Week #3

National News:

Federal law barring lies about medals is tested

The federal courts are wrestling with a question of both liberty and patriotism: Does the First Amendment right to free speech protect people who lie about being war heroes? Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100206/ap_on_re_us/us_military_medals_impostors;_ylt=AhwUioszAV13IpYkAesUU9xvzwcF;_ylu=X3oDMTMxY2tjY2IwBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjA2L3VzX21pbGl0YXJ5X21lZGFsc19pbXBvc3RvcnMEcG9zAzMEc2VjA3luX2FydGljbGVfc3VtbWFyeV9saXN0BHNsawNmdWxsbmJzcHN0b3I-

Photo Caption: The Colorado Springs Police Department provided this June 4, 2009 photo of Rick Glen Strandlof, aka Rick Duncan, who claimed he was an ex-Marine wounded in Iraq and received the Purple Heart and Silver Star. He founded an organization in Colorado Springs that advocated for homeless veterans, and members of the group accused him of being an impostor. He pleaded not guilty and his case is still pending in federal court.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Colorado Springs Police

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, impact and conflict. The federal courts are not sure if the First Amendment right to free speech protect people who lie about being war heroes.  It is current since this has been an ongoing topic in the news as well as being timely since it keeps popping up.  Furthermore, the value of conflict is present since some people believe the First Amendment right to free speech doesn't protect such liars, while others think otherwise.  Plus, the decision that is made will impact the entire country!  The First Amendment right to free speech is in question due to people lying.

Judge wants Edwards sex tape 'under lock and key'

A judge wants to put a sex tape of two-time presidential candidate John Edwards "under lock and key," demanding Friday that a former aide to the pilloried politician turn over the video by next week. Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100206/ap_on_re_us/us_edwards_sex_tape;_ylt=AgfpO4CRNYDJ_2LPoWglvZ1vzwcF;_ylu=X3oDMTJwZ2xlYzg3BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjA2L3VzX2Vkd2FyZHNfc2V4X3RhcGUEcG9zAzIxBHNlYwN5bl9hcnRpY2xlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDZnVsbG5ic3BzdG9y

Photo Caption: Former aide to John Edwards, Andrew Young, left, with his wife Cheri Youngm waits at the Chatham County courtroom in Pittsboro, N.C., Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 for a hearing over over a 'private' videotape authored by the candidate's mistress.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Jim R. Bounds

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, prominence and conflict.  John Edwards is a prominent figure in America and at the moment his character is being tarnished since a sex tape is out, but not to the public, yet anyway.  It is current and timely since it is all happening now.  Plus, there is so much conflict there.  A lot questions are being thrown around whether it was right for Young to make multiple copies of the sex tape as well as if Edwards used the campaign money to pay his mistress.  It is a very scandalous story!

Powerful blizzard paralyzes mid-Atlantic states

Storm could be the biggest for the nation's capital in modern history.  Full Story

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35237043/ns/weather/

This story holds the news values of timeliness, currency, impact and proximity. The nation's capital is a winter wonderland; pun intended.  This blizzard just struck the mid-Atlantic states this weekend and currently most people are at a standstill since there is so much snow.  It is probably best that everyone is stuck in their homes since driving in these conditions could be dangerous.  Furthermore, the weather is greatly impacting all these mid-Atlantic state occupants.  Lastly, the nation's capital isn't too far away from where I currently am and neither are most of the other mid-Atlantic states that are dealing with the snow.

International News:

Haitian women become crime targets after quake

Bernice Chamblain keeps a machete under her frayed mattress to ward off sexual predators and one leg wrapped around a bag of rice to stop nighttime thieves from stealing her daughters' food. Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100207/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_haiti_earthquake;_ylt=AsVVJTYyiXZCE4Snbg9dfK9vaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJrN3Y5aDdmBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjA3L2NiX2hhaXRpX2VhcnRocXVha2UEY3BvcwMxBHBvcwMzBHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA2Z1bGxuYnNwc3Rvcg--

This story holds the news values of timeliness, currency and impact.  The Haiti tragedy happened a few weeks ago, but recovering is ongoing which leads to this story being timely and current.  Furthermore, the fact that women are being subjected to such treatment is impacting the world.  There are multiple organizations trying to help these women and protect them from harm while recovery continues.

