USA Latest News: April 2012

Thursday, 12 April 2012

Jenny McCarthy dating Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears?

Is Jenny McCarthy dating Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher?

A video of a couple resembling the 39-year-old actress, TV host and former Playboy Playmate and the 33-year-old NFL star leaving a Los Angeles restaurant and entering the back seat of a black SUV, driven by another man, was posted on TMZ on Wednesday. McCarthy's spokesperson had no immediate comment. As of Thursday morning, neither she nor Urlacher have addressed the matter.

In November 2011, McCarthy, who was born near Chicago, said in an interview on the TV show "Access Hollywood" about what she looks for in a man, saying: "I don't care if they have a big nose. I don't care if they're bald. Just really sweet and who's a perfect reflection of who I am now. They have to have a job. I'd like them to at least be able to buy dinners and stuff like that. That is important."

Urlacher is bald. McCartney also cited her Chicago upbringing and said "it's tough to find a man's man" in Los Angeles, where she lives.

McCarthy was in February linked to another NFL star - Tim Tebow. She said talk show host Rosie O'Donnell tried fixing her up with him on a date, adding: "She told him that I love Jesus." McCarthy also posted a photo of her talking to him. The two never confirmed a relationship.

McCarthy famously dated Jim Carrey for about five years before they announced their split in April 2010. In 2011, she dated sports agent Paul Krepelka for several months. McCarthy is a single mother as well - she and ex-husband John Mallory Asher, a director and actor, have one son - Evan, 9.

McCarthy rose to fame as Playboy magazine's 1994 Playmate of the Year and appeared as a host on MTV's dating show, "Singled Out." She has appeared in her own comedy series, "The Jenny McCarthy Show," guest starred on the sitcom "Two and a Half Men," had parts in movies such as "Dirty Love" and "Scream 3," and penned several books.

McCarthy also hosts the second season of the NBC dating reality show "Love In The Wild," which premieres on June 7. Earlier this year, she received her own VH1 talk series, also called "The Jenny McCarthy Show," which is set to debut later this year. The cable network said the program "will celebrate as well as skewer everyone and everything in pop culture, news, fashion, TV, movies and the web" and will "also feature guest panelists and celebrity interviews."

McCarthy co-hosted the annual celebration "Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve" twice. At last year's event, she kissed a New York City police officer at midnight.

View the original article here

UCLA a player after signing Shabazz Muhammad

UCLA coach Ben Howland is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, as his program was knocked around on the court and in the media.

Wednesday's news, though, has Howland smiling – and likely already thinking ahead to next March.

Shabazz Muhammad goes up for a dunk during the 2012 McDonald's All American Game. (Getty Images)Shabazz Muhammad, the nation's No. 1 high school player, signed with the Bruins on Wednesday, the first day of the spring signing period. The decision by Muhammad, a swingman from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, means the Bruins landed two of the nation's top three players in this recruiting cycle. No. 3 recruit Kyle Anderson, who can play every position but center, signed with UCLA in November out of Jersey City (N.J.) St. Anthony.

The Bruins also signed forward Jordan Adams in November. Adams, from Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill, is the No. 62 player in the class nationally.

While it's extremely likely Anderson and Muhammad are one-and-done players, they nevertheless provide a huge infusion of talent to a team desperately needing it. All of a sudden UCLA looks like the team to beat next season in the Pac-12. After finishing 19-14 a year ago and missing out on postseason play for the second time in three seasons. They won't miss out next season.

UCLA loses leading scorer Lazeric Anderson and fellow starting guard Jerime Anderson. But the Bruins return center Josh Smith and forwards David and Travis Wear. Guards Tyler Lamb and Norman Powell also return. That's an OK group of returnees, but when paired with the incoming freshmen, it becomes a formidable lineup.

As good as Muhammad is, Kyle Anderson might be the key. His versatility should be put to good use by Howland. At the least, it needs to be. Howland has been criticized for having too tight a rein on his offense. It's folly to expect him to suddenly oversee a run-and-gun team, but it frankly would be dumb on his part not to let this group play a more up-tempo style.

While Anderson is 6-foot-8, he is an excellent passer and could play the point. He also could also play a point-forward role. He and Muhammad in the open court would be a scary sight for any opponent. And if Smith takes his conditioning seriously and quits looking like the Pillsbury doughboy – in the process, almost certainly earning himself a ton of NBA money – the Bruins could have as effective a trio as there would be in college basketball.

Muhammad's decision also affected Kentucky, which signed No. 2 recruit Nerlens Noel. Conventional wisdom had both Muhammad and Noel signing with the Wildcats.

Noel, who attended The Tilton School in Tilton, N.H., is an athletic 6-10 big man with excellent shot-blocking skills. Indeed, his defensive prowess should remind some of Kentucky freshman center Anthony Davis, the national player of the year this season. But Noel isn't as advanced as Davis offensively.

And while Muhammad bypassed Kentucky, the Wildcats already had struck gold in November, signing two five-star recruits (guard Archie Goodwin of Little Rock, Ark., and forward Alex Pothyress of Clarksville, Tenn.) and four-star center Willie Cauley of Olathe, Kan. UK also remains in the hunt for five-star forward Anthony Bennett of high school powerhouse Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep. Bennett is expected to sign within the next two weeks and is still considering Kentucky, Florida, UNLV, Washington and Oregon.

Bennett, who is a native of Canada, will play in the Jordan Brand Classic high school all-star game Saturday in Charlotte, N.C., and he is expected to meet with Florida's coaches after the game. Florida is considered the favorite to sign Bennett. But Muhammad's decision to attend UCLA could increase the chances that Bennett, who is the No. 7 player in the nation, signs with Kentucky.

Every player in the national top 20 has signed, but there are some top-flight recruits who still haven't picked a school, among them No. 22 Devonta Pollard, a forward from Porterville, Miss.; No. 27 Tony Parker, a center from Miller Grove, Ga.; No. 36 Amile Jefferson, a forward from Philadelphia; No. 58 Christopher Obekpa, a center from Centereach, N.Y.; and No. 63 Anthony January, a forward from Woodland Hills, Calif.

View the original article here

Hilary Rosen supported SOPA

Adding to the list of unpopular things Hilary Rosen has said in the past 24 hours, in the past, the Democratic strategist also openly supported the highly unpopular Stop Online Piracy Act.

A heated Twitter exchange took place in November 2011 between the writers of the tech blog Tech Dirt — who had outlined the complaints against SOPA and its Senate companion bill, the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), in a “definitive” post — and Rosen. (VIDEO: Ann Romney fires back at Rosen over comments)

SOPA and PIPA were recent legislative attempts — endorsed by many U.S. businesses and the entertainment industry — to respond to the problem of online intellectual property theft that has plagued the United States economy. The bills, supporters said, were needed in order to give the Department of Justice the legal authority to address the problem of foreign “rogue sites” — foreign websites that facilitate online copyright infringement and intellectual property theft.

Rosen criticized the complaints, saying that opposition to the bills was an attempt to justify stealing: ”@jayrosen_nyu @mmasnick @levjoy The Definitive Post?? Think analog,” Rosen tweeted. “If a store doesn’t sell u what u want, u are justified stealing it?”

TechDirt, not to be outdone by Rosen after their Twitter exchange, responded in a follow-up post:

It’s really quite ridiculous to lay out in such great detail all of the problems of the bill, only to have someone — and someone who is partially responsible for the mess the record labels are in today — brush off the entire thing by falsely stating that we’re “justifying stealing.”

Rosen’s infamy in the music community began when she headed the record industry lobby group Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) during the organization’s pursuit of file-sharing services Napster and Grockster. Rosen left the RIAA prior to the lobby group’s lawsuits against individual music file-sharers.

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John Edwards trial begins with judge addressing potential jurors

GREENSBORO -- John Edwards spent a career practicing the art of persuasion, first as a trial lawyer wooing juries for big awards and then as a politician hunting for votes.

On Thursday – flanked by his parents, his daughter Cate and three attorneys – the former Democratic presidential contender began the process of what legal experts say can be a key step toward a courtroom victory or loss: selecting the 12 people who will render his next verdict.

One hundred men and women from across the federal court district stretching from Statesville in the west and Durham to the east filed into the benches of a third-floor courtroom in the federal courthouse in downtown Greensboro.

Then, Judge Catherine Eagles, in a 30-minute introduction that was conversational and sometimes light-hearted, told the potential jurors what 16 of them — 12 jurors and four alternate jurors — might be doing for the next month and a half.

“This is not a case about whether Mr. Edwards is a good husband or a good politician,” Eagles told them. “But this is a case about whether Mr. Edwards violated campaign law.”

