Fat Joe ‘Scared’ Into Weight Loss, Drops 88 Pounds

Fat Joe, the rapper who’s nickname was representative of his 6-foot-2, 350 lb frame, has recently shed 88 pounds, and apparently without the aid of any weight loss supplement or fad diet.

According to the NYDailyNews, the South Bronx native decided to get serious about weight loss after losing seven friends, all in their 30′s, to heart attacks last year.

“I always loved being fat, obviously. I’m Fat Joe. The biggest killer of people is food. It kills more people than AIDS or gun violence or war, anything you can name. Everybody keep catching strokes and heart attacks, and what happened to me was, like seven of my friends passed last year from heart attacks, and they were all 32, 34 years old, 35. What’s the difference between me and them? Health doesn’t discriminate just because I’m famous”

Reportedly Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, lost the weight by combining 2 hour cardio and weight lifting sessions with proper eating habits. Instead of BK, KFC, and McD’s, Fat Joe opted for smaller portioned meals of fruit, veggies, and lean meats.

The first peek at the rapper’s new frame came on Tuesday when his new music video, “Drop a Body,” went live on Worldstarhiphop.com. In the video, Joe looks a shadow of his former self and is hardly recognizable as he raps to the camera.

The obvious question is will this slim new artist keep his old nick name?

“They’re all trying to alter my name, but I can’t see myself as anything else,” he said, referring to friends who started calling him “Skinny Joe” and “Joey Flaco” (Spanish for “thin”). “I think I gotta ask Diddy what my new name is.”

Check out the new Fat Joe in Drop A Body below:

Top 57 new bands for 2011

LOUDER THAN WAR! top 57 new band tips for 2011

Of course this cannot be definitive, how could it be? These are pointers. We want to know more – if you have any more tips please add them to the comments section.

Here is our latest list of new bands for May 2011

1. Deadbeat Echoes - classic northern guitar band with experimental twist and love of the Standells and punk rock- interesting mix link link

2. Fraser King - like no other band on the planet. Doo wop meets new folk meets intense punk rock meets eccentric genius with attitude. Will be massive. http://www.myspace.com/frazerking

3. Mothercoat - genius twisted Japanese band who manage to cram free jazz hardcore and pristine beach Boys style melodies all into the same song. http://www.myspace.com/mothercoat

4. Shining - Ok they are five albums in but their skronk jazz meets dark metal riffing is new to our ears. http://www.myspace.com/shininghalmstad

5. Ricochet - Istanbul based melancholic post rockers. http://www.myspace.com/wericochet

6. We Came Out Like Tigers - Liverpool based scream thrash agitators….make a brilliant noise  http://www.myspace.com/wecameoutliketigers

7. The Chasms - brooding post indie from the Isle Of Man. http://www.myspace.com/thechasms

8. Bronto Skylift - they play proper guerilla gigs in parks with a generator. There are two of them and they play Nirvana tinged with free jazz discordant Death To Trad Rock exuberant free rock like the late eighties genius Glasgow bands like Badgewearer and Stretcheads etc- who they haven’t heard of. Genius. http://www.myspace.com/brontoskylift

9. Black Sun - dark hearted Glasgow noisecore noiseniks, like Black Flag on acid. http://www.myspace.com/black_sun_1000

10. The Seventeenth Century - neo folk with melodies that make the heart sore. http://www.myspace.com/theseventeenthcentury

11. Y Niwl - intriguing Welsh twangers with charming disheveled energy and a knack of capturing the dark heart of the magnificent Shadows. Such a great band. http://www.myspace.com/yniwl

12. War Hound - Chicago based old school hardcore crew. Sound very pissed off. Perfect. http://www.myspace.com/warhoundhardcore

13. Jamie Woon - a protegé of Burial twisting post dubstep into new shapes. http://www.myspace.com/jamiewoon

14. Raised On Replicas - what happens when Ballroom glam meet skuzzy guitar, bed-sit indie and vintage amps get abused and then shackled by motronik drums and love of guitar noise and sardonic vocals. http://www.myspace.com/raisedonreplicas

15. Japanther - what Brooklyn singalong indie punk crossover – sound like if Beck turned up with some loops instead of using 4/4 punk beats. http://www.myspace.com/japanther

16. Cripple Bastards - brutal Italian hardcore, controversial hate grind/grindcore. Sound like a road drill on heat. http://www.cripple-bastards.com/

17. Janice Graham Band – Mancunian dub and dope fused short ,sharp songs of bedsit tension. Every song sounds like a hit. http://www.myspace.com/janicegrahamband

18. Killahurtz -  Manchester dubstep with high IQ twist. It’s like listening to the future on speed. http://soundcloud.com/killahurtz

19. Adestria - more of that techno blast beast mash up. Screamo post hardcore with machine gun drums. http://www.myspace.com/adestriamusic

20. The Temps - Liverpool post Horrors crew back in the garage with addictive songs. http://www.myspace.com/thetempsliv

21. Chanteuse And The Crippled Claw – dark hearted brooding classic melancholia with electronic beats. http://www.myspace.com/chanteusenthecrippledclaw

22. Scribe - from Mumbai and just one of the many great new Indian metal bands along with Infernal Wrath, Bhayanak Maut and Demonic Resurrection. http://www.myspace.com/scribecore

24. Kong - not so new but you need to know about their neo Shallac/Fugazi complex post punk intensity dressed up in bizarre costumes…http://www.myspace.com/scribecore

25. Drunken Sailor records – Stoke based vinyl only punk rock label with great rosta. http://www.myspace.com/drunkensailorrec

26. James Blake – lo fi in the best way dubstep shenanigans http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vEXpbCMxc0

27. the Watchers - supporting the Charlatans this spring  ‘darkly, progressive indie rock’. A dark and brooding soundscape. http://louderthanwar.com/blogs/new-band-12-the-watchers-by-cath-aubergine

28. Anna Calvi - the ghost of PJ Harvey and similar brooding musics has attracted the ear of Nick Cave. http://www.myspace.com/annacalvi

29. Mr Kil - Scottish cross between Muse and the Killers…lets hope common sense prevails and it ends up more like Muse. http://www.myspace.com/mrkil

330. Global Parasite – North Wales punks totally fierce twin vocal assault…perfect anecdote for these tough times. http://www.myspace.com/globalparasite

31. Dirty North - sounds of scuzzy bedsits and the chip pan of rainy day real life made into endless brilliant demos of Bob Marley fused class guitar indie, should be massive. http://www.myspace.dirtynorthband

32. Thallie - Manchester based dubstepper singer http://www.myspace.com/thallieonline

33. Bear Claw - Steve Albini produced scoopy noiseniks with Shellac styled dislocated riffing. http://www.myspace.com/bearclaw

34. New York Junk - against the grain old school New York garage rock. The anti Williamsburg band? http://www.myspace.com/newyorkjunk

35. Senium - Steve Albini produced New Jersey rock with the powerful intensity of Curt Cobain. http://www.myspace.com/senium1

36. Bombers – Birmingham based spirit of Captain Beefheart raised in frenetic and glorious riffing. Out on their own.

http://www.facebook.com/bombersband .

