Rapper T.I. Arrives Late for Prison Sentence; Will be Treated Same as Everyone Else
Written by: Karen Benardello
Convicted rapper T.I., whose real name is Clifford J. Harris, Jr., began his one year and a day prison sentence at the Forrest City low-security prison in Arkansas on Tuesday, May 26. However, the singer, who showed up in a black coversion van with tinted windows to reporters and onlookers, arrived late. It was not immediately made clear if the tardiness would affect Harris' sentence.
Federal prison spokeswoman Traci Billingsley did say that the Atlanta rapper, whose inmate number is 59458019, won't receive special protection. The prison has double-bunked beds and a large fence exercise yard, which Harris would be using.
Harris was arrested after trying to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers from undercover federal agents in 2007, follwing his best friend's killing at a Cincinnati party in 2006. The rapper said the bullets that killed his friend were really meant for him.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Check out my new MySpace page, dedicated to my writing!
Check out my new MySpace page, dedicated to my writing!
http://www.myspace.com/karenbenardello <--here's the link!
http://www.myspace.com/karenbenardello <--here's the link!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Brooke Shields Upset Mother Checked Out of Nursing Home by Reporter
Brooke Shields Upset Mother Checked Out of Nursing Home by Reporter
Written by: Karen Benardello
Brooke Shields is livid at, and considering taking legal action against, the New Jersey nursing home where her mother Teri is living after she was checked out by a tabloid journalist, PEOPLE Magazine is reporting.
The actress was taken by surprise on Thursday, May 14 when police notified and informed her that an unauthorized person checked her mother, who suffers from dementia, out of the home. Teri was found talking to the reporter, who Brooke believes works for The National Enquirer, at a restaurant near the assisted living center. Brooke believes the tabloid wanted to run a story about her, but the magazine denies the claim, saying the reporter was just having lunch with a friend.
“For her safety, she has temporarily been in a senior living facility, a very difficult decision for me,” the actress told PEOPLE about her mother. Brooke felt her mother was being taken advantage of, and called the reporter’s actions reprehensible and disgusting.
In response, The National Enquirer posted a story on its web site on the following day, saying there was nothing behind the story and the reporter was simply an old friend looking to catch up with Teri. In fact, the post even claims that she’s the one that asked the reporter to take her out to lunch and to run some errands. The tabloid also claims that the nursing home gave the reporter permission to take Teri out for the day, and there was no wrongdoing from any party.
Capt. Thomas Shine of the Old Tappan Police Dept. said the journalist was interviewed at the restaurant, and no charges have been filed as of yet. However, there is an ongoing investigation into the nursing home. “The part we’re investigating here is who allowed her to leave the facility,” Shine said. “It appears that there were some permissions that were given for Mrs. Shields (Teri) by the family, be they written, be they verbal-we’re investigating-to allow her visitation for a variety of different reasons.”
Brooke also told PEOPLE that she plans to file suits against not only the journalist, but the nursing home for their alleged lack of security measures as well. “I intend to take every lawful action against all who were involved or who authorized this despicable act,” she said.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Brooke Shields is livid at, and considering taking legal action against, the New Jersey nursing home where her mother Teri is living after she was checked out by a tabloid journalist, PEOPLE Magazine is reporting.
The actress was taken by surprise on Thursday, May 14 when police notified and informed her that an unauthorized person checked her mother, who suffers from dementia, out of the home. Teri was found talking to the reporter, who Brooke believes works for The National Enquirer, at a restaurant near the assisted living center. Brooke believes the tabloid wanted to run a story about her, but the magazine denies the claim, saying the reporter was just having lunch with a friend.
“For her safety, she has temporarily been in a senior living facility, a very difficult decision for me,” the actress told PEOPLE about her mother. Brooke felt her mother was being taken advantage of, and called the reporter’s actions reprehensible and disgusting.
In response, The National Enquirer posted a story on its web site on the following day, saying there was nothing behind the story and the reporter was simply an old friend looking to catch up with Teri. In fact, the post even claims that she’s the one that asked the reporter to take her out to lunch and to run some errands. The tabloid also claims that the nursing home gave the reporter permission to take Teri out for the day, and there was no wrongdoing from any party.
