(Image Source: Jalopnik)

BY LUKE LEONARD

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

At $7 million a minute, ad makers battled it out for audience appraisal during Sunday night’s Super Bowl. So which ads captivated audiences and which ones fell through?

From H&M’s “sex sells” approach featuring David Beckham to Doritos’ comedic crunches, social media sites saw record-breaking comments, likes, and tweets about the ads. (Youtube)

ABC News reports Bluefin Labs tracked more than 109,000 social media comments about H&M’s sexy ad. Among others, Doritos’ “Man’s Best Friend” spot was the most positively commented ad on Twitter.

Doritos held its annual contest for filmmakers to submit their own Doritos commercials. Jonathan Friedman, the winner, spent a mere $20 on production for this submission, but netted a cool $1 million in the end. (YouTube)

Analysts saw a trend amongst advertising agencies involved in production for the Super Bowl. Fox News spoke to the chief innovation officer for Boston based advertising agency Mullen, who said ...

“... just about every brand built interactive elements into their commercials, knowing that the true measurement of success these days is immediate consumer reaction and long-term consumer engagement ...”

After Volkswagen’s 2011 commercial featuring a pint-sized Darth Vader won over viewers last year, they chose to bring back the motif in their newest ad starring an exercising dog. A writer for Forbes critiques the use of canines -- which were featured in several of this year’s spots ...

“You would think that the utilization of pets – and dogs specifically – would eventually be overplayed. And yet there is something about the emotional connection that so many of us have with pets that help advertisers tug at our funny bone and heart every year.”

The Guardian analyzes -- saying agencies tend to be more family-friendly and less forceful with Superbowl ads than during the majority of the year.

And looking at which ads didn’t fly -- like the demographic-defined approach taken by Kia and GoDaddy. (Youtube)

“Want to live your fantasies of nubile women, badass rock and giant sandwiches? Kia and GoDaddy have got your back. Their ads felt like some kind of grumpy heterosexual antidote to the camp spectacular of the half-time show.”

And a poll from The Huffington Post leaves GoDaddy’s commercial rated the worst ad of the night by readers. The accompanying article explains...

“ ... the gravest sin of some of the least popular ads in 2012 was not that they were particularly offensive but that they were particularly unoriginal.”


Prior to the game airing, Google reported pre-released Super Bowl preview ads were viewed more than 30 million times on YouTube.
 

(Image Source: The Insider)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Gisele Bundchen proved herself a supportive football wife last week when an e-mail she sent to friends was leaked -- in the e-mail, she asked them to pray for hubby Tom Brady’s success at Sunday’s Superbowl. But, the Patriots lost -- and she lost it.

The Insider has footage of Bundchen right after the game. Fans are heckling her -- one yells, “Eli owns your husband!”

BUNDCHEN: “He didn’t catch the ball when he was supposed to catch the ball. My husband can not f***ing throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time.”

With the headline, “Gisele Rips Pats Receivers,” WTVJ writes ...

“Gisele Bundchen didn’t wait long to start the blame game.”

A writer for MidWestSportsFans calls the comment “dumb,” saying Bundchen should know that -- as a celebrity, she’s always being watched ...

“And she also must understand how important the concept of TEAM is to the Patriots ... To throw Brady’s receivers under the bus like that undermines the win-as-a-team-lose-as-a-team mantra Brady himself espouses constantly.”

But The Province says Bundchen was just saying what was on all Patriots’ fans minds.

“...saying what a lot of non-supermodels not married to Super Bowl-losing quarterbacks were also thinking. … she wasn’t saying anything the team didn’t know.”

And TMZ reports there’s already backlash from the team.

“Tom’s teammates feel betrayed by Gisele’s behavior … Gisele’s pot shot violated the [team’s] code -- which is basically ... win as a team, lose as a team. As one source put it, ‘It’s like knocking someone when they are down.’”
 

(Image Source: The Indianapolis Star)

(Image Source: KIRO-TV)

BY STACEY WELSH

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

News sources are reporting that Josh Powell killed himself and his two young sons at their Washington home Sunday. He was a person of interest in his wife Susan’s disappearance. A detective tells KOMO-TV the boys died in an explosion after a social worker brought them to their father’s house for a supervised visit.  

“DETECTIVE: He grabbed the kids, locked her out of the house and immediately the house went up in flames, very quickly, very big. So, we believe that Josh Powell intentionally set this fire.”

This comes after Powell lost a custody battle to the boys’ grandparents. CBS reports...

“...a Washington judge denied Powell custody of his two sons and ordered him to undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation after child pornography was found on his father's computer.”

Reports indicate Powell took his sons on a camping trip when his wife disappeared in 2009. A lawyer for Susan Powell’s parents told the Associated Press the boys saw their mother in the trunk of the car. They said their mother disappeared on that camping trip.

Despite this, the Los Angeles Times reports Powell returned to court...

“...in a bid to regain custody. ‘I have proven myself as a fit and loving father who provides a stable home even in the face of great adversity,’ he wrote in an affidavit.”

The house caught fire at about 12:30 in the afternoon. CNN cites shortly before that Powell...

“...apparently sent a three-word e-mail to his attorney. It said simply: ‘I’m sorry. Goodbye.”

Authorities were reportedly working to connect Powell with his wife's disappearance at the time of his death. KUTV spoke with the Pierce County Sheriff who refuses to call the incident a ‘tragedy’ because of the possible premeditation.

“...that distances us from it, that sanitizes it, that seems to make it less than it is ... Let’s call it a horrible murder because that’s exactly what we have here.”

Dozens of community members gathered at the boys’ elementary school for a candlelight vigil Sunday night.   

(Image Source: That Grape Juice)

 

BY CODY LAGROW

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Trips, middle finger slips and just moving the lips -- all three were part of Madonna’s Super Bowl halftime show. Metro gives us a peek.

“Madonna had a ‘choreography malfunction,’ falling off stage during dance a routine.”

LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. and Cee Lo Green joined Madonna on stage. The New York Times praises the halftime spectacle, saying...

“Madonna went all out ... a queen on her throne, a homecoming queen strutting in the bleachers, a church singer fronting a choir.”

Not everyone in Hollywood vogued along with Madge. Yahoo! News says some celebrities wanted more.

“Sharon Osbourne tweeted, ‘Madonna is back! She’s the queen. Just sensational!’ Piers Morgan responded to Mrs. O saying, ‘Queen of what? Lip-synching?’”

And People Magazine says British rapper M.I.A. stole the show from Madonna by flipping the bird to network cameras.

“The Queen of Pop was upstaged by her collaborator M.I.A. who flipped off the camera at one point during the performance. … There were no reports of fines … as of Monday morning."

Both NBC and the NFL released statements apologizing for M.I.A.’s mistake. Rolling Stone explains.

The NFL pointed the finger directly at NBC saying, “There was a failure in NBC’s delay system. The obscene gesture in the performance was completely inappropriate, very disappointing, and we apologize to our fans.”
 

NBC fired back, “The NFL hired the talent and produced the halftime show. Our system was late to obscure the inappropriate gesture and we apologize to our viewers.”

M.I.A. did not comment on her middle finger malfunction—but a source close to the singer tells the Daily Mail why it happened.

“She wasn’t thinking. … She was struck with a case of adrenaline. It wasn’t any kind of statement.”

Madonna sang her new single “Give Me All Your Luvin’” from her upcoming album “MDNA” as part of the show. It’s her twelfth studio album.


 

(Image source: Samsung)

BY EVAN THOMAS

Samsung took another -- rather protracted -- poke at Apple on Super Bowl Sunday with an advertisement touting the Galaxy Note.

This spot was a little different than Samsung’s previous ads.

The Verge says Samsung should be commended for cramming a musical into 90 seconds, but in doing so it might have missed the point, saying...

“...the ad ultimately spends more time on its Glee-esque theatrics than it does explaining to the viewer exactly what the Galaxy Note is.”

The Galaxy Note is a 5.3-inch monster of a phone, so tablet-like that Samsung even included a stylus. CNET says the ad makes a selling point of the pen -- and the response is surprising.

“Just one look at the Galaxy Note--yes! it has a pen! what a magical revolution!--and they break ranks and utterly lose their mentalities.”

Market tracking showed Samsung spiking past Apple for consumer awareness at the start of the “fanboy” ad campaign back in December. That’s since tapered off. Business Insider explains.

“Interest peaks for Samsung when a new ad is released, but it hasn't improved since the launch of Samsung's first ad in this series. That's a problem for Samsung because a huge chunk of its advertising is based entirely on bashing Apple...”

And Apple-bashing will only get one so far, says Betanews.

“The commercial is fun, but the last laugh belongs not to the funnier marketer but to the one taking the most money to the bank. That's Apple, baby.”

Speaking of banks, Business Insider says Samsung’s 90-second ad, which ran during the fourth quarter of the Superbowl, might have cost as much as $10.5 million.

(Image source: Flickr/mkumm)

BY EMILY SPAIN

You're watching multisource business and U.S. news analysis from Newsy. 

Once filing for bankruptcy, now projecting record profits. The tide at General Motors might be turning in the company’s favor. Three years after a government bailout, the company reports it is targeting a $10 billion annual profit.

GM’s chief financial officer told the Wall Street Journal the company would increase its profit margins from six to 10 percent in order to reach the profit goal.

An analyst on CNN Money has faith that GM is on its way up.

“GM is really on its way, it’s moving forward. It reports earnings next week and the expectation is that it will say that it earned $8 billion in profit for all of 2011. Gosh, once upon a time that was almost unthinkable.”

But a writer for 24/7 Wall St. says GM’s profit target is unrealistic... and tears apart GM’s argument that it can rely on China - the world’s largest car market - to help make its profit goals.

“That plan has two barriers. The first is that the growth of the market for cars and light vehicles in the People’s Republic has slowed. The other is … GM no longer just competes with other foreign car companies in China. Local firms want to take market share from GM … ”

Fox Business reports American taxpayers still own one-third of General Motors, because the company has paid back just $24 billion of the $51 billion bailout. Stuart Varney on Fox notes GM’s progress, but also reminds us where the company’s coming from.  

VARNEY: “So, is General Motors back? You can say that it is profitable, it is stable and it has got good profit margins, but it is still very much in the hole to the taxpayer.”

Street Insider reports the company is expected to announce its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011 results on February 16.

Transcript by Newsy.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

In a new book, a woman who is now a 69-year-old grandmother and retired church administrator claims to have had an affair with President John F. Kennedy -- when she was only 19 years old. 

Mimi Alford’s book is called “Once Upon a Secret: My Affair with President John F. Kennedy and Its Aftermath.”

Alford says she lost her virginity to President Kennedy when she was a White House Intern. The Herald Sun reports she met Kennedy in 1962, when the President was 45 years old.

“Alford was invited by Dave Powers, the president's ‘first friend’, to a White House party. She claims her affair with Kennedy began when the president invited her for a personal tour and then took her to ‘Mrs. Kennedy's room’. … ‘I was in shock,’ she writes of her post coital thoughts. ‘He, on the other hand, was matter-of-fact …’”

Alford says JFK never kissed her. But for more than a year -- after her internship ended and she’d gone to college -- he called her to meet him in hotels and even flew her to the White House. The Daily Mail has some of the more salacious stories.

“ … he 'forced' her to sniff amyl nitrate, commonly known as poppers, during a Hollywood party at Bing Crosby's desert ranch. … She also tells of how JFK asked her to 'take care' of his friends … ' … This was a challenge to give Dave Powers oral sex. I don’t think the president thought I’d do it, but I’m ashamed to say that I did... The president silently watched,' she said.”

Alford also says Kennedy asked her on a later date to ‘take care’ of his brother, Ted, but she refused. Sex aside, JFK also confided in her.

“ … Kennedy … even asked her to console him following the death of his baby son, Patrick … At the height of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis … Kennedy [told her]: ‘I’d rather my children were red than dead.’”

The story ends with JFK’s assassination. The two met for a last rendezvous in Manhattan in November 1963, just a week before he was assassinated in Dallas. Alford was set to marry her college sweetheart. The New York Post has an excerpt.

“‘He took me in his arms … and said, ‘I wish you were coming with me to Texas. … I’ll call you when I get back.’ I was overcome with sudden sadness. ‘Remember, Mr. President, I’m getting married.’ ‘I know that,’ he said, and shrugged. ‘But I’ll call you anyway.’ ”

Alford’s identity was first revealed in 2003 when another book blew the 40-year secret. She says she never met the First Lady during the entire affair.

(Image source: ZDNet)

BY EVAN THOMAS

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

Are you watching this video on your phone? There’s a better-than-average chance, according to new market research. For the first time ever, smartphones are selling better than computers.

Market tracker Canalys reports growth in the mobile market has outstripped the appetite for computers. Vendors shipped more than 480 million smartphones last year, 73 million more than PCs.

And this was even after giving the PC market a 63-million-unit edge. Business Insider says the iPad and devices like it counted as full computers.

“Unlike some other research firms, Canalys counts tablets as PCs. If you took tablets out of the mix, only 93.7 million personal computers were sold.”

Forbes says the trend means our interaction with the Internet is changing.

“It’s yet another important step on the road from isolated, search-oriented computing to a more social, mobile, and inter-connected web.”

But according to CNET, how far we get down that road depends on smartphone manufacturers.

“...Canalys warns that the global smartphone party may not continue apace in 2012, with more makers looking to move into selling more higher-end and profitable phones rather than focusing on volume and conquering the lower end of the market.”

And, as PCWorld points out, the traditional computer isn’t going anywhere for a while, no matter how powerful our smartphones get.

“Would today's smartphone make a suitable replacement for your laptop or desktop? Probably not. If you work in an office, for instance, and spend most your day buried in spreadsheets, documents, and presentations -- the phone-as-PC concept doesn't cut it.”

Maybe tablets will fill that role. Canalys reports that market saw 274 percent growth over last year.

(Image Source: HLN)

BY HARUMENDHAH HELMY

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

This is Newsy Now, and here are your latest headlines.
 

In world news, Greece might have missed yet another deadline to reach a deal with its international lenders today. But a spokesperson denies the government even had a deadline. The Greek debt talks are at an impasse as lawmakers could not agree on the required austerity measures. CNBC explains what’s at stake.
 

Michelle Caruso-Cabrera: “This is a country that needs to borrow every single day, in order to function.”
Becky Quick: “How much?”
Caruso-Cabrera: “Half a billion a week, they need, just to keep running...”
 

Still in world news, Syrian troops launched fresh attacks at the city of Homs on Monday. The AP says they struck a makeshift medical clinic and residential areas. This, after Russia and China vetoed a United Nations resolution that would back the removal of President Bashar al-Assad from power. Sky News reports from near the beleaguered city.
 

“There’s no idea on how many people have been hurt. We know it’s a lot — the estimates vary, but there’s currently 75 to 100 confirmed.”
 

In U.S. news, a new poll shows President Barack Obama leading GOP front runner Mitt Romney in a hypothetical general election. The ABC News/Washington Post poll sees Obama with 51 percent of the votes, and Romney trailing with 45 percent. But ABC News reports - other poll numbers show, when it comes to the economy, Romney leads.
 

“And Mitt Romney, even though he trails Obama, is trusted more to handle the economy by a narrow margin, 48 to 45. And when it comes to trusting to create jobs, same thing, 47%, 45%. Romney with a slight edge.”
 

In entertainment news, NBC is apologizing for rapper M.I.A.’s middle-finger salute at the Super Bowl halftime show Sunday night. The rapper performed alongside Madonna and Nicki Minaj.
 

The network says its delay system didn’t catch M.I.A.’s flip-off until it was too late. HLN says – you gotta feel bad for Madonna.
 

“She had been rehearsing for months leading up to this. And now, all we’re talking about, instead of an amazing performance, was M.I.A giving the middle finger to the camera and in my opinion, a terrible move for M.I.A.”

Stay with Newsy for more news analyses throughout the day.
For Newsy Now, I’m Nathan Byrne, highlighting the top headlines, making you smarter, faster.

(Image source: Mobiledia)

BY BRICE SANDER

Social media addiction is real. Well, so say researchers from The University of Chicago.
They gave 205 people – ages 18 to 25 – BlackBerrys and prompted them seven times a day for a week, asking if they were feeling any urges.  

Researchers recorded more than 7,000 “desire episodes,” reporting the need to log onto social media sites like Facebook and Twitter topped the desire for sex, sleep, alcohol and cigarettes. (YouTube/Revision3)

Mobiledia tries to explain the serge in the urge to log on.

“Users find it easier to justify glancing at a Facebook page than having a drink at 2 p.m. …The stigma, as well as the dangers, surrounding alcohol and tobacco don't exist with social media, so users are able to rationalize their actions as harmless.”

A writer for The Atlantic Wire says it makes sense, but it’s a sad fact to face.

“Less fun and more addictive ... a sad combination. Not that we don't enjoy some Twitter time, but it's fun as a work distraction, not as a Saturday night activity … Basically, if drinking had zero consequences (i.e., hangovers) we'd booze all day long.”

When word of the study hit the web, the guys at The Hour put together a tongue-in-cheek self-help video, “Five Steps to Beating Social Media Addiction.”

“Recognizing that true friends never address you by your screen name.”
“Hey – great blog post last night, FuzzyPants24!”

Forbes joins The Hour in poking fun at the study’s findings.  

“There’s also the argument to be made that social media is just as harmful, forcing someone to recede from the world ... But it’s a little easier to make the harm argument with cigarettes.”

A Gawker blogger agrees, but raises some follow-up questions he’d like answered.

“ … it's hard to imagine a ‘rock bottom’ for checking one's phone too frequently … If anything, the study is something worth thinking about … What are the long-term effects of this dependence? How does the constant impulse to check our phones affect our attention spans? And why do I care how many Twitter followers I have?”
 

(Image Source: KSDK)

BY HANK KOEBLER

ANCHOR BRICE SANDER

Bill Parcells won 172 games as an NFL head coach, but will the man nicknamed “Big Tuna” win the waiting game?

Parcells was a finalist for this year’s Hall of Fame class, but the selection committee did not choose him as part of the six-member Class of 2012. Newsday’s Bob Glauber, a member of the selection committee, was shocked.

“The guy has the credentials. I just don’t see where the question is there. Maybe there’s some competition from other positions here but that guy has been a history-making coach in this league.” (ESPN)

But Miami Dolphins fan blog, Phinphanatic published an article titled “Bill Parcells is Not a Hall of Fame Coach,” saying Parcells’ shortcomings as an executive are why he’s sitting on the sidelines. The blogger wrote...

“Parcells is the man I still blame for the mess that is the Miami Dolphins. His self-serving ego was paramount to adding failure to an already floundering franchise. [He]... did nothing in revitalizing the team that he was tasked with building ... he walked away from the job before it was completed.”

Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News wrote Parcells is more than worthy of enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. Lupica says...

