Bengals Suspend Star Receiver Hours Before Tonights NFL Game

According to various sources, Chad Johnson was suspended by the Cincinnati Bengals for tonight's Thursday's National Football League game against Pittsburgh for an unspecified violation of team rules.
The surprise announcement came just hours ago as Johnson was getting ready for the game. The Bengals management has not disclosed the violation but you can bet the scoop will be out very soon.
Johnson, who has caught 41 passes for 383 yards and four touchdowns, will likely be replaced by Chris Henry opposite T.J. Houshmandzadeh for the Bengals, who had already lost receiver Antonio Chatman for the season to a back injury.
The benching is the latest in an odd year for Johnson, who demanded to be traded in April and threatened to sit out the entire 2008 season, then came to a training camp and underwent right ankle surgery to remove bone spurs.
Johnson, 30, dislocated his left shoulder in a pre-season exhibition but started the team's opener against Baltimore, before which he declared he would legally change his name to Chad Ocho Cinco - Spanish for his jersey number 85.
Johnson has had more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past six seasons but that run, like his consecutive games streak, appears to be over.

Lean Cuisine Plastic Chicken Meal Recall

How much do like the Lean Cuisine frozen meals? How much do you like eating plastic?

Well, Utah-based Nestle Prepared Foods Company has recalled three varieties of frozen Lean Cuisine chicken meals, two of which were distributed in Oregon.

It has been discovered that these entrees might contain small pieces of bright blue plastic, a high health risk, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Those meals are: Pesto Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta, Chicken Mediterranean and Chicken Tuscan, all produced between August 18 to October 27 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

The recall of roughly 1.2 million packages of food impacts Oregon shoppers who bought the products at Portland-area Albertsons stores and Clackamas Safeway stores.

One item -- the Pesto Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta, production code "8280595912" marked "Best Before MAY 2010" -- was not sold in Oregon, according to Nestle spokeswoman Roz O'Hearn.
But the other items were sold in Oregon.

Lean Cuisine Chicken Mediterranean, production code "8231595912" or "8241595912" marked "Best before SEP 2010"; production code "8263595912," "8269595911" or "8274595912," marked "Best before OCT 2010"; and production code "8291595912" or "8301595912" marked "Best before NOV 2010," were distributed locally at Albertsons in Portland and Safeways in Clackamas.
Lean Cuisine Chicken Tuscan, production code "8234595911" and marked "Best before SEP 2009"; production code "8253595911" or "8269595912" and marked "Best before OCT 2009"; and production code of "8292595911" or "8296595911" and marked "Best before NOV 2009," were distributed to Safeways in Clackamas.

Each package bears the USDA mark of inspection as well as the establishment number "EST P-9018."

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Nestle Consumer Services Center at (800) 993-8625 or call the company's dedicated recall line at (800) 227-6188.

Philadelphia Eagle Baskett To Wed Girl Next Store

It looks like Hugh Hefners' harem is breaking up? Is Hugh loosing his touch? No, not at all. But according to US Magazine, Holly Madison, is now Hugh's ex and Kendra Wilkinson, a former Hugh-ex, are both rumored to be moving out of his palatial mansion. Kendra and Holly both star in the Girls Next Door.

And according to Access Hollywood, Kendra is engaged to a wide receiver from the Philadelphia Eagles Hank Baskett.

Baskett got down on his knees on the rooftop restaurant Space Needle in Seattle and proposed to Kendra. Baskett was in Seattle to play the Seattle Seahawks.

"Kendra Wilkinson has met someone who she would like to spend the rest of her life with," Hefner told the magazine's Web site in a statement. "He popped the question last Saturday. I have given her my blessing and will be giving her away at a very special wedding ceremony at the Playboy Mansion this coming June."

According to E!, Baskett popped the question to Wilkinson atop Seattle's Space Needle last weekend, where the Eagles played the Seattle Seahawks. Both families were there for the big event, E! reports.

But don't cry for Hef - he's already moved on to 19-year-old twins Karissa and Kristina Shannon.

Hank Baskett is in his third NFL season. He was acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006 in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, He went to college at New Mexico He is 6-4, 220 pounds and is 27 years old.

Jurassic Park Author, Michael Crichton Dead of Cancer

The author of Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton died of cancer today.

Michael Crichton, the bestselling author behind the fictional world of Jurassic Park, died today at the age of 66, after a battle with cancer that he hid from the public eye.

Crichton, was the author of more than a dozen best-selling novels. He also was the creator of ER, the popular medical drama series.

Michael died in Los Angeles, a statement from his family, posted on the writer’s website, said.

