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Dr Pepper to deliver on its free-soda promise
Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is a reality. Beginning Sunday at 12:01 a.m., coupons for a free 20-ounce soda will be available for 24 hours on Dr Pepper's Web site. They'll be honored until Feb. 28.
Verizon staff had unauthorized access to Obama's cell
Verizon Wireless said on Thursday that some employees had gained unauthorized access and viewed a personal cell phone account held by President-elect Barack Obama that is now inactive. An Obama aide said his voice-mail messages and e-mails were not breached in the incident. Verizon said it will soon impose disciplinary action against those who accessed Obama's account improperly.
NYC bridge renamed for Robert F. Kennedy
Several generations of Robert F. Kennedy's family have gathered for a ceremony renaming New York City's Triborough Bridge in honor of the slain senator and U.S. attorney general. The bridge will be the first major public work dedicated to Kennedy in the state he represented from 1965 to 1968. It is a complex of three spans that connect Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens.
Prostitute to wife of former NY gov.: `I'm sorry'
The prostitute at the center of the scandal that brought down former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has apologized to his wife. Ashley Alexandra Dupre tells People magazine she was stricken by the pained expression on Silda Wall Spitzer's face on March 12 as the governor left office. Her message: "I'm sorry for your pain."
James breaks Bryant's record in Cavs win
The Cleveland Cavaliers won their eighth game in a row while LeBron James became the youngest player to score 11,000 career NBA points in a 106-82 win over the New Jersey Nets. Cavs forward James scored 31 points to lead the visiting team and succeed Kobe Bryant.
Obama's Rise Forces Brazil to Look At Racial Divide
Barack Obama's rise to power in the United States has exposed cracks in Brazil's self-image as a racially integrated society. With almost half the population considered black, Brazilians often boast that their country is a more harmonious melting pot than the United States. But analysts say that is only because blacks in Brazil have never posed a threat to the dominance of the white elite in politics and business. Brazil was the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery in 1888 and is home to the largest black population outside of Africa.
SEC Charges NBA's Cuban, Alleges Insider Trades
The Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil insider-trading charges against Mark Cuban, saying the Dallas Mavericks owner dumped his stake in an Internet company just after he heard confidentially that the company was about to issue low-priced shares.
Jury awards $2.5 million to teen beaten by Klan members
A jury awarded $2.5 million in damages to a Kentucky teenager who was severely beaten by members of a Ku Klux Klan group because the Klansmen mistakenly thought he was an illegal Latino immigrant, the Southern Poverty Law Center said. The verdict included $1.5 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages against "Imperial Wizard" Ron Edwards.
President-elect Obama 'to rebuild moral stature'
In his first television interview since the election, President-Elect Obama told CBS he would pull troops out of Iraq, shore up Afghanistan, and close Guantanamo Bay. "I'm going to make sure that we don't torture," he said of the prison camp. Mr Obama also promised to do "whatever it takes" to stabilise the US economy, including rescuing the struggling auto industry and assisting homeowners.
President-elect Obama 'could stop using e-mail'
The US president-elect is likely to give it up, aides told the New York Times, because transparency laws would open his correspondence to public view. In the summer, cameras filmed him checking his BlackBerry while watching one of his daughters playing football. Experts say there is always a risk of digital communication being hacked into. There is also the possibility that the location of a presidential mobile telephone could be tracked.
'SNL' hires two to replace Amy Poehler - One Born In Syracuse
"Saturday Night Live" was left with some big shoes to fill when Amy Poehler departed for her new role of motherhood. As a step in that direction, two fresh recruits, Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins, will be joining the show this week as featured players. Abby Elliott is a second-generation "SNL" cast member whose father, Chris Elliott, was a regular on the show. Michaela Watkins was born in Syracuse, N.Y., and raised in Boston.
Lawsuits Filed Over Alleged Election Night Hate Crimes by Chicago Police
The federal lawsuit claims several officers discharged pepper spray on members of a family celebrating Obama's win outside their home on the city's West Side last week. After some of the family members fled into the home, the armed officers knocked down the door and shouted profanity- laced racial insults before leaving, according to the suit. A separate lawsuit filed last week claims Christina Ballard and Cornelius Voss, who are black, were driving home in Chicago with family members on election night when white officers in unmarked cars drove alongside the vehicle. That lawsuit alleges that after some of the children cheered for Obama through the open car windows, the officers discharged pepper spray and yelled ``white power'' and the N-word.
