Posted: may 10, 2012

Hollie Cavanaugh is officially out of “American Idol.” The 18-year-old hopeful was cast out of the final four on Thursday night, after Wednesday’s solo performance was less than impressive for both viewers and judges.

Wednesday Saw Cavanagh perform Journey’s “Faithfully,” and Bonnie Rait’s “I Can’t Make You love me,” a song which proved prophetic to Thursday’s results.

Hollie’s first song of the night was met with approval, as Idol judge Randy Jackson told her she “did him proud” with the beautiful rendition.

The judges were less than impressed with the second song, however. Even her mentor, Jimmy Lovine, told her she “crashed and burned.” J.Lo, notorious for being incredibly generous to the show’s contestants, told Hollie that she had ”a little too much vibrato,” and her vocals were “off.”

Jennifer Lopez performed her new song, “Dance Again” before the results were read, and also said of the contest that:

“This is a real journey. This is not an easy show for these kids. For me, that’s why I feel so much when I’m watching you, all of you, not just Hollie.”

Hollie Cavanagh then closed out the show by performing her rendition of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb.” She remained composed through the performance, while contestant Joshua Ledet wept.

The three remaining contestants are gospel singer Joshua Ledet, 20, of Westlake, Louisiana; bluesy Phillip Phillips, 21, a pawn shop worker from Leesburg, Georgia; and pop diva hopeful Jessica Sanchez, 16, of San Diego, California. The remaining contestants will spend time at home in the coming week, before next week’s performance.

Check out Hollie Cavanagh singing Pink’s “Perfect” here:

Hollie Cavanagh Out, ‘American Idol’ Now Down To Final Three

Things just got more interesting in the banking world. That’s because the nation’s strongest big bank, JPMorgan Chase, was downgraded by one of the industry’s notable analysts.

Mike Mayo of CLSA downgraded JPM by not one, but two notches, to underperform from outperform. That’s quite a statement considering JPM is typically viewed as the strongest bank among its peers with CEO Jamie Dimon at the helm.

It’s not that Mayo thinks JPM is in shambles. In fact he calls it “best in class” but believes bank’s units would be more valuable if broken up. he writes, “Investors have a choice to own some of the parts but not all of them, and we prefer to mix and match a little more aggressively and stay more nimble given the evolving financial and political landscape.”

That’s a sentiment that Mayo first mentioned in February in a note where called for the break up of JPM. he wrote in that note:

Increasingly higher regulatory and capital requirements for large, global financial institutions place a higher burden on realizing synergies across segments which, combined with a higher-than-typical financial conglomerate discount, should at least bring the question of whether it makes sense to sell some portion of the firm more to the fore.

During JPM’s annual investor day in February Mayo’s call to break up the bank was referred to by executives several times. Michael J. Cavanagh Chief Executive Officer of Treasury and Securities Services Business at JPM said Mayo’s idea would do more harm than good. “That’s not the way I would get at the answer we’re all seeking, which is to unlock value,” he said.

Mayo also cites increased macro uncertainty as another reason for the downgrade today. he writes in today’s note:

We are downgrading JPMorgan Chase from Outperform to Underperform given increased macro uncertainty in the USA and macro/political uncertainty in Europe, estimates that are well below peer due to likely lower-than-average revenue for both markets and spread revenue, and a view that 1Q12 earnings are the best for some time.

JPM isn’t the first bank Mayo has cut recently. Last month after Bank of America reported first quarter earnings Mayo dropped his rating on the bank to sell. Mayo said he’s not sold on the idea that earnings power will return at BofA once the economy is back on track. he echoed similar calls to break up BofA saying, “This weak performance begs the question if shareholders would be better off with a more downsized company.”

JPM’s shares fell 2.9% today to $41.75 but the stock is up 25% in 2012. Bank of America shares fell 3.25% today but are up 39%.

Mike Mayo Smacks JPMorgan With A Big Downgrade

BOSTON (AP) — Josh Beckett must have lasted longer on the golf course than he did on the mound.

The embattled Red Sox ace was booed off the field at Fenway Park when he was pulled after just 2 1-3 ineffective innings Thursday night against Cleveland.

Hours earlier, Boston manager Bobby Valentine downplayed the uproar over Beckett’s golf outing last week, which came a day after he was scratched from his scheduled start because of stiffness.

Already in hot water with Red Sox fans when the story surfaced that Beckett was hitting the links with his sore lat, Beckett was jeered early and often Thursday as the Indians tagged him for seven runs and seven hits, including two homers, while building a 7-1 lead.

One fan yelled "FORE!" when Michael Brantley lined a foul ball down the right-field line, but all the chuckles quickly subsided when Brantley doubled to left-center. it was the second straight double for the Indians, ending Beckett’s night.

Fans cheered when Valentine came out of the dugout and immediately signaled to the bullpen for lefty Andrew Miller.

Beckett’s off-the-field decisions and commitment to the team have come into question before.

After last season, it was revealed that he was among a group of pitchers who ate fried chicken and drank beer in the clubhouse during games on days they didn’t pitch.

It is common for players to golf during the season, but typically not when recovering from an injury.

Valentine said before the game that Beckett was scratched from a start last week with stiffness, which he didn’t think would be made worse by golfing. Had Beckett been sidelined with an injury, Valentine might have felt differently.

"I didn’t think he was injured when he was skipped," Valentine said.

