The investigation into the shooting deaths of two U.S. Airmen is still ongoing at this time, but officials seem to be leaning toward the theory that the gunman acted alone. Information has surfaced leading authorities to believe that the shooter was a recently radicalized Islamist who acted on his own to kill American troops. Ironically, it is believed that the man is an ethnic Albanian from Kosovo, a nation that is generally very supportive of the U.S. because of its role in helping Kosovo separate from Serbia.
"The suspect is accused of killing two U.S. military personnel and seriously injuring two others," federal prosecutors said in a statement. "Given the circumstances, there is a suspicion that the act was motivated by Islamism."
The two injured Airmen are still in the hospital at this time, with at least one of them in critical condition, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The investigation is continuing, with police speaking with family and friends of the shooter to try to determine his motives and if any other people were involved in the planning or execution of the attack.
In related news, U.S. General David Petraeus issued an apology for an errant attack by coalition forces that killed nine Afghan children who were gathering firewood.
Showing posts with label latest issue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label latest issue. Show all posts
Justin Bieber's Hair Sells for $40,000 on eBay
You have to hand it Justin Bieber. Whether you like his music or his image, the kid seems to have his heart in the right place. After recently raising millions for charity by asking fans to donate $17 to a water organization in honor of his 17th birthday, Bieber and Ellen have now collaborated on a quick-hit $40,000 boon for another charity. After recently cutting his famous locks, Bieber appeared on the Ellen show and gave her some of his hair. The winning bid on eBay was in excess of $40,000!
That is one serious Justin Bieber fan, or possibly someone who is going to try to use the DNA in the hair to clone the Biebs. Either way, what a great use of his incredible fan appeal. Instead of pushing harder to increase his fame and build his brand, Bieber is using his fame to call others to action on behalf of good causes. Obviously, many celebrities do outstanding charity work, but Bieber is only 17 years old and is in the midst of an amazing streak of success and fame. It would be understandable if his focus was on an upcoming album or tour. Instead, he's taking the time to make an immediate impact.
Kudos to his parents and the people who have helped to develop what appears to be a very stable and mature teenager. His actions at such a young age will have an even greater impact as a result of the example that he is setting for legions of young fans around the world.
That is one serious Justin Bieber fan, or possibly someone who is going to try to use the DNA in the hair to clone the Biebs. Either way, what a great use of his incredible fan appeal. Instead of pushing harder to increase his fame and build his brand, Bieber is using his fame to call others to action on behalf of good causes. Obviously, many celebrities do outstanding charity work, but Bieber is only 17 years old and is in the midst of an amazing streak of success and fame. It would be understandable if his focus was on an upcoming album or tour. Instead, he's taking the time to make an immediate impact.
Kudos to his parents and the people who have helped to develop what appears to be a very stable and mature teenager. His actions at such a young age will have an even greater impact as a result of the example that he is setting for legions of young fans around the world.
Friends Worried About Recently Divorced Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera has played down any reports that she may be unhappy in the wake of her October, 2010 divorce from Jordan Bratman, but friends of the singer are worried about her behavior of late. Noted a friend of Aguilera’s, "She’s not being honest with herself. She’s saying she’s this strong independent woman and she’s fine, but what she’s not stepping back to realize is that moving on after a divorce is not easy. She thinks she’s gotten her life together and has already moved on, when maybe she still needs to process it some more."
Aguilera, of course, claims that she’s found love with her new beau Matthew Rutler, who is 25, but her behavior since starting to date him has been erratic. In February, the 30-year-old veteran singer messed up the words to the national anthem at the Super Bowl, and was noticeably drunk at a party for Jeremy Renner in January. A week ago, Rutler was arrested for DUI and Aguilera was thrown in jail, apparently for her own safety.
Some friends are worried that Rutler is having a bad influence on Aguilera, noting, "There’s a real concern about this guy, and a lot of her friends feel she needs to get away from him. Hopefully, what happened is a real wake up call. She is going out and drinking more.
Aguilera, of course, claims that she’s found love with her new beau Matthew Rutler, who is 25, but her behavior since starting to date him has been erratic. In February, the 30-year-old veteran singer messed up the words to the national anthem at the Super Bowl, and was noticeably drunk at a party for Jeremy Renner in January. A week ago, Rutler was arrested for DUI and Aguilera was thrown in jail, apparently for her own safety.
Some friends are worried that Rutler is having a bad influence on Aguilera, noting, "There’s a real concern about this guy, and a lot of her friends feel she needs to get away from him. Hopefully, what happened is a real wake up call. She is going out and drinking more.
First Amendment Protects Protestors at Military Funerals
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday that the First Amendment of the Constitution protects the fundamentalist church members who regularly put together anti-gay protests just outside military funerals. While family members at the funerals have a difficult time dealing with the protests, the ruling indicates that there is nothing that can be done about the Westboro Baptist Church, of Topeka, Kansas, which has routinely been involved in such protests. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion for the court in the case, while Justice Samuel Alito dissented.
Noted Roberts, "Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and – as it did here – inflict great pain. On the facts before us, we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker. As a nation we have chosen a different course – to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate." Alito, however, strenuously disagreed with the majority, writing, "Our profound national commitment to free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case."
As is regularly the case, the Westboro Baptist Church showed up at the funeral of Matthew Snyder, a soldier who died in Iraq in 2006. The group blames the deaths of U.S. soldiers in Iraq on America’s acceptance of homosexuality and hold up signs at the funerals that read "Thank God for dead soldiers," "You’re Going to Hell" and "God Hates the USA/Thank God for 9/11.
