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Knicks, Marbury unable to reach agreement National Basketball Association player Stephon Marbury is a point guard for the New York Knicks. After meeting on December 1, 2008, the Knicks and Marbury failed to reach an agreement of a buyout or release for Marbury from the team. The Knicks were hoping to agree on a buyout amount with the NBA star. But after only 15 minutes in discussions, Marbury left the room without a resolution. The Knicks sent Marbury away, asking him not to participate in any team activities or functions. Fast Facts
Early LifeStephon Marbury was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 20, 1977. He attended high school at Abraham Lincoln in Brooklyn, then the Georgia Institute of Technology. He played one season with the Yellow Jackets basketball team before declaring himself eligible for the NBA draft. In 1996, he was selected with the fourth overall pick in the draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Pro CareerAfter the draft, Marbury was immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the rights to Ray Allen. In his first season, Marbury averaged 15.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in 67 games. Marbury finished second to Allen Iverson in Rookie of the Year voting. He played for several seasons with the Timberwolves before being traded to the New Jersey Nets. In 2000, Marbury was elected to his first All-Star game. After several productive seasons with the Nets, where he averaged over 20 points a game, Marbury was traded to the Phoenix Suns. In 2004, Marbury was traded to the New York Knicks. Although the move to New York was thought to be a welcome homecoming for the star guard, his tenure with the Knicks has been marked with controversy and mediocre numbers. The poor play of the Knicks led to the firing of head coach Isiah Thomas, who was responsible for the Marbury trade. 2008 Knicks CircusMarbury, who was declined a release by the Knicks, was placed on the inactive list on October 31, 2008. He was asked to play with the team on November 21, 2008, and November 26, 2008, but reportedly declined the offers. Marbury was suspended for the refusal and fined nearly $400,000, but plans to appeal the decision. It is rumored that he will either be released or suspended for the rest of the season, or until he can be traded. Timeline
Report: David Gregory to take over ''MTP'' The weekly news discussion program Meet the Press has been continuously aired on NBC since 1947. The most recent host of the program was veteran newsman Tim Russert, who died suddenly in June, 2008 at the age of 58. Huffington Post is reporting that White House correspondent and MSNBC host David Gregory will replace Russert, but NBC News has yet to confirm the story. Fast Facts
Moderators of Meet the PressThe first moderator of Meet the Press was pioneering female broadcast journalist Martha Rountree, who hosted the show from its premiere in 1947 to 1953. Tim Russert was the longest running moderator of the program, having hosted it for fourteen seasons. Guests on Meet the PressEvery American President since John F. Kennedy and scores of world leaders past and present have been interviewed on Meet the Press. The show often features extended analyses of issues in foreign policy and domestic and international politics. Could Mary Kate Olson be pregnant?Rumors of a pregnancy for Mary-Kate Olsen were fueled by a weight gain that National Enquirer magazine sources say has topped 102 pounds. The magazine article did not state that Olsen was going to have a baby, although it mentioned that her friends wondered if she was hiding something or if the weight gain may possibly be caused by overeating. The American actress has been dating New York artist Nate Lowman since 2007. Fast Facts
National Enquirer Quotes"Mary-Kate Olsen has packed on weight recently, leaving her friends wondering if there's a secret she's hiding about the reason for her new, curvier figure. The 22-year-old has packed on more than 20 pounds in the last few months, bringing her weight from a skeletal 80 pounds to a more robust 102, say insiders. She also has been partying a lot less now that she's spending more time with boyfriend Nate Lowman - leading those close to her to wonder; is she or isn't she?" "The buzz is that Mary-Kate has put on the weight so suddenly that she's either gone on an eating binge or it's something more joyous,' said a friend of the actress. 'Her face is noticeably fuller and she's been wearing loose-fitting clothing.'" Breaking Celebrity NewsCould Mary Kate be pregnant with Nate Lowman's baby? Jeff Richmond talks about Tina Fey's scar Miranda Kerr denies Orlando Bloom engagement rumors Ivana Trump separates from fourth husband, Rossano Rubicondi ER actress Parminder Nagra is expecting her first child Singer Luke Menard is said to be "cancer free" Related Pages on MahaloMary-Kate Olsen | Mary-Kate Olsen Heath Ledger | The Olsen Twins | Ashley Olsen | Nate Lowman Parminder Nagra announces pregnancyParminder Nagra is an English actress who portrays the role of Dr. Neela Rasgotra on the television series ER. Nagra is expecting her first child, due in the summer of 2009. Fast Facts
