Friday, February 4, 2011

Top Gear faces racism test case following Mexico comments

Mexico complains about 'vulgar' Top Gear
In the episode, which was viewed by more than 6 million people, presenter Richard Hammond (centre) claimed that cars imitate national characteristics Photo: BBC

Lawyers for Iris de la Torre, a 30 year-old jewellery design student, said the BBC had used racism to boost ratings and could cost the Corporation up to £1million in damages.

In the episode, which was viewed by more than 6 million people, Richard Hammond claimed that cars imitate national characteristics.

"Mexican cars are just going to be a lazy, feckless, flatulent, oaf with a moustache leaning against a fence asleep looking at a cactus with a blanket with a hole in the middle on as a coat," he said.

Jeremy Clarkson went on to joke that being Mexican would be "brilliant" because then he could sleep all day.

The Mexican ambassador to Britain has already made an official complaint to the BBC for the programme's "xenophobic" and "offensive" content and demanded an apology.

De la Torres' lawyers, from the firm Equal Justice, also brought legal action against Channel 4 following remarks made about Shilpa Shetty during Celebrity Big Brother.

In a legal complaint to the BBC they claim that the remarks are unlawful and a breach of rules banning discrimination by public bodies, according to a report by The Guardian.

De la Torre said: "I was shocked at what the BBC allowed to be broadcast...I do not understand how such ignorant people hold such high-profile jobs."

If taken to court it could become the first case to be brought under the Equality Act which came into effect in September last year.

Lawrence Davies, from Equal Justice, said: "These remarks were probably calculated and deliberate to fuel anger and hence boost ratings - the presenters apparently feel that they are fighting a battle against political correctness."

The BBC said it had not yet received the legal letter but said that it would be dealt with through appropriate channels.

BBC sorry for anti-Mexican remarks on 'Top Gear'

LONDON (AP) — The BBC has apologized to Mexico's ambassador for remarks on its "Top Gear" program that described Mexicans as lazy and oafish.

The BBC wrote to Ambassador Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza on Thursday, saying that national stereotyping is part of British humor — and that the presenters did not intend to be vindictive.

"Our own comedians make jokes about the British being terrible cooks and terrible romantics, and we in turn make jokes about the Italians being disorganized and over dramatic; the French being arrogant and the Germans being over organized," the statement read. "We are sorry if we have offended some people, but jokes centered on national stereotyping are a part of 'Top Gear's' humor."

The remarks came in a segment in which presenter Richard Hammond claimed that cars imitate national characteristics.

"Mexican cars are just going to be a lazy, feckless, flatulent, oaf with a mustache leaning against a fence asleep looking at a cactus with a blanket with a hole in the middle on as a coat," he said. Presenter James May mocked Mexican food, while Jeremy Clarkson suggested the ambassador would be too busy sleeping to register his outrage.

The ambassador in turn, wrote to the BBC earlier this week, complaining about the "bigotry and ignorance," of the presenters.

The BBC received thousands of other complaints about the anti-Mexican comments, particularly from people outside of Britain.

Hammond, Clarkson and May are known for frequent and irreverent quips The BBC has fielded complaints in the past after Clarkson made a joke linking truck drivers with prostitute murders and described former Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a "one-eyed Scottish idiot."

The show's mix of outlandish jokes and auto worship has made "Top Gear" a British institution, broadcast in more than 100 countries. More than 6 million viewers saw the episode in question.

Charity Events: Star celeb Jennie Garth speaks out for Wear Red Day 2011?


Charity Events News!

Today is Wear Red Day 2011, and star celeb Jennie Garth is doing all that she can to raise awareness for nonprofit charity American Heart Association about a disease that takes the life of one woman per minute —

[Feb. 4]

Star celeb and former Beverly Hills 90210 actress Jennie Garth is the national celebrity spokesperson for Go Red For Women 2011. The national Wear Red Day 2011 event was started by the nonprofit charity organization American Heart Association several years ago to raise awareness about the number one cause of death for women, heart disease.

Star celeb Jennie Garth lost her father to heart disease, and the former Beverly Hills 90210 actress is promoting Wear Red Day 2011 because she knows all too well how heart disease can take away the life of a loved one. Jennie Garth also knows that oftentimes heart disease can be prevented, simply by following a better health and fitness regimen, and being aware of the causes of heart disease.

The nonprofit charity American Heart Association is passionate about raising awareness for heart disease, and working to drastically decrease or eliminate the numbers of women in the US who die from heart disease each year. Heart disease currently takes the life of one woman per minute in the US, and star celeb Jennie Garth and the American Heart Association are working hard to make sure as many women and men take health and fitness precautions to prevent heart disease in the future.

The American Heart Association has planned several events around the country in honor of Wear Red Day 2011, with star celeb Jennie Garth and many other celebrities taking part to promote Go Red For Women 2011.

You can join star celeb Jennie Garth along with other celebrities and hundreds of thousands of people across the country who are wearing red today in honor of Wear Red Day 2011. The Go Red For Women 2011 website has a schedule of events planned throughout the country, and their message is simple: heart disease can be prevented by following suggested health and fitness regimens and being aware of the causes of heart disease.

Wing Bowl 2011: The Super Bowl of Competitive Eating


WingBowl 19 300x225 Wing Bowl 2011: The Super Bowl of Competitive EatingCan’t win the Super Bowl? Or don’t have the athletic ability to compete in professional sports?

Well, some people who had those same thoughts came up with the Wing Bowl back in 1993. Today is the Wing Bowl 2011, held in Philadelphia.

Yes, the Wing Bowl 2011 is what the name implies: it’s an eating contest.

I never really understand competitive eating, but apparently the seats are packed to watch this event every year. Is this a sport? And are you a celebrity if you win?

The highlight of this year’s event is that a five-time winner is returning to face off against the man who won the Wing Bowl for the past two years.

Would you watch the Wing Bowl 2011? Would you ever participate in an eating contest?

Kurt Warner: Roethlisberger not yet deserving of Hall of Fame tag

Even if Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wins his third Super Bowl on Sunday with the Steelers, one former NFL MVP says that alone shouldn't make Roethlisberger a lock for the NFL Hall of Fame.

"I believe that this era has become about winning championships for a quarterback," former St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinasl quarterback Kurt Warner said in a radio interview. "But I just look at it from the fact that the best players to ever play this game belong in the Hall of Fame. And I'm not saying he won't be that guy. But I'm not sure he's there yet. I'm not sure if he just wins this game if that classifies him as one of the best to ever play the game."

By David Duprey, AP
Warner, who won Super Bowl XXXIV with the Rams, says he feels this way, in part, because Roethlisberger has never had to carry the Steelers on his own for long stretches of time.

"I'm just waiting to see Ben as the guy that carries his team at some point in time," Warner said. "The fortunate thing for him is he hasn't had to do that. He carries them in the last two minutes. He makes some key plays. (He's) phenomenal out of the pocket and ad-libbing. But for me, if you go to the Hall of Fame, you have to be a guy who can carry your team week in and week out as a quarterback. That's my opinion."

Warner also cited Roethlisberger's questionable statistics in some of his biggest games as another reason his credentials for the Hall of Fame aren't quite up to par.