Whalers, activists clash again off Antarctica

Anti-whaling ship the Bob Barker and a Japanese harpoon boat collided in icy Antarctic waters in the second major clash this year in increasingly aggressive confrontations between conservationists and the whaling fleet. Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100207/ap_on_re_as/as_antarctica_whaling;_ylt=ArsjsvlFxKl6sHziEw6hKp9vaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJxNDhwcTRjBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjA3L2FzX2FudGFyY3RpY2Ffd2hhbGluZwRwb3MDNARzZWMDeW5fYXJ0aWNsZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA3doYWxlcnNhY3Rpdg--

Photo Caption: 

In this photo released by Sea Shepherd, anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd's ship the Bob Barker, left, and Japanese harpoon boat the Yushin Maru 3 collide in the waters off Antarctica Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. It was the second major clash this year in the increasingly aggressive confrontations between the two sides. No one was reportedly injured in the latest strike.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Sea Shepherd, Glenn Lockitch

This story holds the news values of timeliness, currency, impact and conflict.  This event recently occurred making it timely and current.  It possesses the values of impact and conflict too since there is an ongoing irritation between whalers and activists and it is impacting many activists at that.  Plus, the fact that these ships clashed out at sea doesn't lighten the situation either.

Haiti's Baby Lift: Don't Just Take the Children, Save Them

While the missionaries who took Haitian kids may have meant well, they may have been doing the children and the country a disservice -- as well as breaking the law.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100205/wl_time/08599196041700;_ylt=AkOxb35cy6YopTV1enyxqxFvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJtcGUwZmZmBGFzc2V0A3RpbWUvMjAxMDAyMDUvMDg1OTkxOTYwNDE3MDAEcG9zAzM3BHNlYwN5bl9hcnRpY2xlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDZnVsbG5ic3BzdG9y

This story holds the news values of timeliness, currency and impact.  The Haiti tragedy happened a few weeks ago, but recovering is ongoing which leads to this story being timely and current.  Furthermore, the fact that children are being subjected to such treatment is impacting the world.  There are multiple organizations trying to help these children and protect them from harm while recovery continues.  Just like Haitian women are at risk all the children are as well.  Haiti is in a very dark place lately.

Local News:

Why the classic Noo Yawk accent is fading away

The first thing theatergoers will notice about the revival of "A View of the Bridge," Arthur Miller's 1950s drama about a working-class Italian-American family in Red Hook, is that the characters are speaking a different language: Brooklynese. You got a problem with that!? You can hear the mellifluous — some...  Full Story

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/why_the_classic_noo_yawk_accent_yy2b2mA08qsg4sRxUDLVOL

This story holds the news values of timeliness, currency, bizarreness and proximity.  Currently there is a NYU graduate student writing her dissertation on New York City English.  Since she is doing this now the story is also timely.  I also believe this story holds the value of bizarreness since the information in the article is so interesting.  Not that is actually bizarre, but it is so intriguing to find out why New Yorker's drop and add the sound of a "r," so randomly.  Furthermore, this story holds the value of proximity since New York City is only a train ride away from me in Dix Hills.

Love, Wine and Chocolate

For Valentine’s Day, Millbrook Vineyards and Winery has a gift called Passion for Pinot Noir, a selection of three ruby-red pinot noirs in a festive red box.  Full Story

This story holds the news values of timeliness, currency and proximity.  It is the month of love since Valentine's Day is not that far away.  Wine and chocolate are big gifts during this holiday.  Since this holiday is not that far away this story is timely and current.  People are always searching for the perfect gift for their sweetheart.  Furthermore, Millbrook Vineyards is fairly close since it is in the state of New York.

