A flying car crashed on Friday morning near an elementary school in Vernon, British Columbia. The air-car clipped a fence, hit a tree, and crashed close to school property just before 9 am local time.

The experimental flying car is made by a Florida company and is a combination of a plane engine, propeller, and parasail, all attached to a dune buggy.

Gord Molendyk, spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated that the contraption likely took off from the airport in Vernon. Molendyk added:

“It looked like it was on its approach. There was motor sound and people looked up and it got into trouble and came through the fence and into the trees here.”

The crashed flying car’s pilot and passenger had to be pulled from the tree. They suffered minor injuries and were taken to a hospital and released. While children from the school were preparing for a track and field day at the time of the crash, no one on the ground was injured.

Later on, pilot Ray Siebring explained the flying car’s crash, saying:

“It seemed there was an anomaly on our approach to landing … It was just a sharp left turn that turned into a spiral, so the spiral took at least three rotations.”

Despite the flying car’s mishap, Siebring defended the Maverick’s safety record. He explained, “This is an aircraft that has been demonstrated and is airworthy so we passed all our aircraft certifications. The vehicle uses a parasail for take-off and flight. It requires a 100-meter (about 328-foot) runway to take off and land.

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) issued a statement confirming the flying car was “an American corporately registered I-Tech Maverick SP Powered Parachute.” While it certainly doesn’t look like the car of the future, the Maverick is the fifth-ever flying car.

The flying car that crashed on Friday was purchased for a minimum price of $94,000, according to the manufacturer’s website.

[Image via Tory Townsend]

Flying Car Crashes Near Canada Elementary School is a post from: The Inquisitr

The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has hit a troubling and long-feared milestone, according to scientists. The level of the most important heat-trapping gas reached a concentration not seen on our planet for millions of years.

Scientific instruments showed that the carbon dioxide gas reached an average daily level of 400 parts per million. While is may not seem like much, it is a sobering reminder that decades of efforts to bring carbon emissions under control are not working as planned.

The best available evidence for carbon dioxide levels shows that the amount of the gas in our atmosphere has not been at this level for about three million years — before humans evolved. Pieter P. Tans, who runs the monitoring program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), explained, “It symbolizes that so far we have failed miserably in tackling this problem.”

Essentially, every car trip, plane trip, and flip of a light switch (in most places), is contributing to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Relatively little money is being spent on finding and deploying alternative technologies, like battery-powered cars and solar energy panels.

While China is the largest emitter of the greenhouse gas, Americans have been producing it for far longer. Experts say that the US is much more responsible than any other nation for the high level of carbon monoxide.

Burning of fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal, enhance the “greenhouse effect,” causing Earth to warm to levels that climate scientists cannot attribute to any natural force. There are natural ups and downs of carbon dioxide, but not like the levels seen between the Industrial Revolution and now.

Ad the time of the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide levels ran about 280 parts per million. But since humans have started releasing large amounts of the gas into the atmosphere, that level has skyrocketed, relatively. Tans added:

“That increase is not a surprise to scientists. The evidence is conclusive that the strong growth of global CO2 emissions from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas is driving the acceleration.”

Crossing the threshold of 400 parts per million of carbon dioxide is “more than a new data point about greenhouse gas levels in our atmosphere,” according to World Wildlife Fund chief scientist Jon Hoekstra.

[Image via Riffsyphon1024]

Carbon Dioxide Levels Hit Troubling Milestone, Scientists Announce is a post from: The Inquisitr

Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty of first degree murder in three of four infant deaths. Gosnell was also convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a female patient.

With the convictions against him, Gosnell could face the death penalty. The verdict came on the jury’s 10th day of deliberations for more than 200 counts in the case.

The guilty verdict came just hours after the jurors told the judge they were deadlocked on two counts. The judge told them to try again for a unanimous verdict, though did not specify which of the counts they were deadlocked on.

The Philadelphia abortion doctor was accused of performing late-term abortions on at least four babies. They were born alive but were allegedly killed by Kermit Gosnell.

The jury heard two months of grisly testimony including accounts from members of Gosnell’s staff. Eight of the staff members have pleaded guilty to several crimes. Prosecutors alleged that none of the staff members were licensed nurses or doctors.