Fans haven’t been so forgiving since the story surfaced earlier this week. The Red Sox were off to a 12-18 start and were last in the AL East going into Thursday night’s game.

Beckett entered 2-3 with a 4.45 ERA in five starts.

Valentine, speaking before the Red Sox opened a homestand against the Indians, said he understands why fans were outraged that Beckett was golfing instead of resting for his return to the rotation.

"I understand the frustration for sure," he said. "I understand the desire for excellence. I have the same frustration and anger at myself for not meeting the standard."

A sour mood in Boston still lingers over the team’s record collapse at the end of last season, when the Red Sox slumped through September and were knocked out of playoff contention in the final game.

"I was told there was a lot of negative feelings about last year. The first month of play, we haven’t done anything to erase those feelings," Valentine said. "we have to play better and I think it will get better."

As for Beckett, a few good outings would probably restore a positive outlook among the fans who are angered by his golf outing. A few bad starts, however, and the pressure on him is only going to increase.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. this material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Golf trip controversial for Beckett

SANTA CLARA — Intel (INTC) CEO Paul Otellini said he is not seeing unexpected weakness in enterprise technology spending that Cisco (CSCO) CEO John Chambers cited when he forecast quarterly earnings below estimates.

“This quarter is playing out as we thought. the enterprise is good, it’s not fantastic, so we don’t see a change in that,” Otellini said in answer to a question at Intel’s annual investor day on Thursday.

Shares of San Jose-based Cisco Systems, which relies on government and corporate spending on Internet gear, dropped more than 10 percent on Thursday following its earnings report a day earlier.

“I think John’s comments were focused on Europe in particular. We haven’t seen any change in Europe demand on the enterprise side,” Otellini said.

Much of the presentations by Otellini and other Intel executives showcased the chipmaker’s long-awaited push into smartphones and ultrathin laptops. Intel offered little new hope to investors concerned about languid PC sales.

Otellini also forecast that Santa Clara-based Intel, with its deep pockets, would survive as one of a handful of leading-edge chip manufacturers as the sector moves toward larger and costlier factories.

With the industry preparing to increase the size of the silicon wafers it uses, letting manufacturers fit more chips on each, future leading-edge factories will cost more than $10 billion each to build, compared with about $5 billion now, Otellini added.

With worldwide PC shipments barely growing, Intel has been racing to establish a foothold in smartphone and tablet markets, where processors based on ARM Holdings’ power-efficient chip designs are widely used.

Last month in India, Lava International launched the first smartphone using Intel’s new Medfield processor and the device has received respectable reviews from benchmark testers.

“We’re getting awfully good reviews for our first phones,” Otellini told investors at an annual Intel event. “We have ambitions; you’ll see more announcements over time and very cool capabilities built into phones.”

Before declaring that Intel is a serious player in the mobile market, many investors are waiting to see how successful the new handsets become with consumers. Growing expectations that Intel will be able to compete have fueled gains in its shares in recent months.

Intel is heavily promoting a PC category it has dubbed ultrabooks, similar to Apple’s (AAPL) Macbook Air and offering some of the technological chic the iPad and other tablets epitomize.

Major manufacturers like Asus and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) are launching ultrabooks, but some investors are concerned that the expensive components used in them, such as solid-state drives, make them too pricey for many consumers.

Intel Vice President Kirk Skaugen, in charge of the ultrabook push, said the laptops are aimed at prices starting at $700.

Demonstrations of future gadgets, including an ultrabook with a touchscreen display, won polite applause. but analysts said they heard little to reduce concerns that Intel may sacrifice profit margins on sales of its processors to make ultrabooks affordable and help drive sales.

Otellini said sales were on track and would pick up in the second half of 2012 as more manufacturers start using Intel’s new Ivy Bridge processor for PCs.

“We’re on track to meet our goal of 40 percent of consumer notebooks this holiday season being ultrabooks,” Otellini said.

Last month, Intel posted quarterly earnings that failed to inspire gains in its recently high-flying stock and also said costs associated with ramping up new production lines for the Ivy Bridge chips would hurt gross margins more than expected.

Global PC shipments in the first quarter grew a tepid 1.9 percent from the year-ago period, according to research firm Gartner.

Helped by emerging markets, the new Ivy Bridge processor and ultrabooks, Intel expects PC shipments this year to grow by a “high-single digits” percentage.

Otellini said manufacturers are working on 20 tablets using Intel processors and Microsoft’s long-awaited Windows 8 platform, expected later this year.

Intel ‘getting awfully good reviews’ on first smartphone chips, not suffering like Cisco, CEO Paul Otellini says

LONDON –  Britain’s defense secretary is ditching plans to buy a particular type of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter — reverting to an original plan previously criticized by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Defense Secretary Philip Hammond told lawmakers Thursday that Britain would no longer purchase F-35c variants of the Lockheed Martin Corp. fighter jet, because the cost of modifications needed to accommodate the plane were about 2 billion pounds ($3.2 billion).

The jet’s design means aircraft carriers needed to be fitted with catapults and arrester gears.

Hammond said Britain would instead purchase F-35b jump jets, which don’t required modifications to ships and are compatible with U.S. and French vessels.

That option was championed by Britain’s previous Labour Party government, but dumped by Cameron after he took office in 2010. At the time, Cameron said the F-35c model was “more capable, less expensive, has a longer range and carries more weapons.”

“The facts have changed and therefore so too must our approach,” Hammond told lawmakers. “This government will not blindly pursue projects and ignore cost growth and delays.”