NJ Airports Not Affected By Storm

The major winter storm that's hitting New Jersey has not caused many problems so far at the region's airports.  Full Story

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/new_jersey/nj-airports-not-affected-by-storm-100206

This story holds the news values of timeliness, currency, impact and proximity.  The blizzard that hit most of New Jersey late last night and has continued today has surprisingly not ruined the departure or arrival of the flights at Newark Liberty and Atlantic City airports.  There have been a few delays and a few cancelations, yet most flights remained on schedule with no problems.  Since the blizzard is ongoing this story is timely and current.  It is happening a state away making it hold the value of proximity and it is impacting many people that are flying in and out of the state of New Jersey.

Other News:

Nick Jonas honoured to sing on 'We Are the World'

Even for Nick Jonas, there comes a time to heed a certain call.  Full Story

http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/music/2010/02/04/12738236.html

Photo Caption: Nick Jonas

Photo Credit: Nick Jonas

This story holds the news values of timeliness, currency, impact and prominence.  In recent weeks it was decided that a remake of "We Are the World" was much needed to help those in Haiti.  This is what gives the story its timely and current values.  Furthermore, all of these artists, especially Nicholas, are prominent figures in pop culture.  He is 17 and has been able to do so much and this is by far one of the biggest things he has gotten to be part of.  Lastly, this story holds the value of impact since not only are the artists impacting their fans lives by doing this project, but they are impacting the lives of the Haitians they are trying to help.

Week #2

National News:


Obama: GDP reaffirms progress on economy
President Barack Obama said Friday that the economy's 5.7 percent growth rate in the fourth quarter reaffirmed progress on the recovery compared to the economic slump a year ago.  Full Story
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35141308/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

Photo Credit: Department of Commerce AP

This story holds the news values of currency, impact, timeliness, proximity and conflict.  Currently the economy still isn't up and people all over America are suffering from losing their jobs which proves the news values of currency, impact, proximity and timeliness.  Obama is trying to change that and as of now it appears that many people aren't in favor of his approach which shows the conflict aspect of the news values.  There is a shred of hope that the economy will fully bounce back.

US announces $6B arms sale to Taiwan

Defying China, U.S. will sell Taiwan $6 billion in weapons.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_us_taiwan_arms_sales

Caption: Navy sailors stand guard aboard a US-made Kidd class warship in Keelung, in 2005. The United States on Friday approved 6.4 billion dollars in weapons for Taiwan to help counter China's growing military, angering the rising Asian giant which warned of "serious" consequences.

Photo Credit: AFP/File/Sam Yeh

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, impact and conflict.  The Obama administration is trying to aggravate China by selling over $6 billion dollars worth of 114 Patriot missiles, 60 Black Hawk helicopters and two mine-hunting ships to Taiwan. It is current and timely since this ongoing irritation between China and the U.S. has surfaced more so lately than ever before.  Each call the Obama administration makes impacts the entire country as well as other countries especially Taiwan and China.  Furthermore there is a major conflict brewing between China and the U.S. especially if the U.S. goes through with this arms sales which seems pretty likely due to the fact that working with Taiwan goes back to when President George W. Bush was in office in 2001 when he made a deal with them saying he'd supply an $11 billion dollar arms package.  The current deal is in partial fulfillment to the one pledged back then.

BOMB SCARE ABOARD CHAUTAUQUA AIRLINES JET

Plane diverted, bomb scare caused by Orthodox Jew.  Full Story

http://www.eturbonews.com/13981/plane-diverted-bomb-scare-caused-orthodox-jew

This story holds the news values of currency, proximity, impact and timeliness.  Lately there have been numerous airline security stories surfacing due to terrorist threats such as the one that occurred last month on the 25th (Christmas Day) on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit when a Nigerian man tried to set off a bomb on the plane.  This time however it was a mistake since most people are not familiar with the Jewish prayer rituals and found it odd that this man had "head gear" and was speaking in another language.  It was a scare, yet precautions were taken due to other recent acts.  Luckily it was only a misunderstanding and no one was harmed, yet the suspected was questioned only to find that he is an Orthodox Jew that was praying.  Regardless, this story is very much current and timely.  It occurred in close range since the flight left from New York and was diverted to Philadelphia and it impacted many since it was yet another scare in the air.

