The news conference is over, but the drama may just be starting.

Almost everyone has left the Jefferson High gymnasium, however, Terrence Jones is huddled with his parents in the corner of the gymnasium and folks are keeping their distance. Seems like a major pow-wow.

I spoke to Jones and I can tell this recruiting stuff hasn't been fun for him. On what is supposed to be a joyous occasion, he sighed heavily and said he was happy that it was over.

Unlike Terrence Ross (above, left), who was decked out in Husky purple and said he made his choice a month ago, Jones didn't know where he was going until the moment he picked the UW hat.

I believe that.

It also looks as if he needs a little more time to make sure he made the right decision.

Nearly an hour after making his choice, Jones still hasn't signed his letter of intent to Washington. I posted on the Live Chat he didn't have a LOI to UW, but that information came from his aunt and it was incorrect.

There is a UW letter of intent here and it's unsigned at the moment.

And there's more.

Kentucky coach John Calipari called Jones after his announcement and Jones was on the phone for a very long time. About 15 minutes. Reading body language, Jones seemed pained.

He told me, "You hurt thousands of people just as much as you make people happy."

Jones' mother said if he hadn't chosen Washington, he was going to pick Kentucky.

Coach Lorenzo Romar is in Portland. NCAA rules prohibit him from attending the news conference, but a Jones family member told me he was two blocks away and was going to see Jones Saturday morning.

This much is certain, Washington added Terrence Ross today and we'll have to wait and see if Jones will join him next season.

Stay tuned. A strange recruiting season may get even more bizarre if UW loses Jones to Kentucky.

The news conference is over, but the drama may just be starting.

Almost everyone has left the Jefferson High gymnasium, however, Terrence Jones is huddled with his parents in the corner of the gymnasium and folks are keeping their distance. Seems like a major pow-wow.

I spoke to Jones and I can tell this recruiting stuff hasn't been fun for him. On what is supposed to be a joyous occasion, he sighed heavily and said he was happy that it was over.

Unlike Terrence Ross (above, left), who was decked out in Husky purple and said he made his choice a month ago, Jones didn't know where he was going until the moment he picked the UW hat.

I believe that.

It also looks as if he needs a little more time to make sure he made the right decision.

Nearly an hour after making his choice, Jones still hasn't signed his letter of intent to Washington. I posted on the Live Chat he didn't have a LOI to UW, but that information came from his aunt and it was incorrect.

There is a UW letter of intent here and it's unsigned at the moment.

And there's more.

Kentucky coach John Calipari called Jones after his announcement and Jones was on the phone for a very long time. About 15 minutes. Reading body language, Jones seemed pained.

He told me, "You hurt thousands of people just as much as you make people happy."

Jones' mother said if he hadn't chosen Washington, he was going to pick Kentucky.

Coach Lorenzo Romar is in Portland. NCAA rules prohibit him from attending the news conference, but a Jones family member told me he was two blocks away and was going to see Jones Saturday morning.

This much is certain, Washington added Terrence Ross today and we'll have to wait and see if Jones will join him next season.

Stay tuned. A strange recruiting season may get even more bizarre if UW loses Jones to Kentucky.

Vera Baker is a former political fundraiser. With Muthoni Wambu, she founded Baker Wambu & Associates in 2000. According to The Politico, Baker’s organization became a top fundraising firm for the Congressional Black Caucus. Baker was the Finance Director for Barack Obama’s 2004 Illinois Senate campaign and was identified by The American Prospect as one of the “rare” African-American major fundraisers. She also served as the Deputy Political Director at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Baker was born and raised in San Francisco. She received duel Bachelor degrees in political,legal and economic analysis and African American studies from Mills College. She also worked toward a Masters of Art in political science from Howard University and a Masters of Art in African American studies.

After leaving political fundraising, Baker worked for Alta Capital Group, a municipal bond broker-dealer. She then launched Cape Caribbean, LLC, with offices in Fort de France, Martinique and Miami, Florida.

Vera Baker is a former political fundraiser. With Muthoni Wambu, she founded Baker Wambu & Associates in 2000. According to The Politico, Baker’s organization became a top fundraising firm for the Congressional Black Caucus. Baker was the Finance Director for Barack Obama’s 2004 Illinois Senate campaign and was identified by The American Prospect as one of the “rare” African-American major fundraisers. She also served as the Deputy Political Director at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Baker was born and raised in San Francisco. She received duel Bachelor degrees in political,legal and economic analysis and African American studies from Mills College. She also worked toward a Masters of Art in political science from Howard University and a Masters of Art in African American studies.

After leaving political fundraising, Baker worked for Alta Capital Group, a municipal bond broker-dealer. She then launched Cape Caribbean, LLC, with offices in Fort de France, Martinique and Miami, Florida.

It's important to clarify this from the beginning: Chelsea Clinton did not tell her father that he's a tub of a presidential lard. But she did tell him to cool it on the Big Macs.