“He should have made the Hall of Fame Saturday, because he took over four bad teams in his life and turned them all into winners and took two of them to Super Bowls and nearly did it with the other two. You tell me who else can say all that?”

Sports Illustrated’s Jim Trotter, another member of the selection committee, explains that even with Parcells’ accomplishments, voters weren’t sold.

“There were some concerns about how he left certain franchises. There were concerns among some about the fact that he was at one job while negotiating for another job.”

(Image Source: Flickr.com)

BY LEAH BECERRA

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Holy copyright infringement, Batman! Mark Towle, owner of Gotham Garage -- made custom Batmobiles for a living. But a judge just ruled that’s copyright infringement. Digital Trends explains.

“Towles had originally attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that the Copyright Act doesn’t protect ‘useful articles’ like a car and its design, but … according to the judge, the ‘useful articles’ exception doesn’t apply when there are so many elements of the car that serve no practical, well… use.”

This ruling could affect more than Towle -- he’s one of many who have made Batmobile look-a-likes.

Gizmodo shows one built in 2011 -- the only Batmobile that is actually propelled by a turbine.
 
The Hollywood Reporter was explains how the ruling went down.

“DC … accused Towles of violating its copyright and trademark and confusing the public into thinking that his cars were authorized products. Trademark is one thing, but can an automobile design really be copyrighted?”

The answer is, “yes,” according to the judge. But as Wired points out -- it’s not over till the fat Penguin sings.

“The opinion does not necessarily mean DC Comics wins its lawsuit that also alleged trademark infringement. However, the judge’s ruling doesn’t provide much hope for Towles, who can settle with DC Comics or defend himself at a copyright infringement trial.”

But Forbes argues that DC could have benefitted from Towle's business.

“...wouldn’t you think the occasional custom Batmobile would be just about the best sort of free advertising DC Comics could hope for? It’s not like they’re building cars.”

(Image source: Granma International)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

Former Cuban president Fidel Castro made a rare public appearance this weekend to promote a new book on his life. Here’s HLN.

“A Cuban newspaper says he just released a memoir that covers his life before he took power. He says he wanted to have it done before his memories fade away. Castro is 85 years old.”

The book is called A Guerrilla of Time, and follows Castro’s life from his childhood to the eve of Cuba’s revolution. Its two volumes total nearly 1,000 pages, and are written as a dialogue between Castro and a journalist.

RT writes -- this is the first time Castro has been seen in public for nearly 10 months.

“The world has not seen him since the closing session of the Communist Party Congress in April last year. Yet he was present throughout the launch of the book, which reportedly lasted over six hours.”

State media were quick to mention how lively Castro looked, and report he told jokes and conversed with the crowd. But a reporter tells the BBC it was a tightly-controlled event.

“You say this was a public appearance, but it was an appearance before an invited audience, and only in front of the state media here. The video that was released to state television was mute, there’s no sound on it.”

The memoir isn’t publicly available yet, and there’s no word on what’s inside. But a writer for The Inquisitr says, you can expect it to paint the Communist Party and Castro himself in as flattering a light as possible.

“Leave it to Cuban leader Fidel Castro to spend much of the only public time he’s had recently involved in obvious self promotion.”

Castro handed the presidency off to his brother Raul in 2008, and stepped down as head of the party in 2011.

(Image source: Ace Showbiz)

BY BRICE SANDER

Demi Moore has reportedly entered rehab -- after being rushed to the hospital on a reported drug overdose last month. Here’s NBC’s Today.  

“The actress is being treated at the Cirque Lodge in Sundance, Utah for an eating disorder and addiction issues. The super posh rehab center is known for it’s one-on-one approach to addiction treatment.”

E! News was the first to break the story, claiming Moore consulted with a spiritual healer and psychic before seeking treatment.

“A rehab insider says -- quote -- ‘She is on total lockdown and only talking to a small group of people’ … Cirque Lodge is the same facility where Lindsay Lohan, Eva Mendes and Mary Kate Olsen reportedly went for help.”

Celebrity Health and Fitness takes us inside the upscale facility.

“The Cirque Lodge addiction treatment center looks more like a ski lodge than a hospital, and therapy there can cost north of $1,500 a day … The lodge specializes in alcohol and substance abuse treatment. It also provides services for ‘co-occurring mental health concerns...’”

After reports surfaced that Moore’s exes Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher were taking care of her in her Hollywood home, Jezebel questions how the media could have missed Moore’s move to Utah.

“... it seems like with a little bit less speculation about Moore's rumored Red Bull addiction and a little more relentless stalking we would have known that she'd gone to rehab and could have then made the appropriate arrangements to organize a vigil outside the Cirque Lodge's gates.”

No matter how she got there, an Us Weekly source says this move was needed for Moore to get better.

“Friends are relieved the actress is seeking treatment -- more than 20 years after she first went to rehab in 1985. ‘She knows she's in a bad place and needs help,’ a source explains. ‘Rehab is the only thing she can do right now. She needed something serious to get her back on track.’”

Moore is expected to stay in treatment for at least 30 days.

(Image Source: Rebecca Pollard)

BY LEAH BECERRA

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

Oklahoma State Representative William Fourkiller wants to tax violent video games in his state. Web Pro News lays out the details.

“... if voted in, [the bill] would levy a 1% tax on games rated ‘teen’, ‘mature’ or ‘adult only’. The funds raised would go towards making kids less fat and less violent.”

That Web Pro bit might seem sarcastic -- but it’s explaining that money from the tax would go toward obesity and bullying programs. KFOR spoke with Fourkiller, who says he proposed the bill after seeing bullying and obesity during his 12 years as a public school teacher.

FOURKILLER: “Not everybody is going to react the same, but I believe after hours and hours of watching the screen, playing the video game, being that person and taking on that role, people get desensitized.”

But while Fourkiller wants to target violent games, 1Up.com points out -- ESRB ratings are not always an accurate depiction of violence.

“This is problematic in that a Teen rating especially is not reflective of the level of violence in a game. Guitar Hero World Tour was rated Teen, as was The Sims 3, though would anyone consider either of those to be violent videogames?”

And while fighting bullying and obesity might be good causes, does the bill address the issues logically? TIME reports ...

“Worse, in a sense, is that the Oklahoma bill singles out video games and ignores other forms of entertainment, from television to movies and books to music. The evidence any of those mediums elicit meaningfully negative behavior in consumers is equally dubious ...”

The bill is not the first of its kind, which is why Wired reports it isn’t likely to be passed.

“The Supreme Court ruled in June that California could not declare … games obscene to exempt them from First Amendment protection. For the same and other reasons, Fourkiller’s measure … isn’t likely to pass constitutional muster even if it becomes law.”

(Image Source: NASA)

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Queen Elizabeth II is nearing 60 years on the throne. The anniversary will be celebrated with a weekend of events called the Diamond Jubilee -- and planned gifts for the Queen include a £60 million yacht. The Guardian reports on Education Secretary Michael Gove’s idea.

"Michael Gove has brushed aside Britain's economic problems to propose the public donate a new royal yacht to the Queen as a mark of respect ... Gove at one point comes close to suggesting that Britain's dire economic climate means that a large-scale celebration is required to shift the country's spirits."

In a time of cutbacks and bailouts, Prime Minister Nick Clegg believes the £60 million gift -- that’s a little over $25 million -- is unrealistic. Sky News has words from Clegg.

"I suspect most people in the country would think that given that there is very little money around, that this probably isn't, wouldn't be at the top of their list of priorities of the use of scare, scarce, scarce resources."

Clegg shut down public funding of the yacht, so Gove says the gift should now be privately funded. Still the campaign may be rocky, according to the Telegraph’s Ed West.

“I have to say that in these times of financial austerity and belt-tightening, I would have imagined that a campaign to buy one of the world’s richest women a new pleasure boat would be a charity that might struggle.”

Queen Elizabeth may enjoy a new royal yacht, but Times Higher Education reports the National Union of Students proposed alternative spending for the £60 million.

“£9,000 university tuition fees for 6,500 students for one year; providing 45,000 students with the scrapped Education Maintenance Allowance for a year ... £1,000 bursary element of the National Scholarship Programme by two years for 30,000 students.”

But the BBC reports private funding for the gift may be successful. The network spoke with the business secretary for the Shadow Cabinet -- the leadership of the Labor party.

“The idea of the private sector essentially contributing to this gift for her majesty and the country I suppose, and I”m sure there would be many people in the country who may consider to donating to such a fund.”

And an interview with England’s First Secretary of State puts the Queen’s last 60 years in perspective.

“I think people will want to reflect on that as well and they will do that in many weird, wonderful, and wise ways.”

The Diamond Jubillee weekend will take place in June, before the start of the London Olympics.

(Image Source: GigaOM)

BY MADISON MACK

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

Thinking about investing in Facebook? You may want to reconsider. The company has filed its IPO, but …

It will still be a few months before Facebook stock hits the open market. And so far, many in the media don’t like what they see. CNET reports.

“ … how much growth potential is there in a company that already has 845 million users, per its filing? I don't doubt the company will be successful for a long time, but I suspect the days of hockey-stick growth are over. A wise man tells me often that you only make money by not doing what everyone else is doing. Even if I could invest in Facebook, something tells me it would only disappoint.”

According to Facebook’s SEC filings, 85 percent of the company’s revenue comes from ad sales. On WebProNews, an analyst points out – some of those numbers are troubling investors.

“They have 845 million average monthly average users. Of that, 450 million are mobile users. The thing is – right now they don’t have any revenue from their mobile base and that base is increasing.”

A former social media CEO explains to Al Jazeera – when start-ups go public – it is the end of true innovative risk-taking.

“When you’re private you can get away with anything, you can build your business, you can make radical shifts. Mark has been adamant about making radical shifts and iterating and improving Facebook. I think once they’re public…” (FLASH :48-51) “If your stock dips at any point you may get burned and start taking fewer risks.”

But CNBC’s Jim Cramer sees a lot of potential in Facebook stock, noting the company has big momentum right now.

“Facebook at the right price could be the deal of the century. Now when I mention that, think of Google at the right price.”

Still thinking about investing? Gizmodo explains, IPOs are not a democratic process and there’s a long, long line ahead of you.

“…in a big IPO, institutional investors typically nab up to 90% of shares before Joe Investor can get involved. And chances are, there are plenty of Joe Investors with bigger wallets and better ins than you and I have. Shares will be available eventually, of course. Just as soon as the stock's risen enough that the big dogs feel comfortable cashing out.”

(Image Source: Bikya Masr) 

BY ALYSSA CARTEE AND KYLIE MCGIVERN

43 non-government organization workers will face trial in Egypt, including 19 American workers, one of which is Sam LaHood -- the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Al-Ahran explains the investigation.

“... [they] are accused of influencing political groups in Egypt by offering funding through their NGOs and will be prosecuted as a result of the ministry of justice investigation.”

But many are saying the investigation is more about making a statement, than actual wrongdoing. Egyptian activists describe the crackdown as a step backward - to the Mubarak-era mentality -- rather than a move forward. A government minister who serves under Mubarak is spearheading the investigation.

The Telegraph has more...

“Human rights activists fear the raids are revenge for their links to secular pro-democracy movements in Egypt...They complain that the breach of the law cited – illegal foreign funding – is not used against suspected support for religious groups from wealthy Gulf countries.”

Several of the American NGO offices were raided in late December. An analyst told Fox Business Network the workers have been worried ever since.

“The American NGOs, the people who are not working for the government, but who are doing good deeds in Egypt … a lot of them have gone into the American embassy in Cairo because they’re afraid of what might happen to them.”

Some feel the actions have greater implications - and that this is about more than investigating a legal funding issue. BBC reports.

“... Cairo's action has widely been seen as an attack on free speech and an attempt by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces' (SCAF) to silence critics of its attempt to put down ongoing street protests.”

But CNN reports, Cairo’s attempts to silence has Congress members speaking out.

“Egypt's investigation of and raids on U.S. democracy support groups working in that country could mean the end of U.S. aid to Egypt, members of Congress told top Obama administration officials, as well as the head of Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, last week.”

The two countries have been close allies for more than three decades. The Wall Street Journal quotes US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the investigations that could rock that steady foundation.

"We are very clear that there are problems that arise from this situation that can impact all the rest of our relationship in Egypt ... We don't want that."

As the Washington Post points out, threatening to cut off Egypt’s U.S. aid - including $1.3 billion of military assistance given each year -  is a swift, strong and unusual response.

“The investigation has triggered unusually blunt warnings from Capitol Hill to a nation that has for years been seen as a stalwart ally.”

Egypt’s ruling military has remained silent on the NGO raids. There is currently no date set for the start of trial.

(Image source: The New York Times)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign is parting ways with a debate coach — the man credited with the candidate’s recently improved on-stage performance. In Team Romney’s eyes, that might have been too much credit. POLITICO reports.

“After (debate coach Brett) O’Donnell was ... highlighted … as being one of the reasons behind the former Massachusetts governor’s improved debate performances, Romney campaign officials grew uneasy ... it was made clear that there was severe discomfort about how his role was being portrayed in the media ...”

O’Donnell formerly served as a debate coach at Liberty University, and also coached Michele Bachmann. Stories such as this one from Bloomberg last week labeled O’Donnell a “potential game-changer” for Romney.

“The call went out the night Mitt Romney lost the South Carolina primary ... O’Donnell was in Tampa the next day, and less than 48 hours later, a pithier and more combative Romney showed up Jan. 23 to debate Newt Gingrich ...  Romney’s feistier delivery and more aggressive style that night ... may have helped turn the tide for him in Florida ...”

The solid debate performances were much-needed for Romney after a huge loss to Gingrich in South Carolina. The frontrunner seemed to have a newfound energy — delivering attacks such as this one on Newt’s role as a historian for mortgage giant Freddie Mac.

“You could have spoken out aggressively. You could have spoken out and said ‘These guys are wrong, this needs to end.’ But, instead, you were being paid by them. You were making over a million dollars at the same time people in Florida were being hurt by millions of dollars.”

Afterward, the praise came flooding in for O’Donnell, with NPR calling him an MVP ...

… and Prospect.org naming him the real winner in Florida.

But it was this article from The New York Times, referencing O’Donnell’s role as part of Romney’s Florida surge, that became a large point of tension for the campaign — this, according to POLITICO reporter Jonathan Martin, appearing on CNN.

“One of the Romney advisers — Stuart Stevens — called Brett O’Donnell ... and had O’Donnell call Jim Rutenberg, one of the story’s co-authors, to have his — O’Donnell’s — role in the comeback downplayed in the piece.”

Team Romney has faced some backlash for not retaining O’Donnell. A political contributor to Yahoo! News writes:

“If people working for Romney fear being punished for being too good at their job, one cannot but fear for the success of Romney either in his campaign going forward or in his prospective presidency.”

O’Donnell himself has refused to comment on the story.

(Image Source: Princess Cruises)

BY STACEY WELSH

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

An outbreak on two Florida cruise ships left passengers feeling a different kind of seasick. Hundreds of passengers on the Ruby Princess and Crown Princess caught a norovirus --- causing vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.

Victims won’t suffer effects for more than a couple of days. The Los Angeles Times says noroviruses are…

“ … no cause for hysteria, but they’re far from pleasant ... They can also cause a low fever, headaches and muscle aches.”

The CDC warns prospective passengers about noroviruses, saying they’re found…

“ … in the stool or vomit of infected people and on infected surfaces that have been touched by ill people. Outbreaks occur more often where there are more people in a small area.”

The illness is often associated with ships because outbreaks are reported quickly, and health officials can track how it’s spread faster than on land. According to Huliq.com, this isn’t the first time sickness broke out on a Princess Cruises ship.

“Between May and July 2011, there were three outbreaks reported for the Sea Princess. [The ship] was headed to Alaska.”

Princess says it has solved the problem after employees and passengers were careful to wash their hands often.

WPLG reports the cruise line stepped up cleaning procedures and quarantined sick passengers after people first reported symptoms.

“TERESA: Sometimes it seems a little overdone, because you had to sterilize your hands as soon as you went in to eat.”

And comparisons to the Costa Concordia incident were abound. The New York Daily News writes...

“The hits keep coming for the cruise industry.”

And a writer for Gawker says…

“I plan on avoiding all cruise ships for the rest of the year — barring the 3D extravaganza of Titanic's April re-release.”

Media outlets report Princess Cruises delayed the next departure times for both ships.

Image: New York Times

ALYSSA CARTEE

The United States, United Kingdom and France are not backing down when it comes to finding a way to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Russia and China vetoed a vote at the UN Security Council to implement a plan designed by the Arab League that would have done just that.

Russia defended its veto, saying the plan had no consideration for armed opposition groups. But Euronews reports there may have been other motivating factors.

“Syria hosts a Russian Naval base and arms trade between Moscow and Damascus is worth 3.8 billion Euros.”

But the three remaining nations in the coalition say they will not give up on the Syrian people. The Guardian reports British Foreign Secretary …

“William Hague has described the Syrian regime as ‘doomed’ and ‘murdering’ and warned that the country is moving closer to an all-out civil war... .”

And Bloomberg says …

“The U.S. will “redouble efforts” with partners outside the United Nations to pressure Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to end violence and step down, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.”

President Nicolas Sarkozy says France is in touch with Arab and European partners to create a “Friends of the Syrian People Group” that would marshal international support to implement the Arab League plan.  A politics professor in Beirut told the Christian Science Monitor keeping up the fight will cost the countries involved.

“... there would be an increase of diplomatic pressure on Russia and China to reverse its backing for Syria which would likely require even greater concessions from the US, Europe, and the Arab world.”

An analyst told MSNBC, in spite of the apparent setback, the proposed plan itself is a sign of progress in the region.

“And that is historic because a year ago, if you had said the Arab League is gonna call for a fellow Arab ruler to step down, people would’ve said you were hallucinating.”

But a blogger for Slate writes the real problem is not China and Russia, it’s the system’s set-up.

“This veto power – far more than the theater of the absurd that is the General Assembly – do more to undermine the institution than any other single factor.”

The violence is not limited to Syria’s borders. Seven Syrian embassies around the world were attacked.

“The protesters are upset about the brutal crack down on the uprising in Syria. Australia, London and Cairo are among the places where the embassies were trashed.”

Violence continues to escalate in Syria. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 22 people were killed Sunday including a 14-year-old child.  

(Image Source: KSWB)

BY HANK KOEBLER

ANCHOR BRICE SANDER

The relationship between NBA Hall of Famer Karl Malone and Utah Jazz owner Greg Miller has devolved into a public squabble. Malone sparked the controversy by airing his grievances over former coach Jerry Sloan’s resignation.

The Mailman told KSWB Sloan resigned because Miller wouldn’t let him discipline point-guard Deron Williams.

“In your opinion, do you feel Deron Williams played a big role in why coach Sloan stepped down?”
“Absolutely. Let’s just keep it real. I think he had something to do with it. Coach Sloan is a classy guy and he wasn’t going to fight the battle.”

