Another way to boost economy: Cut credit card rates

Policymakers are overlooking a huge opportunity to jumpstart consumer spending. Average credit card interest rates are still a high 14%.

Rick Perry Displays Varied Stance Toward Crime

Gov. Rick Perry’s record on criminal justice is more mixed than his tough stance on the death penalty might suggest.

Puss in Boots

Long before he even met Shrek, the notorious fighter, lover and outlaw Puss in Boots becomes a hero when he sets off on an adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty to save his town. 

Obama's team banks on his 'Regular guy' appeal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama: Mr. Likable.At least that's what the president's advisers hope Americans who are frustrated by the economy and looking for someone to blame will remember when they vote next November.His team is emphasizing the president's "regular guy" appeal, putting him in small-town diners, at roadside pit stops and on Jay Leno's couch. Those settings are designed to highlight his ...

Hurricane Rina gaining strength on path to Cancun

CANCUN, Mexico (AP) — Mexican authorities set up emergency shelters and cruise ships shifted course on Tuesday as Hurricane Rina strengthened off the Caribbean coast, following a projected track that has it whirling through Cancun and the resort-filled Mayan Riviera, Mexico's most popular tourist destination.Rina's maximum sustained winds have increased to 110 mph (175 kph), said the U.S. National Hurricane ...

Devil's Night mayhem of past earns Saginaw mention ...

Halloween eve, Devil’s Night as it is referred to by most, is a day embraced by vandals and arsonists to commit acts ranging from mischief to destruction.

Michael Moore's Support of Occupy Wall Street ...

COMMENTARY | Michael Moore, the purveyors of documentaries such as "Fahrenheit 9/11," "Sicko" and "Capitalism: A Love Story," has graduated from producing political rants on film to just giving political rants. Moore recently addressed Occupy ...COMMENTARY | Michael Moore, the purveyors of documentaries such as "Fahrenheit 9/11," "Sicko" and "Capitalism: A Love Story," has graduated from producing political rants on film to just giving political rants. Moore recently addressed Occupy ...COMMENTARY | Michael Moore, the purveyors of documentaries such as "Fahrenheit 9/11," "Sicko" and "Capitalism: A Love Story," has graduated from producing political rants on film to just giving political rants. Moore recently addressed Occupy ...COMMENTARY | Michael Moore, the purveyors of documentaries such as "Fahrenheit 9/11," "Sicko" and "Capitalism: A Love Story," has graduated from producing political rants on film to just giving political rants. Moore recently addressed Occupy ...COMMENTARY | Michael Moore, the purveyors of documentaries such as "Fahrenheit 9/11," "Sicko" and "Capitalism: A Love Story," has graduated from producing political rants on film to just giving political rants. Moore recently addressed Occupy ...COMMENTARY | Michael Moore, the purveyors of documentaries such as "Fahrenheit 9/11," "Sicko" and "Capitalism: A Love Story," has graduated from producing political rants on film to just giving political rants. Moore recently addressed Occupy ...

Redbox price increase: Will it stir backlash, too?

Redbox price increase, which begins Monday, will raise standard DVD rental from $1 to $1.20 a day. The Redbox price increase risks a consumer backlash similar to the one against Netflix.

Different takes on NC Medicaid shortfall argued

Republican budget-writers and Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue's administration quarreled Thursday over why North Carolina's Medicaid program could face a $139 million shortfall this coming year.

Book: Ruth Madoff hurt more by husband’s alleged ...

Ruth Madoff , whose husband Bernard L. Madoff is serving a 150-year prison sentence for conning investors out of billions of dollars, was more deeply hurt by his alleged long-running extramarital affair than by his fraud, according to a new book. In a confrontation with her son Andrew Madoff, she said that was “the most hurtful thing” that ever happened to her, the book says. Read full article >> Full Story »
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Kanye West

The self-confident rapper is joining up with Jay-Z for the "Watch the Throne" tour. If you can't catch the concert in person, you will be able to watch it on the Web for a fee. But, really, with so many dates on the schedule, odds are the dynamic duo will be performing at a spot near you.

