WebProNews

Author: Val Powell

  • Kerri Kasem Granted Expanded Authority Over Father’s Health Care

    Casey Kasem’s children say that they have not yet seen their ailing father. At a hearing in Los Angeles, Superior Court Judge Daniel S. Murphy has granted Kasem’s daughter, Kerri, expanded authority over her father’s health care. The judge also ordered Jean Kasem, Casey’s wife, to cooperate with court orders and allow doctors to perform a medical evaluation of her husband.

    Furthermore, the court is ordering Jean to surrender Casey’s passport to prevent her from leaving the country with Casey. Judge Murphy suggested that Kerri hire a private investigator, if needed, just to get to her father’s whereabouts. Kerri Kasem, along with her siblings, have been legally battling their step-mother over visitation and authority over their father’s medical care.

    Casey Kasem, 82, has been suffering from Lewy Body Disease, which is a form of dementia. He went missing from a care facility in Santa Monica, California, where he was housed. Reports say that he disappeared from the facility a day after Kerri visited him.

    According to Martha Patterson, the lawyer working with Kerri, their goal is to get Casey to a hospital. “He’s vulnerable, and we don’t believe he’s benefitting from a vacation in a foreign environment.”

    After his disappearance, Casey was found in Washington State. Kerri said that her father was moved from the facility in the middle of the night. “This is a man who has a feeding tube, hooked up to an IV and has dementia. This is not a man who needs to be in unfamiliar surroundings.”

    On Monday, Kerri was appointed temporary conservatorship of her father. Her brother and sister have both agreed on a visitation schedule, but they say that Jean has breached their agreed terms.

    With the judge’s new conditions for Jean, Kerri is now focused on bringing her father back home. She and her siblings will be directing their efforts on giving their father the proper care that he deserves.

    Image via YouTube

  • Tennessee Sinkhole Destroys Austin Peay’s Football Field

    A 40-foot deep sinkhole has opened up on Austin Peay State University’s football field.

    The large sinkhole started as a small hole that first appeared a few weeks ago. According to the authorities, the small hole was the size of an office desk. Crews immediately started to work on preventing the hole from growing larger, but they were unsuccessful. By Monday, they had estimated the size of the sinkhole to be about 30 feet by 50 feet wide.

    As of today, the sinkhole has only affected one part of the Governors Stadium, which is being renovated. Reports say that the university is spending about $19 million for renovations. Engineers are looking for a permanent fix for the hole, and they are projecting that the stadium will be completely done by football season, which starts in September.

    Bill Persinger, the Tennessee school’s spokesperson, said that the sinkhole is not the first one that they have seen on campus grounds. “I’ve seen dozens of them. They come up all the time.” However, the most recent one has been the largest.

    Mike Jenkins, the superintendent for a Nashville-based construction company who is in charge of the stadium’s renovations said that they have already set a budget for sinkhole remediaton when they did the budget for the football stadium. “You never know to what extent you’re going to run into them, but we know that Montgomery County, and Austin Peay State University specifically, is famous for sinkholes.”

    Based on reports from the U.S. Geological Survey, sinkholes are most common in places where carbonate rocks, salt beds, and limestone rocks are abundant. In these places, groundwater is capable of circulating through the rocks, and this causes spaces to develop underground.

    Aside from Tennessee, there have also been reports of giant sinkholes in Florida and Kentucky. Last year, a large sinkhole in Florida appeared and ate up part of a resort located near Disney World. In February, another 40-foot sinkhole opened up at the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky, and swallowed eight Corvette collector’s edition cars.

    Image via YouTube

  • Pat Sajak Skeptical About Global Warming, Vents On Twitter

    Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak ignited a Twitter backlash on Tuesday after posting about global warming alarmists on Monday night. The tweet read, “I now believe global warming alarmists are unpatriotic racists knowingly misleading for their own ends. Good night.”

    The tweet got several responses, some from Sajak’s supporters, and other from bashers. One response was from Michael E. Mann, a climate scientist, who responded, “Hey @PatSajak, this ain’t the Wheel of Fortune. If we lose this game, it isn’t just one person’s misfortune. All humanity pays the price.”

    Another twitter user, Davho Pidal, responded, “Congrats on recognizing & announcing your mental illness. I hope you get the help you need.”

    Some are saying that Sajak tweeted just to poke fun at global warming advocates. His next tweet said, “Sometimes it’s fun to poke a stick in a hornet’s nest just to hear the buzzing.”