Malone also claimed the Jazz refused to give him a ticket to a game, forcing him to buy from scalpers. Miller fired back -- first on Twitter and then on a blog post, calling Malone “high maintenance.” ESPN has more of Miller’s comments.

“The owner and CEO of the Jazz, Greg Miller, calling Karl Malone too unreliable and too unstable to help the team as an assistant coach, and claimed the two-time M.V.P. lied about having to use a scalper to purchase tickets to a Jazz game.”

The feud reignited the year-old controversy over Sloan’s sudden mid-season resignation last year. Many, including Malone, say when disagreements between Sloan and Williams boiled over, management sided with the player over the coach.

Sloan issued a statement saying stories of a forced resignation simply aren’t true. AOL has his comments.

"I left on my own volition. It is not true that the Millers undermined my authority as head coach. I had their complete backing to run the team as I wished and was assured that no player could ever overrule my decisions."

Fans have been taking sides on Twitter and other social media in response to the public bickering. Local writers and personalities offered their take on the dispute as well:

A sports writer for the Salt Lake Tribune tweeted:
“Greg Miller just entered a no-win zone, in my opinion.”

Sports agent Steve Kauffman criticized Malone, writing:
“...most of us who have been around know this is a guy that likes to hear himself talk. Actual veracity be damned.”

And another sports editor tried to be the voice of reason.
“In [a] situation like this, everyone could be sincere and telling truth as they see it. Because much of that belief is based on own perception.”

A Yahoo! Sports blogger says the public disagreements better be settled quickly, because they’re making the whole franchise look bad.

“Nobody looks good here. From Sloan to Malone to Deron Williams to Miller to Jazz GM Kevin O'Conner (who is, we should point out, quite good at his job) or to anyone who buys either side as an absolute… This needs to go away, and soon.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/utah-owner-strikes-back-karl-malone-163025407.html

BY VICTORIA CRAIG

(Image Source: The Indianapolis Star)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

The duo LMFAO is known for wiggling in the song “Sexy and I Know It,” but there was no wiggle room available at the pair’s Super Bowl weekend concert. 
 

The Chicago Tribune reports 11 people were injured at the show. None of those injuries were life-threatening.

“Rumors of stampedes, stage collapses and gunshots abounded on social-networking site Twitter as crowds grew Friday. … Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers investigated them all and found no problems.”



So we know the rumors, but what really happened? WTHR reports massive overcrowding caused issues. Here’s video from that night.

Reporter: “ … The hundreds of thousands of people police had to manage throughout the Super Bowl Village Friday night. The super-huge crowd forced officers to shut down vehicle traffic to make room for Super Bowl fans on foot.”



And WISH explains some of the crowd-managing tactics.

Reporter: “You’ll notice this officer is carrying a pepper-spray gun. That will be used in case they need to manage the crowd.”



USA Today reports those pepper-spray guns were used on at least two different arrest attempts and describes the tone of the event.

“Some concert-goers reported to police that the pushing and shoving frightened them.”



And a writer for The Indianapolis Star recalls his experience in the human gridlock saying,

“I and the fans around me were thrown into an involuntary, slow-motion mosh pit. For about 10 minutes, we couldn’t focus on anything but staying on our feet.”



This is Indianapolis’ first time to host the Super Bowl. After Friday night’s concert, police closed down additional streets to manage the crowds.

(Image Source: The Burlington Free Press)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Some Vermont police cruisers were gettin’ piggy with it thanks to prison inmates -- the police just didn’t know it. KATU reports on what inmates at a prison print shop did to decals that went on police cars.

“This is what the cow is supposed to look like on the decal, but notice the difference on the new decal. One of the cow’s spots is actually a pig -- a derogatory term for police.”

But the decals might not be so new -- KPTV has details on how long it took police to notice the pig shape.

“A trooper just noticed the problem -- nearly four years after the inmates printed them off.”

The decals made it onto 30 cars. KTTV anchors had a good laugh -- and a bit of a debate, over the decals.

(laughter)
“It’s in the shape of a pig.”
“That’s what they get!”
“It took a sharp-eyed officer.”
“He should get a promotion.”
“I thought they should’ve made donuts instead.”
“That’s not right.”

But The Burlington Free Press spoke with Vermont Corrections Commissioner Andy Palito and Major William Sheets -- executive officer for the Vermont State Police. Neither of them are laughing.

“While some people might find humor in the news story, Sheets and Pallito said, it comes at the expense of Vermont taxpayers. Pallito said each decal costs $13. He believes 60 defective decals were manufactured.”

For those of you reaching for your calculators -- that’s $780.
 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

55-year-old John Hughes got in a high-speed chase with police -- a chase he started. WTVT reports.

“Many people have what they call a bucket list -- things they want to do before they kick the bucket. Well, a 55-year-old man in Montana always wanted to experience a high-speed police chase, so he did.”

The Montana Standard has details of the chase -- which began at about 3:30 in the morning.

“ … the driver of a 2007 Nissan Xterra started tailgating a police patrol for about seven blocks ... then pulled into the center lane and drove away … Police say the driver was traveling at more than 70 mph and refused to pull over.”

And KMSP reports:

“He hoped the police would follow him -- well they did. The chase reached speeds of 100 mph before officers used stop strips to flatten the man’s tires and end the chase.”

After finally flattening Hughes’ tires, police had to ask one simple question: why? USA Today reports Hughes was not intoxicated and investigators found no drugs in his vehicle. Here’s Hughes in his own words:

“‘I just always wanted to do that,’ he said, according to the Butte police report.”

But -- the ‘bucket list’ excuse didn’t fly when it came to criminal charges. WTVT reports Hughes is facing a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving.
 

Image source: Washington Life

BY ZACH TOOMBS

Donald Trump is looking to sell some choice real estate. For a pretty penny you could have some well-to-do neighbors, a great view and you’re just a few hundred feet away from a world-class golf course. One downside: you wouldn’t be alive to enjoy it.

Florida’s WPBF reports.

“Real estate mogul Donald Trump is trying to get into the cemetery business. The part-time Palm Beacher wants to build a 1.5-acre cemetery next to his golf course in New Jersey.”

WCBS says the grounds at this final resting place would be just as exclusive as Trump’s nearby golf course.

“(The cemetery) would be available for club members to rest in peace, but ... a section could be saved for Trump and his kin. The plan would also make the club available for late golfers to have their ashes spread there.”

No word yet on how much a plot at Trump’s place would cost, but …

His cemetery would have some stiff competition from top-dollar resting places such as this one at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts. A prime spot in one of the cemetery’s many mausoleums can sell for as high as $500,000.

The state of New Jersey will have the final say in green-lighting The Donald’s cemetery. Gov. Chris Christie’s office seemed pleased with the news. A spokesman for the governor told Newark’s The Star-Ledger:

"Donald Trump can be buried anywhere ... so I guess we should be honored that he’s considering New Jersey."

(Image source: Red Dog Report)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

(Image source: AceShowbiz)

BY BRICE SANDER

Legendary rock band Queen could be getting a new front man in “American Idol” alum Adam Lambert.


Lambert first drew comparisons to Queen’s original lead singer, Freddie Mercury, when he performed with the band on “Idol” in ’09…

“But it’s been no bed of roses. No pleasure cruise.”

And rumors of Lambert landing the lead gig went wild after he performed with the band at last year’s European Music Awards.

“You got mud on your face, you big disgrace. Kicking your can all over the place.”

The rumor became reality when British tabloid The Daily Star quoted Lambert, saying he confirmed a summer tour.

“The intention is to pay tribute to Freddie and the band by singing some f*****g great songs. It’s to keep the music alive for the fans and give it an energy that Freddie would have been proud of.”

A Cinema Blend blogger says Lambert is perfect for the gig – especially when compared to other rumored replacements like Lady Gaga.

“I think this tour would really work. Lambert has the voice and the charisma to do Freddie’s work justice, but he’s also enough of a music fan to know it’s an insult to try and fully replace the icon.”

But Rolling Stone says not so fast, quoting a Queen spokesperson.

“The Daily Star item only mentions that Adam may perform with Queen at [music tour] Sonisphere. This is not confirmed. Nothing has been signed. However, if this were to happen, Queen would be returning to the setting of their final concert with Freddie Mercury, which took place in 1986.”

And Lambert is playing coy – tweeting the Daily Star jumped the gun.

“Oooh them clever reporters takin my quotes outta context … I haven’t confirmed any guest appearances. I was talking about the EMA’S.”

Lambert followed up the tweet by saying he is “truly flattered” by the assumption. So now Entertainment Weekly questions the holdout.  

“Should Lambert hit the road with Queen, wouldn’t that cut into the promotion of his album? Perhaps, but it would also be quite shrewd … he would almost certainly convert more fans, which would give him a big leg up on avoiding the dreaded sophomore slump.”
 

(Image Source: ABC News/James Deen)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

James Deen -- no, not the one you’re thinking of -- is the subject of a special on ABC’s Nightline -- because of his following of young women. ABC reports teenage girls are flocking to 25-year-old porn star Deen’s doings.

“The young fans tell us they’re drawn to Deen because he’s different -- a porn star who holds hands with his leading ladies.”
DEEN: “They’re sexual enough that it is something they desire, they crave, they want.”

But -- news on the Nightline piece is becoming less about Deen’s package, and more about ABC’s video package. Salon.com says the piece is propaganda targeting parents.

“ … [it’s the] finest piece of parental scaremongering that I’ve seen in some time. … reporter Cecilia Vega announces that the adult business ‘has now targeted and reached a new demographic: teenage girls.’
… It’s not like teenage girls would ever happen across this X-rated material because they want to watch porn — there must be some cute ‘boy next door’ tricking them into it.”

The controversy surrounding the story doesn’t stop there -- Amanda Hess, lifestyle editor at Good magazine, says Nightline ripped off her work. She wrote a piece on Deen in November. After seeing Nightline’s story, she Tweeted at the show and reporter Cecilia Vega ...

“Hey @Nightline @ceciliavegaABC I liked your James Deen story better when I wrote it.”

MediaBistro sides with Hess.

“ … Hess … has a right to be upset. … Nightline on Thursday completely ripped off her November 2011 profile of rising male porn star James Deen … the ABC News report by Cecilia Vega seems to be the TV equivalent of the Web’s rampant and often egregious lack of proper hat tipping …”

A writer for The Washington Post points out similarities between the pieces -- but gets Nightline side of things, too.

“‘Nightline’ has this take: ‘Anyone that spends five minutes with James Deen would come up with these same observations.’ … Says … Deen: ‘People copy people. . . . At the end of the day, who cares? … Be happy and have fun.’”


 

(Image Source: YouTube/user/deluxe621)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Romanian model Ioana Spangenberg’s waist is only a bit bigger than a CD -- but she says she eats like any other person.

30-year-old Spangenberg is 5’ 6” and weighs 84 pounds. Her waist measures 20 inches. But she tells The Sun she eats three big meals a day and snacks on chocolate and chips. In fact -- she says her slender frame gave her low self-esteem as a teenager.

“It's a bit like having a natural gastric band — if I eat too much, I feel sick. … In Romania it is better to be overweight, because that means you are from a wealthy family. So while my friends were going out and dating, I was sitting at home with Mars bars wishing I could fatten up."

But now, Spangenberg is finally comfortable with her body. The Daily Bhaskar reports …

“She was conscious for her frame until she met her German husband Jan in 2006, and he encouraged her to become a model.”

And The Daily Mail quotes her on where her weight is headed now.

“I would still like to gain weight so I don't look so shocking. And now that I live in Germany I can't get enough pizza or kebabs.”

 

(Image source: Suffolk County Police Department)

BY EMILY SPAIN

You're watching multisource U.S. news analysis from Newsy.

Police are on the lookout for two men who stole Rogaine from a CVS Pharmacy in New York.
What do the suspects look like? Big surprise here... they’re bald.

Authorities say surveillance video shows the bare-headed pair placing three boxes of Rogaine in a gift bag and then leaving the store without paying.

Police say the men got away with about $150 worth of the product. But a writer for The Consumerist asks if the crime was really worth it, noting Rogaine probably won’t lengthen the bald guys’ locks.

“You see, we read up a bit on Rogaine, and it doesn't appear that the topical treatment offers to ‘cure’ baldness, just stimulate hair growth and slow the balding process. So for our bald pal, that whole shoplifting thing might've been a waste.”

Officers are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to arrest of the bald bandit. And the New York Post reports the Rogaine ransack is more common than you might think.  

“ … the high-priced treatment is routinely lifted from stores around the country and resold on the street or the Internet.”

The Daily Mail points out another instance where Rogaine was the prize to steal.  Except this time instead of just three boxes, the thieves got away with an entire shelf.

“An unidentified woman made off with what was the store's entire stock of the formula which totaled approximately $400 according to police. She managed to escape to a get-away car driven by three men. It wasn't reported if any of the four suspects were bald or not.”

Transcript by Newsy. 

Image source: The New York Times

BY ZACH TOOMBS

GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney strolled to an easy win Saturday in the Nevada caucuses. The candidate took the vast majority of the vote in a state where his Mormon faith made him a solid favorite.

As always, Romney kept his sights on the president in his victory speech.

“We’re going to build an America where hope is a new job with a paycheck, not a faded word on an old bumper sticker.”

The win was no surprise in a state where Romney carried 51 percent of the vote in the 2008 caucus. But, as POLITICO notes, Nevada could serve as a launch pad for a series of Romney wins sure to damage his opponents.

“For Romney, Nevada and the next string of contests represent an opportunity to deny his opponents political oxygen. In addition to being favored in Nevada, Romney is the front-runner or is strongly competitive in all the other states voting between now and the March 6 Super Tuesday primaries.”

Gingrich also spoke from Nevada in a news conference. The candidate, who finished second in Nevada with 25 percent of the vote, went on the offensive against Romney for what he saw as inaccuracies in prior debates.

“I’ve never had a person stand next to me in a civil engagement and be as substantially dishonest as he was. I mean, go look at what he said. You had Larry Sabato in the middle of the debate Tweeting that Romney was being factually false.”

Finally, on CNN panelist Erick Erickson says Gingrich’s resilience could cause headaches for team Romney.

“This is Mitt Romney’s worst nightmare. You have a candidate who is conveying that he would rather beat Mitt Romney than be president of the United States. And there are a majority of Republicans still who agree with him on that.”

(AOC)
Both Ron Paul and Rick Santorum, who finished third and fourth in Saturday’s caucuses, spent the day away from Nevada, turning their focus to upcoming primaries in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado.

(Image Source: BBC)

BY ORLA O MUIRI

Malaria elimination receives a devastating punch to its progress. A report published by medical publication The Lancet shows that the number of deaths by the disease are double what  previous figures show. BBC reports.

“New research suggests Malaria kills twice as many people globally as previously thought. The study was funded by the Bill Gates Foundation and published by the Lancet, it found that 1.2 million people died of the disease in 2010.”

The results also seem to suggest a commonly accepted belief to be false. redOrbit.com says:

“IMHE researchers said that deaths from malaria have been missed in previous studies because of the assumption that mainly young children under the age of 5 died from the disease.”

One of the authors of the study, Professor Christopher Murray, explains how this has been overlooked.

“Quite an appreciable number of adults die from Malaria. The risk of dying from Malaria is much lower for adults but there are a lot more adults and so it adds up. Its probably the most important finding we have in terms of magnitude.”

The study remains adamant that — despite the findings — the billions of dollars donated to the Malaria cause has had an effect in malaria reduction. The director of an anti-malaria advocacy group tells NPR not everyone is buying the new numbers.

"I would be very cautious (about the new estimates)... It is a dramatic increase from what the WHO says, and it contributes to the overall discussion, but it's unclear if it will lead to significant policy change.

Meanwhile the developing countries deal with the reality of the news and the disease. NTV reports the final word;

“Doctors here admit that malaria figures are just as elusive as the parasites themselves....Countries like Kenya remain far from burying the killer disease.”
 

(Image source: fanpop)

BY EMILY SPAIN

You're watching multisource entertainment news analysis from Newsy. 

Turns out Harry Potter showed up to Hogwarts under the influence. More sauced than spellbound.
Actor Daniel Radcliffe admitted to being drunk in several “Harry Potter” scenes.
E! News has more on hungover Harry.

“The 22-year-old tells Britain’s Heat magazine he often showed up for filming wasted. ‘It was bad,’ he admits. ‘I drank a lot and it was daily.’ Though Radcliffe says he didn’t break out the alcohol on set he ‘went into work still drunk.’”

Radcliffe also told Heat World:
“I can point to many scenes where I’m just gone. Dead behind the eyes.”

Radcliffe explained to the magazine that drinking was a problem for him because of his addictive personality. A writer for Entertaiment Weekly’s PopWatch calls the wizard’s confession “sad.”

“That’s sad on multiple levels: As a fan, it’s tough to hear that someone wasn’t fully present for a film that means so much to you, but it’s also difficult to imagine how hard that must have been for Radcliffe — the Harry Potter kids have always been the poster children for healthy young actors.”

Radcliffe told ShortList magazine the drinking was pathetic and not like him, and that when drinking he often blacked out. Radcliffe says he no longer drinks.

The actor also said even though others told him he had a problem, he had to come to the realization himself. A writer for Cinema Blend says many actors go through phases with drinking, but Radcliffe’s seemed to come on at a young age.

“If Radcliffe is to be believed, he went through his boozed-up life phase at twenty-one and was on the right side of sobriety by twenty-two. I’m not sure if that’s a sign of great maturity since he figured it out so quickly or an awful sign since the whole thing progressed so quickly. Either way, it’s where Radcliffe is now.  

Daniel’s drinking confession may have disappointed some fans, but others are praising him for not hiding his problems. On People Magazine’s story about Radcliffe, a reader posted this comment:

“Bravo to Daniel for 'fessing up about his problem, and for manning up and doing something about it. I don't see it as hurting his past or future career at all, he's not a kid anymore, he's acting like the adult he has become.”

Transcript by Newsy.

(Image source: New York Post)

BY JUSTIN PROCHASKA

ANCHOR BLAKE HANSON

You're watching multisource global video news analysis from Newsy 

Tim Tebow is not the only quarterback making headlines over religion these days. Earlier this week, Tom Brady’s wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, sent an e-mail to friends and family asking them to “pray for Tom” in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
 

The New York Post leaked the e-mail -- calling it “disgustingly sappy.”

"So I kindly ask all of you to join me on this positive chain and pray for him, so he can feel confident, healthy and strong. Envision him happy and fulfilled experiencing with his team a victory this sunday."

The Today Show met with football wives in Indianapolis about praying for spouses before the game.

 

“Who prays -- show of hands, who will pray before a game?
“For these wives, watching their husbands' tough hits is hard enough.”
“You try not to live in fear, but you have that concern.”

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says the email is “embarrassing” and shows Bundchen’s lack of confidence in Brady.

