miami heat

Heat top Bulls 101-93, move 1 win away from finals

MIAMI (AP) — The first 48 minutes of Dwyane Wade's night were unremarkable.
The five minutes of overtime changed all that.
And Miami's Big Three is one win away from playing for the NBA's biggest prize.
LeBron James scored 35 points, Chris Bosh added 22 and Wade perked up to block as many shots — two — as Chicago made in overtime, as the Heat topped the Bulls 101-93 in a scintillating Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night.
Miami will go for the clincher Thursday in Chicago, where the Heat can wrap up their first finals trip since 2006.
"It's one game away," James said. "We're not taking anything for granted."
Derrick Rose scored 23 points for the Bulls, who got 20 apiece from Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer. Chicago has lost three straight games for the first time this season, and afterward, the league's reigning MVP pointed the finger of blame at himself.
"It's not over," said Rose, who shot 8 of 27 and turned the ball over seven times.
Still, some doubt may be creeping in. Chicago had its chances, and knew it, but was unable to take advantage of a largely off night by Wade. Rose was guarded in the game's biggest minutes by James, and the MVP from 2009 and 2010 had the upper hand against this season's MVP.
"It's extremely hard," Rose acknowledged, "when a 6-8 guy can easily defend you."
The Heat were down by 11 early, led for only 4½ minutes in the third and fourth quarters, and had Wade stuck on eight points from late in the second until past the midpoint of overtime.
Somehow, it wasn't a problem.
A sleep-deprived Mike Miller — whose wife delivered a baby last week — scored 12 points and made plenty of key defensive plays to help Miami outscore Chicago by a whopping 36 points with him on the floor. Udonis Haslem missed all five of his shots, and he was still a plus-25 in his 33 minutes off the bench.
And the stars, well, were stars.
"We know offensively, at times, we have rough stretches," James said. "But we give ourselves chances to win every game because we defend."
James was 11 for 26 from the field and 13 of 13 — his best playoff showing ever — from the foul line. Bosh was aggressive again, making 10 of his 11 free throws. Miami made its last 24 straight from the stripe, and the defense was again the biggest key of all.
"Defense is the reason that we're here," Bosh said. "Defense is the reason that we win every game. And defense is the reason why we have a chance of winning Game 5."
From the Miami perspective, this game will be remembered for how the Heat rallied around Wade — then watched him save his best for last.
"We reminded him in one of the final huddles, this is his time," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
The 2006 NBA finals MVP was in the arena late Monday night, trying to work on some things in one of his customary playoff-after-dark sessions.
Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. This seemed like it would be the latter.
Whatever answer he sought, he didn't find for much of Game 4. Wade made just 5 of 16 shots from the field, lacking his usual lift at the rim. He made a pair of free throws with 1:50 left in the first half for his seventh and eighth points, and didn't score again until overtime.
Better late than never.
"You could tell that neither team wanted to lose," Wade said. "Both teams were clawing. If you're a fan of the game, this was a great basketball game. ... This was will."
Chicago turned the ball over on consecutive possessions late in overtime, Wade turned the second of those into a layup with 1:01 left for a 95-89 lead, and the Heat soon knew they were one win away from the title round.
"Hey, they're a great team," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "They compete. They play hard. They play great defense ... and they made plays at the end."
The fourth quarter was pure theater, both teams clearly knowing — clearly relishing — the stakes.

youtube, Dancing With The Stars 2011 Season 12 Episode 2 - Part 1

youtube, Dancing With The Stars 2011 Season 12 Episode 2 - Part 1

youtube, Dancing With The Stars 2011 Season 12 Episode 2 - Part 1

youtube, Dancing With The Stars 2011 Season 12 Episode 2 - Part 1

Mega Millions Winning Numbers

Mega Millions Winning Numbers

The numbers in the Tuesday multi-state Mega Millions draw are 9, 12, 21, 42, 43 and the Mega number is 42.
The estimated jackpot is $26 million. If no tickets are sold with all six numbers, the jackpot for the next drawing, scheduled for Friday, would rise to $35 million, a California Lottery official said.
   The drawing was the third since the last time a ticket with all six numbers was sold.

 
The odds of matching all five numbers and the Mega number is 1 in 175,711,536, according to the Mega Millions website.
Source: Mega Millions Winning Numbers for Tuesday May 24 Released | NBC San Diego

Sara Evans

Sara Evans Performs ‘A Little Bit Stronger’ on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Finale

Sara Evans returned to ‘Dancing with the Stars’ tonight and delivered a stirring performance of a very appropriate song, ‘A Little Bit Stronger,’ just before the season’s celebrity dancing winner was announced on the finale.

Evans, who appeared as a contestant on ‘DWTS’ in 2006 before family trouble forced her to withdraw early, seemed happy to be re-visiting her old stomping ground, and the track’s message of overcoming obstacles rang true both for herself and this season’s contestants.

Video footage of finalists Hines Ward, Kirstie Alley and Chelsea Kane learning how to dance over the season’s episodes aired on large video screens behind Evans. She planted herself center stage and focused on singing the track, which was the first single from her 2011 album ‘Stronger.’

Evans recently performed alongside country stars such as Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum as part of the ‘Music Builds: CMT Disaster Relief Concert.’

Sara Evans, A Little Bit Stronger, youtube

Sara Evans, A Little Bit Stronger, youtube

Nancy Grace

Nancy Grace Out As Host Of Syndicated Swift Justice
Broadcasting and Cable’s Paige Albiniak reports HLN’s Nancy Grace will be replaced as host of the syndicated Swift Justice, produced by CBS. According to the B&C story, Judge Jackie Glass will replace Grace, and production of the show will move to Los Angeles. “I am so proud of the work we have done on Swift Justice,” B&C quotes Grace. “Leaving such a successful show was a tough decision, but, with the increased requirements of the production’s relocation to Los Angeles, it became challenging to balance my most important job–mother to John David and Lucy–back home.”

Lauren Alaina Sings For Her Mother

Wins Over the Judges on 'American Idol'

Tampa, Florida - Storms swept through North Texas on Tuesday night, bringing rain, hail, high winds and unconfirmed reports of tornadoes.  The bad weather left DFW International Airport trying to get a handle on the cancellation of more flights.

Bad weather has caused the cancellation of more than 200 flights since Monday. American Airlines said it canceled 50 to 60 flights on Tuesday alone, which has impacted travelers trying to fly into Tampa International Airport.

Sabrina Haynes of Lakeland spent hours waiting by the phone for her niece to fly into TIA. Kinesha King left Lawton, Oklahoma to catch a flight out of DFW on Monday night.

Haynes says, "We were, like, talking back and forth because we were very concerned."