    Sajak’s tweet on Monday night was not the first time he wrote about the topic. Earlier this month, the former weatherman tweeted, “Very hot weather: “We’re all going to die!” Very cold weather: “There’s a difference between climate & weather, moron!”

    Sajak is a conservative. Another personality known for expressing his opinions is The Price is Right host, Drew Carey, who once said, “As far as your personal goals are and what you actually want to do with your life, it should never have to do with the government.”

    In addition to tweeting about global warming, Sajak has also caused controversy on Twitter for posting about other topics. In April, the 67-year-old host tweeted saying that he is coming out as a heterosexual. The tweet drew harsh comments from his critics. They said that Sajak is making light of the very difficult task of coming out to heterosexual people.

    Image via YouTube

  • Victoria Azarenka’s Injured Foot Will Keep Her Out Of 2014 French Open

    Belarusian professional tennis player, Victoria Azarenka, will be missing the action at the 2014 French Open due to a foot injury.

    Her foot injury, which she has been nursing since March, has already forced her to pull out of several tennis tournaments held in Rome, Madrid, Miami, and Doha.

    The announcement of the withdrawal from the French Open came on Azarenka’s Twitter account where she wrote, “Hi Guys – Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in Roland Garros this year. Working hard on my recovery & getting back on the court.”

    The last time the 24-year-old was on the court was in March at Indian Wells, wherein she lost the game to Lauren Davis due to her injury on the left foot. It was evident that she was not on top of her game. Before the Indian Wells match, Azarenka competed in two other tournaments. At the Australian Open, she lost to her rival Agnieszka Radwanska, and at the Brisbane International, she lost to Serena Williams.

    Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams at Brisbane International

    Azarenka is seen as a competitive tennis player on the court. Her withdrawal from the French Open and other important tournaments says how serious her injury is.

    Although the French Open is not Azarenka’s strongest suit, she has displayed immense improvement as seen when she advanced to the semifinals at the 2013 French Open. This year, however, her chance to improve may be stalled, due to her injury.

    The decision to pull out of a big competition may be difficult for the tennis player, but it is sure to benefit her in the long run. The French Open is slated to start on May 25 in Paris.

    If she takes time to recuperate and focus on getting her foot better, she might be able to get back to playing in time for the U.S. Open, which is scheduled to start in August.

    Image via YouTube

  • Boeing 777x Outclasses Airbus A380 Airplane Design

    The Airbus A380, a double-deck four-engine jet, must keep improving its design if it wants to match the Boeing twin-aisle airplane called the 777x, which is scheduled to be used for service within the next decade.

    Fabrice Bregier, CEO of Airbus, said, “After 2020, we will face the challenge of the Boeing 777X, and it is clear that as the challenges evolve, the A380 will have to evolve.”

    Bregier also stated that he has a problem with the way the Boeing 777x was launched. He was referring to the tax breaks that Boeing got from Washington State. In his opinion, the tax breaks given are higher than the overall cost of the program. Bregier said that the total amount of tax breaks given amount to $8.7 billion, and that amount is more than the total amount that was used to develop the plane. He also said, “There are rules in this business and tax breaks are illegal.”

    The European Commission has already voiced their concerns regarding the tax break issue with the U.S. government. However, Bregier stated that it was “not enough” and that the industry needs to look for a level playing field for both Airbus and Boeing.

    Inside the Airbus A380

    Since being introduced in 2000, the Airbus A380 has acquired contracts for 324 planes. Boeing 777x, however, has already acquired 300 commitments and orders since it was offered in November last year. Most of the interested parties come from the Middle East.

    Introducing The Boeing 777x

    The Airbus A380’s biggest customer, Emirates, has been asking for a re-engining program for the aircraft, but Airbus has not yet confirmed the project. With the entrance of Boeing 777x, Bregier remains optimistic that the A380 still has a home in the industry. “If the aircraft was obsolete, Emirates would not have ordered another 50,” he said.

    Airbus is also looking into the possibility of upgrading their 20-year-old model, the A330, to make it more attractive and fuel-efficient. However, the project has not been confirmed.

    Image via YouTube

  • Terry Crews “Nip Sync” With Jimmy Fallon Is Hilarious [VIDEO]

    On Monday, former football player turned actor Terry Crews dropped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to talk about his first job and his latest movie.