“It’s like you’re predicting that misery is forthcoming. I mean, ‘let’s pray’ for my husband. I mean he’s one of the greatest quarterbacks in the game.”

And a contributor for Fox News says the email misinterprets the purpose of prayer.

“Based on Christian scripture and practical experience, the purpose of prayer is for God to win. Not for you to win. Or your favorite team.”

But Madonna, who will be performing at halftime of the Super Bowl, defended Gisele.

“I think that's great. She is a good wife.”

And a contributor for Larry Brown Sports doesn’t think prayer is the issue, but rather the release of a private e-mail.

“As a supermodel and millionaire, she should know nothing is private in this day and age.”

Jay Leno topped off the conversation by lampooning both Brady and Bundchen

“You think God is going, I made this guy 6'4". He is handsome, rich. Fix him up with Gisele. He wins three Super Bowls. How many prayers do I have to answer for this guy?”

We’ll find out if Gisele’s prayers are answered Sunday night.
 

(Image Source: ABC.net.au)

BY BLAKE HANSON

Just hours after a massive attack on the Syrian city of Homs -- the U.N. Security Council rejected a proposal calling for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down. The New York Times writes...

“While the casualties were impossible to confirm, and were denied by Syria, reports of the bloodshed drew widespread international condemnation, and moved the Security Council toward a vote on an Arab League peace plan, despite new objections by Russia.”


Ultimately, both Russia and China vetoed the plan. The Guardian points to Russia’s history with Syria as a possible reason for the veto...

“Syria has been a key Russian ally since Soviet times and Moscow has opposed any UN demands that could be interpreted as advocating military intervention or regime change.”

Meanwhile, The Telegraph points to another part of the resolution it suspects Russia took issue with...

“... Russia said it could not support a resolution backing an Arab League plan for a swift transition of power and elections. It was said to have demanded a last-minute change dropping a call, already agreed by Syria in November, for tanks and artillery to be withdrawn from the streets.”

So what does this mean for progress in Syria? A CNN anchor and analyst react to the failed vote...

ANCHOR: “Months of paralysis inside the U.N. Security Council, now lead essentially to a diplomatic dead-end.”
ANALYST: “I think Western ambassadors will say it might all have been a charade a stall to the last minute.”
 

Shortly after the vote, U.S. United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice tweeted...

“Disgusted that Russia and China prevented the #UN Security Council from fulfilling its sole purpose.”

 

(IMAGE: Sodahead.com)

BY BLAKE HANSON

From her sitcom, to her nut farm, to the White House? Yup, believe it or not -- Roseanne Barr is running for president. Here’s KYW...

“Roseanne Barr says she’s running for president, and she say it’s no joke. The actress and comedian is seeking the Green party nomination.”

As for her platform? Barr says she’d launch European-style single-payer health care, forgive all credit card and mortgage debt and push for the legalization of marijuana. Media outlets like The Mary Sue are already speculating the move is symbolic, writing...

“Barr is really running … to get her point across, much the way Stephen Colbert did in South Carolina. Except Colbert actually had a lesson to teach us about why everything is wrong with campaign finance. Roseanne just has strong opinions on Twitter.”

But The Five host, Bob Beckel, thinks Barr’s move could play a role in the campaign.

“If she really does go on the ballot in some states, the Green party can siphon off 25, 30, 50,000 votes.”
“It’s not completely laughable.”

So will Barr rake in many votes? The Christian Science Monitor talks with a political scientist who says...

“In some previous elections … ‘[voters] look for an alternative like Ralph Nader or even Ross Perot.’ But this year … voters are more divided into camps, and many are keenly aware that a few votes made a difference in the 2000 election.”

A rising number of celebrities talk about running for President, but Mother Nature Network says -- if Barr is really running, she could shake things up.

“Of course, lots of people — comedians in particular — joke about running for president, but few ever follow through, so this announcement to turn the Green Party nomination into a four-way race certainly makes thing interesting.”

The Green Party will announce its nomination at a convention in July. Meanwhile, a recent poll by Green Party Watch already has Barr second in the polls behind Jill Stein.
 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY MICHAEL COLLINS

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

The Material Girl finds her way -- to sports’ biggest stage.
The Super Bowl halftime show this Sunday features Madonna, in a performance she promises will be ‘the greatest show on Earth’.
 

But is the Super Bowl the wrong forum for the occasionally controversial performer?

In a highly controversial wardrobe malfunction at the 1984 MTV VMA’s, Madonna flashed the audience during her performance of ‘Like A Virgin’, which instantly got everyone talking.


Super Bowl executives fear another media stunt -- a potential repeat of Janet Jackson’s 2004 nipple-slip. Super Bowl executive Joe Browne says there were plenty of promises made by the producers and artists for that show, too.

“We were extremely disappointed by elements of the (2004) MTV-produced halftime show. They were totally inconsistent with assurances our office was given about the show.”

Entertainment Tonight reveals what we can expect this Sunday.

“They gave you a list of rules; ‘I’m sorry, you know you can’t say, oh no, we have to ok that song etc’. Well for sure, no nipples.”
 

The Huffington Post estimates--with all the buzz and hype being generated around the singer’s Super Bowl performance...
 

“...the promotional campaign will reach more than 150 million people around the world.”

So, with well more than 100 million viewers tuning into the Super Bowl this Sunday, the question remains: will Madonna stage another stunt of her own?
 

(Image source: The New York Times)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Facebook is painting a pretty picture for an artist who previously painted its headquarter walls.

According to the Daily Mail—35-year-old artist David Choe was asked to paint the social media’s office space back in 2005.  After the job was done he had a choice of how to get paid.  A few thousand dollars cash for his creativity—or a share in Facebook stock. 

Christian Science Monitor tells us— “He eventually decided on the stock option, even figured his choice was ‘ridiculous and pointless.’ Fast forward a few years, and Choe is poised to become a multimillionaire.”

But he’s not alone. The New York Times reports he and many others who helped out Facebook in those early years will receive between 0.1 to 0.25 percent of the company. Might not sound like much—but it is.

“…a stake that size is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, based on a market value of $100 billion. Mr. Choe’s payment is valued at roughly $200 million, according to a number of people who know Mr. Choe and Facebook executives.”

Even Facebook is setting itself up for new heights.

The Wall Street Journal reports the company’s initial public offering--

“…would top rival Google Inc.'s…record for the largest U.S. Internet IPO...raising $1.9 billion…Facebook said it is seeking to raise $5 billion, but that figure is a placeholder and will likely grow.”

So when can we expect to see the social site soaring? ABC News says—if all goes as planned, the company will likely be trading publicly in May.

(Image Source: The New York Daily News)

BY TOM MARTIN

Yankees GM Brian Cashman is used to dealing with money -- the Yankees’ money, and how it’s spent on Yankees players. Now he may end up in court in a case to protect his own pockets. 

Here’s News 12:

“This is the woman accused of stalking --and blackmailing Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman. Prosecutors say Louise Neathway extorted $6,000 from Cashman - then tried to get another $15,000 bucks.”

Neathway -- who also goes by “Meanwell” -- says Cashman’s story is skewed. She says the two had a healthy relationship that ended when Cashman wouldn’t leave his wife. She spilled more details to Deadspin’s AJ Daulerio:

“[Neathway] told me that Cashman had given her $6,200 to help pay for the lease on her apartment … She showed me a deposit slip … Both [Neathway] and apparently Cashman agree that a large amount of money changed hands on more than one occasion. The difference is that Cashman calls this extortion; [Neathway] calls this rent money.”



As WABC reports, the case has another “big difference:” Cashman’s record is clean. Neathway’s isn’t.

“She’s currently on probation for a New Jersey stalking case that was dropped in the end to a trespassing charge. But according to the district attorney, that case involved multiple years of stalking.”



Says baseball blog Big League Stew: Forget how the case ends: should the Yankees care it ever began?

“The Yankees have declined comment, but they don't seem to be worried that Cashman's involvement … will affect how he runs the team. That is the bottom line as far as baseball is concerned, isn't it?”



Hardball Talk wonders why this should be anyone’s business.

“On the one hand … it has nothing to do with baseball. On the other hand, Cashman and a handful of other larger baseball figures are routinely covered … for non-baseball things … this is a balancing yin to all of that yang … Deep down we all like gossip and let’s not pretend we don’t.”

(Image Source: BBC News)

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ELIZABETH RINEHART

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

Ever wonder what the two biggest intelligence agencies in the world talk about with each other?

"’Do you want to talk about cheese?’

‘Cheese?!’

‘What about the McDonalds in the Pentagon?’

‘I tell so many people, no one believes me!’” (Source: Youtube.com/Soundmigration)

On Friday, hackers posted a conversation between the FBI and Scotland Yard to YouTube. WCBS reports -- the talk focused on more than fast food. 

“The group, known as Anonymous somehow recorded the 15-minute call and then posted it on the Internet. They also bragged about it on Twitter. Ironically, the agents were discussing ways to catch the hackers.”

From the sublime to the serious. What’s been released includes some in-depth discussions -- that got very specific.

The Telegraph has some of that.

“The conversation covered updates to on-going court cases, the recent arrest of a 15-year-old for hacking his school website …. (and) the on-going court case against Ryan Cleary, arrested last June for his alleged role in the group LulzSec, and reveals legally sensitive information.”

The BBC reports that the FBI confirmed the validity of the call. The Guardian touts the move as a smart one for Anonymous, saying....

“For Anonymous, the posting on YouTube of the 18-minute audio from the call was a particular triumph, indicating that it can worm its way even into the most powerful organisations in the land. ‘The FBI might be curious how we're able to continuously read their internal comms for some time now,’ said one account controlled by the group on Twitter.”

You would think -- someone would find that curious. According to ABC News, Anonymous says it was able to dial into the call through an email sent to a personal account.

Cleary’s lawyer tells ZDNet...

“‘I think it's astonishing that the FBI and the e-Crime unit don't have secure email ...'”

Now, the FBI is investigating the evesdroppers as well. TechWorldNews notes, this brings up what could become a problem for firms everywhere.

“The odds are that cybersecurity at the FBI and Scotland Yard is on par with, or superior to, security at most corporations, [...]This means it's extremely difficult to trust the supply chain for defense contractors, and also that corporations are probably pretty porous to industrial cyberespionage."

(Image source: Business Insider)

BY LAURA JANVIER

ANCHOR LOGAN TITTLE

The Huffington Post is making the move to TV. The new media giant announced Thursday its plans for an online news channel. KUVE has the details.  

“A new television network -- on the web. The Huffington Post says this summer it will begin providing 12 hours each weekday of live original programming. The content will be similar to the Huffington Post website.”

They’re calling it the Huffington Post Streaming Network, or HPSN. Arianna Huffington, editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media, told Beet.TV what makes the product unique is that it will be interactive.

“And it is much more the way my children, my two daughters who are in college watch television, which is they open up different windows: their Facebook, their Twitter feeds, their email.”

The idea is to create a network where viewers can interact with the anchors through social media. Demo clips showed commenters being invited on the show via Skype to speak directly with journalists about their stories. A writer for Forbes says this could be a glimpse into the future of television.

“All of this is probably what every cable network will be doing more of as viewership shifts from one-way television sets to internet-enabled devices. But if AOL can get there first, the opportunity could be large.”

But the opportunity won’t come cheap. A writer for DigiDay outlines just how big of a project this is.

“The service itself is ambitious, but even more so is the investment AOL is putting behind it: $30 million, according to an AOL source. HuffPo plans to create all the video itself. It will dedicate 100 employees to the operation. The scale of the effort would put it on track to be one of the largest producers of original for the Web video around.”

Venture Beat says even though this is a big investment, AOL stands to make big returns if it’s successful.

“The choice to transform the Huffington Post into a video network also makes a lot of sense. [AOL Chief Executive Tim] Armstrong said 70 percent of Huffington Post articles contain embedded videos. So, by producing the bulk of those videos in-house, AOL will be able to gain more leverage on advertising.”

The service is planned for this summer and they plan to extend content to 16 hours a day by 2013.

(Image source: The Australian)

BY CELIA MURRAY

Ever since Julia Gillard successfully took leadership of the labor party from Kevin Rudd in 2010, Australian media have speculated when he would return the favor. Now, as the new parliamentary year starts up, pundits say it’s just a matter of time.

Here’s ABC Australia.

“Leadership rumblings are continuing to dog the Prime Minister as MPs prepare to return to Canberra for the year’s first sitting of parliament. There’s been a renewed focus on the leadership including speculation of a challenge before the end of March.

If Rudd’s challenge is successful, he will retake the Prime Minister position. The Australian outlines Rudd’s chances.

“Strategists from both camps believe the Foreign Minister can afford to lose a first leadership ballot if he were to secure a reasonable level of support, whereas they believe Ms Gillard must win a ballot comprehensively to see off the possibility of a second Rudd challenge.”

Labor’s power brokers are trying to warn Rudd off the challenge. Several MPs have announced they would step down to the backbenches with “suicide” resignations should Kevin Rudd win back his position.

Former Labor leader Simon Crean tells SBS Rudd isn’t a team player:

I think that part of the reason he lost the leadership was that he wasn’t. There’s no point having a band of prima donnas unless they operate as a team.

In a recent article on The Punch, Adelaide Advertiser’s political editor says it’s not about Rudd’s popularity within the party -- it’s about staving off the opposition.

If it were, he would have no chance now and would not have been leader the first time around. Then, as now, his potential attractiveness is about voter appeal. MPs will be asking, can we win with Kevin or at least avert annihilation? If enough conclude that the answer is yes, then it’s game-over for Ms Gillard.

Gillard hasn’t publicly acknowledged the chance of a Rudd challenge, saying he’s doing a great job as Minister of Foreign Affairs. But a writer for The New Zealand Herald believes things may be more tense behind the scenes.

This will be a long, cold autumn for Prime Minister Julia Gillard. With polling at rock bottom, an appalling run of bad press, blunders and deep rumblings among her backbenchers, the sound of knives on whetstones is growing louder.

(Image Source: JAMA)

BY GILLIAN STEDMAN

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO


A new report reveals the chances of developing ADHD is said to double for children who are exposed to two or more anesthetics before the age of two.
CBS reports…
 

“Doctors say anesthesia can actually change the way the brain develops so that could be how it’s linked to ADHD.  For now though doctors say parents need to do what’s best for their child.”


This research stemmed from similar experiments involving young animals.  Dr. David Warner, lead researcher and pediatric anesthesiologist at Mayo Clinic spoke to Fox News...
 

“There started to be some papers published that suggested if you administered anesthesia to animals during development, it would cause some of the nerve cells in the brain to die, which would then lead to later changes in learning and behavior,”

Following this, the Mayo Clinic researched these effects on humans. But Peter J. Davis, anesthesiologist-in-chief at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh says the new findings should not discourage necessary surgery.
CNN reports…
 

“There is no data to suggest that kids who require surgery shouldn’t have it…The issues of surgery and anesthesia really can’t be separated in all this.”


Researchers have stressed that this study does not prove a link between anesthesia and ADHD, just that the two are associated. But Dr. Roderick Eckenhoff, a practising anesthesiologist from Philidelphia spoke to ABC news…


“I think parents should take this very seriously, although we don’t know the mechanism whether it’s the drug or the procedure - to the parents it doesn’t matter because we have to do both.”


The FDA has started an initiative called ‘Smart Tots’ to raise money to fund further research into this area.

(Image Source: ABC News Australia)

BY LUKE LEONARD

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Australia’s southern Queensland has been declared a natural disaster zone. Record breaking floods are forcing residents out of their homes. 

Towns of northern New South Wales are also preparing themselves as the swollen Mehi River’s banks are close to bursting.

Australia’s ABC News has more details...

“Hundreds of people are in evacuation centers after being forced from their homes. Three quarters of the town of Mitchell is underwater ... while tonight Roma is bracing for the worst with 200 homes under threat.” 

After having barely recovered from devastating floods in March 2010 and Novermber 2011, many people in the area are unfortunately familiar with the situation. An opinion writer for the National Times Australia suggests--  a disaster fund should be in place given the recurring events. 

“...unlike standing emergency services, infrastructure and co-ordination, governments' financial responses to disasters are, almost always, ad hoc. ...throwing cash where the need is greatest...”

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the evacuation center in Mitchell, used in previous years, worked without incident. However this year the center has been left vulnerable by more intense flooding. Despite the vulnerability of the center, residents are otherwise responding well to emergency services. Ten News spoke to New South Wales state services... 

“The good news is many have taken our advice and have left early, gone to friend’s places and relatives’ places, those sorts of things. But a lot of people are registering at the evacuation centers as well as other small townships around the Moree area.”

As reported by the The Sydney Morning Herald, forecasters are predicting the Balonne River in the town of St George will exceed 13 meters deep. This will make it the third year in a row the town has been swamped by 13 meter flood waters. 

Editor of the local Moree newspaper, Cady Andersen, suggests that although prevention and rescue efforts are better this time, nature was going to win no matter what. Sydney Morning Herald has that quote...

“At least this time we were more prepared...Having said that, after … getting off a chopper, so many residents have been inundated and would have been no matter how much preparation there was.”

Over 17,000 residents remain isolated by the floods.

(Image source: The New York Times)

BY LIAM KEEGAN

Violence in Egypt spilled over into a second day as police squared off against protesters. The catalyst for the latest unrest was Wednesday night’s deadly soccer riots. ESPN has more.

“Anger over the soccer riot that left 74 dead yesterday led to a protest outside the Interior Ministry by as many as 10,000 people who accuse police of failing to stop the assaults.”

Protesters say the match, between the teams Al-Ahly and Al-Masry, suffered from a lack of security. An analyst tells CNN police have steered clear of the stadiums for some time.

“The fans would fight the police every weekend, from 2007 really when these fan movements started coming into existence. So since then, a lot of the police have not been going to the grounds because they’re so hated, and you see a power vacuum...”

Over the last two days police have shot two protesters dead, one soldier was killed outside the interior ministry, and two more protesters died yesterday from tear gas inhalation. On PBS News Hour, Matt Bradley of the Wall Street Journal explains what’s driving the protests.

“A lot of the protesters, a lot of the activists are saying this was a deliberate effort by the military regime, or the Ministry of the Interior, to cause violence.”

The protesters say police wanted the violence to break out so they would have an excuse to reinstate Egypt’s Emergency Law, giving police broad powers. But not everyone pointed the finger at police. The National Post reports.

“The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party blamed pro-Mubarak forces, saying it was orchestrated by Mubarak’s sons from their prison cells, and discerned the ever-popular influence of ‘foreign fingers’ as also being responsible.”

NBC News correspondent Ayman Mohyeldin put the responsibility for the violence on Egypt as a whole..

“Those responsible for the violence at Wednesday’s game were Egyptians. Period.
Now, they could have been instigated, motivated and, even more sinisterly, hired to carry out these attacks on each other. But in the end, they were all fellow countrymen...”