American Airlines has tried to make room on flights for those forced to spend the night unexpectedly in the airport or the Dallas/Ft. Worth area due to a canceled connecting flight on Monday.

King is five months pregnant and her aunt says she was forced to spend Monday night in the airport due to the bad weather. Her flight was canceled.

Haynes says she's disappointed in American Airlines. "I personally thought they should have done more about that than what they did because, I mean, she's young and she's pregnant. She had to sleep at the airport."

American Airlines said hail damaged some of their planes.

Bad weather in Dallas

Ft. Worth area affecting Tampa flights

Tampa, Florida - Storms swept through North Texas on Tuesday night, bringing rain, hail, high winds and unconfirmed reports of tornadoes.  The bad weather left DFW International Airport trying to get a handle on the cancellation of more flights.

Bad weather has caused the cancellation of more than 200 flights since Monday. American Airlines said it canceled 50 to 60 flights on Tuesday alone, which has impacted travelers trying to fly into Tampa International Airport.

Sabrina Haynes of Lakeland spent hours waiting by the phone for her niece to fly into TIA. Kinesha King left Lawton, Oklahoma to catch a flight out of DFW on Monday night.

Haynes says, "We were, like, talking back and forth because we were very concerned."

American Airlines has tried to make room on flights for those forced to spend the night unexpectedly in the airport or the Dallas/Ft. Worth area due to a canceled connecting flight on Monday.

King is five months pregnant and her aunt says she was forced to spend Monday night in the airport due to the bad weather. Her flight was canceled.

Haynes says she's disappointed in American Airlines. "I personally thought they should have done more about that than what they did because, I mean, she's young and she's pregnant. She had to sleep at the airport."

American Airlines said hail damaged some of their planes.

Dallas school, Dallas school board weighs superintendent plans

Dallas school, Dallas school board weighs superintendent plans

Dallas school trustees on Tuesday briefly discussed attributes they would like in an interim superintendent, with some emphasizing knowledge of Texas school finance and a familiarity with Dallas and its schools.
But much of the discussion centered on a request by trustee Carla Ranger that the board consider forgoing the traditional interim superintendent and instead run the district with an “administrative council” made up of top district administrators.

The council idea didn’t appear to have support from the majority of trustees, but the board will vote on the proposal next week. Ranger said using a council could save the district money by not having to hire someone.
Tuesday’s meeting was the first time trustees have met since Superintendent Michael Hinojosa announced last week that he is the sole finalist to lead the Cobb County School District in suburban Atlanta.
Hinojosa has said he plans to stay in Dallas through June, the month that trustees will approve an annual budget expected to come with deep cuts.
During the meeting, Ranger voiced concern that Hinojosa is still leading the district and asked trustees to consider placing him on paid administrative leave until June 30.
“I’m very concerned that we have the superintendent still on duty and still in charge at a time we are making some very critical decisions,” she said.
Hinojosa, who was at the meeting, didn’t seem fazed by Ranger’s request, which received no response from other board members.
Trustees talked of finding an interim superintendent who would hold the position from six months to a year.
“I see someone who knows Dallas, someone who knows our areas and our schools,” trustee Edwin Flores said.
He added that the district also needs someone familiar with dual language education and Texas school finance.
Part of Tuesday’s meeting was held behind closed doors.
“We’re discussing what we want to do and how to move on,” board president Adam Medrano said of the closed session.
He said the conversation included discussion of current top administrators in the district.
Trustee Lew Blackburn said trustees will bring lists Tuesday of possible candidates for the interim position, and they could interview candidates next week. He said he hopes to have someone named on June 3.
The Cobb County district is expected to name Hinojosa as the next superintendent after a required 14-day public comment period, which ends June 2.
Some Dallas trustees have voiced concern about the timing of the Cobb County offer as district administrators and trustees are making plans for deep cuts. DISD could lose about $120 million in state funding as legislators reduce education spending.
Trustee Mike Morath has said the budget issues call for a leader with an understanding of Texas school financing. He also believes the ideal candidate could be a recently retired Texas superintendent.
“You need a steward over the ship during this massive budget-reduction environment,” Morath said.
Trustee Eric Cowan said he would prefer that the interim superintendent not immediately change the way the district operates.
“I don’t see the interim as a visionary,” he said. “He needs to be a manager.”
An interim superintendent would have important duties the next few months as next year’s budget is implemented. Class sizes are likely to increase in some grades, and course offerings could be trimmed.
While trustees search for a new superintendent, Blackburn said, the district doesn’t need an interim superintendent who will “turn things upside down and start all over.”
“We need to keep us rolling and hopefully move upward and onwards,” he said.
Morath urged board members to come together to figure out what characteristics they want in the next superintendent. He said doing so would speed up the process.
“There are a lot of people in this town who believe that we couldn’t form a consensus to run out of a burning building,” he said.

YouTube

YouTube

This morning, Commander Mark Kelly, Space Shuttle Endeavour and International Space Station astronauts gave their first live interview from STS-134 to you, answering some of the 1,800 questions you asked via Google Moderator on the PBS NewsHour channel.

You asked about visiting Mars by 2030, about the power of space exploration that also benefits everyone back at home and about how astronauts feel on using social media to share their personal stories. Check out the answers and more discussion in the full interview here.




In case you were wondering, yes, the interview included a zero-gravity flip session.


To close with Commander Mark Kelly’s words from Monday’s launch: “This mission represents the power of teamwork, commitment and exploration. It is in the DNA of our great country to reach for the stars and explore. We must not stop.

Christina Hendricks

Christina Hendricks:, Breasts so obviously real

If you’ve ever gone mad wondering if voluptuous Christina Hendricks’s breasts are artificial or just the product of good genetics, the mystery is over. The “Mad Men” star explained to the Daily Mail’s You magazine that her naturally big chest has presented her with clothing challenges, but has given her something to be happy about.

“If there’s anything to be learned from me it’s that I’m learning to celebrate what I was born with, even though it’s sometimes been inconvenient,” Hendricks told the publication. “Having larger breasts has made it harder for me to shop throughout the years, but I’ve learned to love it.”

The Tennessee native added that she’s been blessed with a large bust and that anybody who suspects she’s undergone plastic surgery has had limited encounters with bosoms.

“It’s so bizarre that people are constantly asking if my breasts are real or fake,” Hendricks said. “They’re so obviously real that anyone who’s ever seen or touched a breast would know.”

But Hendricks doesn’t want her curves to make other females feel self-conscious or inadequate. When informed that breast augmentation in the UK has soared because British women want to resemble Hendricks, the actress said, “I hope I’m not encouraging that. If there’s anything to be learned from me it’s that I’m learning to celebrate what I was born with, even though it’s sometimes been inconvenient.”