Labour’s defense spokesman, legislator Jim Murphy, said the Conservative-led government’s decision to revert to the previous administration’s plan highlighted Cameron’s “chaotic” handling of the military.

“This is a personal humiliation for David Cameron who will to return to Labour’s policy, which he previously condemned,” Murphy said.

Britain’s defense ministry said no decision had yet been taken on how many F-35 jets will be purchased.

Australia, Canada, Turkey, Italy, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands are all also involved in the Joint Strike Fighter program, which has been troubled by cost hikes and delivery delays.

UK backs out of deal to buy US fighter jets

Updated your iPhone 3GS to iOS 5.1.1 with baseband 5.16.05 and need to unlock it? Read on as this may be the solution you need.

First of all, please be aware that untethered jailbreak for iOS 5.1.1 is not yet available and baseband 5.16.05 can’t be unlocked. Baseband or modem firmware version 5.16.05 stayed the same since iOS 5.0 was released back in October 2011.

If you really need to unlock your iPhone 3GS it’s still possible to do it by updating the baseband to 6.15.00. Take note of the following:

• This is an iPad baseband which can break your GPS.
• More risks here.
• If you have the new iPhone 3GS 8GB made after week 28 of 2011, you must read this or you will permanently break your iPhone.
• If you don’t fancy 6.15.00 then these guys can replace baseband chip.

Did you read and understand all the risks? OK, let’s proceed.

Surprisingly, Apple is still signing iOS 4.1. this means you can still downgrade to an earlier iOS version (iOS usually can’t be downgraded if it’s not being signed by Apple). the reason why you need to downgrade to iOS 4.1 first is so that you can update your baseband to 6.15.00. Note: Baseband can never be downgraded!

[Final warning: Proceed at your own risks!]

Steps:

1. Backup your contacts, photos, apps etc. Remove your SIM card. (Note: If you made a backup on the latest iOS, you won’t be able to restore it if you’re running on an earlier iOS version.)

2. Download iOS 4.1 firmware for iPhone 3GS.

3. Download redsn0w 0.9.8rc18 for Windows or Mac.

4. Download latest version of TinyUmbrella from here.

5. Remove iTunes 10.5 and install iTunes 10.4.1 for Windows (32-bit) or Mac.

6. Put your iPhone into DFU mode. See YouTube video here.

7. Launch iTunes, connect your iPhone, hold down the SHIFT for Windows or Option for Mac while you click the RESTORE button in iTunes and select the iOS 4.1 firmware file you have just downloaded. If you get an iTunes error 3194, read here on how to fix it.

8. the restore will end with error 1015 and recovery loop on the iPhone, this can be resolved using the “Exit Recovery” button in TinyUmbrella.

9. start redsn0w 0.9.6rc18.

10. Browse for the iOS 4.1 firmware you just downloaded.

11. Select ‘Install Cydia’ and ‘Install iPad Baseband’. Warning: installing iPad baseband will break your GPS.

12. Follow on screen instructions to put your device into DFU mode to begin the jailbreak.

13. when the process is done, you will find that your iPhone is now jailbroken on iOS 4.1 with iPad baseband 6.15.00. To make sure you can always go back to iOS 4.1, launch Cydia and select ‘Make my life easier.’

If you’re happy with iOS 4.1 and would like to unlock it, skip to step 19 now.

Step 14 to 18 is only possible if you have your SHSH saved. What is SHSH?

Let’s restore it to iOS 5.0.1 to get untethered jailbreak and then unlock it with ultrasn0w 1.2.5.

14. Download custom iOS 5.0.1 for 3GS from here. you can also build your own custom iOS 5.0.1 using sn0wbreeze from ih8sn0w.com.

15. Download the latest redsn0w from the Dev Team’s website or from here. start redsn0w, go to Extras > Pwned DFU. this allows your iPhone to accept custom firmware.

16. Reinstall iTunes 10.5.

17. Connect your iPhone to your computer and hold shift+restore (Windows) or option+restore (Mac) and select the custom iOS 5.0.1 IPSW you just downloaded. If you get an iTunes error 3194, read here on how to fix it.

18. Once the restore is done, your iPhone will now have iOS 5.0.1 with baseband 6.15.00. If you are stuck on Apple logo with an empty loading bar, run redsn0w again but this time click on Extras then just Boot.

19. Launch Cydia from Springboard (home menu).

20. Add the following to your source:

21. Tap on the iParelhos repo to see Ultrasn0w Fixer utility. Tap install to begin installation.

22. Search for ultrasn0w on Packages in Cydia. If you cannot find it, add new sources by typing ultrasn0w repo:

repo666.ultrasn0w.com (with zero, not o).

23. Install Ultrasnow 1.2.5.

24. Reboot your iPhone. just in case it’s stuck on Apple logo, run redsn0w again, go to Extras > just Boot. Follow on screen instructions.

25. Turn off 3G and insert your SIM card. it should pick up your carrier signal.

Not too difficult right? If you follow the exact instructions this will work 99%.

Good luck and leave your comments or questions below.

Did it work? Buy me a beer! never required but always appreciated!

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Jailbreak and Unlock iPhone 3GS on iOS 5.1.1 Baseband 5.16.05

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who lost to Scott Walker in Wisconsin’s 2010 gubernatorial race by 125,000 votes, wants another shot at governor.