Kermit Gosnell ran the Women’s Medical Society in West Philadelphia for decades. But, in February 2010, the FBI raided his clinic looking for evidence of prescription drug dealing. Instead, they found much worse. According to a grand jury report released in 2011, they discovered a filthy “house of horrors.”

Despite numerous complaints and 46 lawsuits filed against the Philadelphia abortion doctor, state regulators conducted just five inspections of Kermit Gosnell’s clinic since it opened in 1979. The clinic served mostly low-income women and teens.

Gosnell’s involuntary manslaughter conviction came from 2009 when a woman died from an overdose of sedatives after an abortion. The drugs were administered by Gosnell’s untrained and unsupervised staff. Prosecutors alleged that Gosnell delivered at least four babies alive and then killed them by cutting their spines with scissors.

Along with four counts of murder, the Philadelphis abortion doctor faced more than 250 counts of abortion-law violations for performing abortions after Pennsylvania’s  24-week cutoff. He also allegedly failed to counsel patients.

Jurors will start hearing evidence on May 21 for whether Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell should be sentenced to death.

Kermit Gosnell Found Guilty Of First Degree Murder is a post from: The Inquisitr

Vin Diesel opened up about his role in the Kojak movie during his appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show over the weekend.

The actor is busy promoting the upcoming action flick Fast and Furious 6, which is slated to open in theaters later this month. After talking about the sequel for a while, the conversation soon turned to his participation in the big-screen adaptation of Kojak.

Not much information about the project has bubbled to the surface since it was announced late last year. However, Diesel told Ross that he was indeed starring in the project.

“I am doing the role. [I have] huge shoes [to fill],” the actor confirmed. However, it’s apparent from the interview that Vin Diesel is taking this role very seriously.

“[The original show] was shot in my neighborhood growing up, in the village, downtown New York so I would see Telly Savalas when I was a kid coming into my building and he had no idea that someday I would portray him, portray Kojak,” he explained.

Diesel also reluctantly discussed his days as a break dancer in New York City. Jonathan Ross somehow managed to obtain video of the actor showcasing his skills back in 1984. Diesel was only 16 years old at the time. The clip can be found in the embedded video at around the nine minute mark. He’s the guy on the right side of the screen.

Kojak isn’t the only project the busy actor has looming on the horizon. Diesel is also attached to star in The Machine for MGM and The Last Witch Hunter from director Breck Eisner. Both features are likely to find their way into theaters across the country at some point next year.

Are you fan of action star Vin Diesel? What do you think about the actor tackling the role of Kojak in the big-screen adaptation?

Vin Diesel Discusses Upcoming ‘Kojak’ Movie [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Clerks 3 is written, says Kevin Smith, who plans on retiring afterward.

Kevin Smith, the man behind View Askew and every film in the Jay and Silent Bob canon except Scream 3, is finished with the first draft of the long awaited Clerks 3. Yes, Jay and Silent Bob were in Scream 3. They mistook Courtney Cox for Connie Chung and she flipped them the bird for it.

Kevin Smith also had a cameo in Ben Affleck’s Daredevil as the mortician, so you know.

Clerks 3 has been called The Empire Strikes Back of the Clerks trilogy, though it would make more sense to call it Return of the Jedi, seeing as it’s the third one. Anyways, Kevin Smith made the statement earlier today on Twitter, “IT IS ACCOMPLISHED! First draft of Clerks III is 137 pages. Plays like the The Empire Strikes Back of the Clerks trilogy.”

If you say so, Kevin Smith. We can only say it could play like The Wizard of Oz and your fans will still gobble it up. You have that kind of following.

Considering the first Clerks was in black and white, and the second one was in color, will the third one be in 3D? It just seems like a fitting progression.

That part of the news aside, Kevin Smith as also announced he is retiring after the release of Clerk 3. He said on Twitter this week, “So with the ‘HIT SOMEBODY’ shift, the minute Jeff Anderson signs on, my last cinematic effort as a writer/director will be ‘CLERKS III.’”

Kevin Smith may still act, but his directing days will be finished after slipping into the overcoat of Silent Bob one last time alongside his now-sober partner Jason Mewes. Just a bit of random trivia for you is that in real life, Jason Mewes is the quiet one and Kevin Smith is the one that talks a lot.

How do you feel about Kevin Smith retiring as a director after Clerk 3?