"I like Ben," Warner said. "I think Ben's great and I think he's a winner. And to me that speaks volumes for your legacy. But when you're talking about the best quarterbacks in the league, you have to look at all the factors here. I mean, he won a Super Bowl and he was 8-23. But he won the Super Bowl and he gets that on his resume. But he was still 8-23."

While that's not entirely true -- Roethlisberger was 9-of-21 passing in the Steelers' victory over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL -- Warner's point is noted.

But in the end, Warner said the Hall of Fame shouldn't matter to Roethlisberger if he winds up winning his third Super Bowl ring this Sunday.

"What would I rather have - be in the Hall of Fame or …winning three championships? I'd take the three championships. To me that's what it's all about. That's the bottom line."

S-word firm on the move

The little company that dared to use the "S" word in its logo is poised to move after meeting with its landlords.

Elizabeth Taylor Graphics opened a branch in Wellington's Cable Car Lane two months ago but its landlords ordered the company to change its logo byline, "Posters, Signs and Shit," after complaints from other people and retailers.

The company, which hails from Paraparaumu, was reluctant to give up the fight, arguing that it had had the logo for 12 years and hardly anyone had complained.

But after a meeting on Wednesday, manager Tim Beere said it seemed likely that his firm would leave.

"It does seem as though the difficulties between us seem to be insurmountable."

Mr Beere said the property manager had offered to release the company without penalty from its lease, and would give it a chance to find alternative premises in the central city.

Tensions had been high and leaving made sense.

"I think we've probably decided that today."

However, Mr Beere said the public response to their situation had been huge.

The company had been deluged with emails of support, even from Australia, and an informal poll on their website showed most visitors liked the logo.

"We put a wee questionnaire, `love it' or `hate it' or `couldn't care less' ... and the overwhelming response is, `loved it'."

Michael Jackson ‘mortified by Elizabeth Taylor necklace mix-up’

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was left mortified when Dame Elizabeth Taylor mistakenly thought he had gifted her an expensive necklace, according to a new book.

The pop icon and iconic actress were close friends up until Michael’s death on June 25 2009. Elizabeth, 78, was so devastated by his death she felt unable to attend his memorial, and also didn’t release a statement for several days.

Michael’s good friend and associate Frank Cascio has penned a book about the pop superstar, titled My Friend Michael: Growing Up With the King of Pop. He relives many of the fun times he had with the star in it, and also gives some insight into Michael’s relationships with his friends.

Frank claims Michael managed to convince Elizabeth to be a part of a special marking his 20th anniversary in the music business by presenting her with a pricey diamond necklace.

“According to Frank Cascio, Taylor thought the borrowed bauble was a gift and was horrified when the jeweller asked for it back. Jacko had to apologise to her for the mix-up,” reports the New York Post.

The special event consisted of two concerts held in 2001, which were later televised.

Frank’s tome is slated for release later this year, with some of the proceeds being donated to children’s charities.



Fan reaction: San Antonio Spurs tip L.A. Lakers victory hopes down the drain

It pains me as a Lakers' fan to see another victory slip out of their grasp due to poor effort and laziness on the defensive glass. The Spurs had placed the win neatly into their laps, gift-wrapped and everything, with 22 seconds to go. The Lakers, however, refused to grab hold of it before the opportunity was so unexpectedly snatched away from them.

With a matchup at home against the Spurs, who hold the best record in the league, the stars could not have aligned any straighter for the Lakers to quiet the critics and prove that they still belonged at the top of the NBA food chain. So much has been said in the past couple of weeks about the Lakers and how they don't look like a two-time defending NBA championship team, and a win against the Spurs would have made the perfect case in proving otherwise. Unfortunately, the Lakers inability to consistently play up to their potential was the kiss of death on Thursday night.

Things played out like any regular Lakers' game. They showed signs of dominance on and off in the first half, going into the locker room with the score knotted at 42 points apiece. They continued to keep the Spurs at bay during the third quarter, not allowing the game to get away from them and playing with somewhat of a sense of urgency.

And then the fourth quarter came… The game was put on the line and the Lakers choked as the Spurs put the pedal to the metal. With only 22 seconds left, the Lakers had a one-point lead and needed one defensive stop to seal the deal. The Spurs took the inbounds, and two shots, one offensive rebound and one ball knocked out of bounds by the Lakers later, the Spurs had just under six seconds to find the bottom of the net.

The inbounds pass ensued, and then the heave from Tim Duncan(notes) clanked off of the rim and up into the arm. And with one well-timed tip of the ball from veteran Antonio McDyess(notes), the ball fell fatefully into the hoop right as time expired. After review, the film would show that McDyess tipped the ball with .1 seconds left on the clock, handing the Spurs a miraculous victory that left my jaw unhinged for a few minutes.

The Lakers failed to properly box out on three consecutive shots, allowing the Spurs to continue to throw up prayers. The third time was a charm, as McDyess swooped in and stole the win right out from the under the Lakers' noses. The looming scent of sweet victory swayed the Lakers defenders from sticking to their assignments, and the buzzer sounded with the Spurs ahead, 89-88.

One positive that did come out of this game, however, was that Ron Artest(notes) seemed to finally break the spell he's been under. For the first time in weeks, he made a noticeable impact and helped keep the Lakers in the game up to the very last moment. He contributed 13 points, five rebounds and two steals.

Many will argue that even though the game was close until the very end, the Spurs won, and that's all it takes to prove that the Lakers are on the fast track to NBA mediocrity. However, I must make it clear that the Lakers displayed dominance throughout the majority of the game. If it wasn't for their ineptitude and failure to play hard until the clock hit zero, the game would have ended with the Lakers on top.

Jeffrey Skilling’s Son John Taylor Found Dead

Jeffrey Skilling’s Son John Taylor Found Dead

Jeffrey Skilling’s Son John Taylor Found Dead

Photo: Getty Images

Disgraced Enron president Jeffrey Skilling's 20-year-old son, John Taylor Skilling, was found dead on Tuesday evening. Skilling was a student at Chapman College in Southern California, who may have killed himself over a recent breakup. Police have yet to label Skilling's death a suicide: An autopsy revealed no signs of foul play, and police are waiting for the results of toxicology tests, which may take up to six weeks to process. Skilling was found with several bottles of prescription drugs next to his body. Father Jeffrey Skilling — who is currently serving 24 years in prison for fraud and insider trading — is said to be "distraught, devastated, heartbroken." Jeffrey Skilling's lawyer has appealed to prison officials to allow his client to attend his son's funeral.

John Taylor Skilling, son of Enron executive Jeff Skilling, found dead in California apartment [NYDN]

John Taylor Skilling Found Dead


John Taylor Skilling, the son of former Enron executive Jeff Skilling, was found dead in his apartment in California. The Associated Press says that a bottle of medication was found next to John Skilling, and they report that he had been distraught over a recent breakup with his girlfriend.

His father, Jeffrey Skilling, served as president of Enron. In 2006, Jeff Skilling was convicted after a jury trial of multiple charges arising out of Enron’s collapse, and was sentenced to 24 years in prison. He appealed to the Supreme Court, which vacated part of his conviction in a major ruling on the “honest services” fraud statute, and sent the case back for resentencing.

