Last but not least....Week 11

'Soul Surfer' stays faithful to ideals

http://www.mercurynews.com/financial-markets/ci_17794872?nclick_check=1

 

I saw this movie on opening night and I must say, it quickly became one of my all time favorites.  The story is so amazing and I was really surprised when I saw just how faith based it really was.  Most movies in Hollywood won't have any type of religion in it, because they're scared that it won't attract as many people.  I loved that there were church services, youth nights, mission trips, and scriptures in it.  Bethany Hamilton's story is amazing and after I left that movie theater, the first thing I thought was, "Well if she can do everything she has done after that attack, then I wonder what I can do?"

Week 10

Alligator Escapes Pen at Pine Bluff Nature Center
http://arkansasmatters.com/search-fulltext?nxd_id=413427

This article has a video so I just attached the URL.

Wow.  That would happen in my town.  At least I'm not at home this week and the nature center isn't anywhere near my house.  I just feel bad for the person that finds it.  I think it's hilarious that people have actually made twitter accounts for it and that Bob Clausen actually reported it.  Only in Arkansas.

Week 9

 http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20481540,00.html

Catherine Zeta-Jones Treated for Bipolar Disorder

By Mike Fleeman and JD Heyman

Catherine Zeta Jones

PBG/Empics Entertainment/Abaca

Catherine Zeta-Jones, who has been by husband Michael Douglas's side during his cancer fight, has sought mental health treatment for herself, her rep says.

"After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her Bipolar II disorder," the rep says in a statement. "She's feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week on her two upcoming films."

Zeta-Jones, 41, spent about five days in the unidentified facility, a friend tells PEOPLE.

RELATED: Catherine Zeta-Jones Bipolar Disorder: Her Private Struggle

Bipolar disorder, a mental illness marked by elevated or irritable moods alternating with periods of depression, afflicts about 6 million Americans. Those with Bipolar II tend to have more depression, with the mood swings spread over a longer time and the "up" periods less elevated. The episodes can be triggered by major stress or life changes.

"There's no question it's been a stressful year," the friend says. "Catherine has had deal with Michael's illness and that's been hard. She went in for a few days because she's about to start working, and wanted to make sure she's in top form, which she is."

Douglas, 66, announced in January he was declared free of cancer after what he called a "wild six-month ride" of chemotherapy and radiation for a tumor on his tongue.

"The hardest part is seeing his fatigue, because Michael is never tired," Zeta-Jones told PEOPLE last year when Douglas was in the midst of his cancer battle.

She said Douglas told their children Dylan, 10, and Carys, 7, the difficult news himself: "Daddy sat them down and told them he has cancer now."

Honestly, I'm not that surprised that she is having to be treated for being bipolar.  This woman has gone through a lot in the last year, with her husband having cancer.  Not only that, but she had to do it with everyone watching her every move.

The only thing wrong with this article, I think, is that it ended with telling how Michael had to tell their children that he had cancer.  Yes, it's sad, but what does him telling their children that he has cancer, have to do with her being treated for being bipolar?

3-31-11

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20477114,00.html

Kate Middleton & Prince William's Wedding Honored with Royal Stamps

By Sarah Durham Wilson

Tuesday March 29, 2011 08:35 AM EDT

 

Looking for a way to class up a love letter? Look no further than the Royal Mail's forthcoming sheet of stamps commemorating the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton.

The stamps, which will be available for purchase on April 21 – notably the Queen's Birthday – will feature two portraits shot by world-renowned photographer Mario Testino. The first stamp replicates the official engagement portrait taken in the Royal Council Chamber, while the second is a less formal shot snapped in the Palace's Cornwall Room.

This is not the Prince's first time on a Royal Mail stamp. He was previously featured on a sheet of stamps celebrating The Queen Mother's 100th birthday in August of 2000, and, in 2003, his 21st birthday was commemorated by stamp as well.

These specific engagement stamps, which can be ordered online starting April 7, mark the beginning of a new tradition, as Prince William is the first of the queen's grandchildren to have his wedding commemorated by the Royal Mail. Before these stamps could be released, they were seen by Prince WIlliam and the Queen, who gave them their, well, stamp of approval.