International News:

Haitians tire of waiting, start own rebuilding

Defying pleas to wait for Haiti's reconstruction, families lugged heavy bundles of wood and tin up steep hillsides Friday to do the unthinkable: build new homes on top of old ones devastated in the earthquake.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100130/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_haiti_earthquake;_ylt=Ano5XX6TkRA4GcH8mnoOtkRvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJrdW04OG92BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMTMwL2NiX2hhaXRpX2VhcnRocXVha2UEY3BvcwMxBHBvcwMzBHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA2Z1bGxuYnNwc3Rvcg--

Caption: 

Suspected looters lie with their hands tied as they are detained in an appliance store in downtown Port-au-Prince, Friday, Jan. 29, 2010. Sporadic looting continues as earthquake survivors scavenge for anything they can find in the rubble left by Haiti's Jan. 12 earthquake.

 

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa

This story holds the news values of impact, currency, conflict and timeliness.  The Haitians are growing impatient with waiting on their government to start rebuilding.  So many are taking it into their own hands to make do with what they have and what they have been given thus far through the U.S. and other foreign donors.  This horrific earthquake has not only impacted those in Haiti, but those elsewhere that lost or have relatives and friends missing due to the recent events in Haiti.  Furthermore, since the earthquake only occurred a little over two weeks ago it is still very much current and timely especially now that the reconstruction of the capital is now a prime concern.  Also, there is much conflict since the Haitian government is not really trying to get Port-au-Prince back together again.  Instead Haitians that survived are asking for outside help; mainly from the U.S.!  Overall, this story is bound to continue on for weeks to come due to how long it will take to rebuild and furthermore if more people are found alive or dead among other things that have been ongoing there such as trafficking, drugs coming and going, the food supply being low, looting and much more. 

Bin Laden blasts US for climate change

Osama bin Laden sought to draw a wider public into his fight against the United States in a new message Friday, dropping his usual talk of religion and holy war and focusing instead on an unexpected topic: global warming.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100129/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_bin_laden_tape;_ylt=Aqw0Eq2kZoH1h2tNJlVwfIBvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJuaTMxdm4zBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMTI5L21sX2Jpbl9sYWRlbl90YXBlBHBvcwMxNgRzZWMDeW5fYXJ0aWNsZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA2Z1bGxuYnNwc3Rvcg--

Caption: This is an undated photo of al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden issued a new audio message claiming responsibility for the Christmas day bombing attempt in Detroit and vowed further attacks.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/File

This story holds the news values of conflict, currency and timeliness.  The al-Qaida chief is at it again with releasing a new audio tape, yet this time he is discussing global warming.  It is current and timely since it was just released and the conflict arises since he of course is blaming the U.S. and other industrialized nations.  He wants the world to boycott against U.S. goods and to stop using the American dollar since according to him that will end global warming.  Bin Laden made numerous accusations stating that the U.S. "are the true criminals against the global climate."  Furthermore, this message has been said to be an attempt to appeal to people that aren't in favor of al-Qaida already, but might be now if al-Qaida can sway them with this topic!

Auschwitz Liberation Anniversary

Unidentified members of the Jewish community of Alsace region Francis Levy pray at the main Jewish cemetery of Strasbourg, eastern France, Thursday Jan 28, 2010.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Auschwitz-Liberation-Anniversary/ss/events/wl/012709holocaustremem;_ylt=AhFnh5C6ZogGmOqKaqyV.6xvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTE3ZzJydmpsBHBvcwMyBHNlYwN5bl9zbGlkZXNob3cEc2xrA3VuaWRlbnRpZmllZA--

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Christian Lutz

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, impact and conflict.  Recently Jews have marked the 65th anniversary of liberation of the Auschwitz death camp which was a symbol of the Holocaust where the Nazis killed millions.  With that said, the values of currency and timeliness are accountable.  Furthermore, it was said that while marking this anniversary some gravestones appeared to be covered swastikas and were overturned which accounts for the values of impact and conflict.  This story holds so much impact since millions of people suffered during this tragic event in time, some still living today and to have people that still have such strong hatred towards the Jewish community leaves me with feeling such disgust since I am apart of that community.  