Bachelorette, Ashley's First Impression Rose Explained

Bachelorette,  Ashley's First Impression Rose Explained

I can't even begin to tell you all how much pride and excitement I felt going into Monday's season premiere of The Bachelorette. Those two emotions stem from finally being able to show off my 25 men, and to start a journey that has changed my life forever.

Though this first episode I say goodbye to seven men, the interactions with each and every one of them helped me through by showing me what I wanted in a man, and how I wanted to feel. Each one of these men taught me something, and for this, I will be forever grateful.

Going into the first night, I was the most nervous I had been in a very long time. I worried the men would hop back into the limo if they didn't like what they saw. Even though it became apparent to me that some were more interested than others, the guys did such a great job of putting me at ease and making me feel confident enough to move forward without caution.

Although Jeff, (a.k.a. the mask) endured much skepticism, I think, in theory, it's a great angle coming into the first night. He both caught my attention and stood out from the rest. Plus, I really wanted to see what he looked like under the mask!

Coming into this experience, I had a list of a few things I was looking for in a husband, and the first night, I saw ALL of those in Ryan P. He deserved the first impression rose more than anyone. On top of that, when he walked out of the limo, I nearly fainted.

Bentley. Need I say more? It's always been important to me to judge a person based on what I know of them, so going into this first night I had guards up, but he easily broke them down with his good looks and savvy way with words. How could I not have trusted him? Every woman in my shoes would have given him a rose too.

I am sure many of you can tell by my high-pitched voice and nervous intonation, going into this first night I was very nervous and I didn't know what to expect. That all changed immediately after I met the men. I know it may sound crazy to hear me say that I think my husband was in the room on the first night, but I felt confident in what my gut was telling me.

The Bachelorette, season premiere

William and Matt are early faves for Ashley

The spring TV season is winding down, the summer season is starting up - we all know that means another "Bachelorette" season. This time it's Ashley Hebert who has her choice of 25 bachelors.

WARNING: Please, no spoilers in the comments. Those comments will be deleted.

This seventh installment of "The Bachelorette" kicks off with (what else?) a video replay of Ashley's time on Brad Womack's "Bachelor" season. I sincerely hope I end up liking her as bachelorette, since I was really hoping Shawntel would get the gig.

After Brad's season, Ashley was back in Philadelphia, apparently doing a lot of jogging, walking or dancing while gazing off in a contemplative manner. I am digging her darker hair, but what I am not digging is the "Rocky" thing. We get it. It's Philly. They couldn't have had her lick the Liberty Bell or something?

We get to meet a few of the men before the official Limo Meet 'n Greet. Ryan P. works in solar power and says the only thing not "sunny" in his life is that he doesn't have a woman and that the only thing stronger than the sun is love. That better be a one-off deal because if we have to listen to his sun puns every week, he shoots right to the top of my s***list. "My love for you burns like the fire of a thousand suns. If I fly to close, my waxy heartwings melt. You're so beautiful, I need one of those elementary-school eclipse box thingies just to look at you!" Ugh.

Ames works in finance in New York City and is quite the Ivy Leaguer. He also looks like he's missing a chromosome, but to his credit, Ashley H. is his first choice as bachelorette, so that's cool. It's easy to forget these guys sign on for this before they know who the girl is.

There's a lawyer from New Orleans named Ben C. who plays the piano. That's hot, he needs to work that in for Ashley. Speaking of Bens, Ben F. the Winemaker is the first sob story 'cause his dad died. That's too bad, but I can't like him as much as he "casually" leans against some barrels and swirls his wine.

And the third Ben is Bentley, who lives in a huge house and has a daughter named Cozy. I hope that's a nickname for Cosette, but I do not believe it is. He's hoping the bachelorette is Emily. Oh, won't you be disappointed. Also, he has a "family fun center" in Utah. Home plus is us, Bentley.

West is the next sad story - he lost his wife in an "accident," where she had a seizure in the bathtub. Have you heard about this guy already? He was apparently questioned in his wife's death. But surely ABC vetted this guy, right? I mean, it's not VH1 here we're talking about, right?

William is a "starter boyfriend" - all the girls he's with get married right after him. Aw, poor guy. He also has some dead dad issues. It's too bad the other Ashley isn't the bachelorette. She'd have so much in common with these fellas.

Limo Time

Ashley looks very pretty in her gown, beautiful color on her and really highlights the girls. She's nervous the guys won't like her and says a past contestant has already warned her about one of the guys - Bentley, who is there to promote his job. The "family fun center"? That ... makes way less sense than a guy coming on the show to promote his stupid country love song. But I guess "family fun," it don't come easy either.

The guys arrive, here are the highlights:

Jon says they should skip straight to the honeymoon and then picks her up in a fireman's carry. He looks juuuuust unstable enough for that to not be 100% of a joke.
Mickey the Chef says he's going to give her something from all the men in America and goes in for a kiss. And is DEEEE. NIIIIED. Ashley laughs it off, but you can tell she's like, "Ha ha. Ha ha. Mace?"
Tim has a bit of a problem talking to her and it's actually kind of adorable because he is clearly so awkward. Aww. I feel bad for Tim.
Ben C. busts out some French, so in addition to his piano playing ... wow. So many points for this guy.
Stephen C. the Hairstylist looks exactly like about 50 guys who have all gone home on Night 1 of this show.
Chris D. does some ... well, rap is not the right word at all. Some lame beat poetry as way of introduction? Yikes.
West gives her a broken compass that is stuck on west. And some daisies to stick on the bathtub floor. No, he doesn't do that.
Zachary Levi doing De Niro Anthony the Butcher is a bit dramatic with his Dracula turn from the limo.
Ames has on rather ill-fitting tan slacks. I wonder if those are his Whiffenpoof slacks? He brings her ballet tickets and she lets him keep one. Chances that will ever happen? Slim to none.
Jeff, who I pegged as possibly the Ice Truck Killer from his headshot, shows up in a mask so that Ashley can't judge his face. And then he takes her down into the bowels of the mansion and we never see her again.
Frank winks at her, which goes right in line with how I thought his headshot made him look like a used car salesman.
Mike makes a crack that this is the first time he's ever been excited to go to the dentist. My inner demon/angel fight and the demon wins, so I make this joke - "Obviously."
Sven the Viking Chris M. is from Canada, though I'm fairly sure he's fresh off the boat from Scandinavia.
Ryan M. apparently jumped in the limo on the way here and thinks he's on a Homes of the Stars tour or something, as he has a camera and takes Ashley's picture, one of them together (actually two, because apparently the first one wasn't up to snuff) and then really weirdly asks her if she'll take one later of Chris Harrison. Being there 'cause you're crushing on the host might be the worst "not there for the right reasons" yet.
Nick has some lame beat poetry too, which not only is lame because it stinks but you're second, dude.
Bentley visibly looks disappointed when he steps out of the limo - sorry, dude. No uptight Southerner with too much makeup for you. Later, Ashley says she's kinda bummed Bentley is good looking, since she wanted to dislike him. Heh.