Describing his fight with cancer as “courageous and private”, the statement said: “While the world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us - and entertained us all while doing so - his family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes.

“He did this with a wry sense of humour that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget.”

Michael was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in upstate New York. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University before tutoring at Cambridge University in anthropology and later registering at Harvard Medical School.

He actually started writing while he was in medical training. He penned "A Case of Need" under the pseudonym Jeffrey Hudson. He won the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Allan Poe Award, in 1968.

Crichton was heavily influenced by his scientific training and used that to shape his influence in science fiction, focusing on the adverse effects of botched attempts at scientific advancement

The Andromeda Strain, his first best seller, was an eerie account of extraterrestrial germs infecting the human race.

An amazing thirteen of his creations were turned into movies, with the most famous being Jurassic Park.

In his personal life, Michael was married five times; four of them ended in divorce. He leaves behind his 5th wife, 45 year old actress Sherri Alexander. He has one daughter, Taylor, from his fourth wife Anne-Marie Martin.

The family statement added: “Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand.

“He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched, but he leaves behind the greatest gifts of a thirst for knowledge, the desire to understand, and the wisdom to use our minds to better our world.

Crichton’s family said that he would have a private funeral, and requested that their privacy be respected.

Obama Girl Looking For Some Love

Do you remember the Obama girl? She was the beauty who declared her love, took off some of her clothes and fought for Obama in an Internet video sensation.

Now, the Obama girl wants a little love back.

"Maybe if I could get invited to the inauguration?" giggled Amber Lee Ettinger, better known as the foxy Obama Girl whose "I got a crush on Obama" song scored more than 10 million YouTube hits.

Ettinger, speaking to AFP at a victory party for the Democratic candidate in a New York restaurant, said she'd at least like to hear whether the president-elect enjoyed the song.

"I'd like a note from him some day saying he thanks Obama Girl."

Ettinger, 26, came dressed as herself, with a diamond stud in her right nostril and a short but elegant dress, rather than the tiny shorts and bared midriff of her Obama Girl days.

Publicity agent Kelly Brady said "I got a crush on Obama," which contrasted hilariously wonky lyrics with Ettinger's more raw appeal, was not just a joke.

"Sex sells, and she was the sexy part of the election. That helped draw in the younger crowd. They asked: 'What's that hot girl saying about Obama?'"

Ettinger says politics did not interest her much until Obama's campaign against Republican John McCain. Now she's ready for anything.

"I've got my Super Obama Girl outfit in the back of the car!"

President Barack Obama - The 44th

November 4, 2008 will go be known as one of the greatest days in American history. It is the day that the American public: black, white, yellow and brown, came together as one voice, and one cause; to elect Senator Barack Obama as the first Afro-American president in the United States.

Now that I think about it, this is not only about America, it is about the world. The example American has set is that bigotry and hate have no place in society. Sure, there will always be racism and prejudice but its bell has sounded, and maybe this time for the final round.

My hat goes off to President Barack Obama. He has followed in the footsteps of some prominent black Americans, Booker T Washington, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King. All of America should be proud - it is truly inspiring.

I speak for all America when I say "I'm looking forward to Barack Obama leading America to greatness once again".

I bet by the end of the first business day after the election. The DOW Jones industries and the NASDAQ markets will reflect this historic day with record gains - it will be their way of showing confidence in Barack Obama - the first Afro-American and youngest president of the United States of America.

Good bless America, the home of the free and the brave!

Obama Swinging in Ohio And Pennsylvania

According to the Pew Research Center and the Quinnipiac Poll, Barack Obama has a impressive lead in the swing states of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

According to the early indicators and surveys, Barack Obama has a 7 percent point lead over John McCain Ohio. Obama also has a 10 percent point lead over McCain in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania lead is surprising, considering the comment Obama some time again abouth them being "bitter". I guess maybe they aren't bitter after all. Pennsylvanians, like most Americans are smarting from the recent downtown in the economy and high unemployment.

With Ohio, his lead isn't so surprising, but in the past it has been voted predominately Republican.

The winds of change are in motion and Obama is flying high.

One interesting point is that not since 1960 has a candidate not been elected president without carrying the biggest swing states. And Ohio and Pennsylvania are two of them.

Stay tuned. There is still plenty of voting time left, especially on the left coast.

Anne Hathaway With Adam

Anne Hathaway has a new man in her life but she recently refused to reveal his identity. But the word is now loose -and it is Adam Shulman.

Anne let the word out after being spotted recently with "her man" in New Orleans.