Wow.  I'm jealous of Kate Middleton.  Not that she's marrying a prince (well I kinda am), but she gets to be on a stamp! And I'm just going to point out that I do feel a little special because my birthday will forever be remembered as the day of the royal wedding and it's on the stamp. :) But as for the article, I think that it does a good job of explaining the stamp and being to the point.

Week 7: 3-10-11

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20471984,00.html

Jon Cryer a 'Turncoat, a Traitor, a Troll,' Says Charlie Sheen

By Dahvi Shira

Update Tuesday March 08, 2011 05:05 AM EST Originally posted Tuesday March 08, 2011 05:05 PM EST

Jon Cryer and Charlie Sheen

Michael Buckner/Getty

One-and-a-half men – and a troll?

After unloading on his sitcom boss, Charlie Sheen has turned his colorful rhetoric toward his Two and a Half Men costar Jon Cryer.

"Jon has not called me," Sheen, 45, tells E! Online. "He's a turncoat, a traitor, a troll. … Is it going to take me calling him a 'traitor, juvenile and scared' for him to get it?"

Sheen, who was fired from the show Monday, has lashed out at series co-creator Chuck Lorre, but praises others. Actors Angus T. Jones, Conchata Ferrell, Melanie Lynskey, Marin Hinkle, and director James Widdoes are "not trolls" because they reached out to him, he says.

As for Cryer, if he should now contact him, Sheen says, "What's there to say? I'll tell him, 'You're a little late. Goodbye, troll."

Continues the actor, "When I'm starring in multimillion-dollar films and he's begging me for a supporting role, I'll say, 'You left me out in the cold with all of your guilt and stupidity.'"

A source close to Cryer, 45, insists to the site that the actor has indeed reached out to Sheen, but has declined to comment publicly out of respect.

I like this story because it explains the story and the situation very well.  I also liked the opening line of the story.  As for Charlie Sheen, he needs to get over himself.  So what if he thinks the guy didn't call him.  He just wants attention and is mad that someone might not be giving it to him.

I forgot what week this is: 2/4/11

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20471242,00.html

Sarah Hyland 'Creeped Out' by Charlie Sheen on Twitter

By Dahvi Shira

Friday March 04, 2011 04:20 PM EST

Sarah Hyland and Charlie Sheen

Jim Smeal/BEImages; Scott Kirkland/Globe

Charlie Sheen may have skyrocketed to a million Twitter followers in record time, but when it comes to the select few he's chosen to follow himself, not everyone is honored.

Modern Family star Sarah Hyland expressed her disgust when Sheen, who only follows 26 people, decided to add her to the tiny group of people whose Tweets he wants to read.

"FYI, I've never met @charliesheen in my LIFE, and he's following me now?" the adorable actress, 20, Tweeted. "Really creeped out. Ew. #notwinning."

Perhaps Hyland took a hit of criticism from Sheen fans, because she has since removed the Tweet, and replaced it with, "The only CS I'm ever talking about again is CS Lewis. Classic."

Needless to say, the Two and a Half Men star, 45, no longer follows Hyland.

A rep for the actress confirms Hyland wrote the original Sheen-bashing Tweet, but has "no comment."

I chose this story because I loved the pictures they used.  Sarah probably had a look really close to that when she typing that first tweet and Charlie looks like a very scary creeper.  Whoever chose the pictures did a very good job.   I probably would've used the same ones.

Week 5: 2-25-11

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/25/us-justinbieber-idUSTRE71L05D20110225

Bidding is hot in Justin Bieber hair auction

 

AP – In this publicity image released by Warner Bros., host Ellen DeGeneres, right, listens to Canadian singer …