Attorneys: QB Michael Vick expects return to NFL
Imprisoned NFL quarterback Michael Vick expects to return to pro football, according to his bankruptcy attorneys who laid out a plan to pay creditors based in part on his anticipated earnings. Vick still faces two state felony counts - dogfighting and animal cruelty. Vick would serve a suspended sentence and a year of probation. The assets include four homes in Virginia and Georgia valued at a total of $6 million; an interest in two farms; and an interest in more than 20 businesses, from a horse farm to liquor stores.
SC priest: No communion for Obama supporters
A South Carolina Roman Catholic priest has told his parishioners that they should refrain from receiving Holy Communion if they voted for Barack Obama because the Democratic president-elect supports abortion, and supporting him "constitutes material cooperation with intrinsic evil." The Rev. Jay Scott Newman said in a letter distributed Sunday to parishioners at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenville that they are putting their souls at risk if they take Holy Communion before doing penance for their vote.
Doctors say marrow transplant may have cured AIDS
An American man who suffered from AIDS appears to have been cured of the disease 20 months after receiving a targeted bone marrow transplant normally used to fight leukemia, his doctors said. While researchers - and the doctors themselves - caution that the case might be no more than a fluke, others say it may inspire a greater interest in gene therapy to fight the disease that claims 2 million lives each year. The virus has infected 33 million people worldwide.
Secret Service Releases Code Names
The new First Family has been issued code names by the Secret Service. Barack Obama's is "Renegade," Michelle Obama's is "Renaissance," Malia Obama's is "Radiance," and Sasha Obama's is "Rosebud." Joe and Jill Biden also received code names, though it's tough to top "Renegade" and "Renaissance." Joe Biden's is "Celtic," and Jill Biden's is "Capri."
MSNBC's Olbermann Signs 4 Year Deal
Barack Obama, the presidential candidate Keith Olbermann championed this fall, just won a four-year term. So, too, has Olbermann. MSNBC announced Monday that Olbermann, its headlining prime-time star, has signed on to continue hosting "Countdown" each weeknight at 8 o'clock EST. MSNBC essentially tore up an existing contract Olbermann had, adding a year and a half and more money. His contract is an estimated $7.5 million per year (or $30 million over four years).
NOI Minister Farrakhan says Obama draws a 'oneness of spirit'
After months of silence about Barack Obama, Nation of Islam Leader the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said in an address Sunday that the new president-elect has a God-given capacity to handle any burdens he'll face as the nation's leader. "President-elect Obama has energized all segments of the depressed, downtrodden, rejected and despised," he said in a 90-minute speech at Mosque Maryam on the city's South Side. "Now it is up to us to take the new energy that he has given us ... and channel that energy into making ourselves better." "For nine months, I kept quiet because I saw that the good words that I spoke about this beautiful young man at our Saviours' Day convention and the way they were misused," Farrakhan said of Obama. "I decided it would be better for me to just be quiet rather than be drawn into the controversy that was swirling around his pastor, Father Pfleger, and others."Farrakhan then added with a smile, "I feel freer today to say the things that are in my heart."
Obama Wins Omaha, NE Electoral Vote; Final Tally Looks to be 365-173
The Omaha World-Herald and several other news organizations have called Nebraska's Second Congressional District, which incorporates Omaha and some of its suburbs and exurbs, for President-Elect Barack Obama. This brings Obama's haul from Tuesday evening to 365 electoral votes, a similar total to the 370 that Bill Clinton won en route to his first term in 1992. Obama's victory, however, might have more symbolic power than Clinton's because of the success that he has had in flipping formerly ruby-red territories like Indiana, North Carolina and Omaha, Nebraska over to the blue team.