Edwards, 58, is accused of conspiring to violate federal campaign finance laws and accepting illegal contributions in a case that is as much made for the tabloids as it is for legal scholars studying the reach of federal regulations governing elections.

Prosecutors contend he secretly obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars from two wealthy donors, one who no longer is alive and another who is more than 100 years old, to provide living expenses for a paramour who was pregnant with his child.

That woman, Rielle Hunter, was a campaign videographer who gave birth to a daughter, Frances Quinn, at a time when Edwards’ wife, Elizabeth, was battling the cancer that took her life in late 2010.

Fred Baron, a wealthy Texas lawyer, and Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, a benefactor, provided more than $900,000 to living expenses for Hunter, prosecutors say. They argue that not only should that money have been reported as campaign contributions, but that it exceeded legal limits.

Eagles, a federal judge who many years ago worked in the same firm as Alan Duncan, a Greensboro lawyer who Edwards recently added to his team, told potential jurors Thursday that those selected would be part of an “interesting case.”

But she cautioned them that serving on a jury in federal court about a matter of campaign finance law was not going to be anything like they might have seen on such TV dramas as “Law & Order,” “CSI” or even “Judge Judy.”

“I know this will shock you,” Eagles said, “but on shows like that they sometimes make stuff up. Put that out of your mind. I will tell you what the law is.

“There are many ways TV shows are unrealistic,” the judge continued. “And one of them is on TV shows – justice only takes an hour.”

In movies, she said, it might be two hours.

But prosecutors and defense attorneys project that Edwards’ trial could last through May.

Discretion urged

The potential jurors were sent to a private room to fill out questionnaires after Eagles told them what to expect. She urged them not to tell anyone they might be selected to deliberate the Edwards trial. That way, she said, they wouldn’t be in an awkward position of listening to opinions about the case outside the courtroom, something that is prohibited.

Questioning of jurors in open court is expected to begin Tuesday.

Whether Edwards gets the verdict he wants may well depend on whether he gets the jury he wants. Lawyers say a case can be won or lost in jury selection.

Valerie Hans, a law professor at Cornell University who has written extensively on the American jury system, said this case, rooted in politics, could be a tough one for selecting jurors.

“I am not sure I know who would be a good juror in this case for either side,” Hans said.

Even a prospective juror’s political leanings may not point to how they would vote on Edwards’ guilt or innocence, she said.

“This might be a case where the Republicans assumed everything all along, but there are Democrats who feel betrayed,” Hans added.

The names of the potential jurors who arrived in court Thursday were pulled from voter registration rolls and driver’s license lists. The Middle District of North Carolina stretches from Statesville to the west and Durham to the east. It includes Orange County, where Edwards lives, just outside Chapel Hill.

The opening of jury selection drew a large group of media to downtown Greensboro, with TV trucks parked along the side of the road and camera crews near the courthouse steps.

When Edwards arrived about 15 minutes before court was scheduled to begin, a newswoman from the “Today” show asked him how he was feeling. He responded that he would not be answering any questions.

Though defense attorneys have filed hundreds of pages of court documents hoping to limit evidence and testimony to the topic of campaign finance law, they are likely to probe jurors on their thoughts and opinions on what might seem to be very personal topics.

Because many people in the jury pool are likely to have heard of Edwards and his woes, they will be asked to fill out questionnaires that prosecutors and defense attorneys will see before the individual questioning phase.

Potential jurors not only will be asked about their familiarity with the case, according to court documents filed for pre-trial hearings, but they will be questioned about whether they can limit their deliberations to evidence presented in the courtroom and not the voluminous media reports that have circulated for years on Edwards, Hunter, and Elizabeth Edwards.

Opinions on affairs

Lawyers are likely to delve into the opinions of potential jurors on extramarital affairs, jury consultants say.

Philip K. Anthony, the chief executive officer of DecisionQuest, a trial consulting firm in Los Angeles, said prosecutors and defense attorneys can get at some of the more prickly issues by first using questionnaires, then seeking more embellishment with non-direct questions in an open courtroom.

“With a written document,” Anthony said, “people feel safe to answer more candidly.”

“Then in an open courtroom,” he added, “you might ask a question such as ‘How do you think the facts of Mr. Edwards’ private life are going to affect your opinion of him?’”

Edwards’ attorneys are likely to be looking for people who believe that extramarital affairs are often something that happen in marriages but are not a deal-breaker, said Marshall Hennington, a trial and jury consultant based in California.

The consultants also said lawyers also will be looking to root out “stealth jurors,” a phrase used to describe someone actively seeking to participate in a trial. Studies show that anywhere from 15 percent to 20 percent of a jury pool can fall into that category.

Sometimes those so-called “stealth jurors” are looking to profit financially from their service through book and movie deals. Other times they have an ax to grind, a point to make or fancy the possibility of being in the limelight of a high-profile case.

Most jurors, consultants say, think of jury service as a civic duty, taking it seriously and ultimately wanting to do a good and fair job.

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Trayvon’s Parents, Al Sharpton Call For Calm

(Source: CBS) Rev. Al Sharpton, flanked by the parents of Trayvon Martin, asks for no violence as a decision is made about charges for George Zimmerman.

WASHINGTON (CBSMiami) – With a major announcement promised in the next three hours by the special prosecutor assigned to the Trayvon Martin death investigation, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin’s parents are urging everyone to remain calm.

Many people anticipate that the announcement by State Attorney Angela Corey will be as to whether George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch captain who shot Martin on Feb. 26th as he walked through a gated Sanford community, will be charged.

Wednesday afternoon Martin’s parents joined Sharpton at the 4th annual convention of the National Action Network in Washington D.C. Together they stressed that everyone should remain peaceful when Corey announces if Zimmerman will be charged – no matter what the decision.

“Trayvon Martin’s name must not be tarnished by those that are either for or against with any reckless behavior, even verbally,” said Sharpton. “It is imperative that we make it clear that this family has denounced anything other than non-violent and peaceful protest.”

Flanked by Martin’s parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, said Trayvon’s supporters should not consider “the business of revenge.”

“We are in the business of justice and anyone that operates in any other spirit is not operating in the spirit of this family,” said Sharpton. “If they (Martin’s parents) can operate in dignity, we can operate in dignity.”

Sharpton also addressed Tuesday’s announcement by Zimmerman’s lawyers that they were not going to represent him because he had not returned their calls, emails and texts for several days.

“It is unheard of for someone to kill an unarmed, innocent man to walk out of the police station,” said Sharpton. “Now we are told 43 days later that they (Zimmerman’s former attorneys) can’t even reach him. So there’s no officer of the court, no lawyer responsible for him, no one can reach him. This family had their child killed for no reason, no wrong, and we don’t know where he is. He should be apprehended immediately, he should have been held that night.”

The Martin family attorney, Ben Crump, echoed Sharpton’s message and called for everyone to remain calm when Corey’s decision is announced.

“We got several calls from government officials about when the special prosecutor (Corey) makes her decision that we want to make sure that everything remains peaceful,” said Crump.

Crump said if Martin’s parents have been able to carry themselves in a dignified manner throughout this ordeal, everyone should be able to do the same.

Fulton thanked those who have offered support and guidance during the last month. She said it gave her strength during some very dark days.

“For the last forty four days it has been a nightmare and this is coming from a mother’s perspective. I have been up and down as if I were on a rollercoaster. But I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that justice will be served,” said Fulton.

“As a parent who lost a child, it is very tough to maintain your sanity,” said Tracy Bell. “But I told myself on the second day that Trayvon was dead that I would find it within myself to do right by him. To make sure that his name wouldn’t be, his death wouldn’t be in vain.”

The night of the shooting Sanford Police did not charge Zimmerman citing the state’s ‘Stand Your Ground” law which allows for the use of deadly force if a person feels their life is threatened.

Corey’s decision not to bring the case before a grand jury means Zimmerman won’t face a first degree murder count if he is charged. He could, however, be charged with second degree murder or manslaughter which could lead to an extensive prison sentence.

View the original article here

Observations from Flyers' Game One Win: A Fan's Opinion

The Philadelphia Flyers proved once again that they are a team that won't go down easily. After spotting the Pittsburgh Penguins a 3-0 lead in the first period, Philadelphia rallied to tie the game before winning it when Jakub Voracek scored in overtime. While many national experts picked the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup, it turns out that the Flyers got the major boost early in the series. As a fan, I am certainly happy that the team got the win, but it is still a long series. For now, it is fun to think about the exciting comeback win. Here are a few observations about the Flyers in the series opener.