37. D/R/U/G/S – Manc based neo Orbital dusk to dawn trancers http://www.myspace.com/drugsdogoodthings.

38. Hanggai - Chinese band. Former punks who put down their guitars and picked up traditional Chinese instruments. Amazing. http://www.myspace.com/hanggaiband

39. Kim Ki O - atmospheric, tranced out, indie pop from Istanbul http://www.myspace.com/kimkio

40.OFF! – Awesome new band from ex Black Flag singer Keith Morris. http://www.myspace.com/off

41. The Minx – Mancunian new skins with great line in tight gutsy modern take on tight melodic guitar pop with ska inflexion. http://www.myspace.com/youminx

42. Naked Veins – dark heavy take on British street rock n roll http://www.myspace.com/nakedveins

43. Exit Calm – brooding Sheffield psychedelic http://www.myspace.com/exitcalm

44. The Skarsoles – bouncy ska from Scotland…their name is amusing. Perennially popular music ska still influences countless young bands. http://www.myspace.com/skarsoles

45. Black Spiders – pure Sheffield steel- old school rockers, you can smell the grease in their riffs. http://www.myspace.com/theblackspiders

46. the Black Knights - Salford trash noiseniks. Distorted vocals colliding rocking riffs…you know the drill http://www.myspace.com/theblackknightsuk

47. Missing Andy – Chelmsford based plaintive real life indie rock.  http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/song_details/2730140

48. Straight Arrows - primal garage blues from Sydney Australia. Snotty, bratty, thrilling. Their debut single is 22 minutes long! http://www.myspace.com/thestraightarrows

49. Middle Class Rut - heavy, melodic polished indie pop breaking out in the USA http://www.myspace.com/middleclassrut

50. Humanizer - hardworking Manchester electronic soundscapes. http://www.myspace.com/humanizer

51. Calling All Astronauts - dark electro indie punk with politics, hints of early Human league but 21st century. http://www.myspace.com/callingallastronauts

52. Suicide Party - This is what happens when you lock people in the cupboard under the stairs for a month with nothing but the complete works of Joy Division and The Velvet Underground for company. http://www.myspace.com/suicidepartyuk

53. Morbid Grape - ‘were only a duo, both on guitars, me singin, no stuff to send u yet,but we are dump rock, death underground metal prog punk, describes us well!’

54 Smacksoft - part of a burgeoning Korean rock scene. Great vocals. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3EtuEsQl0A&feature=related

55. Odd Future - LA rap crew who deal in dark controversy whilst making groundbreaking future hip hop http://www.muzu.tv/nme/odd-future-tyler-the-creator-whats-odd-future-music-video/804037?country=gb&locale=en

56. the Happy Soul - plaintive northern blues. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtOwSRGBMG8

57. Hendrik Weber- brooding German electro. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhSa4Kg_eEI&feature=related

An Invisible Sign Of My Own

An Invisible Sign Of My Own Teaser Trailer.
 
With a great cast to include the lovely Jessica Alba, this comedy drama is about Mona Gray who as a child was a shy reclusive girl who turned to math for salvation after her father became ill, now a grown woman she decides to go into teaching so she can help students through their own crises. Looking good folks.

In New Zealand no sign of devastating earthquakes.

As New Zealand and other areas in the Pacific Ocean passed the May 21, 6 p.m. local time unscathed, despite predictions by Harold Camping that the hour would signal the beginning of the end of the world, many seemed to breathe a public sigh of relief -- some tongue-in-cheek and others more seriously -- on Twitter and other social media forums.

Although it was not the first time Oakland-based Camping, 89, forecast the apocalypse, this date marked the most attention-grabbing of his doomsday predictions. The unprecedented publicity was spurred by a worldwide $100-million campaign of caravans and billboards, financed by the sale and swap of TV and radio stations.

Camping broadcast what he told viewers would be his final "Open Forum" TV and radio show Thursday night. The Times' Christopher Goffard reported that when Camping, a former engineer, wrapped up the program he's hosted for decades, he shook hands with a couple of crewmen. "I probably won't see you again," he announced.

The map above shows recent seismic activity in the world, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey on Saturday morning, shortly after midnight in Los Angeles.

Below is a look at what people were saying as the predicted start of the apocalypse came and went

Does Harold Camping’s Ministry Have Money

May 21st, Doomsday is one of the hottest search topics in Google.

So in case you haven't heard by now, Harold Camping is the preacher who claims to have the calculations set on May 21, 2011 as The Judgment Day, Rapture Day, Doomstay -or whatever you want to call it. Camping's apocalypse hype is getting worldwide attention.

Harold Camping, 89, is a former civil engineer and Bible scholar. He is president of the religious non-profit Family Radio based in Oakland, California which fervently preaches the message about the end of the world, now days away. He and a caravan of trucks have been plastering over 5,000 billboards, spending millions of dollars to spread the message.

So, where do they get the funding for all this?

Tax returns indicate that the radio ministry raised a staggering $100 million dollars over the past seven years. The ministry also owns 66 radio stations worldwide valued at $72 million in 2009.

Not to mention donations have soared as well. The contribution comes from radio listeners, according to Tom Evans, board member of Family Radio.

However, Camping claims that it is not about the money, but spreading the message and saving as many people as possible.

"When Judgment Day comes, if someone is a billionaire, how will they take their money with them? If we have any money left, and we will because we have to pay bills up to the very end "... it will all be destroyed because the world will be in a day of judgment.

"The money is not important at all. It's a vehicle to spread the judgment and a vehicle of the Lord."

According to Camping, "I've never taken one nickel out of Family Radio. Many evangelists have become very rich, but my wife and I live very modestly."

"We have no interest in talking about money. We never tell people what to do with their money, that's between them and God."

Read more: http://losangeles.ibtimes.com/articles/148239/20110519/may-21st-doomsday-does-harold-camping-s-ministry-have-money.htm#ixzz1MqmBaimn

Andrej Pejic cover censored Barnes and Noble, Borders, say reports

Retail giants Barnes & Noble and Borders are refusing to display the latest cover of fashion magazine Dossier Journal, because it features androgynous male model Andrej Pejic shirtless, according to reports.


Elle Magazine writes that bookstores have asked for all copies of the magazine to be censored, placed in opaque plastic bags, because Pejic looks "too much like a woman."

Dossier Co-Founder and Creative Director Skye Parrott spoke with the online publication saying only American bookstores are complaining.

"It's a naked man on the cover of a magazine, which is done all of the time without being covered up, so I definitely don't think it merits this, but I understand what it is," Parrott told The Huffington Post. "It's not a coincidence that it's only the giant U.S. chain stores that are asking us to do this...It's only the American copies that are being censored."

Parrott believes censoring the cover will limit sales, but more than that "it probably made people uncomfortable."

Parrott told the site, "But that's part of what's interesting about the cover, I think, is that it's playing with those ideas of gender roles." According to Elle Magazine, the publisher will have to cover the cost of the plastic bags.

Lee Kirk expecting their first child ; Jenna Fischer and new husband

Fischer, who is one of the stars of the TV sitcom "The Office," has been married to screenwriter Lee Kirk for nearly a year.