Charlie Sheen

The wild and crazy actor has a new gig. He'll be starring in the FX sitcom, "Anger Management." The show is based on the 2003 movie starring Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson. Should everything go according to plan (never a guarantee with Sheen), the show will premiere next summer.

Lady Gaga: Will singer wear a lettuce dress for Indian activists?

Lady Gaga is performing in India, and PETA activists asked Lady Gaga to forgo meat, and wear a dress made of lettuce.
Indian animal rights activists have asked pop star Lady Gaga to pose in a lettuce dress and embrace vegetarianism during her visit to India this weekend, where she will be part of the star-studded unveiling of the country's first Formula 1 race.
First, Lady Gaga wore a dress made of meat. Now, how about one made of lettuce?
Lady Gaga, who famously wore a meat dress at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, will be performing at an invitation-only show in a five-star hotel in New Delhi after the race on Sunday.

Depression our big worry

 

Depressed and anxious New Zealanders make up the two biggest groups on sickness benefits - higher than those off work for arthritis, heart disease and back injuries combined.Blam Blam Blam's classic 1981 song There is No Depression...

Jay-Z explains impact of hip-hop, 'Fight' over ...

Hip-hop icon Jay-Z says promoters were reluctant to support his first 'all-rap' tour more than 10 years ago.

Director Peter Jackson working to help clear ...

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Director Peter Jackson said Friday that he was working with a high-profile former American death row inmate in hopes of getting the man a complete pardon. Jackson, best known for his “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, said he ...

Nick Cannon Releasing Stand-Up Comedy Special

One Village Entertainment, a division of Image Entertainment is announcing the DVD and Digital release of Nick Cannon: Mr. Showbiz , a comedy special.

Clarkson, Blige to honor soul cities for VH1 Divas

NEW YORK (AP) — This year's "VH1 Divas" is celebrating soulful voices — and the cities where soul flourished.Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, and Florence and the Machine are among the acts that will pay tribute to the places that helped create or contributed to the genre. According to a Thursday statement, Chicago, Detroit, London, Philadelphia and Memphis, Tennessee, will serve as the musical inspirations ...

new home sale

Lennar is the leading builder of quality new homes in the most desirable real estate markets across the nation. Our home plans demonstrate our commitment to our customers by showcasing outstanding new home construction and a dedication to excellence in homebuilding. Every new home for sale offers the simplicity of included options featured in our model homes and inventory homes.

Peru earthquake hits coast with 6.9 magnitude

Peru earthquake: a 6.9 magnitude earthquake wreaked havoc on Peru, causing a wider radius of action than the 2007 earthquake that killed 596 people.

Android owners getting stiffed on OS updates, study claims

Android phones have a bad history of not getting the latest OS upgrades, often leaving them several versions behind, says a new study. Tracking 18 different Android phones shipped in the U.S. through the middle of 2010, the Understatement's Michael Degusta found that most have not received major OS upgrades or even minor support patches , even though they're still under contract. Pointing to one ...

Stosur heard Serena yell at Open, thought outburst ...

Sam Stosur told a British newspaper she heard Serena Williams yell "come on!" during their U.S. Open final and had difficulty keeping cool during Williams' subsequent tirade against chair umpire Eva Asderaki. Donald McRae writes in The Guardian : Was ...

Stacy Schuler Latest Teacher Accused of Sex with ...

The sexual battery trial of Cincinnati gym teacher Stacy Schuler is expected to conclude by late afternoon today. The 10-year Mason High School teacher plead insanity to the charges of providing alcohol and marijuana to five students before having sex with them on multiple occasions. While the Schuler case is making national new headlines, it is just one of many trials pertaining to Ohio teachers initiating ...

Meet Mark Block, the man behind Cain’s smoking ...