PregnancyUS Weekly reported on December 2008 that Nagra and partner James Stenson are expecting their first child in the summer of 2009. Nagra made this statement about her and Stenson, "We are thrilled and overjoyed at the prospect of becoming first time parents. Our plans are to get married but there's no confirmed date yet. We have been together for nearly 7 years." Filmography
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Breaking Celebrity NewsCould Mary Kate be pregnant with Nate Lowman's baby? Jeff Richmond talks about Tina Fey's scar Miranda Kerr denies Orlando Bloom engagement rumors Ivana Trump separates from fourth husband, Rossano Rubicondi ER actress Parminder Nagra is expecting her first child Singer Luke Menard is said to be "cancer free" Related Pages on MahaloER | ER Season Premiere | ER Episodes | Bend It Like Beckham | Ella Enchanted Balfour arrested for Hudson family murdersSuspect William Balfour was arrested on December 1, 2008, in connection with the shooting deaths of Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and seven-year-old nephew. Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death in their home on the South Side of Chicago on October 24, 2008. Seven-year-old Julian King, Hudson's nephew, was taken from the scene and was found dead on October 27, 2008. Balfour was married to King's mother, Hudson's sister Julia. Fast Facts
Hudson Family Murders
Related Pages on MahaloJennifer Hudson Family Shooting | Darnell Donerson | Julian King Next NY Senator: Bill Clinton?On November 26, 2008, an op-ed in the Washington Post suggested that when Hillary Rodham Clinton resigns from the U.S. Senate to become secretary of state, the governor of New York should appoint her husband and former president Bill Clinton to take her place. Fast Facts
Governor Paterson's ChoiceAides to Governor Paterson told Newsday that he would prefer to appoint a minority to replace Hillary Clinton, and that he'd prefer a woman and/or someone from upstate New York. Among those who fit that description are Latino representative Nydia Velazquez from Brooklyn and African-Americans Nita Lowey of Westchester and Buffalo mayor Byron Brown. Nita Lowey has said she's not interested, preferring to stay in the House of Representatives. The Latest in Political News
Related Pages on MahaloHillary Rodham Clinton | Hillary Clinton Secretary of State | Bill Clinton | David A. Paterson | Caroline Kennedy | Robert Kennedy Jr | Hillary Clinton Senate Seat Was Simon Cowell bugged?Simon Cowell gained international fame as the host of the Idol series of TV reality television singing competition shows, beginning with Pop Idol in the United Kingdom and then American Idol in the United States. Fast Facts
Simon Got BuggedOn December 1, 2008, various news outlets reported that a tracking device was found on the undercarriage of Cowell's Bentley Continental sometime during the last week of November. Reports indicate that Cowell had noticed a "mysterious biker" showing up at private meetings. The name of the party believed to be responsible for the device has not been released, however, Max Clifford, Cowell's publicist, claimed that the individual responsible has been spoken to. A Pop Mogul's BeginningAfter dropping out of Dover College and St. Columba's College, Cowell's father Eric Philip Cowell got his son a job in the mail room of EMI Records. He worked his way to becoming a music publisher. He then went to Fanfare Records Limited for eight years, working with dance groups like Hot Gossip and Sinitta. After the Fanfare's financial crisis and shut down, Cowell went to work for BMG Records where he signed mainstream acts and successful novelty albums for the Teletubbies and the Power Rangers. The Judge Comes to TownCowell created Pop Idol in 1998, and the reality based singing television show first aired in the United Kingdom in October 5, 2001. He brought his plan for American Idol to American networks, but was turned down by almost every major network. His last meeting was set with FOX networks, and after initial hesitation, they signed for one season of the show and it quickly proved to be the right decision, as the