Danny Briere provided a boost

When it comes to the playoffs, Danny Briere knows how to kick it into gear as well as any player in the league. We weren't even sure if he was going to play until two days before this game. Not only did he play but he scored the first two goals of the game for the Flyers. Briere looked sharp in the last two periods and proved to his teammates that his regular season struggles are behind him. It looks like he is off to another strong playoff performance. Briere's history suggests that he will give the Flyers a lot of offense. So far, things are working out well.

The attack was too slow

The Flyers really didn't get a lot of pressure for the first 40 minutes of the game. Marc-Andre Fleury was able to feel comfortable because the Flyers didn't sustain any attack. Once they started applying pressure in the third period, good things happened. We know the Flyers can flip the switch on at any point in a game. However, they have to stop the slow starts. There is a major need for the team to be more aggressive early in games. The passing wasn't too sharp against Pittsburgh and that has to change.

Ilya Bryzgalov settled down

It wasn't the greatest start for Bryzgalov but the goalie has proven that he can settle down in games. I'll take that as a sign that we have a goalie that won't get fazed no matter what situation he faces. To be fair, he wasn't awful in the first period. The first goal wasn't his fault and Pittsburgh had an almost constant attack. But regardless, the team was down by three after one period. Instead of folding over, Bryzgalov proved his ability by shutting the Penguins down the rest of the way and giving his team a chance to win.

* - Mark Paul is a Philadelphia resident and lifelong Flyers fan.

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Report: Indians to sign Johnny Damon to help floundering outfield

Johnny Damon could give the Indians some help at the plate. (Chris O'Meara - AP) Cleveland’s opening day outfield of Shelley Duncan, Michael Brantley and Shin-Soo Choo are a combined 9 for 52 at the plate through five games for a .173 average. They have all of two RBIs between them to go with nine strikeouts.

So it should be no surprise that the Indians have struggled to score runs this season. They travel to Kansas City for their first road series of the spring with a 1-4 record and looking for an offensive boost.

Who better to provide that boost than a 38-year-old veteran at the tail end of an 18-year MLB career? Well, desperate times call for desperate measures.

The Indians are set to sign Johnny Damon, according to a report from FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal, who the team hopes can immediately step into the lineup and pick up the slack for their lagging outfield.

A career .286 hitter, Damon hit .261 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs in 150 games for the Tampa Bay Rays last season. He also stole 19 bases. Damon’s 2,723 career hits nearly triples the combined totals of Duncan, Choo and Brantley.

How much he has left in the tank, however, remains to be seen. As a left-handed bat, he also makes the Cleveland lineup very one-sided with Brantley, Choo and DH Travis Hafner all batting from the left side as well. But with Grady Sizemore still on the 60-day DL with a back injury and few options but to sign a free agent, the Indians realize they need to make a move.

According to Rosenthal’s sources, the deal will include a full no-trade clause and an “out” clause that would allow Damon to become a free agent when Sizemore returns.

“Cleveland has always been great to me,” Damon texted CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. “And I’m looking forward to reuniting with teammates.”

On his Web site, Johnny Damon wrote “An announcement is coming in regards to my signing.”

Cleveland has scored only 20 runs in its first five games. So why not?

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Zimmerman charged with murder

Protesters hold images of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin while demanding justice for his killing during a march through New York April 10, 2012. (REUTERS/Adrees Latif)
JACKSONVILLE/SANFORD, FLA., - A special prosecutor in Florida charged neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman with second-degree murder on Wednesday in the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin, a move protesters had demanded for weeks in a racially charged case that has riveted the United States.

Zimmerman, 28, who had been in hiding, arrived at Seminole County Jail under arrest after turning himself in. Officers escorted him from a black SUV to the jail with a jacket draped over his head. His new defense lawyer said he would plead not guilty and that a hearing to establish bail could come as soon as Thursday.

Special prosecutor Angela Corey’s decision to charge Zimmerman, who is white and Hispanic, came 45 days after the fatal shooting in a quiet gated community in the central Florida town of Sanford.

Police had declined to arrest Zimmerman based on his account of self-defense and Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law, setting off civil rights demonstrations across the country.

“I can tell you we did not come to this decision lightly,” Corey told a news conference in Jacksonville after charging Zimmerman with the most serious crime possible without asserting premeditation.

“Let me emphasize that we do not prosecute by public pressure or by petition. We prosecute based on the facts of any given case as well as the laws of the state of Florida.”

Martin, 17, was on his way back to the home of his father’s fiancee when Zimmerman spotted him and considered him suspicious, calling police and defying their advice to give up following the teenager.

Zimmerman told police he was walking back to his truck when Martin attacked him, decking him with one punch to the nose. Martin then repeatedly slammed Zimmerman’s head against a concrete walkway, Zimmerman’s brother and father have said. Zimmerman then pulled out a 9mm handgun he was licensed to carry and shot Martin once in the chest.

Witnesses heard screams for help and then a gunshot, sounds that were captured on 911 emergency calls by neighbors. It was unclear who was screaming. Martin’s parents said they recognized the voice as their son’s. But Zimmerman’s brother Robert swore it was George Zimmerman pleading for help.

“As a family, we are devastated,” Robert Zimmerman told CNN’s Piers Morgan, adding he was disappointed by the severity of the charge.

“The only silver lining in any of this is that my brother is safe,” he said.

The decision on whether to charge Zimmerman rested with Corey since she was appointed by Florida’s governor on March 22.

The firestorm of protests had forced Sanford’s police chief to step aside and the regularly assigned prosecutor to remove himself from the case, leading to Corey’s appointment.

The disputed facts surrounding the shooting have been picked apart endlessly by television commentators, while dominating the headlines and reigniting a discussion about guns, self-defense laws and what it means to be black in America.

The shooting received scant media attention at first, but Martin’s parents, who are divorced, and their lawyers kept making public calls for Zimmerman’s arrest. That led to a media frenzy, outraged online messages by celebrities, and President Barack Obama’s comment, “If I had a son, he would look like Trayvon.”

By seeking second-degree murder rather than a lesser charge such as manslaughter, Corey reaffirmed her reputation as a prosecutor who will seek to bring the most serious charge possible. If convicted, Zimmerman could face up to life in prison.

’STAND YOUR GROUND’ ON TRIAL

In deciding against arresting Zimmerman, police cited Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which allows people to use deadly force when they believe they are in danger of being killed or suffering great bodily harm.

Among the first tests in the case will be a hearing in which Zimmerman’s lawyer, in order to win immunity under “Stand Your Ground,” will have to convince a judge there is a preponderance of evidence to show Zimmerman had a reasonable belief he was in grave danger.

Zimmerman’s relatives and supporters have insisted he is not racist and has been unfairly vilified. They said he feared for his life during his altercation with Martin and was justified in using deadly force.

Travyon’s parents in turn have appeared on camera repeatedly, demanding justice for their son.

“We simply wanted an arrest,” Travyon’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, told reporters in Washington after Corey’s announcement. “We wanted nothing more, nothing less. We just wanted an arrest. And we got it. I say thank you. ... Thank you, Jesus.”

Zimmerman had been represented by two lawyers, Craig Sonner and Hal Uhrig, who left the case on Tuesday after saying they had lost contact with Zimmerman and reporting that Zimmerman contacted Corey’s office directly on Tuesday in an apparent attempt to resolve the case on his own.

Sonner and Uhrig said they feared for Zimmerman’s emotional and physical well-being from the stress of living in hiding, mostly alone, while television commentators and sports stars demanded his arrest.

But his new lawyer, Mark O’Mara, said Zimmerman was fine.

“I’m not concerned about his mental well-being right now,” O’Mara told Reuters. “He seems very lucid.”

Later, he told reporters he expected Zimmerman to appear at a hearing on Thursday and was hoping a judge would set bail at a level the Zimmerman family could afford.

“Let’s let the process work,” O’Mara said. “There are a lot of high emotions, maybe some of them have been salved by the arrest. ... We need to calm this down. It needs to be tried in a courtroom.”

“There is a little bit of relief,” Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett said, speaking of “the path toward healing” for his city now that community cries for Zimmerman’s arrest had been answered.

“We call for continued calm in the city of Sanford, its surrounding communities, and across the nation,” Triplett said.

“This is an event that touched many hearts and many lives, and started conversations, but we hope that the atmosphere of civility will continue.”

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Rep. Allen West Sees Red, Calls Democratic Caucus Communist

The Democratic Party is full of communists, says U.S. Rep. Allen West of Florida, a Tea Party favorite and sole Republican member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Unless you talk to the American Communist Party itself.

[See the latest political cartoons.]

At a Tuesday town hall meeting in Palm City, Fla., West said that he believes there are "about 78 to 81 members of the Democratic Party that are members of the Communist Party."

The comments came after a member of the audience asked him what percentage of the American legislature are "card-carrying Marxists." After a drawn-out pause, West clarified his claim, saying, "It's actually called the Congressional Progressive Caucus."