Hathaway was accompanied to the New Orleans screening of her new film "Rachel Getting Married" by her new love -- actor Adam Shulman. "We met through mutual friends. I came to support Anne. We've never been to New Orleans before - "it's time our first time," he said.

It was just a month ago when she hinted that of her new romance saying "This guy I known in L.A. is kind of doing it for me right now. When I think of sexy, I think of him."

If you remember, Anne's old beau ws Rafaello Follieri earlier this year. And this is her first romance since then.

She stated "Adam's everything Raffaello wasn't. He's sensitive and kind to a fault. I think I may have found a kindred spirit" a source said.

Lindsay Lohan Axed From World Music Awards

It appears that Lindsay Lohan is not mending fences in the entertainment world, and it may have cost her a gig as the host of the World Music Awards.

According to rumors out of Hollywood, Lindsay's conduct and antics on the Ugly Better set, ended up costing her some work. Studio executives decided to cut her out of 2 episodes - reducing it from 6 to 4.

Now it seems that was only the beginning (or the continuation of her saga).
It is being said that the World Music Awards have decided that the actress is too unreliable, and have dropped her at the last minute. Lindsay had been booked to host the WMAs next weekend in Monaco. The last time Lindsay hosted the WMAs back in 2006, things didn't go all that well including an embarrassing moment where she screwed up and called Beyonce to the stage while she was was still getting her hair done.

Lindsay's career is on a real downward slide right now. Back in the spring Lindsay's movie career came to a screeching halt, which seemed to kind of force her into TV and the Ugly Betty Gig. She was dropped from a role in "Manson Girls" because Lohan has basically become a Hollywood Pariah, and the production company supposedly couldn't find any noted actresses that wanted to work with her. Right after that that she lost another juicy gig. Lohan was supposed to star alongside Jack Black in romantic comedy "Ye Old Times".

TV Reporter Arrested For DWI

According to Star-Tribune, KMSP-TV reporter Beth McDonough was booked on probable cause second-degree drunken driving this weekend. This would be her second offense. In August 2007 she was arrested for gross-misdemeanor drunken driving and was on probation for that offense.

Beth McDonough is a crime reporter for a Minneapolis-St. Paul television station. The 40 year old was arrested on Saturday morning after she was involved in a property-damage creash and was stopped in Minnetonka, said Mark Peterson, a State Patrol spokesman.

She was booked into the Hennepin County jail on probable-cause second-degree drunken driving. She posted $12,000 bond and was released Saturday afternoon.

According to Bill Dallman, KMSP-TV News Director said they were checking into the allegations and had no further comment.

No charges have been filed against McDonough.

SNL 2 Hour Election Theme Special TONIGHT

Saturday Night Live "SNL" will present a two-hour election themed special tonight, the eve before Election Day, Monday November 3. It will air on NBC starting at 9:00 PM EST. It is being called the "Saturday Night Live Presidential Bash 2008." The taped compilation show will highlight the blockbuster current season of political satire as well as showcase the show's 33-year history of lampooning the Oval Office. In addition, there will be new material shot exclusively for the special.

"Saturday Night Live" is from SNL Studios in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels. Steve Higgins produces. Marci Klein and Mike Shoemaker are producers. Seth Meyers is head writer. Don Roy King directs.

Where Do I Vote - The Answers

Here is the information you've been looking for about how and where to register to vote:

How and Where to Register

Registering to vote is the first step every citizen takes to become an eligible voter. Once registered, you can begin to strengthen our democracy by participating in elections, working at our polling precincts, and even registering others like yourself to become voters.

You may register by mailing a completed Voter Registration Form, to the Elections office. Forms are available in person at public libraries, city and county offices, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, and at U.S. Post Offices, or via on-line download. You may also call our office at (650) 312-5222 and we will mail a form to you within one business day.

To pick up a Voter Registration Form in person, look at our index for a location near you.

To complete the Voter Registration form on-line go to http://www.SOS.ca.gov/elections/votereg1.html.

You may register at any time, but to be eligible to vote in an upcoming election, your Voter Registration Form must be postmarked no later than 15 days before that election.

Uniformed and Overseas Voters

Voters who are overseas or in the military may register and apply for an absentee ballot by completing a Federal Post Card Application form (Standard Form 76). This form is available at your local US Embassy or by visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at http://www.fvap.gov/.

Once your registration form is received and processed, we will send you a Voter Notification Card within 3 to 4 weeks indicating that you are now a registered voter. You can also check your eligibility online. If you are unsure about your voting status, please call the Elections Office directly at

Voter Qualifications

You may register to vote if you meet all of the following requirements:

* Citizen of the United States
* Resident of California
* At least 18 years of age on or before election day
* Not in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony.

