Huffington Post: 02/22/11

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Urine Taints Marion Jones’ EPO Sample

The test turned up a little erythropoietin, or EPO, as the cool kids call it. If her 'B' sample turns up the same thing, she's looking at a two-year ban. I'll give you a few minutes to recover from the shock.

Just as a reminder, here's a brief history of previous Marion Jones doping accusations:

• Her ex-husband, C.J. Hunter (a doper himself), once testified that he witnessed Jones injecting herself with steroids.
• Victor Conte told 20/20 that he supplied Jones with various illegal performance enhancers during and after the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Read MOre:Urine Taints Marion Jones’ EPO Sample

US BudgetRecap:Obama Tip-Toes Out of Startng Blcks W/FY12 Plan

–Obama’s FY12 Budget Proposes $1.1 Trillion In Ten Year Savings
–Obama Says ‘Further Steps’ To Reduce Budget Deficit Are Needed
–House Budget Chief Ryan Calls Admin Plan A ‘Duck’ From Hard Choices
–Senate Budget Chief Conrad Says Admin Plan Is Okay For One Year

WASHINGTON (MNI) – President Obama released this week his fiscal
year 2012 budget which calls for $1.1 trillion in ten year savings with
about two thirds coming from spending savings and one-third from revenue
increases.

Obama’s FY12 budget sees budget deficits of $1.65 trillion in the
current year, FY11, and $1.1 trillion in FY 12.

According to the administration’s plan, cumulative deficits between
FY12 and FY16 will be $3.769 trillion and cumulative deficits over th
FY12-21 period will be $7.205 trillion.

The president’s plan to secure $1.1 trillion in savings relies
heavily on his proposal to freeze large portions of the discretionary
budget for five years. That secures $400 billion in savings.

Under the president’s plan for FY12, spending will reach $3.7
trillion while revenues generate $2.627 trillion.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad said the president’s
plan “gets it about right for the first year,” but then falls short.

“We need a much more robust package of deficit and debt reduction
over the medium-and long term,” Conrad said in a statement. He repeated
his pleas for a “bipartisan” process to tackle longer-term deficits.

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan was far more dismissive,
blasting the plan as little more than a tactical placeholder designed to
force Republicans to take the heat for offering a more aggressive fiscal
plan.

Read More:US BudgetRecap:Obama Tip-Toes Out of Startng Blcks W/FY12 Plan

Buju Banton found guilty

Just a week after winning a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for ‘Before the Dawn’, Buju Banton gets convicted on cocaine charges.

The 37-year old whose given name is Mark Myrie was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and using the wires to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. He was acquitted of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine during a drug deal that was set un in December 2009.

Banton was set up by a DEA confidential informant who made a $50,000 commission after audio and videotaping the singer discussing drug deals.

His defense team had argued that Banton was simply a big mouth, trying to look like a big shot, when in reality he wasn’t.

It took the jury 11 hours over two days to find the singer guilty.

It was the second trial for Banton on cocaine charges, the 1st last year ended up in a deadlocked jury.

Buju Banton is now faced with a minimum of a 15-year sentence.

Read More:Buju Banton found guilty

Reggae Star Buju Banton Found Guilty On 3 Cocaine Charges!

Wow! This guy is one of our favorite reggae artists and we’ve been following the trial for over the year, here’s the report from Go Jamaica:

Buju was found guilty on conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. He was also found guilty for attempting to possess five kilograms or more of cocaine. He was found guilty for aiding and abetting others in using a communication facility in the commission of a felony. He was found not guilty for knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of and during the course of a drug-trafficking crime.

This trial, which began on February 14, was the second attempt of the US government to convict the Jamaican artist. A first trial last year was declared a mistrial after jurors failed to arrive at a unanimous position.

Read More:Reggae Star Buju Banton Found Guilty On 3 Cocaine Charges!

Buju Banton Found Guilty Of Cocaine Charge

A Florida jury has found Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton guilty on cocaine conspiracy charges.

Jurors returned their verdict on Tuesday after deliberating for 11 hours over two days.

The 37-year-old Banton, was on trial on accusations that he conspired with two other men in setting up a drug deal in December of 2009. His album "Before the Dawn" won a Grammy last week for best reggae album.

Banton was charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, among other counts. This is Banton's second trial. A jury deadlocked in his first trial last year.

Banton could face up to 20 years in jail.

Read More:Buju Banton Found Guilty Of Cocaine Charge

Government Shutdown 2011

Government Shutdown 2011, This is the week in Washington when Congress is in recess – the members are back in their districts, to town halls, ribbon cuttings, speeches, kissing babies, you name it. What they do not work on Capitol Hill to avoid a government shutdown next week. In case you missed it, the House of Representatives passed a bill to reduce by more than 60 billion and the federal budget.