    Jimmy Fallon had other stars do a lip-sync battle when they guest on his show. With Crews, however, Fallon made up a new segment called the “nip sync”. The two men performed their own rendition of the classic song “Ebony and Ivory,” a duet by Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, and the twist was that they had to sing it and move their pectoral muscles at the same time – a move that Crews is famous for doing.

    The segment showed off Crews’ perfectly sculpted body, and viewers might have been surprised to see Fallon with an equally buff torso. That is because Fallon was not flaunting his own body, but instead was using a green screen to superimpose a muscular body to his head.

    Terry Crews and Jimmy Fallon perform world’s first “nip sync” duet

    The nip sync duet came after Fallon showed a clip from Crews’ latest movie Blended with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. In the movie, Crews performs a pectoral chest dance.

    Crews, 45, retired from being a professional football player in 1997. After his retirement, he pursued acting and his first role was T-Money on the show Battle Dome. Through the years, he has landed roles in several films, such as The Expendables, White Chicks, and Bridesmaids among others. He also appeared in some Old Spice commercials.

    When he guested on the Tonight Show, he talked about his Battle Dome job, which he said gave him a lot of injuries. He told Fallon about the time when his foot caught on fire and he was brought by a crane on the flaming side of the cage. “People were going to the hospital daily. I made it. I survived,” he said.

    Crews’ latest movie, Blended, will be released on May 23.

    Terry Crews stars in ‘Blended’


    Image via YouTube

  • Braves Stadium Concept Drawings Released

    Braves Stadium Concept Drawings Released

    On Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves released 6 concept drawings and renderings of the new stadium in Cobb County that is said to seat more than 41,000.

    Based on the designs that were released, the new stadium will be much more than just a baseball park. It will also serve as a showpiece for the Atlanta Braves’ own city located northwest of Atlanta.

    The new stadium consists of four seating decks, and a 90-foot roof, which is thrice the size of Turner Field’s roof. The Cobb County ballpark is scheduled to open in April 2017. In addition to the $672 million stadium, there will also be office spaces, shopping centers, a hotel, roads, greenery, and 500 residences that cost up to $400 million. The additional structures will be built around the stadium.

    The renderings also show a small park that surrounds the one-acre water feature. Additionally, there is a main plaza that will serve as gathering areas for game days. The plaza may also be used for community events and street festivals that will be held throughout the year.

    John Schuerholz, President of the Atlanta Braves, said that the renderings are just a representation of how their vision of the stadium is shaping up. He also said that the team is still months away from the finalized plans, but they are “pleased with the progress.”

    Designers of the stadium and the team are working together. The ballpark will be oriented towards the southwest, which is not a usual layout for ballparks. However, designers have already performed sun studies and concluded that there will be no problems with the layout they intend to use.

    360 degree view of stadium site

    With the release of the images of the new stadium, the Atlanta Braves also announced that they have a waiting list for non-season ticket holders who are interested in purchasing season packages at the Cobb County stadium.

    Image via Home of  the Braves, Twitter

  • Gucci Mane Pleads Guilty To Firearms Charge, Will Serve 39 Months In Prison

    Gucci Mane, born Radric Davis, pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge in Atlanta on Tuesday and will serve time in prison for 39 months.

    The 34-year-old rapper stated his plea after coming to an agreement with prosecutors. His charge carries a fine of up to $250,000 and a maximum of 10 years in prison, but his deal only requires him to serve a little over 3 years. He is due to appear in court on July 28 for his sentencing.

    On September 12, 2013, Davis was found in possession of a firearm. He was a felon at that time. Just two days later, a firearm that was different from the one he was carrying 2 days prior, was again found in his possession. On both days, Davis acted erratically while displaying his loaded firearms and threatening his attorney and the police.

    In 2012, he was arrested for using a champagne bottle to hit a man on the head at a nightclub in Atlanta. Prior to that, he has also been arrested for violating traffic regulations. In 2005, Davis was charged with murder, but the case was dropped due to the lack of evidence.

    Although he was found in possession of firearms twice, reports say that the guilty plea was only for the September 14 incident where he was carrying a loaded .40-caliber Glock handgun and a bag of marijuana. An ambulance was called to the scene and the rapper was sedated before he was brought to the hospital for treatment.

    On Tuesday, Aladino Ortiz from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives said that Davis “shows a complete and utter disregard for the lives of others as well as for their personal pursuits.”