Bringing back memories of an old "SNL" skit where President Clinton hopped from table to table at a McDonald's snarfing up food from the trays of constituents, the former president is back in the news today because of his weight.

No, he didn't actually ask a McDonald's patron, "Are you going to finish your fries?" or anything like that (like in the video we embedded below), but he's been ordered to lose weight -- or else.

Daughter Chelsea has a wedding this summer, and she made it clear that she doesn't want a flabby Daddy walking her down the aisle.

The former president appeared with CBS' Bob Schieffer on Wednesday at a fiscal summit in D.C. The longtime "Face the Nation" host asked the president if he was ready for Chelsea's wedding.

"She doesn't think I'm in shape," he said. "You know she told me the other day she said, ‘Dad the only thing you gotta do is walk me down the aisle and you need to look good.’

"So I said ‘Well, what's your definition?’ And she said: ‘Oh, about 15 pounds.’ So I'm halfway home."

It's important to clarify this from the beginning: Chelsea Clinton did not tell her father that he's a tub of a presidential lard. But she did tell him to cool it on the Big Macs.

Bringing back memories of an old "SNL" skit where President Clinton hopped from table to table at a McDonald's snarfing up food from the trays of constituents, the former president is back in the news today because of his weight.

No, he didn't actually ask a McDonald's patron, "Are you going to finish your fries?" or anything like that (like in the video we embedded below), but he's been ordered to lose weight -- or else.

Daughter Chelsea has a wedding this summer, and she made it clear that she doesn't want a flabby Daddy walking her down the aisle.

The former president appeared with CBS' Bob Schieffer on Wednesday at a fiscal summit in D.C. The longtime "Face the Nation" host asked the president if he was ready for Chelsea's wedding.

"She doesn't think I'm in shape," he said. "You know she told me the other day she said, ‘Dad the only thing you gotta do is walk me down the aisle and you need to look good.’

"So I said ‘Well, what's your definition?’ And she said: ‘Oh, about 15 pounds.’ So I'm halfway home."

Today is a big day in the world of the man -- FHM have released their annual Top 100 hottest ladies list!

Everyone's favourite Geordie judge, Cheryl Cole, topped the lot while Transformer-babe Megan Fox came second and underwear model Marissa Miller bagged bronze.

It's a strong list. It always is. But we couldn't help but think it's a little obvious. Perhaps a touch outdated.

Sure 500,000 voted and the results will reflect that, but where's the colour? Where's the kookiness? Where's the intelligence and the sporting prowess? Where's the debate? Essentially where's the Asylum-ness of it all.

Admit it Asylumites, we have our own, slightly weird taste in women. It's been said before and it'll be said again. But embrace it. Stand up on your desk, right now, and announce it. Say the words: "Supernanny is hot and the rest of you can take a running jump!"

Bottled it didn't you? Well, we can celebrate our individuality in a different way -- by taking a look at the Asylum Top 10. (As voted for by a colossal 4 people, in Burrito bar in Central London).

Today is a big day in the world of the man -- FHM have released their annual Top 100 hottest ladies list!

Everyone's favourite Geordie judge, Cheryl Cole, topped the lot while Transformer-babe Megan Fox came second and underwear model Marissa Miller bagged bronze.

It's a strong list. It always is. But we couldn't help but think it's a little obvious. Perhaps a touch outdated.

Sure 500,000 voted and the results will reflect that, but where's the colour? Where's the kookiness? Where's the intelligence and the sporting prowess? Where's the debate? Essentially where's the Asylum-ness of it all.

Admit it Asylumites, we have our own, slightly weird taste in women. It's been said before and it'll be said again. But embrace it. Stand up on your desk, right now, and announce it. Say the words: "Supernanny is hot and the rest of you can take a running jump!"

Bottled it didn't you? Well, we can celebrate our individuality in a different way -- by taking a look at the Asylum Top 10. (As voted for by a colossal 4 people, in Burrito bar in Central London).

Although Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhardt have split, the two can't seem to avoid each other.

After both were spotted in Coachella, their paths crossed again last night in Hollywood at the grand opening of the Syndicate Group's MyStudio, where David Arquette, David Spade, Adam Levine and Samantha Ronson were also hanging out.

Doug was already inside when Paris arrived around 1 a.m. after dining with girlfriends at Boa.

"He was staring at her the whole time, but she didn't acknowledge him," a source tells E! News of the showdown. Luckily there was no drama between the exes, and Paris left the hot spot around 1:45 a.m. to go party with a more famous hottie...

After dancing up a storm at MyStudio, Paris and her girls went over to Trousdale, where she was spotted sharing a table and chatting with Leonardo DiCaprio and his entourage.

Leo was out solo with his guys, although he attended the Lakers game earlier that night with girlfriend Bar Refaeli.

