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Jalesa Hall

2009 failed underwear bomber gets four life sentences

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab,25, will receive four life sentences for attempting to harm others when he brought a bomb on a flight Dec.25 2009.

A federal judge gave the failed underwear bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab multiple life sentences for his attempt to blow up a Detroit- bound jetliner on December 25 2009.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds said during the hearing for the 25-year-old Nigerian student, “The defendant has never expressed doubt or regret or remorse about his mission. To the contrary, he sees that mission as divinely inspired and a continuing mission.”

Edmunds continued by saying “I believe the defendant poses a significant ongoing threat to the safety of American citizens everywhere.”

Edmunds came to her final decision after several passengers aboard the Northwest Flight 253 that Christmas Day spoke out about how the bombing attempt changed their lives.

LeMare Mason, the flight attendant that put the flames out when Adulmutallab’s bomb went off in his underwear, said “I had a dream job traveling the world, this man has stolen and robbed me of the pleasure of going to work.”
Mason said that he often wakes up in night sweats and has been in therapy since the incident happened.

Shama Chopra was a passenger on the flight and said” It was the most horrible moment in my life, a moment which give me nightmares to this day. In the beginning, I would sit in a chair and just do nothing.”

However, due to the urging of her husband, Chopra has decided to speak out about that Christmas Day so that she can show the world that terrorists should not be able to ruin people’s lives.

Her and her husband have received apologetic phone calls from Abdulmutallab’s parents, Chopra says that although she feels for Abdulmutallab, he had to ultimately pay for his consequences.

Another passenger Kurt Haskell, a lawyer, believes that a federal agent gave Abdulmutallab a defective bomb to create an issue so that the government could install full body scanners at airports.

Haskell told the judge, “Regardless of how media and government try to shape this care, I am convinced that Umar was given an intentionally defective bomb by a U.S. agent. It really saddens me that the government won’t admit its role in the event. Because of this case, I will never trust anything the government says, ever.”

Abdulmutallab said, “The Mujahedeen are proud  to kill in the name of God and this is exactly what God told us to do in the Koran…The situation of one who believe in Allah is always good.”

Abdulmutallab will most likely serve his sentences in an federal prison in Florence, Colorado, where several other convicted terrorists are.

to read more about Abdulmutallab’s sentence: click here 

Nick Cannon leaves morning radio show, due to health problems

After experiencing health problems earlier this year, new issues have arise forcing Nick Cannon to slow down on working.

One day after announcing that he was hospitalized for a second time, Nick Cannon has stepped away from his morning radio show.

Today is his final day on air at 92.3 NOW FM’s morning drive time show.

In a statement Cannon released on the station’s website he said: “Under doctor’s orders, I have been asked to put my health first and cut back on some of my professional commitments in order to allow my body to get the rest that it needs to keep up with the demands of my multitasking schedule.”

The statement went on to say, “It has been an absolute pleasure working with CBS Radio and the 92.3 NOW morning show team and I would like to thank them for their unwavering support.”

Nick Cannon was hospitalized for mild kidney failure shortly after New Year’s, and although he’s cutting back on his obligations, he will not be removing himself completely.

“I will continue to host my syndicated Cannon’s Countdown weekend show and look forward to contributing to 92.3 NOW whenever possible. Even Superman has to sleep.”

The workaholic tweeted today, “The doctors found blood clots in my lungs and said if I don’t slow down and stop working so hard then it’s a wrap!

The 31-year-old will remain as host on America’s Got Talent.

to read more: click here 

Former Mets' catcher Gary Carter died at 57

Hall of Famer and former Mets catcher Gary Carter died Thursday.

New York Mets catcher Gary Carter died Thursday, according to the Christian Science Monitor.

Mets Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver said, “Nobody loved the game of baseball more than Gary Carter. Nobody enjoyed playing the game of baseball more than Gary Carter. He wore his heart on his sleeve every inning he played.”

Carter was announced ill last May diagnosed with a brain tumor, shortly after finishing his second season as coach for Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Gary Carter was known for his bubbly personality to fellow players and fans.

Carter’s daughter Kimmy Bloemers released a statement on the family’s website:
“I am deeply saddened to tell you all that my precious dad went to be with Jesus today at 4:10 p.m. This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to write in my entire life but I wanted you all to know.”

Carter had won the Gold Glove three times and was an 11-time All Star. His single in game 6 of the 1986 World Series helped push the Mets to beat the Boston Red Sox.

After his diagnosis in May, the Mets played a highlight reel of Carter’s achievements during games at Citi Field, along with the message, “Our thoughts are with you Gary. From your millions of fan and the New York Mets.”

