WebProNews

Author: Val Powell

  • Shroud of Turin: Could It Be Real?

    The Shroud of Turin’s authenticity has been the focus of debates for decades. The piece of cloth that shows the imprint of a man’s face is believed to be the sheet that covered Jesus’ body after he was crucified in 33 A.D. The Catholic Church does not have an official statement regarding the authenticity of the fabric, but thousands of Catholics visit Turin Cathedral in Italy each year just to get a glimpse of the Shroud of Turin. Through the years, the question still remains: Is the Shroud of Turin real, or fake?

    In 1988, radiocarbon dating was done by Oxford University. The conclusion was that the shroud was only 728 years old.

    A group of research scientists from Italy led by Professor Alberto Carpinteri suggests that a magnitude 8.2 earthquake that happened in Jerusalem in 33 A.D. may have caused the imprint on the cloth. The earthquake may have also affected the radiocarbon dating results released by Oxford University.

    According to the research team, the strong earthquake was powerful enough to discharge neutrons. The neutron emissions then formed the image on the shroud upon interacting with the nitrogen atoms on the cloth’s fibers. The theory has been published in the Meccanica journal.

    Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit Director Christopher Ramsey has an issue regarding the new findings. The question he raises is why other geological and archaeological materials were not as intensely affected by the earthquake as the Shroud of Turin.

    Mark Antonacci, the President of the Resurrection of the Shroud Foundation, is requesting the Pope to permit molecular analysis of the linen with the use of the latest technology. With this analysis, the radiation theory may be confirmed or ruled out.

    This recent finding may have cleared questions about the Shroud of Turin for some people. However, it has also added another possible angle, and may even cause more confusion for others.

    Video reveals new evidence validating Shroud of Turin

    Image via YouTube

  • Florida Execution: Juan Carlos Chavez Is Dead

    Juan Carlos Chavez was executed in Florida on Wednesday night for a crime he committed 18 years ago. Chavez remained silent as he approached the death chamber. The execution was delayed two hours due to a reconsideration appeal to the Supreme Court for a request for stay, which was denied. Chavez was found guilty of kidnapping, sexual battery, and the murder of a young boy.

    On September 11, 1995, 9-year-old Jimmy Ryce went missing. The child’s disappearance sparked  an investigation across South Florida that spanned months. Police finally caught up with Chavez, who confessed to abducting, raping, and killing Ryce.

    Three months after the boy’s abduction, Chavez’s landlady found evidence in a trailer where Chavez was staying. She discovered Ryce’s bag and her own revolver, which Chavez has stolen from her home and used as the murder weapon. Police interrogated Chavez, which led to his confession. Chavez then led the police to the location of Ryce’s remains, which were placed in planters and sealed with concrete.

    Since the murder, Ryce’s parents have focused their attention on turning the death of their son into something positive. They started a foundation geared towards implementing stronger rulings and procedures when it comes to missing child cases. The foundation has also contributed canines to assist officers when looking for children who are missing.

    Hours before the execution, a spiritual advisor visited Chavez who was reported to appear calm. His last meal consisted of French fries, a ribeye steak, strawberry ice cream, mango juice, and a fruit cup.

    At 8:02 p.m. on Wednesday, Chavez lay on the gurney in the death chamber awaiting his execution with his ankles and wrists strapped and a sheet covering his body. Chavez refused to make a final statement. The drugs were then injected into his arms, and he was dead within a few minutes. The corrections official announced Chavez’s official time of death at 8:17 p.m.

    Execution press conference

    Image via YouTube

  • USA Women’s Hockey Team Bested By Canada In Sochi

    The United States women’s hockey team faced off with—and lost to—their long-time rivals (and neighbors) the Canadians in a preliminary game on Wednesday, February 12 at the Shayba Arena. The final score was 3-2 in favor of Canada, to the dismay of the Americans but to the delight, of course, of the Canadian team.

    One proud and positively beaming member of the team is Meghan Agosta, who turned 27 on the very day she scored two goals to show that her team deserved a spot in the semifinals. Agosta scored the first and the last goal for Canada in the third period. That last breakaway goal, made with less than six minutes left on the clock, locked their win even after Anne Schleper of the US scored a goal with 65 seconds left in the game.