As for whether there could be any romance brewing between newly single Paris and the perennial bachelor, a source simply tells me, "They've been friends for years."

Stay tuned!

Although Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhardt have split, the two can't seem to avoid each other.

After both were spotted in Coachella, their paths crossed again last night in Hollywood at the grand opening of the Syndicate Group's MyStudio, where David Arquette, David Spade, Adam Levine and Samantha Ronson were also hanging out.

Doug was already inside when Paris arrived around 1 a.m. after dining with girlfriends at Boa.

"He was staring at her the whole time, but she didn't acknowledge him," a source tells E! News of the showdown. Luckily there was no drama between the exes, and Paris left the hot spot around 1:45 a.m. to go party with a more famous hottie...

After dancing up a storm at MyStudio, Paris and her girls went over to Trousdale, where she was spotted sharing a table and chatting with Leonardo DiCaprio and his entourage.

Leo was out solo with his guys, although he attended the Lakers game earlier that night with girlfriend Bar Refaeli.

As for whether there could be any romance brewing between newly single Paris and the perennial bachelor, a source simply tells me, "They've been friends for years."

Stay tuned!

In public, Sandra Bullock has been through the best and worst of times this year -- from winning her first Oscar to enduring the breakup of her marriage.
In private, she was quietly keeping a joyful secret -- his name is Louis, and he is her newborn son.
"He's just perfect, I can't even describe him any other way," Bullock reveals exclusively in the new issue of PEOPLE, announcing that she is the proud mother of Louis Bardo Bullock, a 3½-month-old boy, born in New Orleans. "It's like he's always been a part of our lives."
Bullock, 45, and husband Jesse James, 41, began the adoption process four years ago and brought Louis home in January but decided to keep the news to themselves until after the Oscars. Their close friends and family -- including James's children Sunny, 6, Jesse Jr., 12, and Chandler, 15 -- were essential in keeping the adoption a secret.
Then, just 10 days after the March 7 Oscars, Bullock and James separated following reports James had cheated. Bullock says she is now adopting as a single parent.
For much more, including an in-depth interview with Bullock and exclusive photos of the star and her baby boy, pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

In public, Sandra Bullock has been through the best and worst of times this year -- from winning her first Oscar to enduring the breakup of her marriage.
In private, she was quietly keeping a joyful secret -- his name is Louis, and he is her newborn son.
"He's just perfect, I can't even describe him any other way," Bullock reveals exclusively in the new issue of PEOPLE, announcing that she is the proud mother of Louis Bardo Bullock, a 3½-month-old boy, born in New Orleans. "It's like he's always been a part of our lives."
Bullock, 45, and husband Jesse James, 41, began the adoption process four years ago and brought Louis home in January but decided to keep the news to themselves until after the Oscars. Their close friends and family -- including James's children Sunny, 6, Jesse Jr., 12, and Chandler, 15 -- were essential in keeping the adoption a secret.
Then, just 10 days after the March 7 Oscars, Bullock and James separated following reports James had cheated. Bullock says she is now adopting as a single parent.
For much more, including an in-depth interview with Bullock and exclusive photos of the star and her baby boy, pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

MANHATTAN — The confessed killer of Malcolm X was released from prison Tuesday, 45 years after he gunned down the civil rights icon in a Washington Heights meeting hall.
Thomas Hagan, 69, was originally scheduled to be paroled Wednesday. But because his paperwork was already in order, he was allowed to walk out of a minimum-security prison in Harlem at 11 a.m. Tuesday, New York State Department of Correctional Services spokeswoman Linda Foglia said.
For all practical purposes, Hagan’s life won’t change much now that he’s out of jail.
Since 1989, he has been allowed to leave prison on a work-release program in which he spends several days working and visiting his wife and children in Brooklyn. At the time of his release, he was spending two days a week behind bars.
“He’s been living in the community without any problems for many many years,” Foglia said. “He’s probably going to keep the same job, keep the same residence, the same friends and habits.”
Thomas Hagan, 69, killed Malcolm X on Feb. 21. 1965. (AP Photo)
In 2008, Hagan was living in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and working in a fast-food restaurant, according to the New York Post.
A state parole spokeswoman said Hagan will have 24 hours to meet with his parole officer, who will set the conditions of his supervision.
Prior to his release, Hagan had tried more than a dozen times for parole. He was finally approved earlier this year. In a March 3 interview with parole officials, he said he was sorry, and that the things that motivated him to kill Malcolm X on Feb. 21, 1965 were wrong.
“I’ve had a lot of time, a heck of a lot of time to think about it,” Hagan said, according to transcripts obtained by DNAinfo.
“Being more educated in terms of social events and so forth, I understand a lot better the dynamics of movements and what can happen inside movements and conflicts that can come up, but I have deep regrets about my participation in that.”
In prison, Hagan obtained a master’s degree in sociology. He hopes to become a substance-abuse counselor when he gets out. He has also been volunteering at a mosque, according to the transcripts.
Hagan was a 22-year-old rank-and-file member of the Nation of Islam when Malcolm X split from the group and went public with allegations that its leader, Elijah Muhammad, was fathering children out of wedlock.
Nation of Islam ministers responded with charges that Malcolm X was a lying hypocrite, and was planning armed attacks against group members. So Hagan and a couple others got together in New Jersey and planned to assassinate him.
On Feb. 21, 1965, they gunned Malcolm X down as he spoke at the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights.
“Of course, as we know as history has revealed, a lot of what [Malcolm X] was saying was true,” Hagan said, according to the transcripts.
Hagan has maintained that the two other Nation of Islam members who were convicted with him — Muhammad Abdul Aziz and Kahlil Islam — were not part of the plot. In his parole interview, Hagan repeated claims he made in a 1970s affidavit that his accomplices were two other men who were never charged.


Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20100427/central-harlem/malcolm-x-killer-thomas-hagan-released-from-prison#ixzz0mLgCOiC1

MANHATTAN — The confessed killer of Malcolm X was released from prison Tuesday, 45 years after he gunned down the civil rights icon in a Washington Heights meeting hall.
Thomas Hagan, 69, was originally scheduled to be paroled Wednesday. But because his paperwork was already in order, he was allowed to walk out of a minimum-security prison in Harlem at 11 a.m. Tuesday, New York State Department of Correctional Services spokeswoman Linda Foglia said.
For all practical purposes, Hagan’s life won’t change much now that he’s out of jail.
Since 1989, he has been allowed to leave prison on a work-release program in which he spends several days working and visiting his wife and children in Brooklyn. At the time of his release, he was spending two days a week behind bars.
“He’s been living in the community without any problems for many many years,” Foglia said. “He’s probably going to keep the same job, keep the same residence, the same friends and habits.”
Thomas Hagan, 69, killed Malcolm X on Feb. 21. 1965. (AP Photo)
In 2008, Hagan was living in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and working in a fast-food restaurant, according to the New York Post.
A state parole spokeswoman said Hagan will have 24 hours to meet with his parole officer, who will set the conditions of his supervision.
Prior to his release, Hagan had tried more than a dozen times for parole. He was finally approved earlier this year. In a March 3 interview with parole officials, he said he was sorry, and that the things that motivated him to kill Malcolm X on Feb. 21, 1965 were wrong.
“I’ve had a lot of time, a heck of a lot of time to think about it,” Hagan said, according to transcripts obtained by DNAinfo.
“Being more educated in terms of social events and so forth, I understand a lot better the dynamics of movements and what can happen inside movements and conflicts that can come up, but I have deep regrets about my participation in that.”
In prison, Hagan obtained a master’s degree in sociology. He hopes to become a substance-abuse counselor when he gets out. He has also been volunteering at a mosque, according to the transcripts.
Hagan was a 22-year-old rank-and-file member of the Nation of Islam when Malcolm X split from the group and went public with allegations that its leader, Elijah Muhammad, was fathering children out of wedlock.
Nation of Islam ministers responded with charges that Malcolm X was a lying hypocrite, and was planning armed attacks against group members. So Hagan and a couple others got together in New Jersey and planned to assassinate him.
On Feb. 21, 1965, they gunned Malcolm X down as he spoke at the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights.
“Of course, as we know as history has revealed, a lot of what [Malcolm X] was saying was true,” Hagan said, according to the transcripts.
Hagan has maintained that the two other Nation of Islam members who were convicted with him — Muhammad Abdul Aziz and Kahlil Islam — were not part of the plot. In his parole interview, Hagan repeated claims he made in a 1970s affidavit that his accomplices were two other men who were never charged.


Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20100427/central-harlem/malcolm-x-killer-thomas-hagan-released-from-prison#ixzz0mLgCOiC1

The Auburn Riverside boys and girls track and field teams were defeated by the Eagles at Federal Way’s Memorial Stadium on Wednesday.

The girls team lost by one point to Federal Way, 75-74.

Gina Cardenas grabbed first-place in all of the throwing events, posting a 31-foot, 4.00-inch shot put, a 94-03 discus and a 84-00 javelin toss.

The Ravens got first-place finishes from Brandi Williams in the 200-meter, with a 26.63-second finish and the long jump, where she posted a 16-02.00 leap. Williams was second in the 100 with a 13.15 time.

Freshman Cassidy Brown was first in the 1,600 with a 5:12.00 finish and second in the 800 with a 2:27.16.

Rachel Atwood and Lauren Saunders finished first and second in the 3,200 with 11:11.87 and 11:59.80 times, respectively.

Kylee Smith finished first in the pole vault with a 10-00, edging by teammate Rachel Turnbow, who was second with a 9-06.

The boys were defeated by the Eagles with a 87-58 score.