On Friday afternoon, Barrett announced he would seek the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin’s recall race. Barrett faces former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, a union favorite; state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout; and Secretary of State Doug LaFollette. Barrett said in a statement that Gov. Walker has "divided our state like never before and presided over a Wisconsin economy that last year lost more jobs than any state in the country."

He continued: "He ‘dropped the bomb,’ as he said, and ended 50 years of labor peace and worker protections—something he never said he’d do during the 2010 campaign. I know, because I was there. As governor, I will fight to restore collective bargaining rights, because it’s the right thing to do, and it’s necessary to heal Wisconsin."

Recent polls show Barrett heading to victory in a hypothetical Democratic primary. a recent Marquette University Law School poll showed Barrett with 36 percent of support, Falk with 29 percent, Vinehout and LaFollette with 8 percent each. a late February survey by Public Policy Polling showed Barrett beating Falk 45 percent to 18 percent. (That was an improvement for Barrett: a January PPP survey put him ahead of Falk 46-27.) In that same February PPP survey, Barrett led Walker by three percentage points in a hypothetical general election, 49-46. a Marquette University Law School poll published last week showed Barrett trailing Walker 49-47.

Barrett’s entry sets up a bruising fight for the Democratic nomination in the Walker recall rumble. there is no love lost between Barrett and Wisconsin’s labor unions, a bastion of Democratic support, and in recent weeks, union officials have quietly sought to undermine Barrett’s standing in Wisconsin and work against a possible recall candidacy. In an interview with Mother Jones, Falk questioned the wisdom of a late entry by Barrett into the recall fray. She said she hoped Barrett would support her recall candidacy just as she supported his 2010 gubernatorial campaign. "I think it’s his turn to support me and I hope he does," Falk said.

While Falk boasts of her many union endorsements, Barrett is a fixture in Milwaukee and Wisconsin politics, and already counts former Rep. Dave Obey (D-Wisc.) as a high-profile supporter in the race. Barrett’s candidacy will make it harder for Falk to win widespread support in Milwaukee, a Democratic hotbed, says Charles Franklin, a visiting political scientist at Marquette University. yet Barrett, Franklin adds, bears the burden of having already lost a governor’s race to Walker in 2010. (Barrett also lost in the 2002 gubernatorial primary.)

In a statement, Falk responded to Barrett’s announcement by saying, "I welcome Tom to this important race."

This story has been updated.

Milwaukee Mayor Jumps Into Wisconsin Recall Rumble

Disclaimer of Liability

“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.” Thomas Jefferson

Phoenix Business Journal by Mike Sunnucks, Senior Reporter

Date: Monday, May 7, 2012, 2:59pm MST – last Modified: Monday, May 7, 2012, 6:24pm MST

Goldwater Institute    watchdog group may still be a thorn in the side of the prospective sale of the Phoenix Coyotes andmoney coming from the city of Glendale to prospective buyer Greg Jamison. however, it’s not clear how sharp or dull of a thorn Goldwater may be in the latest Coyotes sale machinations.

The National Hockey League    , city of Glendale and prospective Coyotes buyerGreg Jamison are aggressively striving to craft a sale that avoids Goldwater opposition and possible legal action.

The NHL, city and Jamison are also not producing public documents on their deal so they can avoid records falling into Goldwater’s hands.

Goldwater attorney Carrie Ann Sitren says her group’s lawsuit against the city of Glendale over public records may be keeping the city from trying to rush a Phoenix Coyotes vote through its City Council.

Sitren said the conservative watchdog group is also ready to challenge Glendale payments to prospective Coyotes buyer Greg Jamisonif they run afoul of Arizona’s gift ban clause against excessive government subsidies to businesses.

“A lawsuit can be filed to keep it from being enforced,” Sitren said.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is set to announce this evening a tentative deal with Jamison to buy the Coyotes and keep them in Arizona. that will prompt the Glendale City Council to consider what is expected to be a $17 million management fee for Jamison’s group to run city-owned Jobing.com Arena.

The city has been paying the NHL $25 million each season for the past two seasons to manage the arena. the NHL owns the Coyotes, and payments help run the arena and let owners absorb some of the team’s financial losses. Goldwater has not challenged the city’s payments to the NHL.

Goldwater has an ongoing legal battle with Glendale over public records and documents related to the Coyotes ownership saga. Sitren said during the beginning of that case the presiding judge voiced concerns about Glendale putting Coyotes agenda items up for council consideration the day before the vote.

Normal rules call for council agendas to be posted on Fridays for their regularly scheduled Tuesday meetings. But the council can put emergency items on the agenda with shorter lead times.

Sitren said the judge’s comments and rulings in the public records case may limit the city’s willingness to rush through a Coyotes vote with short notice.

Some officials were expecting a Coyotes vote by the Glendale City Council at Tuesday’s meeting, but no item on that front has appeared on the city’s agenda for May 8.

Mike Sunnucks writes about politics, law, airlines, sports business and the economy.

Feel free to contact Walter Unger  regarding any of these stories, the current market, distressed commercial real estate opportunities and needs, your property or your Investment Needs

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SHORTSALE / EXPAND AND UPGRADE  

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Walter Unger CCIM, CCSS, CCLS

I am a successful commercial Real Estate Broker inArizonanow for 15 years and I worked with banks and their commercial REO properties for 2 years.

1.

WHETHER YOU LEASE OR OWN

NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO EXPAND OR UPGRADE.

In my opinion we are at or near the bottom of the Commercial Real Estate cycle inArizona and now is the time for you to expand or upgrade on your Commercial Real Estate. the prices on deals I may get you will not be around forever.