Feds won't charge Spitzer in prostitution scandal
Federal prosecutors said today that they will not bring criminal charges against Eliot Spitzer for his role in a prostitution scandal, removing a legal cloud that has surrounded the former governor since his epic downfall eight months ago. U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia said investigators found no evidence that Spitzer or his office misused public or campaign funds for prostitution. Federal prosecutors typically do not prosecute clients of prostitution rings.
Ahmadinejad offers congratulations to Obama
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has congratulated Barak Obama on his election win — the first time an Iranian leader has offered such wishes to a U.S. president-elect since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Ahmadinejad sent a message to Obama in which he congratulated the Democrat on "attracting the majority of voters in the election."
Much of the World Applauds Obama
From Kenya to Britain, Indonesia to Korea, Many People See Signs of Hope. "I applaud the American people for their courage and the great morality that they showed," Afghan President Hamid Karzai said. French President Nicolas Sarkozy was even more glowing in a letter to Obama: "In choosing you, the American people have chosen the path of change, openness and optimism. Your election raises immense hope in France, Europe and beyond: the hope of an open America." Nelson Mandela, as qualified as he is complimentary in his comments, gushed, "Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place."
Kenya declares holiday for Obama
Kenya has declared Thursday a public holiday to celebrate the election of Barack Obama to the US presidency. Mr Obama's father was from Kenya and his victory has prompted jubilation across the country. "We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots," President Mwai Kibaki said. Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president, welcomed Mr Obama's victory as a sign of hope for everyone. "Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place," he said in a letter of congratulations.
Delta buys Northwest to create biggest airline
Delta Air Lines swallowed rival Northwest Airlines Inc in a $2.6 billion merger that created the world's biggest airline and prompted new speculation about further industry consolidation. The all-stock transaction, the first domestic airline combination in three years, closed after clearing its biggest and last regulatory hurdle earlier in the day.
Barenaked Ladies' singer gets reduced drug charges in Fayetteville
A drug charge against Barenaked Ladies singer-guitarist Steven Page was significantly reduced by an upstate New York court. The felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor and the 38-year-old musician was given what's called an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. Page had faced up to 5 1/2 years in state prison if he had been convicted of the original charge against him, a felony fourth-degree criminal possession count. Page was arrested in July while visiting girlfriend Christine Benedicto and another woman at their suburban Syracuse apartment.
Former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan
Almost three years after stepping down as chairman of the Federal Reserve, a humbled, 82 yr old, Alan Greenspan admitted that he had put too much faith in the self-correcting power of free markets and had failed to anticipate the self-destructive power of wanton mortgage lending. “Those of us who have looked to the self-interest of lending institutions to protect shareholders’ equity, myself included, are in a state of shocked disbelief,” he told the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Sean "Diddy" Combs Purchases ENYCE Clo. Brand
Sean “Diddy” Combs has conquered yet another piece of the fashion real estate to add to his ever-growing empire. The music mogul has purchased the popular urban clothing line ENYCE from Liz Claiborne Inc, according to reports. “Enyce is a brand that I have always admired, and they have been a very important player in the young men’s sportswear arena for over a decade. I am really excited to bring it into our portfolio of brands that already includes Sean John and Zac Posen,” Diddy said in a release.
Comedian Rudy Ray Moore, aka Dolemite, passed away at the age of 81.
Comedian Rudy Ray Moore, has died after an extended illness at the age of 81. Moore, whose real name was Rudolph Frank Moore, passed away on Sunday in Akron, Ohio from complications of diabetes. The actor/comedian is survived by his daughter and only child, Yvette “Rusty” Wesson, and leaves behind his 98 year-old mother Lucille.
Pardon sought for first black world heavyweight boxing champion
Jack Johnson won the title in 1908 but was later convicted of transporting white women across US state lines for immoral purposes. Johnson served nearly one year in prison for what is now seen as a racially motivated conviction. Congress stated that Johnson's success motivated other black athletes. The congressional resolution urges President George W Bush to grant Johnson a pardon.