Capt. Thomas Shine of the Old Tappan Police Dept. said the journalist was interviewed at the restaurant, and no charges have been filed as of yet. However, there is an ongoing investigation into the nursing home. “The part we’re investigating here is who allowed her to leave the facility,” Shine said. “It appears that there were some permissions that were given for Mrs. Shields (Teri) by the family, be they written, be they verbal-we’re investigating-to allow her visitation for a variety of different reasons.”
Brooke also told PEOPLE that she plans to file suits against not only the journalist, but the nursing home for their alleged lack of security measures as well. “I intend to take every lawful action against all who were involved or who authorized this despicable act,” she said.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Stern, Two Doctors Plead Not Guilty in Smith Case
Stern, Two Doctors Plead Not Guilty in Smith Case
Written by: Karen Benardello
Howard K. Stern and two doctors pleaded not guilty in a short hearing on Wednesday, May 13, to charges they conspired to provide thousands of prescription pills to Anna Nicole Smith before her death two years ago.
The former model and actress’ lawyer-turned-boyfriend, along with Drs. Khristine Eroshevich and Sandeep Kapoor, appeared in Superior Court to set the stage for a preliminary hearing.
The three defendants stood with their lawyers before Court Commissioner Kristi Lousteau, who had ordered that documents in the case be sealed. The three agreed to delay the matter until June 8 for setting of the preliminary hearing date. Steve Sadow, Stern’s lawyer, said he wanted the preliminary hearing to begin as soon as possible.
Stern and the two doctors declined to comment outside court, but Sadow was outspoken, exclaiming: “He did not commit a crime, period!” Sadow also said he had filed a demurrer, a legal document claiming that the law under which Stern is charged does not apply to him. “The statute deals with medical practitioners,” he said. “He is not a doctor.”
Kapoor’s lawyer, Ellyn Garafalo, also spoke, saying he continues to practice medicine and his patients have been supportive. “We have no doubt Dr. Kapoor will be exonerated,” she also said.
Prosecutors are alleging that Stern was the principal enabler in a conspiracy to provide Smith thousands of prescription pills. But the three each face six counts, including conspiracy, and up to five years, eight months in prison if convicted.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Howard K. Stern and two doctors pleaded not guilty in a short hearing on Wednesday, May 13, to charges they conspired to provide thousands of prescription pills to Anna Nicole Smith before her death two years ago.
The former model and actress’ lawyer-turned-boyfriend, along with Drs. Khristine Eroshevich and Sandeep Kapoor, appeared in Superior Court to set the stage for a preliminary hearing.
The three defendants stood with their lawyers before Court Commissioner Kristi Lousteau, who had ordered that documents in the case be sealed. The three agreed to delay the matter until June 8 for setting of the preliminary hearing date. Steve Sadow, Stern’s lawyer, said he wanted the preliminary hearing to begin as soon as possible.
Stern and the two doctors declined to comment outside court, but Sadow was outspoken, exclaiming: “He did not commit a crime, period!” Sadow also said he had filed a demurrer, a legal document claiming that the law under which Stern is charged does not apply to him. “The statute deals with medical practitioners,” he said. “He is not a doctor.”
Kapoor’s lawyer, Ellyn Garafalo, also spoke, saying he continues to practice medicine and his patients have been supportive. “We have no doubt Dr. Kapoor will be exonerated,” she also said.
Prosecutors are alleging that Stern was the principal enabler in a conspiracy to provide Smith thousands of prescription pills. But the three each face six counts, including conspiracy, and up to five years, eight months in prison if convicted.
Craigslist Erotic Services Section Will be Replaced by Adult Services Section
Craigslist Announces That Erotic Services Section Will be Replaced by Adult Services Section
Written by: Karen Benardello
Classified ad giant Craigslist has announced that it will replace its "erotic services" section, which critics have call a front for prostituiton, with a staff-reviewed "adult services" category.