Since the ad's release earlier this week, the very viral Cain video has elicited surprise, delight, condemnation and, mostly, bafflement.

Andre Agassi focuses on U.S. education efforts ...

Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi on the Andre Agassi Grand Slam red carpet at the Wynn on Oct. 9, 2010.

Tennis champion and hometown hero Andre Agassi will see his ultimate dream come true at Saturday night’s 16th Grand Slam charity event with a superstar celebrity lineup. He is firmly convinced that the gala fundraiser will take him over the money mark so that he never has to worry again about his Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy living on forever.

The sports superstar who has raised multimillions told me: “I never thought 15 years ago when we started this, we would make it this far. But I played each year by year with one goal in mind, which was to make sure I can fund the school forever.

“Every year, we’ve taken that a step closer, and now I’m proud to say this Saturday night, it’s not going to be just a fantastic evening because the cast of talent we have, it’s going to be even more of a celebration because I am under the full hopes that we will actually get us over the threshold so we’ll never have to worry about our school living in perpetuity. It’s really exciting -- it’s going to be a very celebratory atmosphere, to say the least.

I had to ask Andre what was the one defining moment, a magic moment, that he decided he had to take on the epic challenge to change education here in Las Vegas with his own charter school.

“This was an evolution in process for me, giving back, and seeing the inequalities that exist in the world, traveling the world. I knew giving back was something that I wanted to do, focusing on children was an easy focus for me,” he said in our one-on-one. “I think the moment that I really took on the Herculean task of building a K-12 charter school in the most economic challenged area of Las Vegas was when I was at my lowest point, quite ironically. I was stuck at No. 140 in the world after being No. 1 in the world and very disconnected with my life, in a life I just didn’t recognize anymore. You read all about that depression and anguish in my book.

Chelsea Clinton runs over those ...

As media outlets speculate and analyze her recent words and actions, the former first daughter's camp has quashed at least one rumor: Chelsea Clinton is not running for Congress.

Jenna Lyons Not the First Parent to Flout Gender ...

Jenna Lyons, of J.Crew clothing, garnered parental criticism, for featuring a picture showing her painting her 5-year-old son toenails. Lyons isn't the first parent to flout gender stereotypes and with Halloween approaching, gender identification isn't the only concern. Sexualization of children in general, worries parents. Here's a look at how some parents are addressing sexuality and gender issues with their children.

Adolf Hitler in Custody Battle

Adolf Hitler is one of the most evil men to ever walk the face of the planet. He also happens to be a little boy in New Jersey. Adolf Hitler Campbell was taken away from his parents in 2009 because welfare officials said that his name was a form of abuse.

And Adolf Hitler isn’t the only strange name in the Campbell family. Heath and Deborah Campbell named their daughter JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell. But is an offensive name reason enough to divide a family?

John Edwards Loses Bid to Get Campaign Finance ...

A judge rejected former Senator John Edwards’s request to dismiss criminal campaign finance charges, all but insuring that he will go to trial in January.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy

The "Dancing With the Stars" pro slammed Derek Hough for siding with the judges in their critique of Maksim and Hope Solo. On "Good Morning America," Maksim said, "Derek Hough has been very supportive of his personal career on the show" before implying that Hough is partnered with the best dancers.

$1 million coin: Too big to pocket. Too heavy to lift. [Video]

$1 million coin from Australia is bigger than a manhole cover and weighs a ton. So what will Australia do with a $1 million coin?
The Perth Mint unveiled a gold coin Thursday that stretches the definition of pocket change.
It's more than 31 inches wide and nearly 5 inches deep (imagine one really thick manhole cover). And it weighs 1.1 tons – not exactly walking around money.

Officially, the gold kangaroo is legal tender, picturing a kangaroo on one side and Queen Elizabeth II on the other. Although its face value is $1 million Australian (US $1.07 million), it's 99.99 percent pure gold, which makes its actual worth some about US $55 million at current gold prices.
The official Perth Mint, which created the coin, called it in a statement: " the biggest, heaviest, inherently most valuable gold bullion coin in the world."