    The loss may come as a shock to fans of the US team, because the Americans had actually defeated Canada in four games—one after the other—during the pre-Olympic tour. Hilary Knight, who plays forward for the U.S., comments that they had penalties during the game that affected their play.

    There’s a big possibility that the two teams will meet on the ice again, this time, for the gold. It’s nothing new, as the two nations always find themselves competing against each other for the top spot in women’s hockey. When the event debuted in the Winter Olympics in 1998, the U.S. beat Canada in the finals. In the two Winter Games that followed, Canada claimed victory, and the U.S. has yet to reclaim the gold.

    This made Wednesday’s game all the more frustrating for the American team. Coach Katey Stone of the U.S. may have felt indifferent about her team’s performance, but it’s a lot different for the team members. Amanda Kessel, for one, was upset, saying that she was “not happy with tonight.” Kessel scored two goals for the team to seal their victory against Switzerland on February 10.

    Hockey fans around the world are surely waiting for the final sequel to this match-up, but for now, it’s time for the two teams to face other foes for the semis.

    Image via US Women’s Hockey Team Facebook

  • Venezuela Protests Leave 3 People Dead

    Venezuela Protests Leave 3 People Dead

    Youth Day marches in Caracas, Venezuela turned violent with at least three people dead from gunshot wounds. Protests against the government have been escalating since the inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro in April 2013. The violent events were another cry from the opposition hardliners, who have been denouncing Maduro through demonstrations in provinces weeks prior to the latest incident.

    According to the government, the opposition is trying to use violence to spark a coup against the president – the same scenario former president Hugo Chavez faced in 2002.

    Over a hundred student protesters in downtown Caracas were clashing with the security service when the event happened. The area was filled with gunfire coming from a vigilante group of government supporters who arrived on motorcycles. The startled crowd fled in alarm as 24-year-old Bazil D’Acosta fell to the ground bleeding with a gunshot wound to the head. A revolutionary and leader of the government support-group, 23rd of January Collective, known as Juancho was also killed in the incident. The third death happened on the streets of Chacao just after nightfall.

    The turmoil arose just after a day of peaceful protests by the opposition. Some students vented out their frustration and denounced the president for not being able to control the crime and violence. They also complained about the product shortages and inflation that has been rampant in the country.

    After the riot, both the opposition and government supporters pointed the blame at each other. Leopoldo Lopez, the opposition leader, says that the students were peacefully protesting and the government supporters were responsible for the violence, which was done to make it appear as if the students were at fault. The fighting that occurred will be investigated further, as it was caught on video, according to Attorney General Luisa Ortega.

    Amidst the controversy, President Maduro says that he will do everything he can to bring back peace. He also said that no one will be exempt from the consequences of illegal protesting.

    Reports say 4 police vehicles were burned, 25 were arrested, and 23 were injured in the protest.

    Image via YouTube

  • Westminster Dog Show Selects Wire Fox Terrier As Winner

    Madison Square Garden was once again filled with spectators and canines for the 138th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which is the second-longest sporting event held in the country, next to the Kentucky Derby. The two-day event welcomed a total of 2,845 dogs, and after a series of events, Sky, a wire fox terrier who has Facebook and Twitter accounts, was declared the overall winner and named Best in Show.

    With Sky winning the show, the fox terrier breed has now won 14 times, the most any breed has won the show. It is the 46th win for the terrier group, and the 129th Best in Show ribbon for Sky.

    Four group winners were announced on Monday for the non-sporting, herding, toy, and hound dogs. The winners are standard poodle Ally, Cardigan Welsh corgi CoCo, miniature pinscher Classy, and bloodhound Nathan, respectively.

    The three remaining groups announced on Tuesday were sporting, working, and terrier, with the winners being Irish water spaniel Riley, Portuguese water dog Maltisse, and lastly fox terrier Sky.

    Thousands of dogs were trimmed down to just these seven. They took their final lap in front of everyone and the crowd went wild. The Best in Show judge, Betty Regina Leininger, who has judged dog shows all around the world, saw the dogs for the first time when she stepped to the center of the ring.

    (image)

    The Best in Show title is awarded based on the performance of the dogs in different events. There was a loud cheering for Nathan the bloodhound from the crowd, but in the end, it was Fox who won the silver cup. The Reserve Best in Show was given to Ally the standard poodle. After winning the show, Sky’s handler picked him up and the dog showed his appreciation for the judge by gently kissing her hand.