Stanford-bound senior Kenny Krotzer was stellar in the distance races, winning the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 with times of 1:58.67, 4:25.35 and 9:38.29, respectively.

Wilfred DeLaRosa was first in the long jump with a 22-02.50 and the triple jump with a 42-07.00.

Madison Hoevet finished first in the javelin with a 131-06 distance.

The Auburn Riverside boys and girls track and field teams were defeated by the Eagles at Federal Way’s Memorial Stadium on Wednesday.

The girls team lost by one point to Federal Way, 75-74.

Gina Cardenas grabbed first-place in all of the throwing events, posting a 31-foot, 4.00-inch shot put, a 94-03 discus and a 84-00 javelin toss.

The Ravens got first-place finishes from Brandi Williams in the 200-meter, with a 26.63-second finish and the long jump, where she posted a 16-02.00 leap. Williams was second in the 100 with a 13.15 time.

Freshman Cassidy Brown was first in the 1,600 with a 5:12.00 finish and second in the 800 with a 2:27.16.

Rachel Atwood and Lauren Saunders finished first and second in the 3,200 with 11:11.87 and 11:59.80 times, respectively.

Kylee Smith finished first in the pole vault with a 10-00, edging by teammate Rachel Turnbow, who was second with a 9-06.

The boys were defeated by the Eagles with a 87-58 score.

Stanford-bound senior Kenny Krotzer was stellar in the distance races, winning the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 with times of 1:58.67, 4:25.35 and 9:38.29, respectively.

Wilfred DeLaRosa was first in the long jump with a 22-02.50 and the triple jump with a 42-07.00.

Madison Hoevet finished first in the javelin with a 131-06 distance.

Manuel Noriega, the former drug-running dictator of Panama ousted by a US invasion in 1989, was flown out of America last night en route to Paris where he will face trial on fresh money laundering charges.

Noriega's extradition brings to an end his 21-year spell in a Miami jail, where he held a unique status. He was the first head of a foreign country to be convicted of crimes in the US courts, and he became America's only official prisoner of war.

By dint of his special standing he was given unique privileges, including two rooms in his cell, dubbed the "presidential suite", a television, telephone and equipment for exercising.

He was convicted in Miami in 1992 of multiple charges including drug trafficking, and sentenced to 40 years. That was reduced for good behaviour and he completed his sentence in 2007. Since then inmate 38699-079, as he was numbered in prison, has dedicated himself to fighting extradition to France, where he has been accused of laundering up to $3m of drug money through property purchases in Paris.

His lawyers argued that as a prisoner of war he could not be sent to a third country. They cited the Geneva conventions, claiming that under them he had to be returned to his own country, Panama.

Noriega consistently aruged he wanted to be returned to his native country, despite having been convicted in absentia of even greater crimes there and facing a much longer possible sentence.

But in January the US supreme court refused to hear his appeal against extradition, clearing the way for the secretary of state Hillary Clinton to give the go-ahead to last night's Air France flight. Two supreme court judges, the conservatives Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia, gave a minority ruling that said they would have allowed the appeal.

Noriega, 76, began public life in the Panamanian military and rose to become intelligence chief. He was initially seen as a staunch ally of the US with close links to the CIA. But his corrupt and brutal rule, beginning in 1983, combined with his growing involvement in drug smuggling, became an embarrassment for Washington. In late 1989 the elder George Bush ordered 24,000 US troops to invade Panama.

Noriega took refuge in the Vatican embassy in Panama City in a siege that was to become legendary. The US army adopted the novel technique of trying to force him out into the open by blasting the compound with ear-splitting rock music.

Last night the extradition was confirmed by a spokesman for the French justice ministry, Guillaume Didier. French prison guards were understood to be escorting the former dictator on board his Air France flight, which was due to arrive in France this morning. "France was notified of this extradition a fortnight ago," Didier told Agence France Presse.

He is likely to be presented to a French judge today when it will be decided whether or not he remains in custody. He has already been tried once in his absence in France, but it was later decided that he should face a new trial.

If found guilty on this occasion, he faces a further jail term of up to 10 years.

Manuel Noriega, the former drug-running dictator of Panama ousted by a US invasion in 1989, was flown out of America last night en route to Paris where he will face trial on fresh money laundering charges.

Noriega's extradition brings to an end his 21-year spell in a Miami jail, where he held a unique status. He was the first head of a foreign country to be convicted of crimes in the US courts, and he became America's only official prisoner of war.

By dint of his special standing he was given unique privileges, including two rooms in his cell, dubbed the "presidential suite", a television, telephone and equipment for exercising.

He was convicted in Miami in 1992 of multiple charges including drug trafficking, and sentenced to 40 years. That was reduced for good behaviour and he completed his sentence in 2007. Since then inmate 38699-079, as he was numbered in prison, has dedicated himself to fighting extradition to France, where he has been accused of laundering up to $3m of drug money through property purchases in Paris.