Cocktail Party

Sunny Ryan P. wins Ashley over with his solar power talk. Matt is already thinking ahead that Ashley is going to get along with his mom and so then they call his mom, Gail. OK, that's pretty cute and way to be memorable. Then! His mom hilariously says when they decide to forego separate rooms and use the Fantasy Suite, to remember that their moms are watching and not to forget protection. Gail for next bachelorette! Or spin-off!

Mike busts out the guitar and Ashley actually says, "I cannot believe that there's one that plays the guitar!" Really? You can't? I wonder if Ashley's days are always like that? "I cannot believe there's milk in the fridge! I cannot believe my shoes tie like that! I cannot believe the sun rose today!" He then chucks the guitar in the pool because he was just using it as a way to get her attention. Mom thing? Cute. Guitar thing? Douchey.

The guys are fixated on Jeff's mask, which Jeff says is because they're judging a book by its cover. No, it's because you're being a big weirdo. BUT - the guys are being typical guys, too. They're threatened because he's being different. Don't go outside the box too much or they'll beat you up and throw you in the dumpster out back.

Tim, who was so cute being all speechless when he stepped out of the limo, has now turned into just this side of raging bully. He's like Michael Madsen from every Tarantino movie ever, too. The sound editors really dropped the ball on not having "Stuck in the Middle With You" ready to go for this jerk.

I mean, Jeff was trying to do something cool and different. He just whiffed. That doesn't mean he's actually a serial killer or whatever. I made a crack about him earlier in the recap, but I'm writing jokes to be entertaining. I think Tim is an honest-to-god tiny man bully. We saw the same thing with David and Juan during Jillian's season. David turned out OK eventually ("Bachelor Pad"), but on "The Bachelorette," he clearly had some issues.

Chris Harrison presents the First Impression Rose and I sincerely hope Matt gets it. But it makes everybody really ramp up the efforts - partially, I suspect, because they like Ashley and partially because they want to win.

Ben C. gets Ashley's attention by busting out some "Love Actually" cards with writing on them that he shows her through the window. He just cannot get any cuter. William sells himself short [ba-dump-ching] by saying he's "just" in sales. He then does a few impressions, which are kinda lame, but at least they're fun and amusing.

Ashley talks to Tim and he's completely awkward again, except this time he's drunk too. What is this guy's deal? And he thinks the guy in the mask is a creeper? Ashley is a bit disappointed, but she also feels bad for him. Don't feel bad for him. He sucks. Thank God he got drunk and you didn't mistakenly keep him around.

Of course, now that Tim is trashed and even more mush-mouthed, he starts harassing Jeff about the mask again. He takes off his coat and asks Jeff is he "wants to dance." Oh, I hope he falls in the pool. But even better! He passes out on a couch on the patio. Hot. Super hot.

So Ashley has some guys pour him into a limo.

And back to the Jeff of the Opera. Ashley likes the reasoning behind the mask and says it's not a gimmick. Well, it's a gimmick because you gotta stand out the first night. But there is also a ring of sincerity behind it.

Bentley gets his time alone with Ashley. She seems wary and questions him about his daughter and previous marriage, but ends up very smitten with him. Oh, Ashley.

The First Impression Rose goes to Sunny Ryan P. Bentley talking-heads that even though he's not "overly attracted" to Ashley, he wanted to win the FIR because he's competitive. Ughhh. Tool.

Rose Ceremony

Ashley gives roses to Ryan P. (already), Jeff of the Opera, Constantine, Ben F., Lucas, Stephen, Nick, Chris D., Ryan M., Blake, Mickey, Ben C., West, William, J.P., AMes and Bentley.  

So that means in addition to Drunk Tim - Anthony, Chris M., Frank, Jon, Michael and Rob are going home. No big surprises there. A couple of the guys eliminated could've been interchanged with a couple who stayed to absolutely no consequence. Because she had to keep 18 and had to get rid of six. The only hottie she got rid of was Rob, but he just must not have made much of an impression.

The eliminated guys try to act crushed in their exit interviews. It doesn't come across as as sincere as when the first-night girls are eliminated. Their wailing and gnashing of teeth seems much more genuine.

This season: Dancing! Kissing! Dancing! Fountains! Dancing! Airplanes! Heights! Boats! Boats! Kissing! Boats! Fire! Kissing! Boats! Temples! Boats! Elephants! Trains! Mopeds! Temples! Lanterns! Boats! Boats! Foreign language! Champagne! Lights! Lanterns! Dancing! Dragons! Fire! Mopeds! Golf carts! Hugging! Kissing! Man claws! Pissing contests! Masks! Pooping! Running! Kissing! Drama! Tears! Man tears! Running! Fists! Sit-ups! Boxing! Hospitals! "Bodyguard" carry! Fiji! Planes! Kissing! Waterfalls! Kissing! Checklists! Emily! Profanity! Tears! Bed-riddenness! All on this season!

Thoughts & Tidbits
Thank god Tim got drunk and we didn't have to put up with him all season.
Bentley is clearly the villain. And honestly, acting disappointed because the bachelorette isn't the girl you were hoping for is about the douchiest we've encountered and that includes "Rated-R," I think. Way to make a girl feel like a loser, dude.
William and Matt are my early picks. Hope to see them go far. The over-the-credits outtakes of William doing impressions was delightful.

What did you think of the premiere, "Bachelorette" fans? Remember, no spoilers in the comments. We will delete your entire comment

Bachelorette

Ashley Hebert Courts 25 Men On The Bachelorette

Ashley Hebert makes her debut as "The Bachelorette" in the seventh season opener Monday night, along with a crop of 25 buff--probably shirtless--guys vying for her hand in marriage.

The rowdy bunch includes at least one divorced man, 28-year-old Bentley, whom Hebert expresses reservations about before he even steps out of the limo.

"I'm very concerned that some of the guys aren't coming on here for me or the possibility of falling in love," Hebert tells host Chris Harrison before meeting the contenders. "I spoke to a past contestant, somebody that I was close to in the house, and they made me aware that someone that's coming on the show is here for not a good intention...she's friends with his ex-wife. His name is Bentley."