    According to Drew Findling, Davis’ lawyer, the rapper is doing physically and mentally well and is ready to get back to his career in music.

    “The most important thing that took place today is that he accepted responsibility and is ready to move on,” Findling said.

    Gucci Mane: ‘Servin’ (Explicit)

    Image via YouTube

  • Kitty Litter May Have Caused Radiation Leak At New Mexico Nuclear Waste Site

    New Mexico’s environmental official said on Tuesday that kitty litter that was used for absorbing radioactive debris may be the cause of a chemical reaction that resulted in a radiation leak below ground at a nuclear waste storage.

    Dangerous radiation levels were first detected on February 14. The waste storage consists of drums of refuse tainted with plutonium that came from laboratories and nuclear weapon factories. They are buried 2,100 feet in salt caverns. The disposal site has since been shut down for safety reasons.

    News reports say that a small radiation leak rose up to the surface and affected 21 workers who were present at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). This incident is said to be the worst since the plant first opened its doors in 1999.

    Jim Conca, a scientist who worked at the plant from 2000 to 2010, said that the change in using non-organic litter to organic litter may have caused the chemical reaction that released the radioactive isotopes. However, Ryan Flynn, the New Mexico Environment Department Secretary said that the kitty litter is just one of the theories and nothing is confirmed at this point.

    The waste plant cannot accept liquid waste, so kitty litter is being used to absorb the liquid before the waste drums are sealed.

    “I’m just dying to know why this happened and who approved it, because it was a dumb idea. You just can’t make a change to the procedure without reviewing it,” said Conca.

    WIPP is the only permanent repository for waste. It is used by national laboratories and federal facilities. On Monday, investigators went to the mine and saw melted rubber and plastic, which could mean that heat was generated in the waste storage room.

    WIPP will not be opening soon, and operations will be stopped for at least a year and a half. Managers said that it may take as long as 3 years for the plant to be ready for full operations.

    Image via YouTube

  • Chelsea Manning: Pentagon Considering Transfer To Civilian Prison For Gender Treatment

    Pentagon is weighing the option to transfer Chelsea Manning to a civilian prison in order for her to get treatment for gender disorder.

    Manning, born Bradley Edward Manning, is a soldier who was convicted of violating the Espionage Act. Manning, who was an intelligence analyst for an army unit in Iraq, leaked classified information to WikiLeaks in 2010. She was arrested on May 2010, and was charged with 22 offenses.

    According to Read Adm. John F. Kirby, the spokesman for the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel approved a request from the Army to assess potential treatments for inmates who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Chelsea Manning, who is housed in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, may be transferred to a federal prison.

    Manning entered the Army as Bradley, but has since then been diagnosed with gender dysphoria – the sense of being a woman in a man’s body. The transfer would allow Manning to decide if she wants to be completely transformed into a woman. However, transgender people are not permitted to serve in the military.

    The request for transfer now poses a problem for the department. The military said that they do not have the medical expertise to offer treatment for Manning’s condition. She also cannot be discharged from military service until she serves her 35-year prison sentence.

    Manning’s lawyer, David Coombs, said that moving to a civilian prison would be a risk for his client’s safety. He said, “It is common knowledge that the federal prison system cannot guarantee the safety and security of Chelsea in the way that the military prison system can.”

    Kirby said that the Pentagon has not made a decision regarding the matter. However, they will make sure that whatever decision they make will accommodate Manning’s medical needs, as well as make sure that she remains in prison.

    Manning openly stated that she wanted to change her name to Chelsea and live as a woman after she was convicted.

    Image via YouTube

  • Abu Hamza Trial Comes To A Close, Says He Never Conspired To Harm Anyone

    Abu Hamza was the imam of Finsbury Park Mosque in London. He preached militant Islamism, Islamic fundamentalism, and jihadism. Hamza is on trial in the U.S. with several charges of terrorism.

    Hamza told his followers that they had a religious obligation to kill.

    Ian McGinley, assistant district attorney for New York’s southern district, delivered the prosecution’s closing speech. He said that Hamza “jumped at opportunities across the globe” for the purpose of jihad. McGinley also stated that 56-year-old Hamza dedicated his life to violent jihad by speaking about it, and living it.