His lawyers argued that as a prisoner of war he could not be sent to a third country. They cited the Geneva conventions, claiming that under them he had to be returned to his own country, Panama.

Noriega consistently aruged he wanted to be returned to his native country, despite having been convicted in absentia of even greater crimes there and facing a much longer possible sentence.

But in January the US supreme court refused to hear his appeal against extradition, clearing the way for the secretary of state Hillary Clinton to give the go-ahead to last night's Air France flight. Two supreme court judges, the conservatives Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia, gave a minority ruling that said they would have allowed the appeal.

Noriega, 76, began public life in the Panamanian military and rose to become intelligence chief. He was initially seen as a staunch ally of the US with close links to the CIA. But his corrupt and brutal rule, beginning in 1983, combined with his growing involvement in drug smuggling, became an embarrassment for Washington. In late 1989 the elder George Bush ordered 24,000 US troops to invade Panama.

Noriega took refuge in the Vatican embassy in Panama City in a siege that was to become legendary. The US army adopted the novel technique of trying to force him out into the open by blasting the compound with ear-splitting rock music.

Last night the extradition was confirmed by a spokesman for the French justice ministry, Guillaume Didier. French prison guards were understood to be escorting the former dictator on board his Air France flight, which was due to arrive in France this morning. "France was notified of this extradition a fortnight ago," Didier told Agence France Presse.

He is likely to be presented to a French judge today when it will be decided whether or not he remains in custody. He has already been tried once in his absence in France, but it was later decided that he should face a new trial.

If found guilty on this occasion, he faces a further jail term of up to 10 years.

Forget being mad over talk of her 'lace-front' on VH1's 'Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business,' Brandy has some serious beef with longtime friend/producer Rodney Jerkins.

In a soon-to-air episode of her reality show with Ray J, Brandy leaves no stone unturned blaming Jerkins for poor work and the ultimate demise of her last album, "Human".

Reportedly interested in working on a project with Jerkins, Ray J discusses the effort with Brandy, only to be hit with a disapproving look and words like 'I don't want the same thing that happened to me to happen to you'.

While it is unknown whether Brandy has patched things up with Jerkins, since the show taped earlier this year, it is very clear that Brandy was not enthused with his work on the album that ultimately ended with her parting ways with Epic Records.

Forget being mad over talk of her 'lace-front' on VH1's 'Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business,' Brandy has some serious beef with longtime friend/producer Rodney Jerkins.

In a soon-to-air episode of her reality show with Ray J, Brandy leaves no stone unturned blaming Jerkins for poor work and the ultimate demise of her last album, "Human".

Reportedly interested in working on a project with Jerkins, Ray J discusses the effort with Brandy, only to be hit with a disapproving look and words like 'I don't want the same thing that happened to me to happen to you'.

While it is unknown whether Brandy has patched things up with Jerkins, since the show taped earlier this year, it is very clear that Brandy was not enthused with his work on the album that ultimately ended with her parting ways with Epic Records.

It seems "The Hills" stars are all running to a flatter playground these days.

On Saturday (April 24), Kristin Cavallari became the third "Hills" in the past month to host a Las Vegas party. A bikini-clad Cavallari hosted a pool party at Liquid Pool Lounge.

Earlier in the month, Audrina Patridge hosted a shindig at the Wet Republic Pool at the MGM Grand, and Heidi Montag brought her surgically enhanced bod to the actual opening of the Liquid Pool Lounge.

Apparently "Hills" hellion Spencer Pratt isn't getting any invites to host parties these days. According to Cavallari, the guy we love to hate won't be returning to the show to stir up trouble.

It seems "The Hills" stars are all running to a flatter playground these days.

On Saturday (April 24), Kristin Cavallari became the third "Hills" in the past month to host a Las Vegas party. A bikini-clad Cavallari hosted a pool party at Liquid Pool Lounge.

Earlier in the month, Audrina Patridge hosted a shindig at the Wet Republic Pool at the MGM Grand, and Heidi Montag brought her surgically enhanced bod to the actual opening of the Liquid Pool Lounge.

Apparently "Hills" hellion Spencer Pratt isn't getting any invites to host parties these days. According to Cavallari, the guy we love to hate won't be returning to the show to stir up trouble.

Attorney Geoffrey Fieger is the favorite among likely voters in the Democratic gubernatorial primary if he chose to run, according to a new poll.
An EPIC-MRA poll of 400 people who were likely to vote in the Democratic primary reported that when given a list of names of possible candidates, 28 percent of the people polled said they would select the fiery Fieger, although he has not filed to run for the office.
The poll was commissioned by WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) and the Detroit Free Press and released Friday.
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Rounding out the Democratic field in the poll, 20 percent opted for House Speaker Andy Dillon of Redford Township, 13 percent for Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, and 8 percent for state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith of Salem Township, according to WXYZ.
But 29 percent of the respondents said they were unsure of who they would vote for in the primary. Two percent said they would vote for "other." The poll has an error margin of 4.9 percentage points, according to WXYZ.
Fieger has said he would make a decision after an HBO biopic about assisted-suicide doctor Jack Kevorkian airs Saturday night, according to WXYZ. The Oakland County attorney rose to fame as Kevorkian's lawyer in the 1990s.
In 1998, Fieger won the Democratic gubernatorial primary but lost to then-Republican Gov. John Engler in the general election.