They have done openly, with hundreds of amendments on the floor. The House passed the funding cuts for public broadcasting, family planning and border security. He rejected a ban on military spending NASCAR sponsorship. The process has been unique and unprecedented. But not everyone can say the means justify the end. The reductions are due to take place this year from March to October, which means that many programs will be cut, the offices closed and workers laid off before the end of the year.
Read More:Government Shutdown 2011

Justin Bieber Cuts His Hair -- The PHOTOS

The very fabric of the universe was altered today ... Justin Bieber got a haircut ... and it was unveiled on TMZ Live!
Justin Bieber New Haircut
The Biebs underwent a little snip-snip today while on the set of a music video for a song he did with Rascal Flatts -- that's Gary from the group (above) having a little fun with the scissors. (Ed.'s note: Kids, don't play with scissors)

On TMZ Live today, Justin said the actual cutting was done by his regular hairdresser Vanessa. He said he was a little nervous about the cut, but he "wanted to change it up" and he thought the cut was "kind of a mature look."

They grow up so fast.

Read More:Justin Bieber Cuts His Hair -- The PHOTOS

New Hair Cut of Justin Bieber!!!

Major news out of the celebrity gossip world today: Justin Bieber got his haircut.

There's not much more to say on the topic, as the following photo was Tweeted within the hour. No caption accompanied the image, but fans across the world are chiming in on the elimination of this singer's bowl cut, as seen here:

Justin Bieber Haircut

Explained Bieber: "I just wanted a kind of a change, I didn't want to cut it all off, but I had had it for 3 1/2 years, I had just gotten sick of it, it was in my eyes, I didn't want it in my face, I just wanted to change it up."

Read More:New Hair Cut of Justin Bieber!!!

Justin Bieber's New Haircut (PHOTOS)

Breathe deeply. Hold the phones. Flip your hair one more time. Brace yourself. Justin Bieber... got a haircut. And we have the photo evidence.

The 16-year old pop singer has risen to superstardom at least in small part thanks to his signature hair style, that shaggy, front-flipping dirty blonde 'do. And now, the flip has been trimmed.

Bieber unveiled his new haircut on TMZ Live on Monday afternoon, providing during and after images that may make teenager girls cry. And teenage guys go out and have to get new haircuts.

His explanation?

"I just wanted a kind of a change, I didn't want to cut it all off, but I had had it for 3 1/2 years, I had just gotten sick of it, it was in my eyes, I didn't want it in my face, I just wanted to change it up."

It was his regular stylist, Vanessa, who did the scissoring on the set of his new music video with Rascal Flatts, sheering even shorter the trimmed job he got earlier in February.

Read More: Justin Bieber's New Haircut (PHOTOS)

National Margarita Day 2011

National Margarita Day 2011, Today, National Margarita Day! At least, according to Jimmy Buffett, who will open the season Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on May 3? And whom could doubt the word of a 64-year-old man who recently fell head first from a scene and lived in (probably) write a simple little song about the experience? No Gut Check! Especially when said stumbler sells its own line of cheap tequila. Which may or may not have contributed to his downfall.

It only makes sense if Buffett will capitalize on anything, it margaritas and tequila. But it is not the only celeb that offers his own line of alcohol and could one day threaten us with fake holiday to celebrate these products …

Margarita lovers have a reason to celebrate – Tuesday is National Day of Margarita. There are several ways to celebrate this unique festival, if you want to have a friendly drink at your favorite restaurant or create your own mixes
National Margarita Day! Happy hour is not going to wait for the inhabitants of office on Friday, you’ll have to skip the gym and go tonight. Z’Tejas Good thing is practically giving away the smaller version of their famous street marg sixth, Larry Little, for only $ 2.22. Enjoy this special day from open to close all places Z’Tejas Valley. Cheers!

Read More:National Margarita Day 2011

Laurel Kagay: Who is the Woman Bachelor Brad Womack Tried to Marry?!?

Some might think that Brad Womack has a commitment issue. At the end of his last run of The Bachelor he famously left not one but two woman at the potential altar. But there – reportedly – is one woman he had wanted to spend his life with. One woman he wanted to marry. One woman he allegedly proposed to on several occasions. A woman he proposed to just weeks before leaving for this new season of the Bachelor.

So who is this Laurel Kagay? The woman who Brad Womack tried to marry.

Laurel Kagay owner of the Austin’s Peach Body Boutique– in the new issue of US Weekly – says that she’s been having an on again off again relationship with Brad Womack for a whopping eight years. He had tried to marry her, proposing to her, on several occasions. The last time was reportedly just weeks before he left to shoot the new season of the Bachelor.

She also claims he continued to be in contact with her even while shooting the new season. So why is she coming out with this story now? Now that he’s claimed he has found love on the show? “I’m sure the girl he picked would want to know that he was proposing to another woman right before he started taping the show,” she said. “I would want to know.”