UsMagazine.com confirmed the actress' pregnancy Friday, but did not report the child's gender or anticipated due date.

Jealousy Triggered Murder

The girlfriend -- who is scared and does not want her name used -- confirms M-Bone was in a Twitter war with the jealous man, which we previously reported.  We're told the jealous man made threats of violence.

The girlfriend tells us ... on Sunday  ... she picked M-Bone up at the airport at  12:15PM and took him back to their apartment.  Later that night, at around 10PM, M-Bone took her car and said he was going to the studio to record.

She tells us soon after she got a call from another member of Cali Swag with the devastating news her boyfriend had been shot.

As we first reported, the gunman fired shots as M-Bone stood near his girlfriend's car which was parked outside an Inglewood, CA liquor store.  The shooter drove a short distance, then made a U-turn and came back, presumably to see if he had hit his target.

Inglewood Police are currently investigating the shooting -- so far no arrests have been made.

James Frey Talks Truth With Big Think

“I don’t care much about truth.”
So says James Frey. And for the first time since the controversy broke about the untruths in his book “A Million Little Pieces,” I have watched an interview with next-to-n0 doubt that he was being honest. I’m not talking about the Oprah appearance. I’m talking about the video on Big Think.

Here’s a comparison, in talking about “A Million Little Pieces:”
Big Think:
When the controversy blew up, and I was sort of written off by the publishing business, and by the literary community, instead of being upset about it, I was kind of excited. … From that point forward I was free. I got kicked out of a club I didn’t want to be a part of and it was awesome.
This might look like a wind-up to pound Frey with accusations of contradiction, double-speak, whatever. It’s not. These quotes above don’t necessarily contradict each other. He paid for it and it freed him. But the latter is brutally honest. The Oprah quote might have cracked a door open for Frey. Big Think closes it tight. If readers still don’t understand the rules of Frey, it is their own fault.
He tells a story to Oprah about leaving the first interview (in which she scourged him) laughing “pretty hard” during the cab ride. “And then I got home and my wife gave me a hug and told me she loved me and I went in and saw my daughter who was sleeping and I kissed her and that was the day.”

Mariska Hargitay

Word around the water cooler is that the 'Law and Order: SVU' actress could see her role reduced in coming episodes. But that’s not all. Another rumor says that Jennifer Love Hewitt may be in line to join the cast. Love had a guest role last season.

Posada’s Mental Health Day

Jorge Posada’s late scratch from the Yankees’ lineup shortly before a 6-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday at Yankee Stadium led to a night of speculation and disagreement over why he did not play.
Brian Cashman, the Yankees’ general manager, told Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports: “Around 6 o’clock he came into Joe Girardi’s office and removed himself from the lineup. It’s not an injury situation. That’s all I can report right now.”
Later in the night, a message from the Twitter account of Posada’s wife, Laura, said: “Jorge loves being a Yankee more than anything. He’s trying his best to help his team win. Today, due to back stiffness he wasn’t able to do that.”

Derek Boogaard Found Dead

New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard was found dead in his Minnesota apartment by his family on Friday. He was 28. The cause of death is unknown, and an autopsy will be conducted Saturday. Last July, Boogaard had signed a four-year $6.5 million contract with the Rangers after five seasons with the Minnesota Wild, but he played only 22 games in New York because of a serious concussion. After the injury, he talked about how he'd never experienced anything like it, and how he barely could leave his apartment for weeks and had to wear sunglasses outside. Boogaard had a reputation as a fighter on the rink. In 255 games with the Wild, he had 54 fights and earned 544 penalty minutes. But he was also beloved by his teammates. “I don't know how to describe it," said Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom. "It's really hard. Unreal guy. Great friend and an awesome teammate. Just a really big teddy bear. Outside the rink, he didn't want bad for anyone.

Mike Huckabee

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced tonight on his Fox News program that he will not seek the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
Mr. Huckabee, the GOP frontrunner, was the only candidate with a solid regional base (the South). He was (and is) especially well-regarded by  social conservatives, who propelled his 2008 campaign to strong showings in Iowa and a number of southern states.  His departure leaves social conservatives without a candidate they can call their "one of their own."
We'll have more to say about this tomorrow night.

Jorge Posada claims to have back injury

This thing is officially a mess, but we’re going to try to lay out all the different reports and go from there.
Yankees designated hitter Jorge Posada removed himself from Saturday night’s lineup against the rival Red Sox, telling manager Joe Girardi an hour before game time that he “needed a mental day” of rest. At least, that’s how Girardi put it in his postgame press conference. A report that surfaced around the third inning from the YES Network’s Jack Curry told quite a different tale.
 a result of taking pregame infield practice at first base — but did not inform Girardi of the ailment during their pregame conversation.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made his way to the press box around the fourth inning to discuss the matter but did not divulge much information, saying that he “didn’t want to speak for” the 39-year-old designated hitter and that he had no knowledge of any sort of injury. Reports followed stating that Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner was “in contact with Bud Selig’s office” regarding Posada’s refusal to play.
There aren’t two sides to this story. There are several. But in each one of them Posada looks like a complete clown. He either refused to play on Saturday night against the Red Sox because he felt slighted at being dropped to the ninth spot in the lineup — a preposterous attitude considering his lofty $13.1 million salary and current offensive struggles — or he’s actually injured and didn’t bother to tell anyone.
Whatever the case, it’s on Posada to patch things up. Either with a public apology or closed-door meeting with Girardi and Cashman, an apology must be issued so that the situation can blow over.

Anna Kournikova Mansion Sale Shows

There is no such thing as a sure thing in sports. There are far more athletes that flame out early in their respective sports than there are those that succeed.
There are countless cautionary tales of athletes that blow their signing bonuses only to see their careers die before making the big bucks. It is hard to become a professional athlete, and harder still to thrive.
Anna Kournikova, for all intents and purposes, was not a great tennis player. She never won a major tournament and reached as high as eighth in the world rankings before she plummeted into

Danica Patrick will have to think about her NASCAR

The racing world has but one sex symbol, one relevant female presence, and one girl who continues to be the biggest draw in the sport: Danica Patrick.
She toils in that land between NASCAR, America’s most popular sport, and Indy car racing where she is above and beyond anything else that sport has to offer.
But Danica must begin thinking about her next move. There has to be part of her, the ambitious part that made her the biggest thing in a male dominated sport, that wants to tackle NASCAR and make her mark there.

Maria Shriver 'HUMBLED'

Maria Shriver doesn't feel alone going through her separation from Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"Thank you for all the kindness, support and compassion," she wrote to her Twitter fans on Friday. "I am humbled by the love. Thank you."
This is the first time Shriver, 55, has commented on her split, which Schwarzenegger, 63, addressed on Tuesday, one day after the longtime couple announced their separation in a statement.
Said the actor-politician at the time: "We're extremely blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people [and] by so many wonderful friends."

I "Needed a Break" From Hollywood

In a Monday appearance on Lopez Tonight, the 24-year-old reality star opened up about why she took six months out of the spotlight.

PHOTOS: Hills stars, then and now!