In May, Mark Madoff, son of disgraced financier Bernie Madoff, was found dead of an apparent suicide.

John Taylor Skilling was a college student at Chapman University. His father, through lawyer Daniel Petrocelli, has asked for permission to attend his son’s funeral.

Ex-Enron big’s kid dead at 20 [New York Post]

Super Bowl Commercials 2011: Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, Snickers Ads

kim kardashian super bowlKim Kardashian makes Skechers sexy, Justin Bieber and Ozzy Osbourne go futuristic and Snickers teams up with Roseanne and Richard Lewis.

Super Bowl XLV (2011) is right around the corner (kickoff time is 6:30|5:30c on Sunday) and while we await the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers we also prepare for the dozens of new Super Bowl commercials. Kim Kardashian is releasing a sexy ad for Skechers which I hear is a little risqué. Justin Bieber has teamed up with Ozzy Osbourne in a rather weird commercial for Best Buy. Snickers, who featured Betty White last year, have enlisted the help of Roseanne Barr and Richard Lewis for this year’s advertisement. Let’s not forget the Volkswagen Darth Vader ad that leaked yesterday.

I can’t deny that I tune into to the Super Bowl each year to watch the commercials. Granted I do enjoy the game and this year’s matchup should be pretty damn good. While Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers take on Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, big companies spend millions on ads in hopes they will generate more revenue.

Each year we can expect all new commercials which tend to make us laugh. This year Kim Kardashian will be adding sexy into the equation when she debuts a Skechers Super Bowl spot. Snickers hopes to follow-up last year’s Betty White ad with a Roseanne Barr construction worker commercial. Of course millions of Tweens will be tuning in to watch Justin Bieber team up with Ozzy Osbourne in what will probably be the most bizarre ad this year.

Super Bowl XLV will be hosted in Dallas, Texas and is set for a 6:30|5:30c Kick Off time on FOX.


Houston Area Traffic Alerts for Thursday Night

HOUSTON - It looks like with the wet winter weather, most overnight construction projects will be put on hold.

One area to watch for this weekend (weather permitting, of course) is 610 North Loop from I-10 the Baytown East Freeway all the way to 59 Eastex Freeway. That entire section will be closed starting at 9 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Sunday. Just use the signage in the area for your detour.

Also, emergency officials are warning motorists to stay off the roadways if possible and to drive with extreme caution, especially on elevated freeways and fly-overs. They will have 'spotters' out all night driving around Houston monitoring areas of concern and they will bring in law enforcement to make the call if an area of roadway or a fly-over needs to be shut down.

We'll start traffic reports at 4 am Friday, so tune in if you have any concerns about your commute, otherwise, you can report areas to the city hotline - just dial 311 or call TXDOT's road conditions hotline at 1-800-452-9292.

Good Luck out there, be safe and cancel your plans if you have to! It's not worth your life and pack some extra cold weather clothes in the car just in case your car breaks down or you do have an incident and are stranded.

Let me know if you see anything of concern, or if you have any questions! And if you're able (and safe!) send in a snapshot of some ice or SNOW!

Stay warm, and stay put, leaders urge

Houston’s mayor and the Harris County judge encouraged local residents to stay off the roads and keep warm inside as the region prepares for a winter storm with possible snow into the weekend. Mayor Annise Parker and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett spoke together at an afternoon news conference at Houston TranStar to explain government preparations for the frigid weather and a nearly complete government shutdown. By 6 p.m. today, municipal courts were closed. Roads have been treated and some twice. On Friday, most city and county offices will be closed. Jurors should not report to the courts. County community centers may be opened, but other facilities will be “minimally staffed,” Emmett said. City community centers and libraries will be closed, the mayor said. All area schools will be closed Friday, but parents are urged to check with their child’s district for specific information. "Precipitation is going to come about 6 or 8 tonight, which shouldn’t be a big problem for this evening’s rush hours, but by tomorrow morning, that precipitation will have frozen and driving will just be treacherous,” Emmett said. “When you have ice and snow in an area like Houston and Harris County, you use common sense.” Drivers who encounter icy conditions should report the location of treacherous situations to 311. If you are aware of someone who is without heat and in a situation that may become life threatening, call 911 for imminent danger and 211 to access social support services. “We’ll get through this just fine if people stay off the roads as much as possible and are aware of neighbors who may be shut in and anybody that’s without power,” Emmett said. Parker also urged people to stay at home. "We urge people if you don’t have to get on the road, stay off the road. Once that sludge or snow freezes overnight or stays frozen, tomorrow’s commute can be very problematic. It’s just better if you don’t have to get out on the road and you don’t have to come in,” the mayor said. City employees who stay home will burn up one of six mandatory furlough days ordered by Parker to help close a budget gap. “A number of city employees will be at home tomorrow and since I had ordered six mandatory furlough days to be spaced out throughout January through June, for those who do not report to work it will be counted as one of their furlough days." Most county employees have been told to use vacation, personal leave or floating holidays to take the day off. The county is now activated at Level 2 – an around-the-clock high readiness – which means conditions can pose an imminent threat to life and property. Level 3 is increased readiness and Level 4 is normal readiness. Officials do not foresee an increase to Level 1, the maximum. Workers at the TranStar nerve center are answering the phones and Interfaith Ministries is one hand to help with special needs. “We’re just trying to make sure people understand that this is a dangerous situation,” Emmett said. “You have a lot of people that drive 4-wheel vehicles and they think they’re invincible. Well, when they get out on ice, 4-wheel drive doesn’t do you any good. People just have to understand it’s dangerous and just use common sense.” City public works trucks are loaded with salt and have sprayed magnesium chloride where appropriate, Parker said. The Harris County Toll Road Authority has sprayed all the surfaces, “but now it’s gotten so cold that they’re prepared to go back out tonight for the elevated surfaces with what’s kind of called the final treatment to make sure the elevated surfaces remain passable,” Emmett said. “The rest of the pavement is still going to be frozen, so it's going to be very, very dangerous,” the county judge said. “We believe we can all safely get through this and as the weather begins to warm up, hopefully tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, but certainly by Saturday morning, that the worst will be over and we’ll be back on a normal schedule." Emmett says he’s concerned about Friday night, too. "We have to wait and see if it will warm up here during the day,” he said. “We’ll have melting, but unfortunately it doesn’t look like it’s going to evaporate, so tomorrow (Friday) night, we go through all this again. So, most people need to prepare to not be able to travel all the way until about Saturday at noon." The county judge also warned people to take precautions to avoid tragic events in this bitter weather. "It’s almost always the same thing: Someone tries to stay warm by improper use of a space heater, even doing things like going into the garage and starting the car or bringing a charcoal grill in. People have got to think before they do that. Reach out for help,” Emmett said.

No snow, but ice makes Houston roads treacherous

Houstonians woke up Friday morning to little or no snow, but lots of ice, which made freeways nearly impassable.

Predictions of up to three inches of snow did not occur, but a thick sheet of ice covered most roads. A 10-car pileup at Highway 290 and HIghway 6 early this morning was reported.

All METRO Park and Ride locations are closed this morning. Buses and the light rail are running, but service is slow. All toll roads are closed. With an expected freeze tonight, the Hardy, Westpark and Sam Houston toll roads are closed until Saturday.