    “Don’t be fooled by his testimony,” McGinley said to the jury. He went on to say Hamza was selling a version of himself when he was on the witness box. In the courtroom, Hamza remained calm and collected – far from his persona when speaking about jihad, where he was passionate and was showing his true self.

    In the courtroom, Hamza said he was misunderstood. He also said that he was only being used as a “mouthpiece” for rebel groups. “He told us in this courtroom that he still loved Osama bin Laden,” said McGinley.

    In the closing statement, McGinley also showed TV interviews, sermons, and the knife, gas mask, and camouflage uniforms that were found at a camp where Hamza supposedly taught his followers to fight. To finish his statement, McGinley said, “It is long past the time that he was held responsible for the death and terror that he caused.”

    Hamza’s attorney, Jeremy Schneider, said that the prosecution was concentrating on his words and not his actions. “It’s not about what he said in the 1990s, it’s what he did.”

    Hamza is facing charges for providing support to terrorist groups, providing a satellite phone to kidnappers, and organizing a hostage taking. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. If convicted, Hamza could be sentenced to life imprisonment.

    Image via YouTube

  • Grace Kelly’s Family Outraged Over Biopic

    Grace of Monaco the biopic about Grace Kelly, an actress, fashion icon, and the Princess of Monaco, was chosen to headline this year’s Cannes Film Festival. However, many slammed the film, including Kelly’s own family.

    The film is set in the 1960s, during the early years of Kelly as the Princess of Monaco. That was also the time when she got an offer from Alfred Hitchcock to return to Hollywood and continue her acting career. After marrying Prince Rainier III, Kelly decided to retire from her acting career. She was 26 at that time.

    The film was slammed by critics. “Is it even possible to make a boring film out of this rich, juicy, gossipy material? It would seem so,” Stephen Dalton from The Hollywood Reporter said describing the biopic.

    Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Kelly’s youngest daughter, said that the biopic did not give an accurate representation of her parents. She even urged the photographers to boycott the film.

    Nicole Kidman, who plays Kelly in Grace of Monaco, addressed the issue during a press conference that was held on Wednesday. The actress feels sad, as she knows that the creation of the film had no malice towards Kelly’s family. “I have respect for how they feel and I want them to know the performance was done with love,” she said.

    “She fascinated me, and she fascinated the world. She still does,” Kidman said of Kelly.

    Oliver Dahan, the film’s director, admitted that some of the scenes in the movie did not happen in real life. One of which was Hitchcock’s visit to Monaco. “I’m not a biographer or a historian. What I’ve tried to do is depict the heart of things,” he said. Just like some biopics, producers and directors tend to go far with their artistic license.

    Grace of Monaco will be playing at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

    ‘Grace Of Monaco’ Trailer

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Dracula’s Castle Offered To Romanian Government For $85 Million

    The Transylvanian castle said to be Dracula’s home is now up for sale. Bran Castle, built in the 13th century, is located in the countryside, with the closest town a few miles away.

    Many people have occupied the castle over the years, including knights and warriors. However, its most well known inhabitant is Vlad “The Impaler Tepes, who was said to be imprisoned there sometime in the 15th century.

    Vlad of the House of Draculesti, made Dracula’s name famous. It is said that Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, saw images of Bran Castle and used that as inspiration for the home of Dracula. Stoker’s description of Dracula’s castle is also the perfect description for Bran Castle: “The castle is on the very edge of a terrific precipice. A stone falling from the window would fall a thousand feet without touching anything!”

    However, the castle’s official website says that Vlad the Impaler’s real castle now sits in ruins in the Principality of Wallachia. The reason Bran Castle is called Dracula’s castle, is that it is the only castle in Transylvania that fits the description of Dracula’s home.

    The Habsburgs, the descendants of Queen Victoria of Britain, now own Bran castle. All three of the siblings are in their 70s, and they do not have the energy and time to renovate and maintain the castle.

    Reports say that the property was offered to the Romanian government for $85 million. Mark Meyer, who is handling the sale of the castle, refuses to disclose the real price. He said that the owners are looking for the “right” buyers. “It doesn’t have to do with class, it has to do with who will preserve the castle,” he said.

    According to reports, the castle is making profit, but it still has a big potential to generate even more profit when renovated.

    Bran Castle, Transylvania

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Poison-Letters Case: James Everett Dutschke Wants To Withdraw Guilty Plea

    James Everett Dutschke, the man behind sending poison-laced letters to President Barack Obama, wants to withdraw his guilty plea.