ratings broke records. Due to Idols success, Cowell has a guaranteed salary of $36 million per season until the year 2011 working as a judge on the hit show. His fellow judges include record producer and bassist Randy Jackson and 1980s pop music star Paula Abdul. Simon-isms"My pen has got more charisma." "This is like something out of a Science Fiction movie." "It was a very disturbing slightly demonic audition." "The only resemblance to Mariah would be her CD left out in the sun for a year and then trying to play it." "You have something he hasn’t got. Warmth and a personality." "That must have cleared your hiccups." "Does he have a returns policy?" "It was excruciating. Even your dog is struggling to get out of the room." "Keep your batteries in your calculator, that’s my advice." "I don't think you are as good as you think you are." Armored truck guard killed at Miami mallAn armored truck guard was shot and killed at Dadeland Mall in Kendall, a town southwest of Miami, Florida, on December 1, 2008. According to reports, the shooting occurred around 11:15 a.m. EST and the victim was transported to the Ryder Trauma Center where he later died. Another person was treated by paramedics at the scene. Sources say the shooting happened near the Macy's and the Limited Express department stores. Police sealed off the two North Kendall Drive entrances of the mall and the facility was put on lock-down. Authorities believe there may have been an armed robbery involved after sources reported two African-American males dressed in black and wearing boots fleeing with a money bag. Fast Facts
1979 Dadeland Mall ShootoutIn 1979, the Dadeland Mall was the scene of an infamous drug-related shooting spree that killed two people and wounded two mall employees. Related Pages On MahaloOmaha Shopping Mall Shooting | Mall Shooter Suicide Note | Kansas City Mall Shooting | Houston Mall Shooting | Jamestown Mall Shooting Micro-blogging site Pownce shuts downPownce is a micro-blogging site similar to Twitter and Jaiku. Pownce users may post short messages and media to be seen by the public or just (all or some of) their friends. Such messages can be posted via the website or with the use of an external application. Although the service is comparable to Twitter in virtually every way, it has not garnered the user base or third-party support of Twitter. On December 1, 2008, Pownce announced that it will be shutting down operations. The announcement came after the company's directors sold its technology to blog platform Six Apart. In a statement released on its official blog, Leah Culver stated, "We will be closing the service and Mike [Malone] and I, along with the Pownce technology, have joined Six Apart, the company behind such great blogging software as Movable Type, TypePad and Vox." Fast Facts
Pownce SoftwareThough there is less third-party support for Pownce than there is for Twitter, users who prefer a desktop application can use one that was developed by the Pownce team. The Pownce application is very similar to Twitter applications Twitterific and Twhirl. Pownce FoundersKevin Rose, one of the founders of Pownce, already had a successful track record in the technology industry. He gained public attention as a host of Attack of the Show on the G4 network, then called Tech TV. His star rose even further after he left; he went on to found the social link-sharing site Digg and to host the popular webcast Diggnation. Leah Culver was known for her "Help Me Buy A Laptop" campaign, but she quickly became one of the most visible and talked-about women in the tech sector after the launch of Pownce. Related Pages on MahaloTwitter | Jaiku | Digg | Diggnation | TechCrunch | Techmeme | Kevin Rose | Leah Culver | Daniel Burka | Django | Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) | Social Networking Bush discusses regrets on ABC World News In two late-2008 interviews, President George W. Bush expressed regrets regarding several aspects of his presidency. In an interview with CNN in November 2008, President Bush said he regretted saying things like "bring 'em on" and "dead or alive." At one point during the interview, Bush said his wife once reminded him, "Hey, as president of the United States, be careful what you say." In an interview aired on ABC News on December 1, 2008, Bush said his biggest regret was relying on incorrect intelligence regarding Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction. In the ABC interview, Bush also said he was "unprepared for war." Fast Facts