Officials cautioned residents to stay home if possible because the treacherous roads make travel virtually impossible.

The MFAH, which remained open during its normal hours Thursday night while many closed, has decided to close Friday. Its scheduled screening of Texas Legends Before They Were Legends Friday night is canceled.

Transtar maintains a list of icy roads and accidents. As of 10:20 a.m., it noted nine freeway incidents involving 14 vehicles and ice shutting down roadways in 62 locations.

Click here for live stream coverage from Channel 13.

TxDOT prepares for hazardous roads

SAN ANTONIO -- If you weren't feeling the cold yet, you certainly are now. Freezing temperatures could make for hazardous driving conditions overnight Thursday or into Friday's morning commute.

Snow is expected in parts of the hill country between 10PM and 2AM. TxDot trucks are on standby all over the city, preparing to de-ice should the snow turn slick. Meanwhile, many drivers are preparing for the worst.

"If it snows, I won't come out. I'll stay at home," commented Sandra Hathaway, a San Antonio driver.

If the expected snow sticks to roads, many other drivers plan to do the same.

"I'd rather not drive," commented Lisa Steubing. "But we'll have to see what my work says about that."

The Texas Department of Transportation has activated its command post to monitor weather conditions overnight.

"There's a possibility that the snow could actually turn into ice," commented TxDOT spokesperson Laura Lopez. "So we want to make sure that we are monitoring the weather conditions, plus our bridges and overpasses."

Forecasters predict San Antonio could see, at the most, up to an inch of snow on the roads Friday morning. Chances are that by the commute, however, roads will just be wet. But even that could be dangerous. Wet roads on Tuesday morning caused a big rig wreck that backed up I-35.

"The worst case scenario possible would be that we close the highways down," commented Lopez. "But that's not our intention. Our intention is to keep the highways open and safe for the motorists."

Officials urge you to drive slowly, and take extra precaution on the road.

"You just have to keep your eyes open and try to be as safe as possible," commented driver Jacob Leibowitz.

The last time San Antonio saw snow on the roads was in February 2004. Stay tuned to News 4 WOAI Friday morning. We'll be monitoring the weather and road conditions to bring you the latest.

Health and Fitness: Wear Red Day 2011 a call to action for women?

Health and Fitness News!

Wear Red Day 2011 seeks to act as a health and fitness call to action to women and men to join together and raise awareness for a deadly disease: heart disease. Cardiovascular disease takes the lives of thousands of people every day, and the American Heart Association wants you to do something about it. The call to action is not just about wearing red, it’s about education and saving lives each and every day. Wear Red Day 2011 and the American Heart Association is about education, awareness, better overall health and fitness and reducing the risk of heart disease. –

[Feb. 4]

Wear Red Day 2011 is upon us, and for the American Heart Association, it’s a health and fitness call to action for women and men alike to help raise awareness about a disease that takes the life of one out of three women in the United States: heart disease.

The American Heart Association has garnered several sponsors in their call to action for Wear Red Day 2011. Some of the leading retailers in the US have joined forces with the American Heart Association in their call to action, and the purpose is simple: raise awareness about one of the most deadly diseases in the US.

Macy’s, Geoffrey Beene, Perfumania, Rite Aid, Yankee Candle, Campbell Soup Company and many others have joined with the American Heart Association in their call to action for the Wear Red Day 2011 campaign. Various events are planned throughout the day across the country for Wear Red Day 2011, and all monies raised go directly to helping fund research to cure heart disease, along with education programs, and funding ongoing education programs for doctors and health care professionals.

Forty percent of charity funds raised through Wear Red Day 2011 goes directly to public education. Another 23 percent is spent on research regarding women’s heart issues with 13 percent going for education for healthcare professionals.

To find Wear Red Day 2011 events in your area, you can visit the Wear Red Day 2011 website. The American Heart Association website also has information about Wear Red Day 2011, as well as information about preventative steps that can be taken to avoid heart disease in the future.

According to the American Heart Association, more women die of heart disease than the next four causes combined, all of them cancer. It is estimated that 90 percent of all US women have one or more risk factors that contribute to heart disease, and 2,200 Americans succumb to some form of heart disease every day, equating to about one every 39 seconds.

Check out the Wear Red Day 2011 website, and join the call to action and wear red today!

TxDOT: Stay Off The Roads!

The last week has had many different states scrambling to fix up the roads. There have been wrecks and injuries all over the place. Even down in warm Texas there have been some pretty tough road conditions. TxDOT is urging drivers to stay off the roads.

TxDOT is working as hard as they can to sand bridges and overpasses. These are the most dangerous places that you can be. Make sure that you stay off these areas if you do decide that you must venture out. TxDOT says that they can not urge drivers enough to stay off the roads.

The spokesman Bob Colwell says that no matter what they have done it’s impossible for anything to thaw until noon. All ten counties within the region have the same road conditions. Everyone is reporting that it is slick and dangerous. I suggest that you listen to TxDOT and stay off the roads.

TxDOT: Snow prompts call for reinforcements

TxDOT calls in reinforcements, explains the nuts and bults of its efforts

TxDOT spokeswoman Cynthia Northup White helps explain how, exactly, crews go about clearing the roads in the Dallas-area. She said that the Dallas district has 16 snow plows, and the Tarrant district has 14. Dallas-side has two bladers and over 120 pieces of equipment -- a mix, she says, of 6- and 10-year trucks with spreader boxes, liquid deicing trucks, safety trucks, snow plpows, bladers, and more. Operating those rigs are more than 200 workers across the district, which includes a lot territory: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman , Navarro and Rockwall counties.

They have been "working 12-hour shifts, 24/7, since late Monday evening/early Tuesday morning," White said. "This latest shift started at midnight, which is approximately when the snow began. It has been snowing for a good 6 hours with more to come. The strategy is to start with priority one routes clearing the right lane (followed by application of sand, sand/salt mixture and/or liquid choride mag or meltdown 20 (both de-icing agents). The challenge has been once plowing started the snow kept coming. We have been in areas plowiing multiple times."

Some of the sites with multiple runs have included the High Five, I-30, I-35, Loop 12, Spur 408, I-635, she said.

"We already have mobilized much of our Snow and Ice plans resulting in shifting and targeting resources (manpower, equipment, materials) from other areas such as Amarillo, Altanta, Brownwood and Childress Districts along with resources from Houston, Waco and Paris Distircts. We are currently mobilizing more snow plows from other districts such as Lubbock and additional snow plows from Amarillo. The total additonal snow plows is 44 (for both districts) with an additional 50 manpower."

How are the roads to be treated or plowed selected?

"Priority routes are primarily determined by traffic volumes so Interstates, US Highways and State Highways along with bridges, overpasses and ramps are priority," she said.

Super bowl xlv predictions and Wing Bowl 2011

Super bowl xlv predictions and Wing Bowl 2011. Super Bowl heroes Steelers and Packers followed near the same chemistry to be the masters of college football. Both teams have been in deep home work to meet a great target set for the first Sunday of February. Despite a number of adversities in the last season the finalists could march ahead with perfect game plan.