‘Clerks 3′ Script Is Written, May Be Kevin Smith’s Final Film is a post from: The Inquisitr

Sarah Palin hold a narrow lead in a hypothetical GOP primary for US Senate from Alaska.

The former Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate garners 32 percent of the vote. Lt. Gov. Meed Treadwell has 30 percent and 2010 Senate nominee Joe Miller lags with 14 percent in a new poll commissioned by the Tea Party Leadership Fund.

The poll results suggest that Palin has a 62 percent favorability rating with GOP voters in her state and also is seen as the candidate among the three who would be the strongest person to take on liberal Democrats in Washington.

After winning the primary, Miller  — who was endorsed by Palin — lost to fellow Republican Lisa Murkowski  in the 2010 general election after Murkowski, the incumbent, mounted a successful and unprecedented write-in campaign.

The Tea Party is touting the outspoken Palin to run for the seat in 2014 currently held by Democrat Mark Begich, but she is thus far non-committal and may instead perhaps prefer to continue “going rogue” rather than holding a formal political office.

A Palin spokesman said that the former governor was grateful and honored for the Tea Party support but that “the draft Sarah Palin for Senate fundraising campaign initiated by the Tea Party Leadership Fund is not authorized, endorsed or supported by Governor Palin or SarahPAC.”

The fact that the Senate seat is currently held by a Democrat is an anomaly as Alaska is traditionally a solid GOP state.  Republican Sen. Ted Stevens was very narrowly defeated for re-election in 2008 by Begich but only after Stevens was found guilty in a federal corruption trial shortly before the voting. Steven had declined to step aside and let another Republican run in his place. It subsequently turned out that the charges against Stevens were wholly trumped up, and his conviction was later vacated on the grounds of prosecutorial misconduct. Stevens, the longest serving Republican senator in history and a decorated WW II pilot, later tragically died in a private plane crash in Alaska.

Polls are often all over the map, but that being said, do you think that Sarah Palin will or should run for Senate?

[Image credit: Therealbs2002]

Sarah Palin For Senate Leads Opinion Poll in Alaska is a post from: The Inquisitr

Is Brooke Mueller connected to the mafia? Is she an undercover FBI agent? The actress reportedly earned her place at a treatment facility earlier this month after she made a few strange claims to police.

According to TMZ, Mueller’s troubles started on May 1st when a man called police to her home in Los Angeles. The man told police that Mueller had assaulted him. Mueller didn’t deny the confrontation but she did tell police an interesting story.

The actress, who was reportedly under influence at the time, told police that she was connected to the mafia. She also reportedly said that she was working with the FBI to “bring down” Charlie Sheen.

The Hollywood Gossip reports that Mueller’s two kids were at the house at the time which prompted officers to call the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. Mueller’s children were taken into custody and she was placed on a 3-day psychiatric hold. After that she was taken to the UCLA Medical Center to receive treatment for substance abuse.

It’s unclear what substance Mueller is having a problem with but TMZ reports that it is most likely Adderall.

On the bright side, Mueller’s children aren’t living with strangers at the moment. The twin 4-year-olds are being taken care of Denise Richards, Charlie Sheen’s other ex-wife.

Do you think Brooke Mueller is really connected to the mafia? Is she really working with the FBI to “bring down” Charlie Sheen? Hopefully Brooke can kick her drug habit and regain custody of her children.

Brooke Mueller In The Mafia? Actress Checked Into Rehab After Making Strange Claims is a post from: The Inquisitr

Amazon has officially acquired smart screen technology company Liquavista.  The acquisition was confirmed by the company on Monday.

Previously owned by Samsung, the tech firm creates low-power color e-paper technology.

Samsung executives were believed to be looking for a quick sale since the company failed to live up to Samsung’s high expectations for its e-paper tech.

In a statement from Amazon, the e-commerce giant writes that it is  ”always looking for new technologies we may be able to incorporate into our products over the long term. The Liquavista team shares our passion for invention and is creating exciting new technologies with a lot of potential. It’s still early days, but we’re excited about the possibilities and we look forward to working with Liquavista to develop these displays.”

Liquavista is best known for its “electrowetting” technology, which is most often found in e-readers, mobile phones, GPS devices, cameras, and portable media players. Electrowetting is used in those devices because of its high level of visibility in all light conditions.

Liquavista has called its electrowetting process a highly scalable system that can ultimately be used in big-screen TVs, larger notebooks, and various other display-based devices.