    In January, Dutschke pleaded guilty to the crime. On Tuesday, however, he seemed to have changed his mind when he asked the presiding judge if he could withdraw his plea just before his sentence was about to be read.

    Sharion Aycock, the U.S. District Judge, said that she will not immediately decide on the request. However, she told the prosecutors and the defense to raise arguments whether to hold Dutschke to his plea, which she called a “contract.”

    “I do want you to understand that your withdrawal is in the discretion of the court,” Judge Aycock told Dutschke.

    Dutschke initially pleaded guilty to making ricin and sending three letters through the mail to target President Barack Obama, Mississippi Judge Sadie Holland, and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker. The letters to Wicker and Obama were intercepted. The third letter, addressed to Holland, was delivered, but reports say that the judge was not harmed.

    Throughout the hearing, Judge Aycock shut down defense lawyers who were seeking to lessen their client’s prison sentence. Court officials say that Dutschke should serve a sentence of 20 years to life imprisonment.

    Before reading Dutschke’s sentence, Judge Aycock allowed the defendant to speak. Dutschke then gave a speech that lasted half an hour. In his speech, he said that federal prosecutors were lying when they said that he made ricin. He stated that he was only guilty of creating fertilizer from castor beans, which were harmless.

    He even displayed his confidence in court by asking the prosecutors to allow him to eat the powdered substance in evidence, just so he can show them that it is not poison. “I will dump the contents of the two remaining letters on a peanut and butter sandwich and eat it and wash it down with a glass of chocolate milk,” he said.

    Judge Aycock said in reply, “Your filing motion to withdraw does not necessarily mean the court will grant it.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Jeb Bush Earns Praise At New York City Event

    During an appearance at a Manhattan Institute dinner, Jeb Bush garnered praise from members of the audience, which included political donors from the Big Apple, conservatives, and even Chris Christie supporter former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. A possible presidential candidate for 2016, Bush delivered an emphatic speech at the event that focused on the decline of the US economy due to immigration issues and the quality of public education.

    The former governor of Florida and fellow Republican Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin were honorees at the annual affair hosted by conservative free market think tank Manhattan Institute, which is led by businessman and major donor Paul E. Singer. Bush and Ryan both placed emphasis on reducing poverty in the US by improving the poor’s quality of life. Ryan, who is also believed to be running for president in 2016, did not get as much attention as Bush did at the event.

    Bush started off his speech with a cautionary message – one that warns the audience of a declining US economy. The ‘American Dream’, as he called it, is being replaced by a widening disparity between the two extreme economic and social classes – the extremely wealthy and the poor. The middle class, Bush stated, is “shrinking” and experiencing the most pressure to improve their living conditions. He added that a “majority of Americans” think that future generations will have fewer opportunities than what they had.

    Better education, lower taxes, and more support for American families were some of the solutions that Bush suggested in his speech.

    Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who gave Bush’s introduction, stated that the Texas-born Republican got elected in Florida with more than 60 percent of the Hispanic demographic. Coincidentally, Bush earned a degree in Latin American Affairs from the University of Texas. He is also the first and only Republican governor to have served two full terms in Florida.

    Will Jeb Bush Run For President?

     Image via YouTube

  • Seattle Airport Jetway Collapses As Passengers Try To Exit Aircraft

    A jet bridge fell several feet as passengers aboard a Southwest Airlines flight were exiting the plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Tuesday. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

    According to Perry Cooper, the airport spokesman, the jetway fell about 6 to 8 feet as passengers were inside descending the plane. It was not clear how many passengers were passing through the bridge when the incident happened, but reports say that more than 60 passengers had already disembarked the plane when the jet bridge fell.

    Jetway collapses are rare occurrences and airport authorities are investigating the main reason for the issue. They reported that it was caused by a mechanical failure. The bridge did not fully collapse, as it had a large screw underneath that turns when the jetway is lowered or raised. Because of the screw, the jetway bridge fell slowly, which allowed the passengers inside to quickly walk up to the gate.

    The remaining passengers in the plane got off via a stairway that was brought to the other side of the aircraft.

    In addition to the jetway incident, the canvas covering of the jetway was caught on the plane’s door, causing the nose of the plane to tip towards the ground.

    On Tuesday afternoon, airport crews brought in a big crane in order to lift the jetway away from the scene and back the plane away from it.