(Image Source: WhiteHouse.gov)

BY TATIANA DARIE

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

President Obama’s views on religion seem to always draw attention.                                                                His latest foray into faith is no different. At the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, the President said his religious beliefs are helping to shape his policy proposals. Most recently -- his call for higher taxes for the wealthy. Fox News has the president’s explanation.

"For me as a Christian, it also coincides with Jesus's teaching that for unto whom much is given, much shall be required..."

No sooner had he uttered the words, than some media outlets reacted. In the New York Post, a writer sarcastically quips...

“Like Moses descending from Mount Sinai, Obama had a list of policies that God himself would endorse. Obama extolled the virtues of his Wall Street reforms, ObamaCare laws that stop insurance companies from ‘discriminating against those who are already sick,’ and proposed rules to crack down on mortgage lenders.”

Other media outlets asked -- what does the Bible say about taxes? Lexington Theological Seminary biblical scholar O. Wesley Allen tells CNN -- he thinks some commonly cited Bible passages about taxes are frequently misinterpreted.

“...there are many passages throughout the Bible that mandate the poor and widowed should be cared for. But it doesn't dictate the policies that should be pursued to accomplish that.”

Other media outlets believe the president's comments are an indirect jab at GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney, in response to remarks Romney made on Wednesday. The New York Daily News writes...

“... while Obama never uttered Romney’s name, the President’s stance stood in stark contrast to the Republican’s utterance to CNN the previous day that he was ‘not very concerned about the very poor."

And that observation is echoed by some conservative leaders who say the president politicized the event. Ralph Reed of the Faith and Freedom Coalition tells The Washington Post...

“I felt like it was over the line and not the best use of the forum. It showed insufficient level of respect for what the office of the president has historically brought to that moment.”

The Post also has a retort from a writer who identifies himself from the religious left saying the President hit the mark.

“...his speech quietly drove home many of the core-beliefs of the ever-mobilizing, ever-regrouping, ever-coming-in-second-place American Religious Left. Listening carefully to Obama’s sedate address, one could detect a rather tenacious, albeit sometimes disheveled, defense of the principles that Progressives of Faith live by...”

(Image source: Dallas Morning News)

(Image source: VeriSign)

BY EVAN THOMAS

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

If you’re an Internet company, when do you tell your users you were hacked? Internet infrastructure company VeriSign reported in a quarterly SEC filing that hackers breached its security and made off with unspecified information multiple times-- back in 2010.

The biggest concern is that hackers could have compromised the domain name system, or DNS. The DNS directs Internet traffic to the correct IP addresses -- so when you enter Google.com, you go to Google’s website, and not Amazon’s or Facebook’s.

Verisign maintains two of thirteen DNS servers for .com and .net web domains -- more than 100 million addresses. Wired explains -- a hacker could reroute the DNS, and users wouldn’t know a thing.

“A breach of the DNS network could allow attackers to redirect users to malicious web pages or redirect and intercept e-mail communications.”

PC Magazine says Verisign’s security team knew about the breaches, and didn’t say anything.

“...while the hacks occurred in 2010, VeriSign's information security group did not tell management about the attacks until September 2011. VeriSign said it has since changed its reporting policies to make sure the same thing doesn't happen again.”

But those changes came too late. The IT community is condemning VeriSign’s lack of immediate action, saying it put individual web users and entire companies at risk. PCWorld elaborates.

“The million dollar question right now is ‘at risk of what?,’ or perhaps ‘how much risk?’ … The risks involved are a function of exactly what was hacked, or what information was compromised, and we don’t have those details.”

In its SEC filing, VeriSign says there’s no indication the DNS was compromised. But it also says a hack like this could happen again.

“...given the nature of such attacks, we cannot assure that our remedial actions will be sufficient to thwart future attacks or prevent the future loss of information.”

Despite that, MSNBC says we probably shouldn’t panic.

“That's terrible, but it's not new. Virus writers have been compromising certificate issuers with abandon for the past 18 months. … structures are in place to deal with fraudulent certificates.”

Structures like the other eleven DNS servers. MSNBC notes the companies that maintain them would likely work together to restore control and stop any attack.

(Image source: Act For America) 

BY MALLORY PERRYMAN

An editorial post claims U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes Israel will attack Iran soon-- and the media ran with the story.

“U.S. officials now fear Israel might attack Iran’s nuclear facilities sooner than later.” (NBC)

“A report that Israel may be getting ready to launch an attack this spring.” (Fox News)

“...U.S. officials worry that Israel could actually attack Iran as early as this spring.” (KTTV)

That news came from this editorial piece by David Ignatius in The Washington Post.

“Panetta believes there is a strong likelihood that Israel will strike Iran in April, May or June...”

But Politico’s Tim Mak points out--

“Ignatius does not characterize the source behind his claim...Indeed, the writer does not indicate whether his source is Panetta himself, top aides to the secretary, or someone else.”

When asked about the article-- Panetta told the Associated Press-- he’s not commenting on the story.

But CNN’s Barbara Starr says she confirmed the timetable with a senior Pentagon official. She explains, Israeli officials believe this spring is their last chance to reach Iran’s nuclear facilities with Israel’s own weapons.

Barbara Starr: “After that, they believe Iran would have made enough progress that Israeli weapons can not get to Iran’s nuclear effort, it would only be U.S. weapons.”

If Israel goes ahead with the strike, the U.S. may have to get involved. And NBC’s David Gregory says, that’s the worst-case scenario for the American military.

David Gregory: “... depending upon the nature of the strike it will be destabilizing for the region if not lethal for parts of Israel should something like this happen and the reverberations both in terms of nuclear proliferation and U.S. interests...”

And according to The National Post’s Matt Gurney-- Israel isn’t thrilled about leaving it up to the U.S. either. So will Israel actually strike? Gurney says-- the latest reports sound like deja vu.

“Another year, another report saying that U.S. officials are concerned that Israel may be on the verge of launching a pre-emptive strike...Time will tell, of course.”

On Thursday-- Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said publicly-- time is running out to stop Iran from developing its nuclear program.




 

(Image source: Life SiteNews)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

After three days of backlash, America’s largest breast cancer advocacy group announced it is reconsidering previous plans to cut Planned Parenthood funding. Here’s CNN—

“The Susan G. Komen Foundation is in fact going to restore funding to Planned Parenthood…(FLASH)… They’re only going to withhold funding…(FLASH)… if an organization has been found guilty of criminal investigation."

The Financial Times reports the Komen foundation had withdrawn $680,000 in grants for breast cancer screening. A group of U.S. senators sent a signed letter urging the foundation to reconsider, saying—

“It would be tragic if any woman – let alone thousands of women – lost access to these potentially life-saving screenings because of a politically motivated attack”.

Komen CEO Nancy Brinker released a statement on the foundation’s website—

“We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives. The events of this week have been deeply unsettling for our supporters, partners and friends and all of us at Susan G. Komen.”

Planned Parenthood’s president, Cecile Richards posted a positive response to the charity’s turn around.

"We are enormously grateful that the Komen Foundation has clarified its grantmaking criteria.. What these past few days have demonstrated is the deep resolve all Americans share in the fight against cancer, and we honor those who are at the helm of this battle."

The Guardian notes—Though the tie between the two foundations has been restored, the legitimacy of future funding is still weary.

“Though it says that existing funding for Planned Parenthood will be reinstated, it puts a question mark over future funding by saying only that the group will continue to have ‘eligibility to apply for future grants’.”

(Image source: Indianapolis Star/Matt Kryger)

(Image source: Engadget)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Google has a new guardian. The company announced a new security system for Android users called “Bouncer,” checking out every app at the door.

PhoneDog.com explains—

“…the tool automatically scans the Android Market for any suspicious software that could harm your handset. The Bouncer analyzes new apps as well as existing ones, and it even scans developer accounts to make sure malicious devs aren't able to put their wares in the Market.”

(video source: Android Tips)

Great! So—when can we see it? Apparently we already have. Vice President of engineering for Android tells Computerworld—the company has been bouncing bad apps for a number of months.

"The interesting thing is that no one really noticed. It didn't disrupt the end user's experience [in the Android Market] or disrupt the developers. They didn't have to think about it at all."

According to PC Mag, the former director of public policy at Google says the company isn’t just trying to help users—but also avid app developers.

“We don't generally go back and try to make sure that every app does what it says it's going to do. [Google is] really trying to maximize the ability of small app developers to get online."

But what if a safe app accidentally gets axed? A blogger for Androidcommunity.com says not to worry—Google is packing enough man-power for backup.

“… once an application is flagged Google’s team will manually investigate the application to make sure before wrongly pulling an app or game.”

The company isn’t claiming perfection—but progress. Google reported a 250% increase in activity for the Android market last year and a 40% decrease in the number of deceptive downloads.

(Image Source: Conservative Daily News)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

Euphoria.

With a healthy dose -- of skepticism.

That’s the reaction to the latest unemployment numbers.

The New York Times has the headline from the Labor Department.

“The private sector remained the engine of new job gains. While federal agencies and local governments continued to lay off workers, private-sector employers added 257,000 jobs in January. The industries with the biggest gains were manufacturing, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality.”

The jobless rate fell to 8.3 percent -- its lowest rate in three years.

It’s also the fifth straight monthly decline in unemployment -- giving some analysts hope -- this is a sustained economic recovery.

An analyst for Bloomberg says, other numbers tell an even bigger story.

“But we had an enormous increase in the number of people who got jobs in the household survey -- 847 thousand people where unemployment fell by 339 thousand.”

Of course, skeptics will point to the fact, these numbers often get revised.  And -- need more analysis to truly comprehend.

Some CNBC analysts wonder -- if U.S. employers are simply turning a blind eye to the elephant in the room -- the European economy -- which is still in dire straights.

“An now, I don’t even know what we think about Europe after this.”

“No, it’s still in recession.”

“Europe’s got problems.”

“Yeah.”

“But it doesn’t matter to us.”

“Well, Q4’s negative, and Q1’s negative.”

“No, the thing is, there’s no spillover.”

Still -- it should be noted -- the sobriety of some numbers still resonates through the economy.

“There are still 12.8 million people out of work, though that is the fewest since the recession ended. An additional 11 million are either working part-time but would prefer full-time work, or have stopped searching for jobs. When all those groups are combined, nearly 24 million are considered “underemployed.” (The Washington Post)

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
 

BY XIAONAN WANG

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO 

The tiff between novelist Paul Auster and Turkey’s Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan got started earlier this week. At issue: the 70 Turkish journalists that the group Set Turkish Journalists Free says are in prison there.

Auster told a Turkish newspaper that he refused to visit Turkey to publicize his new book  because they jailed journalists.  

The prime minister called Auster, who is Jewish, “an arrogant man”.  Erdogan says Paul has a double standard because he visited Israel in spite of its bombing Gaza. The prime minister also mocked the noted writer, saying he is just not interested in his visit.

“As if we need you! Who cares if you come or not? Would Turkey lose any grandeur?”

Paul picked up the fight. He defended himself Wednesday in his latest statement:

“Whatever the Prime Minister might think about the state of Israel, the fact is that free speech exists there and no writers or journalists are in jail. ”

Paul’s stand is applauded by Jewish Journal.  The Journal’s Shmuel Rosner says the author is admired for taking on this fight with Turkey’s P.M.    Rosner also speaks out against Erdogen for dragging down Israel.

“Suppose Israel is a terrible country, does it make Turkey better? Does it make Turkey’s imprisonment of journalists more justified?”

However, a blog post on Mondoweiss echoes Erdogan’s accusation against Paul. It quoted a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in January:

“the Committee to Protect Journalists expressed alarm over ongoing attacks on and detention of journalists in Occupied Palestinian Territory as well as over a recent series of developments that restrict freedom of the press in Israel.”

No matter where this ends up, a Wall Street Journal article points out that Auster will benefit by it.   

“......he certainly got some publicity for his latest book — “Winter Journal” — published in Turkey last month, ahead of the U.S. edition.”

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY MEREDITH BALDWIN

Economic recovery is slow. Spending levels are unsustainable. And the fed is sticking to its current policies of low interest rates. Those are the three main points that Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s focused on in his testimony to the House Budget Committee on Thursday. C-SPAN has a clip.

“Although we cannot expect our economy to grow it’s way out of our fiscal imbalances, a more productive economy will ease the trade offs that we face and increase the likelihood that we leave a healthy economy to our children and grandchildren.”

In short, he is urging Congress to not cut deficits too quickly or it will be a mess.  But market analysts aren’t so quick to back Bernanke. An economic correspondent for the Wall Street Journal said he’s not quite sure what Bernanke’s thinking.

“You know, it looks like the economy’s on a more solid track, and yet the Fed is saying ‘we’re going to hold off on raising interest rates even longer than we said before.’ There’s a certain incoherency about this.”

A guest speaker for FOX Business said Bernanke’s take on the market isn’t just incoherent, but wrong.

“He’s trying to pretend that interest rates are rising because the economy’s improving. That’s not the case.”

Bloomberg points out that if interest rates stay low, budget deficits could reach an unprecedented high in the next ten years.

“The deficit would reach $1.5 trillion by 2022, CBO estimated, and the debt would rise to levels unseen since the government was paying off its World War II expenses.”
 

(Image Source: euronews)

BY HARUMENDHAH HELMY

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

This is Newsy Now and here are your latest headlines.

In world news, extreme cold weather in Europe has claimed more than 100 lives in the past week. The death toll in Ukraine alone is 101. euronews says the country is experiencing its coldest winter in six years, with temperatures dropping as low as 33 degree celcius below freezing.
 

“The country’s Emergencies Ministry has set up around 3,000 heated tents to provide shelter for the homeless. Some 64 of the dead were found on the streets.”

 

Still in world news, a former Khmer Rouge official has been sentenced to life in prison after appealing his previous 30-year sentence. The official, better known as Duch, oversaw the deaths of some 15,000 people during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime. Al Jazeera has more details.
 

“Duch’s crimes, the court said, were an affront to all humanity and the Cambodian people in particular. He was in charge of the factory of death at the S-21 torture center, known as Tuol Sleng.”

 

In U.S. news, in a rare act of bipartisanship, the U.S. Senate has passed a bill which would ban insider trading by members of Congress. The bill would also require lawmakers and thousands of executive branch officials to promptly disclose any stock tradings. HLN has more.
 

“One sponsor though said, this means that lawmakers will be subject to the same rules when it comes to stocks, as everybody else.”
 

Still in the U.S., burglars have stolen gold nuggets from a historic collection in a Northern California courthouse. The entire collection is estimated at $3 million — authorities are still figuring out how much was actually stolen. The county has deep gold rush roots, and KTVU talks to one resident who says he’s offended by the crime.
 

“We’ve been violated. All the people. It’s not really the county or the... thing. It’s the people that were violated today.”

Stay with Newsy for more analysis of news thoughout the day.  For newsy now, I’m Jim Flink, highlighting the day’s top headlines, making you smarter, faster.

(Image source: Gizmodo)

BY EVAN THOMAS

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Is Windows Phone ready to take on its iPhone and Android competition? Details about the upcoming Windows Phone 8 software have surfaced in a leaked video intended for Nokia -- and it’s making waves.

The video has since disappeared, but PocketNow managed to dissect some of its details. Windows Phone 8 will sport NFC capability, closer integration with the desktop version of Windows 8, baked-in Skype and cache servers to speed up mobile web service.

CNET says it is all good news -- namely, Microsoft has relaxed some of its requirements for developers and phonemakers.

“The version, codenamed Apollo, will allow vendors more choice with how they build their phone... That allows the handset manufacturers to better compete and stand apart from each other with varying levels of specs.”

And the benefits could reach well beyond the latest gadget. Business Insider says this overlap will be good for Microsoft’s full product line.

“This makes sense. Now that Microsoft has bet on Windows 8 as its operating system for tablets, there's no business reason to maintain a separate platform for smartphones.”

Microsoft’s plan is to bring technical specs closer to parity with competitors from Apple and Android. TechCrunch says -- it’s about time.

“In my opinion, Windows Phone Mango is a solid platform that’s quicker and smoother than anything I’ve seen on Android. Still, when looking at devices from Microsoft, Apple, and Google side-by-side, the Windows Phone always seems to lose in the spec department.”

It’s not known which phones will get an eventual update to Apollo. As it is, the latest Windows phones from HTC, Samsung and Nokia especially have been pulling down critical acclaim for a while now. GigaOM says popular devices, coupled with software that fills lots of performance gaps, could signal the start of some serious momentum for the platform.

“...the improved hardware potential will be welcome and should make a fast operating system even faster. ...Microsoft should see more people thinking twice before leaving a store with the iPhone or an Android device once Apollo hits.”

Microsoft, meanwhile, has declined to comment on the leak.  So, Apollo must not quite be ready -- for liftoff.
 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ANDREW CARTER

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is back! No, he’s not celebrating another NBA Championship. After his Mavs lost Wednesday night Cuban is taking heat for complaining about referees... again. The Washington Post has his statement.

“All I’m saying is some of these guys are bad. Let me rephrase that. Some of these guys are having really bad nights, and it’s having an impact.”

The NBA is playing a shortened season after the summer’s lockout. And Yahoo! Sports’ Kelly Dwyer writes -- that might be partly to blame for the ‘questionable’ refereeing.

“For one, scores of veteran referees retired before the 2011-12 season even started, creating an influx of younger referees. ... Secondly, the sheer amount of games that the NBA has greedily mashed together is forcing the referees to officiate even more games than the players are playing.”

And NBC Sports says -- for that -- Mark Cuban has no one to blame but himself.

“Here’s the thing — this is on Cuban and the owners. They locked everyone out and then pushed for a condensed 66-game schedule so they could make their money back.”

Cuban has been fined more than $1 million since he bought the Mavs -- largely for negative comments towards referees.

In an ESPN poll -- 79% of fans believe Cuban will once again be fined by the league.

The referees working the game Wednesday were veteran referees, but analysts on ESPN say- Cuban may have a point.

“The standard that I am accustomed to seeing these same officials perform year after year after year, they seem a bit rusty this year. Can we agree on that? I’ll agree on that. Alright fine, then that’s good.”

The high stress of a condensed season may be taking its toll on coaches too.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle was ejected from Wednesday’s game after kicking the basketball into the stands. Carlisle said he was aiming for the referees, but added he is not a good kicker.

BY BRIAN LEWIS

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

(Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honda-Civic-hybrid.jpg)

It was a big day in small claims court this week when a California Honda owner won her case against the automaker. CNN has the story.

“Heather Peters was awarded just under $10,000 yesterday. She claims she was misled by Honda’s claim that its Civic hybrid could get 50 miles per gallon.”

To go it alone in small claims court, the Honda owner, who’s a former attorney, had to opt out of a large class action suit against the automaker. Time’s Moneyland blog breaks down the settlement she rejected.

“In a proposed class-action settlement against Honda, Civic Hybrid owners would receive $100 to $200, plus a $1,000 credit toward the purchase of a new car. Trial lawyers, on the other hand, stand to pull in $8.5 million.”