"I needed a break after such a crazy six years of my life," she said. "And [from] being in L.A. and Hollywood… I've been with my puppies and my husband. It's low-key."

The ex-Hills star said even though much of her relationship hubby Spencer Pratt, 27, has played out on reality TV, she wouldn't recommend other young people to follow in her footsteps without reservations. "It's hard," she said. "[But] it's fun. I would never discourage any one from following their dreams and their passion, and obtaining any kind of success is great."

PHOTOS: Heidi and Spencer's wedding album

So what's bringing Montag back into the public eye after this half-year hiatus? She's one of seven celebrities starring in VH1's new reality show Famous Food. She explained: "We started a restaurant from scratch. There's seven celebrities...We have to find wallpaper and decorate it, and [find] a menu -- and I found the chef!"

Other Famous Food contestants include Real Housewives of New Jersey's Danielle Staub and The Bachelor's Jake Pavelka.

PHOTOS: Plastic surgery nightmares

"We are all potential owners or whatever," she said. "And at the end, maybe one person might get chosen to be a partner in the restaurant, and then maybe no one will get chosen."

The show premieres this fall on VH1.

Lohan sentenced to four months jail for theft

Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan pleaded no contest on Wednesday to stealing a necklace from a Los Angeles store in January, and was sentenced to four months in jail.
Lohan, who was not in court, entered the plea through her lawyer on a reduced, misdemeanor theft charge.
Under California law, a no contest plea is effectively an admission of guilt. Lohan, 24, who has been in and out of jail and drug rehab for almost four years, had previously pleaded not guilty, insisting on her innocence.
The judge in the case sentenced the "Mean Girls" actress to 120 days in jail and 480 hours community service. Lohan was told to report to jail on or before June 17.
However, Lohan's lawyer told the court that the actress was expected to be approved to serve her jail sentence at home under a house arrest or electronic monitoring program designed to combat overcrowding in Los Angeles jails.
Jail officials have also said it is likely that Lohan will serve far less than her 120 day sentence with time off for good behavior and because of overcrowding.
Lohan was also ordered to complete psychological counseling, and an anti-shoplifting program.
Los Angeles Judge Stephanie Sautner said it was up to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which administers the jail system, how to handle the question of house arrest or early release.
But she added "Any early release on house arrest seems to be a triple bonus... (But) I am not about to battle the Sheriff. I do order that while under house arrest she is not allowed out to do community service."
Lohan's once promising Hollywood career has been stalled since a 2007 drunk driving and cocaine possession arrest.
However last month, she landed her first big movie part for several years in an upcoming feature film about the New York Gotti crime family, alongside actors John Travolta and Al Pacino.

Pippa Middleton receives unwanted attention from paparazzi

As Prince William and Kate Middleton honeymoon in a secluded spot, the paparazzi who stalk them are back in the spotlight.
There's a brewing legal battle over publication of 5-year-old photographs of bridesmaid Pippa Middleton sunbathing topless, and anger about gruesome photographs of the late Princess Diana in the moments after her 1997 car crash appearing in a documentary about her death.
The publication of the Pippa pictures — showing the 27-year-old on a powerboat with older sister Kate (in a revealing bikini) and William (in a red and white bathing suit) — prompted the Middleton family to file a formal petition to Britain's independent Press Complaints Commission.

IN PICTURES: Kate Middleton's dresses

That complaint is seen as the first salvo in what is expected to be a conflict between the monarchy and the press as both sides try to establish boundaries in a new royal era defined by William and Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and their determination to live a normal life.
The prince and his bride jetted off this week to a secret honeymoon spot that royal watchers believe was chosen specifically to keep them out of the lenses of the paparazzi.
"That and security would have been of primary importance," said Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine. "We've known for a long time William would not stand for any nonsense regarding his new wife and her family."
Many Britons — mindful of how Princess Diana was tracked by the paparazzi in the moments leading to her fatal car crash — want the new royal couple, and the rest of the Middleton clan, to be able to move about without facing a constant barrage of flashing cameras.
"I think they should be left alone to be honest, after what happened to Lady Diana," said Marla Quinn, a 43 year-old receptionist from Surrey.
The nation has been astir with news that "death photos" of Diana moments after her high-speed crash in a Paris tunnel will be shown in a new film about her death, "Unlawful Killing," premiering at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Middleton family's complaint cites four British tabloids — the News of the World, Daily Mail, the Mail on Sunday and the Daily Mirror — for publishing photos that violated family privacy, including those of the sisters and William on the luxury boat off the coast off the Mediterranean island of Ibiza.
Other pictures of Pippa Middleton have also received wide exposure on the Internet and in various publications, including one of her dancing suggestively in a lavender bra and a flimsy white skirt with an unidentified man wearing boxer shorts. Sensitive pictures of younger brother James Middleton have also circulated on the Internet.
The independent press commission will determine whether the newspapers have violated the Middletons' privacy and whether there are any "public right to know" issues that might justify publication of the photos.
While freedom of speech is protected in the United States by the First Amendment, European law protects privacy as well as free expression, often leaving it to judges to balance the two competing concerns.
A key European Court of Human Rights judgment in 2004 bolstered privacy protection by ruling that three German magazines infringed on Princess Caroline of Monaco's privacy by publishing photos of her and her children at a Monaco beach club.
The recent British newspaper coverage, including front-page photos of Pippa Middleton in a bikini, reflects her status as a surprise star of the royal wedding.
Her appearance in a figure-flattering Alexander McQueen gown at the wedding has sparked a flurry of interest, including the establishment of a Pippa Middleton appreciation page on Facebook.
Experts believe her newfound fame offers a raft of commercial opportunities — but could be undone if more embarrassing photos surface.
Katrina Kutchinsky, managing director of KK Communications, which represents luxury restaurants and bars, said Pippa Middleton is in high demand on the London nightlife scene.
"She's definitely the hot ticket at the moment, my venues are trying to reach her, but she's very well protected," Kutchinsky said. "Everyone is talking about her."

Kate Gosselin

The "Kate Plus Eight" reality star will help her sextuplets celebrate their seventh birthday. Gosselin, who also has twins, appeared at Kentucky Derby events in an outrageous topper. One blogger reported that the celebu-mom returned in time to spend Mother's Day with her many children.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods has some 'splaining to do: The golf pro has dropped to eighth in the world golf rankings. Even if he did win his next title, it would only get the former champ as high as fourth. That leaves fellow American Phil Mickelson, who is fourth, as the only non-European player in the top seven.