    There is no cash prize given for the winner of the show, but the dog goes home with the coveted silver cup. Sky the dog is also going on a media tour and will be the envy of dogs, until next year’s winner of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is named.

    More about the show

    Image via YouTube

  • Sid Caesar: Revered TV Comic Dies At 91

    It’s a sad day for comedy. Sid Caesar, best known for his shows “Caesar’s Hour” and “Your Show of Shows”, has passed away. He died at the age of 91 in his home on the morning of February 12. The news was confirmed by Carl Reiner, one of Caesar’s friends and collaborators.

    The comedic legend was discovered during the Second World War, when he was serving as a Coast Guard and took part in a musical titled “Tars and Spars.” He went on to appear in the movie version, which highlighted his talent in dancing, singing, and of course—comedy. One thing led to another, and soon Caesar found himself in other roles on television, stage, and film.

    The early 1950s brought “Your Show of Shows,” which Caesar hosted with Imogene Coca. Coca shared that she and Caesar had perfect comedic chemistry, both of them finding the same things funny, which made the show a success. In 1954, Caesar was made the star of his own show “Caesar’s Hour,” which made him a millionaire.

    http://youtu.be/5NipUgPtvqo

    He next went onstage for the musical “Little Me,” in which he played seven different roles, including a European prince, a young man that seemed to be too perfect, and a movie director bent on tyranny. His acting earned him a nomination for a Tony. His film credits include “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World” in 1963 and “Silent Movie” in 1976, in which he showed off his pantomime skills.

    The times weren’t all happy for Caesar, however. By then he had grown to rely on alcohol and pills, and it took its toll, affecting his performance one day in 1977 when he was doing “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers”. His mind suddenly went blank. He dived into recovery cold turkey and with the help of his wife Florence, fought off his demons—and succeeded.

    Caesar influenced a whole generation of comedy writers, including Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, and Woody Allen, whose first big break was writing for “The King,” a name Caesar was called by his friends and fellow comics. He also inspired comedy actors Richard Lewis and Billy Crystal, among others who have turned comedy into art.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Ancient Baby DNA Linked To Native Americans

    A new development in the origin of the Native Americans has been unearthed recently in Livingston, Montana. In 1968, the skeletal remains of a male baby was discovered by construction workers in the northeastern part of the area, and numerous artifacts were also found buried along with it. Covered in red ochre, the body was accompanied by more than 100 tools made of bone and stone that suggested that he belonged to the Clovis Culture.

    After decades of research, scientists were able to decode the infant’s genome and determine that the Clovis people are direct ancestors of present-day Native Americans. A human’s genome contains a complete account of his/her genetic data, which is used in modern scientific practices to shed light on the identity of both living and dead people. The boy’s genome also showed that he died about 12,600 years ago in Montana and that Native Americans are actually descended from Asian migrants as opposed to the idea that they came from Europe.

    The boy’s age was estimated to be anywhere between 12 to 18 months when he died. The tools that were found in his grave are made of typical materials used by the Clovis culture like bone, ivory, and elk antler. These artifacts were found to be much older than the boy’s remains, which suggests that the tools were special heirlooms that were passed down from generation to generation.

    Ancient tools of the Clovis Culture

    A comprehensive analysis of the boy’s remains yielded more proof that his physical attributes bear a better resemblance to Siberians than to other races. This data reinforces the initial theory that Native Americans settled in the continent from Europe. The Clovis people are believed to have arrived in the Americas from East Asia via an ice bridge that formed across the Bering Strait.

    Participating researchers and scientists are eager to move forward in their investigation in order to gain more insight on the origins and cultural practices of the early Native Americans.

    Watch video on the Clovis Culture

    http://youtu.be/Nyfw-kmI-pE

    Main image via YouTube. Image of artifacts via Wikimedia Commons

  • Historic Tie For Gold In Women’s Downhill

    Historic Tie For Gold In Women’s Downhill

    Dominique Gisin from Switzerland and Tina Maze of Slovenia were awarded with Olympic gold medals for the women’s downhill event held Wednesday. The women finished the course at Rosa Khutor in 1 minute and 41.57 seconds. Switzerland’s Lara Gut was awarded the bronze medal with a time 0.10 behind the gold medalists.