    Southwest Airlines released a statement saying that they are thankful that no one got hurt in the incident. They also said that the plane will be out of service for the meantime, while their engineers are inspecting it for possible damage. The airline is also working on accommodating passengers whose travel plans were changed because of the jetway incident.

    Flight 570 arrived at the airport from Phoenix and was scheduled to fly to the Chicago Midway International Airport.

    Image via YouTube

  • Ralph Waite Tribute Will Air On ‘NCIS’ Season Finale

    This season’s NCIS season finale will probably be one of the most emotional episodes that series has ever aired. Unlike past finale episodes that leave fans hanging, this one will end in an emotional note.

    In a tweet posted by Michael Weatherly, who plays Tony DiNozzo in NCIS, he paid tribute to Ralph Waite, by posting a chair with the veteran actor’s name on it. The caption read, “The #ncis Season finale on the way – thoughts for Ralph…” The chair may have been photographed while filming the final episode for the season.

    Waite was a recurring actor in the series who played the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon. Waite died at the age of 85 last February 13 because of age-related illnesses. He was well known for playing the role of John Walton Sr. on the series The Waltons. He also had several guest appearances on various television shows before securing his NCIS role.

    File:Waltons 1972.JPG

                                    ‘The Waltons’ — Ralph Waite pictured on left.

    Pauley Perrette, who plays the character of Abby Sciuto, also paid tribute to the late actor by sharing photos of the cast from the series finale, wherein the cast was all dressed in black as they had just come from a funeral.

    In the season finale episode, Gibbs, the lead character of the show, will learn about the death of his father. He will then have to decide whether to pursue a case, or prepare for his father’s funeral back at his hometown. Vance then gives Gibbs advice and tells him to leave work and go to his father’s funeral.

    The episode will also be filled with flashbacks of Gibbs as a little boy doing activities with his father. Gary Glasberg, executive producer for NCIS, said that the episode is emotional and “it gives people some closure.”

    The NCIS series finale will air on Tuesday night.

    Main image via YouTube, article image Wikimedia Commons

  • Miguelito Canyon Fire Grows To 700 Acres, Prompts Evacuation

    Emergency crews have been trying to put out a brushfire that started in Miguelito Canyon, located at the south of Lompoc, California, since 1:40 pm. When firefighters initially reported to the scene, only 20 acres of land was on fire. However, the fire quickly spread due to the strong gusts of wind.

    The quick-spreading fire immediately prompted an evacuation on the surrounding buildings, such as the earth mining plant. A number of buildings far enough away from the fire were turned into evacuation centers including Lompoc High School. Over 1,300 residents were said to have evacuated their homes.

    At about 5:31 pm, the fire had quickly spread to about 700 acres of land. Authorities are doing reverse 911 calls to evacuate residents who are still in the area. Workers located near the site of the fire have also been ordered to evacuate for safety reasons.

    Crews who were working hard to put out the fire had several resources including 20 fire engines, 4 hand crews, 4 air tankers, and 3 dozers. More resources were ordered to help put out the fire.

    According to Deb Smith, a meteorologist, the winds in the Miguelito area were at 15 miles per hour with gusts reaching 22 miles per hour. The strong winds caused the fire to push towards heavy vegetation in the area, which resulted in fire engulfing hundreds of acres of land. At nightfall, the winds have slowed down a bit, and fire officials said that the fire is showed signs of slowing down, and they will no longer need more evacuation areas.

    By 7:05 pm, around 100 engines have already been asked to respond to the fire. Less than 2 hours later, reports said that the fire was in its “mop-up stages.” The firefighters and crews were able to contain the fire, and they are now confident that it is under control.

    At 8:30 pm, David Sadecki of the County Fire Department tweeted that evacuations in Lompoc have been lifted.

    Image via John Palminteri, Twitter

  • Devon Baulkman Will Attend University Of Tennessee And Join Volunteer Program

    Junior college guard Devon Baulkman has officially agreed to attend the University of Tennessee and join the Volunteers basketball program headed by Coach Donnie Tyndall. Baulkman signed the paperwork on Tuesday.

    Baulkman, the 6’5” guard, has been attending the Gulf Coast State College for the past 2 years. He will be enrolling at the University of Tennessee for his junior year, making him eligible for 2 more years. Baulkman already signed to play with Southern Mississippi, but due to the coaching transition, he will now be with the Volunteers. He was granted the release after Coach Tyndall left Southern Mississippi. Four other basketball players were granted release after the coaching change.