Golfing greats join family for Ballesteros funeral

Ryder Cup captains past and present joined family and friends of golfing legend Severiano Ballesteros Wednesday for the funeral in his hometown parish church in the northern Spanish village of Pedrena.
The 2012 European Captain Jose Maria Olazabal, and past European Ryder Cup captains Nick Faldo, Bernard Gallacher, Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam, attended to pay their last respects to Ballesteros, a European Tour spokesman said.
Ballesteros died Saturday from complications related to a brain tumor, his website said. He was 54.
The European Tour website said all of Spain's 422 golf clubs will observe a minute's silence, while the flag sticks at the Pro-Am of the Iberdrola Open in Majorca will have black ribbons attached.
A procession from Ballesteros' home to the nearby village church was led by a bagpiper. The golfer's three children came just behind, carrying an urn with his ashes. Ballesteros' website said someone also carried a three iron, the club he used when he started playing golf as a child.
Crowds gathered outside the small San Pedro de Pedrena church to watch the funeral on big-screen televisions.
Ballesteros won a record 50 tournaments on the European Tour before retiring in 2007.
A three-time British Open champion and two-time Masters champion, Ballesteros was often credited for transforming European golf.
Ballesteros first made his name as a 19-year old in 1976 when he finished second at the British Open -- one of golf's four major tournaments.
That year he also went on to win the European Tour's money list for the first of six times. His triumph at the 1979 British Open made him the youngest winner of the event that century and the first non-British European to do so since 1907. He was twice a victor at the Masters in Augusta.
As well as his success in stroke play tournaments, Ballesteros was also a mighty competitor in the match play format, winning the world title five times.
He helped beat the United States in the 1985 Ryder Cup to begin two decades of dominance and also led his team to victory in Valderrama, Spain, in 1997 -- the first year that the teams event was hosted by Europe outside of Britain and Ireland.
Ballesteros was diagnosed with a brain tumor after losing consciousness at Madrid Airport on October 5, 2008. He underwent surgery. In June 2009, he established the Seve Ballesteros Foundation to fight cancer.
The Roman Catholic funeral mass was officiated by three local parish priests.

Warren Buffett to guest star on 'Office' finale

 The season finale of “The Office” is going to be a packed house. In addition to the likes of Ricky Gervais, Jim Carrey and Will Arnett, famed investor Warren Buffett is also expected to make a cameo.

According to Variety, Buffett will also be angling for the gig Steve Carell's Michael Scott vacated at the end of April and was temporarily filled by Will Ferrell’s Deangelo Vickers. Apparently, Buffett had the "Office" crew make a stop by his company's annual shareholders meeting for a skit in which Buffett pretended to take over for former office manager Scott.
Other big names descending on the Scranton, Pennsylvania office that episode are Catherine Tate, James Spader and Ray Romano.

Team Leopard rider Weylandt dies in Giro d'Italia crash

Team Leopard rider Wouter Weylandt of Belgium has been killed after a horror crash on the third stage of the Giro d'Italia.
The 26-year-old crashed on the descent of the Bocco mountain, 25km from the finish of Monday's 173km stage between Reggio Emilia and Rapallo.
Weylandt was attended to by medics, who administered cardiac massage following the incident, but he was pronounced dead from his injuries in the air ambulance on his way to hospital.
Race officials later claimed the rider's left pedal got stuck in a wall at the side of the road, resulting in him being catapulted off his bike and thrown over 40 meters along the road.
Team Leopard manager Brian Nygaard issued a statement on their official website, saying: "Our teammate and friend Wouter Weylandt passed away after a crash on the third stage of the Giro d'Italia.
"The team is left in a state of shock and sadness and we send all our thoughts and deepest condolences to all the family and friends of Wouter.
"This is a difficult day for cycling and for our team, and we should all seek support and strength in the people close to us."
British sprinter Mark Cavendish, who held the race leader's pink jersey on Monday, wrote on his Twitter page: "Things like this shouldn't happen. Absolutely sick to the stomach. My thoughts are with his family. RIP Wouter Weylandt."
And cycling legend Lance Armstrong also Tweeted: "Just back from a run and got the news of Wouter Weylandt's death today in the Giro. I'm shocked and saddened. May he rest in peace."
Weylandt joined the newly-formed Leopard team this season, after spending his career with the Belgian Quick Step squad since turning professional in 2006.
He enjoyed some success with Quick Step, notably taking a stage in the 2008 Vuelta Espana and ironically winning the same third stage of the 2010 Giro.
Weylandt is the first cyclist to lose his life in a racing crash since Kazakhstan's Andrei Kivilev died of head injuries following an accident in the 2003 Paris-Nice race.
In the 1995 Tour de France, Italian Fabio Casartelli, a teammate of Armstrong's at Motorola, was killed after crashing on the descent of the Porte d'Aspet in the Pyrenees.

And in 1986, Italian Emilio Ravasio died several days after crashing on the first stage of the Giro d'Italia.

Ginnifer Goodwin says that weddings are 'jarring' at 'Something Borrowed' premiere

Goodwin, who is currently planning her wedding to actor Joey Kern, admits that the wedding premise lends itself to discomfort and comedy.
"There is something about weddings, of course, that involves real self-analysis and a sort of, step back from one's life to find the assurance to move forward to a whole new kind of commitment," Goodwin told Rachel Smith of OnTheRedCarpet.com at the film's Hollywood premiere. "It is such a jarring, discombobulating time in everyone's lives and that's why it's such prime rom-com fodder."
Goodwin stars as Rachel, a lawyer who's secretly in love with her law school crush Dex (Colin Egglesfield) but doesn't admit her crush until he's engaged to her childhood friend Darcy (Kate Hudson). "The Office"'s John Krasinski lends comic relief as Ethan, Rachel's confidante and sometimes conscience.
"I feel like this is a really relatable romcom," Goodwin added. "If we can even call it a romcom. I've been calling it a 'rom with laughs.'"
The film is based on a book of the same name by Emily Giffin which was released in 2005. The novel has a sequel called "Something Blue," which focuses on Darcy.

2011 Kentucky Derby: 5 Reasons Animal Kingdom Will Win the Triple Crown

We've barely digested the Kentucky Derby. Heck, I've only watched the race twice. But already everyone has the same question: can Animal Kingdom sweep the Preakness and Belmont and become the first Triple Crown champion since Affirmed in 1978.
Obviously, it's tough to say anything yet. We still don't have an idea who will be running in the Preakness. There's every chance that he'll run against a field that just doesn't set up his way.
But for now, here are five reasons that Animal Kingdom could go on and become the 12th Triple Crown champion:

Pacquiao vs. Mosley Results: Shane Mosley Is Ready to Upset Manny Pacquiao

With the Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley fight just a few hours away, it's safe to say that this could be one of the best fights of the year.

While many see Manny Pacquiao as the heavy favorite in this fight, don’t count out “Sugar” Shane Mosley.

Mosley has nothing to lose at 39-years old and he's just trying to shock the world with what could be one of the most devastating upsets in boxing history.

'Godfather' Prequel By Mario Puzo Set To Become Book The Family Corleone

'Godfather' Prequel By Mario Puzo Set To Become Book The Family Corleone. Perhaps the most acclaimed and notable set of films of the 20th century, "The Godfather" films told the story of the complicated machinations and drama of the Corleone crime family, jumping from Vito's emigration from Italy to the mad, backstabbing scramble by his sons to be his successor.

And while the second film gives glimpses of the Don's past life and rise to power, there were many more questions left unanswered about his early years. Or so we thought.

Mario Puzo, who wrote the novel upon which the films were based and helped write the first two screenplays, had another Corleone story in his pocket, it turns out, tracing in more detail Vito's rise through the 1920's and 30's New York mob scene. The tales took shape in a screenplay that went unproduced, and while the original actors are far too old or otherwise unavailable to bring a fourth "Godfather" film -- especially one set before the original -- to screen, Puzo's final Corleone story will be told within the confines of a new novel.