Jalopnik offers one reason why this court victory is unique – no lawyers were involved.

“Unlike a class-action lawsuit, small claims court usually allows an individual to file a complaint without having to hire an attorney. In the case of L.A. County, for instance, even Honda wasn't allowed to use a lawyer in court.”

Law blog Above the Law covered the story when the suit was filed, and offered kudos to Peters for taking the fight away from the lawyers.

“Sounds like a typical class action to me. Fat stacks for counsel, peanuts for the plaintiffs. … It will be interesting to see if Peters’s case is at all effective. Will it blow the lid off a new method of suing large companies?”

If this is the start of a trend, a former prosecutor tells CBS it could become a huge bleed on the auto industry.

“It starts with this one ten thousand dollar judgment. But when others file and hundreds of thousands of people file, it could end up in the billions of dollars.”

Honda plans to appeal in a court where they are allowed to use lawyers. They argue the Environmental Protection Agency comes up with the mileage estimates, not the auto company.

(Image source: SpaceX)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, is taking another step toward the stars. The company released video of a successful test of its SuperDraco engine.

The tests included full throttle and full duration burns. The engine is designed to reach full thrust within 100 milliseconds of an astronaut flipping the switch. (Video source: SpaceX)

There’s a lot of talk among space bloggers about the engine.

Its main purpose is to let astronauts abandon their rocket if something goes wrong during launch. But a writer for Forbes explains, SpaceX designed SuperDraco to do way more than that. (Video source: NASA)

“The purpose of the SuperDraco is to allow for powerful, but pinpoint control for precision maneuvers. … They also give a spacecraft the ability to land propulsively, like you see in movies. They’re also reusable...”

The eventual plan is for the Dragon space capsule to ditch the old parachute reentry system and simply hover back down to the launch pad it lifted off from. Sound a little sci-fi? A writer for CNET thinks so.

“In a sense, SuperDracos are the closest thing we've seen yet to ‘Star Trek’-style on-demand thrusters that can be restarted multiple times...”

SpaceX hopes to be the first private company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station. On its website, the company took the opportunity to brag about the latest achievement.

“NASA’s Commercial Crew Program awarded SpaceX $75 million in April of last year to begin work developing the escape system in order to prepare the Dragon spacecraft to carry astronauts. Less than nine months later, SpaceX engineers have designed, built and tested the engine.”

But a writer for Geek.com points out, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the company.

“Originally the Dragon was to make its maiden voyage last November, but that got pushed back to this February. Unfortunately, the launch has been delayed again due to further engineering work being required. No new launch date has been set yet.”

(Image Source: Pinterest)

BY JIM FLINK

Heard of Pinterest? If not, you might be missing out on the next Facebook. Or at least -- so says a poster on Pinterest -- now making the rounds.

It asks -- is Pinterest the next social commerce game changer? There seems to be evidence it could be.
Interest in Pinterest rose 429 percent from September to December 2011. Same store referral traffic to five specific retailers rose 389 percent. And, in December, Pinterest was second only to Google -- in retail referral traffic.

So, all of a sudden, people with absolutely no clue about Pinterest -- are indeed -- taking an interest. The site works like a virtual scrapbook, letting users share images of whatever they find interesting.
Mashable notes -- growth seems to be the six-letter word driving interest in Pinterest.

“The darling network of brides-to-be, fashionistas and budding bakers now beats YouTube, Reddit, Google+, LinkedIn and MySpace for percentage of total referral traffic in January... Pinterest’s traffic increased more than fourfold between September 2011 and December 2011, bringing in 7.51 million unique visitors in December alone....”

But Mashable also points out, there is scant data for true conversion between referrals and buyers.
Still, Forbes notes, Pinterest wants its users to do three things -- consume, create and share.
The faster that happens -- the more Pinterest seems to grow.

“Pinterest has what I call an ‘obvious secret,’ the kind of insight that creates breakaway non-consensus companies. An obvious secret is when a startup has discovered a deep insight about its users, which is not obvious to the outside world, but is the key to the business’s success. However, to those who do not know this insight, the company appears to be little more than a novelty.”

Pinterest does have some competition in the pinning game -- GimmieBar, for example, has features Pinterest doesn’t.
And Search Engine Journal notes -- there are things that aren’t intuitive when it comes to pinning.

“You can’t pin anything from a Flash site, which is still a favorite of many high end retailers, so that is a completely missed opportunity. More subtle problems arise with product sites that offer nifty image preview tools. If you are a savvy user, you can click on ‘switch to JPG view’ and be able to pin that image, but most people will not know to take that extra step.”

Once over some of those hurdles, Pinterest is pretty simple to use, so long as you’re not averse to its requirements. Aced Magazine was -- at first.

“There isn’t much thinking involved, as Pinterest immediately sets up followers based on what categories appeal to you (ie: fitness, technology, photography, etc.). I initially did not like the idea of following Pinterest-ers whom I knew nothing about, but then I realized the goal of the network is to find IDEAS from others that inspire your own.”

The Wall Street Journal has called Pinterest -- one of the hottest new media sites on the web.
The Toronto Star asks Pinterest veteran and retail consultant Christina Martinez if that presents a problem.

“The danger is that if it is overtaken by corporate interests, it may lose its charm, much of which is based upon the gentle tone and DIY projects... But Martinez says, Facebook and Twitter have survived corporate invasion and she thinks Pinterest will too.”

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY KEVIN DUBOUIS

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

For the fifth time in nearly two decades, Israelis elected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leader of the right wing Likud party.

The Telegraph reports Tuesday wasn’t just any win — he got 3/4s of the vote.

“The size of his victory will boost Mr Netanyahu, who has faced criticism from some within his traditionally hawkish party for accepting the notion of Palestinian statehood. Senior party officials were quoted as saying that he is contemplating calling an election in October, taking advantage of a strong showing in opinion polls and signs of disarray in some opposition parties.”

Israel’s general election normally wouldn’t take place until late 2013. According to the Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu denied setting an earlier date for the general elections. But euronews points out another challenge in Netanyahu’s political agenda — the upcoming American presidential election.

The Israeli leader has clashed with President Obama on Middle East peace issues, and some analysts suggest Mr. Obama will be more determined in pressuring Israel for concessions if he is re-elected for a second term.

“It is thought he wants a strengthened mandate to be better placed to deal with Barack Obama on Middle East peacemaking, should the U.S. president himself be re-elected.”

The primary comes under the backdrop of international pressure on Israel to resume peace talks with the Palestinians. The New York Times reports United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Jerusalem the day after Likud’s primary to call for good-will gestures toward the Palestinians from Israel.

“The secretary general said he hoped that the exploratory talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials that took place last month in Jordan, the first direct contacts in more than a year, could be sustained.”

The Israeli channel Infolive.tv has Israeli prime minister’s response.

“Netanyahu has said is willing to make such gestures, but only if he is given guarantees that the Palestinians will not walk away from the negotiating table a few weeks later.”

And Haaretz reports Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas’ pessimism about peace talks.

“ ... Abbas said that during the talks in Jordan, Israel did not present ‘any encouraging proposal that we could advance with.’ He also said ‘Israel continues to establish facts on the ground, to build settlements and take control of lands in Jerusalem and the West Bank. This is something we cannot accept, not today and not tomorrow.’ …”

Those settlements remain a sticking point in peace talks. But as the Middle East Monitor points out -- with Netanyahu staying at the helm of Likud -- that isn’t likely to change.

“Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his commitment to his country's illegal settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territories. ... the Israeli prime minister said that the settlements are a ‘key element’ of the state's future.”

According to the Jerusalem Post — Netanyahu told Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon he’s willing to talk to Palestinians about Israeli settlements, but that a freeze can’t be a precondition of those negotiations.

(Image Source: Herald Sun)

BY EMILY ALLEN

ANCHOR EMILY SPAIN

A ferry capsizes during rough weather off the coast of Papua New Guinea.  The vessel was carrying mostly students and teachers on it’s way to the mainland of Lae.  Here is KTRK.

“Officials say the ferry sent out a distress signal overnight, capsized in choppy waters then sank several hours later.”

Rescue crews have a problem.  The Australian Broadcasting Corporation says the shipping agency will not confirm the number of passengers on board.

“That is frustrating the local police and the search and rescue effort that, as far as they can’t tell how many more people may be out there.”

But the Sydney Morning Herald thinks there is a reason the company is staying mum about the numbers.

“Local people said there had long been concern about overcrowding on the ferry, owned by the brother of PNG's National Maritime Safety Authority chairman.”

A TV New Zealand reporter says this accident doesn’t come as a surprise following two similar disasters in recent years.

“There first two, incompetence.  And the ferry owners, the people who are running this got away with it because they could and it’s people’s lives here that are at risk.”

News of the wreck prompted the country’s Prime Minister to issue a call to action.  Here is the Guardian.

“We need to bring some safety measures back into this industry.  We cannot afford to continue to lose our people’s lives.  And sea transport is one of the most important forms of transportation in the country.”

Herald Sun reports bad light and poor weather are hampering rescue efforts.  It says this shipwreck has been described as the worst-ever shipping disaster in the country’s history.
 

(Image Source: The New York Times)

BY GINA COOK

Well, Trump is getting the media’s attention...again.  He chose to endorse Romney at a news conference in Las Vegas Thursday.  This comes after reports on Wednesday that he was going to endorse Gingrich.

A New York Times columnist says,

“when it comes to pure political comedy, he’s the best there is. Today, we had The Endorsement, a new reality show starring Mr. Trump.”



Trump went on Wolf Blitzer’s Situation Room Thursday where Wolf grilled Trump about the accusations he’s made about Romney in the past.

Wolf: “And this notion that when he was running Bain Capital and having all these firms there was a lot of outsourcing going to China and other companies that’s not a big deal anymore?
Trump: “Well he’s really saved a lot of companies though.”

Some reports say this endorsement might not be what Romney needs at this point especially after recent controversy surrounding a statement Romney made about the poor.


An article in the San Francisco Chroncile says it’s bad timing but also says,

“Coming off a win in Florida, his campaign is gathering traction even as he faces increasing criticism that [he] may be out of touch with the lives and problems of everyday Americans.”



The Democratic National Committee has already come out with an ad criticizing the endorsement.


Trump: “You’re fired.” “You’re fired.”
Romney: “I like being able to fire people that provide services to me.”



One question being asked though...Does Trump’s endorsement even matter?


USA Today cites a Pew Research Center poll that

“showed 64% of Republican and GOP-leaning voters said his backing would make no difference in how they vote in the presidential election.”


 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ALYSSA CARTEE
ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

It was a move that divided two women’s health giants and their supporters. News broke Tuesday that cancer research and awareness organization Susan G. Komen pulled its grant funding from Planned Parenthood.

Late Wednesday night the organization’s Founder Nancy Brinker posted a video on YouTube defending the decision.

“Recently, we implemented new granting strategies and criteria that some have regrettably mischaracterized.”

Brinker explains, Komen’s policy includes not providing money to organizations under investigation.
Planned Parenthood has been under investigation since September by a Florida Republican Representative about the organization’s use of taxpayer dollars.

But many are criticizing Komen’s move as purely political. CBS reports a recent hire at Komen has some of those critics asking more questions.

“Komen’s new Vice President for policy is a politician from Georgia who has run in the past on an anti-abortion platform and that leads some to wonder whether her hiring explains the timing of this move.”

MSNBC spoke with a Democratic Congresswoman who says the policy Komen created will hurt the cancer awareness organization in the long run.

REP. JACKIE SPIERER: “Where Susan G. Komen is going is a very slippery slope. Because for instance NIH is called to Congress often to explain certain things when investigations are done. Komen gives a million dollars to the NIH. Are they going to cut back that funding?”

But a Fox News analyst says the decision is Komen’s to make whether people like it or not.

“I think that organizations in America, charitable foundations, health organizations, they have the right to make a determination about how and where they’re giving money.”

A blogger for the Washington Post points out Komen’ position seems to have helped Planned Parenthood.

“Planned Parenthood … has reportedly already raised $250,000 on news of Komen’s decision. And it will likely end up recouping its losses quickly.”

Planned Parenthood says it received $680,000 in Komen grants last year.

(Image: SlashGear)

BY EVAN THOMAS AND JJ BAILEY

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

Sir Howard Stringer, CEO of Sony, is on his way out; to be replaced by the head of Sony Entertainment America Kazuo Hirai. Effective April 1st. But an analyst tells Bloomberg Hirai has his work cut out for him. Sony is having trouble finding winners in its product lineup.

“It’s nowhere in tablets, it’s just had to buy back its share of Sony Ericsson to try to get back into phones ... TVs, its onetime glamor area, is the business losing all the money.”

Barron’s Senior Editor Tiernan Ray tells The Wall Street Journal, Hirai is a good first step. He has a different leadership style from Sir Howard Stringer.

“I think he may be seen more as someone-- Kaz Hirai-- as someone who likes to get into the nitty-gritty of how do they move units.”

According to Business Insider, Sony’s stock is nearing a 20-year low, and the company is on its way to it’s fourth straight year of losses.

But electronics companies have been down and out before, and Electronista says Hirai will likely be taking his cues from a similar story.

“Hirai has and will present a more absolutist structure like that at a rival such as Apple, where management dictates the overall strategy and divisions are there to make that vision real.”

And listening to an interview Hirai gave the Journal on February 1st, his plan seems to be echoing that of Apple’s founder and visionary, Steve Jobs. He says Sony needs...

“...to become a company that provides a very unique and compelling user experience, as opposed to just a company that provides great hardware products.”

Stringer, meanwhile, has been appointed as chairman of Sony’s board of directors.

Image: National Geographic

(Image Source: BBC)

BY BLAKE HANSON

NATO’s primary combat role in Afghanistan could come to an end in 2013. Top U.S. and NATO officials echoed each other Thursday -- discussing what would be an accelerated draw down in troops. NBC’s Today Show has the story...

“Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, said the U.S. military hopes to end its formal combat mission there some time in 2013.”

“The Pentagon says the U.S. will be open to teaming up with the Afghan army in the ongoing fight against the Taliban, and will stay on the ground through 2014.”

The Associated Press reports this is the first time NATO has hinted combat operations would end before 2014. A Sky News reporter says the move gives the Taliban a timetable.

“In some areas, in particular, the Taliban have decided to sit on their hands, let NATO go so they can then fight an easier foe in the form of the Afghan government.”

A writer for the National Post explains why there’s so little trust the Afghan government will be able to handle the job.

“No one even pretends that these troops will be coming home as victors. Instead, the job will be left to the Afghan military, which is decently trained and equipped, but has low morale and … is shot through with Taliban sympathizers.”

CNN’s Pentagon correspondent says support for the war from other NATO countries is dwindling, which could explain the accelerated timeline.

“Everybody agrees this war is not going to be sustainable much longer. Every source we speak with tells us that. So this is now a question of when, not if.”

Finally, the Christian Science Monitor asks -- what does this mean for the troops?

“Are they likely to be safer? To see less fighting? In practical terms, probably not … The move away from a ‘combat role’ into … an ‘advise and assist role’ is replete with some murky military definitions.”

(Image Source: USA Today)

BY ORLA O MUIRI

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

He never threw a punch -- but he was known across the boxing world as one of its all-time greats. He coached one of the greatest fighter’s ever -- Muhammad Ali. The iconic trainer Angelo Dundee died this week. ESPN has more on the legendary man in the corner.
 

“He was a teacher, trainer and tactition. He motivated men like Ali, George Foreman and Sugar Ray Leonard. In fact Leonard said about Dundee, quote; “in the heat of a fight there is no one better to have in your corner than Angelo.”

Dundee was best known for his relationship with Ali- a three time heavyweight champion. According to theage.com....
 

“Ali signed with Dundee in 1960 after culminating his amateur career with the light-heavyweight gold medal at that year's Olympic Games in Rome. Four years later, Ali became the second-youngest heavyweight champion, beating Sonny Liston.”

Dundee was Ali’s coach and trainer for some of boxing’s biggest fights ever -- the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ and the ‘Rumble in the Jungle.’ WLKY notes, as high profile as those two fights were, it was behind the scenes where Dundee really came to life...
 

“His visibility on the major stages were minute compared to where he did his real work.
In cold, empty boxing rings -- away from the cameras and commentators -- Dundee worked to not only train his boxers to be the best, he convinced them they could be.”

Dundee was 90 years old -- his career lasted six decades. In an interview before his death with the BBC, Dundee wanted to help boxing flourish, just as it did when he was ringside.
 

“You can’t live on the memory, you live for today.... boxing is a great sport and I want to see it flourish like it did when I had a great time with Muhammad and Ray Leonard.”

(Image Source: Residence in Phoenix Airport)

BY BLAKE HANSON

A new report out from the Associated Press reveals the U.S. no-fly list has more than doubled in the past year -- and that’s got media outlets asking: how’d that happen? Fox News Radio has more...

“The secret list of suspected terrorists banned from flying in the U.S. has more than doubled in the past year, jumping from 10,000 names to about 21,000.”

So why’d it double? Newser points to December 2009...

“The list has been growing at a quick clip ever since the failed Christmas 2009 ‘underwear bomber’ plot, after which the government lowered the standards required to place people on the list. The new standards would have ensured that would-be bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was on the list…”

So how’s all this play into the so-called “War on Terror”? The Global Post writes...

“The news comes despite the Obama administration’s claims that it is close to beating Al Qaeda.  
However, according to the AP story the government ‘believes the current terror threat extends well beyond the group responsible for the September 2001 attacks.’”

Meanwhile, KCRA has reaction from some travelers -- and a not-so-happy American Civil Liberties Union...

TRAVELER: “There’s a lot of stuff the government does to keep us safe, we may disagree at certain times but some of this stuff is kind of necessary.”
REPORTER: “The ACLU is not happy about the growing list, they believe more rights are being violated because anyone’s name could be placed on the list without an explanation.”

As of Thursday morning, the TSA had not responded to the AP report -- but on its website calls the No Fly list a quote “essential element of the aviation security.” 

(Image source: The White House)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

It’s been talked about for months, but Wednesday marked the official Capitol Hill introduction for a proposed Buffett Rule — a law that would require millionaires to pay at least a 30 percent tax rate. Democratic Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse proposed the bill.

“With all the advantages that do come an enormous income, paying a lower tax rate than regular working families should not be one of those advantages.”

Investor Warren Buffett breathed life into the concept of a millionaire surtax last fall. But the bill’s official name, the Paying a Fair Share Act, borrows not too subtly from President Obama’s own language — much of it coming from last week’s State of the Union address.


“Fair shot...”

“Fair share...”

“Fair share of taxes...”

“Fair play...”

“Fair share of taxes...”

Republican Representative Paul Ryan provided a response to the president’s call for higher taxes on millionaires on Fox News Sunday, telling Chris Wallace the so-called Buffett Rule would only make a small dent in reducing the federal deficit.