    During the event, Maze was in the lead over Gisin at every speed check and time split, but was slowed down by the final slope’s soft snow and lost the lead to Gisin. Still, she managed to catch up with Gisin and exclaimed by throwing her goggles in the air after seeing that she shared the lead and crossed the finish line the same time as her competitor.

    Gisin was in tears after winning the gold medal at this year’s women’s downhill event. In the same event 4 years ago, Gisin’s run ended in a concussion after crashing her final jump.

    Maze is the first Slovenian woman to get 3 Olympic medals, the third being gold.

    Before the race, the buzz had been all about American skier Julia Mancuso, who was a big name in races. Mancuso had a fast start, but eventually lost steam towards the end of the course. Her chances of getting a medal were immediately lost and she finished in 8th place.

    Missing from all the action on Wednesday’s race was Lindsey Vonn, the American superstar who has 4 World Cup titles to her name. Vonn pulled out of the Olympics in January after re-injuring her right knee twice last year.

    The gold medal was the first for Slovenia at the Sochi Winter Olympics and it was the first gold medal tie for the Alpine Skiing event. While there has never been a tie for the gold medal, a tie for the silver medal occurred for the women’s Giant Slalom in 1992 and 1964, and for the bronze medal in 1948 for the men’s downhill.

    Image via YouTube

  • Identity Theft Protection: Things You Should Know

    Identity theft transpires when a third party gets your personal information, such as social security number and credit card details and uses them for fraudulent purposes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more or less 9 million Americans experience identity theft yearly. In 2010, an estimated $3.5 billion was spent by U.S. consumers for purchasing products that specialize in identity protection.

    Identity theft is a serious offense that can mess up your reputation, credit history, and finances. Identity thieves can get loans under your name, or open other accounts using your personal information. Fixing the problem also takes time, effort, and patience, but it is not impossible.

     Ways to Protect Yourself

    More and more people resort to online banking and shopping, as it is more convenient. With all your personal information available on the web, there is a chance for your identity to be stolen. There are simple ways to prevent this from happening, and this doesn’t always mean that you have to spend a dime.

    Make sure to delete your login and password information, especially when using a shared computer. Another way to prevent identity theft is to change your account passwords every so often. Check credit reports every quarter to make sure that you only pay for products and services that you purchased.

     What To Do When Your Identity Has Been Stolen

    Maybe it’s your unlucky day and you just found out that you’re a victim of identity theft. You must take immediate action in order to stop the problem from escalating. The first thing to do is report the crime by placing an Initial Fraud Alert. This can be done by calling the national credit reporting company. The next step is to get a copy of your credit report so that you can dispute any unauthorized activity. The last step is to make a report of the identity theft, which allows you to clear the activities of the identity thief on your accounts.

    If you want to be extra careful with your online accounts and credit cards, it might be a good idea to pay for an identity theft service. This might cost you around a $150 annually, but it will make you feel at ease whenever you do activities online.

    Tips For Protecting Your Identity

    http://youtu.be/DT9DoS-1QgQ

    Image via YouTube

  • Natalie Geisenberger: German Luger Takes Gold In Sochi

    Germany goes wild as Natalie Geisenberger gets the gold in the women’s luge event, a win that was never a doubt among followers of the sport. With a final time of 3 minutes and 19.768 seconds, Geisenberger has set the second-biggest victory margin in luge Olympic history, beating her teammate Tatjana Huefner by 1.139 seconds.

    Geisenberger, 26, was already an accomplished World Cup champion who dominated 7 of the 8 events in the World Cup circuit. Winning the gold medal and an Olympic title just adds more credit to her name. According to Geisenberger, the first three runs were near perfect, with the last one being just good enough. She holds the record for being the only slider to have managed a run of under 50 seconds, which she was able to do on 3 out of 4 runs. “The feeling was that I could make a little mistake and still win – that was a good feeling.”, said the German gold-medalist.

    Americans also had a lot to celebrate. Erin Hamlin from Remsen, New York, came in third and nabbed the bronze medal. This win goes down in history as the very first medal awarded to an American singles Luge athlete since the event became part of the Olympics 50 years ago in 1964. Hamlin crossed the finish line rejoicing with her hands up in the air. After the event, she was congratulated by U.S. coach Mark Grimmette.