Hebert has a change of heart after meeting Bentley, and decides she's going to disregard her friend's warning. Her initial instincts may have been right, as Bentley reveals in a concessional interview that he has a strategy to "win" the show: "My strategy going into this is to talk to her about what I’m feeling about my daughter and missing her and then I’m going to win," he says.

Later in the episode, Bentley decides that he's not interested in Ashley.

"The competition makes it exciting and competing for her and that’s I think the extent of where I am in my interest in her," he says. "I can tell you right now it’s not going to work. I, to be honest with you, could almost care less. Things could have turned out differently if the bachelorette was Emily."

Will he stick around to pursue his own personal ambitions? Guess we'll have to tune in to find out.

The Bachelorette, Season 7

The Bachelorette, Season 7

It's that time again, scandal fans -- 'The Bachelorette' is back for another summer of love, and though Ashley Herbert isn't touting a title even half as grandiose as "America's Sweetheart" Ali was last year, her prospective bachelors look no less hunky (or nutty) than the last crop, and isn't that what we're all here for? Oh yeah, and that whole "quest for a soulmate" thing, of course.

Our dainty dancing dentist wasn't exactly my favorite of Brad's bachelorettes, but who am I to question the capricious Reality TV Gods? At least the girl wasn't in need of any "intensive therapy" or "soul searching" after Brad kicked her to the curb (if I ever hear the words "changed man" again, it'll be too soon), so she'll hopefully offer us more perkiness and less weeping this time around.

At this stage of the game, it's hard to even keep the guys' names straight, let alone make any predictions, but let's take a look at our lineup and decide who earned our first impression rose tonight ...

After some typically pensive jogging, interpretive dancing and gazing longingly out of a window, Ashley pepped herself up enough to slap on a sparkly dress and meet her potential soulmates -- not a hard gig, if you can get it. Anything is preferable to another 'Rocky' homage -- poor Philadelphia must rue the day Sly Stallone first jogged up those steps.

The first guy we met in the introduction videos was also No. 1 out of the limo, and it's no wonder that dreamy Ryan P. scored Ashley's first impression rose. I could go on about his sunny disposition and beaming smile, but he made enough solar puns for all of us. Still, it's nice to see a guy who's environmentally conscious, seemingly genuine and undeniably attractive -- marry him, Ashley! Oh, wait, there are 24 more? Sigh.

Other hotties guys who made a good first impression (on me, anyway): Preppy William from Columbus, Ohio. His intro video overplayed his bad luck with an umbrella a little too much, but the man is certified cute. He's apparently the "stepping stone" that women date before finding their soulmate, but he seemed sweet, and showed a little more depth when he revealed that he wears a watch that supposedly stopped at the exact time that his alcoholic father died. He kept the sob story to himself with Ashley, though, and charmed her by calling himself "just" a salesman, before demonstrating his Sean Connery impersonation skills.

Another potential dreamboat was Ben C., who not only possessed a certain je ne sais quoi in his introduction to Ashley (he's the dude who spoke French, duh), but also made the genius decision to lift a scene right out of 'Love Actually,' the perennial chick-flick favorite, by grabbing Ashley's attention at the window with hand-written cards tempting her to come outside and talk to him. FYI: Stealing tricks from any Colin Firth movie is a surefire way to get a girl's attention, fellas.

Iceland’s Grimsvotn Volcano Erupting

Iceland’s Grimsvotn Volcano Erupting

“Iceland’s most active volcano has started erupting, scientists said Saturday – just over a year after another eruption on the North Atlantic island shut down European air traffic for days.
Iceland’s Meteorological Office confirmed that an eruption had begun at the Grimsvotn volcano, accompanied by a series of small earthquakes. Smoke could be seen rising from the volcano, which lies under the uninhabited Vatnajokull glacier in southeast Iceland.
A no-fly zone has been designated for 120 nautical miles in all directions from the eruption. Isavia, the company that operates and develops all airport facilities and air navigation services in Iceland, described this as standard procedure around eruptions.
"The plume of smoke has reached jet flying altitude and plans have been made for planes flying through Icelandic air control space to fly southwardly tonight," said Hjordis Gudmundsdottir, the spokeswoman for Isavia.
Grimsvotn last erupted in 2004. Scientists have been expecting a new eruption and have said previously that this volcano’s eruption will likely be small and should not lead to the air travel chaos caused in April 2010 by ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.
History shows that previous eruptions in Grimsvotn have not had much influence on flight traffic – unlike the massive disruption caused last year.
Pall Einarsson, geophysicist at the University of Iceland, said last year’s eruption was a rare event.
"The ash in Eyjafjallajokull was persistent or unremitting and fine-grained," Einarsson said. "The ash in Grimsvotn is more coarse and not as likely to cause danger as it falls to the ground faster and doesn’t stay as long in the air as in the Eyjafjallajokull eruption."
A plane from the Icelandic Coast Guard carrying experts from the University of Iceland will fly over the volcano and evaluate the situation.
One eyewitness, Bolli Valgardsson, said the plume rose quickly several thousand feet into the air.
Sparsely populated Iceland is one of the world’s most volcanically active countries and eruptions are frequent.
Eruptions often cause local flooding from melting glacier ice, but rarely cause deaths.
Last year’s Eyjafjallajokul eruption left some 10 million air travelers stranded worldwide after winds pushed the ash cloud toward some of the world’s busiest airspace and led most northern European countries to ground all planes for five days.
Whether widespread disruption occurs again will depend on how long the eruption lasts, how high the ash plume rises and which way the wind blows.
In November, melted glacial ice began pouring from Grimsvotn, signaling a possible eruption. That was a false alarm but scientists have been monitoring the volcano closely ever since.
The volcano also erupted in 1998, 1996 and 1993. The eruptions have lasted between a day and several weeks.”

iceland volcano eruption, Iceland Closes Main Airport After Volcanic Eruption

iceland volcano eruption, Iceland Closes Main Airport After Volcanic Eruption

Aviation authorities in Iceland said Sunday that they have shut down the island’s main airport and may have to close the island’s other airports after the country’s most active volcano began erupting Saturday.
However, scientists say the eruptions are unlikely to cause the same disruption to European air travel as another volcano that exploded last year.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office says the Grimsvotn volcano beneath island’s largest glacier has been shooting plumes of smoke at least 11 kilometers into the air since Saturday.

The area surrounding the Vatnajokull glacier in southeastern Iceland is uninhabited.
Grimsvotn last erupted in 2004. Icelandic scientists say they expect the latest explosion to be relatively small. A team of experts was flying to the area to investigate.
The eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokul volcano in April 2010 produced an ash cloud that winds blew toward northern Europe, causing airports in the region to ground all planes for several days as a safety precaution. Millions of air travelers were stranded worldwide.

iceland volcano eruption, Iceland Halts Flights as Volcano

Icelandic aviation authorities sealed a country’s categorical airports and limited flights over a island following a volcanic tear that sent a plume of charcoal and dirt high into a atmosphere.