    During his stay in Gulf Coast State College, Baulkman was able to reach an average of 1.8 steals, 2.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 15.5 points in his last season. Baulkman was also able to earn All-Panhandle Conference honors for two years in a row.

    Coach Tyndall said that Baulkman is a “versatile, long, athletic guy” that fits in with their system well. The coach also said that Baulkman is capable of playing three perimeter positions, which is an immediate advantage to their team.

    Aside from Baulkman, Ian Chiles, a transfer from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, is also joining the Volunteers.

    Chiles is a 6’1” guard that will be enrolling at the University of Tennesseee for his final year. The basketball player, who has averaged 15.8 points his last season at IUPUI, has confirmed through text that he will be signing with Tennessee. Chiles had an average of 10 points for every game he played for IUPUI the past three seasons. In the last season, he was the school’s leading scorer. Tennessee hasn’t made an official announcement about Chiles, since the paperwork is not yet complete.

    Other players joining the Volunteers include guard Kevin Punter, guard Detrick Mostella, and forward Jabari McGhee.

    Image via VolNation, Twitter

  • Atlanta High School Shooting: Possible Suspect Questioned

    On Tuesday, five people were shot near Therrell High School in Atlanta. Authorities say that those who were injured are believed to be students at the high school, but no confirmation was announced. According to reports, the injuries were not life threatening, and the five people are now in a stable condition. Names of the victims were not released.

    U.S. Marshals and the FBI responded to the incident, which happened at the corner of Panther Trail and Childress Drive.

    A few hours after the shooting, the authorities have already started questioning a possible suspect. The statement came from Officer John Chafee, who said in an email that investigators are working on the case and they “are speaking with a possible suspect.”

    The shootings happened at around 4 pm. The victims were immediately brought to Grady Memorial Hospital where they were treated for injuries. Out of the five victims, two are still said to be in the hospital. The authorities left the scene of the shooting at about 8 pm.

    The FBI is still trying to find out if the shooter is a student at Therrell High School, but the investigators are looking into several leads as well. The motive for the shooting has not been determined yet.

    Though the incident did not happen in Therrell High School, the campus was placed on lockdown on the afternoon of the shooting as a precaution for the students who were supposed to be participating in after-school activities.

    One of the students of the high school, Hezekiah Bradford, reported that he and his twin brother witnessed a group of over 20 students running. Afterwards, they heard at least five gunshots. The two immediately ran to a gas station located near the school, and asked a woman to call 911 to report the incident.

    “I’m worried for some of my friends,” Hezekiah said.

    Image via CBS46 ATL, Twitter

  • Jodi Arias Will Face A Death Penalty Hearing For A Second Time

    Jodi Arias, the 33-year-old woman who was convicted of first-degree murder last year for killing her boyfriend in 2008, is slated to appear in court this week.

    Last year, the jurors were not able to a unanimous decision on her case.

    Arizona law states that prosecutors for the case have the option to put a second penalty case forward with a jury in order to secure a death sentence.

    In the event that the second panel still fails to reach a decision, the death penalty will be removed from consideration. The judge will then sentence Arias to life imprisonment, wherein she will be eligible for release after 25 years in jail.

    Arias, a former waitress, admitted to killing Travis Alexander, her then boyfriend. However, she said that she did it in self-defense. Alexander had a slit throat, a shot to the forehead, and almost 30 knife wounds. According to prosecutors, Arias killed Alexander in a fit of rage after Alexander said that he wanted to end their relationship. Medical examiners say that the murder was over in less than 2 minutes.

    Due to failing to reach a unanimous decision on last year’s trial, a retrial has been scheduled for September 8. However, Arias will be appearing in court on Friday, May 16, because of some issues raised by both the prosecution and the defense. They will also be arguing whether mitigation specialist Maria De La Rosa’s investigation will be accepted as evidence for the trial. According to reports, De La Rosa was banned from visiting Arias for a while, as she was said to have  taken one of Arias’ drawings out of the Estrella jail, where Arias is being held.

    Arias’ first trial stirred controversy, as it gained a lot of media attention. This time, however, Judge Sherry Stephens stated that media coverage will be limited in order to control publicity. Cameras and other electronic devices will also be banned from the upcoming trial.

    Image via YouTube