Previous reports have pegged the deal at somewhere below the $100 million acquisition price.

Here’s a video of the Liquavista technology being explained:

Amazon and Liquavista have not made the terms of the deal known as this time. It is also unclear if the Liquavista team will join Amazon’s own developers or continue on course with projects that are currently in the works.

Do you think Amazon made the right decision in acquiring Liquavista?

Amazon Officially Acquires Liquavista is a post from: The Inquisitr

Buddy Nix is stepping down as general manager of the Buffalo Bills, the team announced Monday.

Nix said he will remain on in a new role as special assistant. The Bills did not immediately name a replacement, but the team has been preparing assistant general manager Doug Whaley to eventually take over.

Buddy Nix said he knew it was the right time to step down from his position with the Bills.

“I’ve made this decision to step away from the general manager’s position because I feel it is the right time. By the ‘right time’ I mean I think we have a good young roster, an excellent head coach [Doug Marrone] with a good staff, and it’s time to let someone else handle these responsibilities and move forward together,” Nix said in a statement.

“Timing is the main thing, but there are other benefits as well. This job is very demanding with a 24-7 schedule of responsibilities. This new position will enable me to spend more time with my family. I appreciate the opportunity given to me by [owner] Mr. [Ralph] Wilson and [president and CEO] Russ [Brandon] and I’m fortunate to step away from the job and still remain a part of the team.”

Nix brought a bit of embarrassment to the franchise back in March when he was prank called by a pair of 20-year-olds prank callers pretending to be Tampa Gay general manager Mark Dominik. The two called the Bills front office and were patched through to Nix, but they quickly got scared and hung up.

But Nix was undeterred, and kept trying to call the two back. Finally, they got an idea to call the Tampa Bay front office and patch the two general managers in on a call, listening in as they spoke. The conversation revealed Nix’s growing frustration with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who would be cut later that month.

“We’re still struggling here with our quarterback,” Nix said. “We’re not really struggling — he’s going to have to do something, or we’ll have to … We just can’t afford to pay that kind of money for a guy who’s fighting for probably a backup job.”

Buddy Nix stepped down from the Bills after his third season. The team had only 16 wins during that time, last in the NFL over the time period.

Buddy Nix Steps Down As Buffalo Bills General Manager is a post from: The Inquisitr

Mike Tyson has declared that he wants to star in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello.

Tyson has recently picked up a passion for the acting profession after touring around the United States with autobiographical solo show, Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth.

Talking to the New York Daily News, Tyson stated, “Wouldn’t Shakespeare be awesome?” He then picked out a particular role that he would flourish in, noting, “That black guy … could you imagine me in Othello?”

Othello revolves around the titular character, his wife Desdemona, his lieutenant, Cassio, and the trusted Iago, and examines themes of love, jealousy and racism. It is regarded as one of the Bard’s finest pieces of work.

Tyson declared that he would need some time to perfect the role though, saying, “Anything you give me time to prepare, I can do. I don’t think I am ready for that yet, but I would like to try.”

The former World Heavyweight Champion of the world also found time to talk about his talents in front of the camera, proclaiming, “My career as an actor has blossomed. I never considered myself a comedian or actor, even though I was in movies and shows helping our friends.”

He then added, “A lot of my friends are actors and directors and they say: ‘Mike, we need you to concentrate and take it seriously.’ They say my skills are horrible, but I have the natural timings for it. I am working on my skills.”

Tyson’s burgeoning acting career has seen him appear in How I Met Your Mother, Law and Order, Scary Movie and both of The Hangover movies. However his recent one-man show was described by the New York Times as “a lazily structured biographical tour even for [his fans].”

Tyson had previously declared that he envisioned a future for himself in musicals, however despite making this statement over six months ago, this has still yet to come to fruition.

Would you like to see Mike Tyson star in Othello? 

Mike Tyson Wants To Star In ‘Othello’ is a post from: The Inquisitr

Will and Monifa Sima became internet celebrities this week when they appeared on a Tonight Show segment called “Pumpcast News.” But the spontaneous gas-pump station video may have been staged.

The Smoking Gun reports that there are several things that don’t pass the smell test in the viral video. Monifa and Will are both professional actors, and Monifa has even appeared in a “Pumpcast News” segment in the past.