– Thu Feb 24, 9:15 pm ET

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A single lock of Justin Bieber's newly-shorn hair is being auctioned off for charity and bids had reached $6,700 on eBay early on Thursday.
The 16 year-old Canadian pop idol cut his trademark floppy hair earlier this week, and presented one of the locks to TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.
"I'm giving pieces of it to different people," Bieber told DeGeneres. "We're doing something special. We want you to donate it to whatever charity you want."
DeGeneres put the hair, placed in a plexiglass box signed by Bieber, up for auction on Wednesday with all the proceeds to benefit the California animal rescue organization The Gentle Barn.
Bidding started at $10 and quickly reached $6,700. The auction will end on March 2.
Bieber's hair stylist told People magazine that the "Baby" singer had been talking for months about cutting his hair and adopting a more mature look.
"Cutting your hair is just part of the evolution and growing process for anyone, and I think he was just ready," stylist Vanessa Price told the magazine. "We've been talking about it over the last 6 months or so -- more or less, it's definitely been in the works for a while."
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)


First of all...WHO CARES?!?!?!?!?!?! I for one, could care less if Justin Bieber cuts his hair.  What's even more ridiculous?  The fact that people would actually pay $6,700 and probably more for a lock of his hair.  Also, that they put it in a plexiglass box.  Seriously???  He said he's giving it different people and they're doing something special.  IT IS A PIECE OF HAIR.  I cut my hair the other day and I probably couldn't get anyone to give me a quarter for it. 

Now that I have that out of my system...I think the writer did a good job in presenting the information and it was very easy to read (even though I wanted to scream the whole time)

Week 4: 2-18-11

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20466534,00.html

60 Minutes Reporter Lara Logan Sexually Assaulted in Egypt

By Charlotte Triggs

Tuesday February 15, 2011 05:10 PM EST

Lara Logan

AP

On the same day Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak stepped down from power, a female 60 Minutes correspondent was brutally sexually assaulted in Egypt, her network revealed Tuesday.

"CBS correspondent Lara Logan was covering the jubilation in Tahrir Square for a 60 Minutes story when she and her team and their security were surrounded by a dangerous element amidst the celebration," says a statement released by CBS. "It was a mob of more than 200 people whipped into frenzy."

During the event, which happened Feb. 11, Logan "was separated from her crew. She was surrounded and suffered a brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating before being saved by a group of women and an estimated 20 Egyptian soldiers," the statement continues.

Logan, who had been detained by Egyptian authorities in Cairo a week earlier, finally "reconnected with the CBS team, returned to her hotel and returned to the United States on the first flight the next morning."

She is currently recovering in the hospital.

I think this is a very good story, in that it is short and to the point.  The writer told us exactly what we would want to know, such as the where she was, how it happened, how she was saved, and most importantly how is she now.  For me personally, I like that they didn't really go into specific detail and just saying that it was brutal, because I think that anymore information would have been inappropriate.  I like the picture that they used because it gives us a glimpse into what the area looked like on that day during all of the chaos.  One thing that I wished had been included, is what happened to the ones that assaulted her. 

Week 3: 2-10-11

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20465087,00.html

In His Own Words: Tampa Father Remembers Slain Children

By Steve Helling

Thursday February 10, 2011 07:00 PM EST

Parker Schenecker

Since the gunshot slayings of Tampa teens Calyx and Beau Schenecker last month, allegedly at the hand of their mother, their father has spoken publicly only at their memorial services.

Here, in an essay written exclusively for PEOPLE, he remembers his two children, and talks about where he goes from here.

"My children Calyx and Beau were typical kids who lived exceptional lives. They were bright and happy, admired by all who came in contact with them. Like most kids their age, they loved their friends, school and sports – two all-American children in every aspect. However, through growing up in many different parts of the world, they developed many special qualities.

"Calyx excelled in her advanced classes and sports, especially track and cross country. She was a huge fan of Harry Potter; she even started a club at school. She was also friendly and outgoing, having been the 'new kid' in numerous schools. Calyx challenged everyone around her to think about others. She worked tirelessly to help her school raise money for the American Cancer Society, and she often spoke of her intense desire to 'do something that would change the world.' It's my goal that Calyx still will.

"Beau was all boy. He was proud to have just made the soccer team for his school. While his love was soccer, his friends were his passion. He and his buddies were silly, fun loving and friends for life. Beau had an incredible gift of empathy for others, even seeking out new kids and bringing them into his group. What I will remember most about Beau is his infectious smile and innate sense of humor.

