The Fresh Scoop

Things Rick Astley Would Never Do

2008-04-23T22:49:00.005-05:00

Just in case you're bored with Rick Rolling, sites have begun reminding us of things Rick Astley would never do.

Rick Astley, basically a one-hit-wonder with a deep voice that contrasted his then-boyish looks, has become a bit of an Internet phenomenon. Now MLive has a pie chart showing all of the things Rick Astley would never do, and The Phoenix has the same information in a handy cartoon.

And just in case you've forgotten, here's the obligatory Rick Roll...

Orlando Brown of "That's So Raven" Missing

2008-04-23T16:16:00.003-05:00

People Magazine reports that Orlando Brown, star of TV's "That's So Raven," has been missing since early Tuesday morning! Friends, family and co-workers are extremely concerned.

The 20-year-old reportedly left his manager's house around 10:20 a.m. to make a quick trip to 7-Eleven and has not been seen since.

His publicist, Elayne Rivers, said he had a full day of meetings and appointments planned in preparation for a photo shoot Wednesday.

Friends and family are concerned, because Brown is never out of touch this long. And the convenience store was just a short walk from his manager's home in Studio City.

Anyone who might have any information should contact Elayne Rivers at TLToonz@aol.com.

PA Semi Snapped Up by Apple

2008-04-23T06:54:00.001-05:00

Late Tuesday, in response to questions from Forbes.com, an Apple spokesman said Apple has agreed to buy a boutique microprocessor design company called PA Semi. The company, which is known for its design of sophisticated, low-power chips, could spell a new future for Apple's flagship iPhone, and possibly iPod products as well.

The 150-person chip company, PA Semi, was founded in 2003 by Dan Dobberpuhl, who was a lead designer for the well-regarded Alpha and StrongARM microprocessors developed by Digital Equipment in the 1990s.

"Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not comment on our purposes and plans," said Apple spokesman Steve Dowling. He declined to comment on the value of the deal, which a person familiar with the deal suggested was done for $278 million in cash. Apple is due to announce its quarterly earnings Wednesday.

Microsoft Launching Live Mesh - a Cloud Computing Platform

2008-04-23T06:23:00.001-05:00

At the Web 2.0 conference, Microsoft is launching Live Mesh, which lets you connect all your computers (work, home, laptop etc) in your own Mesh and then use them remotely. Each computer appears as a Mesh folder on your desktop, and you connect to them via a browser. Any data you put in a Mesh folder (on your Mesh desktop) is automatically synchronized across all your machines, including a "virtual device" in the cloud that you can access from anywhere. You can add other users to a Mesh folder, to share data, by sending them a link in an email. At the moment, there's a 5GB limit on what you can store in the cloud.

This is a Live service so you can expect it to work with other Live suite services, including the Live ID sign-on, formerly Passport, Live Mail and Microsoft Connect. It's not just SkyDrive.

At the moment it's Windows only, but Mac and mobile phone Mesh software is being developed.

Predators in Action - Movie Bear Kills Trainer

2008-04-22T23:31:00.002-05:00

A grizzly bear attacked and killed a trainer this afternoon at a Big Bear sanctuary that trains wild animals for movies and television work, Predators in Action, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

For unknown reasons, the 5-year-old bear bit the unidentified trainer in the neck shortly after 3 p.m. at the Predators in Action compound, said sheriff's spokeswoman Cindy Beavers. Two other trainers subdued the bear with pepper spray and were unhurt, Beavers said.

The injured man was declared dead at the scene, she said.

The state Department of Fish and Game will determine what happens to the bear, Beavers said. A department spokesman did not return a phone call seeking comment.

The Predators in Action Web site says it has the "best-trained grizzly bears in the business today."

Conner Cruise, Tom Cruise's Son, to Star With Will Smith

2008-04-22T21:41:00.003-05:00

Conner Cruise, Tom Cruise's adopted son, is following his famous father onto the big screen, after auditioning for one of his dad's friends for a supporting role.

The 13-year-old son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman will make his first big-screen appearance in the movie Seven Pounds as a younger version of Will Smith's character.

Will Smith and Tom Cruise are good friends, but supposedly that didn't really have any impact on the decision (yeah, right). Conner Cruise still had to audition for the part.

John Smoltz 16th Pitcher to reach 3000 Strikeouts!

2008-04-22T21:22:00.000-05:00

John Smoltz became the 16th pitcher in major league history to reach 3,000 strikeouts when the Atlanta Braves' right-hander struck out Washington's Felipe Lopez in the third inning.

Smoltz, 40, received a standing ovation after Lopez swung and missed on a 2-2 pitch for the second out of the third inning.

Nick Johnson and Austin Kearns looked at called third strikes in the second. Nationals pitcher John Lannan struck out swinging to begin the third.

Among the 15 pitchers ahead of him on the 3,000 strikeout list, Smoltz reached the mark faster than all but Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Nolan Ryan, Curt Schilling and Roger Clemens.