Local News:

Newly found WTC debris to be searched for remains

New York City officials say they have gathered new debris from in and around the World Trade Center site and will soon begin another round of sifting to uncover human remains.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100129/ap_on_re_us/us_attacks_remains;_ylt=At72XFZ2FCop4uPCp9258JCs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNtMDhkcjJwBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMTI5L3VzX2F0dGFja3NfcmVtYWlucwRjY29kZQNtb3N0cG9wdWxhcgRjcG9zAzQEcG9zAzEEcHQDaG9tZV9jb2tlBHNlYwN5bl9oZWFkbGluZV9saXN0BHNsawNuZXdseWZvdW5kd3Q-

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, proximity and impact.  Recently more debris has been recovered from around and in the World Trade Center site.  This accounts for the timeliness and currency.  Furthermore, there is such a huge impact to this story since the day this tragic event occurred was so horrible and now with each piece of debris found we are able to give in memory of those that were lost that day.  Also, more sifting will commence starting in April and has been said to last for three months following it in which more human remains will most likely be found.  Proximity is clearly a big part of this story since it occurred in the heart of New York.

Puppy found nearly frozen in jet's cargo bay at JFK Airport is rescued

A puppy found nearly frozen in a jet's cargo bay at JFK Airport was revived by U.S. customs officers who performed mouth-to-snout resuscitation, officials said Thursday.  Full Story

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/pets/2010/01/29/2010-01-29_tails_happy_ending_recovery_for_jet_puppy_on_verge_of_doggie_heaven.html

Caption: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at JFK Airport came to the rescue of this 6-week-old puppy on Saturday from Mexico City flight. The pooch has recovered and reunited with his owner.

Photo Credit: New York Daily News

This story holds the news values of proximity, currency, timeliness and bizarreness.  Being that this took place mostly in JFK airport it is fairly close by and it is very much timely since it was only a few days ago.  Furthermore it is current since there have been multiple stories about miracles happening to animals in this harsh weather.  Lastly, it is very bizarre since the pup was thought to have been a drug mule, which it was not, yet it was barely alive; however, an officer performed mouth-to-snout resuscitation and then proceeded to wrap it in blankets and heating pads before getting it to a vet. to be properly taken care of being sending the pup off to be reunited with its owner.

Next Stop, the Wilds of New Hampshire

The high-rise at 300 East 57th Street is the last known Manhattan home of J. D. Salinger, who fled fame and the city at age 34.  Full Story

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/30/nyregion/30address.html

Caption: The high-rise at 300 East 57th Street is the last known Manhattan home of J. D. Salinger. Few, if any, people connected to the building today knew of its literary connection.

Photo Credit: Librado Romero/The New York Times

This story holds the news values of timeliness, proximity and bizarreness.  It is timely since J.D. Salinger recently passed away and it is somewhat close by in means of this story's focus that he once resided in the apartment building pictured above; however, the bizarreness to it is that it was not found on record of him residing there (due to loss of files according to the family that owns the apartment building) and none of the current tenants had known either therefore there was no flowers left outside to honor his memory.

Other News:

UGLY BETTY CANCELLED

U.S. TV show UGLY BETTY has been cancelled. The cult comedy, which has become a global hit, debuted in 2006 and turned Emmy Award-winner America Ferrera into a household name.  Full Story

http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-40782.html

This story holds the news values of timeliness, prominence, proximity and impact. It recently has been announced that this hit t.v. show will not be returning for a fifth season.  It has a cast of now loved celebrities among many American as well as international fans that are now struck to see this series come to an end.  Lastly, it has been filming in the city and now that will come to a stop once it wraps in April.

Week #1

National News:

Officials: 35 detainees should face court trial

Recommendations by a task force could mean trials for Gitmo inmates in the U.S.; 47 more may be held indefinitely. Full Story

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35011370/ns/us_news-security/

This story has been such a hot topic since holding the trials in New York federal court can lead to more terrorist attacks.  Questions keep arising on where the Guantanamo Bay inmates will be placed until the trials begin since the Guantanamo Bay prison is still trying to be shut down permanently due to President Barack Obama's plan; however, the deadline to shut it down in a year has now ceased, yet only 196 detainees remain at Gitmo.