The novel, to be titled "The Family Corleone," will be adapted by author Edward Falco from screenplay to book and released in June, 2012, The New York Times reports. Falco, a professor at Virginia Tech, recently published his own mob-related book, "Saint John of the Five Boroughs." He's also the uncle of former "Sopranos" star Edie Falco.

This isn't the first time "The Godfather" has been revisited; Puzo himself wrote a sequel to his original novel, titled "The Sicilian," that heavily features the Corleone family. Then, in 2004, Mark Winegardner, published "The Godfather Returns," which follows the years immediately after Puzo's first book and coincides somewhat with the second film.

Winegardner in 2006 released "The Godfather's Revenge," which put the crime family squarely involved with the assassination of an allegorical President Kennedy. Both books were critically acclaimed.

First Husband Stephen Craig Marie Osmond Remarries

First Husband Stephen Craig Marie Osmond Remarries. Marie Osmond has remarried her first husband in a private ceremony at a Mormon temple in Las Vegas. Osmond said in a statement that the 51-year-old singer and 54-year-old Stephen Craig, a former professional basketball player wed on Wednesday. She says the day is special because it marks the birthdays of both her late mother and her late son Michael Bryan.

Osmond says it was important for both relatives to be with her and her husband on their special day.

Bryan committed suicide last year.

Osmond wore the same Ret Turner wedding dress that she wore during her first ceremony with Craig.

The couple first married in 1982 but divorced three years later. They also have a 28-year-old son, Stephen.

Judas' Video Stars Mary Magdalene, Jesus Lady Gaga

Judas' Video Stars Mary Magdalene, Jesus Lady Gaga. After weeks of buildup and pre-emptive criticism, Lady Gaga finally (spurred by leaks) released the controversial music video for her new single "Judas." And to be sure, it delivers on its promise of controversy.

In the video, Gaga plays a modern-day Mary Magdalene, riding in with motorcycle gang Jesus and his apostles. Sleekly sexualized, it places her, among other things, writing in a bath with both Jesus and Judas, who share intimate moments, as well.

Before the video was even released, the Catholic League struck out at Gaga -- who grew up and is still a practicing Catholic -- for what they deemed as inappropriate and offensive.

"This is a stunt... Lady Gaga tries to continue to shock Catholics and Christians in general: she dresses as a nun... she swallows the rosary. She has now morphed into a caricature of herself," Catholic League President Bill Donohue said in a statement.

Her take, of course, was a bit different; in an interview with MSN in late April, Gaga said, "'Judas' is a metaphor and an analogy about forgiveness and betrayal and things that haunt you in your life and how I believe that it's the darkness in your life that ultimately shines and illuminates the greater light that you have upon you."

On Wednesday and then Thursday, Gaga sent out provocative messages over Twitter, saying, "THE JUDAS KISS: a betrayal of a prophecy fulfilled?" and "The Cultural Baptism cannot be stopped."

Getting Offer For Pregnancy Manual Movie Cameron Diaz

Getting Offer For Pregnancy Manual Movie Cameron Diaz. From theme park ride to 80's action figure and board game, Hollywood has shown it can squeeze a movie out of anything, no matter how little juice may end up on the final reel. Now, the tinsel town is turning its eye on pregnancy manuals with the big screen adaptation of "What To Expect When You're Expecting."

"Expecting," however, won't be about preparing for your new bundle of joy; there will be no mental coaching or healthy pre-natal recipes. Instead, it'll be a romantic comedy -- and Cameron Diaz is expected to sign on for a leading role.

Diaz, who returns to her long-lost humor roots with the sex comedy "Bad Teacher," this summer, would take an unnamed part in the film, which Deadline says will be a sort of "Love Actually," that tells the tales of five couples awaiting a child. She recently remarked that she thought marriage was a dying institution.

The film, to be produced by Lionsgate, will be directed by Kirk Jones, who may be best known for his Irish indie comedy "Waking Ned Devine."

Are Prince William, Catherine Middleton headed to Hollywood

Prince William and his bride, Duchess Catherine Middleton, may be headed for The Hills.
Thenewlyweds are coming to Los Angeles for two days in early July, reports royal biographer Andrew Morton of the Morton Report.
A spokesperson for the LAPD, however, tells PEOPLE they haven't heard about plans for an upcoming trip for the royal couple, but Morton says it is expected to take place right after the two tour Canada from June 30 to July 8, which will be their first public appearance since their wedding.
Could the brief stop in Hollywood also involve the couple's wedding guests -- and current L.A. residents Victoria and David Beckham? Should be fun for the paparazzi, regardless.
A rep for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce did not return an immediate request for comment

Barcelona held but go through to Champions League final

Barcelona reached the Champions League final after drawing 1-1 with Real Madrid in the Nou Camp Tuesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate.
2-0 to the good from the first leg at the Bernabeu, Barcelona took the lead through Pedro in the 54th minute while Marcelo scored the equalizer for Real 10 minutes later.
Barcelona will play either Manchester United or Schalke at Wembley on May 28 with the English side having a 2-0 lead heading into the second leg at home Wednesday.
In contrast to the ill-tempered first leg, both teams ended the match with a full set of players and there were none of the ugly confrontations that marred that encounter.
Real proved obdurate opponents but rode their luck in the first half as Lionel Messi forced two fine saves from Iker Casillas before dragging a shot wide from a great position.

Watson clinches Zurich Classic after playoff

Bubba Watson held his nerve to secure a third win on the PGA Tour Sunday after the 32-year-old beat Webb Simpson in a playoff to clinch the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.
The left-hander and fellow American Simpson both finished on 15-under par after final rounds of 69 and a second additional hole was needed to separate the pair.
A fine approach shot out of a fairway bunker enabled Watson, who turned professional in 2003, to find the cup with two putts and claim victory.
The U.S. duo finished two shots clear of compatriots Jason Dufner and Tommy Gainey and South Korea's K.J. Choi, who all ended the tournament on 13-under.
Watson, who had won earlier this year at the Farmers Insurance tournament at Torrey Pines, slipped three-strokes behind Simpson, 25, with only eight holes remaining of regulation play.
"This week, I won [by] not getting down on bad shots, just staying focused on what I'm supposed to be doing," Watson told the PGA Tour's official web site.
Simpson was hit with a crucial one-stroke penalty on the 15th hole when he was penalized after his ball moved on the green while he was contemplating his next shot.
"I better limit my comments on that rule, because I think it's such a bad rule," said Simpson.
"When the wind or other natural things affect the golf ball, the player shouldn't be penalized. ... It was just unfortunate, but Bubba deserves a win, and I'm pretty happy for him."
Watson sympathized with his opponent and acknowledged the punishment handed out to Simpson played a part in his victory.
"If I didn't win, he would have been a nice guy to have win. We went to a playoff, so obviously one shot is the difference. ... It's a sad way to win, but I won."

Australia's Matt Jones finished tied with American George McNeill on 12-under in sixth, with five players, including world number three Luke Donald, finishing one shot further back.