Craigslist chief executive Jim Buckmaster called the internal monitoring an acceptable compromise for users and law enforcement. The new ads would require an increase in posting price, up to $10 from $5. There is also going to be a reposting charge of $5.
However, some law enforcement officials have said the website hasn't lived up to an agreement it signed in November with state attorneys generals to better monitor ads and delete blatant prostitution ads. NY State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said he had notified Craigslist about a prostitution-related case that implicated the site. "Rather than work with this office to prevent further abuses, in the middle of the night, Craigslist took unilateral action, which we suspect will prove to be half-backed," Cuomo said.
The announcement came after a lawsuit was filed in a Chicago court after an Illinois sheriff investigated the site. The change has also come after a Boston med student was charged with kiling a masseuse he allegedly met through an erotic ad on Craigslist. During the beginning of this month, a Hauppauge, New York woman was also charged with aggravated assault after allegedly osting a Craigslist "casual encounters" ad, in which she sent callers seeking sex to one of her neighbors.
Craigslist attorney Eric Brandfonbrener told a federal judge on Wednesday, May 13 that the charges would satisfy concerns in the lawsuit filed by the Illinois sheriff, Thomas Dart. "My expectation is that it will be moot," Brandfonbrener said. The sherrif's office said that it won't drop the suit, though, until it sees details and the plan is recorded in court.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Classified ad giant Craigslist has announced that it will replace its "erotic services" section, which critics have call a front for prostituiton, with a staff-reviewed "adult services" category.
Craigslist chief executive Jim Buckmaster called the internal monitoring an acceptable compromise for users and law enforcement. The new ads would require an increase in posting price, up to $10 from $5. There is also going to be a reposting charge of $5.
However, some law enforcement officials have said the website hasn't lived up to an agreement it signed in November with state attorneys generals to better monitor ads and delete blatant prostitution ads. NY State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said he had notified Craigslist about a prostitution-related case that implicated the site. "Rather than work with this office to prevent further abuses, in the middle of the night, Craigslist took unilateral action, which we suspect will prove to be half-backed," Cuomo said.
The announcement came after a lawsuit was filed in a Chicago court after an Illinois sheriff investigated the site. The change has also come after a Boston med student was charged with kiling a masseuse he allegedly met through an erotic ad on Craigslist. During the beginning of this month, a Hauppauge, New York woman was also charged with aggravated assault after allegedly osting a Craigslist "casual encounters" ad, in which she sent callers seeking sex to one of her neighbors.
Craigslist attorney Eric Brandfonbrener told a federal judge on Wednesday, May 13 that the charges would satisfy concerns in the lawsuit filed by the Illinois sheriff, Thomas Dart. "My expectation is that it will be moot," Brandfonbrener said. The sherrif's office said that it won't drop the suit, though, until it sees details and the plan is recorded in court.
Lindsay Lohan To Act Again
Lindsay Lohan To Act Again:
Excited to be Remembered for Starring Again in Movies
Written by: Karen Benardello
Lindsay Lohan has officially signed on to star in the independent fantasy comedy "The Other Side," with fellow actors Woody Harrelson, Giovanni Ribisi, Dave Matthews and Alanis Morissette.
The movie focuses on grad student Lohan, who must spend the summer working at a scientific institute on a remorte island, Variety has reported. Lohan's role in the movie was first reported by PEOPLE magazine.
This is the actress' first big-screen role since 2007's horror flop "I Know Who Killed Me." Lohan's last movie, "Labor Pains," went straight to cable television. Lately, Lohan has garnered attention solely for her on-again, off-again relationship with DJ Samantha Ronson, and the media has also focused on her dwindling bank account.
Director David Michaels told Variety that Lohan is looking forward to being noteworthy for her work once again. "Lindsay's very aware of people's perceptions of her. She's really committed to doing what she has to in order to change that."
Lohan's mother and manager, Dina, has also thrown her support behind the movie, saying "It's a wonderful cast and it's shooting on the East Coast, which we are excited about." "The Other Side" is scheduled to begin filming in October on an island off the coast of Massachusetts.