Smoltz's former teammate, San Diego pitcher Greg Maddux, is the only other active pitcher with more strikeouts (3,287).

Martinez, currently on the disabled list for the New York Mets, is in 15th place with 3,031.

The only pitcher in history with 200 victories and 150 saves in his career, Smoltz was attempting to improve to 4-0. The Elias Sports Bureau reported that his 3-0 mark made Smoltz just the fifth 40-year-old over the last 50 years to win his first three appearances.

The others were Kenny Rogers last year, Clemens in 2004, Ryan in 1990 and Phil Niekro in 1984.

Ryan is baseball's career strikeouts leader with 5,714.

PacWind to Power Jay Leno's Garage

2008-04-22T21:11:00.003-05:00

Wind power usually brings to mind those giant, prop-style turbines in Denmark or their much smaller cousins, like the 900-watt Whisper 100 that our PM’s off-the-grid Energy Family uses in Vermont. As those innovative solutions have proved, wind can be a great compliment to solar power—and the rest of this country is just starting to catch up. So as we move forward with Jay Leno on transforming his Green Garage, you’ll probably see a rooftop solar panel array augmented by wind power to help the shop generate its own energy and become self-sufficient.

Recently, Jay had a chance to meet up with the folks from PacWind, a company that makes vertical-axis wind turbines like the 500-watt Seahawk they brought by the garage. Drag-type vertical turbines such as these move a lot like those three-cup anemometers commonly used for measuring wind speed. But the PacWind design is unique in that its foils utilize the forces of lift, too, making them more efficient.

The Seahawk was just one example of Pacwind’s turbines—and Jay was impressed. But for the 17,000-sq-ft. garage, which uses, um, quite a bit of energy each month, the PacWind team recommended their brand-new, top-of-the-line Delta II turbine. It can produce 10 kw at around 28 mph and has a cut-in wind speed of 6 mph. These turbines don’t need a braking mechanism and can self-start at very low wind speeds—something similar designs in the past could never do. Generating usable wind power can be quite tricky, since wind is fickle and performance can vary from place to place. But according to Pacwind, Jay’s garage looks like a very suitable spot.

A few more neat things about these vertical turbines: They take up very little space, they’re virtually silent, and multiple units can be placed within feet of one another. Delta II units can also be stacked vertically up to 50 kW. We wouldn’t be surprised to see quite a few of these 9-ft., 500-lb. turbines lining the upstairs of the Green Garage very soon. For a full breakdown on wind energy technology in America, click here.

Shaun Alexander Cut by Seattle Seahawks

2008-04-22T19:46:00.004-05:00

After eight seasons, the Seattle Seahawks have cut Shaun Alexander. Although he was a Pro Bowl selection three times and was 2005's NFL MVP, he's been hampered by injuries for the past couple of years. He says he's healthy, and I hope he can prove to Seattle that they've made a mistake by firing their all-time leading rusher.

Time will tell.

Link

Safflower Oil for Cooking

2008-04-22T18:01:00.004-05:00

Safflower oil is lower in saturated fats and higher in beneficial monounsaturates than olive oil - this helps prevent coronary artery disease. Also, monounsaturates such as oleic safflower oil tend to lower blood levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) without affecting HDL (“good” cholesterol). Polyunsaturated fats, such as linoleic acids, are associated with lowering blood cholesterol.

More and more, Safflower oil is becoming available as a healthy alternative for cooking oil.

Sandra Bullock Candles are Made From Soy

2008-04-22T16:58:00.004-05:00

Actress SANDRA BULLOCK is doing her bit to save the environment, by launching a range of eco-friendly candles.

The actress unveiled her wax creations, Bessence Candles, on an episode of Oprah Winfrey's talk show, which aired on Tuesday (22Apr08) - Earth Day in the U.S.

She revealed how she developed the line of candles using soy wax, after learning all about the chemicals that are normally used in their production.

She explained, "I started researching and you find out about lead wicks and chemicals in your candles. (Soy wax) is a renewable resource."

And Bullock is so happy with her new hobby, she joked that it could provide her with a second career: "(It's) something to fall back on."

FSU's Preston Parker Arested on Gun and Drug Charges

2008-04-22T16:39:00.001-05:00

Florida State receiver Preston Parker was arrested early Tuesday morning in Palm Beach County.

According to the booking report on the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Web site, Parker was arrested on charges of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams.

He is being held on $4,500 bail for the firearm charge -- a third-degree felony -- and $500 bail for the marijuana charge.

Parker went home to Palm Beach County last week at the end of classes. He is expected to return to Tallahassee later this week for a final exam.

FSU responded to Parker's arrest with a brief statement from FSU director of athletics Randy Spetman.