Monifa, however, says that her second appearance on the segment was a complete coincidence.

Monifa said: “When it happened again, I said, ‘I cannot believe it!’ ”

According to Gawker, Will and Monifa are both trained actors. They even founded their own theater company before relocating to Hollywood. Jay Leno, however, introduced them as a bartender and a fitness trainer.

Will explained to the Chicago Tribune that The Tonight Show decided to make up job titles because they didn’t want people to be suspicious that the gas-pump video was stage. Well, that just worked out great.

Will said: “[The producers] didn’t want [people] to think we were actors and it was a ‘plant.’ They were like, ‘You’re a bartender and she’s a fitness [trainer].’”

Here’s the original viral video. Do you think it was staged? Or did Will and Monifa just find themselves in the right place at the right time?

The viral gas station video was so popular (it has more than 7.5 million views) that Will and Monifa were invited to The Tonight Show to do an encore performance.

Gas-Pump Video Staged? Viral Karaoke Couple May Have Been In On Joke is a post from: The Inquisitr

First baseman Anthony Rizzo has agreed to an extension with the Chicago Cubs that could possibly keep him with the club through 2021. The slugger has become a critical part of the Cubs’ lineup to start the 2013 season and he is now rewarded with a brand new 7-year, $41 million extension that could bring in $68 million over nine years.

The 23-year-old hit 15 home runs in 87 games with the Cubs last season and his numbers are only getting better as he looks to complete his first full season in the Major Leagues.

Through 37 games this year, Rizzo is hitting .280 with nine home runs and 28 runs batted in. He came to the Cubs in January of 2012 in a trade with the San Diego Padres.

Rizzo also spent time in the minors with the Boston Red Sox, but he was traded to the Padres in 2010 in a deal that involved sending Adrian Gonzalez to Fenway Park.

Now Rizzo can comfortably settle himself in Chicago with a brand new contract that most importantly takes away from any distractions the negotiations may have caused on the field. Through his new deal, Anthony Rizzo will make $750,000 this year along with receiving a $2 million signing bonus.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Rizzo will earn $1.25 million next season, $5 million apiece in 2015 and 2016, $7 million in each of the next two seasons and $11 million in 2019. The Chicago Cubs then have a club-option in 2020 that is worth $14.5 million with a $2 million buyout.

The Cubs also have another buyout option in 2021 for the same figures as the year before. Other incentives can increase Rizzo’s yearly earnings based on where he finishes in MVP voting.

To top it all off, the up and coming slugger will have a hotel suite while the club is on the road, according to Yahoo! Sports. Though Rizzo’s swinging a hot bat right now, the Cubs have fallen to the bottom of the NL Central with a 15-22 record. The Cubs have won two straight games, but their struggles at Wrigley Field have become a major concern going forward.

They start a three-game series with the Colorado Rockies at home beginning Monday night as they look to climb back into contention in the division. Rizzo will surely be in the lineup as they face the Rockies’ undefeated pitcher Juan Nicasio.

Do you agree with the Cubs’ extension for Anthony Rizzo based on his limited Major League experience?

[Image via Ben Grey]

Anthony Rizzo Agrees To New 7-Year, $41 Million Deal With Chicago Cubs is a post from: The Inquisitr

Witches theses days may have it easier than when they were burned at the stake, but, in Swaziland, if a witch flies a broomstick higher than 150 meters (492 feet) in the air, she is subject to arrest and a fine of R500 000 (about $55,000 USD).

Civil Aviation Authority marketing and corporate affairs director Sabelo Dlamini told Swaziland’s The Star Early Edition, “A witch on a broomstick should not fly above the (150m) limit.”

Dlamini’s unexpected response was in answer to a question from the Swazi press who were inquiring about the arrest of Hunter Shongwe for operating a remote controlled drone equipped with a video camera. Shongwe was using the drone to conduct a private investigation.

It’s a funny story on its surface but also a little shocking. In Swaziland, witchcraft is still taken seriously.

Illnesses is often considered a curse, and witch doctors pay an annual tax of $1.15. Last year, a member of the Swazi parliament argued that the tax should be raised to help the country deal with its growing debt.

A recent effort to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS by circumcising men in Swaziland failed partially in part to the common belief that body parts could be used by witches for dark purposes:

“Criminals are known to seek ‘strengthening’ potions made with human body parts. Killings associated with ‘ritual murder’ routinely correspond with national elections. Victims, usually children or older people, are found with body parts missing.”