"Mission Accomplished" Related Pages on MahaloGeorge W. Bush | Laura Bush | Iraq War | The White House | Guantanamo Bay | War on Terror | Osama Bin Laden | Bush-Cheney Impeachment | Iraq Troop Surge | September 11th | Bush G20 Handshakes Are Bloom and Kerr Engaged?Actor Orlando Bloom and model Miranda Kerr were rumored to be engaged. Allegedly, Kerr told the Sunday Telegraph that her and Bloom were engaged, however, Kerr and her rep have both denied the rumors about the engagement and wedding. Fast Facts
Quotes"They are talking about settling down and getting married in a year. They have had a bit of a crazy year, but they do love each other and she wants to be his wife."--Star Magazine source "People can write whatever they like. It doesn't make any difference to us. We know what the truth is, along with our families and close friends. I don't even bother reading some of those reports."--Miranda Kerr ""The story published in the Australian Sunday Telegraph suggesting Miranda exclusively revealed she is getting married is completely false and misleading," says her rep. "Miranda herself has clearly stated she is not engaged. There is nothing else to be said."Rep for Miranda Kerr Breaking Celebrity NewsCould Mary Kate be pregnant with Nate Lowman's baby? Jeff Richmond talks about Tina Fey's scar Miranda Kerr denies Orlando Bloom engagement rumors Ivana Trump separates from fourth husband, Rossano Rubicondi ER actress Parminder Nagra is expecting her first child Singer Luke Menard is said to be "cancer free" Related Pages on MahaloDow plummets 7.7%; down 680 The Dow is a stock market index comprised of the average performance of 30 major American companies. On Monday, December 1, 2008, the Dow plummeted nearly 680 points, losing 7.7% of its value, on the same day that the National Bureau of Economic Research declared that the nation has been in a recession since December 2007. Fast Facts
Recent WoesOn October 24, 2008, the Dow Jones industrial dropped more than 400 points in the opening minutes of trading, amid fears of a global economic recession. Between November 5th and 6th, the Dow Jones dropped nearly 10%, the two days immediately following the presidential election. The Dow dropped over 486 points on November 5, and 443 points on November 6, closing below 8,696. On November 12, 2008, the Dow Jones dropped over 411 points to close at 8,262.66. The drop came in the midst of investor fears concerning the depth of the recession and whether the Big Three automakers would survive the downturn. September 2008 Banking CrisisBetween September 15 and September 17, 2008, the average dropped a combined 800 points. On September 29, 2008, on news that the House of Representatives had voted against the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the Dow plunged over 680 points. The next day, the market rebounded somewhat, doing what observers have labeled a "Dead Cat Bounce." 30 Companies in the DJIA - Year Joined
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Related Pages on MahaloNew York Stock Exchange | NASDAQ | S&P 500 | Pelosi Bailout Speech | Dead Cat Bounce Official: U.S. economy in recession On December 1, 2008, the National Bureau of Economic Research announced that the United States had officially entered a recession beginning in December 2007. A variety of factors have contributed to this prognosis, including the subprime mortgage crisis, rising unemployment, a general downturn in economic growth, and the precarious state of major financial institutions such as Fannie Mae and AIG. Fast Facts
The Mortgage Bailout PlanA mortgage bailout plan was passed by Congress on October 3, 2008, but the economy continued to deteriorate. President-elect Barack Obama has asked that a second stimulus package be developed during the lame duck session of Congress, but it is unclear whether President George W. Bush will agree to this. Economic Statistics
Pirates attempt to hijack luxury cruise shipThe Oceana Nautica, a luxury cruise ship carrying 690 passengers and traveling between Rome and Singapore, was fired upon by pirates in the Gulf of Aden on November 30, 2008. The ship managed to evade and outrun the pirates, who fired eight shots at the ship before abandoning the chase. Fast Facts
Official Press Release Quotes"As the vessel sailed past several groups of non-hostile fishing vessels, two small skiffs were sighted by the Officer on Duty and deemed potentially hostile. The skiffs, approaching from a range of approximately 1000 meters, attempted to intercept the vessel’s course. Captain Jurica Brajcic and his officers immediately began evasive maneuvers and took all prescribed precautions. NAUTICA was immediately brought to flank speed and was able to out run the two skiffs. One of the skiffs did manage to close the range to approximately 300 yards and fired eight rifle shots in the direction of the vessel before trailing off. No one aboard NAUTICA was harmed and no damage was sustained."—Oceana Cruises official press release on incident Related Pages on MahaloPirates in Gulf of Aden | Somalia Pirates Attack | MV Faina | Ekawat Nava 5 Clark puts huge hit on Pats' WelkerIn a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots on November 30, 2008, Steelers safety Ryan Clark laid a big hit on Patriots receiver Wes Welker near the end of the third quarter. Clark was called for an unnecessary roughness personal foul and the Steelers were penalized 15 yards. Welker had to leave the game and did not return. Fast Facts