But Libero Della Piana, communications director at Communist Party USA, called West's comments a sad ploy. The Congressional Progressive Caucus does have around 80 members, but, according to Della Piana, none of them is an avowed communist. "It's just guilt by association taken to an extreme," he said.

[Read Message From Washington: You're On Your Own.]

This is not the first time West has made headlines for provocative remarks. In December, he said the Democratic Party's spin machine would have made Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels proud. At a dinner speech in January, West told a crowd that President Obama and other top Democratic leaders should take their campaign message and "get the hell out of the United States of America."

West is running for re-election in Florida's 18th District, though he currently represents the 22nd District. Redistricting in Florida made West's re-election efforts in the already competitive 22nd District even tougher, whereas the proposed 18th District looks to be more friendly to the Republican candidate.

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Briere Gets Revenge Over Penguins with Another Playoff Explosion: A Fan's Analysis

The Philadelphia Flyers were mad at the Pittsburgh Penguins for many reasons on April 1. One big reason was that the massive series of fights at the end started when Danny Briere was taken out, which put the Flyers in grave danger. Philadelphia fans like myself are getting used to Briere dominating in the Stanley Cup playoffs, yet his status had become uncertain going into Game 1 against those same Penguins.

But 10 days after being knocked out for the rest of the regular season in Pittsburgh, Briere opened his third postseason with the last laugh. For that matter, so did the Flyers as they stormed from a 3-0 deficit on April 11 to steal a 4-3 overtime win, thanks to Briere kicking the comeback off.

No one from the Flyers did anything for the first 25 or so minutes, as the Penguins looked ready to blow them off the ice - in Game 1 if not the entire series. Yet the postseason has been Briere's time to shine the last two years - and that didn't change in spite of his layoff.

Although he may have gotten away with an offside, the missed call is just what Briere and the Flyers needed, as his breakaway put them on the board. But it took until almost halfway through the third for them to strike again, as a second goal from Briere put the Penguins on notice.

Since they didn't listen, Briere was able to draw a interference penalty moments later, which led to the tying goal. After that, the Flyers didn't need him to help out with the overtime winner, although they wouldn't have gotten to that point without him.

Philadelphia might not have reached the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals or even survived the one round it did win in 2011 without Briere, so it makes sense. With his two goals, he now has 61 points in just 58 playoff games for the Flyers, including 31 goals overall. And with 98 points in 98 games in his entire postseason career, it is nice to count on him for at least one point a game in April, May and June.

With that history, it may be no wonder why the Penguins had him taken out days earlier - but they didn't do it hard enough. They left enough wiggle room for him to return, and now it will cost them their season if they can't rally from a loss like this.

Pittsburgh may have the two biggest weapons in the sport in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. But they can't seem to match up to Briere in the playoffs - although they do still have one more Stanley Cup than he does. However, the Flyers' hopes for knocking out the Penguins and drawing even in Stanley Cups are far improved with Briere out there this time of year - even at less than full strength.

Robert Dougherty is a life-long Philadelphia resident and a Flyers fan since the age of eight.

Other stories from this contributor

Penguins can't even hold lead over Flyers in playoffs

Flyers look to break postseason losing streak to Penguins

Flyers try to keep up road success in Pittsburgh

Flyers hope Bryzgalov rewrites his postseason history

Flyers to take another step backwards in Stanley Cup playoffs

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The show will go on without Axl Rose

Guns N’ Roses founding member Axl Rose had a message Wednesday for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which will hold its induction ceremony in Cleveland on Saturday (April 14) without him.

FILE PHOTOGuns 'n Roses front man Axl Rose will not attend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction of his band, but the show will go on.

“I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me,” Rose wrote in letter sent to the Los Angeles Times. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has heard Rose’s declaration and now responded.

“We are sorry Axl will not be able to accept his Induction in person,” read a statement from a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame spokeswoman.

So ... that settles that? Probably not, as the spokeswoman noted that “other members” of the band are still on the guest list. As of Thursday afternoon, Guns N’ Roses slinger Slash was still planning to attend, and longtime bassist Duff McGagan will be in Cleveland promoting a book.

Despite the drama surrounding Guns N’ Roses, plans for Saturday’s induction ceremony continue, and Thursday the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame unveiled additional performers and presenters. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, who will be inducted into the hall by comedian Chris Rock, have now been added as performers.

Other members of this year’s hall of fame class, including Donovan and pieces of English rock band the Small Faces, will also perform. The latter will appear as the Faces, with Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan joined by Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood. ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill, already on hand as presenters, have been added to a performance tribute to late blues inductee Freddie King, and LL Cool J will join Chuck D in inducting the Beastie Boys.

As previously reported, John Mellencamp, Steve Van Zandt and Bette Midler are among the presenters who have been tapped to handle inductions for the 2012 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Mellencamp will welcome in Donovan; E Street Band guitarist Van Zandt will bring in the Small Faces/ Faces; and Midler will salute singer-songwriter Laura Nyro.

Additionally, Carole King will give the remarks for her former Brill Building boss, publisher and TV impresario Don Kirshner. Darlene Love will perform a tribute to Kirshner.

The Rock Hall ceremony began in 1986, and the 2012 class will bring the total number of performers inducted to 302. This year’s ceremony will be held at the hall in Cleveland rather than its usual spot at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. A highlights special will premiere May 5 on HBO.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Guns N’ Roses

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Beastie Boys

Donovan

Laura Nyro

Small Faces

Bluesman Freddie King

TV producer Don Kirshner

Producers Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns

New Orleans recording legend Cosimo Matassa

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Predators beat Red Wings 3-2 in Game 1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Red Wings insisted they wanted the chance to open the postseason on the road. The Nashville Predators have given them a rude reminder of how tough life away from Detroit can be.

Gabriel Bourque scored two goals in his postseason debut, and Nashville held onto home-ice advantage by beating Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on Wednesday night to open their Western Conference playoff series.

''We know the next game's going to be a lot harder than this one,'' Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. ''We're OK with that.''

Game 2 is Friday night in Nashville.

Paul Gaustad scored his first postseason goal, and Pekka Rinne made 35 saves. The Predators started at home after edging Detroit for the No. 4 seed, and they started their third postseason series against their Central Division rival with their first win in the opening game.

''It was amazing,'' Rinne said about the atmosphere.'' ''It's unbelievable. These guys, they always have that extra gear, and for sure we try to take advantage of it.''

Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Holmstrom scored power-play goals for Detroit.

The Red Wings lost center Darren Helm in the first period, and coach Mike Babcock said Helm was having surgery for a cut on his right forearm. Babcock said he had no word on the severity of the injury except it was bad enough the center was taken immediately to a hospital.

Nashville gave Detroit 44 seconds of a 5-on-3 when Ryan Suter was called for slashing at with 3:52 to go. The Predators killed off the 5-on-3, but Holmstrom scored with 2:07 left to give Detroit a chance.

After Holmstrom's goal, Nashville took its timeout while Babcock pulled Jimmy Howard for the extra attacker. With 22.9 seconds left, Martin Erat went to the box for holding, but the Predators sealed up the victory.

''Anytime you lose Game 1, especially when you're the road team, I think it's a great opportunity to win a game for sure,'' Babcock said. ''Now we just have to get refocused and we've got to win a game in here.''

The action didn't end with the final horn and could result in league punishment. Nashville captain Shea Weber pounded Zetterberg's head into the glass, and Weber said Zetterberg hit him first from behind. Weber said the series is a battle with both teams wanting to win and not back down.

Trotz backed up his captain and noted Detroit right wing Todd Bertuzzi had a ''big-time haymaker'' on Gaustad after that.

''I just think Zetterberg was getting tired at the end,'' Trotz said. ''He knew Webs was there and the game was over.''

Babcock said he hadn't seen the replay and was far away on the bench.

Detroit came in with all the tradition thanks to 11 Stanley Cups against a Nashville franchise that has been using the Red Wings as its measuring stick since hitting the ice in 1998-99. Detroit also is the team Nashville has played the most in the postseason with nine of the first 12 games decided by two goals or fewer and the Red Wings taking first-round series in 2004 and 2008.

The Red Wings spent the past few days talking about how they enjoyed the chance to start on the road for a change, even though they went 17-21-3 away from home this season.

They came into a sold-out Bridgestone Arena with much less of the Detroit red the Red Wings usually see in Nashville. The Red Wings held the NHL's best power play in the regular season scoreless on six chances, which included 1:14 of a 5-on-3 in the first.

''That's why they call it a series,'' Detroit defenseman Brad Stuart said. ''There's more than one game, and we have the opportunity to make up for it.''