Swazi men were worried that their foreskins might end up in the wrong hands and end up being used against them.

In April, a Mambane man used his family’s strong belief in witchcraft as a defense in a trial for killing his aunt after discovering a black robe in her house.

If there’s any good news beyond the headline, it is that Swazi witches who don’t fly higher than 150 meters will not be penalized.

Photo Credit: Karen Roe

It’s Illegal For Witches To Fly Broomsticks Above 150 Meters In Swaziland is a post from: The Inquisitr

McDonald’s and Subway calories may be equally bad for teens, according to a study by UCLA. As childhood and adolescent obesity rates continue to climb, fast food chains, including Subway, may contribute to the problem.

McDonald’s and Subway are two of the most popular fast food chains. However, teens and their parents my have the idea that Subway is a healthier choice as they do not offer fried food.

As reported by UCLAHealth.org, adolescents between the ages of 12 and 21 were likely to purchase meals totaling 955 calories from Subway. The average meal purchased from McDonald’s, by adolescents in the same age group, equaled 1,038 calories.

School lunches, in comparison, are not recommended to exceed 850 calories.

The data was compiled using receipts provided by the adolescents. The majority of the meals were purchased after school, between the hours of 3 pm and 5 pm. The participants used their own money to buy the food.

Dr. Lenard Lesser, who led the study, found “no statistically significant difference between the two restaurants, and that participants ate too many calories at both.”

In particular, Subway sandwiches chosen by the teens were around 212 calories more than  sandwiches chosen from McDonald’s. High levels of sodium were found in meals from both chains.

Meals purchased at Subway contain more nutrients, but the sodium found in processed meats may negate any benefit from the nutrients.

McDonald’s and Subway calories significantly increased with the inclusion of sugary drinks.

As reported by the Huffington Post, Dr. Lesser recommends excluding fries and sugary drinks to eliminate a large portion of the unhealthy calories. He also recommends choosing 6 inch rather than foot long subs. Reducing the amount of meat and increasing the amount of vegetables can eliminate a large portion of the sodium content.

Most importantly, even meals from Subway must be consumed in moderation. McDonald’s and Subway calories are equally unhealthy if eaten in excess.

McDonald’s And Subway Calories Equally Bad For Teens is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Obama Justice Department secretly accessed two months of telephone records of Associated Press reporters and editors according to AP lawyers.

The news-gathering organization calls this a “massive and unprecedented intrusion” into its operations which has yet to be explained by the administration. Although the clandestine government activity dates back to 2012, AP only learned about it on Friday upon receipt of a letter from the Justice Department notifying the company of the secret phone records seizure.

In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder AP CEO Gary Pruitt maintained that “There can be no possible justification for such an overbroad collection of the telephone communications of The Associated Press and its reporters.” Pruitt is demanding a return of the phone records that the federal government obtained and that any copies made by the government must be shredded.

AP apparently believes that the government snooping came as a result investigation into “how the AP found out about an al-Qaida bomb plot in Yemen.”

The Justice Department reportedly compiled phone records from the work and personal numbers of reporters as well as calls made to and from AP offices in New York, Washington, Hartford, Conn., and on the AP line in the House of Representatives press gallery. “In all, the government seized those records for more than 20 separate telephone lines assigned to AP and its journalists in April and May of 2012. The exact number of journalists who used the phone lines during that period is unknown but more than 100 journalists work in the offices whose phone records were targeted on a wide array of stories about government and other matters,” AP clams.

This development that implicates potential First Amendment freedom of speech/freedom of the press violations is also interesting in that AP, as well as most of the mainstream media, is generally very supportive of the Obama administration.

This is the the latest scandal to emerge in Washington. The Obama administration already stands accused of improprieties in Benghazi, Libya, as well as in relation to how the IRS handled applications from Tea Party groups seeking tax-exempt status. As with those controversies, more revelations regarding the AP phone records will probably be emerging in the hours and days ahead.

[Image via Shutterstock]

Government Spied On Associated Press Phone Records [Report] is a post from: The Inquisitr

A Muslim soccer player for Bayern Munich has fallen out with his team-mate, after he was drenched in beer during their title winning celebrations.