And this isn’t the only reality star she dated. She also went out with Wes Hayden who was on season five of The Bachelorette, and was reportedly dating him while he was on the show. Whoops. I guess she really has a type huh?

Read More:Laurel Kagay: Who is the Woman Bachelor Brad Womack Tried to Marry?!?

Today is National Margarita Day 2011

Today is National Margarita Day 2011. Whether you like your margarita frozen or on the rocks, flavored or traditional, we’ll come up with reasons for you to celebrate National Margarita Day.

Not that we really need much more reason to celebrate, since National Margarita Day 2011 gives us an excuse. But, here are some things to toast:

*Let’s raise a glass and toast the loss of Justin Bieber’s hair.

*Another season of The Bachelor is almost over.

*Oprah’s last season! She had sextuplets on her show yesterday. That mama could probably use a margarita.

Read More:Today is National Margarita Day 2011

National Margarita Day 2011: Drink Up In Los Angeles

If you thought Cinco de Mayo was the only excuse for celebrating a rather obscure holiday with a ritual over-consumption of margaritas and tortilla chips, think again. Not only is it National Margarita Day on February 22, but it's National Tortilla Chip Day on February 24. And you know what that means: Time to check out these places that offer the best of both worlds.

Don't hold its name and Disney location against it. This place is part of the Patina Group and they know from good food. And drinks. So if you find yourself in Orange County and in search of a good 'rita, grab yourself a basket of Tortilla Jo's handmade chips and one of the restaurant's Asomritas, hand-shaken tableside with Asombroso el Platino tequila, fresh lime juice and simple syrup ($12.95). If you can't handle the Asom, you can choose from over 100 other blanco, reposado, añejo or mezcal tequilas to create your own bespoke margarita.

Read More:National Margarita Day 2011: Drink Up In Los Angeles

Who is Somali Pirates

MSNBC (“Four American hostages killed by pirates“):

Four Americans captured by Somali pirates while sailing in the Indian Ocean have been shot and killed, NBC News reported Tuesday.

The two couples, Phyllis Macay, 59, and Robert Riggle, 67, of Seattle, and the yacht’s owners Jean and Scott Adam of California were on an around-the-world sailing trip when they were captured by pirates Friday.

Military officials told NBC News that about 1 a.m. ET shots were heard aboard the yacht. Negotigations had been under way with the pirates at the time.

The officials said U.S. military personnel boarded the yacht and discovered all four hostages had been shot by their captors.

The officials added that two pirates were killed and 13 others captured after a brief gun battle.

BBC (“Hijacked Americans ‘killed by captors’ off Somalia“):

Four American sailors hijacked by Somali pirates off the coast of Oman have been killed, US defence officials say.

The US military said its forces trailing the vessel had responded to gunfire heard aboard but found all the captives shot when they arrived.

The yacht S/V Quest, hijacked on Friday, was owned and sailed by Scott and Jean Adam of California.

Also killed were two US passengers, Phyllis Mackay and Bob Riggle.

In a statement, US Central Command said that negotiations were underway between the US Navy and the pirates, when the US forces heard gunfire coming from the Quest about 0600GMT.

They boarded the ship, killing two pirates in the process, and discovered the four Americans shot. The US Navy sailors attempted to provide first aid but the hostages died, the military said.
Read More:Somali Pirates Kill Four Americans

Carmelo Anthony Traded To NY Knicks [BREAKING NEWS]

According to SlamOnline, The Nuggets traded Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks in a three-team deal with the Golden State Warriors.

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After much “Melo drama” Denver gets Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, the Knicks 2014 first-round draft pick, the Warriors’ 2012 second-round pick, the Warriors’ 2013 second-round pick and $3 million in cash.

Top 9 Most Exciting Black Basketball Players

Anthony will go to New York, along with Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman.

More on this story as it develops.

Read More:Carmelo Anthony Traded To NY Knicks [BREAKING NEWS]

Cricket World Cup 2011: England v Holland live

Follow England's World Cup opener against Holland with live over-by-over commentary, as the Dutch win the toss and bat first in Nagpur.

OVER 1: Holland 7/0 Kervezee 1* Barresi 6*
Alexei Kervezee off the mark first ball with a single and then the game's first four from Anderson's third delivery, courtesy of Barresi to backward square. Poor fielding from Tim Bresnan, though, he got round but parried the ball into the rope. Good first over for the Dutch, seven from it.

0900: National anthems complete. It's not exactly a full house but the small crowd in Nagpur is nonetheless enthusiastic. The pitch here is normally very good so the batsmen should enjoy this. Here we go, Jimmy Anderson to open the bowling....