Upbeat Federer resumes clay season in Madrid

Roger Federer is hoping to get his clay court season back on track as he bids for a third win in the Madrid Masters tournament this week.
The former world number one goes into the tournament off the back of a spell of intensive training in his native Switzerland with Stefan Koubek of Austria.
He crashed out in the quarterfinals in Monte Carlo a fortnight ago to Jurgen Melzer and is determined not to repeat the same mistakes.
"I had some wrong decisions against Melzer," said Federer, who will play Olivier Rochus or Kevin Anderson in the second round.
"Other than that, I think I've had a pretty good season," said Federer told gathered reporters Monday.
"I did a lot of work the past few weeks in the gym and on the court, plus fitness training."
Federer faces a tough stretch of competitive tennis, with the run-up to the French Open followed by a return to grass for Wimbledon and then a Davis Cup tie for Switzerland.
His coach Paul Annacone told CNN that the 16-time grand slam champion was ready for the test.
"Roger is the most versatile player in the game and can win any match against any player," he said.
Federer could meet world number one and arch-rival Rafael Nadal in the semifinals in Madrid and Annacone is hoping it will become a reality.
"I do hope they get to face each other during this clay court season -- it is a terrific challenge and great opportunity -- this is why great players play," he added.
Meanwhile in tournament action Monday, 12th seed Andy Roddick of the United States went out after a three-hour marathon against Flavio Cipolla of Italy.
Cipolla won their first round match 6-4 6-7 6-3, but ninth seed Gael Monfils of France came through unscathed against Croatian Ivo Karlovic 6-3 7-6.
In the women's draw, China's sixth seed Li Na beat hope Maria Martinez Sanchez 6-4 7-6.

Russian eighth seed Maria Sharapova won her second match in two days but was made to battle hard by compatriot Elena Makarova before winning 6-3 3-6 6-1.

Barcelona reject Real's accusations of 'racism'

Barcelona have denied accusations by Real Madrid that their players made "racist slurs" during the controversial Champions League semifinal first leg last week.
Real assistant coach Aitor Karanka turned up the temperature ahead of Tuesday's return in the Nou Camp with a strongly worded attack on their arch-rivals.
Karanka was reacting to UEFA's decision to throw out complaints by both the Spanish giants about each other's behavior during the match in the Bernabeu, won 2-0 by Barcelona.
Madrid had alleged that Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets directed a racist remark at Brazilian full-back Marcelo.
"We have been punished but there are Barca players who didn't respect the principles of fair play or who made racist insults, covering their mouths, who will be on the pitch tomorrow." Karanka told gathered reporters.
He was appearing at the pre-match conference in place of Real manager Jose Mourinho, who has been banned for the second leg for his protests after the second half dismissal of Pepe.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said Real Madrid were entitled to make complaints to UEFA, but he stood by his players.
"They (Real Madrid) may think we're not fair and I think the opposite. I know my players much better than their legal department," he told official Barcelona website.
"At this club we transmit certain values to our people. The Madrid manager was here for four years and he knows that."
Mourinho will be forced to watch the match from the stands, but Karanka said the team were desperate to win for him.
"If we could win and dedicate the victory to him it would be something important.

"Real Madrid have 109 years of proud history and we will fight to the end," he added.

Bahrain GP decision deadline extended

Formula One's governing body says it has extended the deadline for a decision to be made on whether to rearrange this year's cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix.
Bahrain was due to host the 2011 season-opening race on March 13, but the event was called off due to civil unrest in the Gulf kingdom.
The Bahrain Motor Federation and officials from the circuit in Sakhir now have until June 3 to announce whether or not they will hold this season's event.
The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) had initially set a deadline of May 1 for a conclusion to be reached.
"This decision was taken after consultation with the relevant Bahraini authorities and Formula One Management (FOM), the international promoter," read a statement on the FIA's web site.
Zayed Rashid, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), expressed his gratitude to the FIA and FOM for their assistance in difficult circumstances.
"We gratefully acknowledge the understanding of FOM and the FIA in what have been difficult times," Rashid told the sport's official web site.
"Clearly our national priority is to find a resolution to the difficulties that the kingdom of Bahrain has experienced.
"The national situation has moved on in a positive manner, the situation is evolving all the time; our day-to-day life is gradually improving under the current state of national safety."
Bernie Ecclestone, president of FOM, had previously suggested the race -- which was first introduced to the sport in 2004 -- could take place during Formula One's mid-season break in July.
The FIA's new deadline coincides with the date of the next World Motorsport Council in Barcelona.

Three rounds of the 2011 F1 season have been completed, with reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel currently leading the standings, and the next race will take place in Turkey on May 8.

Jinks Fires will finally saddle a starter in the Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On April 16, he won the Arkansas Derby with a horse named Archarcharch. Until then, he had never won a Grade 1 stakes race anywhere during his five decades at the race track. Now his phone is ringing off the hook. Now everybody knows his name. On Saturday, he will send the best colt he ever trained to the post for the Kentucky Derby.
At age 70, William “Jinks” Fires has become an overnight sensation.
“You know,” he said Monday, “there has to be a thousand horsemen like me out there ... good horsemen, who just never have had the big horse in their barn and probably never will. But they can train. They work just as hard, and maybe even harder, than the guys with the big names and the high-priced horses because they have to hold cheap claimers together just to make a living.
“I know. I been there and, believe me, that’s a lot harder than training those high-priced colts the millionaire owners send their guys.”
So this is a guy who worked like hell for everything he got and once had to start all over again, but was strong enough because the things that shaped him never once let Jinks Fires forget who he was.
Start with a tiny corner of northeast Arkansas around Leachville, in Mississippi County, light years away from the bluegrass and the mint juleps and the glamour and the sound of “My Old Kentucky Home” on Derby Day. His father was a farmer, but the land seemed to fight him for everything it yielded.
He raised some corn and soy and cotton and later there were a few cows; everybody worked. There were 11 kids and most of them eventually had something to do with horses. Brother Earlie is a Hall of Fame jockey. Jinks’ son-in-law, Jon Court, is the jockey of Archarcharch.
“We got our high school in, but it was a tough life,” Jinks said. “After school, an older brother, Buddy, and I rode out to herd whatever cows had strayed, and by the time we drove them home it would be dark and then we’d have to milk them.
“We never missed any meals, but we ate an awful lot of corn.”
His work ethic was so intense it almost seems genetic. Then he went out and rodeoed down a long, lonesome road ... from as nearby as Manila, Ark., to as far away as Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky and even Wisconsin ... broncs and bulls and barely enough prize money to get you to the next town.
“In 1959, I was riding in west Memphis and a fella, who had seen me ride, called and asked if I would go out to his farm and break some yearlings for him. I did, and when they left so did I — right along with them to Oaklawn Race Track. Except for the Korean War, I never left the horses.”
In 1966, he got his trainer’s license and worked Oaklawn and Churchill Downs. He is probably the trainer with the longevity record at the Downs.