Noted Roberts, "Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and – as it did here – inflict great pain. On the facts before us, we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker. As a nation we have chosen a different course – to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate." Alito, however, strenuously disagreed with the majority, writing, "Our profound national commitment to free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case."
As is regularly the case, the Westboro Baptist Church showed up at the funeral of Matthew Snyder, a soldier who died in Iraq in 2006. The group blames the deaths of U.S. soldiers in Iraq on America’s acceptance of homosexuality and hold up signs at the funerals that read "Thank God for dead soldiers," "You’re Going to Hell" and "God Hates the USA/Thank God for 9/11.
Death sentence upheld for Ajmal Kasab
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court Monday confirmed death sentence of Ajmal Kasab who watched the proceedings via a video link and did not react after the judges delivered the verdict.The court was to give its verdict in the appeal of the sole surviving gunman from the 2008 Mumbai attacks against his conviction and death sentence.
Kasab, now 23, was convicted and sentenced to death last May for his part in the wave of attacks on India's financial capital by 10 militants which killed 166 people and injured more than 300 others.
State prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said on Sunday that he was "very confident" that the death sentence would be upheld.
One of Kasab's lawyers, Farhana Shah, added: "Inshallah (God willing), we hope for the best but it's up to the discretion of the honourable court."
Kasab was found guilty of a string of offences including waging war against India, murder, attempted murder and terrorist acts after a high-profile trial at a maximum security prison court in Mumbai.
The appeal, which began last October, saw Kasab's legal team ask for a retrial, arguing that his trial lawyer was not given sufficient time to wade through the 11,000-page charge sheet before the case began.
They also claimed that prosecution evidence and witnesses were manipulated.
Under Indian law, death sentence cases have to be referred to the local state high court. The judges can uphold the sentence, reduce it, order a retrial or overturn the conviction.
If a death sentence is upheld in the high court, there is a further right of appeal to the Supreme Court in New Delhi and as a last resort to India's president for clemency.
The court upheld the acquittal of two Indians Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin. The state had appealed against the acquittal of the pair who was accused of providing hand-drawn maps of potential targets to the gunmen.
The trial judge rejected the prosecution evidence against them as flimsy.
Kasab has been held in solitary confinement since his arrest in a shoot-out with police just hours after the attacks began. He has not attended the appeal for security reasons but has been able to follow proceedings via video link.
BB murder case; Non-bailable warrant of Musharraf issued
RAWALPINDI: Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi has issued non-bailable arrest warrant of former President Gen Pervaz Musharraf (retd) in Benazir Bhutto assassination case, Geo News reported on Saturday.ATC-III judge Rana Nisar issued the order while hearing in Adiala Jail.
FIA presented an interim charge of the case in which statements of former DG National Crisis Cell and IB Chief were recorded and Musharraf was declared nominated accused.
Barking dogs can land owner in jail
ROME: If you live in Italy and if the barking of your dogs keeps the neighbors up at night, it's you who might wind up caged -- in a jail cell.The top appeals court sentenced four people in Sicily to two months in jail because they refused to keep their 10 dogs quiet at night despite complaints from neighbors who had repeatedly picked a bone with the owners over lost sleep.
The four were also ordered to pay court charges and a fine of 500 euros ($684) each. (Reuters)
Kate Middleton deemed top fashion buzzword
LOS ANGELES: Prince William's bride-to-be, Kate Middleton, has de-throned Lady Gaga as the top fashion buzzword for the fashion season that starts in New York on Feb 10, according to a survey released on Tuesday.Middleton, 29, who will marry the British prince on April 29 in London, soared as a fashion icon in November after the blue dress by designer Daniella Issa Helayel that she wore for the official engagement announcement sold out of stores within 24 hours.
Speculation is now rife in the fashion world over who will design Middleton's wedding dress, and what it will look like.
A survey by the Texas-based Global Language Monitor of fashion buzz words and phrases in print, on the Internet, and in social media, ranked Middleton the No.1. word for the upcoming season.
Singer Lady Gaga, known as much for her striking outfits as her hit records, was pushed into second place in the annual survey.
"Sheer" -- the trend for translucent fabrics -- came in third place, followed by "shirt dresses," and "sustainable style," reflecting a growing trend of clothing made of recycled fabrics.
New York fashion week starts on Feb 10, kicking off an international calendar of shows that includes London, Milan and Paris.
Jan trade deficit at $1.11b
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's trade deficit narrowed to $1.11 billion in January, from $1.63 billion a year earlier, the Federal Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday.
The trade deficit was $1.62 billion in December 2010.
Exports totalled $2.32 billion in January, against $1.68 billion a year ago, according to the bureau's data.
Imports totalled $3.44 billion, up from $3.32 billion in January last year.
The country's trade deficit for the first seven months of the 2010/11 fiscal year (July-June) was $9.31 billion, compared with a $8.53 billion deficit in the same period a year earlier.
The trade deficit was $1.62 billion in December 2010.
Exports totalled $2.32 billion in January, against $1.68 billion a year ago, according to the bureau's data.
Imports totalled $3.44 billion, up from $3.32 billion in January last year.
The country's trade deficit for the first seven months of the 2010/11 fiscal year (July-June) was $9.31 billion, compared with a $8.53 billion deficit in the same period a year earlier.
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