    America always came in fourth place in singles at the Olympics, and this year’s historic win is sure to be talked about among fans and athletes of the sport back in the States. Hamlin was awarded the fifth medal for USA Luge, with four medals – two bonzes and two silvers – awarded to participants of doubles races.

    All three women who stood on the podium were already world champions, another historical moment for women’s Luge.

    Image via YouTube

  • Michael Dunn: “Loud Music Killer” Rests His Case

    Another Development has been brought to light in the controversial Florida shooting of 17-year-old Jordan Davis. The accused shooter, 47-year-old Michael Dunn, delivered an impassioned testimony on Tuesday about how Davis threatened to kill him and reached inside his SUV to get what seemed to be a firearm. Believing that Davis was going to make good on his threat, Dunn got his gun from his car’s glove compartment and fired at the teenager. Davis’ death was almost instant.

    Michael Dunn, who is a computer programmer, had just left his son’s wedding reception in the afternoon of November 23, 2012. He and his fiancée, Rhonda Rauer, stopped by a gas station in Jacksonville to pick up some wine before heading back to their hotel when he encountered Jordan Davis and three other African-American teenagers playing loud music in their Dodge Durango.

    Dunn conveyed to the jury that he asked the teenagers to turn the volume down as the music caused rattling on the sides and rear-view mirror of his Volkswagen Jetta. After obliging his request, Dunn claims that they immediately turned the volume up again and screamed expletives directed toward him. After confronting them, Dunn says that Davis picked up a shotgun and used it to pound against the passenger door. Convinced that Davis was going to kill him with it, Dunn reached for his pistol and fatally shot Davis.

    Prosecutors maintain that there was no real life threat in the incident as no firearms were found in the teenagers’ vehicle. During the cross-examination, it was revealed through an official medical examination that Davis might have been sitting inside the SUV when Dunn shot him.

    In addition to one count of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder, Dunn is also facing charges of shooting or throwing a deadly missile. The prosecutor also showed jurors inconsistencies in Dunn’s answers when questioned about the amount of alcohol he consumed prior to his encounter with Davis. Dunn also insisted that he told his fiancée about the teenagers bearing firearms, although her cross-examination answers say otherwise. The defense rested at around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday and closing arguments start on Wednesday morning.

    Image via YouTube

  • Shaun White Relinquishes Halfpipe Throne

    Shaun White was the reigning champion of the men’s halfpipe event at the Winter Olympics since 2006. However, at the end of the competition in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, he had to step down from his throne when he was unable to grab the top spot on the podium.

    In the 2006 Torino and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, White’s first run became the winning run of the competition. However, in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, this was not to be. White’s first run had him falling down twice, leaving him with a score that was low for his standards. His second run had no falls, but it was riddled with close calls. He garnered a score of 90.25 for his second run, which was better than his first score. However, his final marks were not high enough to land him on the podium. For the first time in his eight years competing at the Winter Olympics, Shaun White finished the men’s halfpipe event without a medal on his neck.

    White was in the run to make history if he had won the Olympic gold medal in this event. He was aiming for a third consecutive win in this event to be recognized as the first American to do so.

    The top spot at the podium for the Winter Olympics men’s halfpipe event now belongs to Iouri Podladtchikov, representing Switzerland. He executed his trademark maneuver, the YOLO flip and finished with a score of 94.75. Fifteen year old Ayumu Hirano followed close on Podladtchikov’s heels with a high-flying run. The young Japanese’s performance was rewarded with a score of 93.50 and the silver medal. Hirano’s teammate, Taku Hiraoka bagged the third spot on the podium with a run that earned him a score of 92.25.

    Iouri Podladtchikov’s YOLO flip involves two aerial somersaults and a rotation of 1,440 degrees. Shaun White had also mastered this maneuver, and in other events executed it even better than its creator. Shaun performed this maneuver in his Olympic run, but failed to defend his throne from Podladtchikov’s performance.

    The former champion of the Winter Olympics men’s halfpipe event said that he was happy to take what happened for what it was and move on. He ended by saying it just wasn’t his night.

    Image via YouTube

  • Team Canada Beer Fridge: Canadian Passport Needed

    Canada sure knows how to turn up the heat at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Molson, a Canadian beer company, sent a bright red fridge filled with beer to Team Canada’s headquarters in Sochi to give them a taste of home. Best of all, the beer is free for all who carry Canadian passports.