It was tied at 1 with Detroit firing away at Rinne, trying to take the lead when Matt Halischuk shot at the net just after crossing the blue line. Bourque tipped it into the far corner of the net for a 2-1 lead at 12:29 of the second for a shot Howard had no chance at stopping.

Bourque scored what wound up as the winner at 11:35 with a wrister from the slot off an assist from Nick Spaling and Patric Hornqvist.

The Predators played without one of their biggest trade acquisitions. Defenseman Hal Gill was scratched because of a lower-body injury.

But Gaustad scored at 6:59 for a 1-0 lead. Nashville sent Buffalo its first-round pick in June for Gaustad, and he responded by scoring his first postseason goal by throwing the puck toward the crease as he skated behind the net, and it banked off Detroit defenseman Brad Stuart's left skate past Howard. It also was Gaustad's first goal with Nashville.

Commissioner Gary Bettman was in attendance, and that might be why officials stayed busy calling plenty of penalties with six in the first period alone and 17 overall for a combined 34 minutes.

During Nashville's second power play, Helm dropped a glove on the ice and raced to the locker room.

Nashville outshot Detroit 13-5 in the first. The Red Wings took the first seven shots of the second and took advantage when defenseman Roman Josi was called for cross-checking at 1:10 of the period. Zetterberg scored at 2:29 of the first, beating Rinne with the goalie sprawled out on his back.

Nashville had a power play of its own on a tripping call on Zetterberg but couldn't manage a shot. The Predators didn't take a shot until Shea Weber nearly nine minutes into the period before Bourque's redirect put them ahead to stay.

''Let's be honest,'' Babcock said. ''Their first goal and their second goal were kind of seeing-eye pucks. Those things happen in the playoffs. They won today. We're going to come back next game.''

Notes: Nashville also had a franchise-record 25 sellouts during the regular season. ... Gaustad came in with eight assists in 38 playoff games before scoring his first postseason goal. ... Nashville F Jordin Tootoo, one of three Predators who played in their first playoff against Detroit in 2004, was a healthy scratch. ... Nashville right wing Brandon Yip had an assist on Gaustad's goal. He has five points (2 goals, 3 assists) in seven career playoff games. ... Zetterberg's goal was his 50th in the postseason. He led Detroit with six points against Nashville during the regular season.

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Axl Rose declines induction into Rock Hall

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Tax day is even deadlier than you think

???initialComments:true! pubdate:04/12/2012 14:18 EDT! commentPeriod:14! commentEndDate:4/26/12 2:18 EDT! currentDate:4/11/12 8:0 EDT! allowComments:true! displayComments:true!Posted by Brad Plumer at 02:18 PM ET, 04/12/2012 TheWashingtonPost

Is tax day literally killing us? A new paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that traffic fatalities rise an average of 6 percent on tax day, compared to similar days. That makes it about as deadly as Super Bowl Sunday, another day of abnormal road carnage.

A drive-by tax return drop-off on April 15, 2010, in Pasadena, Calif. (Damian Dovarganes - Associated Press) The paper sifts through a few hypotheses: Stress is the leading suspect, as polls have found that tax day is the most stressful day of the year. Increased alcohol consumption, a major factor in Super Bowl accidents, seems like an unlikely culprit here, since nighttime road fatalities don’t go up on tax day. “Additional reasons,” the researchers write, “might include sleep deprivation, inadvertent inattention, and less tolerance of hassles.” Surprisingly, the advent of electronic filing doesn’t seem to have improved matters — the surge of tax day fatalities is even higher in recent years than it was in the 1980s.

It’s unlikely that this is all just a statistical fluke: The researchers pored through a large database of fatalities from 1980-2009, looking at 19,541 cases all told, and compared road fatalities on tax day with those on the same day in the week before and after.

Alternatively, perhaps the spike in stress and road fatalities have something to do with the increasing complexity of the tax code? Len Burman, a tax expert at Syracuse University who flagged the study, has the appropriate wonky follow-up questions: “In light of these results, it would be interesting to compare the tax returns of those involved in traffic fatalities with those who survive tax day. Are the victims more likely to have filed a tax return at the deadline. If they filed at the last minute, are the decedents more likely to have a balance due, especially complicated returns, or questionable income or deduction items than filers who survive?”

Tax day this year falls on Tuesday, April 17, for those keeping track.

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Ezra Klein is the editor of Wonkblog and a columnist at the Washington Post, as well as a contributor to MSNBC and Bloomberg. His work focuses on domestic and economic policymaking, as well as the political system that’s constantly screwing it up. He really likes graphs, and is on Twitter, Google+ and Facebook. E-mail him here.

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Ezra Klein

Sarah Kliff

Ezra Klein

Brady Dennis

Associated Press

David S. Hilzenrath

Steven Mufson

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Fox News firing Gawker 'mole'

(Reuters) - Fox News on Wednesday said it was firing an employee who had anonymously posted videos and comments about behind-the-scenes workdays at the television network, leading media website Gawker to dub him the "mole."

Joe Muto, who had worked as an associate producer on commentator Bill O'Reilly's show at Fox, began his postings on social media websites on Tuesday, and Gawker then began publishing "installments" from the "mole" on its website.

After being suspended, Muto posted a picture of himself late on Wednesday afternoon inside Gawker's office saying "It's Me, Joe: The Fox Mole."

"They nailed me," Muto wrote on the Gawker website. "In the end, it was the digital trail that gave me away. ... They couldn't prove it entirely, but I was pretty much the only suspect."

While Muto's post said he had been suspended with pay, a statement from a Fox News spokeswoman late on Wednesday said he would be terminated.

"Joe Muto is fired effective April 12 (Thursday)," the statement said. "Once the network determined that Mr. Muto was the main culprit in less than 24 hours, he was suspended late today while we pursued concurrent avenues. We are continuing to explore legal recourse against Mr. Muto and possibly others."

The posts became widely discussed on social media and in newsrooms across the United States because they purported to give a glimpse inside the news channel known for conservative personalities such as O'Reilly and Sean Hannity.

Muto's posts included a video of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's off-air banter in an interview with Hannity in which the politician was caught on camera using the word "dressage" about horses.

"I think Mitt loses points with the GOP base for his correct pronunciation of dressage," Muto posted.

Another post railed about a gap in the bathroom stalls, with photo included, at Fox headquarters in New York.

On Wednesday afternoon, Fox and Muto engaged in an unusual game of cat and mouse. A representative told website Mediaite.com that the TV network had identified the person and was exploring its legal options, but Muto taunted Fox with another post saying, "I Am the Fox Mole, And I'm Still Here."

That changed late on Wednesday, Muto wrote, when he was ushered into a Fox attorney's office and "suspended indefinitely ... with pay, oddly enough." That posting was made before Fox confirmed that Muto would be fired.

Fox News is a unit of media giant News Corp.

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Anderson Cooper apologizes over Dyngus Day giggles

Anderson Cooper, CNN’s most dapper news anchor, apologized for his uncontrollable giggle fit and ill-timed comment during a RidicuList segment that featured the obscure Catholic American Polish holiday, Dyngus Day.

Take a look (skip to about 1:17 for the Dyngus Day factoid that got Cooper reeling):

“Boys sprink[e] girls that they fancy with water, and the girls strik[e] back with a tap from a pussy willow branch.” Cue the laughter.

Cooper later tweeted, “Just learned some groups believe I called Dyngus Day ‘so stupid' in ridiculist. I didn't. I was saying my giggling fit was ‘so stupid,'" according to CBS News.

Dyngus Day is an annual post-Lent party that celebrates the coming of spring and Polish pride with polka bands and vodka, according to Dyngus Day's official website.

Later in a statement Cooper said, “I am concerned to hear that some people believe that I called Dyngus Day celebrations ‘stupid’ or in any way criticized this holiday. I did not. While in the midst of a silly giggle fit I said ‘this is so stupid’ in reference to my inability to stop laughing,” according to the Daily News.

It’s the second time Cooper has caught a case of the on air giggles. The first time his high-pitched laughter went viral was when he broke down during a RidicuList segment that featured Gerard Depardieu’s airline urination, according to Entertainment Weekly.

To make amends for any offense Dyngus Day adherants might have taken, Cooper invited Buffalo’s Dyngus Day co-founder Eddy Dobosiewicz to comment on AC360, According to Entertainment Weekly.

Dobosiewicz said:

“Although you have upset many, many people here in Western New York and throughout the land, we accept your apology, Mr. Cooper.”

Dobosiewicz then asked Cooper to be a Pussy Willow Prince.

Dyngus Day's official website thanked Cooper "for helping making Dyngus Day in Buffalo an international news story." it also said, "If Mr. Cooper's schedule permits, Cooper will assume the title of 'Pussy Willow Prince' during Dyngus Day 2013."