Attorney Geoffrey Fieger is the favorite among likely voters in the Democratic gubernatorial primary if he chose to run, according to a new poll.
An EPIC-MRA poll of 400 people who were likely to vote in the Democratic primary reported that when given a list of names of possible candidates, 28 percent of the people polled said they would select the fiery Fieger, although he has not filed to run for the office.
The poll was commissioned by WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) and the Detroit Free Press and released Friday.
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Rounding out the Democratic field in the poll, 20 percent opted for House Speaker Andy Dillon of Redford Township, 13 percent for Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, and 8 percent for state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith of Salem Township, according to WXYZ.
But 29 percent of the respondents said they were unsure of who they would vote for in the primary. Two percent said they would vote for "other." The poll has an error margin of 4.9 percentage points, according to WXYZ.
Fieger has said he would make a decision after an HBO biopic about assisted-suicide doctor Jack Kevorkian airs Saturday night, according to WXYZ. The Oakland County attorney rose to fame as Kevorkian's lawyer in the 1990s.
In 1998, Fieger won the Democratic gubernatorial primary but lost to then-Republican Gov. John Engler in the general election.

Ashley Graham is not impressed with the way she was treated by ABC – and we don’t blame her. The big-busted model was set to appear in an ad for Lane Bryant but was axed when ABC deemed the commercial too hot for TV.

The ad was scheduled to appear during commercial breaks for the hit show Dancing with the Stars, a show known for scantily-clad women who wear next-to-nothing and shake their assets on the dance floor every week.

Need we also remind you that Dancing with the Stars is aired live, where the provocatively dressed stars are often victim to wardrobe malfunctions (much like Chelsea’s this week). Your tatas falling out of your dress on live TV seems a little hotter than a previously recorded ad with a woman wearing a well-secured bra, don’t you think?

Ashley was insulted and offended after ABC made its decision releasing this statement shortly after:

“I was very surprised. The first thing I thought of was Victoria’s Secret commercials, and how they’re just as racy, if not more racy, than Lane Bryant.”

ABC fired back with this statement of their own:

“Their statements are not true,” said ABC Vice President Julie Hoover. “We were willing to accommodate them, but they chose to seek publicity.”
While ABC never backed down on their decision, Lane Bryant and Fox struck a deal and the commercial was aired during American Idol.

Ashley Graham is not impressed with the way she was treated by ABC – and we don’t blame her. The big-busted model was set to appear in an ad for Lane Bryant but was axed when ABC deemed the commercial too hot for TV.

The ad was scheduled to appear during commercial breaks for the hit show Dancing with the Stars, a show known for scantily-clad women who wear next-to-nothing and shake their assets on the dance floor every week.

Need we also remind you that Dancing with the Stars is aired live, where the provocatively dressed stars are often victim to wardrobe malfunctions (much like Chelsea’s this week). Your tatas falling out of your dress on live TV seems a little hotter than a previously recorded ad with a woman wearing a well-secured bra, don’t you think?

Ashley was insulted and offended after ABC made its decision releasing this statement shortly after:

“I was very surprised. The first thing I thought of was Victoria’s Secret commercials, and how they’re just as racy, if not more racy, than Lane Bryant.”

ABC fired back with this statement of their own:

“Their statements are not true,” said ABC Vice President Julie Hoover. “We were willing to accommodate them, but they chose to seek publicity.”
While ABC never backed down on their decision, Lane Bryant and Fox struck a deal and the commercial was aired during American Idol.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs, hoping to shore up the NFL's next-to-worst defense, have taken Tennessee safety Eric Berry with the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft.
A three-year starter for the Volunteers, Berry is also a member of the National Honor Society who graduated with a 3.75 grade point average.
The Chiefs, 4-12 last season in the first year of the Scott Pioli/Todd Haley regime, will count on him as an instant starter for a team that was 31st overall in total defense and 22nd in pass defense.
In his college career, Berry recorded 245 tackles and intercepted 14 passes, returning them for 494 yards — just seven yards shy of the NCAA record.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs, hoping to shore up the NFL's next-to-worst defense, have taken Tennessee safety Eric Berry with the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft.
A three-year starter for the Volunteers, Berry is also a member of the National Honor Society who graduated with a 3.75 grade point average.
The Chiefs, 4-12 last season in the first year of the Scott Pioli/Todd Haley regime, will count on him as an instant starter for a team that was 31st overall in total defense and 22nd in pass defense.
In his college career, Berry recorded 245 tackles and intercepted 14 passes, returning them for 494 yards — just seven yards shy of the NCAA record.