2.

IF YOU OR ANYBODY YOU KNOW IS IN TROUBLE WITH YOUR BUSINESS, AS MANY AMERICANS ARE IN THE MOMENT, AND ARE ABOUT TO LOSE YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, PLEASE CONTACT ME.  IF YOUR BANK IS BEHAVING BADLY I MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU GET OUT OF SOME OR MAYBE A LOT OF FUTURE HEADACHES.

If you have any questions about the 1 or 2 above, I will gladly sit down with you and share my expertise and my professional opinion with you. Obviously I am also in this to make money, but it could be a win-win situation for all of us.

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The information in this blog-newsletter is for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. the information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. the information is provided “as is,” with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.

Goldwater Institute could interfere with Phoenix Coyotes sale

[Ed. Note:  North Carolina votes Tuesday, may 8. this amendment, which has received a great deal of press for months, defines marriage as the union of one man and one union.  Gay marriage  is  prohibited in North Carolina.  all three Episcopal Bishops urged their parishioners to vote against the amendment in a letter published last week because it "does not respect the dignity of every human being."  we will post the results on Wednesday.  Cheryl M. Wetzel]

abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=8650254

Anthony Wilson for ABC News

RALEIGH (WTVD) — One-stop voting in North Carolina ended Saturday, and both opponents and supporters of Amendment One gave a final push to get voters to the polls ahead of Tuesday’s primary election.

The proposed constitutional amendment would ban the state from honoring civil unions and define marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman in the state’s constitution.

Same-sex marriage is already prohibited in North Carolina.

On Saturday, an all-day festival was held on Fayetteville Street in Raleigh with the hopes of swaying voters to oppose the amendment.

The festival was sponsored the LGBT Center of Raleigh, Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolinas, and Equality NC.

But those in support of the amendment were also urged to vote early. the grassroots efforts on both sides of the issue fueled the debate and caused long lines at early voting sites.

“I voted for it, so I voted early,” said pro-amendment supporter Gary Birdsong. “my church that I go to, and most churches that I know of, are voting for it. ”

Voter Jacob Warwick said that if the amendment passed, it would write discrimination into the state’s constitution.

“As a gay person, I couldn’t, in good conscience, vote for an amendment that would deny me my rights at a systematic level,” he said. “It’s just criminal that they would try and put this discrimination into a constitution that’s meant to give rights to citizens instead of taking them away.”

On Sunday, the proposed amendment was discussed in many churches throughout the state.

But not all religious leaders are in support of the amendment.

An Episcopal Priest, Rev. Lorraine Ljunggren said people across the spectrum are praying for various outcomes.

“at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, we’ve taken the position, which is a legal position to take, that Amendment One does not respect the dignity of every human being,” she said.

Voters in favor or in opposition of the amendment could not be distinguished by political party either.

“if you look at the official statements of a lot of the Republican congressmen and state congress, you’ll see that they’re actually voting against,” said Warwick.

The debate has caught the attention of political heavyweights.

Beginning Monday, registered voters will receive robo-calls with a recorded message from former President bill Clinton stating that the amendment would damage several aspects of the state’s viability.

Clinton stated that the amendment will affect the state’s ability to attract new businesses and will take health care from children. he also stated it could diminish the state’s laws protecting women from domestic violence.

The state’s primary election is Tuesday.  Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

(Copyright ©2012 WTVD-TV/DT. all Rights Reserved.)

Both sides of Amendment One in final leg of debate

Maybe Marion “Suge” Knight is enjoying 420 day a little too much, or maybe he mistook the Tupac hologram for the real thing, but whatever the case, the once-CEO of Death Row Records thinks the return-to-trend-status rapper is still alive. Knight also poses some interesting theories on the subject.

TMZ (who else?) snagged a recording of a radio interview Knight gave to 93.5 KDay in Los Angeles. During the interview, the suggestion that Shakur faked his death, saying no one has “seen Tupac dead.” The audio is embedded below:

It’s clear the hologram-that-wasn’t-a-hologram performance of Tupac at Coachella has put the rapper on the front burner again, which brings up the fun conspiracy theories as well.

Many would cite the autopsy photo (NSFW) as evidence, but there are those who think that’s fake, too. As an aside, whatever your position on Tupac’s mortality, I would recommend reading that thread. It’s life-affirming. an example:

…As you can see, the Autopsy Photo, has originally came from the video of california love at 06:42, where 2pac wakes up from his dream. which explains why half the other side of pacs face and body is missing. because there isn’t alot of colour or light in that part of the video. So the author used to lack of colour and light to add in the cut in the skull and the open bloody chest.