The Mets released a statement on Thursday that said,” His nickname ‘The Kid’ captured how Gary approached life. He did everything with enthusiasm and with gusto on and off the field. His smile was infectious…He was a Hall of Famer in everything he did.”

Carter began his Major League career in 1974 playing for teams like the Mets, Montreal, Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants. Carter left the League as a player in 1992.

Obama brings compromise to birth control debate

In a press conference on Friday, Obama announced an “accommodation” to Catholics concerns with his decision.

Earlier in the week, Obama’s decision about requiring religious institutions like hospitals to provide free contraception to their employees in their health insurance caused an uproar with the Catholic Church.

This idea was not popular among several Catholics and President Obama has brought forward a compromise. The new plan is to allow women to obtain free birth control but requiring that the insurance companies provide if their employers object to birth control for religious beliefs.

The President said, “Whether you’re a teacher or a small businesswoman or a nurse or a janitor, no woman’s health should depend on who she is, or where she works, or how much money she makes.”

Obama stressed that fact that he does believe in freedom of religion and said “As a citizen and as a Christian I cherish this right.”

Planned Parenthood and the Catholic Health Association approve of the compromise and Obama’s staff no longer has to be divided over the issue.

Along with conservative Republicans, Vice President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta were upset about the original decision.

It’s no word to if this idea will completely silence the Catholic bishops.

The president’s administration believes that insurance companies can provide free birth control because birth control will cost less than covering pregnancies and reduce risk of ovarian cancer. 

However, there are skeptics out there that don’t see this compromise taking flight, including blogger Erick Erickson who tweeted, “If you believe the insurance companies will actually provide the drugs for free, you know nothing of economics.”

to read more: click here 

Purple Squirrel Found In Pennsylvania

A couple discovered a purple squirrel in their backyard, leading to the squirrel’s internet fame.

A Pennsylvania woman was quite surprised when she saw a purple squirrel in her yard.
Connie Emert told her husband, Percy recently, “You’re not going to believe it but I saw a purple squirrel in the yard. So I put out a trap with a couple of peanuts inside.”

The squirrel returned and was in the trap Sunday.

Percy said, “I thought, ‘Nobody’s going to believe me, even the inside of its ears were purple. It wasn’t like it fell into something. It didn’t look like that at all.”

After the couple released the squirrel on Tuesday, the state game warden took samples of the fur that the squirrel left behind inside the cage, in addition to the fur Percy took from the squirrel’s tail.

Percy mentions how the squirrel looked healthy except for having brown teeth.

Henry Kacprzyk, a curator at the Pittsburg Zoo said, “…it looked to me like this animal had come in contact with something with its fur and dyed its fur. The squirrel could have come in contact with a pokeberry patch, but pokeberries aren’t in season.”

“I’ve got to think one of the suggestions might be it fell in a Porta John that had blue coloration. I have no idea why…but I don’t think it was born that way.”

For such the unusual color Kacprzyk said, “There are definitely birds that have coloration like this…but not mammals. Mammals don’t normally uptake color, ingest something it goes through and (then) it comes out through their fur.”

The squirrel has become so popular on the Internet that it has its own Facebook and Twitter page.

to read more: click here

Ochocinco will be Chad Johnson once again

Ochocinco has announced that he will be changing his last name back to Johnson, in preparation for his summer wedding.

The days of Ochocinco are coming to an end.

Chad Ochocinco has told the public that this summer; he will be changing his name back to Chad Johnson, according to Yahoo.

TMZ reported that Ochocinco wanted to change his name back in time for his wedding this summer so that his wife would not have a made-up last name.
Johnson is planning on marrying “Basketball Wives,” fiancée Evelyn Lozada July in Florida.

In response to a tweet from @RUDYDAGREAT1 that said: “I just notice I got bout 5 @ochocinco jerseys signed sitting on the wall, Johnson wrote: “Take them down, I’ll be Johnson on July 4th.”

Johnson took the name Ocho in the summer of 2008, though he did not begin to wear the number until 2009. He played two seasons in Cincinnati and one this past season in New England as a Patriot.

Luol Deng picked to play in NBA All-Star game

Joining teammate Derrick Rose, Luol Deng will be playing in the Feb.26 game as a reserve.

In what seems to be long over-due recognition, Luol Deng was named as an All-Star reserve Thursday.

A product of Duke, Deng has been in the league eight years and has been the Bulls’ most consistent scorer, excluding MVP Derrick Rose. Since the 2006-2007 season, Deng has averaged almost 17 points a game.

Defense is Deng’s strongest suit and leads the Bulls with one of the best top defensive units in the NBA. Last year, he was 10th in the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Coach Tom Thibodea said about his player, “He has great length and body control. He challenges shots, keeps the ball in front. He’s a very good individual defender and excellent team defender.”