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/culture-lifestyle/entertainment/120412/anderson-cooper-apologizes-dyngus-day

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Elon Musk: Life should be multi-planetary

The sky is proving to be anything but the limit for Elon Musk and his space transport company, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX).

The 40-year-old space tourism entrepeneur appeared Tuesday night on the Daily Show to discuss the upcoming test flight and docking of his company's unmanned space capsule, Dragon, to the International Space Station (ISS). If successful, the feat would be the first time a privately built space craft has docked with the ISS. But Musk sees this record as a mere stepping stone for his larger vision.

"The longterm goal of SpaceX is to develop the technology necessary to make life multi-planetary," Musk told host Jon Stewart during his Daily Show appearance. "So to enable a self-sustaining civilization on Mars."

Musk serves as CEO and CTO of SpaceX and is no stranger to making headlines. As co-founder of uber-successful ventures including PayPal, Tesla Motors and SolarCity, he built a multi-billion dollar empire that helped to fund his most expensive SpaceX initiatives. In December 2010, one such initiative landed SpaceX the title of first private company to launch and return a spacecraft from orbit.

"People often wonder how did you go from internet payments to rockets -- a reasonable question," Musk told Stewart. "I thought about these things in the abstract in the college. I didn't think I'd actually be doing any of them -- it just turned out that way."

Musk said he owed much of the success of SpaceX to NASA for their guidance and innovation throughout the years, revealing he had hired several former NASA employees in the wake of government de-funding of the shuttle program.

"I think the next logical step is to...create a forcing function for improving space transportation technology," Musk said. "And that will also ensure the continued existence of humanity and consiousness."

Dragon is scheduled to launch April 30.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/business-tech/120412/elon-musk-looks-take-life-new-planets-his-latest-space-venture

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Nerlens Noel commits to Kentucky in style; Are Wildcats favorites to repeat as champs?

Heralded basketball recruit Nerlens Noel heard plenty of sales pitches from coaches over the last few years. But there’s nothing quite like the very real prospect of winning a national championship to lure an impressionable teenager to your school.

Nerlens Noel could fill the void left behind by Anthony Davis. (Bill Shettle - AP) Noel, the top-ranked prospect in the ESPNU 100, announced Wednesday that he will follow a recent train of elite players to Kentucky, where the restocked Wildcats will aim to defend their national championship.

Not exactly the shocking decision some might have expected after the 6-foot-10 forward tweeted on Monday “Gon shock the world!!” But maybe he was simply referring to the manner in which he would announce his choice.

Two years ago, Harrison Barnes committed to North Carolina via Skype. On Wednesday, Noel only needed a pair of clippers.

“I’ll be taking my talents for college to play at the University of...” Noel said on ESPNU before turning in his chair to reveal a “UK” logo shaved in the back of his flat top.

It was a nice touch, and for coach John Calipari, it means another top-ranked recruiting class with the talent to make another title run.

Freshmen Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague are expected to announce their decisions to enter the NBA draft in the wake of Kentucky’s championship run. Senior Darius Miller is also bound for the draft and sophomores Doron Lamb and Terrence Jones could follow. The deadline to decide whether to enter the draft is April 29.

Noel — who chose Kentucky over Georgetown and Syracuse — joins an already stacked class that includes small forward Alex Poythress, guard Archie Goodwin and 7-footer Willie Cauley. The Wildcats also return sharpshooting sophomore Kyle Wiltjer and guard Ryan Harrow.

The high-flying Muhammad took home MVP honors at the McDonald’s All-American game. (Nam Y. Huh - AP) “I just thought it was the best fit for me personally,” Noel said. “I talked to my mom and she liked it as well. She liked all three schools, but when it came down to it, she liked Kentucky, Coach Orlando (Antigua), Coach Cal. I see what they did with Anthony Davis, she thought it was the best fit for me, and I did too.”

But Calipari failed to make the massive splash on National Signing Day that some had expected as Shabazz Muhammad picked UCLA, turning down offers from Kentucky, Kansas, Duke and UNLV.

A versatile 6-foot-6 wing, Muhammad immediately elevates the Bruins back into the national picture after a dismal season that saw Ben Howland’s team go 19-14. UCLA has not advanced beyond the second round of the NCAA tournament since 2009.

More

Noel joins already formidable freshman class for defending champs

Shabazz Muhammad picks UCLA over Kentucky, Duke

UNC’s Barnes, Marshall, Henson will enter NBA draft

Kentucky defeats Kansas to win eighth national title

Feinstein: National championship rightly goes to John Calipari

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Actuary Analyzes Insurance Twitter Messages, Wins Prize

Usually actuaries focus on insurance rates and loss reserves, not advertisements. But according to one actuary:

Jake, the State Farm agent whom a jealous housewife was convinced was up to no good with her husband – because he worked at 3 a.m. – was a big hit;The GEICO pig – the one that squeals WHEEE all the way home – is a polarizing porker. People either love him or hate him. A lot of people are confused about where NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers gets his Discount Double-Check.

The actuary, Roosevelt Mosley Jr., a principal at Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, reached these conclusions by tracking Twitter messages mentioning major insurers, loading the information into databases and, like any actuary, crunching the data.

Mosley presented his findings at the Casualty Actuarial Society’s Ratemaking and Product Management Seminar in Philadelphia last month. He also incorporated them into a research paper, “Social Media Analytics: Data Mining Applied to Insurance Twitter Posts,” for which he was a recipient of the 2012 Management Data and Information Prize from the CAS.

Mosley said his work is an example of ways actuaries can help company management get value from the tsunami of information surging through cyberspace. The actuarial skill set – scrubbing data, building and interpreting models, explaining results – is well-suited to the work.

“There’s a wealth of information out there that we are just starting to draw upon,” he said.

Mosley focused on Twitter, a service where subscribers blurt out 140-character blurbs about anything they feel like, to whoever happens to feel like reading it. But his approach could apply just as well, he said, to Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media platforms.

First, he captured the data. His first dataset consisted of all 68,370 tweets including #Allstate from July 29, 2010, and Aug. 12, 2011. A second dataset captured 176,694 tweets that mentioned State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Esurance and #Progressive between Jan. 25 and Feb. 12, 2012.

Mosley decided to concentrate on the State Farm, Allstate and Geico tweets. Not many tweets mentioned Esurance, and tweets containing the word progressive often ventured far from insurance, into topics such as progressive politics.

Mosley removed punctuation and most symbols (keeping @ and #, which are codes used in Twitter that are important in understanding a message). Each tweet was its own row of data, and each word was a column. There were other columns of identifying information, like who sent it, when they sent it, and in a few cases, the longitude and latitude of the sender.

He had to correct spelling errors – which are rife in a medium that focuses on fast typing and forces one to squeeze a thought into a strict limit of 140 characters. There are algorithms he could employ to automatically fix most misspellings, but some had to be interpreted individually.

And he had to create a taxonomy of several hundred keywords that identified what a tweet was about, like the GEICO pig or State Farm’s Jake.

Using the datasets, Mosley could track how often, for example, Allstate was mentioned each month – usually 4,000 to 6,000 times, though the numbers spiked in spring when the company appeared to be recruiting agents.

Or he could learn that the number of tweets per hour roughly followed the work day, peaking in the early afternoon, trailing off during drive time, then surging again at night.

He found patterns in tweets, learning that State Farm’s Jake is a hit but that its spots featuring Green Bay Packer quarterback Aaron Rodgers sometimes got confused with Allstate. (Example tweet: “If Aaron Rodgers didn’t spend so much time at the local Allstate office maybe the Packers would have beat the Giants. HAHA”).

GEICO, on the other hand, suffered no crossover. Its ads were distinctive. But the pig crying WHEEE had enemies as well as friends.

“Either the pig was great,” Mosley said, “or it was ‘time for the pig to become bacon.’”

Mosley’s prize-winning research paper was published in the Winter 2012 CAS E-Forum, Volume 2. The E-Forum is an online research publication that can be accessed through the CAS Web Site.

The Management Data and Information Prize is made to the authors of the best papers submitted in response to a call for data management and data quality research papers conducted by the CAS Committee on Management Data and Information. Papers are judged on the basis of originality of ideas, understandability of complex concepts, contribution to the literature, and thoroughness of ideas expressed.

A second paper was also recognized by the Committee with a 2012 prize: Beginner’s Roadmap to Working with Driving Behavior Data by Jim Weiss and Jared Smollik.

The Casualty Actuarial Society’s 5,400 members are experts in property/casualty insurance, reinsurance, finance, risk management, and enterprise risk management.

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Charles Manson denied in possible final bid for parole

Charles Manson over the years.

