(Reuters) -
Microsoft Corp on Thursday filed five civil lawsuits in Seattle, Washington against alleged "malvertisers."
Malvertising is the term used to describe harmful online advertising and works by camouflaging malicious code as harmless online advertisements, Microsoft's associate general counsel Tim Cranton wrote in a blog.
"The lawsuits allege that individuals using the business names "Soft Solutions," "Direct Ad," "qiweroqw.com," "ITmeter Inc" and "ote2008.info" used malvertisements to distribute malicious software or present deceptive websites that peddled scareware to unsuspecting Internet users," he said.
Cranton added that names of specific individuals behind these activities were not known and the lawsuits were being filed to help uncover the people responsible.
(Reporting by Santosh Nadgir in Bangalore; Editing by Jon Loades-Carter)
NC doctor removes plastic fragment lodged in lung
RALEIGH, N.C. – Doctors say a North Carolina man who was plagued with coughing fits should be OK now that they have removed a 1-inch piece of plastic from his lung, where it had rested since he apparently inhaled it nearly two years ago while sucking down a soft drink at a Wendy's restaurant.
Doctors at Duke University Medical Center say the plastic fragment of an eating utensil — with the Wendy's logo still legible on the side — was likely to blame for the coughing, fatigue and pneumonia spells that plagued John Manley for almost two years.
They pulled the fast-food foreign object from Manley's left lung during a Sept. 10 surgery. The 50-year-old Wilmington resident said he probably inhaled it while gulping a drink from Wendy's.
"I like to take big gulps of drink," the former home remodeler said. "I don't know of any other ways of it getting in there."
Manley said he and his wife were puzzled by his bouts of illness after moving to the North Carolina coastal city from Queens, N.Y., about two years ago. He met with multiple doctors, who eventually determined there was a foreign object in his left lung. But they couldn't figure out what it was or the best way to remove it.
"One doctor said they could remove my lung," Manley said. "I said no way. That was the easiest way for them, and I said I didn't think so."
Manley's case eventually came to the attention of Dr. Momen Wahidi, director of interventional pulmonology at Duke. Wahidi, who mostly works with cancer patients to remove tumors from their lung airways, told Manley he would try extracting the object using a rigid bronchoscope. The procedure would allow Wahidi to insert a camera and other instruments to examine and remove the mystery object.
Wahidi said he still remembers his staff's amazement in the operating room when they pulled it out.
"We're looking at it and realizing that there are letters on it ... We started reading out loud, 'A-M-B-U-R-G-E-R,' and realized it spelled, 'hamburgers.'
"Everybody was shocked. We had no clue why something that said, 'hamburgers' would be in someone's lung," he said.
They had read a side of the plastic that spelled Wendy's motto of "Old Fashioned Hamburgers."
Wahidi said foreign objects in the lungs are much more common in children, but he's extracted false teeth, nails, and even a peanut from adults who have held the items in their mouth and accidentally sucked them in. Patients often don't realize there's a problem until their bodies begin to react.
But Wahidi said the piece of plastic was a first.
"It's definitely one of the weirdest things I've removed in my career," he said.
Manley said he's unsure if he will contact officials from Wendy's, based in Dublin, Ohio. Wendy's spokesman Denny Lynch said he has never heard of a situation like this in his 29 years with the company. He said company officials would contact Manley at the appropriate time.
"We're as quizzed by the whole situation as everyone else is," he said. "This is quite a surprise that this could even happen."
Manley said there's a huge difference in his quality of life days after the surgery.
"I can breathe now," the father of three adult daughters said of his recovery. "I can get up and walk my dog. I couldn't do that before. I was pretty much house-ridden."
Wahidi said he will meet with Manley in a month for a checkup, but he expects a full recovery.
"The body has an amazing ability to heal," Wahidi said. "Now that the object is out, his body should be able to recover and his airways should be back to normal."
Doctors at Duke University Medical Center say the plastic fragment of an eating utensil — with the Wendy's logo still legible on the side — was likely to blame for the coughing, fatigue and pneumonia spells that plagued John Manley for almost two years.
They pulled the fast-food foreign object from Manley's left lung during a Sept. 10 surgery. The 50-year-old Wilmington resident said he probably inhaled it while gulping a drink from Wendy's.
"I like to take big gulps of drink," the former home remodeler said. "I don't know of any other ways of it getting in there."
Manley said he and his wife were puzzled by his bouts of illness after moving to the North Carolina coastal city from Queens, N.Y., about two years ago. He met with multiple doctors, who eventually determined there was a foreign object in his left lung. But they couldn't figure out what it was or the best way to remove it.
"One doctor said they could remove my lung," Manley said. "I said no way. That was the easiest way for them, and I said I didn't think so."
Manley's case eventually came to the attention of Dr. Momen Wahidi, director of interventional pulmonology at Duke. Wahidi, who mostly works with cancer patients to remove tumors from their lung airways, told Manley he would try extracting the object using a rigid bronchoscope. The procedure would allow Wahidi to insert a camera and other instruments to examine and remove the mystery object.
Wahidi said he still remembers his staff's amazement in the operating room when they pulled it out.
"We're looking at it and realizing that there are letters on it ... We started reading out loud, 'A-M-B-U-R-G-E-R,' and realized it spelled, 'hamburgers.'
"Everybody was shocked. We had no clue why something that said, 'hamburgers' would be in someone's lung," he said.
They had read a side of the plastic that spelled Wendy's motto of "Old Fashioned Hamburgers."
Wahidi said foreign objects in the lungs are much more common in children, but he's extracted false teeth, nails, and even a peanut from adults who have held the items in their mouth and accidentally sucked them in. Patients often don't realize there's a problem until their bodies begin to react.
But Wahidi said the piece of plastic was a first.
"It's definitely one of the weirdest things I've removed in my career," he said.
Manley said he's unsure if he will contact officials from Wendy's, based in Dublin, Ohio. Wendy's spokesman Denny Lynch said he has never heard of a situation like this in his 29 years with the company. He said company officials would contact Manley at the appropriate time.
"We're as quizzed by the whole situation as everyone else is," he said. "This is quite a surprise that this could even happen."
Manley said there's a huge difference in his quality of life days after the surgery.
"I can breathe now," the father of three adult daughters said of his recovery. "I can get up and walk my dog. I couldn't do that before. I was pretty much house-ridden."
Wahidi said he will meet with Manley in a month for a checkup, but he expects a full recovery.
"The body has an amazing ability to heal," Wahidi said. "Now that the object is out, his body should be able to recover and his airways should be back to normal."
Adebayor: Why I lost it
EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR ripped into Arsenal after copping a three-match ban for his stamp on Robin van Persie.
In a frank interview, the Manchester City hitman roared: "There is only so much abuse a man can take until he reaches breaking point."
Adebayor lifted the lid on his treatment by the Gunners and their fans that led to his outrageous behaviour in Saturday's 4-2 win and insisted:
Arsenal players refused to shake his hand before the game.
He suffered 60 minutes of non-stop abuse from away fans before he turned the tables on them with his goal.
His £25million summer move from Arsenal was completed by Arsene Wenger behind his back.
Adebayor, banned for Sunday's Manchester derby, said: "I could not understand some of the Arsenal players being disrespectful towards me.
"I was being abused by people who six months ago were singing my name. The abuse was for no reason.
"It wasn't my fault I left, it was Arsene who wanted to accept the offer for me.
In a frank interview, the Manchester City hitman roared: "There is only so much abuse a man can take until he reaches breaking point."
Adebayor lifted the lid on his treatment by the Gunners and their fans that led to his outrageous behaviour in Saturday's 4-2 win and insisted:
Arsenal players refused to shake his hand before the game.
He suffered 60 minutes of non-stop abuse from away fans before he turned the tables on them with his goal.
His £25million summer move from Arsenal was completed by Arsene Wenger behind his back.
Adebayor, banned for Sunday's Manchester derby, said: "I could not understand some of the Arsenal players being disrespectful towards me.
"I was being abused by people who six months ago were singing my name. The abuse was for no reason.
"It wasn't my fault I left, it was Arsene who wanted to accept the offer for me.
Magazine signed by John Lennon sells for $12,713
AMHERST, N.H. – A 1966 magazine signed by John Lennon containing his remark that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus has sold for $12,713.
An orthopedia surgeon at New York's Mount Sinai Medical Center had the winning bid Thursday in a 17-day online auction run by RR Auction of Amherst, N.H.