Ryan Clark on the Hit"They (officials) said don't leave your feet. If anybody watches the other games we played, I don't turn any of them down. It's not like I'm trying to be cheap. If anybody comes across, it's my job to tackle him, it's my job to hit him." "The ball got tipped; he said I shouldn't have left my feet. But I don't really know how to control that. I talked to Kevin Faulk and some other guys, I told them I apologize. I couldn't find Welker after the game to tell him I wasn't trying to be dirty, it was just football." Related Pages on MahaloWes Welker | Ryan Clark | Pittsburgh Steelers | New England Patriots Burress released on $100,000 bondPlaxico Burress is a wide receiver in the National Football League. He currently plays for the New York Giants. Burress sustained an accidentally self-inflicted gunshot wound to the thigh at an undisclosed New York City club on November 29, 2008. He turned himself in to New York City police on Monday, December 1, 2008, to face charges of criminal possession of a handgun. Burress has retained an attorney and plans to plead not guilty. He was charged on two felony counts of weapons possession on December 1, 2008, and released on $100,000 bond. Giants teammate Antonio Pierce was with Burress at the time of the incident and could face charges as well for stashing the weapon in New Jersey after the shooting. Fast Facts
Early LifePlaxico Burress was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on August 12, 1977. He later attended Green Run High School in Virginia, then Michigan State University. In 2000, he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 8th pick in the NFL Draft. Pro CareerIn his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Burress appeared in 12 games and finished the season with 22 receptions. In 2002, he compiled a career best 1,325 yards in receiving. In 2005, Burress signed with the New York Giants as a free agent. In 2008, Burress signed a five-year contract with the New York Giants for $35 million. Helping to Shock the worldBurress was a member of the Giants Super Bowl championship team in 2007. Despite nursing injuries all season long that limited his availability in practice during the week, he finished that year with 1,025 yards in receiving and 12 touchdown receptions. He also caught the winning touchdown as the Giants upset the previously undefeated New England Patriots 17-14. 2008 SuspensionBurress received a two week suspension from the Giants on September 24, 2008 for reportedly missing practice and ignoring phone calls. The suspension, which would have cost Burress over $235,000 in pay, was later reduced to a one week suspension. Hamstring InjuryThe Giants announced that Burress would miss the November 30, 2008, game against the Washington Redskins due to a right hamstring injury. Burress first hurt the hamstring in a game against the Baltimore Ravens on November 16th. This would have been the second game that Burress has missed during the 2008 season. Plaxico Burress Timeline
Related Pages on MahaloNational Football League | New York Giants | Pittsburgh Steelers | Eli Manning | Amani Toomer | Michael Strahan | Jeremy Shockey | Sam Madison | Tom Coughlin | Tiki Barber | Giants Redskins | Plaxico Burress Suspended Lane Kiffin announced as Tennessee coachLane Kiffin is the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers college football team. He is the former head coach for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League and was officially announced as the Tennessee head coach on December 1, 2008. Kiffin will reportedly make over $14 million over six seasons with the Volunteers. Fast Facts