    The beer fridge operates just like an airport scanner and works by verifying the font on the passport, the word “Canada”, and the country’s seal. When everything is good to go, the fridge door opens and free beer is within reach. The free Molson beer is offered to Canadian Olympians and all their friends.

    Molson is a Montreal-based beer company that merged with Coors in 2005. The red, retro Molson fridge has always been an icon in Canada. Forest Kenney, Molson’s spokesperson, said that the promotion in the Olympics is a continuation of last summer’s Canada Day campaign where the red fridge was placed in different locations and only those with a Canadian passport can open the door and get beer. The red fridge popped up in various locations in Europe, such as Belgium and France.

    Aaron Starkman, the creative director and partner of Toronto-based advertising agency Re Think said that it has always been a plan to bring the iconic fridge to the Sochi Winter Olympics. Starkman’s team organized and came up with the red fridge campaign.

    Footage for the travelling fridge was made into a 30-second television commercial and is said to be one of the most watched advertisements in Canada. After the fridge’s journey in Europe, it was sent to the U.S. for the Winter Classic in January before making its way to the Sochi Olympics.

    The red fridge’s presence in the Olympics has had positive reviews, including one from a USA Today writer who exclaimed that the retro beer fridge is one of the best technologies in Sochi.

    http://youtu.be/8gper3YkzMg

    Image via YouTube

  • Sochi’s Empty Seats Difficult To Ignore

    There’s always a buzz about the lack of spectators that show up during the Olympics. The same goes with this year’s Sochi Winter Olympics, which has been said to cost around $51 billion and took 7 years to prepare for. The question that Olympic officials are asking is why are people not attending. This has been evident during one of the most awaited events, men’s downhill, where there were more than a thousand empty seats in a venue that filled 7,500.

    Although some of the seats in events such as figure skating are fully packed, less popular sports events were just half-full. According to travel experts, this year’s Winter Olympics might have the lowest number of American attendees they have seen in decades.

    Robert Tuchman, who operates a travel firm in New York, says that there are a lot of reasons why Americans didn’t show up in Sochi. The location, lack of accommodations, and other additional expenses when traveling are all major factors that may have affected their choice to stay home and watch the 2014 Winter Olympic Games from the television instead of traveling all the way to Sochi. Another main reason for the lack of spectators is the fear of security with all the political issues in the city.

    One of the members of the policy-making executive board, Anita DeFranz, also says that Russians are more reserved. They need time to get used to the celebration to get more excited, since it is the first time for most of them to see these sports events.

    Sochi organizers say the lack of spectators will be addressed by filling the empty seats with volunteers. An IOC member also suggested filling the empty seats with unarmed soldiers and school children. This was also the solution at the 2012 Summer Games in London where they filled up empty seats by inviting troops and volunteers.

    Image via YouTube

  • Tom Brokaw: Newsman Reveals He Has Bone Cancer

    Tom Brokaw released a statement via NBC News regarding his diagnosis. Brokaw, 74, was at the Mayo Clinic when he received the diagnosis for multiple myeloma last August. In his statement, the NBC news veteran of nearly 50 years reassures the public that his “prognosis is good.”

    Brokaw kept his bone cancer diagnosis a secret from the public for several months, while he underwent treatment for his condition. Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects the bone marrow, via the blood cells within it. In the statement that NBC News released, Tom Brokaw reveals his progress since beginning treatment has been very encouraging.

    Brokaw began working at NBC news in 1966. He became a special correspondent for NBC News, since stepping down from his role as the anchorman of NBC Nightly News in 2004. After the diagnosis last summer, Tom Brokaw continued his work on several News projects for NBC. The news veteran made appearances on MSNBC, “Meet the Press”, “Nightly News with Brian Williams” and “TODAY”. He also worked on the two-hour JFK assassination documentary for NBC. He continues his work for NBC News as a contributor to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics NBC Sports coverage.

    In the more personal side of his statement, Brokaw states that the support he has been getting from friends, family and his medical team has been exceptional. He goes on to say that he is very positive about his work, his life, and he looks forward to the “adventures still to come.” He believes that he remains “the luckiest guy I know.” He continued his statement with expressing his gratitude for the interest people were showing regarding his medical condition. The statement ends with Tom Brokaw’s request for understanding, as he expressed his wish to be able to continue treating his situation with privacy.