“We are aware of Preston’s arrest and are gathering the facts of the situation,” Spetman said. “We have an Athletics Code of Conduct/Discipline Policy in place for all student-athletes and once we’ve thoroughly reviewed the details of the incident, we will handle the situation according to that policy.”

FSU football coach Bobby Bowden is out of town participating in his annual tour of Seminole Clubs and was not available for comment.

In addition to the Code of Conduct, players are subject to a substance-abuse policy.

Parker will be subjected to the school’s code of conduct for student athletes as well as the substance abuse policy.

A student-athlete charged with a felony is barred from participating in games until the case is resolved in court.

Disciplinary actions handed down by the athletic department following a misdemeanor charge, per athletic department policy, will be up to the head coach after the matter is also reviewed by the athletic director.

Parker's marijuana charge falls under a misdemenor. It is not clear how his charge of "carrying concealed weapon-firearm" will be classified.

Parker is regarded as FSU’s best player. The versatile playmaker started five games at either tailback or wide receiver and was FSU’s top punt returner during his sophomore season.

Parker, named the team’s offensive MVP for the 2007 season, caught 62 passes for 791 yards and three touchdowns. He led the team in receptions and also rushed for 270 yards and two touchdowns.

Parker, who is from Delray Beach, missed most of spring practice because of a groin injury.

He is a graduate of Atlantic High School in Delray Beach,

Derek Kellogg Will be Head Coach at UMass

2008-04-22T16:26:00.002-05:00

It appears that UMass has a new head coach. ESPN.com is reporting that Derek Kellogg, who played for the Minutemen in the nineties will get the nod. Kellogg has spent the past 8 years as an assistant to John Calipari at Memphis.

Kellogg will replace Travis Ford who took the head coaching job at Oklahoma State last week.

Are Lindsay Lohan & Samantha Ronson a Couple?

2008-04-22T16:23:00.003-05:00

Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson have been rumored to be more than just friends and Saturday spat with Ashley Olsen at New York City’s Beatrice Inn adds a little more wood to the lesbian fire according to a Page Six spy.

“Ashley Olsen said hello to Sam at the Beatrice, and Lindsay screamed at her, ‘Get your 15-year-old ‘Full House’ ass away from my girlfriend.’”

Lindsay should be flattered that it was Ashley that hit on Sam. What would it tell you about your taste in women if Mary-Kate made a pass at your girlfriend?

Randi Goldklank, GM of WHDH-TV in Boston Arrested

2008-04-22T16:19:00.002-05:00

Channel 7 general manager Randi Goldklank has been put on administrative leave following her outburst and arrest at Logan Airport Sunday night.

“WHDH-TV Vice-President and General Manager Randi Goldklank has been placed on administrative leave subject to further review by management,” station owner Ed Ansin said in a statement released moments ago.

The station declined further comment.

Greendimes Jumk Mail Service Plants Trees

2008-04-22T16:14:00.003-05:00

Stopping junk mail is one of the easiest ways to start going green. Greendimes is a service that for $20 will stop junk mail (except for that you don't want) and will plant a tree.

In just over a year, they have eliminated 3 million pounds of junk mail and have planted 1 million trees. Amazing!

Jake Long and Miami Dolphins Have 5-Year-Deal

2008-04-22T16:13:00.002-05:00

Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long and the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms on a five-year deal, and Long is slated to fly into Miami later Tuesday to join his new team.

Thomas Sturges Identified as Miley Cyrus' Mystery Snuggler

2008-04-22T16:08:00.004-05:00

A few hours ago, the mystery man spotted cuddling with Miley Cyrus in so many recent photographs has been identified.

This lucky fellow has been identified as Thomas Sturges.

We don’t know much else about the him, except that he must have some major game to land a cutie such as Miley Cyrus. Do you think he’s her boyfriend?

Olympian Pasha Grishuk Given Date Rape Drug in OC

2008-04-22T15:59:00.002-05:00

Former Olympic ice dancer Pasha Grishuk was drugged with GHB, a date rape drug, during a business meeting at an Orange County hotel, a sheriff's spokesman said Tuesday.

Grishuk, who won Olympic gold medals for Russia in ice dancing in 1994 and 1998, was attending a business meeting on April 12 when she began to feel ill and numb, sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino said.

While eating dinner, she spotted a partially dissolved pill in the bottom of her drink. Investigators later found another dissolved pill in the bottom of a drink she ordered in the hotel's lounge.

Amormino says toxicology tests that came back Tuesday were positive for GHB, but it wasn't immediately clear how the pills got in Grishuk's drinks or who put them there.

"How somebody was able to do that, I honestly don't know, but it appears that somebody, for whatever reason, attempted to drug her," he said.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration labels GHB a "predatory drug" that can be mixed with alcohol to reduce resistance from a victim before a sexual assault. It is also popular with teenagers at raves and is sometimes used by bodybuilders for its anabolic effects.

The 36-year-old Grishuk is a Ukrainian native who now lives in Los Angeles.