Steelers sharpened their edge with draft-first models, stockpiling young and cost-effective talent. Packers on the other hand dipped into the basics of match winning grammar. General manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy led the Packers from the front. Steelers’ game plan was sketched by Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin.

13-6 Packers and 14-4 Steelers had a lot to gain on the Super Bowl Sunday than to lose at the end. NFL experts were cock sure that both team will test their mettle on a nearly freezing night to be the champions of Bowl. Once the Bowl night came, fans cheered for the top two teams of the season probably of last few seasons.

Showering praise on the finalists, David Maraniss noted that "Lombardi's teams were always adaptable, able to overcome adversity, and never used injuries as an excuse." "These Packers resemble the old Packers more than any Green Bay team since the 1960s.

While the three-time champion Packers came for their fifth Super Bowl, Steelers hunted their fortune with six Lombardis for third title in six years. Absence of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the first four games never affected the team spirit of Steelers. Despite of the challenges the team could be the superstars of the 2011 Super Bowl.

Bugatti Veyron Price



Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron Price :D evelopment work has begun, and the manufacturer hopes to have the same success with the supercar which has a price of over $ 1,000,000. The new Bugatti .. ( Read Bugatti Veyron Price more... )

Bugatti Veyron Price

Bugatti Veyron
Boasting a maximum speed of more than 400 km per hour, the Veyron is unmatched in the super sports category. It offers a total of 1,001 HP, and its ample power reserves even at high speeds are the fabric of dreams for luxury-class limousines: for a constant speed of 250 km/h, the Veyron only needs 270-280 HP. This means that the seven-gear clutch transmission works with a torque of up to 1,250 Newton meters. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ensures the necessary flexibility and maneuverability at any speed. The Veyron reaches velocities that would literally lift the car off the ground – if it weren’t for its ingenious aerodynamics, which keeps it firmly on the road even at full speed. ( Read Bugatti Veyron Price more... )

BUGATTI VEYRON PRICE

Bugatti Veyron Volkswagen Group written as well as constructed by Bugatti cars, as well as a automobile really fast right away in India. Bugatti Veyron is a most costly automobile in India with a cost of Rs. sixteen crore. So it’s not easy to buy typical man. This can be a automobile for attracting celebrities, politicians as well as commercial operation leaders.

Has been versed with a Bugatti Veyron with most facilities which have been as sparkling as high-automatic 7-speed college, good power, speed as well as record to light a glow during a racetrack, as well as tanned hide trim full receptive to advice complement as well as an advanced, involuntary meridian control, Bluetooth, as well as competition seats, as well as seats hot, Interface iPod , a navigation complement as well as rear-view mirror, roof tiles prolongation row fine cloth etc.. ( Read Bugatti Veyron Price more... )

BUGATTI VEYRON PRICE

Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron look exterior is eye catching with a wider air intake and is perfect for lovers of the race. Scheme the amount of air seem bold and less sockets are placed horizontally on both sides of the paper size grills with honey. This support is a conventional car to open the side door. Back side of the Bugatti Veyron also very attractive with the rear wing, a center dual exhaust system and the publisher. Lets take a look at the Bugatti Veyron prices, features and technical specifications. ( Read Bugatti Veyron Price more... )

Video: Bugatti Veyron hits 353 kmph on Autobahn

We can only imagine how the Autobahn looks during the night, as more and more videos show up on YouTube, revealing tuned or stock supercars doing well over 300 kmph.

We've just seen the footage with a G Power tuned BMW M5 Touring hitting 359 kmph (224 mph) on Germany's infamous Autobahn, now it would only seem appropriate to see what an adrenaline chaser inside a Bugatti Veyron would do. ( Read Bugatti Veyron Price more... )

Georgia Guidestones on Brad Meltzer’s Decoded

The season finale of Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on History TV channel entitled “Apocalypse in Georgia” focused around the mysterious Georgia Guidestones, often called America’s Stonehenge, located outside Atlanta. No one knows the true identity of the man, or men, who commissioned the construction of the Guidestones.

THE MESSAGE OF THE GEORGIA GUIDESTONES:

1. Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature.
2. Guide reproduction wisely – improving fitness and diversity.
3. Unite humanity with a living new language.
4. Rule passion – faith – tradition – and all things with tempered reason.
5. Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts.
6. Let all nations rule internally resolving external disputes in a world court.
7. Avoid petty laws and useless officials.
8. Balance personal rights with social duties.
9. Prize truth – beauty – love – seeking harmony with the infinite.
10.Be not a cancer on the earth – Leave room for nature – Leave room for nature.

Brad Meltzer attempts to decode the Georgia Guidestones


Brad Meltzer attempts to decode the Georgia Guidestones

Once again, Brad Meltzer and his team of Scooby-Doo-esque, roving reporters from the TV show Decoded are set to ‘unveil’ another great mystery. This coming Thursday Scooby Meltzer will be tickling the underbellies of all the bedroom conspiracy theorists out there as he tackles the mystery of the Georgia Guidestones.

The show is entitled, “Apocalypse in Georgia.” No fear mongering or sensationalizing there then.

Standing on a hill just outside Atlanta, the stones have been described as America’s Stonehenge, although England’s iconic stone formation can, for now at least, claim genuine mystery.

The “American Stonehenge” was commissioned in 1979 by a man claiming the name R. C. Christian, who told people at the Elberton Granite Finishing Company that he wanted to send a message to mankind – so rumour has it.

So what is Scooby-Doo Meltzer going to do about it?

What time is the last post collection? I've got a cheque for Monsanto.

Before second guessing what Decoded are aiming for, let’s take a look at what the stones say. There are four standing stones with a capstone on top, and a central pillar. They carry ten ideologies which are written in eight different languages – that in itself shows equality.

There is also a slot on the central plinth which looks like a mailbox, so maybe that’s what they’re all about; just a fancy mailbox for the local farmers to post their letters and cheques to Monsanto.

You’re not buying that? Okay, well how about we just read the ‘commandments’ as some are calling them:

1. Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature.
2. Guide reproduction wisely – improving fitness and diversity.
3. Unite humanity with a living new language.
4. Rule passion – faith – tradition – and all things with tempered reason.
5. Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts.
6. Let all nations rule internally resolving external disputes in a world court.
7. Avoid petty laws and useless officials.
8. Balance personal rights with social duties.
9. Prize truth – beauty – love – seeking harmony with the infinite.
10. Be not a cancer on the earth – Leave room for nature – Leave room for nature.

Sinister stuff huh? Well, no, not really. It actually seems fairly common sense, but most people get stuck on the first ideology and then start believing there’s a massive government conspiracy to wipe 6.4 billion people off the face of the earth.

That may be so, but let’s face it, the first ideology “Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature” is really saying is that in order to remain in balance with nature, an ideal population would be half a billion worldwide – not, “let’s kill everyone.”

The second one “Guide reproduction wisely – improving fitness and diversity” often leads people to look up eugenics, a program initiated by the Nazis in the 2nd World War, in which Hitler used IBM computers to monitor concentration camps and determine the fittest of the species by subjecting them to heinous ordeals.

Again, if you read carefully and look objectively, the stones merely look to offer an improvement in society, cut back on needless reproduction (you only have to visit your nearest McDonalds to see the result of that) while maintaining cultural diversity. Be fitter, be stronger, be better people. What’s wrong with that?