    Image via YouTube

  • India’s Olympics Ban Lifted By IOC

    India’s Olympics Ban Lifted By IOC

    India is back in the game, officially. After being suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in December 2012, India has been reinstated in the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.

    The suspension is a result of the country’s refusal to ban a corruption-tainted official, Lalit Bhanot, from running for elections in the Indian Olympic Association and consequently getting a top post. One of the requirements of the IOC is that persons who have been convicted or charged are not eligible to run for positions within the organization.

    Bhanot had been charged with corruption and had spent almost a year in jail prior to being elected to the Indian Olympic Association. The Indian association refused to abide by the changes demanded by the IOC, and the situation created a deadlock, extending up to the start of the Winter Games.

    When the Sochi Games started, the saffron, white, and green flag of India was not seen during the opening ceremony parade, but its three athletes were. The delegation, composed of luger Shiva Keshavan and two skiers, marched under an IOC flag.

    Before the Winter Games and knowing the situation they were in, Keshavan found a way to represent his country. And what better medium to wear his colors proudly than his uniform? A close look at the white suit shows not only the colors of the Indian flag, but the names of some of the donors who supported the luger.

    So what made the IOC end India’s suspension?

    On February 9, the Indian Olympic Association held a general assembly and elected a new set of officers. The IOC was in attendance to observe the proceedings, and the delegates reported that the Indian association complied with all of the Committee’s requirements.

    The lifting of the suspension means that Keshavan and his countrymen can now race under their own national flag and walk behind it on February 23, during the Games’ closing ceremony. The lifting of a ban of a national committee during the Games is a first in Olympic history.

    http://youtu.be/h4wFFB_AatM

    Image via YouTube

  • Julia Lipnitskaia Is Russia’s New Figure Skating Star

    It’s undeniable. Julia Lipnitskaia is a star. The 15-year-old Russian figure skating princess electrified spectators in Sochi on Saturday. Veteran male figure skater Evgeni Plushenko called her a “genius”– a sentiment shared by many of Lipnitskaia’s colleagues.

    Retired American figure skater Tara Lipinski, who was also a gold medal winner at age 15, understands first hand what it takes to perform at an elite level at such a young age. “Judging from how prepared she looks – I can see it when they step on the ice – she looks like she believes this is her moment,” Lipinski said, “she is the real package.”

    Julia Lipnitskaia skating was hauntingly beautiful, as she performed to the melodramatic tunes of the John Williams’ soundtrack. Her seemingly effortless routine involved maneuvers considered a technical tour de force. She floated on air, as she performed the lightest of triple jumps, triple Lutz, and combinations of these all while maintaining the grave demeanor of her character.

    Her winning performance helped Russia win the gold medal for the team figure skating event in front of a cheering home crowd . The team of figure skaters were congratulated immediately by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as soon as they got off the ice. Teammate Evgeni Plushenko received a warm embrace from the President, while Lipnitskaia got a fatherly pat on the head as the President shared words and gave thanks to each member of the team. The team’s win marked Russia’s first medal of the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

    Plushenko was flooded in flowers and stuffed animals after his winning performance. He has garnered three Olympic medals in his career, and after undergoing his 12th surgery last year, the 31-year-old decided that the Sochi Olympics would be the last chapter of his stellar career. He scored 19 points for his country while Julia Lipnitskaia led Russia with 20 points.

    Julia Lipnitskaia At 2014 European Figure Skating Championship

    http://youtu.be/mx96OcUKpT0

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Shani Davis Tries To Make History In Speed Skating

    Shani Davis is hungry for another gold medal. Davis is a 31-year-old Olympic veteran, and the man to beat at the 1000-meter speed skating event in Sochi. He is the reigning champion of the event, taking home the gold medals from the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics.

    Winning the gold medal in this event for the third time is something Shani Davis is striving for. He wants his name to go down in the history of the Winter Olympics as the first male athlete to win a particular event three times in a row.

    Shani Davis is considered the most popular male athlete in speed skating despite having a reputation for being remarkably unavailable to his fans and using what some consider introverted training methods. He usually trains without a coach, away from his teammates, like a lone wolf.