The broader impact of a tear of a Grimsvötn volcano, that began on Saturday, remained unclear. It came somewhat some-more than a year after eruptions of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano caused disharmony as aviation regulators sealed roughly 80% of European airspace during a Easter holiday.

Eurocontrol, an powerful classification for air-traffic control opposite Europe, pronounced Sunday that it approaching “no impact…on European airspace” from a tear by Monday. In a notice

2011, Iceland Volcano Eruption Ash May Reach U.K

2011, Iceland Volcano Eruption Ash May Reach U.K

Iceland Volcano Eruption Ash May Reach U.K. This Week: Iceland’s most active volcano began erupting, scientists said on Saturday, just over a year after another eruption on the island of the North Atlantic closed the European air traffic for several days.Icelandic Meteorological Office confirmed that the eruption began at the volcano Grimsvotn, accompanied by a series of small earthquakes. Smoke could be seen rising from the volcano, which is under the uninhabited Vatnajokull glacier in southeast Iceland.

Do not fly zone was set for 120 nautical miles (220 kilometers) in all directions from the eruption. Isavia, the company that operates and develops all the airports and air navigation services in Iceland, called it a standard procedure around the volcanoes.

“Plume of smoke reached the altitude of the jet, and plans were made for aircraft flying through the Icelandic air space control flying south tonight,” said Hjordis Gudmundsdottir, a spokesman for Isavia.

Grimsvotn last erupted in 2004. Scientists expect the new eruption, and said earlier that the eruption of this volcano is likely to be small and should not lead to chaos in air travel caused in April 2010 by ash from the volcano Eyjafjallajokull.

History shows that the previous eruption in Grimsvotn did not have a big impact on flight traffic, in contrast to the massive disruption caused by last year.

Pall Einarsson, a geophysicist at the University of Iceland, said the eruption in the past year was a rare event.

“Ashes to Eyjafjallajokull was persistent and relentless, and fine,” Einarsson said. “Ashes to Grimsvotn rougher and not as it may cause a danger, as she falls to the ground faster and not stay so long in the air, as in the eruption Eyjafjallajokull”.

The plane of the Icelandic Coast Guard of experts from the University of Iceland will fly over the volcano and assess the situation.

One eyewitness, Bolli Valgardsson, said the train quickly rose several thousand feet (meters) in the air.

Sparsely populated Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world, and eruptions often.

Eruptions often cause local flooding due to melting glaciers, but rarely cause death.

Eyjafjallajokul eruptions in the past year remained about 10 million air passengers stranded around the world after the wind pushed the ash cloud to some of the busiest airspace in the world and resulted in the most northern European countries on the ground all aircraft within five days.

Whether widespread violation happens again will depend on how long the eruption lasts, how high up the ashes and in what direction the wind blows.

In November, the melted glacial ice began pouring from the Grimsvotn, signaling possible eruption. It was a hoax, but scientists have been monitoring the volcano closely until now.

The volcano also erupted in 1998, 1996 and 1993. Eruption lasted from day to several weeks.

may, iceland volcano

may, iceland volcano
Iceland volcanic ash may reach WK This Week:Volcanic eruption, which began on 21 May under the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull, could jeopardize transatlantic air traffic, with ash reaching the UK this week, depending on the weather office in Iceland.

“If the eruption does not abate, the ash may reach the UK this weekend,” Haraldur Eiriksson, a meteorologist with the Meteorological Office of Iceland, said in a telephone interview. ”According to our latest forecast, the cloud is expected to reach northern Norway at noon today.

Eurocontrol, which oversees the flight paths of Europe, said on its website yesterday afternoon that “at present has no influence on the European or transatlantic flights, and the situation is expected to remain so over the next 24 hours.”

Press Secretary of the UK National Air Traffic Services Ltd., said last night that the condition “is very changeable.”

“We are monitoring the situation very closely. We’re not speculating at all,” she said.
Eruptions have led to the closure of the main international airport in Keflavik Iceland, the second such violation within 13 months prior to the traffic island country. Icelandair Group HF (ICEAIR) says on its website it will cancel all European flights today, affecting 6,000 passengers.

The height of the ash was reduced to 10 kilometers (6.3 miles) of 20 km on 21 May, in accordance with Eiriksson. Meteorologists use a new system of weather radars to monitor development.
Eruption in 2010

Eruption at another Icelandic glacier, Eyjafjallajokull, April 14, 2010, European airspace is closed for six days, grounding 100,000 flights in the value of 1,7 billion U.S. dollars, in accordance with the assessment of what the International Air Transport Association. Iceland, with a population of about 320,000, is one of the most volcanically and geologically active countries in the world, and eruptions often.

“We can still see that the plume reaches 30.000 feet, although it is impossible to say whether the particles, which are now spewed out reach that height,” Eiriksson said. ”Zola will mainly affect people in Iceland today.

The eruption began on Saturday around 6:00 pm, about 220 kilometers southeast of Reykjavik. The volcano sent ash into the air, causing delays in some Scandinavian transatlantic flights. Ventilation of the volcano last in 2004. Grimsvotn and Eyjafjallajokull about 150 kilometers from each other.
Predictability Issue

It is impossible to say with certainty when the eruption will come to a complete halt, Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a geologist from the Institute of Earth Sciences from the University of Iceland, said the national broadcaster RUV. Previous eruptions of Grimsvotn usually lasted several days with limited or no effect on international air travel, “he said.

Ash fall is covered with small towns in the south-east cost of Iceland immediately after the eruption of May 21. Last night, a dark cloud of ash reached Reykjavik, prompting city officials to warn people with asthma or other breathing disorders against venturing outside.

Iceland Volcano Eruption 2011

Iceland Volcano Eruption 2011

Icelandic Meteorological Office said the ash and smoke not to Europe. Ash blowing towards Greenland, rather than westward. Grimsvotn is a volcano that lies beneath the glacier Vatnajökull. Grimsvotn last erupted in 2004.

Local officials said the explosion did not affect the same Grimsvotn volcanic eruptions Eyjafjallajokull spring 2010. Eyjafjallajokull caused by the eruption, the Icelandic authorities to close most of the European airspace.

Officials closed the air space in the continent for five days in April 2010, because it was feared the ash could damage a jet engine. As a result of the closure, about 10 million tourists stranded.