The third ideology “Unite humanity with a living new language” is where it gets interesting. I can only speculate, but to me it suggests being more in tune with the natural environment; understanding the seasons, the subtle shifts in nature, animal kinship and the like. Again, I see no problem with that.

Number four “Rule passion – faith – tradition – and all things with tempered reason” again just seems like plain old common sense. Don’t be foolhardy by letting your emotions run away with you. Be calm, rational and objective.

Numbers five, six and seven all seem interlinked; Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts – human rights issues in their simplest form, a rally call for equality and respect among people.

Let all nations rule internally resolving external disputes in a world court is the one that makes the conspiracy theorists frenzied about a New World Order, the idea that the planet is heading for dictatorship rule by an elite few. To me it says, let nations continue to be nations and run by their own government, but if any dispute arises between nations, don’t go to war over it – find a middle ground through talking about it.

Avoid petty laws and useless officials – a leaning towards a more balanced ruling system run by people who care, not bumbling, self-interested politicians who serve only their own needs and not those of the people they represent.

Number eight, Balance personal rights with social duties seems to address balance in personal life. We all have to work to survive but we also need time for ourselves, to enjoy life and recreation. We also have to live by the laws set out before us, but we still have the right to live freely.

Prize truth – beauty – love – seeking harmony with the infinite. The infinite could be referencing nature and the universe, you only have to look at fractal geometry to understand that everything is infinite, and you only have to look at a Romanesco cauliflower to see that evidenced in nature.

And finally…

Be not a cancer on the earth – Leave room for nature – Leave room for nature.

That’s pretty self explanatory really – be good to yourself, your neighbour and the world around you. Don’t go dropping your crap all over the sidewalk, or litter and pollute the water and lands; be respectful of the environment, live in harmony with your world, not abuse it like some sort of second rate slave. It provides for you, so look after it.

So yeah, what are the Scooby Decoded Doo team looking for?

If anything they’ll try to show both sides of the story. They’ll investigate R. C. Christian and link him to Thomas Paine (one of the founding fathers). They will then tell you that Paine was an occultist (not true) and that the stones are a pointer to a sinister plot to eradicate the majority of people from the planet, leaving in its wake a harmonious green thinking race of hippies, led by a New World Order who will keep the unruly tree-huggers under control through mind altering drugs.

Pretty much the same as watching TV then.

And then they’ll backtrack and say, “What the hell? They’re just a mailbox for local farmers to send cheques to Monsanto for more exorbitant GM seeds.”

Will Brad Meltzer and his Decoded team unearth the truth about the Georgia Guidestones? They might.

If it wasn’t for those meddlesome kids…

Please share your thoughts on the controversial Georgia Guidestones, or feel free to pick this article part by leaving a comment.

Read about other conspiracy theories like feminizing uranium in drinking water, Ronald Reagan’s FEMA camps, Bohemian Grove and its 20 foot owl, mass animal deaths, and JFK’s assassination still causing questions.

images: wired.com, blog.longnow.org

Why is the ocean salty? 'Jersey Shore's' Snooki says it's 'whale sperm'

why-is-the-ocean-salty-jersey shore-snooki-320.jpg
When Snooki tells America to do something, it's obvious that we do it.

On Thursday's (Feb. 3) episode of "Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi was hanging with this week's gorilla guido when she explained to him that ocean water is salty, because, wait for it, whale sperm. Boom!

She then said, "Everyone, google it." And guess what? America descended on their computers and made it the No. 1 google trend. And the PTC is worried about MTV's "Skins" and what it's doing to the youth of America?

Well, sorry, Snooks, but you're wrong. According to the U.S.G.S., the salt in our oceans are the result of run-off from rocks on land. Rain is slightly acidic and wears away the surfaces of rocks into tiny salty ions, which are then carried to the ocean by rivers and streams.

But, to give Snooks some credit. We're sure whale sperm must be responsible for some of the saltiness in water. But, we're not scientists or anything.

puxatony phil groundhog



puxatony phil groundhog

Punxsutawney Phil is happy audience Wednesday when he did not see his own shadow. Not surprisingly, given the winter conditions determining the influence of Pennsylvania today.But according to tradition, means that we are an early spring.

Legend has it that something like this: If Phil (groundhog or otherwise) show in the morning on February 2 and does not see his shadow, you can expect an early spring. But if he sees his shadow, brace for six weeks of winter.The experts quoted in the Los Angeles Times that says that this is true - Phil is not only trying to get everyone to cheer after a long and stormy winters.

"There is no doubt that Phil is able to feel empathy," said Mike Johnston, vice president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle Said. "But he is totally incapable of error."

There you have it. If you are not one of the many thousands who Punxsutawney Trek the ceremony, you can capture it on video in the Associated Press.

did the groundhog see his shadow 2011



did the groundhog see his shadow 2011

Punxsutawney Phil to bring good news to the twitter of Groundhog Day, February 2, 2011. He does not see his shadow, and tweeted the people across the country, hoping not to endure six weeks of winter:

The famous marmot uses social media spread the good news. Twitter had a lot of the big announcement, or viewed through a live streaming broadcast. Phil also announced that the winter will soon go to the fans on Facebook.

The fun is not over the Groundhog Day 2011th Check for a four-square and shout to the famous groundhog on February 2, to earn the badge.

curtis grant

curtis grant


Ohio State linebacker is a big recently, and added a selection of the nation's best in 2011 class can only help that the old politics of Richmond, Virginia linebacker Grant Curtis is committed to the Buckeyes.Along the Olentangy we noticed that the departure of Florida Urban Meyer has made it possible for Ohio State strikes for the Grant.

Grant is perhaps the greatest recruiting board left Ohio State and one of the largest in the country, period. He is ranked as the # 2 overall in the country included in the bids of competitors and literally every program in America. He is the program almost as much as he deals with, but many of his shooting around the Florida Gators. Since Meyer left the city, opened a chance for others to jump in and jump they did.

Since the pension Meyer, Grant has made four official visits in the last four suitors, Ohio State, Florida, Virginia and UNC. According to the UNC side Scout, Grant Curtis, UNC commit Norkeithus Otis informed that the two schools on his official visit this past weekend, Ohio State and UNC.

islamic socialism


islamic socialism

The blogosphere is full of debates about socialism in the Islamic unrest in Egypt.Some bloggers work of the Pakistan People's Party, Islam as a true socialist government that would be a viable solution to the problems in Egypt.

Some bloggers refer to contemporary Muhammad, Abu al-Dharr Ghifari as a source of Islamic socialism, although I'm not saying that Mohammed supported the redistribution of wealth at all.

Still others refer to Libya, another example of the government to save Egypt.Most blogs support democracy as a way to liberate the people of a bad government.

The Muslim Brotherhood, suggesting that they can step in and reshape the Egyptian government as a stable country in a kind of Islamic socialism, and they support the protesting students and young people who fill the streets.

why is the ocean salty



why is the ocean salty

Why is The Ocean Salty? Snooki Not really know, But She Is Not Explained why she the great body of water on this weeks edition of MTV's like Jersey Shore. That's right - the most popular reality show on TV can be educational. Nou, maybe it can be educational.