Marie Osmond suffers vocal scare in Las Vegas

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Singer Marie Osmond was rushed to a hospital in Las Vegas with concerns about her voice following a show with her brother Donny, but was later diagnosed with bronchitis, her spokesman said on Thursday. Marie Osmond finished ...

Depression and Chronic Back Pain

Depression is by far the most common emotion associated with chronic back pain. The type of depression that often accompanies chronic pain is referred to as major depression or clinical depression. This type of depression goes beyond what would be considered normal sadness or feeling "down for a few days".

'Sister Wives' baby born: Polygamist Kody Brown ...

Kody Brown and fourth wife Robyn of the TLC reality show 'Sister Wives' recently welcomed their first baby - his 17th

Carrie Ann Inaba says she met fiance on eHarmony, ...

'Dancing With The Stars' Carrie Ann Inaba talks about meeting her husband online and shares tidbits of drama from the show.

Bruce Willis, second wife are expecting a baby

Veteran Hollywood action star Bruce Willis is to become a father again at 56, his first baby with second wife Emma, 35, his spokesman said Wednesday. The actor -- who has three children by first wife Demi Moore -- and Heming-Willis "will welcome ...

Mark Wahlberg

The Oscar-nominated actor opened a new burger joint with his older brothers, Donnie and Paul. Wahlburgers (clever, eh?) had its grand opening on Monday night in Hingham, Massachusetts. Proud mama Alma Elaine joined her sons for the festivities.

Chaz Bono returns to OWN, blasts "Penguin" jibes

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Chaz Bono may have been booted off "Dancing With the Stars" this week, but he will be back on television next month in a second documentary on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) about his life as a transgender man. Bono, the only child of actress and singer Cher, is the subject of a one-hour special called "Being Chaz", which looks at his life with girlfriend Jennifer Elia following ...

Heidi Klum

The supermodel and "Project Runway" host gave Us Weekly a sneak peek at her Halloween costume. Klum, who is known for wearing over-the-top outfits on Halloween, will be going as a monkey. In years past, she's gone as a robot, a ferocious cat, and Betty Boop.

Tara Reid: My wedding wasn't real

American Pie actress and sometimes-party girl Tara Reid, 35, has admitted that her recent marriage was a fake. In August, Reid had a quickie wedding to Bulgarian financier Zack Kehayov in the Greek Isles.

Apple TV Project Led By ITunes Creator

Apple is turning to the software engineer who built iTunes to help lead its development of a television set

Sylvester Stallone

The "Rocky" star has been accused of stealing the screenplay for his action movie, "The Expendables," about mercenaries paid to fight an evil dictator. The lawsuit claims that the plot is "strikingly similar and in some places identical" to another script, "The Cordoba Caper."

casey anthony Where is Casey Anthony?

COMMENTARY | Casey Anthony is quite likely the most hated person in the United States today. Nobody can quite fathom how this mother could lie over and over again regarding her daughter's disappearance and death. More shocking to most was that Casey was acquitted, and anger began to form not only towards Casey but even for those on the jury who let her off the hook and gave her back her freedom.

Jennifer Lopez

While performing her song "One Love" at a concert in Connecticut over the weekend, the "American Idol" judge broke down crying. The tune paid tribute to three of Jennifer's past relationships. Lookalike dancers dressed as Ben Affleck, Diddy, and Marc Anthony appeared on stage, prompting the tears.

CBS wins ratings night as "Two and a Half Men" inches up

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - After a month of declines following its stellar season premiere performance, "Two and a Half Men" may have found its ratings bottom -- and it's quite high. The show had a slight increase Monday night and helped make CBS the highest-rated network for the evening, according to preliminary numbers.