Iceland Volcano

Iceland Volcano 2011
Vatnajökull glacier melt water from flowing into the lake on November 1, 2010, this is a sign of mountain would erupt. On May 21, 2011 19:25 UTC, the eruption began, with 12 km of high fur accompanied by several earthquakes. The eruption was coming from a mountain in the Lake Grimsvotn, Iceland. They are located in the highlands of Iceland on the northwest side of the glacier Vatnajökull ice cap and covered by it. Below them is a volcanic magma chamber is called with the same name.
Iceland Volcano Eruption, 2011, Grimsvotn volcano is the largest for 100 years. Harmonic tremor occurred twice around Grimsvotn on December 2 and 3 October 2010, has the potential to show the eruption to come. At that time, the movement of vibration is measured with GPS and shows the movement of magma beneath the mountain. Eruption times are 10 times more powerful as the one in 2004, which lasted for several days. Grimsvotn also exploded in 1998, 1996, and 1993 eruptions that took place between days and several weeks. Each eruption often cause flooding from melting ice glaciers, but rarely cause death.

Iceland Volcano Eruption, 2011, Grimsvotn resulted in major international airport to cancel all domestic flights. Icelandic air traffic disrupted by a lump of ash, smoke and steam 12 miles (20 km) into the air. A source said the ash from the eruption Grimsvotn, more crude fell to the ground faster than floating vast distances.
In 2004 scientists discovered the bacteria in the water under the glacier Grimsvotn lake, the first time that the subglacial lake-living bacteria have been found. The lake does not freeze the total due to volcanic heat. Bacteria can also survive in very low quantity of oxygen. This is a fairly dangerous bacteria.
Scientists are not sure when Grimsvotn eruption will end. Many people who argue and connects these events with Doomsday 2012. Maybe it could be yes and may not, for sure this eruption is a natural phenomenon which we must always beware.

Iceland Volcano 2011 Closes International Airport Once Again

Iceland Volcano Eruption 2011 Closes International Airport Once Again

Iceland's most active volcano once again erupted on Saturday, closing the international airport that was closed for days last year upon the last eruption.

The eruption sent ash 12 miles into the air, closing the Keflavik airport at 4:30am on Sunday, MSNBC reports.

Airport operator ISAVIA said in a statement: "The ash distribution forecast over the next six hours shows that the ash from the volcano will spread over Iceland today, leading to the closure of most Icelandic airports as the day goes on."

An airport spokesperson said that the ash plume was covering Iceland but it didn't seem to be heading east to Europe, which happened last year, but was instead blowing west towards Greenland.

Trans-Atlantic flights were being diverted away from Iceland, but there is no indication that widespread disruptions would occur.

Last year's eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano shut the airspace in 34 countries over fears that ash particles could cause jet engines to stop, the Telegraph reports. It was the largest closure of airports since World War II.

New, Icelandic Volcanic Eruption

New Icelandic Volcanic Eruption Causes Travel Chaos

It now seems that a brand new volcanic eruption has taken place in Iceland. This time it was Grimsvotn that erupted. Although this eruption is no where near as bad as the Eyjafjallajokull volcano that erupted just last year, it was still bad enough to cause a number of travel problems.

The volcano erupted in Iceland and spewed a lot of ash into the sky. In fact, it was enough ash to make it impossible to fly planes in and out of Kaflavík International Airport. The good news, however, is that authorities were able to avoid cancellations and delays for people flying out of the airport. They did this by flying people out early. However, as some may have already guessed, the change in flight times caused travel chaos for some.

The good news is that experts do not expect this volcanic ash to effect countries other than Iceland. In fact, they said that they do not expect the eruption to reach continental Europe. This is at least a breath of fresh air for the travelers who live in Europe.

When people heard that there was another volcanic eruption, pictures from Eyjafjallajokull automatically came to mind. This is because this volcanic eruption was bad enough that it caused a number of airline problems. In fact, most flights in Europe were affected for weeks after the eruption.

Of course, this is not the first time this volcano has erupted, and it won’t be the last. In fact, reports clearly show that Grimsvotn is actually the most frequent erupting volcano in Iceland. The last time that this volcano erupted was just back in 2004.

Ken Jeong, Ken Jeong

Ken Jeong, Ken Jeong

Date of Birth
1969, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

Birth Name
Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong

Mini Biography
Ken Jeong has been blending comedy & medicine all of his life. After graduating from Duke University & attaining his MD at the University of North Carolina, Ken completed his Internal Medicine residency in New Orleans while developing a cult comedy following.

While in New Orleans, Ken won the "Big Easy Laff-off". Late NBC president Brandon Tartikoff and "Improv" founder Budd Friedman judged the competition and advised Ken to move to Los Angeles. Once residing in LA, Ken began performing regularly at the Improv & Laugh Factory. Soon after he appeared on ABC's "The View" (1997) and was named "The Funniest Doctor in America". Subsequent appearances on Comedy Central & BET cemented his reputation as a comic who appeals to a wide variety of audiences.

Ken Jeong, Ken Jeong Talks About His Wife

Ken Jeong, Ken Jeong Talks About His Wife At ‘The Hangover Part II’ Premiere
We saw a lot of Ken Jeong’s charecter in the last Hangover movie, but get ready for round two! Jeong plays the foul-mouthed, flamboyant, gangster in the film named Leslie Chow.

Before he jumped on board with the nude scenes, he knew he need approval from one person first, his wife. Tran Jeong, said of her husbands nude scene “…this will be a feel-good movie because every guy will go home feeling good about themselves”.  While accepting an award at the MTV Movie Awards, Ken made a tearful speech to his wife who recently won a battle with breast cancer.  Thankfully, Tran fully recovered and is now cancer free.

Ken Jeong, Did Ken Jeong rock as the host?

Ken Jeong, Did Ken Jeong rock as the host?

"Community" and "The Hangover" movies star Ken Jeong hosted the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. How do you think he did?

His opening musical number left a little to be desired, comedy-wise, but he did tickle the ol' ivories. We didn't know Leung could play the piano! The interesting things about him just keep on coming, since he also has a medical degree from the University of North Carolina. Crazy.

Jeong's Elvis bit with "Modern Family's" Eric Stonestreet wasn't our favorite hosting moment, but Jeong did have a funny behind-the-scenes glimpse of him running amok in Las Vegas. We liked him swimming in the gondola river and harassing gondola riders at the Venetian.

"The Hangover" cameo from Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis could've been much funnier and not just a segue into Keith Urban's performance. Jeong's Flavor Flav was kind of funny, especially since he kept yelling, "Not racist, not racist!"

Bath Salts, DEA Names "Bath Salts" a Drug of Concern

Bath Salts, DEA Names "Bath Salts" a Drug of Concern

(CBS)  There's a new designer drug that's raising alarm with authorities around the country. It's referred to as "bath salts," but it's really a dangerous stimulant with effects akin to cocaine or meth.