Which is followed by:

you are phuckin genius

Now, whether that is in jest or not is up to you. whatever the case, thanks to the KDay interview, we now know what side of the fence Suge Knight stands on. are you going to tell him he’s wrong? And just because it’s that kind of day, here’s perhaps the most overlooked Tupac song ever:

Suge Knight Thinks Tupac Is Still Alive

Box provides simple, secure sharing from anywhere letting you easily store files online, send big files fast, access content from your iPhone or iPad and collaborate with others. Box for iPhone and iPad lets you: Access, view and manage files directly on your iPhone and iPadShare files easily with a link Quickly search for files and foldersMark files and folders as favorites for easy access to content even if offlineSecure content with file-level encryption, a four-digit passcode and automatic logout when the app is closedUpload photos and videos to your Box accountOpen and edit Box files in other apps installed on your device; save content directly to Box from more than 30 compatible apps (full list included in the app)Project files from Box to a TV, LCD monitor or projector via AV out (iPads and iPhone 4S only); wirelessly stream content using AirPlay (iPad 2, third generation iPad, and iPhone 4S only)Wirelessly print to AirPrint-enabled printersThrough integrations with leading business and productivity apps, you can also create, edit and manage content on Box with apps installed on your device:create new Word documents, edit exiting files and save to Box using Quickoffice (iPads only)Edit or add new notes with tools like voice dictation and annotation from PaperPort Notes; save all content back to Box automatically (iPads only)Annotate on existing content using PDF Expert, saving new versions back to Box (iPads only)E-sign documents on Box using Adobe EchoSign (iPads only)30+ additional apps integrate with Box for key file actions; see full list of apps from within Box for iPhone and iPadNo wonder more than 10 million users, including 82% of the FORTUNE 500, rely on Box for simple, secure content sharing.With the iPad and Box, our sales teams can get to information right away they dont even have to boot up their computer. the iPad and Box have eliminated that very scary is the computer going to start’ moment completely.” — Charlie Hunter-Schyff, Head of planning at O2 Media, Telefnica“when you have offices in 110 cities in four countries, the ability to work in real-time with everybody around the world, from an iPad, from a train its just unheard of.” — Lance Locher, Founder, Clear Channel – Total Traffic NetworkIn this firm, there’s been a huge move to a new mobile workforce. having cloud-based, mobile access to our content has saved an immeasurable amount of time.” — Greg Dasher, Integrated Projects Director, Balfour Beatty Construction

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How do you know when you’ve become a beloved annual event?

Well, there are many factors, but here are three we’d like to put forth. one? it takes just over two minutes for you to reach completion, and yet the preparation and run-up requires several months. two? There’s a famous beverage involved. and three? the dress code — in this case, a fancy hat — instantly signifies the event.

Not many happenings have that cachet, but then there’s only one Kentucky Derby. and as Churchill Downs gears up again, SoCalers a bit far from the Bluegrass State look for places where they may don their frilly chapeaux.

Suggestion one? The Los Angeles Athletic Club, which is once again throwing its splashy Derby ‘do on Saturday, may 5. "Kentucky-inspired specialty cocktails and food" are on the "Hold Your Horses" menu, as well as a live feed from the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby. Admission is $35. and, oh, yes — there’s a hat contest. you bet your britches.

Not to be outdone, or outhatted, Freddy Smalls Bar + Kitchen on Pico’ll also be going the best Hat and best Dressed route. If you think you’ll have something minty and frosty in your paw while you’re strutting about in your fancy duds, you’re right; juleps will be served, along with fried chicken sandwiches.

And while racing has wrapped at Santa Anita the park’s front Runner is doing up a Triple Crown Buffet for all three of the big races ahead. and Hollywood Park? It’s open for action and will be Derby-focused on may 5. Giddy up!

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Get Your Mint Julep On, LA

I do not really like boxing as a sport. the only time I ever had any interest in boxing in England was when Cassius Clay (later Mohammed Ali) was on television. when I came to the Philippines 6 years ago, in 2000, I soon became aware of the popularity of boxing. Even so, I still had no interest.

That changed in 2005. As the year came to an end, the build up to the January 2006 Pacquiao-Morales fight was becoming intense, and the extensive coverage of Pacquiao on television, both on news and his advertising appearances, had me anticipating the fight with as much relish as any native Filipino.

When the fight arrived, I was as excited as everyone else was; the national hero was to about perform, and I just could not wait. what I had not expected, though, was what a marvellous sporting event that was to be. Having been brought up on the cut and thrust of English football, and been to countless very exciting football matches with deafening crowd noise, I was surprised that a boxing match could generate equal excitement.

For the length of that first fight (the second in the Pacquiao-Morales series) I was on the edge of my seat for half the time. the rest of the time, I was on my feet, jumping up and down with each blow to Morales, shouting and baying along with our neighbours (who I could hear through the wall). when Morales went down for the last time in that fight, I was ecstatic.

I can honestly say that it was the best sporting event I have ever witnessed, despite being to many classic football matches, including England internationals. Pacquiao’s speed and strength, with his relentless pursuit of his opponent, was exhausting just to watch. Most boxing matches, from the odd glimpses I have seen over the years, are like men playing pat-a-cake compared to the continuous action in the Pacquiao-Morales fight. each round was a major event in itself, and just as tiring. when that fight finished, I felt drained as well as exhilarated.

Although wondering whether I could survive another fight like that, such was its intensity, I was hoping for a rematch, and yesterday it came. the build up had seemed even longer this time, and my 2 year old daughter was already a Pacquiao expert. Mention his name, and she’d come towards me throwing punches; I doubt, though, that she really understood what Manny was about, until the fight time came yesterday.

We had to survive 5 hours of programming before the fight actually started; we had no idea what time the Pacquiao fight began, so the television was on all that time. Finally, the last warm up fight was over, and the tension rose rapidly, not just at the venue, but in our home and millions of other Filipino homes around the world.

I was already on feet hyped up when we heard that Sarah Geronimo was to sing the national anthem. what a perfect start: the world’s best female singer singing the national anthem. Philippine pride was rising with each moment of the anthem; and what an inspiration she is. you guessed it, she is my favourite singer. I was already on Cloud 9 going in to the fight, rooting for Manny at the top of my voice even before he stepped into the ring. and I’m not even a Filipino, just a proud resident; my wife is Filipina, though, and our daughter was born here too.