Lennon signed "John C. Lennon" above his photo in the September 1966 "Datebook," even though his middle initial is W. for Winston.
In the magazine, Lennon said: "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now. I don't know which will go first — rock 'n' roll or Christianity."
His comment provoked much anti-Beatle sentiment in the United States, where some people burned their Beatle records.
An orthopedia surgeon at New York's Mount Sinai Medical Center had the winning bid Thursday in a 17-day online auction run by RR Auction of Amherst, N.H.
Lennon signed "John C. Lennon" above his photo in the September 1966 "Datebook," even though his middle initial is W. for Winston.
In the magazine, Lennon said: "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now. I don't know which will go first — rock 'n' roll or Christianity."
His comment provoked much anti-Beatle sentiment in the United States, where some people burned their Beatle records.
Car gets 240 miles per gallon
A one-liter car? This moniker describes a car that uses one liter of fuel—about a quarter of a gallon—to propel a car for 100 kilometers, or 62 miles. The one-liter car’s fuel economy translates to almost 240 mpg, and VW has had such a car in its sights for some time now. In 2002, outgoing VW CEO Ferdinand Piëch, now head of the company’s supervisory board, drove a cigar-shaped prototype from VW headquarters in Wolfsburg to a shareholders’ meeting in Hamburg.
Now the idea of the one-liter car has been resurrected. VW’s biggest news at the Frankfurt auto show was the L1 concept, a prototype that "is close to production" and "will be developed," the company says. Three ingredients were needed to make it happen: a supremely efficient powertrain, great aerodynamics, and lightweight engineering.
As to the powertrain, VW has opted for a two-cylinder, 39-hp turbo-diesel engine combined with a 14-hp electric motor. There is a stop/start system and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The L1 can reach 100 mph, but fuel economy at that speed drops to a shameful 1.38 liters per 100 kilometers, or 170 mpg.
The front-wheel-drive L1’s aerodynamics are optimized by the two-seat layout with the occupants sitting in a row. The result is a car that is relatively long, quite low, and extremely slim. The monocoque and body is made of carbon fiber, and total weight of the L1 is a mere 838 pounds. We think that the seating configuration will likely be changed as development progresses; two people sitting behind each other is too unusual for prospective buyers.
Even so, the L1 looks refined and close to series production, which couldn’t be said of the 2002 concept. It could be on the market as soon as 2013, Volkswagen sources tell us. The L1 may seem ironic to those who remember that VW is also responsible for Bugatti, which makes the fastest production car in the world, the Bugatti Veyron, and which just unveiled the W-16 Galibier sedan concept. But if you think about the styles of both Piëch and current VW chairman Martin Winterkorn, this contradiction seems logical: These guys both tend to go to extremes. And we submit that the Volkswagen L1 is a more significant step in saving resources than are heavy gasoline-electric hybrids.
President Obama calls Kanye West a 'jackass' for VMA stunt
NEW YORK – President Barack Obama's candid thoughts about Kanye West are provoking a debate over standards of journalism in the Twitter age.
ABC News says it was wrong for its employees to tweet that Obama had called West a "jackass" for the rapper's treatment of country singer Taylor Swift. The network said some of its employees had overheard a conversation between the president and CNBC's John Harwood and didn't realize it was considered off the record.
The network apologized to the White House and CNBC.
Harwood had sat down with the president to tape an interview following his appearance on Wall Street on Monday. Although they are competitors, CNBC and ABC share a fiber optic line to save money, and this enabled some ABC employees to listen in on the interview as it was being taped for later use.
Their attention was drawn to chatter about West, who was widely criticized for interrupting Swift as she accepted an award at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards to say that Beyonce deserved it.
During what sounds like informal banter before the interview begins, Obama is asked whether his daughters were annoyed by West's hijacking of Swift's acceptance statement, according to an audio copy that was posted on TMZ.com.
"I thought that was really inappropriate," Obama says. "What are you butting in (for)? ... The young lady seems like a perfectly nice person. She's getting her award. What's he doing up there?"
A questioner chimes in, "Why would he do it?"
"He's a jackass," Obama replies, which is met with laughter from several people.
The president seems to quickly realize he may have gone too far, and jovially appeals to those assembled that the remark be kept private. "Come on guys," he says. "Cut the president some slack. I've got a lot of other stuff on my plate."
E-mails shot around among ABC employees about Obama's comments, said Jeffrey Schneider, ABC News spokesman. Before anything was reported on ABC's air or Web site, at least three network employees took to Twitter to spread the news.
One was Terry Moran, a former White House correspondent. He logged on to Twitter and typed: "Pres. Obama just called Kanye West a 'jackass' for his outburst at VMAs when Taylor Swift won. Now THAT'S presidential."
When ABC News authorities found out about it, they had the tweets deleted after about an hour, Schneider said. Moran declined a request to comment.
But the news was out.
Harwood said there was no explicit agreement with the president that those comments were off the record. But he said it is broadcast tradition that such pre-interview chatter is considered off the record until the formal interview begins. Harwood is holding to that: He would not discuss what the president said before their interview and has no plans to do so on CNBC.
He said he was aware that it was likely someone outside of CNBC was listening to his conversation with the president.
"It's one of those things that's unfortunate," he said. "But I think it's an honest mistake."
There was no immediate response to requests for comment from White House spokesmen.
Twitter, a technology that's a natural tool for reporters who love to tell people what they know whenever they know it, has raced ahead in usage before many news organizations have developed policies to govern its use, said Richard Wald, a former ABC News executive and professor at Columbia University.
"You need to reinforce the sense that you have to verify before you publish," Wald said. "The policies may be very comprehensive, but they may not be adequate to the technology that news organizations have."
The incident is reminiscent of past "open-mic" incidents involving politicians. President Ronald Reagan, while waiting to make a speech in 1984, joked that he had outlawed the Soviet Union and that "the bombing begins in five minutes." During the 2000 presidential campaign, George W. Bush turned to running mate Dick Cheney to point out a reporter from The New York Times and used an obscenity to describe him.
"If you're sitting there with a microphone on, you don't have a reasonable expectation of privacy," said Kelly McBride, an expert in journalism ethics for the Poynter Institute. "If you're a governor or president, you know that."
She also questioned whether news organizations should be agreeing to go off the record with the president.
Judging by the things written by other Twitter users since West's action, Obama wasn't in the minority, she said.
"The president calling Kanye West a 'jackass' is perfect information for a tweet," she said. "In fact, that's the ideal format. You can do it in 140 characters. There's not much else to say."
Your shower may be blasting you with germs
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Your shower may not be getting you as clean as you think with a U.S. study finding many showerheads are dirty and may be covering you in a daily dose of bacteria that could make you sick.
An analysis of 50 showerheads from nine U.S. cities found that about 30 percent harbored high levels of Mycobacterium avium -- a group of bacteria that can cause lung infections when inhaled or swallowed. Researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder found the levels of Mycobacterium avium were 100 times higher than those found in typical household water.
"If you are getting a face full of water when you first turn your shower on, that means you are probably getting a particularly high load of Mycobacterium avium, which may not be too healthy," said researcher Norman Pace in a statement.
Mycobacterium avium is linked to pulmonary disease, causing symptoms such as a persistent drug cough, breathlessness and fatigue, and most often infects people with compromised immune system but can occasionally infect healthy people.
Pace said research at the National Jewish Hospital in Denver found that increases in pulmonary infections in the United States in recent decades from so-called "non-tuberculosis" mycobacteria species like Mycobacterium avium may be linked to people taking more showers and fewer baths.
He said water spurting from showerheads can distribute pathogen-filled droplets that suspend themselves in the air and can easily be inhaled into the deepest parts of the lungs.
The problem with showerheads is that the insides provide a moist, warm, dark haven where bacteria can form sticky "biofilms" that allow them to gain a foothold and eventually set up residence in the device.
The researchers, however, said it was still probably safe for most people to get into the shower and recommended people with compromised immune systems due to HIV or immune-suppressing drugs, use metal showerheads and change them regularly.
"This really shouldn't concern average, healthy people. The main concern is for people who are immune-compromised," researcher Leah Feazel told Reuters Health. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Monday, are based on tests of about 50 showerheads taken from nine U.S. cities, including New York, Denver and Chicago.
The researchers said showerheads are not the only potential bacterial dispersants in the home, however.
Feazel said more research is needed to measure bacteria levels in household devices like humidifiers and evaporative coolers.