While relatively unheard of just a couple of years ago, its use is on the rise and it's believed to have caused at least four deaths around the country.

So what exactly are these new drugs -- and just how dangerous are they?

CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton explained these substances are not about spas or baths.

Special Section: Dr. Jennifer Ashton
Dr. Jennifer Ashton's Twitter page

She explained, "The name sounds harmless. In reality, they are anything but harmless. These contain a designer or synthetic drug, mephedrone or MDPV. It's an amphetamine. They're marketed as bath salts and you can find them online or in stores under names like Zoom 2 or Aura. Our producer found them very easily in New York City. When she asked for them, she was told, 'Wow, they're flying off the shelves. It's a good thing you're getting these.'"
Hill added, "One of our researchers was told these will get you really high."

But what exactly do they do?

Ashton said, "It's a central nervous system stimulant, so it will increase your blood pressure, increase your heart rate, can cause anything from chest pain, heart attack, stroke. Those are just the physical symptoms. Some psychological (symptoms include) delusions, paranoia, psychosis. They're highly addictive, very dangerous."

Ashton noted these substances have been reported to the Poison Control Centers by 33 states.

"Part of the reason why this has gone undetected and under the radar up until now is because they're relatively new. And if you look it at the numbers in 2009, there were no reported cases to Poison Control Centers in this country. (In 2010,) that number jumped to 236. This year alone, we've ready surpassed that with 248 cases. And remember, that's just what's reported."

Hill asked why there isn't more control on these substances.

Ashton replied, "I guarantee you there will be. In fact the (Drug Enforcement Agency) DEA has already labeled these drugs a drug of concern. And there is legislation occurring right now to make them controlled substances. Again, these things take time. You just see those that time period, two years is 24 months, and for the DEA to start investigate a drug, they first need to hear reported cases, then they need to get their scientific medical communities, as well as legal ducks in a row, if you will, and that takes time. But this is by no mistake a dangerous substance and we probably will be hearing a lot more about it."

Bath salt, Bath salt similar to meth

Bath salt, Bath salt similar to meth

As more teens and young adults begin to use bath salts to get high, some states are banning them. Indiana Poison Control officials believe Indiana should ban them, too.
Bath salts are sold in many different stores, but it’s the salt that comes in a powder form that has doctors concerned. It’s a dangerous new way some people are getting high, but these bath salts aren’t made for the tub.

It’s a powder substance also known as Ivory Wave, Vanilla Sky and Blue Magic and it can be legally purchased in some gas stations and convenience stores.
“The active ingredient is something that is rather similar to methamphetamine, actually is methadrone or another drug called MDVP,” said Indiana Poison Center Medical Director Dr. Brent Furbee.
He said bath salts are the new craze and in even small doses, using it can be fatal.
“In very small doses people usually will tolerate them OK,” Furbee said. “I’m not saying it’s safe to do that, but we will see some people who only get flu like symptoms from a relatively a small dose.”
Last year, 292 cases of bath salts abuse were reported across the country to Poison Control Centers. This year already, 469 have been reported. In Indiana, the numbers also are up. Since January, cases have been reported in 27 Indiana counties, including Montgomery County, to Indiana Poison Control.
“Part of the reason is that in most places it’s still legal to buy it,” Furbee said. “People have died from trying this product and while we do not know all the effects, Bath Salts will drive people to do things they have never attempted before.”
Several states, including North Carolina, are considering banning bath salts.
“Bath Salts have a strong potential to cause big problems,” said Tim Bristol, outreach director for the Montgomery County AHEAD Coalition. “Already this week, parents have written messages on AHEAD’s website complaining that their teenagers have tried Bath Salts before or after school.”

Bath salts, a step away from being illegal in Texas

Bath salts, a step away from being illegal in Texas

SANTA FE, Texas—A local family feels some sense of relief after a bill to ban bath salts has made it all the way to the governor’s desk.
When James Baldwin opened up about the suicide of his son in January, he just wanted to make people aware of the substance.
"If you’re doing the stuff, stop it and if you haven’t done it, don’t," said Baldwin. "That’s all I can say about that bath salts. 　It’s bad. It killed my boy."
His boy was 31- year old Joey Baldwin. He was hooked on what some consider a legal form of cocaine. He started getting paranoid, hallucinating and eventually took his own life.
"I had signs that I didn’t take advantage of," admitted a heartbroken Baldwin. "I didn’t use it at my full potential. I could have made him stop. I don’t know."
The Baldwin’s knew sharing Joey’s story wouldn’t bring him back, but it is making a difference around the state. KHOU 11 News’ original stories on the substance caught the attention of State Representative Garnet Coleman.
"I heard about it through your newscast and it disturbed me," said Coleman.
Representative Coleman introduced a bill that would ban the chemical hallucinogens bath salts. The product is also sold under the names Cloud 9, White Lightning and Ivory Wave.
Coleman’s bill has made it all the way to the Governor’s desk to be signed.
Below is a list of punishments for possession, manufacturing and delivering.
If approved, offenders with less than one gram on them would be charged state jail felony and could earn 180 to two years in prison. Possessing between one and four grams would be a felony and punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Offenders carrying between 4 and 400 grams could get between 5 and 99 years in prison. Someone having more than 400 grams could face imprisonment for life or for a term between 10 and 99 years.

Joseph Brooks, Oscar-Winning Songwriter

Joseph Brooks, Oscar-Winning Songwriter

Joseph Brooks, the Oscar-winning songwriter of 'You Light Up My Life' who was accused of multiple counts of rape, was found dead in New York of an apparent suicide.

According to the Associated Press, the 73-year-old's body was discovered on a couch in his Upper East Side apartment by a friend on Sunday afternoon. Brooks had a plastic laundry bag tied around his head and a towel wrapped around his neck, and a hose attached to a helium tank was connected to the bag. Police reportedly found a suicide note but the contents have not been made public.

In the 1977, Brooks found fame after penning the Debby Boone ballad 'You Light Up My Life' for the film of the same name, which he also wrote, directed and produced. He would go on to win an Academy Award and a Grammy for the song.

In 2009, Brooks reentered the public eye when he was accused of the rape and sexual abuse of 13 women. He allegedly lured them to his New York City apartment under the pretense of a movie audition, drugged them and molested them. He pled not guilty and the case had yet to go to trial.

The Brooks family came under even more scrutiny in 2010 when Brooks' 26-year-old son, Nicholas, was accused of murdering his girlfriend, swimsuit designer Sylvie Cachay, in New York's posh Soho House club and hotel. His trial is pending.