If you move, change your name, or change your political party affiliation, you will need to re-register.

Here is a toll free # for more information 1-866-733-2463

Obama Victory Will Hurt US Firms and World Economy

It appears the United States is about to choose the most inexperienced, untried and unknown candidate, ever to have run for the office. This, at a time of international uncertainty, risk and even unprecedented economic instability. Can Barack Obama handle it?
Here is a simple example: Take the banking and mortgage problems currently plaguing the country. From what I've gathered from some very credible sources, Barack has no idea what to do or what it is all about. He has called every "economic" expert for advice on what to say. And that includes Bill Clinton.

And if Barack is elected, he will bring in a bunch of newbies to the White House with him. His advisers may be great marketing and public relations folks, but what happens when they have to make real decisions about real issues - not just someone's image? Talk is cheap, and you can bet that the pariahs in the world will be testing Barack Obama immediate and will, undoubtedly, to take advantage of him.

Who would you feel more comfortable with if Iran and North Korea both started making waves? Barack Obama or John McCain? This really is a big issue. Yes, it is true that the country is having problems and it needs help, but what happens if we are weak on the international front?

Is there reason to be concerned about this? Without a shadow of a doubt. If McCain were elected, he has the experience and known how, to keep the axis-of-evil at bay. As a true American war hero, he can handle these situations.

The minute Barack Obama walks into the White House, the world will laugh and take advantage of him from the start. Countries will be licking their chops.

I mean really, what experience does Barack Obama have? He spent 4 years as a Senator, with two of them running as a presidential candidate. And what kind of state is Indiana? It is a blue-collar, manufacturing state in the Rust Belt, hardly one that will help him with international affairs.

Americans are a lazy, whining, and "what's in it for me" kind of people. We look at the short term and seek immediate gratification. The solutions to the economic problems will not be solved by a tax break of $1,000. We need a long term solution. Our national security is more important.

There is no doubt that electing Barack Obama will lower the opinion of the U.S. on the world stage. And it is very possible that the United States will sink on the international trade scene as well.

Anyway, Barack Obama seems like a good man, an honest man and one that is sincere in his beliefs. I just worry that other nations will run all over him - like they did to Jimmy Carter (those were terrible days)!

Well, maybe there is hope. Imagine that Barack Obama were to extend an olive branch to John McCain, to serve as his adviser? Could you image the power of these two great men? We could then solve our problems and show the world, that dispute our differences, America can't be divided!

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons - ICED

“Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Tribute on Ice” aired today on NBC (4pm-6pm EST/1pm-3pm PST)! The show was recorded last Saturday at the Sears Centre Arena in Chicago.

It was a great show. Although a little glitzy, it was a success. It was great to hear those oldies once again!

Meanwhile ...

Frankie Valli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune he plans to keep doing 70 shows a year “if the economy holds up.” He’s also thinking about doing a jazz album.

“I’ve been playing with one for about two or three years, have some sides (songs) that I’ve done and will probably revisit and make some changes,” he said. “I don’t know. I’m just going to do this until I don’t like it anymore or I think I need a rest.”

Is The Guy "Fieri" The New Emerill

Guy Fiery is the one of the most popular chefs today. He is the star of Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and now he has a cook book called Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: Am All American Road Trip.

He is the owner of 5 restaurants in Sonoma County, California. He graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas 1990, achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management.

At the age of 10 he started selling soft pretzels on his 3 wheeled bicycle cart. Over the next 6 years, Guy was able to save enough money to sponsor himself to study in France.

While attending UNLV - Las Vegas, he worked in a meat distribution supplier. After graduation, he was recruited by Stouffer restaurants to manage it's flagship restaurant in Long Beach, California. He spent 3 years there before moving to a 7 restaurant unit. He was soon promoted to District Manager of 6 restaurants and put in charge of recruiting and training.

In 1996, he and a fellow District Manager left to create their own chain of restaurants: Johnny Garlic, Tex Wasabi and Russel Ramsay's Chop House.

Guy is married with two children and lives in Northern California

New York City Marathon 50th Anniversary Today

The New York City marathon, the most famous marathon is celebrating it's 50th anniversary. This year it is being sponsored by ING. It starts today, Sunday, November 2, 2008 @ 12:00 pm noon EST.

DON'T FORGET DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME!