Snooki apparently let a boyfriend named Jeff who ever wanted a dip in the ocean. However, the real star tonight is the Snook Informed Audience (with Jeff) That "I f --- in 'hate the ocean. Too many sperm whale. Everyone Google, Because That is the reason why the water is salt. F - - in 'sperm whale. "

That's right. Biology under the Jersey Shore - the ocean is Salty Because sperm whale. Unfortunately, it Seems as credible as she WAS, WAS Snooki wrong about the reason for the Salty ocean. Yes. Not just can you believe everything you see and hear on TV.

The ocean is Salty Because the salt in the ocean comes from rocks on land. In FACT, When the ocean salt WAS Throughout the country, would also form a layer That Nearly 500 meters deep. That's a bit scary, but not as scary as the sperm whale.

See your Jersey Shore on MTV Every Thursday at 9 pm on Cox Channel 30 in Oklahoma City. The show is certainly a Mainstay for many young Oklahoman. What Were your favorite moments from tonight's episode (Other Than the interesting theory about why the ocean salt)?

Obama Triggers Blackouts

Barak Obama, President Obama, Obama Triggers Blackouts

Obama’s Blocking Of New Power Plants Triggers Nationwide Blackouts

The rolling blackouts now being implemented in Texas and across the country as record cold weather grips the United States are a direct consequence of the Obama administration’s agenda to lay siege to the coal industry, launch a takeover of infrastructure under the contrived global warming scam, and help usher in the post-industrial collapse of America. ( Read Obama Triggers Blackouts more... )

Obama Triggers Blackouts by Blocking Of New Power Plants

The rolling blackouts being experienced across the country, during this spell of extreme cold weather, is a direct consequence of the Obama administration’s agenda to lay siege on the coal industry, according to an article by Alex Jones & Paul Joseph Watson today on the Prison Planet website.

According to the article “Planned power outages conducted by utility companies have caused outrage amongst officials at four major hospitals in Texas, at Parkland, Baylor, Methodist and Presbyterian Dallas.” ( Read Obama Triggers Blackouts more... )

2nd day in a row Anderson Cooper attacked in Egypt and Obama triggers blackouts

2nd day in a row Anderson Cooper attacked in Egypt and Obama triggers blackouts. CNN’s Anderson Cooper, producer Maryanne Fox and their crew was attacked by supporters of Mubarak in Tahrir square in Cairo Thursday, second day in a row.

Mubarak’s supporters had rushed into the square on horses and camels, wielding sticks and throwing petrol bombs at the anti-Mubarak protesters, who fought back by throwing rocks at their attackers. ( Read Obama Triggers Blackouts more... )

Obama Triggers Blackouts ?

Obama Triggers Blackouts, (AP) – More than a dozen new industrial facilities to escape federal control of air pollution and the gases blamed for global warming after a top EPA official told a federal court that a long-delayed California power plant would not have to comply the rules.

The reversal of the EPA is the Obama is under fire from Republicans for a host of new air pollution regulations that they say will kill jobs and projects. Republican leaders in the House and Senate unveiled legislation Wednesday aimed at preventing the agency from regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. It is the latest in a series of legislative efforts to undermine the EPA. ( Read Obama Triggers Blackouts more... )

Obama Triggers Blackouts

The rolling blackouts now being implemented in Texas and across the country as record cold weather grips the United States are a direct consequence of the Obama administration's agenda to lay siege to the coal industry, launch a takeover of infrastructure under the contrived global warming scam, and help usher in the post-industrial collapse of America. ( Read Obama Triggers Blackouts more... )

Obama Triggers Blackouts

The Latest News About: Obama Triggers Blackouts:For Him In The Young Male Places Dwelt In The Neighborhood-Watch-Like Checkpoints In The City Of The Houses And Property Are Protected From The Robbery, In The Absence Of A Prosecutor, Spoke Delbrugge Admiringly The Protection Of That Diffuses Made, He Did In The Part Of The Next: To Me, The Public Shows Of Success And Talent Of The Neighborhood Of The Egyptians, From These Topics My Accidental, And Is Greatly I Have Taken Away As Proud Because They Dwell As Security For Delbrugge Said To Him. Nothing About The Checkpoints Terrible. “They Were Come To Help Us. ( Read Obama Triggers Blackouts more... )

Obama Triggers Blackouts

Blackouts is currently being implemented in Texas and across the country, a record cold-weather pen U.S. are a direct consequence of the agenda of the Obama administration in the siege of the coal industry, start capturing infrastructure under trumped-up global warming scam, and help to join the post-industrial collapse of America.

Planned power outage held utilities have caused resentment among officials at four major hospitals in Texas, Parkland, Baylor, Methodist and Presbyterian Dallas. ( Read Obama Triggers Blackouts more... )

Obama Agenda To Bankrupt Power Plants Triggers Blackouts

You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to. ( Read Obama Triggers Blackouts more... )

13-Year-Old Nadin Khoury Violently Attacked by 'Teen Wolf Pack' While Community's M.I.A.

13-Year-Old Nadin Khoury Violently Attacked by 'Teen Wolf Pack' While Community's M.I.A.

Nadin Khoury (pictured), a 13-year-old son of Liberian immigrants living in Philadelphia, was viciously attacked, beaten and terrorized by a group of seven young men while on his way home from school.

He was jumped, kicked, punched, stuffed in a tree and ultimately hung from a fence outside of his apartment complex, and as often happens these days, one of the alleged attackers filmed the assualt and later posted the incident on YouTube.

In the video, the attackers can be heard laughing at him as he desperately tries to get away.

"It's bullying. It's bullying in America at its worst," said Michael Chitwood, superintendent of police in Upper Darby Township, Pa.

Khoury was not seriously injured in the beating, but he has been unable to go to school because of the threats he and his family have received since the attack. He said the teens, who range in age from 15 to 17, had bothered him before and his family will likely have to move to a different town.

Unfortunately, videos of young people engaging in violence is all too common, yet this video seems to also showcase the failure of the community in a way words never could.

Teen bullying victim tells ‘The View’ why he thinks he was attacked


Nadin Khoury thinks he knows why he was attacked by a group of fellow Upper Darby High School students.

"I was the smallest one," the teen said Thursday during an appearance on the ABC morning talk show "The View."

Khoury, the Upper Darby 13-year-old who was allegedly bullied by seven fellow students Jan. 11, appeared on the ABC daytime show on Thursday.

Khoury’s story came to the forefront this week when Upper Darby police arrested seven teenagers who were recorded on video bullying him, which concluded with Khoury hanging by his coat from a fence.

Taking questions from interviewer Barbara Walters, Khoury, with his mother, Rebecca Wright, and stepfather sitting by his side, said he knew why he was picked to be a victim.

“They messed with me because I’m one of the smallest ones,” he said. “When we first moved into the area, they saw my mom and because she was an African they made fun of my mom a lot.”

Khoury said the bullying started with words, before it became physical.

“They used to come over and say smart things, call me names, go over to their friends and make fun about it,” he said. “The teacher would sit there and watch and not do anything.”
The Eagles’ DeSean Jackson, Jamaal Jackson and Todd Herremans were also on “The View” Thursday. Jackson took off his jersey, signed it and gave it to Khoury.