(Reporting by Amy Norton of Reutres Health, Editing by Belinda Goldsmith)
Dirty Dancing's Patrick Swayze Dies Aged 57
Hollywood heart-throb Patrick Swayze, best known for his roles in the hit films Dirty Dancing and Ghost, has died at the age of 57.The American actor and dancer had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years ago.
Swayze died at home with wife Lisa and family at his side, his spokeswoman Annett Wolf told ABC News.
Film star Rob Lowe - who appeared in a brace of movies with the actor - led tributes to the Texan.
"Patrick lived a thousand lifetimes in one lifetime," he said.
"He was an expert dancer, he wrote hit songs, he starred in hit movies, he was an amazing horseman.
"But the thing I will remember him most for was his amazing love affair with his wife Lisa."
Swayze will be remembered by a generation for his role as dance instructor Johnny Castle in the 1987 smash hit Dirty Dancing.
The celebrated performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
When I think of him, I think of being in his arms when we were kids, dancing, practicing the lift in the freezing lake.Three years later he was cast in another hugely popular role, as Sam Wheat in Ghost.
His poignant performance as Demi Moore's dead partner earned him another Golden Globe nomination.
Moore issued a Twitter message: "Patrick you are loved by so many and your light will forever shine in all of our lives."
For more on Patrick Swayze's film hits go to the Sky Movies site.
After two huge successes, Swayze's career suffered in the 1990s.
He admitted having an alcohol problem and spent time in rehab.
In 2003, he took to the stage as Billy Flynn in Chicago on Broadway.
Three years later, he made his West End debut as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls.
In March 2008, Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
He vowed to keep working while receiving treatment.
West takes time for 3rd apology during Leno debut
Kanye West used Jay Leno's prime-time debut Monday to offer another apology for ruining Taylor Swift's night at the MTV Video Music Awards and to say he's going to take some time off for reflection.
West said he knew he was wrong the moment he handed the microphone back to Swift, when he was bathed in boos. He had interrupted Swift on Sunday night as she accepted a best female video award for "You Belong With Me," arguing that Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" was more deserving.
"It was rude, period," West said. He posted a second apology to Swift on his blog on Monday, and told Leno he wanted to apologize to the country music star in person.
West took a long pause when Leno asked what his mother would have said about the incident. West was very close to his mother, Donda, who died in November 2007. He said yes when Leno asked whether his mother would have given him a lecture.
"So many celebrities, they never take the time off," he said. "I've never taken the time off to really — you know, just music after music and tour after tour. I'm just ashamed that my hurt caused someone else's hurt. My dream of what awards shows are supposed to be, 'cause, and I don't try to justify it because I was just in the wrong. That's period. But I need to, after this, take some time off and just analyze how I'm going to make it through the rest of this life, how I'm going to improve."
He had already been set to perform on Leno's first prime-time show on NBC, but asked for time to talk with the controversy swirling. It may have been a stroke of luck for Leno, whose daily prime-time comedy show already was the most buzzed-about fall debut. With West, it's likely to draw even more curious viewers.
It was reminiscent of when Hugh Grant appeared on the "Tonight" show with Leno in 1995 to make amends after being arrested with a prostitute — only this time there weren't many laughs. The Grant appearance was a springboard for Leno to eclipse David Letterman in the ratings.
Leno was quick to reference the West incident with one of his first monologue jokes Monday, saying President Barack Obama had invited West and the 19-year-old Swift for a "root beer summit."
West has gotten in trouble before with ill-timed comments, raising scenes after losing awards himself at the VMAs, the Grammys and the American Music Awards. In 2005, West said during a telethon after Hurricane Katrina that President George W. Bush "doesn't care about black people."
MTV wasn't complaining on Monday. Televised on MTV, MTV2 and VH1 simultaneously on Sunday, the awards show was seen by 11 million people, according to Nielsen Media Research. That's up 21 percent over last year and was the most-watched Video Music Awards since 2002.
A corporate partner of MTV jumped to take advantage of it. Comedy Central, like MTV owned by Viacom Inc., planned to rerun four times in a row on Tuesday a "South Park" episode that poked fun at West's ego.
West spoke on Leno's show before performing with Jay-Z and Rihanna on Jay-Z's song "Run This Town."
Some of West's fans who were waiting to see the performance on Leno's show condemned the rapper.
"I thought that was very disrespectful," said Oscar Velasquez, 21, of Valley Village, Calif. "He's a great musician, but as a person, he's not a role model or anything. And I think that not only are his fans disappointed but his mom would be disappointed. I don't think she raised him like that, to be like that. I think he needs to remember that."
Velasquez said he'd remained a fan of West's after previous awards show blowups, but, "I'm getting kind of tired of it. There comes to a point where you know what? That's how you are, but you can change. And he needs to change."
Errimis Pullett, 27, of San Diego, said he planned to boo West.
He said he'd dismissed West's previous award show tantrums by telling himself, "'Oh, he's kind of misunderstood. He's a little egotistical.' But last night, just jumping in front of Taylor Swift and stealing her moment, that was ridiculous. I can't support or defend that. I'm a huge fan, bought all his CDs. ... I'm glad Beyonce stepped in and let her finish her speech up."
This time, Pullett said, "he looked more like a bully."
AP Entertainment Writers David Bauder and Ryan Pearson contributed to this report.
NBC is owned by General Electric Co.
On the Net:
http://www.nbc.com
http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/
West said he knew he was wrong the moment he handed the microphone back to Swift, when he was bathed in boos. He had interrupted Swift on Sunday night as she accepted a best female video award for "You Belong With Me," arguing that Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" was more deserving.
"It was rude, period," West said. He posted a second apology to Swift on his blog on Monday, and told Leno he wanted to apologize to the country music star in person.
West took a long pause when Leno asked what his mother would have said about the incident. West was very close to his mother, Donda, who died in November 2007. He said yes when Leno asked whether his mother would have given him a lecture.
"So many celebrities, they never take the time off," he said. "I've never taken the time off to really — you know, just music after music and tour after tour. I'm just ashamed that my hurt caused someone else's hurt. My dream of what awards shows are supposed to be, 'cause, and I don't try to justify it because I was just in the wrong. That's period. But I need to, after this, take some time off and just analyze how I'm going to make it through the rest of this life, how I'm going to improve."
He had already been set to perform on Leno's first prime-time show on NBC, but asked for time to talk with the controversy swirling. It may have been a stroke of luck for Leno, whose daily prime-time comedy show already was the most buzzed-about fall debut. With West, it's likely to draw even more curious viewers.
It was reminiscent of when Hugh Grant appeared on the "Tonight" show with Leno in 1995 to make amends after being arrested with a prostitute — only this time there weren't many laughs. The Grant appearance was a springboard for Leno to eclipse David Letterman in the ratings.
Leno was quick to reference the West incident with one of his first monologue jokes Monday, saying President Barack Obama had invited West and the 19-year-old Swift for a "root beer summit."
West has gotten in trouble before with ill-timed comments, raising scenes after losing awards himself at the VMAs, the Grammys and the American Music Awards. In 2005, West said during a telethon after Hurricane Katrina that President George W. Bush "doesn't care about black people."
MTV wasn't complaining on Monday. Televised on MTV, MTV2 and VH1 simultaneously on Sunday, the awards show was seen by 11 million people, according to Nielsen Media Research. That's up 21 percent over last year and was the most-watched Video Music Awards since 2002.
A corporate partner of MTV jumped to take advantage of it. Comedy Central, like MTV owned by Viacom Inc., planned to rerun four times in a row on Tuesday a "South Park" episode that poked fun at West's ego.
West spoke on Leno's show before performing with Jay-Z and Rihanna on Jay-Z's song "Run This Town."
Some of West's fans who were waiting to see the performance on Leno's show condemned the rapper.
"I thought that was very disrespectful," said Oscar Velasquez, 21, of Valley Village, Calif. "He's a great musician, but as a person, he's not a role model or anything. And I think that not only are his fans disappointed but his mom would be disappointed. I don't think she raised him like that, to be like that. I think he needs to remember that."
Velasquez said he'd remained a fan of West's after previous awards show blowups, but, "I'm getting kind of tired of it. There comes to a point where you know what? That's how you are, but you can change. And he needs to change."
Errimis Pullett, 27, of San Diego, said he planned to boo West.
He said he'd dismissed West's previous award show tantrums by telling himself, "'Oh, he's kind of misunderstood. He's a little egotistical.' But last night, just jumping in front of Taylor Swift and stealing her moment, that was ridiculous. I can't support or defend that. I'm a huge fan, bought all his CDs. ... I'm glad Beyonce stepped in and let her finish her speech up."