Denzel, Shaq as kids are new faces of Boys Club
Denzel Washington, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Martin Sheen, Wesley Clark and Shaquille O'Neal, who attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as children, have lent their childhood photos to the organization for a national advertising campaign. Washington unveiled the "BE GREAT" campaign Wednesday, asking people to volunteer to help at their local clubs. "What's going on with children doesn't worry me. What's going on with adults worries me. If we are not more committed to these young people ... they will go as far as we take them, so the onus is on us, not on the children," Washington told reporters.
Library of Congress to honor Stevie Wonder
Self-taught on piano, harmonica and other instruments, Steveland Morris,58, was just 12 when he first wowed national TV audiences on shows like Dick Clark's "American Bandstand." He was "Little Stevie Wonder" back then, a name he says someone at Motown Records - he can't remember exactly who - came up with. Librarian of Congress James Billington, who announced the prize Tuesday, noted that the prize honors an artist whose work transcends musical styles to bring diverse listeners together and foster mutual understanding. It recognizes a musician's lifetime of work.
Fla. guns at work law upheld by federal judge
Employees with concealed weapons permits can keep guns locked in their cars at work in Florida, but businesses are allowed to prohibit customers from bringing firearms on their property. The law exempts other places including schools, nuclear power plants and some government installations.
Report: Repairing U.S. bridges would cost $140 billion
It would cost at least $140 billion to repair all the nation's bridges if work began immediately, a nationwide safety organization said in a comprehensive report. "States simply cannot keep up with bridge maintenance," the report warns, adding that 73 percent of U.S. road traffic -- and 90 percent of truck traffic -- travels over state-owned bridges. Nearly one in four bridges needs repairs, and the average age of America's bridges is 43 years -- seven years shy of the maximum age for which most are designed, according to the report, titled "Bridging the Gap." One in five U.S. bridges is more than 50 years old, the report says.
Tavis Can't Take It and leaves Tom Joyner's Show
Tom Joyner announced Tavis Smiley will end he's twice a week commentary on the popular syndicated morning show. ‘We all know that isn’t the real reason he’s leaving the show,’ Joyner writes in the open letter, ‘The real reason is that he can’t take the hate he’s been getting regarding the Barack issue — hate from the black people that he loves so much. He needed to feel the love. We all do, whether it’s from our radio audience or from people we know personally. He wasn’t feeling any love, so he quit.’
Black buying power to reach $1.1 trillion by 2012
A new report from Packaged Facts, “The African American Market in the U.S.,” forecasts that the buying power of 39 million Blacks will hit $1.1 trillion by 2012. According to the report, there are 2.4 million affluent Black households with incomes of $75,000 or more. This group accounts for 17 percent of all Black households, but 45 percent of total Black buying power.
Phone cable to link China and US
Work has begun on the first undersea telecommunications cable linking the US with China. The fibre-optic cable is designed to meet booming internet traffic between the regions, with 60 times more capacity than existing cables. Verizon has previously said that the cable will extend more than 18,000 kilometres and will cost the consortium about $500m.
Life expectancy of Americans hits 78
The life expectancy for Americans is nearly 78 years, the longest in U.S. history, according to new government figures from 2005 released Thursday. That age, based on the latest data available, was still lower than the life span in more than three dozen other countries.
A handful of almonds can help keep your heart healthy
New research on almonds has found that the dry fruits are especially good for the heart, for not only do they happen to be high in several types of antioxidants, but may also improve blood sugar levels as well as play an important role in a cholesterol lowering eating plan. The researchers found that a one ounce serving of almonds or about a handful, for instance, contains the same amount of antioxidants as a serving of cooked broccoli or a serving of brewed green or black tea.
Web sites not liable for posts by others
Web sites that publish inflammatory information written by other parties cannot be sued for libel. The ruling in favor of free online expression was a victory for a San Diego woman who was sued by two doctors for posting an allegedly libelous e-mail on two Web sites. Unless Congress revises the existing law, people who claim they were defamed in an Internet posting can only seek damages from the original source of the statement, the court ruled.
Tourists warned on Fla. deadly force law
Florida's "stand your ground" law removes a duty on the part of citizens to retreat in the face of an attack as long as they are in a place they have a legal right to be, including a public street or their place of business. It also gives immunity from criminal or civil charges to a shooter as long as the person shot is not a police officer.