Storms pound Arizona, California

“It’s not safe to say that we’re out of the clear just yet,” official says. Full Story

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34926340/ns/weather/

Apart from the tragic weather catastrophe in Haiti, over in the United States, there happens to be similar trends in awful weather.  Rain and snow is causing floods in southern California and in western Arizona.  People are being killed, homes are becoming destroyed and "state of emergency" is being declared due to these extreme storms!

Photo Credit: David Kadlubowski/Arizona Republic via AP

Sen.-elect Scott Brown arrives on Capitol Hill

Says D.C. is 'the best place in the world when it comes to solving problems.' Full Story

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34974557/ns/politics-capitol_hill/

It now has occurred in which Massachusetts has elected Scott Brown, a Republican to have a seat in Senate.  This has rattled the Democrats drastically!

International News:

Hundreds of thousands flee Haiti’s capital

Survivors cram into buses, nearly swamp ferries and even escape on foot. Full Story

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34928950/ns/world_news-haiti_earthquake/

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake tossed many peoples' lives upside-down in Haiti as well as relatives living in the United States whom are fearing for the worst news possible. The Haitians that have survived are fleeing Port-au-Prince in attempt to stop the spread of disease from not having a vast supply of water and food nor a place for sewage.

Afghanistan bans chemical used to make bombs

Ruling follows probe that uncovered use of fertilizer in series of attacks. Full Story

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35015446/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/

Ammonium nitrate is a common chemical found in fertilizers; however, it has been used in bombs in recent years. President Hamid Krazai's office has issued a ban on the use, production, storage, purchase or sale of this chemical. If there are violators that are caught it has been said that they'll have to face court action.

Clash of the Titans

How the Democratic Republic of Google is testing China's appetite for democracy itself. Full Story

http://www.newsweek.com/id/231116

China and the United States are not seeing eye to eye.  China has been spying lately now causing Google to defy Beijing's rules censoring the Internet!

Photo Credit: Ryan Anson/Bloomberg-Getty Images (left); China Photos--Getty Images

Local News:

Jets fans start to show their true colors

After last weekend's resounding win over the Bengals, the Jets have eased the skepticism of many fans. Full Story

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-fans-start-to-show-their-true-colors-1.1706481

Jets fans are feeling lucky and are ready to take on the Indianapolis Colts! All over Long Island fans are proudly wearing their Jets jerseys, hats, sweatshirts and more.

New Jersey Vote Backs Marijuana for Severely Ill

The New Jersey Legislature approved a measure on Monday that would make the state the 14th in the nation, but one of the few on the East Coast, to legalize the use of marijuana to help patients with chronic illnesses. Full Story

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/nyregion/12marijuana.html

The legalization of marijuana in the state of New Jersey has been big news lately. The bill passed in both houses with comfortable marginal gaps.

Bryce Larsen: The other Long Island contestant

'American Idol' Chicago, Atlanta and Boston premieres live-blogging and our favorites so far -- John Park, Charity Vance, Paige Dechausse, Jermaine Sellers , Vanessa Wolfe, Skii Bo Ski, Maddy Curtis, Katie Stevens, Bosa Mora, Leah Laurenti, Amadeo DiRicco and Joshua Blaylock. Full Story

http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/american-idol-1.811965/bryce-larsen-the-other-long-island-contestant-1.1699669

Bryce Larsen grew up in Long Island and is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Stealing Jane, an eight-piece band hailing from none-other-then Long Island.  He decided to try out for American Idol in Boston and just so happened to appeal to the four judges; earning four "yeses" and is now on his way to compete in Hollywood to become the next American Idol.

Photo Credit: www.AmericanIdol.com

Other News:

Star power helps garner more for Haiti

It doesn’t take much arm-twisting to get average citizens to make donations in the face of such tragedy. Yet the mere presence of celebrities can be particularly persuasive in generating money for a cause. Full Story

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34958902/ns/entertainment-celebrities/

Celebrities are coming together to help raise money for Haiti.  The telethon, "Hope for Haiti" hosted by George Clooney will be viewed by millions on numerous television networks including NBC, ABC, CNN and more.