This time, Pullett said, "he looked more like a bully."
AP Entertainment Writers David Bauder and Ryan Pearson contributed to this report.
NBC is owned by General Electric Co.
On the Net:
http://www.nbc.com
http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/
Bin Laden Threatens To Escalate Warfare
Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden described President Obama as "powerless" to stop the war in Afghanistan and threatened to step up guerrilla warfare there in a new audiotape released to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States.
In the 11-minute tape, addressed to the American people, bin Laden said Obama is only following the warlike policies of his predecessor, George W. Bush. Bin Laden urged Americans to "liberate" themselves from the influence of "neoconservatives and the Israeli lobby."
The tape was posted on radical Islamist Web sites two days after the anniversary of the 2001 suicide plane hijackings.
Bin Laden usually addresses Americans in a message timed around the date of the attacks, which sparked the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan the same year, and then in Iraq two years later.
Bin Laden said Americans had not understood that al-Qaeda carried out the attacks in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel. If America reconsiders its alliance with the Jewish state, al-Qaeda will respond on "sound and just bases," he said.
PAKISTAN
Drone Attack Kills Four in Tribal Region
A missile fired from a suspected unmanned U.S. aircraft slammed into a car in a Pakistani tribal region close to the Afghan border Monday, killing four people, intelligence officials and residents said.
The apparent U.S. missile strike was the latest of more than 50 in the northwest region since last year aimed at killing top al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders.
Last month, the head of the Pakistani Taliban was killed in one such strike.
In the 11-minute tape, addressed to the American people, bin Laden said Obama is only following the warlike policies of his predecessor, George W. Bush. Bin Laden urged Americans to "liberate" themselves from the influence of "neoconservatives and the Israeli lobby."
The tape was posted on radical Islamist Web sites two days after the anniversary of the 2001 suicide plane hijackings.
Bin Laden usually addresses Americans in a message timed around the date of the attacks, which sparked the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan the same year, and then in Iraq two years later.
Bin Laden said Americans had not understood that al-Qaeda carried out the attacks in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel. If America reconsiders its alliance with the Jewish state, al-Qaeda will respond on "sound and just bases," he said.
PAKISTAN
Drone Attack Kills Four in Tribal Region
A missile fired from a suspected unmanned U.S. aircraft slammed into a car in a Pakistani tribal region close to the Afghan border Monday, killing four people, intelligence officials and residents said.
The apparent U.S. missile strike was the latest of more than 50 in the northwest region since last year aimed at killing top al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders.
Last month, the head of the Pakistani Taliban was killed in one such strike.
7 Thoughts That Are Bad For You
Our personalities do more for us than determine our social circles. Temperament can impact a person's physical health.
"The idea that behavior or personality traits can influence health is one that's been around for a long time. We're just now getting a handle on to what extent they do," said Stephen Boyle of Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina.
From those with a chill demeanor to the completely frazzled types, mental factors are ultimately tied to physical health. And while a highly neurotic person might deteriorate more quickly than others, not every character trait will kill you. Some might even boost lifetimes.
No. 7: Cynicism
Cynics who tend to be suspicious and mistrustful of others, a character trait that scientists refer to as hostility, may have an increased likelihood of developing heart disease. "These aren't necessarily hot-headed people, but people who are more likely to read into people's behavior as some hostile motive," Boyle said during a telephone interview.
In a study of more than 300 Vietnam veterans who were healthy at the study start, Boyle found that those who scored high on measures of hostility were about 25 percent more likely to develop heart disease.
Boyle and his colleagues think that hostile individuals might experience more stress, which can cause spikes in an immune-system protein called C3 that has been linked with various diseases, including diabetes. In fact, the participants with higher scores on hostility showed an increase in these proteins while the non-hostile men showed no such increase.
No. 6: Lack of meaning
If you lack a sense of purpose, your stay on Earth could be truncated. A study involving more than 1,200 elderly participants who didn't have dementia at the study's start found that those who indicated having a high purpose in life were about half as likely to die over the study period, which lasted up to five years. The results, published in the June 15 issue of the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, held regardless of a person's age, sex, education and race, along with level of depression and neuroticism.
"Persons with high purpose readily derive meaning from and make sense of the events of their lives, and likely engage in behaviors and activities that they deem important," said study researcher Patricia Boyle of the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago.
Some other research has suggested that people with a higher sense of purpose may have different levels of stress hormones, better heart health or improved immune systems, though more research is needed to firm up any of these biological mechanisms, she said.
The opposite also holds: "The findings from our study suggested that people who no longer set and work actively toward goals or enjoy their day-to-day activities (how they spend their time) are those with greater mortality risk," Boyle told LiveScience.
No. 5: Fretting
People who are highly neurotic - constantly worried and anxious, and prone to depression - die sooner on average than their chill counterparts. And a recently reported study of nearly 1,800 men followed over a 30-year period suggests that's partly because neurotics are also more likely to smoke. Perhaps having a cigarette eases anxiety, said study researcher Daniel Mroczek of Purdue University in Indiana, adding that such a short-term payoff might not be worth it if it kills you down the line.
No. 4: Lack of self-control
Late for appointments? Can't keep your desk organized? No self-control? These seeming benign qualities could take a toll on your health.
A review of more than 20 studies and nearly 9,000 participants revealed people who are conscientious - organized, self-disciplined, as opposed to impulsive - live two to four years longer than others. Study researcher Howard S. Friedman of the University of California, Riverside suspects the boost in lifetime can be attributed partly to the fact that highly conscientious individuals are less likely to smoke or drink to excess, and live more stable and less stressful lives. The study is detailed in a 2008 issue of the journal Health Psychology.
No. 3: Anxiety
The jitters can put a strain on your noggin, research suggests. Compared with the highly frazzled, Individuals with a mellow demeanor who are outgoing may be less likely to develop dementia, which can be caused by Alzheimer's disease and other illnesses. The claim is based on a study that followed more than 500 elderly individuals for five years. Among the outgoing extroverts, dementia risk was 50 percent lower for participants who were calm compared with those who were prone to distress.
No. 2: Gloom and doom
The gloomy, inhibited person is not just at a disadvantage socially, but also physically.
A preliminary study of more than 180 patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (plaque buildup in the arteries) showed participants with so-called type D, or distressed, personality, had an increased odds of dying sooner than other people. Type-D people are more likely to experience negative emotions while at the same time hold in their feelings.
The researchers, who detail their work in the August issue of the journal Archives of Surgery, suggest the personality type is linked with the body's immune system as well as stress response system.
No. 1: Stress
Whatever you do, don't let this list worry you! Research is showing that prolonged stress can be deadly, and if it doesn't do you in, workplace stress can increase your chances of heart disease, flu virus, metabolic syndrome and having high blood pressure.
A study of nearly 700 Israeli workers found that those who experienced job burnout (when work stress becomes unmanageable) were nearly twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes, in which a person's body becomes resistant to the sugar-regulating hormone called insulin.
And while a job promotion might boost your income, it also stresses you out. British researchers recently found that when people get promoted, they suffer on average about 10 percent more mental strain and are less likely to find time to go to the doctor.
"The idea that behavior or personality traits can influence health is one that's been around for a long time. We're just now getting a handle on to what extent they do," said Stephen Boyle of Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina.
From those with a chill demeanor to the completely frazzled types, mental factors are ultimately tied to physical health. And while a highly neurotic person might deteriorate more quickly than others, not every character trait will kill you. Some might even boost lifetimes.
No. 7: Cynicism
Cynics who tend to be suspicious and mistrustful of others, a character trait that scientists refer to as hostility, may have an increased likelihood of developing heart disease. "These aren't necessarily hot-headed people, but people who are more likely to read into people's behavior as some hostile motive," Boyle said during a telephone interview.
In a study of more than 300 Vietnam veterans who were healthy at the study start, Boyle found that those who scored high on measures of hostility were about 25 percent more likely to develop heart disease.
Boyle and his colleagues think that hostile individuals might experience more stress, which can cause spikes in an immune-system protein called C3 that has been linked with various diseases, including diabetes. In fact, the participants with higher scores on hostility showed an increase in these proteins while the non-hostile men showed no such increase.
No. 6: Lack of meaning
If you lack a sense of purpose, your stay on Earth could be truncated. A study involving more than 1,200 elderly participants who didn't have dementia at the study's start found that those who indicated having a high purpose in life were about half as likely to die over the study period, which lasted up to five years. The results, published in the June 15 issue of the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, held regardless of a person's age, sex, education and race, along with level of depression and neuroticism.