Time with the RaidersHe was appointed head coach in 2007 at the age of 31, making him the youngest person to become a head coach in the NFL. In his first season with the Raiders, the team finished the regular season with a 4-12 record. On January 25, 2008, it was rumored that Raiders owner Al Davis ordered Kiffin to resign as head coach. Reportedly Kiffin did not obey, however neither have publicly commented on the incident. Kiffin was fired on September 30, 2008. BackgroundKiffin previously coached at various other lower level positions at the University of Southern California, Colorado State University and Fresno State University. Kiffin also attended Fresno State, where he was the quarterback of their football team. Related Pages on MahaloOakland Raiders | National Football League | Al Davis | NFL Rumors | Lane Kiffin Fired Miley Cyrus wants to study photographyMiley Cyrus is an American film and television actress and singer. She rose to fame for her work on the Disney Channel show, Hannah Montana, in which she stars with her father Billy Ray. In 2008, Cyrus voiced the character of Penny in the animated film Bolt. Fast Facts
Cyrus Inspired by LeibovitzIn 2008, Miley Cyrus revealed that she would like to attend a school in London in order to study photography. She cites her inspiration as being Annie Leibovitz, the same woman who took Cyrus' Vanity Fair photos. BackgroundDestiny Hope Cyrus was born in Franklin, Tennessee on November 23, 1992. She is the daughter of Leticia Finley and country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. She has two older half brothers, Christopher Cody and Trace (of band Metro Station), and a half sister Brandi. She also has a younger brother Braison and a younger sister Noah. Cyrus was given her nickname Miley, from the word smiley, because she smiled all the time. She attended Heritage Middle School and now has a private tutor. Early CareerCyrus' first acting role was a guest spot on her father's television series Doc, in which she played the part of Kylie. In 2003, Cyrus was cast as Young Ruthie in the Tim Burton film Big Fish. Hannah MontanaCyrus was twelve years old when she auditioned for the lead role of Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana on the sitcom/musical Hannah Montana. Although Disney executives thought she was too small for the role, Cyrus was called back to do another audition, which landed her the part. According to reports, she was chosen because she was full of energy and "loves every minute of life." Controversies BeginIn December of 2007, photos leaked on the internet of Cyrus and a girl sharing a piece of candy together. Their lips were touching as they sat on the floor of a hotel hallway. In April 2008, a second batch of racier photos were leaked. In the photos, Cyrus is laying on the lap of Thomas Sturges, lifting up her shirt with her stomach exposed. In another photo she is pulling down her white tank top to reveal her green bra. Vanity Fair PhotoA semi nude photo of Cyrus appeared in late April 2008. In the photo she is topless and holding a sheet over her body with her back exposed. The photo was taken by photographer Annie Leibovitz as part of a spread in Vanity Fair magazine. Cyrus responded to the photo by saying that she was upset and embarrassed about it. More Racy PhotosOn July 14, 2008, three photos of Cyrus were leaked on the internet. One photo showed Cyrus in a wet t-shirt, a second had Cyrus blowing a kiss into the camera and a third had her pouting in sunglasses. The photos were allegedly taken in a public shower by her former boyfriend Nick Jonas. It is questionable as to whether the photos are really of Cyrus. Miley Cyrus Quotes"I do want to come to London to study photography. I hear there are some really great art schools, so I would love to do that. I got to work with an amazing photographer. Leibovitz was amazing and so talented,” the 16-year-old says. “And that’s what I want to do with my life. I would love to be a photographer. I would love to work with her again." Related Pages on MahaloMiley Cyrus Vanity Fair | Hannah Montana Best of Both Worlds | Hannah Montana | MileyWorld | Hannah Montana Pregnant? | Billy Ray Cyrus | Emily Osment | Dolly Parton | Miley Cyrus Controversial Pics | Nick Jonas Miley Cyrus | Miley Cyrus American Idol Performance | Miley Cyrus Condoms | Miley Cyrus Adam Sevani | Miley Cyrus Disneyland Birthday | Miley Cyrus Sweet 16 | Miley Cyrus Dead | Seven Things Lyrics | Bolt Trailer | Bolt Movie | Bolt Soundtrack Birmingham, Ala., mayor arrested by FBIBirmingham, Alabama, Mayor Larry Langford was arrested by the FBI on federal charges on Monday, December 1, 2008. According to a 101-count indictment, Langford is accused of bribery and money laundering. Two of Langford's friends, lobbyist Al LaPierre and securities broker Bill Blount, were also indicted in connection with the case. Langford, who was elected mayor in 2007, has been under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for payments made to him while he was serving on the Jefferson County Commission. Fast Facts