“Let’s just look at the math. All these tax increases that the president’s talking about? They only cover 8 percent of his proposed spending increases. The other 92 percent of the nation’s spending increases are borrowed money.”

POLITICO notes, even if the bill doesn’t pass, it still highlights economic inequality — an issue that is sure to be an election year talking point for Democrats.

“Whitehouse’s legislation is almost certain to go nowhere in this Congress: Republicans generally abhor higher taxes and the Senate was unable to clear bills containing a millionaire’s surtax multiple times last year. But the bill could be a messaging tool for Democrats in this election year – particularly amid revelations that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney paid an effective tax rate of 14 percent in 2010.”

But on CNN’s Out Front, Sen. Whitehouse says the bill was not a political maneuver, but rather a piece of legislation that has a chance of passing through Congress.

“If it has difficulty passing on its own, bear in mind that at the end of this year all of the Bush tax cuts expire, and that’s going to motivate everyone in Washington to rethink tax policy.”

On the Senate floor Wednesday, Whitehouse also noted that Americans making between $1 million and $2 million annually would be phased in to the 30 percent tax rate to avoid what he called “a tax cliff.” As of yet, no date is set for a vote on the legislation.

Image Source: Giga OM

BY MADISON MACK


The speculation and rumors can end, at least for now. Right on queue, Facebook has officially filed for its initial public offering. Here’s Bloomberg.

“The eight year old company looking to raise five billion dollars in the most anticipated IPO in years. The prospectus is jammed pack with numbers and facts on Facebook’s business.”

Engadget takes a look at some of those mind-boggling numbers.

“…the service has 845 million active users each month, nearly half of which log in and actuate 2.7 billion likes and comments each day. It also shed light on the company’s prior revenue and earnings … with profits of $229 million and $606 million in 2009 and 2010, respectively -- easily bested by a whopping $1 billion in 2011.”

The Verge points out – CEO Mark Zuckerberg owns 28 percent of the company but as for his salary -- probably not what you’d think.

“He’s got a base salary of $500,000, peanuts for a man who ranks as one of the wealthiest on the planet … As you can imagine, those figures don't tell the full story once you factor in stock benefits … As of January of next year, Zuckerberg's annual salary will drop to just $1, a common practice among wealthy chief executives with a lot of skin in the game.”

The stock won’t hit the open market for a few months – after the SEC has reviewed all the paperwork. And buried in that paperwork is a passionate letter from Zuckerberg which GigaOM notes – gives some insight into Zuckerberg’s vision for his company’s future.

“There is a huge need and a huge opportunity to get everyone in the world connected, to give everyone a voice and to help transform society for the future.  The scale of the technology and infrastructure that must be built is unprecedented, and we believe this is the most important problem we can focus on.”

The company is currently valued at $100 billion and has applied to trade under the ticker symbol FB.





 

(Image source: Diet in Details)

BY ZAKIYYAH WAHAB

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Three professors from the University of California in San Francisco say sugar is toxic and should be regulated.  According to SkyNews, the professors propose...

“...adding taxes to processed foods that contain any form of added sugar...”

Other measures they suggest include:

“....controlling access ... such as age limits for purchase of sugary drinks, and tightening controls on vending machines and snack bars in schools and workplaces...”

Dr. Robert Lustig is one of the researchers calling for regulation.  He says has obese patients as young as six months old and says this is not because of a lack of exercise. As he tells UCSF News,

“...sugar has very specific effects that drive these phenomenon, that drive in some resistance, that drive excessive consumption...”

According to Nature.com, per Capita, Americans eat more sugar than just about anyone in the world.  More than 600 calories per day.

And according to the researchers’ findings, 

“Health problems due to excessive alcohol consumption such as hypertension and pancreatitis are also found in excessive sugar consumption.”

Not everyone agrees.  The Guardian reports that in response to the researchers’ suggestions, a spokesperson from Sugar Nutrition UK says,

“...expert committees, including … the European Food Safety Authority and the World Health Organisation …  have concluded that ... available evidence does not implicate sugar at the level currently consumed in any of the ‘lifestyle diseases’ such as obesity...”

Australian health experts also do not completely agree with the toxic sugar findings. Life Hacker reports, that,

“... casting sugar as the ultimate villain and calling for regulation is misleading, unfounded and unnecessary.”

But back in states, the San Francisco sugar researchers disagree.  They hope the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will consider removing sugar from its “generally regarded as safe list.”

(Image source: eBay)

BY DAVID EARL

President Obama has Air Force One, Marine One -- and Limo One. But what about a car he used to tool around in before becoming commander-in-chief? That’s a different kind of one.

“The price for history is not cheap...if you’re interested, it’ll cost you $1 million dollars. What?”

The car is up on eBay and the seller claims he’s got the title to back up the *first* owner. CNN reports Mr. Obama’s old car isn’t necessarily a beater...

“It’s a top-of-the-line Chrysler 300C with a powerful V8 engine. Basically what it is … it’s like a luxury hot rod.”

But a blogger for the Wall Street Journal isn’t impressed.

“Even with confirmation, the car doesn’t seem particularly attractive in part because there is no great story behind it. Obama is not known to be a car guy, so it is unlikely that he spent long hours in the garage changing the oil or modifying the Hemi engine for more horsepower.”

As a matter of fact, Right This Minute points out, Mr. Obama didn’t even like it enough to buy it...

“He leased the car when it had just 2 miles on it in July of 2004 and drove it until 2007, shortly before he was elected President of the United States.”

And it looks like, for a million bucks, no one else likes it enough to buy it either. There hasn’t been a single bid for the car. But the Chicago Tribune points out a princely price tag isn’t necessarily unprecedented.

“To assert that the ‘$1 million asking price is not a joke,’ the listing cites the $8 million once fetched for Adolf Hitler's Mercedes, the $690,000 for Pope John Paul II's 1975 Ford Escort and the $113,000 for the ‘Bartman baseball’ at the center of the Cubs 2003 playoff collapse against the Florida Marlins.”

Chrysler sold more than 140,000 300s in model year 2005, and the Kelly Blue Book Value for a 2005 Chrysler 300C? Between $14,000 and $17,000.
 

(Image Source: WPEC)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

In a move a judge calls “unprecedented” and “a legal twilight zone,” a wealthy Florida man is being accused of adopting his girlfriend to protect his money.

48-year-old John Goodman, founder of the International Polo Club Palm Beach, is accused of running a stop sign and hitting 23-year-old Scott Wilson’s car in 2010. Wilson later died from those injuries, and his family is suing Goodman for wrongful death. The civil trial is set for March.

But now -- a new complaint from Wilson’s family. WPTV reports.

“Goodman has adopted his 42-year-old girlfriend, Heather Hutchins. The six-page document says Goodman made the move to divert a portion of his assets.”

The New York Daily News explains …

“[Goodman] filed the paperwork to adopt … Hutchins in October, legally entitling her to a third of the assets in a trust fund he set up for his two biological children.”

The Palm Beach Post explains because she is over 35, Hutchins is entitled to her share of that trust immediately. The paper also has Goodman’s side.

“ … Goodman’s civil attorney ... said Hutchins’ adoption was done to ensure the future stability of his children and family investments. ‘It has nothing to do with the lawsuit currently pending against him’ …”

So, will the adoption hold? WPEC spoke with an adoption attorney -- who says the move is ...

“Both awful and brilliant. ... This was an effort to carve out some of that money to be able to be used by him and his girlfriend to support their lifestyle.”

Fox News panelists debate -- calling the adoption “despicable” -- but smart.

“Morally despicable.”
“Repugnant.”
“It’s horrible, but you now have to remember -- we’re lawyers.”

Authorities say Goodman was driving with a blood-alcohol level two times above the legal limit the night of the accident. He also faces a criminal trial in March on charges of vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crime. Goodman has pleaded not guilty.

(Image Source: Flickr/Eddie S)

BY HARUMENDHAH HELMY

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

In world news, public anger in Egypt after more than 70 people die in a soccer tragedy. Some Egyptians are blaming government security forces for failing to protect civilians.  Eyewitnesses say they saw police officers standing idly by as the violent clashes broke out. One NBC correspondent says the incident highlights one of Egypt’s biggest problems.
 

“...many people have lost confidence in the police and the security forces in being able to keep any kind of law and order. And when they try to do that, it often turns violent and angers and fuels more protests, so it is a very precarious situation.”
 

Still in world news, a ferry sinks off Papua New Guinea’s east coast with as many as 350 people on board. Rescuers have recovered more than 200 survivors. Reports say most of the passengers were students and teachers’ trainees. Here’s KING.
 

“This picture shows ships and helicopters are on the scene. So far officials say 238 people have been rescued. Right now it's unclear what caused the ferry to sink.”
 

In U.S. news, Mitt Romney’s Wednesday morning gaffe on CNN is still getting backlash. In an interview with Soledad O’Brien, the GOP presidential hopeful says he was, quote - ‘not concerned about the very poor.’ He has since clarified the remarks -- but his opponents aren’t missing the opportunity to attack. Here’s CNN, with Newt Gingrich on the campaign trail.

Gingrich: “I am running to be the president of all the American people, and I am concerned about all of the American people.”
 

Still in U.S. news, it’s Groundhog Day! Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, and according to folklore, that means there will be six more weeks of winter. Fox News has that clip - with some in the audience booing the groundhog for a prediction he can’t even help! Come on guys - it’s not Phil’s fault.
 

Punxsutawney gentleman: “...many shadows do I see -- six more weeks of winter it must be.”
Audience: [cheering and booing]


Stay with Newsy for more analysis on news throughout the day.  For Newsy Now, I’m Jim Flink, highlighting the day’s top headlines to make you smarter, faster.
 

(Image source: Microsoft)

BY EVAN THOMAS

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Microsoft is looking to grab some market share using a decidedly low-tech method-- the software giant is smearing Google’s new privacy policy in print ad campaign.

Microsoft has taken out full-page print ads in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. The ads claim Google’s new policies are aimed at making users more valuable to advertisers, rather than improving Google’s own services. In a blog post, Microsoft explains:

“The changes Google announced make it harder, not easier, for people to stay in control of their own information. … if the news about Google has you feeling frustrated, or concerned, or both, we have some great, award-winning alternatives...”

It sounds good on paper, but Microsoft hasn’t made any changes to its offerings. According to VentureBeat, Microsoft is simply saying, “We exist!”

“Microsoft ... is making ‘come to papa’ gestures... There’s no new launch to announce, just a new angle to pitch — and the angle is ‘We’re not Google.’”

But Marketing Land says-- that might be enough.

“If Microsoft had tried this type of campaign a month ago, I think plenty of people would have laughed off the idea that Microsoft was somehow looking out for its customers more than Google. Maybe that will still happen today. But Google’s in a weaker position now.”

PC Magazine points out-- there’s precedent for this sort of behavior. Remember Apple?

“Years ago, long before Apple was the most valuable company on the planet, the company waged exactly the same type of war against Microsoft with its ‘Switch’ campaign. That multi-million dollar war of PC propaganda eventually gave rise to the ‘I’m a Mac’ television commercial series...”

Whether the ads work, ReadWriteWeb says to call them what they are-- a jab.

“This is just a shady PR attack by Microsoft, and the press is buying it. Microsoft doesn’t deign to inform its readers about Google’s policy. It uses a few kumbaya words up front and then gets straight to the point: it’s BAAAAD. But we’ve seen less spun talking points in the Republican presidential debates.”

Google’s new privacy policy won’t go into effect until March 1st. Microsoft’s ads will run in the papers through Friday.

(Image Source - CBS)
 

BY JOSHUA LANDER

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Riots in Port Said, Egypt left 73 dead and hundreds more injured Wednesday morning.  It had nothing to do with politics.  It was all because of a soccer match.
 
Fans from home team Al-Masry stormed the field and began hurling stones and fireworks at fans and players of the opposing team from Cairo.  Many of the reported dead were security officers who were beaten to death while trying to bring order.

The New Zealand Herald quoted Al-Ahly player Mohamed Abo Treika as saying...

"This is not football. This is a war and people are dying in front of us. There [was] no movement and no security and no ambulances."

Another player said..

"The players' room has turned into a morgue." 

Soccer related violence has increased dramatically in Egypt since the country’s revolution last year.  One CNN expert says the riot was most likely not spontaneous. 

"There’s a small group of fanatical fans called the Ultras who often times go to these games with the specific intent of getting into fights with fans from the opposing team."

According to Voice of America, the riots have forced the hand of Egyptian officials. 

"Egypt's state prosecutor has ordered an immediate investigation into the violence and the country's football association called for an indefinite suspension of the annual championship."

While the riot does not appear to coincide with Egypt’s political unrest in the past year, it does raise the continued issue of the state police’s ability to deal with violent crowds.  CBS News recorded the incident as...

"...the deadliest incident of soccer violence since Oct. 16, 1996, when at least 78 people died and 180 others were injured in a stampede at a stadium in Guatemala City..."

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) 

BY VICTORIA CRAIG 

You're watching multisource video news analysis from Newsy. 

The reports are out, and the results are in. The Federal Election Commission’s end-of-year fundraising reports for all 2012 presidential contenders came out Tuesday. MSNBC has a rundown of what those numbers show. 

“Mitt Romney raised $24 million in the fourth quarter. Ron Paul was second, Newt Gingrich third, and then Rick Santorum. ... President Obama raised a whopping $68 million in the fourth quarter.”

Many of the president’s campaign bundlers donated their cash late last year. Fox News explains how those A-listers - including stars like Eva Longoria - are helping the president’s reelection campaign.

“Bundlers are wealthy donors who give the legal maximum to the campaign, then get their friends and family and others to do the same thing.”

But the extra cash flow could begin to slow for the Obama team. Bloomberg reports Wall Street investors who donated to Obama in 2008, pulled back at the end of 2011...and fled to his Republican rival, Mitt Romney.

“Mitt Romney’s investment background, criticized by some of his Republican presidential rivals, is helping him build a financial advantage over them....After Obama championed new regulations designed to curb abuses blamed for the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, Wall Street put its money elsewhere.”

The Wall Street Journal adds, corporate donors could be the key to winning the race in 2012.

“The data show the super PACs have been funded primarily by a small group of wealthy donors, some of whom have donated $500,000 or more. The new data are the most dramatic evidence yet of the influence that wealthy donors can have on the 2012 campaign as a result of recent court decisions on campaign-finance law, superseding the efforts of established party and candidate organizations.”

But even though the president has raised more funds overall than Romney and Gingrich combined-- the National Journal says super PAC’s may give the GOP candidates more of a boost further down the line.

“This year, it's the Republicans' adept and aggressive use of super PACs to even the financial playing field, blunting the often-massive money advantages that an incumbent president has at his disposal.”

(Image Source: The Daily Mail)

BY JENNIFER LONG

A California man is stunned by a new leash law in a national park – literally. KCBS explains.

“The man who was tasered by a ranger with the national service has been identified as Gary Hesterberg of Montara. The confrontation apparently began because Hesterberg had one of his dogs off leash.”

The park was privately owned until last December and residents say they were used to walking their dogs off leash there. The Belmont Patch has a statement from the Golden Gate National Recreation area saying the incident …

“...began as a ‘routine educational contact’ on the rules regarding dog walking but grew into a more serious situation when the dog walker provided false information to the ranger and refused the ranger's repeated orders to remain at the scene while his identity was confirmed.”

The ranger then stunned Hesterberg in the back as he walked away. But was a Taser stun gun an appropriate use of force in the incident? Founder of the local Montara Dog Blog says …

"There is total outrage about this. Everyone thinks this is a total excessive use of force … I hope this guy hires an attorney because I think he's got a strong case.”

And The Daily Mail breaks down the powers of a park ranger.

“Any park ranger is considered a peace officer just like any police officer, corrections officer or officer of any court with full law enforcement powers. … Enforcement Rangers suffer the most number of felonious assaults, and the highest number of homicides of all federal law enforcement officers.”

A writer for Examiner concludes both parties were probably at fault.

“Walking two small dogs off leash hardly equates with someone walking up a park trail with a loaded firearm, but how well one passes the ‘personality test’ if approached by a ranger could make a lot of difference in the long run. … in San Francisco, both parties failed the test.”

The ranger remains on duty while the National Park Service conducts an investigation.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY NIELS SCHACK NORGAARD

Mitt Romney was forced to clarify a controversial remark Wednesday morning.

First -- to the remark. Speaking to CNN’s Soledad O’Brien Wednesday morning, Romney said he isn’t concerned with very poor Americans.

“I’m in this race because I care about Americans. I’m not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there. If it needs repair I’ll fix it. I’m not concerned about the very rich. They are doing just fine.”

Only the night before, Romney won a crucial state -- Florida -- with 46 percent of the vote, beating rival Newt Gingrich by 14 points. But Wednesday morning, he was having to explain his remarks. Speaking with reporters while on a flight, The LA Times quotes him as saying:
 

”The area that I think is the greatest challenge that the country faces right now is not to focus our effort on how we help the poor, as much as to focus our effort on how to help the middle class in America, and get more people in the middle class, and get people out of being poor and becoming middle income.”


Even with the clarification -- The Hill’s A.B. Stoddard tells MSNBC Romney’s initial statement shows a big disconnect with most Americans.


”They will find all of this very hard to understand. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to do the right thing for the middle class and create more opportunities for economic growth. It just sounds like he doesn’t care about them at all.”


Yet Romney was defended by Derek Thompson, a senior editor at The Atlantic:


”Democrats are squealing in delight that the fabulously rich GOP frontrunner has ostensibly admitted ... he doesn't care about the poor. The line is tailor-made to be taken out of context, but if you read closely, Romney is absolutely not saying he has no regard for the very poor. He's saying he believes that the safety net we have is sufficient to protect them.”


And as Romney prepares for Saturday’s caucus in Nevada, Fox News’ political correspondent Carl Cameron predicts even though Romney explained himself, the issue will stick.

”It plays to the notion that he is a rich, out-of-touch Wall Street businessman elitist. And the Romney campaign and the Governor himself worked hard on the airplane to try to knock that down but he will deal with it for some time.”
 

(Image source: CNNMoney)

BY DAVID EARL

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

The deal that would have forged the world’s largest stock exchange is officially dead. Euronews has the headline.

“Competition regulators in Brussels have blocked a merger that would have created the world’s biggest stock exchange. Deutsche Boerse and NYSE Euronext say they will now unwind the deal.”

Leading up to Wednesday’s announcement, the head of EU’s Competition Commission told Bloomberg the deal between US-based NYSE and German exchange Deutsche Boerse was anything but done...

“My conclusion is that some problems of competition will not be solved by this merger, but will be aggravated.”

In fact, Fox Business quotes EU officials coming out with some pretty harsh antitrust descriptions for the deal. According to one of them...

“The merger between Deutsche Boerse and NYSE Euronext would have led to a near-monopoly in European financial derivatives worldwide. These markets are at the heart of the financial system and it is crucial for the whole European economy that they remain competitive.”