"Persons with high purpose readily derive meaning from and make sense of the events of their lives, and likely engage in behaviors and activities that they deem important," said study researcher Patricia Boyle of the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago.
Some other research has suggested that people with a higher sense of purpose may have different levels of stress hormones, better heart health or improved immune systems, though more research is needed to firm up any of these biological mechanisms, she said.
The opposite also holds: "The findings from our study suggested that people who no longer set and work actively toward goals or enjoy their day-to-day activities (how they spend their time) are those with greater mortality risk," Boyle told LiveScience.
No. 5: Fretting
People who are highly neurotic - constantly worried and anxious, and prone to depression - die sooner on average than their chill counterparts. And a recently reported study of nearly 1,800 men followed over a 30-year period suggests that's partly because neurotics are also more likely to smoke. Perhaps having a cigarette eases anxiety, said study researcher Daniel Mroczek of Purdue University in Indiana, adding that such a short-term payoff might not be worth it if it kills you down the line.
No. 4: Lack of self-control
Late for appointments? Can't keep your desk organized? No self-control? These seeming benign qualities could take a toll on your health.
A review of more than 20 studies and nearly 9,000 participants revealed people who are conscientious - organized, self-disciplined, as opposed to impulsive - live two to four years longer than others. Study researcher Howard S. Friedman of the University of California, Riverside suspects the boost in lifetime can be attributed partly to the fact that highly conscientious individuals are less likely to smoke or drink to excess, and live more stable and less stressful lives. The study is detailed in a 2008 issue of the journal Health Psychology.
No. 3: Anxiety
The jitters can put a strain on your noggin, research suggests. Compared with the highly frazzled, Individuals with a mellow demeanor who are outgoing may be less likely to develop dementia, which can be caused by Alzheimer's disease and other illnesses. The claim is based on a study that followed more than 500 elderly individuals for five years. Among the outgoing extroverts, dementia risk was 50 percent lower for participants who were calm compared with those who were prone to distress.
No. 2: Gloom and doom
The gloomy, inhibited person is not just at a disadvantage socially, but also physically.
A preliminary study of more than 180 patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (plaque buildup in the arteries) showed participants with so-called type D, or distressed, personality, had an increased odds of dying sooner than other people. Type-D people are more likely to experience negative emotions while at the same time hold in their feelings.
The researchers, who detail their work in the August issue of the journal Archives of Surgery, suggest the personality type is linked with the body's immune system as well as stress response system.
No. 1: Stress
Whatever you do, don't let this list worry you! Research is showing that prolonged stress can be deadly, and if it doesn't do you in, workplace stress can increase your chances of heart disease, flu virus, metabolic syndrome and having high blood pressure.
A study of nearly 700 Israeli workers found that those who experienced job burnout (when work stress becomes unmanageable) were nearly twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes, in which a person's body becomes resistant to the sugar-regulating hormone called insulin.
And while a job promotion might boost your income, it also stresses you out. British researchers recently found that when people get promoted, they suffer on average about 10 percent more mental strain and are less likely to find time to go to the doctor.
Shameful act City striker Adebayor loses it
Adebayor set for FA probe
Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor looks set to be suspended following his antics in the 4-2 victory against his former club Arsenal at Eastlands on Saturday.
The Togo international caught former team-mate Robin van Persie in the face with his boot and, after scoring City's third goal, raced 90 metres to celebrate his goal in front of the Gunners fans.
Objects were thrown towards Adebayor by some away fans who were infuriated by the forward's behaviour.
Last season, Arsenal supporters had accused Adebayor of not trying hard enough in some games following his attempts in the summer of 2008 to seal a transfer away from the Emirates Stadium.
FA chief Ian Watmore told the BBC said of the controversy:"I was unimpressed because of the problems between the Arsenal fans and Adebayor.
"We'll look at it on Monday and then bring it to the disciplinary process.
"I thought the stewards did a great job of calming the situation down and it was to Manchester City's credit nothing worse happened.
"Our governance team will take a good look at both of the incidents that have been highlighted and will come to the media with the answers early next week.
"The punishments are the decision of the individual commission, if we get that far."
Van Persie had claimed on Saturday evening that Adebayor had deliberately injured him, issuing a statement that read:"He set out to hurt me today. I do feel lucky that I have not received a greater injury.
"I knew he was aiming for a collision because he changed the angle of his body to allow contact to be made.
"He moved backwards when his natural momentum would have taken him forward. I find that deeply disrespectful.
"The contact was only centimetres from my eye. I have not received an apology from him, there were no words exchanged afterwards. He had his own agenda today and that is bad for football. It's bad for the game we all love."
After the game Adebayor had said of his tangle with van Persie:"I was trying to kick the ball. I see him tackling and I don't have time to take my feet back because I'm trying to kick the ball.
"My feet touch his head. I feel sorry for him and even straight away, and at the end of the game, I said sorry."
But he insisted he is not scared of facing the fans when the teams clash again on April 24 next year.
He said: "I can go and play at the Emirates for the return game, why not? I play for Manchester City and if they want me to go and play, I will play."
Van Persie was left with a cut on his cheek after his clash with Adebayor and issued a statement branding the Togo hitman "mindless and malicious".
Adebayor said: "After the game I saw him and said sorry but he didn't even want to speak to me."
Adebayor, who joined City for £25million, is likely to face separate improper conduct charges and faces a SIX-MATCH ban.
In 2006, Gary Neville was suspended for two games and fined £5,000 after he celebrated a late winner for Manchester United in front of visiting Liverpool supporters.
One steward was taken to hospital and fans were injured as trouble flared after Adebayor taunted the visitors at Eastlands.
FA chief executive Ian Watmore said: "I was at the game so I saw it with my own eyes.
"I was pretty unimpressed because the problems between the Arsenal fans and Adebayor are well documented but he still ran the whole length of the field to celebrate."
Serena fined, more punishment possible
NEW YORK – Serena Williams faces an anxious wait to see if she is to be banned from future Grand Slam tournaments following her controversial outburst at the U.S. Open.
Williams was levied with a $10,000 fine by the U.S. Open for unsportsmanlike conduct on Sunday for her foul-mouthed tirade at a line judge the night before, as she slumped to a semifinals defeat to Kim Clijsters. The fine was the maximum possible at this stage.
An additional $500 fine for racket abuse was also imposed by tournament referee Brian Earley, but those on-site punishments could be just the tip of the iceberg for the world No. 2.
A further investigation by the Grand Slam Committee, as first reported by Yahoo! Sports on Saturday night, has already begun and will prompt serious concern from Williams and her supporters.
The committee has the authority to strip Williams of her entire $350,000 prize purse for this tournament, plus hand down a ban for future Slams starting with the 2010 Australian Open. However, she is expected to be allowed to compete in Monday’s women’s doubles final alongside sister Venus.
A committee administrator will first determine whether Serena Williams’ actions warrant consideration as a “major offense” – a near certainty given the nature of her comments toward the official.
It is likely that she would be charged with “aggravated behavior” for conduct that was “flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a Grand Slam, or is singularly egregious,” according to the Grand Slam rule book.
Williams released a statement on Sunday evening claiming her actions had highlighted her intensity for the game. “Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job,” she said.
“Now that I have had time to gain my composure, I can see that while I don’t agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as a result handled the situation poorly.”
Williams has won 11 Grand Slam titles and is the defending champion at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Williams was levied with a $10,000 fine by the U.S. Open for unsportsmanlike conduct on Sunday for her foul-mouthed tirade at a line judge the night before, as she slumped to a semifinals defeat to Kim Clijsters. The fine was the maximum possible at this stage.
An additional $500 fine for racket abuse was also imposed by tournament referee Brian Earley, but those on-site punishments could be just the tip of the iceberg for the world No. 2.
A further investigation by the Grand Slam Committee, as first reported by Yahoo! Sports on Saturday night, has already begun and will prompt serious concern from Williams and her supporters.
The committee has the authority to strip Williams of her entire $350,000 prize purse for this tournament, plus hand down a ban for future Slams starting with the 2010 Australian Open. However, she is expected to be allowed to compete in Monday’s women’s doubles final alongside sister Venus.
A committee administrator will first determine whether Serena Williams’ actions warrant consideration as a “major offense” – a near certainty given the nature of her comments toward the official.