Katy Perry

Happy 27th to the "Teenage Dream" songstress. No word on how she plans to spend her day, but she has plenty to celebrate. In 2011, she tied Michael Jackson for the most number one songs from a single album. Last year, she married actor Russell Brand. They celebrated their anniversary on Sunday.

Demi Moore

The actress recently visited her husband Ashton Kutcher on the set of "Two and a Half Men." Rumors have been flying that it's love on the rocks for the pair, who have been married for six years. A 23-year-old woman has claimed that she recently spent the night with Kutcher.

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Zooey Deschanel

The multi-talented entertainer took a break from her new sitcom "New Girl" to perform the always challenging "Star-Spangled Banner" at Game 4 of the World Series in Texas. Deschanel is no stranger to singing. Her pop duo, "She & Him," has released two well-received albums.

Beanie Wells

ct 24 Wells rushed for 42 yards before leaving Sunday's game with a sprained knee.

Advice: Wells missed a game earlier this season with a hamstring injury. Tests on Monday were encouraging but it's not certain if he'll be ready for Week 8.

ct 24 RB Beanie Wells is expected to miss time after suffering an undisclosed knee injury against the Steelers. No structural damage was found and surgery isn't necessary. Wells has considerable swelling and isn't likely to play in Baltimore.

Review: Kelly Clarkson "Stronger" lives up to ...

By Chris Willman LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Kelly Clarkson's new album has been subject to more delays than the NBA season. But apparently the perpetual tweaking was a matter of fine-tuning, not desperation, since "Stronger" lives up to its title ...

Robin Williams and Susan Schneider reportedly wed

Robin Williams has reportedly gotten married. The Academy Award-winning actor, 60, married girlfriend Susan Schneider, a graphic designer, Sunday in Napa Valley, Calif., Us Weekly magazine reports .

Madonna's brother Anthony Ciccone says he's ...

Madonna's brother is reportedly homeless and living under a bridge in Michigan after losing his job a year and a half ago -- and he's annoyed that some people might find that amusing. Madonna's brother is reportedly homeless and living under a bridge in Michigan after losing his job a year and a half ago -- and he's annoyed that some people might find that amusing.

News and Notes Jerome Harrison.

Oct 23 RB Jerome Harrison, placed on the non-football injury list Thursday, had a brain tumor successfully removed in a surgical procedure Friday.

Turkey Earthquake Facts

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey today, collapsing buildings and creating panic. Officials predict the death toll may hit 1,000. Al Jazeera posted a video on YouTube showing some of the devastation. Where Sunday's earthquake hit The earthquake struck the southeast corner of the country near the border with Iran (map.) The village of Tabanli in Lake Van area is where the earthquake's ...

Albert Pujols Sports.

Oct 23 1B Albert Pujols had perhaps the greatest World Series game ever by one player. His five hits in Game 3 tied Milwaukee's Paul Molitor for the most in one game. His three-homer game tied Babe Ruth (two) and Reggie Jackson (one). His 14 total bases set a World Series record. He got hits in four consecutive innings, setting a World Series mark. His six RBI tied a Series record.

PFT: Rex Ryan sorry for comments on Chargers

On Wednesday, Jets coach Rex Ryan realized almost immediately that he’d made a potential mess by suggesting that the Chargers would have won a “couple” Super Bowls if the team had hired Ryan to be the head coach in 2007. Ryan called the man whom the Chargers actually hired, Norv Turner, to apologize before Norv even heard about the comments.

The Pulse: Former Phila. colleagues remember Cain ...

Herman Cain hopes his route to the White House has come through the Philadelphia area, where former colleagues recall him fondly.

Michele Bachmann: Highlights from faith forum ...

Michele Bachmann told listeners Saturday that she's both a socially conservative candidate and a fiscally focused one. "From my experience, a social conservative is a fiscal conservative," she said. "We can have it all this year." Bachmann highlighted her.