0850: Netherlands captain Peter Borren is hampered by an abdominal injury that he says will prevent him from bowling, but he still takes his place in the lower order. Alexei Kervezee and Wesley Barresi will open against England's new ball attack. National anthems have just started in Nagpur.

0845: The Dutch, who beat England at Lord's in the 2009 World Twenty20, are attempting to become the first associate nation to pull off an upset at this year's World Cup following heavy defeats for both Kenya and Canada. Remind yourself how

Read MOre:Cricket World Cup 2011: England v Holland live

Nuggets had just lost at Utah last spring, their sixth first-round playoff-series loss in Anthony's seven seasons.

After answering the media's questions, Carmelo Anthony exited the illuminated room into the gray and drab snaking hallways beneath Energy Solutions Arena, from where he escaped the nightmare.

The Nuggets had just lost at Utah last spring, their sixth first-round playoff-series loss in Anthony's seven seasons. The team was in disarray. The coach was home in Denver, battling cancer. Guard J.R. Smith was pouting like a toddler. Three key big men were losing their battle with injuries. Two key front-office executives had expiring contracts.

"It wasn't the fact that we lost — but how we lost, how we conducted ourselves," Anthony said recently. "For me, I don't think it was classy the way we went out. I don't think we went

out with a fight."

When he walked to the team bus that April night, it was the last time Anthony was truly, wholeheartedly a Nugget. While the weight of the franchise rested on his chiseled shoulders, what Nuggets officials and fans didn't know was that he already was all but gone, though he had a year left on his contract.

On Monday night, it became official. Denver traded their all-star forward to the New York Knicks for four players and three draft picks.

How did Denver lose Anthony, arguably the best player in franchise history?

Read more: Nuggets had just lost at Utah last spring, their sixth first-round playoff-series loss in Anthony's seven seasons.

NBA Reports: Carmelo Anthony Finally Traded to the Knicks

The saga that has both interested and tortured NBA fans for the better part of this season appears to finally be over, as multiple reports are now confirming that Anthony has been traded to the New York Knicks.

The Denver Post first reported the deal, a blockbuster which involves nine players, three draft picks and millions in cash exchanging hands.

Anthony will head to New York, along with teammates Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman. In exchange, the Knicks will send Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mozgov, the Knicks' 2014 first-round draft pick, the Warriors' 2012 second-round pick, the Warriors' 2013 second-round pick and $3 million in cash.

After months of dealing with the topic of the long-rumored trade on a daily basis, Nuggets head coach George Karl was understandably relieved to have things resolved.

"I'm glad it's over," Karl said. "I'm glad it's an opportunity to reinvent. I think everybody handled it as classy as you could handle it. There's some sadness to it, there always will be."

Read More:NBA Reports: Carmelo Anthony Finally Traded to the Knicks

New Jersey Nets Still Confident They'll End Up With Carmelo Anthony

The Knicks have agreed to a trade with the Denver Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Monday night.
The deal that would end the season-long trade saga involving Denver's All-Star forward can't be finalized until Tuesday during a conference call with the NBA office. Assuming it goes through, it puts Anthony alongside Amare Stoudemire in a potential explosive frontcourt – at a heavy cost for the Knicks.

The person provided no other details of who was in the deal, which was first reported Monday by the Denver Post. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the trade.

The Post, citing a league source, said the Knicks would send Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov and a 2014 first-round draft pick to the Nuggets, who would get additional picks and cash.

Along with Anthony, New York would acquire Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman, according to the Post.

The Nuggets have explored an Anthony trade since he refused to sign the three-year contract extension worth nearly $65 million they offered him last summer. They appeared on the verge of sending him to the New Jersey Nets on multiple occasions, but the Knicks increased their offer enough to land Anthony, who was believed to prefer New York all along.

Read More:New Jersey Nets Still Confident They'll End Up With Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony's Knicks Jersey Number Won't Be 15

Carmelo Anthony is New York bound after the Knicks and Denver Nuggets finalized a mega-trade on Monday evening. Once in New York, however, Anthony will have to find a new jersey. The No. 15 he wore in his time with the Nuggets was retired by the Knicks, honoring Dick McGuire, elected to the Knicks Hall of Fame in 1993.

We've seen one Photoshop attempt at Anthony in a Knicks jersey already, but what other options does he have. In high school, Anthony wore No. 22. Unfortunately, that number, worn by Dave DeBusschere, was also retired by the Knicks in 1983. Seeing as how 22 and 15 were the only two numbers he wore -- 22 in high school, 15 at Syracuse and in Denver -- it looks like Anthony will be branching out when he gets to New York.

Luckily, with almost half of the Knicks' roster leaving town after the trade, at least Anthony will have his pick of available numbers without having to fight a returning veteran.

Read MOre:Carmelo Anthony's Knicks Jersey Number Won't Be 15

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