Excited to be Remembered for Starring Again in Movies
Written by: Karen Benardello
Lindsay Lohan has officially signed on to star in the independent fantasy comedy "The Other Side," with fellow actors Woody Harrelson, Giovanni Ribisi, Dave Matthews and Alanis Morissette.
The movie focuses on grad student Lohan, who must spend the summer working at a scientific institute on a remorte island, Variety has reported. Lohan's role in the movie was first reported by PEOPLE magazine.
This is the actress' first big-screen role since 2007's horror flop "I Know Who Killed Me." Lohan's last movie, "Labor Pains," went straight to cable television. Lately, Lohan has garnered attention solely for her on-again, off-again relationship with DJ Samantha Ronson, and the media has also focused on her dwindling bank account.
Director David Michaels told Variety that Lohan is looking forward to being noteworthy for her work once again. "Lindsay's very aware of people's perceptions of her. She's really committed to doing what she has to in order to change that."
Lohan's mother and manager, Dina, has also thrown her support behind the movie, saying "It's a wonderful cast and it's shooting on the East Coast, which we are excited about." "The Other Side" is scheduled to begin filming in October on an island off the coast of Massachusetts.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Lindsay Lohan Tells Ellen Her Breakup with Samantha Ronson Came as a Surprise
Lindsay Lohan Tells Ellen Her Breakup with Samantha Ronson Came as a Surprise;
Now that She's Single Though, She Wants to Focus on Her Career
Written by: Karen Benardello
Lindsay Lohan is proclaiming that her breakup with DJ Samantha Ronson "came out of nowhere," but now that she's single, she is focusing on her career again.
"I had no idea what was going on," the actress told Ellen DeGeneres on her show. "I just hadn't seen her in, like, a week. She, like, disappeared."
Lohan's confession to Ellen was the first time the former Disney teen queen spoke publicly about her break-up with Ronson. Undoubtingly, she spoke to the talk show host, who had her own high-profile split with actress Anne Heche in 2000.
Though the actress kept quiet on the exact details of the split, she did adamantly claim that infidelity wasn't the cause. "I don't believe in cheating on someone. I watched my father do that to my mother my entire life."
When Ellen asked Lohan if she felt she had "lost her career" after the breakup, like she had with Heche, Lohan agreed. "...you forget who you are because you're more concerned about being with the other person," Lohan said, adding that she has a movie lined up to begin filming in October.
Lohan also told the talk show host that the news the Ronson family sought a restraining order against her came as a surprise, which also included being banned from a launch party for Charlotte Ronson's (Samantha's sister) new clothing line. "It came out of nowhere. I've supported Charlotte and I've never done anything for people to assume I'm dangerous."
But Lohan also hopes the split won't be permanent, as she said "I really care about Samantha."
Now that She's Single Though, She Wants to Focus on Her Career
Written by: Karen Benardello
Lindsay Lohan is proclaiming that her breakup with DJ Samantha Ronson "came out of nowhere," but now that she's single, she is focusing on her career again.
"I had no idea what was going on," the actress told Ellen DeGeneres on her show. "I just hadn't seen her in, like, a week. She, like, disappeared."
Lohan's confession to Ellen was the first time the former Disney teen queen spoke publicly about her break-up with Ronson. Undoubtingly, she spoke to the talk show host, who had her own high-profile split with actress Anne Heche in 2000.
Though the actress kept quiet on the exact details of the split, she did adamantly claim that infidelity wasn't the cause. "I don't believe in cheating on someone. I watched my father do that to my mother my entire life."
When Ellen asked Lohan if she felt she had "lost her career" after the breakup, like she had with Heche, Lohan agreed. "...you forget who you are because you're more concerned about being with the other person," Lohan said, adding that she has a movie lined up to begin filming in October.
Lohan also told the talk show host that the news the Ronson family sought a restraining order against her came as a surprise, which also included being banned from a launch party for Charlotte Ronson's (Samantha's sister) new clothing line. "It came out of nowhere. I've supported Charlotte and I've never done anything for people to assume I'm dangerous."
But Lohan also hopes the split won't be permanent, as she said "I really care about Samantha."
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