It is likely that she would be charged with “aggravated behavior” for conduct that was “flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a Grand Slam, or is singularly egregious,” according to the Grand Slam rule book.
Williams released a statement on Sunday evening claiming her actions had highlighted her intensity for the game. “Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job,” she said.
“Now that I have had time to gain my composure, I can see that while I don’t agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as a result handled the situation poorly.”
Williams has won 11 Grand Slam titles and is the defending champion at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Madonna Tribute: 'I Felt Jackson's Pain'
Madonna has made a personal tribute to Michael Jackson at an awards show in New York.She told the audience everyone, including her, had been guilty of "abandoning him".
The Queen of Pop described her connection with Jackson and spoke of her regrets at losing touch with the star over time.
She told this year's MTV Video Music Awards: "I felt his pain, I know what it's like to walk down the street and feel like the whole world is turned against you."
Madonna empathised with Jackson's battle against a "witch hunt" of public attention "so loud you're convinced your voice can never be heard".
But unlike Jackson, she said her anonymous childhood had meant she "was allowed to make mistakes and find my own way in the world without being in the spotlight".
The 51-year-old then spoke of her emotions when word of his death had reached her.
She said: "All I could think about in that moment was I had abandoned him.
"We had allowed this magnificent creature who once set the world on fire to somehow slip through the cracks."While he was trying to build a family and rebuild his career, we were all busy passing judgment, most of us had turned our backs on him."
Madonna's tribute was then followed by a musical celebration of the late star.
A montage of his music videos, including Thriller and Bad, were played on the big screen, while performers dressed like Jackson danced in his signature style on the stage in front.
They were joined by Janet Jackson who came out to perform her part of the song Scream, which she had released as a duet with her brother in 1995.
The Queen of Pop described her connection with Jackson and spoke of her regrets at losing touch with the star over time.
She told this year's MTV Video Music Awards: "I felt his pain, I know what it's like to walk down the street and feel like the whole world is turned against you."
Madonna empathised with Jackson's battle against a "witch hunt" of public attention "so loud you're convinced your voice can never be heard".
But unlike Jackson, she said her anonymous childhood had meant she "was allowed to make mistakes and find my own way in the world without being in the spotlight".
The 51-year-old then spoke of her emotions when word of his death had reached her.
She said: "All I could think about in that moment was I had abandoned him.
"We had allowed this magnificent creature who once set the world on fire to somehow slip through the cracks."While he was trying to build a family and rebuild his career, we were all busy passing judgment, most of us had turned our backs on him."
Madonna's tribute was then followed by a musical celebration of the late star.
A montage of his music videos, including Thriller and Bad, were played on the big screen, while performers dressed like Jackson danced in his signature style on the stage in front.
They were joined by Janet Jackson who came out to perform her part of the song Scream, which she had released as a duet with her brother in 1995.
Bin Laden reportedly calls Obama 'powerless'
WASHINGTON – In a tape released Sunday by al-Qaida's media wing, terrorist leader Osama bin Laden said President Barack Obama is "powerless" to stop the war in Afghanistan.
SITE Intelligence Group, a terrorist-monitoring firm that translated the address, said bin Laden, whose al-Qaida organization was behind the Sept. 11 attacks, blamed the war on the "pro-Israel lobby" and corporate interests.
IntelCenter, another company that monitors terrorist propaganda, said the 11-minute video shows a still picture of bin Laden while audio of the address plays.
Bin Laden's address to the American people comes two days after the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. He typically addresses the United States in a message around the Sept. 11 anniversary.
The purpose of his address Sunday, bin Laden said in the SITE translation, is "to remind you of the causes" of Sept. 11, chiefly "your support to your Israeli allies who occupy our land of Palestine."
Bin Laden argued against the claims that the war is necessary for U.S. security, saying current White House officials are merely following the strategy of former President George W. Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney to "promote the previous policies of fear to market the interests of big companies."
When Obama became president and retained many of the Bush administration's military leaders, such as Defense Secretary Robert Gates, "reasonable people knew that Obama is a powerless man who will not be able to end the war as he promised," bin Laden said.
"If you end the war, so to it," bin Laden said. "But if it is otherwise, all we will do is continue the war of attrition against you on all possible axes."
SITE Intelligence Group, a terrorist-monitoring firm that translated the address, said bin Laden, whose al-Qaida organization was behind the Sept. 11 attacks, blamed the war on the "pro-Israel lobby" and corporate interests.
IntelCenter, another company that monitors terrorist propaganda, said the 11-minute video shows a still picture of bin Laden while audio of the address plays.
Bin Laden's address to the American people comes two days after the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. He typically addresses the United States in a message around the Sept. 11 anniversary.
The purpose of his address Sunday, bin Laden said in the SITE translation, is "to remind you of the causes" of Sept. 11, chiefly "your support to your Israeli allies who occupy our land of Palestine."
Bin Laden argued against the claims that the war is necessary for U.S. security, saying current White House officials are merely following the strategy of former President George W. Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney to "promote the previous policies of fear to market the interests of big companies."
When Obama became president and retained many of the Bush administration's military leaders, such as Defense Secretary Robert Gates, "reasonable people knew that Obama is a powerless man who will not be able to end the war as he promised," bin Laden said.
"If you end the war, so to it," bin Laden said. "But if it is otherwise, all we will do is continue the war of attrition against you on all possible axes."
Microsofties tweet about a meeting
MICROSOFT EMPLOYEES have been blathering on about Bing 2.0 and ultrathin laptops using Twitter.
During an annual meeting held at a baseball field Microsofties who should have been doodling and trying not to fall asleep decided to tweet about what was going on instead.
The twits' tweets revealed some juicy details about what to expect from the firm in the coming months, including some scant details on the next release of the Vole's search thing, Bing 2.0. "Bing 2.0, out this month, has some exciting new features. Imagine seeing maps plus pics from the neighbourhood of a restaurant to try," tweeted Monte Enbysk, senior editor at Microsoft Office Live. We assume that he had just seen a demo of the new version and that it is due out 'this month'. Monte's status update appears to have been subsequently removed.
Software design engineer Sushil Choudhari was more enthusiastic and apparently listening a bit closer than Enbysk as he narrowed the release date down a bit. "Saw the demo of Bing 2.0, super impressive! Watch out its release next week!!", he twitted. We'll narrow it down further by saying that it will be out soon.
Another commented that he had seen a laptop running Windows 7 that was the 'world's thinnest'. That might have been just a stamped-on Iphone, however.
Who knows what really goes on behind those closed doors.
During an annual meeting held at a baseball field Microsofties who should have been doodling and trying not to fall asleep decided to tweet about what was going on instead.
The twits' tweets revealed some juicy details about what to expect from the firm in the coming months, including some scant details on the next release of the Vole's search thing, Bing 2.0. "Bing 2.0, out this month, has some exciting new features. Imagine seeing maps plus pics from the neighbourhood of a restaurant to try," tweeted Monte Enbysk, senior editor at Microsoft Office Live. We assume that he had just seen a demo of the new version and that it is due out 'this month'. Monte's status update appears to have been subsequently removed.
Software design engineer Sushil Choudhari was more enthusiastic and apparently listening a bit closer than Enbysk as he narrowed the release date down a bit. "Saw the demo of Bing 2.0, super impressive! Watch out its release next week!!", he twitted. We'll narrow it down further by saying that it will be out soon.
Another commented that he had seen a laptop running Windows 7 that was the 'world's thinnest'. That might have been just a stamped-on Iphone, however.
Who knows what really goes on behind those closed doors.
Kanye West Has Truly Lost It This Time
You know that saying, it takes a village to raise a child?
Apparently, Kanye's village has failed him. He obviously doesn't have a real friend in the world. There does not appear to be anyone who can get through to him, to make him understand that he needs to curb his obnoxious behavior.
I thought it was a joke when Kanye showed up on the MTV Video Music Awards stage next to Taylor Swift, right in the middle of her acceptance speech for Best Female Video for "You Belong With Me." It was the first Moon Man for the 19-year-old country starlet, who has become an equally huge star in the pop world.
"I always dreamed about what it would be like to win one of these one day," Taylor said with surprise. "I never thought it would happen."
As Taylor continued, Kanye interrupted, saying he thought Beyonce's "Single Ladies" video was wrongly overlooked. "Hey Taylor, I'm really happy for you, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time."
Taylor looked humiliated. I felt humiliated for her. The audience booed him, and gave her a standing ovation.