Franck Ribery, who is a devout Muslim, told players to keep alcohol away from him as it is forbidden in his religion to touch the liquid.

Munich’s players were given huge pitchers of beer by their sponsors and coaches to celebrate their saunter to the Bundesliga title and progress to the Champions League final.

The French international warned his fellow Munich players not to involve him in these shenanigans, but Jerome Boateng, a midfielder for the club, decided to chase Ribery around the pitch and then soaked him with a huge glass of beer, pouring it over his head.

Ribery’s response after the incident showed his fury. He stated, “I won’t talk to Boateng again, he knows that I’m Muslim. I’m p***** off.”

Munich’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, also decided to partake in some of the fun, throwing a beer over a female who had brought out the beverages to the players.

At the time Ribery appeared to take the soaking in good spirits, even diving to the floor and cuddling up with the player after the impromptu shower. However, it is completely understandable why he has reacted in such a manner.

Munich have turned into one of the most feared outfits in world soccer recently, especially after they dismantled Barcelona 7-0 over two legs in the Champions League semi-final.

Ribery is regarded as one of the key elements of their attack, and this dispute will surely not help matters before the Champions League final in Wembley at the end of May.

The midfielder recently dismissed rumors that he was about to leave the German side, after he had been linked with both Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Do you think Franck Ribery should be mad at Jerome Boateng? Or has he overreacted?

Muslim Soccer Star Franck Ribery Soaked In Beer By Celebrating Bayern Munich Team Mate, Vows Never To Speak To Him Again is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jeff Gordon is selling his $30M apartment in New York City.

The NASCAR star, who has earned more than $129 million during his racing career, bought the NYC apartment home back in 2007 for a little under $10 million. Gordon completely renovated the 3,454 square foot apartment at 15 Central Park West and is now ready to cash in on his hard work.

According to Yahoo Homes, the $30 million apartment features Mahogany floors, a wall of windows spanning over 46 feet that offer spectacular views of Central Park, a granite sushi bar,a 740 master suite with two walk in closets, a Bofi soaking tub and a private home office.

The listing reads: “A painstaking, no-expense-spared renovation has ensured that every detail of this 3,454-square-foot home exudes modern elegance and comfort – from the rift-cut oak millwork to the fully-integrated Crestron system that controls all lighting, window shades and audio/visual components. With its gracious layout, spectacular Central Park and city views, and top-of-the-line appointments, this unique turn-key residence instantly impresses with its welcoming entry foyer graced by 6′ Santos Mahogany floors with solid brass in-laid edging.”

The apartment is also located in one of New York’s most coveted buildings. Designed by Robert A.M. Stern, 15 Central Park West is located close to attractions like the Lincoln Center and shopping on Fifth Avenue. The building also includes a fitness center, a 75-foot lap pool, a private restaurant, screening rooms and an outdoor terrace.

The Epoch Times notes that Gordon will be forced to live in his North Carolina mansion once his $30 million apartment is sold in New York City.

[Image Via Zillow]

Jeff Gordon Puts $30M Apartment In New York Up For Sale is a post from: The Inquisitr

Hampton, VA – A woman recently flushed a $22K anniversary ring right down the toilet last Friday (May 10).

The unidentified lady, who is from Richmond, was visiting friends in the area when the incident took place. The woman explained that she had removed her ring while washing her hands in the bathroom. She told reportedly knocked the ring into the toilet that was already flushing as she was drying off the counter.

A professional plumber was soon called to the Hampton residence to retrieve the diamond anniversary ring. Although he spent quite a bit of time pumping raw sewage from the septic system, he was unable to locate the pricey possession.

The woman called the Hampton Public Works on Monday and told them about the $22K ring that she had accidentally flushed down the toilet. The workers accepted the mission and set up filters to catch the item.

On Tuesday, the woman was informed that employees made managed to local the anniversary ring. Staff involved with retrieving the missing ring were given $25 gift cards courtesy of an employee rewards program.

The unidentified woman was also extremely grateful to the workers who found the ring. She penned a letter to the City of Hampton praising them for a job well done.

“We cannot express enough gratitude to everyone who had a role in recovering this very special ring to us. It’s not only the monetary value of the ring, but also the sentimental value that could not be replaced. Please do anything and everything you can to acknowledge their dedication, honesty and hard work,” she wrote.