The players offered Khoury and his family free tickets to an Eagles game of their choice next season.

“First off, we’re very blessed to be here,” DeSean Jackson said. “First and foremost, you were very brave to stand up and take this on. This happens every day.”

Khoury was clearly moved by the Eagles players’ appearance. “The View” host Whoopi Goldberg pointed out the three Eagles changed their schedules so they could be on Thursday’s show.

“What you all did, just to take the time and come out and see me,” a teary-eyed Khoury said, looking at DeSean Jackson and shaking his hand. “Just so you know, you’re my favorite player on the Eagles.”

It was the second national TV appearance for the bullying victim since the story broke earlier this week.

A video made by the suspects also shows Khoury being hung upside down from a tree before being hung by his coat on a fence outside an Upper Darby apartment complex.

Despite Khoury’s screams for help, no one came to his aid or called 911.

The seven students at the Upper Darby High School Opportunities Center face a slew of charges. They were in Delaware County Court Wednesday, where they were all ordered held while they undergo psychological evaluations.

All seven were captured on the video of the incident in which Khoury was allegedly tormented, kidnapped and assaulted.
Officials confirmed the seven will remain in the Juvenile Detention Center in Lima pending a Feb. 10 pretrial hearing.

The seven are facing charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful restraint and recklessly endangering another person.

Wright said one thing Khoury won’t be doing is going back to school at Upper Darby. He will be home-schooled.

What the Khourys will be doing sometime next fall is attending an Eagles game.

Obama, Code Pink and Egypt: ‘There Are No Coincidences in Politics’

As the cliche goes, there are no coincidences in politics. Obama fundraiser group Code Pink just happened to have arrived in Cairo last week for the group’s ninth visit there in two years as part of its campaign to undermine the Mubarak government and help Hamas, the terrorist group that controls Gaza.

Code Pink and the media are trying to portray the leftist group’s “sudden” appearance in Cairo Wednesday as an act of courageous support for a democratic revolution. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Code Pink protests the Mubarak government in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt. February 2, 2011.

Code Pink has a well-documented history of working to overthrow American allies while propping up anti-American leftist governments and terrorist regimes.

In fact, the group was founded in late 2002 to help keep the socialist Iraqi government of Saddam Hussein in power. Code Pink even traveled to Baghdad in February 2003 as guests of the tyrannical terrorist to lobby the world to keep Saddam Hussein in power.

Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin donates blood to Saddam Hussein’s government in Baghdad, Iraq, February 5, 2003. Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images/Life Magazine

Since then, Code Pink has worked to support the communist dictatorship of the Castro brothers in Cuba, the terrorist regime of Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the government of Fidel Castro wannabe Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. The group has visited each of these nations as guests of their respective governments.

Code Pink has also met with various terrorist groups including Hamas, the Taliban and Iraqi “insurgents.” Code Pink has even acted as a messenger between terrorists and President Barack Obama.

Last year Code Pink invited the Egypt-based Muslim Brotherhood to “join us in cleansing our country.”

In January 2007 Code Pink traveled to Cuba to wage a propaganda campaign, aided by the Cuban government, that called for the closure of the United States terrorist detention facility at Guantanamo. The Ladies in White, a persecuted human rights group comprised of wives and mothers of Cuban democracy activists held in the Castros’ gulags, wrote an open letter beseeching Cindy Sheehan, who accompanied Code Pink to Cuba, to inspect Cuba’s prisons for human rights violations.

Code Pink interceded on Sheehan’s behalf and blew off las Damas de Blanco.

The year before, in January 2006, Code Pink met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Obama fundraiser Jodie Evans described Chavez as “a doll.”

Cindy Sheehan, Jodie Evans, Hugo Chavez, Medea Benjamin, Caracas, Venzuela, January 28, 2006. Photo by Code Pink

In the summer of 2009, Code Pink made no effort to travel to Tehran to support Iranian democracy activists protesting the stolen election that reelected Ahmadinejad president. How could they when just months earlier Code Pink had visited Tehran and Qom as personal guests of Ahmadinejad?

In contrast, that same summer when the Hugo Chavez ally President Manuel Zelaya of Honduras was forced from office after the nation’s Supreme Court ruled he had violated the constitution by trying to stay in power past his term, Code Pink went to his aid in Honduras.

In the summer of 2008 when Russia waged war on Georgia, Code Pink snottily taunted critics who challenged the so-called antiwar group to protest the invasion with the snarky post, “Yes, we’ll get right on that” to explain their inaction to defend the American ally.

In December 2007 when American ally President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan was under pressure to leave office, Code Pink traveled to Pakistan to help America’s enemies increase the pressure on Musharraf. The Pakistanisrightly tossed the interlopers out of the country.

Since 2009 Code Pink has been leading an international campaign to get a blockade lifted that was imposed by Egypt and Israel after Hamas was elected to rule Gaza.

One year ago, Code Pink was in Cairo with former Weather Underground terrorists Bill Ayers and his wife Bernardine Dohrn agitating against the Mubarak government and its decision to limit the amount of aid and activists it would allow in Gaza.

Code Pink protested in the very same Tahrir Square that has become famous the past two weeks.

Code Pink brags on its Web site that its protests in Cairo helped inspire Egyptians to rise up against Mubarak.

When CODEPINK was in Cairo for the Gaza Freedom March last year, we led and participated in small, peaceful protests that were set upon by hundreds of riot police at the behest of repressive Mubarak regime.

But now there has been a seismic shift. There are not 50 people rallying in Cairo, but hundreds of thousands protesting across the nation. Dozens have been killed; hundreds have been wounded.

But the Egyptian people will not be turned back. They feel their power and are determined to seize the moment.

For those who question Code Pink’s involvement in the protests to overthrow Mubarak, this report from Cairoshould put that to rest.

Later Sunday afternoon one amazing event after another continues to unfold. When we left the hotel early in the afternoon, we met a human rights activist/reporter that Medea knew who invited us to come to the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Justice, which he said was at the center of the organization of the protests. (This Center was the organizer of the April 9th Movement protests in 2008). We went into an unprepossessing building in a narrow street, climbed up about six flights of stairs and came into a room that was filled with young organizers/activists. We met with Nada Saddek, a middle aged woman who is a key person at the center…

Code Pink does not care about Egyptian democracy. Code Pink’s goal is to overthrow an American ally that has helped keep the peace with Israel and been a bulwark against Islamist radicals.

What is interesting is that despite the apparent opposition in positions on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Code Pink and President Barack Obama are amazingly in sync. Obama wants Mubarak to go. So does Code Pink. Obama wanted Zelaya to stay in power. So did Code Pink. Obama hobnobs with Hugo Chavez, so does Code Pink. Obama wants to close Guantanamo and is easing travel restrictions on Cuba, which mirrors Code Pink’s positions. Obama is waging war on Big Oil, so is Code Pink. Obama opposed liberating Iraq, so did Code Pink. Obama wants our troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan soon regardless of the effect, so does Code Pink.

It’s no wonder that one of Obama’s early supporters and key fundraisers was Code Pink co-founder Jodie Evans.

Obama bundler and Code Pink co-founder Jodie Evans meets with President Barack Obama, October 15, 2009.