Howard Wasdin Recalls Days as SEAL Sniper

 
Reach Out and Touch Someone
When the U.S. Navy sends their elite, they send the SEALs. When the SEALs send their elite, they send SEAL Team Six, the navy's equivalent to the army's Delta Force—tasked with counterterrorism and counterinsurgency, occasionally working with the CIA. This is the first time a SEAL Team Six sniper's story has been exposed. My story.
Snipers avoid exposure. Although we prefer to act rather than be acted upon, some forces are beyond our control. We rely on our strengths to exploit the enemy's vulnerabilities; however, during the war in the Persian Gulf I became vulnerable as the lone person on the fantail of an enemy ship filled with a crew working for Saddam Hussein. On yet another occasion, despite being a master of cover and concealment, I lay naked on an aircraft runway in a Third World country with bullet holes in both legs, the right leg nearly blown off by an AK-47 bullet. Sometimes we must face what we try to avoid.
* * *
In the morning darkness of September 18, 1993, in Mogadishu, Somalia, Casanova and I crept over the ledge of a retaining wall and climbed to the top of a six-story tower. Even at this early hour there were already people moving around. Men, women, and children relieved themselves in the streets. I smelled the morning fires being lit, fueled by dried animal dung and whatever else people could find to burn. The fires heated any food the Somalis had managed to obtain. Warlord Aidid knew fully the power of controlling the food supply. Every time I saw a starving child, I blamed Aidid for his evil power play that facilitated this devastation of life.
The tower we were on was located in the middle of the Pakistani compound. The Pakistanis were professional and treated us with great respect. When it was teatime, the boy in charge of serving always brought us a cup. I had even developed a taste for the fresh goat milk they used in the tea. The sounds and scents of the goatherd in the compound reached my senses as Casanova and I crawled onto the outer lip at the top of the tower. There we lay prone, watching a large garage, a vehicle body shop that had no roof. Surrounding the garage was a city of despair. Somalis trudged along with their heads and shoulders lowered. Helplessness dimmed their faces, and starvation pulled the skin tight across their bones. Because this was a "better" part of town, multilevel buildings stood in fairly good repair. There were concrete block houses instead of the tin and wooden lean-to sheds that dominated most of the city and countryside. Nevertheless, the smell of human waste and death—mixed with hopelessness—filled the air. Yes, hopelessness has a smell. People use the term "developing countries," but that is bullcrap. What developed in Somalia was things such as hunger and fighting. I think "developing countries" is just a term used to make the people who coined it feel better. No matter what you call them, starvation and war are two of the worst events imaginable.

Eco-Friendly Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and whether you are a new mother – celebrating your first Mother’s Day – or a seasoned pro, Sunday May 8 is your special day.

Because this is such a personal holiday, it is wise to plan your celebration around the individual. For some mothers, just sleeping in and relaxing all day is all they want – a day to just escape the hectic and often challenging life of a 21st century mom.

Nonetheless, we are always looking for new ways to show our mothers just how grateful we are for all that they do to enrich our lives. With more and more mothers becoming environmentally conscious, why not give the mom(s) in your life an eco-friendly gift that also respects Mother Earth.

Bin Laden wife was human shield against raiders, intelligence trail heated up last summer The Canadian Press

WASHINGTON - One of Osama bin Laden's wives stood between him and U.S. Navy SEALs as the world's most-wanted terrorist was gunned down in an airborne assault on the al-Qaida leader's safehouse deep in Pakistan. He was holed up less than a mile (1.6 kilometres) from the country's military academy and not far from the capital of Islamabad.
Details emerged Monday of the life and dramatic death of bin Laden, the day after President Barack Obama made the stunning near-midnight announcement that the al-Qaida leader had been killed.
Obama, while assured bin Laden probably was in the compound, did not know with certainty that the 10-year hunt for the notorious son of a Saudi Arabian construction magnate was at an end until his body was carried to one of four U.S. Special Operations helicopters that had ferried in the American force deep inside Pakistan. One of the craft was damaged on landing and blown up before the return journey to Afghanistan.
On Monday the president said the terrorist mastermind's death was "a good day for America."
The administration said DNA testing administered on the body before it was buried at sea from the deck of the USS Carl in the North Arabian Sea confirmed the man killed was indeed bin Laden.
Photo analysis by the CIA, confirmation by a woman believed to be one of bin Laden's wives on site, and matching physical features like bin Laden's height all helped confirmed the identification. White House officials were deciding the merits and appropriateness of releasing a photo of bin Laden's body. He was shot above his left eye, blowing away part of his skull.

Geronimo: Code Name for Osama bin Laden Mission

(EndPlay Staff Reports) - As President Barack Obama sat in the White House's Situation Room on Sunday it was the mention of the name " Geronimo" that let him know the mission to find Osama bin Laden was on track.
Geronimo was the operation's code name as Navy SEALs headed to a walled compound in Abbotabad, Pakistan, to kill or capture bin Laden. The president and others including Vice President Joe Biden sat in the White House not sure if the military team would find the al-Qaida leader in the fortress-like complex. They anxiously waited to hear the code.
The UK Telegraph said CIA director Leon Panetta spoke it. "We have a visual on Geronimo."
When they heard the message they knew the SEALs team had spotted bin Laden. About 40 minutes later they got the next message, Geronimo EKIA, spoken by a Navy SEAL who was saying enemy killed in action.
Geronimo is the name of a Chiricahua Apache Indian chief who, according to History.com , lived from 1820 to 1909. He had fought against the Mexican military then, as Mexico ceded lands in the southwest to the United States, against the U.S. Army.
His repeated escapes embarrassed politicians and army officers while making him somewhat of a hero.
The Telegraph said the code word "Geronimo" was apparently used because of bin Laden's ability to avoid capture for years. Like Geronimo, who escaped from a cave in New Mexico, bin Laden had escaped from the caves of Tora Bora.
While Geronimo was an elusive foe, it ended differently for the Indian chief. The Telegraph said he surrendered in 1886 after outrunning more than 5,000 soldiers who had been sent to hunt for him and his small band of followers.
CBS News said he converted to Christianity and, in 1905, appeared in President Theodore Roosevelt's inaugural parade. He also made appearances at events such as World Fairs.
He lived as somewhat of a celebrity but, according to History.com, still died as a captive. His body was buried at Fort Sill in Oklahoma.
Bin Laden died when he was shot in the head above his left eye and also in the chest. The final resting place for this century's Geronimo was at sea.

Rashard Mendenhall Reacts To Osama Bin Laden's Death

 Plenty of athletes tweeted their excitement at the news of Osama bin Laden's death. Rashard Mendenhall, however, wasn't convinced a celebration was in order.
"What kind of person celebrates death?" the Pittsburgh Steelers running back tweeted. "It's amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We've only heard one side..."
He also expressed his opinions on whether the planes that hit the World Trade Center on September 11 caused them to collapse.
"We'll never know what really happened. I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style," Mendenhall said.
Steelers President Art Rooney II addressed Mendenhall's comments in a statement posted on the team's website.
“I have not spoken with Rashard so it is hard to explain or even comprehend what he meant with his recent Twitter comments,” Rooney said. “The entire Steelers’ organization is very proud of the job our military personnel have done and we can only hope this leads to our troops coming home soon.”