"I forever will miss my two beautiful, loving kids. To help cope with my loss and have their incredible spirits live on, I am dedicating the rest of my life to honoring my children. I will remain involved in the activities that were important to them and support causes in which they believed. Friends of mine already have helped me begin my journey by establishing a memorial fund in their honor. The entire proceeds of the fund will be used to improve the lives of others, a standard by which my kids lived.

"I encourage others, especially those who join me in mourning Calyx and Beau, to help keep the essence of their spirits alive by being kind to others, by working and playing hard, and by living their lives with purpose."

Aanyone wishing to honor Calyx and Beau Schenecker can contact the Calyx and Beau Schenecker Memorial Fund within The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay at 550 N. Reo St., Suite 301, Tampa, FL 33609-1037.

This is the same family that was in the story I chose last week.  I feel like the writer of this story chose wisely in not adding any of his own commentary and letting the fathers words tell the story.  I also feel that the picture that was chosen, accurately shows the emotion and sadness that a story with this kind of message deserves.

Week 2: 2/3/11

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20462069,00.html

Julie Schenecker Says She Shot Son, Daughter for Being 'Mouthy'

By Suzanne Zuckerman

Saturday January 29, 2011 02:30 PM EST

Julie Powers Schenecker

St. Petersburg Times/Zuma

Tragedy struck Tampa Thursday night. Julie Powers Schenecker, 50-year-old wife of a U.S. Army colonel, has admitted to killing her teen son and daughter, say police.

She first shot son Beau, 13, twice in the head with a .38 caliber pistol for "talking back" as she was driving him to soccer practice in suburban Tampa, according to the arrest affidavit.

The police report says she then drove to her $448,000 family home and shot her daughter Calyx, 16 – a high school cross-country running star – in the face as she sat studying at the computer.

The explanation she gave police was that the teens were being "mouthy." "She described the crimes in detail," Police spokeswoman Laura McElroy says, adding, "That was the only reason she provided to our detectives."

An anxious call from Schenecker's mother in Texas (who had received an e-mail from her daughter stating that she was depressed and having trouble with the kids) led police to the home on Friday morning. There they found Schenecker covered in blood on the back porch. She was taken, reports the Associated Press, wild-eyed and shaking uncontrollably, to a Tampa hospital.   

She will not appear in court Saturday – charged with two counts of murder – because she's being treated at a hospital for an unknown condition.

Her husband, Col. Parker Schenecker, who is attached to the U.S. Central Command in Tampa, was reportedly in the Middle East at the time of the murders.

Saturday afternoon, Parker Schenecker's Facebook page showed a photo of Calyx, smiling and surrounded by running teammates. A comment posted by Julie Schenecker on Oct. 20 reads: "that's my baby! doin' something i could never do-3.2 miles!!"

I think that the writer of this story did a very good job in handling this story and could really tell that they did their research.  They provided all of the information that they possibly could and stated if something was unknown.  I personally think that the mother in this story is insane and the picture that was provided with the story does a good job of showing that. 

Week 1: 1-27-11

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20461226,00.html

Robert Pattinson Causes a Stir at a Louisiana Deli

Originally posted 01/27/2011 12:00PM

He's busy filming Breaking Dawn in Baton Rouge, La., but during a recent lunch outing at a local deli, Robert Pattinson ended up feeding his fans' appetites.

"A couple of girls who work in here are young … and they were absolutely star struck," a source at Maxwell's Market, where the actor dropped in for sandwiches, tells PEOPLE.

Pattinson is a repeat customer at the deli and, despite the attention he earned from the younger employees, the source says he's just like any other customer. "He's just a regular guy, and that's how we try to treat him," says the source.

During his most recent visit, Pattinson was accompanied by an unidentified male friend and "grabbed a couple of sandwiches and left," the source says.

As for his costar, and off-screen love Kristen Stewart, she hasn't dropped by the deli … yet. "I haven't seen her in here," the source says. "But I'm keeping my eye out."

I really like entertainment news, but I think that this story is a little ridiculous.  I don't see why it matters that Robert Pattinson went to a deli for lunch and the employees got excited.  I think that the writers should have found something more important and definitely more interesting than what celebrities are eating for lunch.