If you can't make it to the Big Apple to see it live, you can watch it on TV and on the web.
TELEVISION

New York:

• The race will be broadcast live exclusively on WNBC 4 New York for five hours. Telemundo Channel 47 will have live cut-ins during the race as well as segments leading up to the marathon. The WNBC 4 New York broadcast will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the pre-race warm-up and will follow the race through the five boroughs, across the bridges, and over the finish line until 2:00 p.m.

United States:

• NBC Sports will broadcast a one-hour highlights show nationwide beginning at 3:00 p.m. EST on November 2; check your local listings for details. In the metro New York area, it will be on WNBC 4 New York. If your cable provider carries it, the race can also be viewed on the Universal Sports network.

Around the World:

• A one-hour highlights show will be broadcast in nearly 125 countries worldwide. Check your local listings for details.

INTERNET

United States

• On Sunday, November 2, it’s the world’s race — the ING New York City Marathon. Catch all the action LIVE, only on NBC’s UniversalSports.com! Coverage for the ING New York City Marathon begins at 9:00 a.m. The ING New York City Marathon will be available on demand after the live broadcast.

International:

• Watch the entire race live on the Internet atUniversalSports.com for FREE! Viewers will get the entire race broadcast from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

College Being Sued Over Football Player Death

Was the University of Central Florida responsible for Ereck Planchard's death?

On Tuesday, March 18, members of the University of Central Florida football team begin an hour-long weightlifting session on the first workout after spring break. What happened after that is up for debate but it resulted in the death of Ereck Plancher.

His death has brought into question UCF's handling of the situation. Ereck's parents have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit to get to the bottom of their tragedy. Was the school at fault? It is yet to be determined.

The coaches and trainers knew of his sickle-cell trait, which can restrict the flow of blood to vital parts of the body during high intensity workouts. When oxygen is reduced in the blood, red blood cells change shape from round to oval. This change causes the red blood cells to clog arteries.

Former teammate James Jamison, stated that UCF Coach George O'Leary singled out Ereck when he was unable to continue the football workout. The coaching staff says it was not a rigorous workout but some players disagreed completely.

Two former players who participated in the workout agreed to speak to "Outside the Lines" on the record, though reluctantly:

• The school did not begin interviewing players about the incident until more than a month after it happened; even then, some players with relevant information were never questioned.

"They never tell us really how he died," Plancher's Haitian-born father, Enock, says. "They only tell us he collapse and died. That's all they tell us."

On July 17, the Orange County Medical Examiner released its final autopsy report. It stated that Ereck's death was linked to sickle-cell trait, which "predisposed him to sickling of the red blood cells during periods of physical stress." Two weeks later, the Planchers informed the school of their intent to sue, alleging Ereck "experienced exhaustion, dizziness, shortness of breath, and other signs of extreme fatigue that were ignored by trainers and/or coaches of the University of Central Florida." The Planchers say they hope to prevent other families from confronting the same pain they have endured.

Shortly after Plancher's death, O'Leary told his players to avoid talking to the media about the incident, according to Jamison, Reams, other former players and one current player who requested anonymity. UCF employs a document titled "Catastrophic Incident Guideline," which lays out actions to be taken in the wake of an athlete's death or severe injury. Regarding responsibilities of various personnel, it calls on the head coach to "encourage other student-athletes to not discuss the incident."

Now, with the lawsuit filed, coaches, players and trainers are reluctant to talk due to recommendation from legal advisers.

12 Year Trick-Or-Treater Shot And Killed

According to reports, a 12-year-old boy has been shot dead while playing trick-or-treat on Halloween night. Quentin Patrick and his family had decided to stop at some houses on the way home from a city event in Sumter, South Carolina.

The family was headed home from a city-sponsored event downtown when they decided to stop at a few homes, Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson said. The father and his four children approached a home with a porch light on about 8:30 p.m. local time while their mother waited nearby in a vehicle.

As the family was at the door, they thought they heard fireworks. The 12-year-old boy, his father and brother were all hit by the gunfire. The boy died at a hospital, Coroner Verna Moore said. The other two children were not hurt.

Shooting suspect Quentin Patrick, 22, has been charged with murder and three counts of assault and battery with intent to kill.

Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson said there were other people inside the house but they are not expected to be charged.

Neighbours ignored the commotion, thinking it was a Halloween prank.

"I thought, trick-or-treat night - pranks go down. Anything goes," said Lenwood Dixon, 49.

"I heard a noise like maybe gunfire, then my daughter saw a bunch of lights flashing and saw some cops."

In his six years in the neighbourhood, Mr Dixon said he wasn't aware of any violent crimes. He said a few trick-or-treaters had been on his block that night.

"I'm surprised. Since I was here, I'd never heard of anything like that happening," he said.

"It's a quiet neighborhood.''