We were all with our hero as the fight started, and breathless with the first round exchanges, just as with the previous fight. with Manny looking to be stronger even than before, things were looking good, and we were all jumping up and down as Morales went down for the first time. I am not sure our daughter really knew exactly why, but she was as noisy as my wife and I, and jumped just as high.

It was total bliss for the Philippines when Morales was knocked down for the last time. we were on a high for the rest of the day, and remain so. As I wrote the last paragraph, I had to leave the computer to see Manny on a telephone call to the television programme Wow Wow Wee. the call was typical Manny, typical Filipino.

Manny was asked to sing a catchy little song that the audience dance to every day on the programme. over the phone, he did so; no fuss, no hesitation.

Manny Pacquiao is typical of the best Filipino characters. Coming from a very poor family, he is now rich and famous. However, unlike many poor boy made good sportsmen, Manny is still supremely modest and humble, and a very likeable man.

I for one am very proud of Manny’s achievements; even more, I am proud of the way he has handled fame and fortune. the Philippines is collectively proud of everything Pacquiao.

Well done, Manny, we all love you here in the Philippines. But then, I am sure you know that already, but are too humble to ever mention it.

As for Erik Morales, he too brought pride to Mexico over many years, and retained his modesty. I was not surprised to hear that he and Manny were dining together and are friends. I was thinking even before the fight, Erik would be given a big welcome here in the Philippines too. His achievements, and boxing prowess, are sure to be respected. not only that, though, Mexico has close ties with the Philippines, which was under Spanish rule too, administered from Mexico, for over 300 years.

The Pacquiao-Morales trilogy may be over, but the memories and the pride will last forever. Pacquiao achieved massive success, from the worst beginnings, by dedication, endless hard work, vision and perseverance. Those are often the cornerstones of any success, but what sets Manny apart is that he has achieved such success while retaining his humility and respect for his fellow men, including Erik Morales.

Manny Pacquiao – A Sporting Icon, A Symbol of Success From Poverty, and the Philippines’ Pride

CONCORD, N.C. — NASCAR’s vice president for competition says there is radio communication supporting that Carl Edwards was second behind Tony Stewart when Saturday night’s Sprint Cup race was restarted with 81 laps remaining.

Edwards argued his spotter was told by a NASCAR official that he was the leader just before the restart when explaining why he was black-flagged for jumping the restart.

“

The confusion was on their part. That’s something they have to work on in their communication. … But multiple times during that last lap it was repeated 14-99 (Stewart-Edwards) from more than one source.

”– Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president for competition

The pass-through penalty ended any chances Edwards, who led a race-high 206 laps, had of winning the race eventually won by Kyle Busch.

“The confusion was on their part,” NASCAR’s Robin Pemberton said on Tuesday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “That’s something they have to work on in their communication. we work with the crew chiefs, and if the crew chief thought there was something, the crew chief would have radioed us.

“But multiple times during that last lap it was repeated 14-99 (Stewart-Edwards) from more than one source.”

Edwards met with officials after the race to further argue that spotter Jason Hedlesky “told me I was the leader” as they came to the box where the leader by rule restarts the race.

Pemberton said that was a mistake by the spotter. Edwards was several car lengths ahead of Stewart when they got to the start line.

“We weren’t confused, and they weren’t confused,” Pemberton said at a promotion featuring the 1992 All-Star race at CMS, the first race run under the lights here. “We have audio of them and more than once (Edwards) was told by their spotter they were in second place.

“Just before the restart, he (spotter) came over the radio and said, ‘You’re the leader,’ for whatever reason. If he was confused because of the scoreboard, that could have been the only thing.”

The scoreboard did at one point on the last lap before the restart show Edwards in the lead as he tripped scoring loops scrubbing his tires. Pemberton said nothing happened that would cause NASCAR to look at changing rules to make sure another such incidents happens in the future.

Matt Kenseth, Edwards’ teammate at Roush Fenway Racing, said the matter did come up in the team debriefing.

“Carl seemed to have a pretty good sense of humor, because when we got all done he said he thought his restarts were pretty good,” Kenseth said with a smile.

Kenseth didn’t see the restart, but he was puzzled by all the confusion.

“If there is a guy in front of you, and he’s right behind the pace car and you’re right behind that guy, I would think it would be kind of obvious when they give one to go and you double up (leader get to pick a lane),” Kenseth said.

Kenseth had a situation earlier this season at Bristol where he beat leader Brad Keselowski to the line by inches.

“You guys have done a real good job of not calling close ones, because people do play with that,” Kenseth told Pemberton. “If it’s five car lengths, then you probably should call it.”

On another somewhat controversial issue, Pemberton said there was an aluminum object — “a beer can or something” — on the track in addition to the water bottle that Stewart said brought out the final caution with 14 laps to go.

Pemberton had no issue with the caution coming out that allowed Busch to beat Stewart off pit road and win the race. He is not of the opinion that debris should be tagged or displayed for media and/or fans to see to prove it actually existed.

“Sometimes some people are a little more needy than others and they want to see that for whatever reason,” Pemberton said. “And whatever their thought process and beliefs with the governing body, they think they need proof.”