I didn't expect Taylor to win that award, and I'm not upset about Kanye's opinion. However, bum-rushing the stage wasn't the appropriate time and place to express his disagreement.
Not only was Kanye's approach disrespectful, it was especially disrespectful because it was directed towards a woman--a teenage girl, actually. Taylor won't turn 20 until December. I can only imagine how her father feels. I'm sure he would like to have a talk to Kanye. I'm not related to her, and I'd like to have a talk with him.
If Kanye wants people to win the awards he thinks they deserve, he should create his own event. He should name it after his website, KanyeUniversecity.com, and webcast it.
Kanye is a guest at the MTV Video Music Awards. He does not determine the winners. The winners are determined by popular vote. Furthermore, aside from the fact that Taylor Swift is a top-selling artist, who has revolutionized teen country pop, she did not have any competition in this category as her competitors Beyonce, Lady GaGa, Pink, and Kelly Clarkson split the pop vote. Taylor had to get 100 percent of the country vote, plus some of the pop vote as well.
It's simple math that even a "College Dropout" should be able to figure out.
Ironically, a MTV writer joked that Kanye's rant was an indication that he might be inebriated. "Kanye West ruins Taylor Swift's big moment," the MTV.com editor wrote. "Further proof that he's on the Hennessy. In my humble opinion, that is."
MTV also reported that Perez Hilton and Hayley Williams started a #TeamTaylor trend on Twitter.
Pink tweeted about her annoyance with Kanye. "Kanye West is the biggest piece of sh-t on earth. Quote me," she wrote. "My heart goes out to Taylor Swift. She is a sweet and talented girl, and deserved her moment. She should know we all love her."
Kanye has previously made award show rants about Gretchen Wilson, Justice and Simian, as well as Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, but this was the worst.
I give credit to Taylor. She handled it gracefully. The audience countered him by giving her a standing ovation, and booed Kanye throughout the night whenever his name was mentioned.
Taylor performed "You Belong With Me" live just minutes later. I watched, wondering if she would feel flustered, and if it would show in her performance. But it didn't.
I think she channeled that negative energy into a positive. Good for her.
Fortunately, Taylor got another chance to complete her acceptance speech. When Beyonce accepted the Best Video Award for "Single Ladies," she invited Taylor back on stage.
"Wow, this is amazing," Beyonce said when receiving her award. "I remember being 17-years-old and up for my first MTV award with Destiny's Child. It was one of the most exciting moments in my life. So, I'd like for Taylor to come out and have her moment."
Taylor then joined Beyonce on stage and recited her acceptance speech, only making a subtle reference to the incident. Before rattling off her special thanks, she said, "Maybe we can try this again."
After the awards, Kanye posted an apology to Taylor on his website, KanyeUniversecity.com. "I'M SOOOOO SORRY TO TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER FANS AND HER MOM," Kanye wrote on his site, AP reported. "I SPOKE TO HER MOTHER RIGHT AFTER AND SHE SAID THE SAME THING MY MOTHER WOULD'VE SAID. SHE IS VERY TALENTED!"
Still, MTV should have thrown Kanye out of the event. Had any other heckler had the audacity to interrupt the broadcast, they would have been thrown out and probably charged. He should not be treated any differently.
This dude needs help.
Jordan thanks motivators
SPRINGFIELD - Michael Jordan’s emotions were on display last night. Jordan wept openly during the acceptance speech of Utah coach Jerry Sloan during Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. The tears continued as Jordan took the Symphony Hall stage, but he regained his poise and verbally slam-dunked adversaries, his competitive nature emerging as he raised the possibility of another comeback.
“I don’t look at this moment as a defining moment,’’ Jordan said. “It is simply a continuation of something I started a long time ago. One day you might look up and see me playing a game at 50. Don’t laugh. Never say never - because limits are like fears and they are often just an illusion.’’
Organizers changed halls to accommodate Jordan’s following - from the Basketball Hall of Fame to the 2,611-seat Symphony Hall - for the 50th anniversary induction ceremony. Jordan, David Robinson, and John Stockton were named in the player category and Sloan and C. Vivian Stringer were named as coaches.
“I told friends I was going to come here and say thank you and walk off,’’ Jordan began. “I can’t, no way. There are too many people I have to thank.’’
And Jordan did give thanks, sincerely to friends, and in a perverse way to critics, enemies, and opponents.
First, Jordan paid tribute to his roots, explaining his choice as a presenter, David Thompson, who was a role model when he led North Carolina State to the NCAA championship. Despite the Wolfpack being a rival, Jordan said his University of North Carolina associates “all know I’m a Tar Heel guy.’’
“I’ve had a lot of questions over the last four weeks about why did you pick David Thompson?’’ Jordan said. “I know why, David knows why, maybe you guys don’t. I grew up in North Carolina and when I was 11 years old I was in love with David Thompson. I was inspired by him. When I called him to ask him to stand up to present me, it shocked him.’’
As for competitive spirit, Jordan credited his family.
“It all starts with my parents,’’ Jordan said. “Where did my competitive nature come from? It came from them. They started the fire in me. That fire started in my parents. As I moved on in my career, people added fire.’’
The flames were fanned by what Jordan considered relatively minor slights, often from allies and coaches to outright hostility from foes and outsiders. Jordan has a long memory and he recalled several incidents that pushed him to succeed.
North Carolina coach Dean Smith excluded Jordan from a Sports Illustrated cover because he was a freshman. Leroy Smith was named to the high school varsity team over Jordan. Buzz Peterson was selected as high school player of the year. The 1985 All-Star game freeze out. Media doubters as Jordan failed to win an NBA championship in his first seven seasons. Former Knick coaches Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy, who disapproved of their players fraternizing with Jordan. Former Bulls general manager Jerry Krause’s assertion that organizations, not one player, win championships. Bryon Russell, who said he looked forward to defending Jordan, then was victimized as the Bulls won their sixth title in 1998.
Facebook strips down to Lite site
The world's biggest social networking site has launched a slimmed-down version for people with slow or poor internet connections.
Facebook has said the Lite site will be faster and simpler because it offers fewer services than the main site.
Initially it is meant to support users in developing countries and where bandwidth constraints make the current version too slow to use.
At the moment it is only available in India and the US.
The company said around 70% of its more than 250 million users were from outside America. Countries in Southeast Asia and Europe are seeing a massive increase in growth where fast internet connections are more common.
News that Facebook was testing the Lite site was first leaked in August.
'Twitter-like'
The options on Facebook Lite are limited to letting users write on their wall, post photos and videos, view events and browse other people's profiles. There are no apps or special boxes.
"It appears, at a quick glance, to be a better site for Facebook newbies or for anyone who finds the current site overwhelming and noisy," said Rafe Needleman at technology website Cnet.
More than 70% of users are outside the United States
"The new layout feels almost Twitter-like."
Terence O'Brien at Switched.com gave the slimmed-down version of what he called "ol' blue" the thumbs-up because it "strips away distractions".
"The simple site loads noticeably faster, is easier to navigate, and is much easier on the eyes thanks to the lack of people sending you 'virtual booze' or asking you to join their 'vampire fraternity'.
"The new layout seems like a direct challenge to Twitter, which can attribute much of its success to is simplicity and portability," said Mr O'Brien.
'Worldwide rollout'
Many industry watchers said they believed that even users with good internet connections might well flock to Facebook Lite because of its new look and ease of use.
"That is what some US users are planning to do," said Eric Eldon of InsideFacebook.com
"Indeed the reaction from US users has prompted Facebook to release it intentionally for US users, something it hadn't previously planned on doing."
Mr Eldon said he believed a "worldwide rollout doesn't seem too far away".
Fans of Facebook Lite have said it is like a return to the early days
Facebook has acknowledged this is a possibility in a statement on the site which said the firm was "working on translating Lite into other languages".
So far those who have posted comments on Facebook seem to like the company's new Lite approach.
"It's good to see Facebook listening to their users," wrote one user.
Another said: "Facebook Lite should be great for college campuses like mine that are hung up on bandwidth."
Having no third-party apps on the site also garnered a fair amount of support.
"The no-apps thing is killer. There's nothing about them I'll miss," noted one user, while another said: "Whatever you do, please, PLEASE do not allow the quizzes, games, or apps to ruin this pristine version of Facebook."
Anyone who switches to Facebook Lite and does not like it can switch back to the fuller version of the site.
Facebook has said the Lite site will be faster and simpler because it offers fewer services than the main site.
Initially it is meant to support users in developing countries and where bandwidth constraints make the current version too slow to use.