You can guess the head of Germany’s flagship exchange wasn’t too pleased to hear the news. A German TV station has the soundbite...

“This is a black day for Europe and its future competitiveness on world financial markets.”

And a financial reporter for the BBC seems to agree.

“Where are these stock exchanges going to go? There’s a feeling that when you’re talking about a global market you have to be globally competitive and you have to be big.”

At least one person on the US-side of the pond likes the deal’s death. The familiar name in national politics, big-city real estate, and prime-time reality TV talks to CNBC....

Donald Trump: “The New York Stock Exchange should be this country...I’m very happy to see it, Becky, I think it’s a good thing for the country.”

This is the latest merger to fall through for America’s oldest exchange. Back in April, rival NASDAQ attempted and failed at a hostile takeover of the NYSE.

(Image source: UC Berkeley)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Researchers are one step closer to hacking into the human brain. New techniques from UC Berkeley let a computer listen to a conversation -- by scanning the brain. KPIX explains.

“They’re decoding the electrical activity that happens when a patient hears a certain word. … Researchers then attempt to reverse the process: take the brain activity and then have a computer model say the word.”

The researchers read patients lists of words while measuring how the brain lights up. After the program learned its way around a particular brain, it could reproduce the sounds patients were hearing, even if the program hadn’t learned that word before.

(Computer sounds) (Video source: UC Berkeley)

The sound was muddled, but analysts say it’s a proof of concept, and shows that scientists are getting ever closer to decoding the brain.

Last year, researchers did something similar with vision. Based on the brain’s signals, a computer model was able to reconstruct rough images of what a person was seeing. (Video credit: Gallant Lab)

So where is all this going? Scientists think the same thing happens in the brain when a person hears a word as when a person thinks of a word. A writer for Popular Science explains, if that idea holds up, these techniques could give a new voice to those who have lost theirs.

“[T]here are some practical, medically motivated reasons to do these things, like communicating with locked-in patients, or those who have lost the ability to speak because of a stroke or a degenerative muscle disease.”

The researchers caution it’ll be decades before devices that can translate thought to speech exist. And what about people tapping into your brain without an invitation? The researchers say that’s even more remote. An analyst on BBC says the program needs your help to work at all.

“There’s no need to go out and buy a tinfoil hat just yet. Again, this is very invasive, this required a willing participant to sort of teach the computer model how their particular brain gives up the signals and so on.”

(Image source: Chrysler)

BY CELIA MURRAY

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Chrysler has posted its first annual net income since 1997. This-- just a few years after filing for bankruptcy-- and getting bailed out by the federal government. KENS has the details.

“An automaker that was bailed out by tax payers is now making a profit. Chrysler reported today it raked in $183 million last year...”

So what’s behind the comeback?  Experts believe the sales spike may be due in part to a more modern image for the brand. According to CBC:

“Chrysler spent much of 2010 designing new vehicles and trying to spruce up an archaic lineup that wasn't selling well.”

And as USA Today reports-- it looks like Chrysler is ready to ride the wave-- announcing last month -- it’s hiring thousands of new employees to help with its Jeep Cherokee line.

“Chrysler Group...will hire another 1,100 workers at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit to build the diesel and boost production of the Jeep and the mechanically similar Dodge Durango. That will bring employment at JNAP to about 4,000.”

But as good as things are now-- Bloomberg reports automakers, including Chrysler, may lose market share this year despite growth.

“GM, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC, coming off a year in which all three added share for the first time since 1988, may drop a combined 1.3 percent of U.S. market share in 2012...”

What’s on tap for 2012 that could cause Chrysler to dip? The Wall Street Journal explains.

“The company now faces dual challenges to maintaining its sales momentum this year with fewer new models to stir consumers and the return to full production by Japanese auto makers such as Toyota Motor Corp. that were hurt by natural disasters last year.”

The Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is calling 2012 the ‘transition year’, while the ‘real story’ will unfold in 2013.

(Image source: Reality TV Magazine)

BY CHRISTINE KARSTEN

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

MTV’s Jersey Shore has had its share of drama -- now a new spin-off with Snooki and JWoww is making headlines. The mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, has denied the show a permit to film in her town. The Jersey Journal reports:

“ … Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer wrote, ‘Based on protecting public safety and quality of life concerns for Hoboken residents, the city has denied a film permit for a spin-off of the Jersey Shore to be filmed in public locations.’”

The Jersey Journal reports the show planned to film about 700 hours for every hour of actual programming. Perez Hilton wonders if, with all that filming, Zimmer is denying her town some income …

“We understand why the city would have mixed feelings about this, BUT it would bring looooooots of tourism!”

But TMZ understands Zimmer’s ‘quality of life’ concerns -- saying they outweigh economic stimulation.

“Causing traffic, creating large noisy crowds, and completely disrupting day-to-day life.

 Of course, Snooki can also stimulate a local economy -- so is banning her really worth it? Probably.”

But will this stop the show altogether? E! Online notes the production company has seen these problems before.In September, Governor Chris Christie denied ‘Jersey Shore’ a $420,000 tax credit for the show to film in the state, saying he would not pay for a project that would, quote, “perpetuate misconceptions about the state and its citizens.”

So -- what’s next for JWoww and Snooki’s spinoff? E! says ...

“ ... if you think this will stop these two from doing their show, think again. Snooki posted on Facebook earlier today, ‘NYC for lots of press with my girl Jwowwzers ! love my booboo! Can't wait for our spinoff!!’ The show must go on …”

And any word on when the show might hit the airwaves? As of this January 3rd interview with Hollywood Reporter, JWoww wasn’t too sure.

“It’s starting soon. I think it will hit the air after, um, Jeez I don’t know. (Laugh)”

495 Productions can appeal the decision to the Hoboken City Council.

(Image Source: Planned Parenthood) 
 

BY GILLIAN STEDMAN


Well-known breast cancer charity the Susan G. Komen Foundation, is racing away from Planned Parenthood. WFAA in Dallas says...

“Susan G. Komen and Planned Parenthood are cutting ties.  Last year Komen donated $680,000 for breast cancer screenings, but the charity has a new policy barring grants to organizations under investigation.”

A recently formed congressional committee is investigating Planned Parenthood on how it spends funds. But Planned Parenthood isn’t buying the Komen foundation’s reasoning. KMSP reports ...

“Officials with Planned Parenthood argued the move is connected to the hot button debate over abortion.”

CBS News quotes Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards.

“We are alarmed and saddened that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation appeared to have succumbed to political pressure. Our greatest desire is to reconsider this policy and recommit to the partnership on which so many women count.”

And WRAL has a statement from Komen.

“While it is regrettable when changes in priorities and policies affect any of our grantees, such as a long-standing partner like Planned Parenthood, we must continue to evolve to best meet the needs of the women we serve and most fully advance our mission.”

The Komen cuts are in effect, and will Planned Parenthood be hurt financially? The Hill reported Wednesday -- maybe not -- an online campaign in wake of the Komen news raised $400,000 for Planned Parenthood in 24 hours.

“More than 6,000 people have donated, Planned Parenthood said. … ‘People respond powerfully when they see politics interfering with women’s health’ …”
 

(Image Source: LALate)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Don Cornelius -- the creator of ‘Soul Train’ -- died Wednesday at the age of 75 after an apparent suicide. WFAA reports.

“Los Angeles police say he shot himself at his home on Mulholland Drive. Soul Train began in 1970 as a local show in Chicago and was syndicated nationally for three decades. No word on what might have prompted the suicide.”

KDFW says Cornelius hosted the show until 1993, and ‘Soul Train’ stopped filming in 2006. But, the station reports, Cornelius seemed to have plans for the future.

“Cornelius recently announced he was working on a movie project focusing on things that really happened on the show and exploring the program’s creation.”

Celebrity reactions poured in after the news hit. WSVN has a few:

“Reverend Al Sharpton saying, ‘I’m shocked and grief-stricken by the reported suicide of Don Cornelius of Soul Train. I’ve known him since I was 19 years old.’ Ice Cube Tweets, ‘Rest in peace. Love & Soul ... Don Cornelius.’”

And media are posting in-memoriams, too. Most wrote of Cornelius and the show as one and the same -- the show’s impact was his, and vice-versa. The Washington Post says of Soul Train ...

“It was a highlight of the week. And it’s all thanks to Don Cornelius, who introduced us to the latest music and fashion.”

And The New York Daily News says the show was “his show.”

“Don Cornelius brought color to American television — in every sense of the term. … ‘Soul Train’ made as deep, and beloved, an impression on audiences for what it looked like as what it sounded like.”

Though media reports indicate the death appears to be a suicide-- The Los Angeles Times explains, police are still investigating.

“Officials said it probably will take several days to make a final determination about the death … they stressed it will take days to fully investigate, including interviewing friends and family and examining evidence …”

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY CODY LAGROW & CHRISTINA HARTMAN

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Ron Paul is out to conquer the wild, wild west after coming in fourth with 7 percent of the vote in Florida’s primary. ABC has the next step.

“Both contenders have been campaigning in Colorado, which hold its caucuses a week from today. And both are hosting campaign events in Nevada tonight.”

Paul is looking to take the gold in the silver state this year. The Texas congressman took second behind Mitt Romney in Nevada in 2008. But The LA Times quotes University of Nevada political science professor Eric Herzik who says this time, Paul has a chance to pull a “W.”

“Let’s face it, we’re built on gambling. The bars never close. We have legalized prostitution. We’re not a big government state. Ron Paul has a kind of built-in base here.”

Paul didn’t really compete in Florida, aiming for caucus states that rely more heavily on an enthusiastic and committed following. Compared to primaries -- caucuses are typically a longer time commitment, and therefore have historically lower, but more energetic, turnouts. 

Paul touched on the importance of caucuses to his campaign in a speech after his Florida loss Tuesday night.

PAUL: “We will spend our time in the caucus states because if you have an irate, tireless minority, you do very well in the caucus states.”

And since Florida was a winner-take-all state -- it’s no surprise Paul didn’t invest much of his resources there. With the caucus states, Paul’s got a better shot at the delegate-collection game. And US News and World Report says -- that’s one advantage he has over Romney.

“The number of ‘Paulists’ may not be as large as the armies supporting the front-runner Mitt Romney, but Paul’s backers are passionate, and that means a lot in caucus states, where organization is vital.”

Then again, the article also notes: “Paul's problem is that Romney also has a strong base of Mormons and other conservatives in Nevada.”

(Image Source: Newsy Staff)
 

BY XIAONAN WANG

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Mitt Romney’s win in the Florida primary gives him a solid lead in the GOP race. But his heavy spending on attack ads drew criticism.

On Fox News -- Sarah Palin describes an uphill battle for Romney’s opponents.

Palin: “It was very, very difficult for Newt Gingrich and the other candidates to counter that bombardment of advertisements.”

It wasn’t just Romney that ran aggressive ads. The New York Times reported nearly all of the ads run in Florida leading up to the primary were negative. An op-ed writer for the Digital Journal says this is a regrettable new norm.

“Romney had outspent Gingrich by $16 million in attack ads, proving that lies, viciousness and negativity works more to manipulate the average American voter than what the candidate simply has to offer. ”

On MSNBC, former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele says the negative ads might be a useful tactic in the short run, but they don’t actually add anything to Romney’s campaign.

“16 million dollars on negative advertising, not about promoting a positive message for the future of the country, what he is gonna do as a president, but what he is gonna do to take down Newt Gingrich.”

But it wasn’t just advertising that won the race. An analyst tells CNN Gingrich wasn’t expecting a bolder Romney at the debate podium.

“He expected a Mitt Romney to come who was the same Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney finally decided in Florida to play to win and not play to lose.”

Amid the criticism, conservative pundit Rush Limbaugh says attack ads are here to stay -- and he’s sick of hearing people whine about it.

Rush: “What in the world is POLITICS! What is it, if not this. ”

The next stop of the campaign is Nevada and Maine. Romney won both states in the 2008 contests.

(Image source: FeministsForChoice.com)

BY MEREDITH BALDWIN

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

Pharmaceutical company Pfizer is recalling more than a million packs of birth control. Here’s Bloomberg:

 “Good Morning! And if you’ve been taking birth control pills you might want to go buy a pregnancy test instead.”

The pill order is mixed up in the packs -- and The Today Show talked with a doctor who explains.

“What has happened is there has been a mix up so that some of the inactive pills have been placed where the active pills are and vice a versa -- they’re not quite sure.”

The company is telling women affected it’s crucial they start using a non-hormonal type of contraceptive protection immediately. Pfizer blames a packaging problem --- saying that even though the pills are safe, they aren’t effective in preventing pregnancy. WPTV explains which pills are problematic.

 “The problem affects 14 lots of Lo-Orval and 14 lots of the generic Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol tablets.”

The Pfizer recall comes just months after another major recall affecting birth control packaging. Here’s TIME on what happened then:

 “This is the second major contraceptive recall in less than six months. In September, Qualitest Pharmaceuticals recalled 1.4 million birth control pills because of a different packaging error.”

But Jezebel points out one plus side of the Pfizer name being behind the recall.

 “So instead of calling them ‘birth control pills,’ it might be more accurate to refer to them as ‘one-a-day useless hormone candy.’ … lucky for you, Pfizer also makes pregnancy tests.”

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY KEVIN DONNELLAN ANDMALLORY PERRYMAN

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

An 80s rock band is turning down the volume on Newt Gingrich’s pump-up campaign tune.
 

Gingrich has been using ‘Rocky’ theme ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by the band ‘Survivor’ when he comes on stage for campaign appearances.

Now Houston’s KRIV reports-- the band is suing Gingrich for copyright infringement.

“A federal lawsuit filed Monday claims Gingrich has used the song since 2009 without permission from its authors. The suit asks for Gingrich to stop using the song and pay damages and attorneys fees.”

Frankie Sullivan, co-writer of the song, has been keen to stress this isn’t about politics. He’s quoted in the LA Times saying--
 

“ … it is strictly an artist protecting their copyright."

But The Washington Post adds-- it’s not about the moolah either.
 

“What’s at stake here? Probably pride more than money. Survivor rakes in thousands by licensing the song for movies or ads. But simply playing oldies to pump up a crowd only costs a host a few pennies per attendee if they’ve got a proper license from the music publisher...”

This isn’t the first time a musical artist has taken issue with a campaign-trail tune. NBC explains, the issue came up recently when Michelle Bachmann used Tom Petty’s song ‘American Girl.’ Petty asked the campaign to stop using it.  
 

“They also asked George W. Bush not to use any of his music but Hillary Clinton did use ‘American Girl.’”

So does Gingrich have to stop blasting his beat? The New York Times reports-- use of a song for public appearances falls into a legal gray area. The Times notes-- several cases where candidates used songs in their TV ads have been settled out of court-- but when it comes to political rallies...
 

“The courts still have not provided firm guidance on whether or not playing a song at a political gathering might amount to copyright infringement.”

So far-- the Gingrich campaign hasn’t responded to the suit.

(Image Source: Scrape TV)

BY CODY LAGROW

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

What would you do to win a game show like Fear Factor? Or what wouldn’t you do? NBC pulled an episode that showed twins Brynne and Claire Odioso drinking a whole mug of donkey semen. The two explained their experience with the Cowhead Radio Show.

“You got 15 minutes and if you vomited you would have to start over. What I ended up doing was just vomited in my glass and just drank that.”

Sad you missed it? NBC is not.  Inside TV reports what the network had to say.

“NBC entertainment president Robert Greenblatt released this statement: ‘I reviewed the episode late last week and decided it wasn’t a segment we should air.’”

Fear Factor host Joe Rogan hinted at the semen swallowing stunt months ago to the Huffington Post and said the network expressed doubt then.

“NBC’s still looking at the footage and going, ‘Uhhhh, can we do that?’ There’s gonna be a lot of people that are going to be upset---it really is ridiculous. It’s just completely foul and offensive.”

Foul or just fun and games? Yidio says some critics compare the stunt with another genre.

“As some harsher critics apparently do, consider the stunt ‘porn’ or ‘bestiality.’

TMZ caught up with the Odioso twins to discuss the donkey drink. The duo would not talk about the episode with TMZ—but did speak out on their new pornstar labels.

“What’s the difference between that and porn?” “Uhh…Obviously a large difference, are you serious?” “No sexual acts involved.”

Here’s something to hee haw about: The twins say the taste of donkey semen has “a hint of hay” and that they’d probably do it again. 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) 

BY VICTORIA CRAIG 

You're watching multisource video news analysis from Newsy. 

A Congressional Budget Office report says the U.S. is on track to rack up a $1.1 trillion deficit. Sounds like a hefty bill-- but the number isn’t as high as last year’s deficit figures. Minneapolis’ KMSP takes us through the trend.

“The government is on track to run a $1.1 trillion deficit this fiscal year. It will be the fourth year in a row the US spends at least a trillion dollars more than it brings in.”

That $1.1 trillion is less than the $1.3 trillion deficit the U.S. ran last fiscal year-- but lawmakers agree-- those numbers need to shrink. According to The New York Times, the solution comes down to politics.

“Republicans said [the CBO report] showed that President Obama’s policies were not working, as evidenced by the high deficit, the rapidly increasing debt and continued high unemployment. However, Democrats said the report confirmed their argument that new revenue, as well as spending cuts, would be needed to solve the nation’s fiscal problems, and that a stronger economy was the best way to reduce the deficit.”

So what are the proposed solutions?  Houston’s KTRK explains one of the Congressional Budget Office’s ideas.

“It’s for Congress to do nothing at all. Those Bush-era tax cuts are set to expire at the end of this year and the CBO says if Congress lets the tax cuts expire, the deficit will go way down.”

But Fox Business’ Stuart Varney explains what inaction from Congress, and allowing tax cuts to expire--  could mean for the U.S.

“Yes, you get the deficit down to about $600 billion a year. Down to $600 billion a year. But, you mess up the economy. You reduce growth to one percent and you get nine percent unemployment.”

BusinessWeek expands on that point, saying tax increases are a short-term fix, likely to turn disastrous in the long-run.

“If all of the scheduled tax increases and spending cuts are allowed to take effect, CBO said, the deficit would shrink to $200 billion by 2018. The agency said that would be a blow to the economy that would drive the jobless rate to 9.2 percent...”

While lawmakers work to figure out a solution to the nation’s fiscal woes, one thing is for sure: The decision likely won’t come easy. The Wall Street Journal sums up the long-term effects of both popular options.

“...With Bush-era tax cuts and other measures allowed to expire at the end of this year and the spending cuts left in place— the total federal debt would grow by roughly $3.1 trillion over the next 10 years...But under the second scenario—with tax increases and spending cuts reversed and other temporary policy measures continued—the debt would grow by $11 trillion over that time span.”

Lawmakers are expected to decide whether they’ll renew the Bush-era tax cuts by the end of this fiscal year, which ends September 30th.