NASCAR: Carl Edwards’ crew wrong

It is Cinco de Mayo and today will be the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby. The 2012 Kentucky Derby will begin at 6:24pm Eastern this afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky on the track at Churchill Downs and each horse in the running looks strong and athletic.

As great as these horses look, they were developed by even stronger trainers that ate, slept, and breathed hard-work and devotion into each horse that runs on Saturday’s track.

No trainer has experienced the ups and downs quite like trainer Steve Asmussen. in 2007, Asmussen trained the horse of the year, Curlin, only to finish third in the Kentucky Derby. Even better was in in 2011 when he trained Nehro, who finished second in the derby.

But no one remembers who came in third or second, it is always who won the Kentucky Derby that get’s all the fame and glory in the media’s eye.

Will 2012 be the year Asmussen finally wins the Derby?

Asmussen certainly has good odds and roots. he was born into a race horsing family and trained two horses that will be running in today’s Kentucky Derby: Daddy Nose best and Sabercat.

According to Gary West, sportswriter and commentator on ESPN, Asmussen said this Derby is especially meaningful for him because he’s here with two horses that come from his “parents’ place,” the Primero training center in Laredo, Texas. His parents, Keith and Marilyn, are both trainers, and over the years from their El Primero training center have come such horses as Tight Spot, Sea Cadet, Olympio, Summerly and Suave Dancer.

Steve Asmussen is ready for the challenge Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Asmussen stated off as a jockey in his early years and then his height and weight got the best of him so he became a trainer. in Asmussen’s career as a trainer he has won over 6,000 races and is very confident in both horses going into today’s Kentucky Derby. 

In the interview with Gary West, Asmussen went on to say, “I like the confidence level of Daddy Nose best,” Asmussen said, “and the spacing of his races. he obviously thinks he has a chance; he doesn’t know who has been in the paddock with him his last couple of races. and I like the experience Sabercat has gotten with the travel and all the dirt he’s taken.”

Asmussen went on to say during the interview that, “You have to be prepared, you have to be good enough, and you have to be fortunate.”

While Asmussen is confident in his horses, there is another trainer that is flying under the radar in the Kentucky Derby: trainer of Creative cause, Mike Harrington. 

Harrington does have some experience on the race track according to his interview with Beth Harris of The associated Press, Harrington followed his father, grandfather and great-grandfather into the business, starting out training and racing quarter horses at bush tracks as a teenager. Later, he became a veterinarian and worked the racetracks until returning to training full time nearly 20 years ago.

Harrington and Creative cause, both out of California, have beaten fellow derby racer Bodemesiter to win the San Felipe Stakes and finished third to another duo of 2012 Kentucky Derby favorites; Hansen and Union Rags in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last fall at Churchill Downs. Harrington knows Creative cause can compete among the best.

Mike Harrington: First-Time Old-Timer Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Harrington went on to say with Beth Harris about Creative cause that, ”He falls under the radar, which I like. I don’t want him to be the favorite, I don’t want everybody talking about him,” Harrington said. “Everybody should be talking about Bodemeister, although my horse outrun him. Everybody should be talking about I’ll Have Another, although I outrun him also.”

Harrington might be a 71-year-old first timer here at the 2012 Kentucky Derby, but he has a better chance than everybody else with his horse flying under the radar and ready to burst out of the gates.

The race approaches and these trainers are settling their horses, preparing for the most exciting two minutes in sports.

Can it be a horse whose trainer has done everything except win the Kentucky Derby or will be an old first-timer whose horse is way under the radar?

Kentucky Derby Predictions 2012: Trainers Whose Horses Are Sure to Shine

a day betting on the ponies at Churchill Downs would not be complete without imbibing in their signature drink, the mint julep.  

The mint julep became Churchill Down's signature cocktail in 1938, according to CocktailTimes. at the time, a julep set attendees back 75 cents. Today, a mint julep in a collectors glass starts at $1,000. 

there will only be 75 collectors cups made available by Woodford Reserve, as 2012 marks the 75th anniversary of the mint julep becoming the official drink of the Derby.

Sixty-five of those cups will be made out of pewter and hand-engraved with a horse scene from the race, along with the date and the Woodford Reserve logo. The cup also comes with a sterling silver drinking straw. 

More from GlobalPost: Kentucky Derby: Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed sets his sights on a victory at Churchill Downs

Ten "prestige" cups will also be available. According to Woodford, "These cups are sterling silver, plated in 24 karat gold and feature a diamond horseshoe with 43 diamonds totaling approximately one carat. a jeweler selects and sets each diamond by hand."

a prestige cup will set you back $2,000. All net proceeds from the sale of both the collector and prestige cups go to The Heart Of a Horse Foundation.

Chris Morris, a master distiller at Brown-Forman Corp., the whiskey suppliers for Churchill Downs, told ESPN, "we know from historic resources that juleps and bourbon and horse racing have been intertwined since the very beginnings of Kentucky."

this year, the officials at KentuckyDerby.com believe they will serve nearly 120,000 juleps, which according to their site requires, "10,000 bottles of Early Times Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice."

The site also listed the following as their official recipe:

2 cups sugar 2 cups water Sprigs of fresh mint Crushed ice Early Times Kentucky Whisky Silver Julep Cups

make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

just don't forget to wear your fancy hat.

More from GlobalPost: Kentucky Derby: Betting on Bodemeister (VIDEO)

globalpost.com/dispatch/globalpost-blogs/weird-wide-web/120503/kentucky-derby-history-the-mint-julep

Kentucky Derby: History of the mint julep