At the moment it is only available in India and the US.
The company said around 70% of its more than 250 million users were from outside America. Countries in Southeast Asia and Europe are seeing a massive increase in growth where fast internet connections are more common.
News that Facebook was testing the Lite site was first leaked in August.
'Twitter-like'
The options on Facebook Lite are limited to letting users write on their wall, post photos and videos, view events and browse other people's profiles. There are no apps or special boxes.
"It appears, at a quick glance, to be a better site for Facebook newbies or for anyone who finds the current site overwhelming and noisy," said Rafe Needleman at technology website Cnet.
More than 70% of users are outside the United States
"The new layout feels almost Twitter-like."
Terence O'Brien at Switched.com gave the slimmed-down version of what he called "ol' blue" the thumbs-up because it "strips away distractions".
"The simple site loads noticeably faster, is easier to navigate, and is much easier on the eyes thanks to the lack of people sending you 'virtual booze' or asking you to join their 'vampire fraternity'.
"The new layout seems like a direct challenge to Twitter, which can attribute much of its success to is simplicity and portability," said Mr O'Brien.
'Worldwide rollout'
Many industry watchers said they believed that even users with good internet connections might well flock to Facebook Lite because of its new look and ease of use.
"That is what some US users are planning to do," said Eric Eldon of InsideFacebook.com
"Indeed the reaction from US users has prompted Facebook to release it intentionally for US users, something it hadn't previously planned on doing."
Mr Eldon said he believed a "worldwide rollout doesn't seem too far away".
Fans of Facebook Lite have said it is like a return to the early days
Facebook has acknowledged this is a possibility in a statement on the site which said the firm was "working on translating Lite into other languages".
So far those who have posted comments on Facebook seem to like the company's new Lite approach.
"It's good to see Facebook listening to their users," wrote one user.
Another said: "Facebook Lite should be great for college campuses like mine that are hung up on bandwidth."
Having no third-party apps on the site also garnered a fair amount of support.
"The no-apps thing is killer. There's nothing about them I'll miss," noted one user, while another said: "Whatever you do, please, PLEASE do not allow the quizzes, games, or apps to ruin this pristine version of Facebook."
Anyone who switches to Facebook Lite and does not like it can switch back to the fuller version of the site.
Emmanuel Adebayor hits back at Arsenal fans who booed him
Emmanuel Adebayor, braced for a hot reception from travelling Arsenal fans at the City of Manchester Stadium today, took the hostilities a stage farther last night.
The Togo player, who left the Emirates Stadium under a cloud this summer, hit out at the London club’s supporters last night. “Arsenal have a lot of fans who are not fans,” he said. “What is good is that the City fans truly love you.
“Arsenal have fans from America and Jamaica. Today they are Arsenal fans, tomorrow they will be Liverpool fans and after tomorrow they will be Manchester United fans.”
In a direct reference to the breakdown in relations between him and the Arsenal fans towards the end of last season, the striker added: “If you boo your player every weekend, I am very sorry, you are not true fans.”
Adebayor, who was accused of pursuing a lucrative deal elsewhere by some Arsenal supporters, maintained that he had wanted to stay but that the club had decided otherwise.
“Arsenal forced me out,” he said. “I told Arsène [Wenger, the Arsenal manager], ‘No matter what you do, I will not leave the club.’ Arsène told me, ‘You have to leave because financially we are very bad.’ That makes it more painful. Arsène knows I didn’t leave for money. Enjoying my football is more important to me than money.”
Adebayor has made an impressive start for his new club, scoring three goals in four games and faces the chance to enhance his reputation with his new club with today’s game followed by the Manchester derby against United tomorrow week and Mark Hughes, the City manager, is convinced the “upset” Arsenal supporters have caused Adebayor has served only to strengthen the Togo striker’s desire to torment his former club this afternoon and other defences for the rest of the season.
Hughes suggested that Wenger’s knowledge of the striker’s inner workings would count for little if the player continued to scale the heights he is capable of.
“I’m not sure he’s bitter [about the treatment he received from Arsenal's supporters],” Hughes said. “I think he’s upset, it’s certainly something that has affected him quite deeply.
“He has no problem with Arsenal Football Club itself because he sees it as a huge part of his football life and how he developed as a player but you just sense, and he’s said it himself, that he can’t quite understand why the Arsenal fans turned against him.
“That’s maybe why we’re getting the benefit of how he’s playing and his demeanour at the moment because City fans absolutely love him. They’ve never seen a player like Adebayor in a blue shirt, I would suggest.”
Hughes moved for Adebayor after a failed attempt to persuade Samuel Eto’o, the Barcelona striker, to join City this summer, but the manager appears to be more than satisfied with the way things have worked out.
With Roque Santa Cruz some way off a return, Robinho struggling with an ankle injury and Carlos Tévez facing between ten days and three weeks out because of a knee problem that is almost certain to rule him out of the derby against Manchester United, his former club, at Old Trafford a week tomorrow, Adebayor will be the fulcrum of City’s attack against Arsenal.
“He’s in a select band,” Hughes said. “I have looked at many, many top players with huge reputations and I don’t see many up there with the qualities that Ade has got. He has that ability to open up defences despite what the opposition might do.”
Hughes believes City can match Arsenal for “creative and expansive” football, although it is the ability to mix steel with silk that the manager believes will determine how successful his team are this season.
“Good players understand that sometimes you have to batten down the hatches and recognise when the momentum is changing in games and now we have guys who understand when there is a shift in the game,” Hughes said.
The Togo player, who left the Emirates Stadium under a cloud this summer, hit out at the London club’s supporters last night. “Arsenal have a lot of fans who are not fans,” he said. “What is good is that the City fans truly love you.
“Arsenal have fans from America and Jamaica. Today they are Arsenal fans, tomorrow they will be Liverpool fans and after tomorrow they will be Manchester United fans.”
In a direct reference to the breakdown in relations between him and the Arsenal fans towards the end of last season, the striker added: “If you boo your player every weekend, I am very sorry, you are not true fans.”
Adebayor, who was accused of pursuing a lucrative deal elsewhere by some Arsenal supporters, maintained that he had wanted to stay but that the club had decided otherwise.
“Arsenal forced me out,” he said. “I told Arsène [Wenger, the Arsenal manager], ‘No matter what you do, I will not leave the club.’ Arsène told me, ‘You have to leave because financially we are very bad.’ That makes it more painful. Arsène knows I didn’t leave for money. Enjoying my football is more important to me than money.”
Adebayor has made an impressive start for his new club, scoring three goals in four games and faces the chance to enhance his reputation with his new club with today’s game followed by the Manchester derby against United tomorrow week and Mark Hughes, the City manager, is convinced the “upset” Arsenal supporters have caused Adebayor has served only to strengthen the Togo striker’s desire to torment his former club this afternoon and other defences for the rest of the season.
Hughes suggested that Wenger’s knowledge of the striker’s inner workings would count for little if the player continued to scale the heights he is capable of.
“I’m not sure he’s bitter [about the treatment he received from Arsenal's supporters],” Hughes said. “I think he’s upset, it’s certainly something that has affected him quite deeply.
“He has no problem with Arsenal Football Club itself because he sees it as a huge part of his football life and how he developed as a player but you just sense, and he’s said it himself, that he can’t quite understand why the Arsenal fans turned against him.
“That’s maybe why we’re getting the benefit of how he’s playing and his demeanour at the moment because City fans absolutely love him. They’ve never seen a player like Adebayor in a blue shirt, I would suggest.”
Hughes moved for Adebayor after a failed attempt to persuade Samuel Eto’o, the Barcelona striker, to join City this summer, but the manager appears to be more than satisfied with the way things have worked out.
With Roque Santa Cruz some way off a return, Robinho struggling with an ankle injury and Carlos Tévez facing between ten days and three weeks out because of a knee problem that is almost certain to rule him out of the derby against Manchester United, his former club, at Old Trafford a week tomorrow, Adebayor will be the fulcrum of City’s attack against Arsenal.
“He’s in a select band,” Hughes said. “I have looked at many, many top players with huge reputations and I don’t see many up there with the qualities that Ade has got. He has that ability to open up defences despite what the opposition might do.”
Hughes believes City can match Arsenal for “creative and expansive” football, although it is the ability to mix steel with silk that the manager believes will determine how successful his team are this season.
“Good players understand that sometimes you have to batten down the hatches and recognise when the momentum is changing in games and now we have guys who understand when there is a shift in the game,” Hughes said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)