SEC Lawsuit Against LangfordIn April 2008, the SEC filed a lawsuit accusing Langford, along with longtime friend and lobbyist Al LaPierre and securities broker Bill Blount, of failing to disclose $156,000 in payments made to Langford in 2003. The payments were allegedly made "to secure Jefferson County financial business." At the time, Langford was serving as president of the Jefferson County Commission. Langford has claimed the lawsuit was politically motivated. Related Pages on MahaloBirmingham | Alabama | FBI | SEC | | Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick | Kwame Kilpatrick Charges | Robert Levy | Lino Donato | James Brian Sliter | Dianne Wilkerson | Chuck Turner Jags vs. Texans on MNF The 2008 National Football League season includes the 39th consecutive season of games airing on Monday Night Football. The games originally aired on ABC but moved to ESPN during the 2006 season. The broadcasters are Mike Tirico handling play-by-play, with Ron Jaworski and Tony Kornheiser providing commentary. In week 13 action, the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Houston Texans in Houston. Fast Facts
Last GameOn November 10, 2008, the Arizona Cardinals took on the San Francisco 49ers. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers, 29-24, for their first ever win on Monday Night Football. The game was highlighted by the final play when the Niners failed to score from four yards away. The Cardinals win gave them a four game lead in the NFC west. Where it BeganThe first time the NFL experimented with prime time football was in 1966 when CBS broadcast a game between Chicago and St. Louis. During each of the next few seasons, both CBS and NBC would carry one Monday night game. In 1970, as part of the negotiation for new television rights following the league's merger with the American Football League, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle negotiated a full schedule of games on the fledgling ABC network. Monday Night MayhemSensing an opportunity to have the telecast be more entertainment-filled than just the game, television pioneer Roone Arledge made bold moves to enhance the telecasts. He incoporated heavy use of instant replay and in-game graphics, and most importantly hire a third man for the broadcast booth. And not just any third man, but controversial New York sportscaster Howard Cosell. Along with former Cowboys quarterback Don Meredith and former Giants running back Frank Gifford (who joined in the 2nd season), the trio helped launch the show to unparalleled ratings success. In most weeks in those early years, ABC would net almost 50% of the television audience on Monday nights. Are You Ready for some Football?As the years went by, even the replacing of Meredith by several commentators, then his return, and the eventual departure of Cosell in 1983, didn't slow down the popularity of the Monday night broadcasts. Al Michaels eventually took over play-by-play description duties, and Dan Dierdorf was added as an analyst. Still, the games raged on and proved to be a ratings hit for ABC. End of an Era; Start of AnotherIn the late 1990s and early in the 2000s, the revenues began to sag (despite continued good ratings), and ABC tried different things, even hiring comedian Dennis Miller to serve as a 'Cosellian' influence in the booth. The network even hired the game's best analyst, John Madden, away from FOX Sports. But after several racy promotional attempts to bring in viewers ruffled the league's feathers, on the heels of the Super Bowl XXXVIII Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction, the league decided to move the Monday games onto ESPN in 2006, while making the Sunday Night Football games, now airing on NBC, the premiere games of the week. While ABC is no longer the home of the weekly contests, Monday Night Football continues to thrive as an American institution. Related Pages on MahaloMonday Night Football Schedule | Sunday Night Football | Al Michaels | John Madden | Obama McCain Monday Night Football | Thursday Night Football | NFL Flex Scheduling Source of Tina Fey's scar revealed Actress and comedian Tina Fey created and stars on the television series 30 Rock, for which she has won three Emmy Awards. In 2009, she portrays the wife of Steve Carell in the comedy film Date Night. Fast Facts