Deng was born in Sudan, but grew up in England, marks history for being the first Briton to play in an NBA All-Star game.

For the first time since the 1997 season, two players from the Chicago Bulls will be going to the Feb. 26 game.

Also going to the All-Star game this year, Steve Nash of Phoenix, Tony Parker of San Antonio, Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City, Kevin Love of Minnesota, Chris Bosh of Miami, Joe Johnson of Atlanta and Deron Williams of New Jersey.

Coaches got to select the reserves and had to pick two forwards, two guards, a center and two additional players. They could not vote for one of their own.

to read more: click here 

Suge Knight arrested in Las Vegas

Suge Knight, 90s rap mogul, was arrested in Las Vegas Wednesday and spent time in jail.

Co-Founder of Death Row Records Marion “Suge” Knight spent time a short time in jail on three outstanding traffic warrants and suspicion of marijuana possession, according to MSNBC.

Knight was stopped near the Vegas Strip around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday after police saw him changing lanes and proceeding to turn without a signal, according to Metro police officer Jay Rivera.

After a record check, it was discovered that Knight had three outstanding Nevada traffic warrants, including one for driving on a suspended license.

According to Rivera, he was released on about a $2,600 bail.

Knight helped launch the careers of rap stars like Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur in the 1990s, heavily involved in the East Coast vs. West Coast debate. However, his recent reasons for being in the spotlight involve run-ins with the law.

In 2008, he was arrested in Las Vegas on drug and assault charges after allegedly punching his girlfriend and pulling a knife on her during an argument.

In February 2009, he was taken in for treatment after a fight in a Scottsdale, Arizona hotel.

In May 2010, he was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

Steve Jobs FBI file released to public

On Thursday, Steve Jobs’ FBI file was released, giving details to the CEO’s personal life.

The FBI file of Steve Jobs was released Thursday, giving America further insight to one of the men behind Apple.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was keeping a 191-page file on Jobs, detailing his personal and public life. Discussing Jobs’ previous drug use, narcissism and lack of communist ties, the report also goes into details about Jobs’ relationship with the government. According to the Huffington Post, Jobs was being considered for a position in George H.W. Bush’s administration on the Export Council. Most of the file contains the 1991 background check that was ran due to this consideration.

In another part of the report, the FBI mentions a bomb threat that was made against Apple in February of 1985, months before Apple fired Jobs. 

“An unidentified male caller made a series of telephone calls to {redacted} of Apple Inc…and advised that devices had been placed in home of captioned individuals [redacted] and one million dollars must be paid,” the FBI wrote in the report.

Over 29 people were interviewed for Jobs’ background check and although their names were removed from the report, there are several key clues to who the people are. For example, the notes discuss how the FBI tried to contact a woman whom Jobs “had a baby born out of wedlock,” leaving the public to assume its Chris-Ann Brennan.
Interviewees had several things to say about Jobs.

One commented on his acquaintance with an Eastern/ Indian religion and mentions how this change in philosophy impacted his personal life for the better.

Several interviewees questioned his character. The FBI wrote that one interviewee “added that although the Appointee [Jobs} is basically an honest and trustworthy person, he is a very complex individual and his moral character is suspect.” Someone else said that Jobs had “a tendency to distort reality in order to achieve his goals.”

To read more: click here
To see the report: click here

Roland Martin benched after "homophobic" tweets during Super Bowl

Roland Martin’s tweets have led CNN to suspend the anchor temporarily from the network.

Roland Martin, CNN anchor, is suspended after alleged homophobic tweets posted during Super Bowl XLVI, according to the NY Daily News.

Martin remarked that any man that was a fan of David Beckham’s H&M underwear commercial wasn’t a “real bruh.”

He tweeted, “If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham’s H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him! #superbowl”

Earlier that day, he made fun of a New England Patriot player who arrived to the stadium in a pink jump suit.

The constant tweeting put Martin in Twitter jail temporarily but not before he attempted to justify his comments with the idea that he was just poking fun at soccer.

GLAAD, Gay and Lesbian against Defamation, requested that Martin be fired.

On Monday, Martin apologized saying, “It was meant to be a deliberately over-the-top and sarcastic crack about soccer; I do not advocate violence of any kind against anyone gay, or not.”

He then said, “As anyone who follows me on Twitter knows, anytime soccer comes up during football season it’s another chance for me to take a playful shot at soccer, nothing more.”

CNN network followed with a statement:
“Roland Martin’s tweets were regrettable and offensive. Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization and is not tolerated. We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being.”

Martin has not spoken about the suspension on Twitter.