CORCORAN, Calif. -- A California prison panel denied parole Wednesday to mass murderer Charles Manson in his 12th and possibly final bid for freedom.

Manson, now a gray-bearded, 77-year-old, did not attend the hearing.

He orchestrated a series of gruesome murders on consecutive nights in Los Angeles 40 years ago. His trial with three women acolytes was an international spectacle.

Manson and his followers were convicted in the 1969 slaying of actress Sharon Tate and four others.

"I'm done with him," Debra Tate, the sister of the actress, said after the hearing.

For four decades, Debra Tate has traveled to whatever rural California prison has held the notorious cult leader and his band of murderous followers for hearings she said are too numerous to count.

"I've tried to take this thing that I do, that has become my lot in life, and make it have purpose," the 59-year-old Tate said Tuesday. She was 17 in August 1969, when Manson sent his minions across LA on two nights of terror.

"I've been doing it for Sharon and the other victims of him for the last 40 years," she said.

The parole board ruled that Manson had shown no efforts to rehabilitate himself.

"This panel can find nothing good as far as suitability factors go," said John Peck, a member of the panel.

The hearing at Corcoran State Prison in Central California could be the last one for the aging mass murderer.

Under current law, inmates can be denied the chance to reapply for parole for up to 15 years. Another rejection could make Manson 92 before he would get another opportunity to make his case.

"At his age, I think he doesn't care," Deputy District Attorney Patrick Sequeira has said. "He would be lost if he got out. He's completely institutionalized."

Manson has not appeared at a parole hearing since 1997. His most recent hearing was in 2007.

Manson, however, is anything but a recluse. He has a steady stream of visitors who submit requests to see him, including college students writing papers about him, said Theresa Cisneros, spokeswoman for Corcoran State Prison.

Manson must approve all requests.

"He has a large interested public," Cisneros said, adding that Manson receives more mail than most prisoners.

Manson has been cited twice for having smuggled cellphones. Authorities found he had been talking with people in California, New Jersey, Florida, British Columbia, Arkansas, Massachusetts and Indiana.

The phone numbers were traced, but Department of Corrections spokeswoman Terry Thornton said she could not disclose who received the calls.

Manson also was cited in October for having a homemade weapon in his cell.

Manson was depicted at trial as the evil master of murder, commanding a small army of young followers. He and the three women were sentenced to death. But their lives were spared when the California Supreme Court briefly outlawed the death penalty in 1972.

One of them, Susan Atkins, died in prison. Two others, Leslie Van Houten and Patricia Krenwinkel, remain incarcerated.

Manson also was convicted of two unrelated murders.

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Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Kinkade works selling briskly since artist's death

Going gluten-free

Pictures of Usher at Disneyland With His Sons

Previous 1 / 11 Next Posted on April 9, 2012 12:30PM by Katie Henry · 1 comment

Usher and his sons Naviyd and Cinco kicked off their Easter weekend with a visit to Disneyland on Friday. The trio were spotted checking out the park's many attractions and cooling off between rides with icy drinks. The boys seem to be taking after dad in the fashion department and were both wearing Jeremy Scott for Adidas sneakers. Not to be outdone by his mini mes, Usher also stepped up his fashion game by modeling an on-trend python printed tee from Jil Sander. Usher's currently putting the finishing touches on his seventh studio album, Looking For Myself, due out June 12, and already dropped the first single, "Climax."

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Trayvon Martin death won't go to Fla. grand jury

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A grand jury will not look into the Trayvon Martin case, a special prosecutor said Monday, leaving the decision of whether to charge the teen's shooter in her hands alone and eliminating the possibility of a first-degree murder charge.

That prosecutor, Angela Corey, said her decision had no bearing on whether she would file charges against George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who has said he shot the unarmed black teen in self-defense. Corey could still decide to charge him with a serious felony such as manslaughter, which can carry a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted.

A grand jury had been set to meet Tuesday in Sanford, about 20 miles northeast of Orlando.

Corey has long had a reputation for not using grand juries if it wasn't necessary. In Florida, only first-degree murder cases require the use of grand juries.

Corey's decision means she doesn't have to rely on potentially unpredictable jurors, said David Hill, an Orlando criminal defense attorney.

"Let's give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she knows there isn't enough for first-degree murder but she wants to maintain control and charge him with something else," Hill said. "What does she need a grand jury for? She cuts out the unpredictability of the grand jury. She goes where she feels she has more evidence."

Corey took over the case last month after the prosecutor who normally handles cases out of Sanford recused himself. That prosecutor, Norm Wolfinger, had originally called for the case to be presented before a grand jury.

"From the moment she was assigned, Ms. Corey noted she may not need a grand jury," said a statement from Corey's office.

Prosecutors sometimes use grand juries to avoid the political fallout from controversial cases. But Corey was elected by voters more than 100 miles away in the Jacksonville area, so political problems are less of an issue for Corey, Hill said.

Martin was killed Feb. 26 during a confrontation with Zimmerman in a gated community in Sanford.

Zimmerman has claimed self-defense, and Florida's self-defense law gives wide leeway to use deadly force and eliminates a person's duty to retreat in the face of danger.

Zimmerman's attorney, Craig Sonner, said he didn't want to comment on Corey's decision.

An attorney for Martin's parents said in a statement that he is not surprised by the decision to avoid the grand jury and hopes a decision is reached soon.

"The family has been patient throughout this process and asks that those who support them do the same during this very important investigation," said attorney Benjamin Crump.

The case has led to protests across the nation and spurred a debate about race and the laws of self-defense. Martin was black; Zimmerman's father is white and his mother is Hispanic.

In Georgia, a civil rights activist is challenging that state's so-called stand your ground law. The Rev. Markel Hutchins said he sued Monday in Atlanta in response to Martin's death. The lawsuit claims the law leads to the unnecessary use of lethal force.

On Monday, one protest led to the temporary closing of the Sanford Police Department offices to the public for most of the day as about a half dozen student activists blocked the building entrance.

Police officers took no action to remove the protesters, who were part of a group of students who marched from Daytona Beach to Sanford over the weekend.

Citizens wanting to do business with the police department were directed to City Hall.

Calling themselves "the Dream Defenders," the protesters demanded Zimmerman's arrest; a special investigation into the Sanford Police Department; a community meeting; and the firing of the city manager and the police chief who temporarily stepped down after Martin's death, Bill Lee. Darren Scott, a 23-year veteran of the Sanford Police Department, was named acting chief. Lee is still employed with the department and receiving his salary.

After meeting with six of the protesters, city officials agreed only to a community forum next week.

"The city certainly is committed to justice for Trayvon Martin," said City Manager Norton Bonaparte Jr.

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Melissa Gilbert's Concussion and More 'Dancing with the Stars' Injuries

Transgender women will be allowed to participate in the Miss Universe beauty pageant next year, officials announced Tuesday, a week after they ruled a trail-blazing 23-year-old could vie for the crown this year.

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Facebook buys Instagram, now what?

By Chenda Ngak Topics Tech Talk

(Credit: Facebook/Instagram) (CBS News) Facebook announced they would purchase popular photo-sharing app Instagram Monday for a mind-blowing $1 billion. Once the acquisition is complete, people are wondering what will happen to the two-year old app that took smartphones by storm.

Facebook to acquire Instagram for $1 billion
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Speculation has already started over what the world's largest social network will do with Instagram. Skeptical users took to Twitter to decry the deal, even threatening to delete the app.

Naysayers have legitimate reasons for concern. Instagram is the most popular product that Facebook has purchased. Soon after Facebook purchased the location-based social network Gowalla in December 2011, the company closed up shop in March 2012. Facebook also purchased the up-and-coming FriendFeed in August 2009, but the social aggregation site has stalled since.

Let's not jump ahead of ourselves, however. Gowalla was already losing ground to more popular services like Foursquare and Facebook Places. As for FriendFeed, the market for social aggregation didn't quite evolve the way many thought it would.

Instagram for Android gets 1 million downloads in first day
Instagram launches for Android smartphones

A corporate takeover does not exactly spell doom for Instagram. This could be a great thing for both services.

Ideally, what Facebook will do is leave Instagram's simple user interface alone - meaning, no advertisements or redesign. Instead, the social network should port the features like filters and sharing over to Facebook mobile upload.

Facebook chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg emphasized that they would not change Instagram in a significant way.

"We're committed to building and growing Instagram independently," Zuckerberg said on his Facebook feed Monday.

Another feature that would shine is better Instagram integration with Timeline. Currently, you can't highlight an Instagram photo so that it spans two columns in Timeline. If we're lucky, Facebook will push for a photo size that can be featured on Timeline.

While there are websites that aggregate Instagram photos, there is no official website for users to visit and manage photos. It wouldn't be a surprise if a stronger web presence gets put in the queue.