    He has been recorded as saying that he prefers training on his own for his individual games but would consider joining team competitions if asked by the coaches.

    The last two Olympics saw Shani compete in three events, the 500, 1000 and 1500 meter speed skating events. Sochi will see him try once again to win in those races.

    “I go out there and try to win any race I’m in,”  said Davis. “But I’m realistic. I know I’m not much of a 500-meter skater.

    Davis has never medaled in the 500-meter, but he has taken home the gold in the past two Winter Olympics in the 1000-meter event. He has also taken home the silver in the past two 1500-meter Winter Olympic speed skating events.

    Coach Ryan Shimabukuro has reportedly said that the 500-meter speed skating event is like a picker-upper for Davis. Coach Shimabukuro goes on to say that competing in the 500-meter will help Davis get rid of the ‘rust’, and prepare him for his main event.

    Shani Davis knows all his competitors are gunning for him, but he’s determined to defend his title and make history.

    Watch Shani Davis win gold in 2010 and 2006.

    Image via YouTube

  • François Hollande Meets With Barack Obama For A Different Kind Of Affair

    French President Francois Hollande arrived in D.C. to attend a different kind of foreign affair. President Hollande will be the guest of honor on Tuesday, at the first state dinner hosted by the Obama administration this term. The French President has been the center of attention since the beginning of 2014, following news of his alleged affair with French actress Julie Gayet and subsequent separation from his partner Valérie Trierweiler.

    Hollande arrived unaccompanied by the former de facto First Lady of France, Valérie Trierweiler.The couple were together for the past seven years, until news of the affair broke out in January. The French President has since announced his separation from Trierweiler. He has publicly stated that he wants to maintain his privacy , although he has said nothing to deny the allegations.

    File:Trierweiler 2012.JPG

    Pic of Valérie Trierweiler (Hollande’s former girlfriend)

    File:Julie Gayet 2009.jpg

    Pic of Julie Gayet (the other woman)

    His state visit began with his arrival in D.C. followed by a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Virginia residence with the President, Barack Obama. Jefferson is America’s Third President, and a well-known Francophile, leading the country in a time when French-American relations were very strong.

    France is a top ally of the United States government, and the state dinner is held for the purpose of further deepening the ties between the two countries. So far, Obama has been able to count on the support of the Hollande administration. This was last demonstrated in September 2013, when President Obama asked for support in attacking Syria — the British Parliament opposed the plan. France was among the few allies that offered their support and made preparations to bombard Syria with air strikes.

    Unlike his predecessor, the former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, President Hollande’s policies are more in tune with Obama’s policies. Furthermore, since President Hollande is fluent in English, the affair with the White House may prove to be more rewarding than the affair he leaves back in France.

    Images via Wikimedia Commons (1), (2), (3)

  • Sarah Burke’s Memory Lives On Despite Sticker Ban

    Torah Bright, an Australian snowboarder, was banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from wearing a memorial sticker of her friend’s name on her helmet during competition. The sticker was worn to honor Canadian skier, Sarah Burke, who died while training back in 2012. According to the IOC spokesperson Mark Adams, the Olympics is an inappropriate place to mourn, as it is an event where people celebrate. The IOC has also instructed all athletes to do away with any type of memorial for their lost competitors and comrades.

    Burke died 9 days after an accident, due to injuries resulting from a crash that happened on a halfpipe while training in Utah. She was a forerunner in freestyle skiing and is one of the reasons why the sport is now part of the Winter Olympics Games.

    Bright and Burke were good friends and as a sign of protest to the IOC, Bright posted an image on Instagram saying that she always rides with a sticker on her helmet and snowboard. Sarah still remains an inspiration to her despite the IOC having banned athletes wearing the memorial sticker.

    Although the IOC has permitted the Olympians to wear a memorial tape on the bootstraps with Burke’s name, they have decided that wearing a sticker on the helmet was too noticeable and deemed it as a political statement.

    Through the years, the IOC have always banned the display of political messages during the Olympics. However, the public may not have the same sentiment when it comes to memorials for lost athletes.

    Apart from the said incident, the IOC also warned the Norwegian Olympic Committee about the armbands that 4 Norwegian girls wore during the 15-kilometer skiathlon as a tribute to cross-country skier Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen’ brother, who unexpectedly died on the eve of the Olympics opening ceremonies.

    Image via YouTube