Ashton Kutcher Talks 'Honesty' & 'Truth' In Video

Ashton goes on to speak at length about the history of literature and shares his thoughts on how the Internet and social media have caused rumors and gossip to spread like never before.
"We are our own editors, we are our own publishers and we are our own printers. Therefore, people can bastardize the truth in any way, shape or form that they want and spread that around the world," he continued. "A lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth can leave someone's lips."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Celebs Who Moved To Splitsville In 2011
Adding, "I was thinking that we really have to take it upon ourselves to instill a level of honesty... in the works in the media that we create and share with one another and be certain that we are doing our own diligence that what we are saying is for the benefit of another."

Watch the Trailer for Angelina Jolie's ...

Angelina Jolie 's directorial debut is almost ready to hit theaters. A trailer for the star's latest effort, In the Land of Blood & Honey , hit the web this week, two months ahead of the film's December 23 release date.

Chinese toddler Yue Yue dies but morality debate ...

Chinese toddler Yue Yue, the victim of a hit-and-run, prompted a public discussion about the decay in morality in China.

Avocado thief banned from having more than 10 at ...

The unusual sentence was handed down after Barron Stein admitted stealing 600 to 1,000 pounds of avocados from a grove in Bonsall, not far from Fallbrook in an agricultural area of the county, the North County Times reported.

A former tow-truck driver who’d been out of work for more than a year, Stein apparently took the avocados out of desperation to support his family, the newspaper said.

There was no clear word on what he had intended to do with the stolen harvest.

Stein was tripped up when a video camera at Eco Farms in Bonsall caught him swiping the avocados, the newspaper reported.
By agreeing to stay away from any and all avocado groves and refraining from possessing more than 10 avocados at a time, Stein will not serve any time behind bars. The terms of his probation last for three years.

In handing down his 10-avocado decree, the judge did not distinguish between the 5-ounce Fuerte or the nearly 19-ounce Lamb Hass, both popular varieties in the area. Either way, it would still allow for a generous serving of guacamole.

The Iron Lady: Meryl Streep plays Margaret ...

Meryl Streep, portraying Margaret Thatcher, is wearing a wig of what looks like beautifully coiffed, blonde razor wire. She purses her lips, and casts a steely glare around her Cabinet.

In defense of the Heart Attack Grill

The Heart Attack Grill is open for business. It’s a fast-food joint where the burgers have a billion calories, the fries are cooked in lard, and waitresses dress up as sexy nurses. The media’s loving this one. Everybody’s saying the Heart Attack Grill epitomizes everything that’s wrong with the American restaurant. But everybody is wrong.

The Heart Attack Grill is a novelty. People eat there once. The restaurants making nearly 75 percent of Americans overweight or obese? It’s not McDonald’s, Burger King or Taco Bell. No, the real problem is TGI Fridays, CPK, Macaroni Grill and The Cheesecake Factory—restaurants that seem somewhat healthy, restaurants where you can down an entire day’s worth of calories in 20 minutes flat without even realizing.

With McDonald’s, Burger King and Taco Bell, you know what you’re getting. (Plus, all three of those places

Zooey Deschanel Lose Weight 2011 Zooey Deschanel ...

Zooey Deschanel Lose Weight 2011 Zooey Deschanel Diet Program - Isn't amazing how all of the celebrities you see have a celebrity diet plan for weight loss to maintain their weight. Some of them are shapely and healthy looking, and look good on ... 

Jessica Simpson

Rumors continue to swirl that the pop singer and actress may have a bun in the oven. The New York Post is reporting that Simpson is set to announce her pregnancy, but wants to secure a six-figure deal with a magazine to sell the baby photos first. Show business -- there's no business like it.

How Donald Trump Could Drag Republicans Down ...

COMMENTARY | Donald Trump is doing everything that he can to insert himself into the political game as possible. As a former political consultant I understand that his money, and the money of his friends, could help the Republicans in many ways in 2012. The problem is that the publicity Trump lives off of could do more harm to the candidates in the long run.