This isn’t the only missing ring story to pop up in recent months. The Inquisitr reported last August that a garbage man in New York helped a lady find her missing ring. Gary Gaddist volunteered to dig through quite a bit of trash in an effort to find the missing possession. He called his decision to help the woman a “love thing.”

What do you think about the woman who flushed a $22K anniversary ring down the toilet?

[Image via Shutterstock]

$22K Ring Flushed Down Toilet is a post from: The Inquisitr

Metro: Last Light will be released May 14 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U, and is rumored for release on PlayStation 4. Some critics got an early peak at it and here’s what they said.

It’s the year 2034, and most of Moscow is living underground after the nuclear apocalypse made surface living impossible without serious health issues. Those who do live on the surface aren’t really living, as they have become ravenous mutants ready to kill whoever ventures above the ground. Living below ground isn’t so easy either, as society is basically imploding over the lack of food and water. A war has begun over control of a war-ending device that could doom every living person remaining.

Metro: Last Light is the sequel to Metro 2033, a first-person shooter where ammunition was like money and the apocalypse hadn’t happened yet.

Metro: Last Light paints a vivid picture of a post-apocalyptic setting where things aren’t looking good for mankind in general. Everybody you meet has an agenda that may lead to your demise, and everything living above the surface wants you for dinner. People sob out loud in underground tunnels where they are forced to eat pasty mushroom soup every day to survive.

You are Artyom, a member of the Rangers, Metro’s militarized protectors. It’s your job to be sent on missions where you will face the worst of the worst Metro life has to offer and keep the peace. You carry a flashlight which needs to be recharged regularly with a small handheld generator, and it is the only thing that wards off the mutants which wander into the tunnels of Metro.

The random violence makes the dull monotony feel more like a somewhat oppressed moment of peace. As small as these skirmishes are, they feel important in your journey.

Metro: Last Light fixes most of its predecessor’s flaws so you can focus more on the deep if depressing story. In the end, your ultimate mission is to find a Dark One, a supernatural being capable of surviving on the surface.

While the mood can be oppressive and dark, the game delivers a believable story and feels ultimately satisfying. It’s worth a try.

What do you think of Metro: Last Light?

‘Metro: Last Light’ Review Roundup is a post from: The Inquisitr

A mummified body in Santa Fe, NM was discovered last week in horrifying conditions. The remains have since been identified as the Chicana activist, teacher, writer, and publisher Barbara or Bobbi Salinas-Norman. But questions remain as to how the once-vital 70-year-old could have been forgotten and left to mummify in her condo for what friends now say could be more than a year.

The body was first discovered by her brother-in-law Louis Ponce. He told The Santa Fe New Mexican that he and his wife, Salinas’ sister, went to Santa Fe last week to check on Bobbi. He had previously attempted to visit two years earlier.

On that occasion, she refused to answer the phone and wouldn’t come to the door until Ponce called the police. She then came out to talk to Ponce but didn’t allow him inside.

It’s a familiar pattern if you’ve ever known a hoarder. But hindsight is twenty twenty. She seemed OK, and Ponce tried to keep in touch with letters and phone calls.

She never responded but the letters were not returned. Finally, he realized that he would need to go physically to check on her again.

Ponce didn’t call police because he found the door unlocked. “Wow, the smell was awful,” he told The New Mexican. “I never knew anybody could be that filthy.”  Then he got a real shock when he found her dessicated body.

Why didn’t anyone catch on sooner? Her power had been cut off for nonpayment, and the condo was in foreclosure. Her water may have been cut off as well, since when she was still alive, she reportedly washed up at the public library.

An angry neighbor said that he complained about the smell from Bobbi Salinas-Norman’s unit in November. No one followed up, and the police said that she was likely dead since at least October, if not before.

Santa Fe spokeswoman Celina Westervelt told KOAT that, “This woman look[ed] like a mummy, essentially. All of her skin was dried out. You could see the skeleton underneath. There were no body fluids anymore.”

Ponce said that Salinas-Norman had become a hoarder and started behaving oddly about 10 years ago. But no one guessed that  the former activist would isolate herself to such a degree that New Mexican authorities would one day be analyzing her mummified body.

[compulsive hoarding photo by "Grap" via Wikimedia Commons]

Mummified Body In New Mexico Is Chicana Author Who Could Have Been Dead Over A Year is a post from: The Inquisitr