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No, no, no, no drama: Lamar Odom cut from Mavs for bad attitude

Lamar Odom should have spent a little more time playing basketball and a little less time keeping up with the Kardashians.

Khloe Kardashian’s husband was released from the Dallas Mavericks Monday in what the team’s officials called a “mutual decision.”

But NBA sources say that the forward’s dramatic life in front of reality TV cameras for “Khloe and Lamar” distracted him from the game.

“[The Mavericks] grew tired of his BS and kicked him to the curb,” an NBA source told Page Six. “[The team] didn’t need someone pouting like a little kid.”

Sources said that there was added pressure on Odom to play well since his games were filmed for the reality show.

“When he wasn’t playing well, it meant he looked bad,” a source told Page Six. “And when you have a show about your life, when you are off-court, you have to deal with the producers asking all those questions. He had a horrible summer, but… he was more concerned about the cameras and how he looked.”

Odom faced a tumultuous trade deal last December when the Los Angeles Lakers traded him to Dallas. The move was chronicled on the reality series, and the trade visibly rattled Odom and Kardashian, who were forced to leave the comforts of Hollywood.

Odom put up career lows during his time with the Mavericks, averaging 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, compared with 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds during his last season with the Lakers. Earlier this spring, Odom was demoted to the NBA’s D-league team, the Texas Legends, after he missed three Mavericks games while caring for his sick father.

But others say Odom’s bad attitude about the trade and the team was part of his problem on and off the court.

“The Mavericks waited for Odom to come around, but they were perhaps too patient. His lack of effort on the court and general apathy toward everything while in Dallas was an instant annoyance to fans and media,” WFAA.com, a Dallas news station, wrote.

At least Odom and Kardashian have their unisex fragrance, “Unbreakable,” to fall back on. Because who doesn’t want to smell like a mixture of Khloe and Lamar?

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Trisomy 18: Details on Bella Santorum's genetic disorder

Isabella, or "Bella" Santorum, Rick Santorum's three-year-old daughter, was born with Trisomy 18 — a lethal genetic disorder. She was hospitalized this past weekend after contracting pneumonia, which likely arose due to the chromosomal defect. Bella also had rough 36-hour battle with pneumonia in January

More from GlobalPost: Rick Santorum's daughter recovering from pneumonia; Candidate rejoins campaign

What is Trisomy 18?

It means that the afflicted person has developed three copies of the 18th chromosome instead of two.

The disorder, also known as Edwards syndrome, can lead to a myriad of developmental problems that affect the brain and other vital internal organs. According to the National Institute of Health, other symptoms can include:

Clenched hands

Crossed legs (preferred position)

Feet with a rounded bottom (rocker-bottom feet)

Low birth weight

Low-set ears

Mental deficiency

Small head (microcephaly)

Small jaw (micrognathia)

Underdeveloped fingernails

Undescended testicle

Unusual shaped chest (pectus carinatum)

According to the Trisomy 18 foundation, Edwards occurs in one out of every 3,000 live births. Other experts put the figure at one out of every 5,000 to 10,000 births.

Researchers note that Edwards is “similar in etiology” to down syndrome, which is caused due to a defect in the 21st chromosome. However, Trisomy 18 is much more severe.

More from GlobalPost: Calls grow for Santorum to quit

Robert Marion, chief of genetics and developmental medicine at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, told The Washington Post "almost half the children born with the condition die within the first three months of life, 90 percent die in the first year, and the 10 percent who survive have severe developmental problems.”

The disorder can be diagnosed prenatally, Marion noted, and most are usually terminated.

Males and females are equally vulnerable to the disorder, but “those who survive are almost always girls,” said Marion. “The reason for this is that the condition is more lethal in boys, who die intrauterinely.”

More from GlobalPost: Gingrich says Romney is "the most likely" Republican nominee

While it isn't uncommon for children with Trisomy 18 to contract pneumonia, as Marion explained to the Post, at three years old Bella is already an exception, Dr. Ronald Crystal, chair of genetic medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City, told ABC news.

The oldest child Marion has tracked with Edwards is only 13 years old.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/politics/elections/120410/trisomy-18-bella-santorum

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Carole King's Memoir, 'A Natural Woman', On Shelves Today

Even in the unlikely event that you don't know her singing, you sure as heck know her songs. From penning hits for others, perhaps most famously Aretha Franklin ('You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman'), to becoming a best-selling singer in her own right, to even being covered by Lisa Simpson ('Jazzman'!), Carole King has left a widely felt impression on the music and pop culture landscape. Today, her memoir, A Natural Woman, is available today.

Carole King, born Carole Klein, enjoyed very early success, co-writing her first number 1 hit at age 18 (1961), The Shirelles 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.' King, in the book, chronicles her beginnings and her 50+ years in the music business.

The near-500-page hardcover is priced at $27.99, though many outlets (such as Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target etc.), appear to be offering it for less than $20. The Kindle edition is $14.99.

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Jennifer Love Hewitt in Provocative Role

Jennifer Love Hewitt is about to get her hands dirty in her new Lifetime series "The Client List."

In a lot of ways, she's like her character. In other ways ... not so much.

"Being sort of a feisty young lady from Texas comes naturally to me because that's sort of who I am really, and I've grown up in a household of feisty Texas women," said the Waco native.

But playing Riley Parks, a single mother deserted by her husband who takes a job as a massage therapist at a day spa only to discover massages aren't the only client services, is a "whole different ballgame," said the actress, who starred in the 2010 Lifetime TV movie of the same name.

"Obviously, sort of being so overtly sexy and provocative - that part of it is not something, by nature, I've put on display before or really put out there before," she said in a recent teleconference. "And that part's just been sort of fun and exciting and, you know, I feel like I'm at a good age for it. I'm 33 years old, and I think, if I was younger, it would feel more saucy and daring.

"But, at 33, I'm a grown woman -- this is what we do ... You sort of find your femininity and your strength and your own sexuality in sort of playing a part like this - much like I think Riley sort of discovers as the series goes on."

The role means Hewitt often appears scantily dressed as a woman who finds herself having to balance her morals and an opportunity that could resolve her financial hardships. Her secret life is one her conservative family and friends couldn't accept. Cybill Shepherd reprises her role from the TV movie as Riley's hairdresser mother.

Playing a sexy girl is not usual for Hewitt, who was the subject of many a teen boy's fantasy in films like "Can't Hardly Wait," "The Heartbreakers," "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and on Fox's "Party of Five" and "Ghost Whisperer."

But she said playing that type of role for a Lifetime series or film is the best possible circumstance.

"It hasn't been as scary as I thought it was going to be," she said. "... I feel like I'm doing it in a really safe place. There is no better place to do it than a network that is about empowering, inspiring women. You know, I'm not at some network that wants to take advantage of that stuff."

And she's not self-conscious playing the character who turns into a business woman.

"I knew what I was getting into. I mean that's definitely been my career at different ages. ... I think there is a time and a place for it ... It's just what she does, who she is. It's never in inappropriate places."

The actress, who has guest-starred on "Hot in Cleveland" and has a romantic comedy coming out with Rita Wilson and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, said her series is "provocative" and pushes the envelope, pulling back just in time, and that is what makes "provocative" TV interesting.

"I think people are watching it," she said. "If you look at 'Dexter' and look at 'Nurse Jackie' and look at 'The Sopranos,' I think (that it shows) people like provocative television. ... Television is supposed to allow you to escape into other worlds and watch people do things and forget about your life for a minute."

On one side, her character, Riley, is struggling with financial hardship - something being experienced by families everywhere, she said.

On the other side is the fantasy that happens in the massage parlor run by Loretta Devine ("Grey's Anatomy") who insists 90 percent of what goes on in her workplace is nothing but massages. But the other 10 percent -- handled by Devine's group of attractive employees -- is another matter, and it includes "a client list of men who want a little something extra."

"I think her (Riley) being a single mom with two kids is real," said Hewitt, who is called Love -- her middle name -- by friends and family. "But I do think that what happens in those rooms with those clients and the sanity that she creates for them -- all of that is meant to be in good fun.

"It's meant to be provocative, and it's meant to be a fantasy."

The 33-year-old said she's not really sure what has allowed her to continue to work as an actress for the past 24 years. But she may have a bit of an idea.

"I think I've always had respect for the business that I've been in. I've tried not to act too crazy or disrespect the opportunities I have been given or the people who have believed in me. So I think that helps.

"I also think some of it is just luck. ... I think I've just been blessed, and I don't necessarily know what keeps one person here longer than somebody else but I couldn't feel more grateful."

'THE CLIENT LIST'

When: 9 p.m. Sunday

Where: Lifetime

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