construction is behind schedule in 11 other host cities. Six of the 12 World Cup stadiums have been finished last summer in time for the Confederations Cup, but the other six stadiums missed their deadline. To date, four stadiums remain to be under construction.

    In 2007, after Brazil got the World Cup, politicians stated that an $8 billion budget would be spent on nationwide projects for the renovation and construction in preparation for the 2014 World Cup. However, some of the infrastructures have not yet been completed, with only a few months remaining.

    Sports economist, Victor Matheson, said, “They started late and have boxed themselves in.” Now, efforts have to be doubled in order to make sure that the stadiums get finished on time. The delays in construction have been embarrassing for a lot of Brazilians, and many are even angered by it. A number of Brazilians also say that the country has lost, even if they win the World Cup. According to local businessman, Atilio Martinelli, there is a slim chance that all the other projects will be finished in time for the World Cup. “It’s going to be a great humiliation for us.” Martinelli runs a locksmith business located near one of the building sites. Brazil seemed like the ideal location to hold a soccer event. However, things are looking bleak with all the debris and unfinished infrastructures. There were also anti-government protests that happened during the World Cup pre-tournament, which happened last year.

    Brazil Works Hard To Complete Venues For World Cup 2014

    http://youtu.be/fulwjsA-sGI

    Image via YouTube