Facial ScarIn a January 2009 Vanity Fair interview, Fey and husband Jeff Richmond attributed her facial scar to a "mystery slashing incident" that happened when she was five: "It was in, like, the front yard of her house, and somebody just came up, and she just thought somebody marked her with a pen." Fey added, "It's impossible to talk about it without somehow seemingly exploiting it." Life and CareerRaised in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Fey discovered a passion for comedy at a young age. After graduating from the University of Virginia in 1992, she headed for Chicago and began studying at The Second City, where she honed her skills in improv comedy. By 1997, she had secured a job as a staff writer for Saturday Night Live and in 1999 she became the first female head writer for the show. She also appeared on SNL as the weekend update host. In 2006, she launched a sitcom for NBC's fall schedule called 30 Rock. Fey stars in the show with Tracy Morgan and Alec Baldwin. Breaking Celebrity NewsCould Mary Kate be pregnant with Nate Lowman's baby? Jeff Richmond talks about Tina Fey's scar Miranda Kerr denies Orlando Bloom engagement rumors Ivana Trump separates from fourth husband, Rossano Rubicondi ER actress Parminder Nagra is expecting her first child Singer Luke Menard is said to be "cancer free" Obama nominates Clinton sec. of state Barack Obama officially nominated Hillary Clinton to the position of secretary of state on Monday, December 1, 2008, during a press conference. He said she is an "American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence." Clinton was reportedly first offered the post in the Obama administration at a November 13, 2008, meeting. Fast Facts
Quotes"Hillary's appointment is a sign to friend and foe of the seriousness of my commitment to renew American diplomacy and restore our alliances. I have no doubt that Hillary Clinton is the right person to lead our State Department and to work with me in tackling this ambitious foreign policy agenda."—Barack Obama "I think so. What would you rather do, be senator or secretary of state?"—former Bill Clinton administration official on whether Hillary Clinton would take the position were it offered "Hillary would make a fine secretary of state—a very important and powerful job. Moreover, making a clear commitment to choose her for this position would add much to Obama's appeal, given that his experience in foreign policy is particularly short."—Amitai Etzioni, Huffington Post "To appoint a very strong personality with an independent constituency into a Cabinet position requires a lot of courage."—Henry Kissinger, former secretary of state to Presiden |
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Knicks, Marbury unable to reach agreementNational Basketball Association player Stephon Marbury is a point guard for the New York Knicks. After meeting on December 1, 2008, the Knicks and Marbury failed to reach an agreement of a buyout or release for Marbury from the team. The Knicks were hoping to agree on a buyout amount with the NBA star. But after only 15 minutes in discussions, Marbury left the room without a resolution. The Knicks sent Marbury away, asking him not to participate in any team activities or functions. Fast Facts
Early LifeStephon Marbury was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 20, 1977. He attended high school at Abraham Lincoln in Brooklyn, then the Georgia Institute of Technology. He played one season with the Yellow Jackets basketball team before declaring himself eligible for the NBA draft. In 1996, he was selected with the fourth overall pick in the draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Pro CareerAfter the draft, Marbury was immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the rights to Ray Allen. In his first season, Marbury averaged 15.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in 67 games. Marbury finished second to Allen Iverson in Rookie of the Year voting. He played for several seasons with the Timberwolves before being traded to the New Jersey Nets. In 2000, Marbury was elected to his first All-Star game. After several productive seasons with the Nets, where he averaged over 20 points a game, Marbury was traded to the Phoenix Suns. In 2004, Marbury was traded to the New York Knicks. Although the move to New York was thought to be a welcome homecoming for the star guard, his tenure with the Knicks has been marked with controversy and mediocre numbers. The poor play of the Knicks led to the firing of head coach Isiah Thomas, who was responsible for the Marbury trade. 2008 Knicks CircusMarbury, who was declined a release by the Knicks, was placed on the inactive list on October 31, 2008. He was asked to play with the team on November 21, 2008, and November 26, 2008, but reportedly declined the offers. Marbury was suspended for the refusal and fined nearly $400,000, but plans to appeal the decision. It is rumored that he will either be released or suspended for the rest of the season, or until he can be traded. Timeline
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