Carlos Zambrano is about to become the most expensive set-up man in baseball.

The right-hander, who hasn't pitched in relief since 2002 and is making $17.8 million this season, is being shifted to the bullpen in what may not be a temporary move.

Zambrano, who dropped to 1-2 with a 7.45 ERA after allowing two runs in six innings against the Mets last night, will be the primary set-up man to closer Carlos Marmol, manager Lou Piniella told reporters in New York.

FANTASY WINDUP: Move kills Zambrano's value

Piniella had been facing a decision regarding his rotation with Ted Lilly due to return from the disabled list on Saturday. The other leading candidates for the bullpen, Tom Gorzelanny (1.93 ERA in two starts) and Carlos Silva (1-0, 0.69 ERA in two starts), have been impressive thus far, prompting Piniella to turn to Zambrano, 28, who has appeared in 263 games in his career, 242 as a starter.

The Cubs bullpen has been among the worst in the majors, ranking 15th in the NL with a 6.15 ERA.

"This makes all the since in the world," Piniella said. "This is an area that needs some attention. (Lilly's return) gives us an opportunity to do it."

Carlos Zambrano is about to become the most expensive set-up man in baseball.

The right-hander, who hasn't pitched in relief since 2002 and is making $17.8 million this season, is being shifted to the bullpen in what may not be a temporary move.

Zambrano, who dropped to 1-2 with a 7.45 ERA after allowing two runs in six innings against the Mets last night, will be the primary set-up man to closer Carlos Marmol, manager Lou Piniella told reporters in New York.

FANTASY WINDUP: Move kills Zambrano's value

Piniella had been facing a decision regarding his rotation with Ted Lilly due to return from the disabled list on Saturday. The other leading candidates for the bullpen, Tom Gorzelanny (1.93 ERA in two starts) and Carlos Silva (1-0, 0.69 ERA in two starts), have been impressive thus far, prompting Piniella to turn to Zambrano, 28, who has appeared in 263 games in his career, 242 as a starter.

The Cubs bullpen has been among the worst in the majors, ranking 15th in the NL with a 6.15 ERA.

"This makes all the since in the world," Piniella said. "This is an area that needs some attention. (Lilly's return) gives us an opportunity to do it."

Cameron Douglas is pulling out all the stops in his bid for a softer sentence, getting 93-year-old grandfather Kirk Douglas to write to the judge.

And the "Spartacus" legend didn't pull any punches, saying it's his dying wish to see the troubled bit actor who calls him Pappy turn his life around.

"Cameron was always a pleasant guy who cared for others. It was a surprise to me when he got in trouble," the Hollywood hot shot wrote to Manhattan Federal Judge Richard Berman.

"I am convinced that Cameron could be a fine actor and a person that cares for others. I hope I can see that happen before I die. I love Cameron."

Cameron Douglas' father, Michael Douglas; his stepmom, Catherine Zeta-Jones; his mom, Diandra Douglas, and former NBA coach Pat Riley all wrote letters on behalf of the drug-dealing deejay.

The 31-year-old, who pleaded guilty after being caught pushing crystal meth, faces a minimum of 10 years in prison unless the judge cuts him a big break.

His famous family said he should be in rehab, not lockup.

Zeta-Jones said her stepson has been an "exceptional" brother to her two children and had never been abusive to the family.

"What is wrong is wrong, but may all these positive attributes prevail, so that a facility that he is positioned in will help rehabilitate him," she said in a handwritten note to the judge.

On official Miami Heat stationery, family friend Riley told Berman that he knows the heroin addict "can become a valuable, responsible productive person in society."

"Cameron is not a criminal," he added. "His criminal behavior cannot be tolerated and should bear consequences. I ask for mercy, Judge. Can we please save this 'ONE.'"

Cameron Douglas' mother blamed herself.

"I can admit, as I already have to Cameron, that I was not as wise as I should have been when it came to raising him due to my young age," she wrote.

"I must admit that my immediate reaction when I learned of my son's crime was one of guilt."

Cameron Douglas' lawyers are asking Berman to give him just 47 months in prison, arguing he became a middleman in crystal meth deals to feed his six-times-a-day heroin habit.

They also asked that the family pleas for mercy be kept under seal. The judge released some of the letters, though not one from Michael Douglas.

"This case is a routine drug case," his lawyers wrote. "The defendant is not Lynne Stewart, Michael Milken or the Unabomber."



Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/04/06/2010-04-06_kirk_douglas_catherine_zetajones_pen_letters_in_hopes_of_helping_cameron_douglas.html#ixzz0lk0aYYQq

Cameron Douglas is pulling out all the stops in his bid for a softer sentence, getting 93-year-old grandfather Kirk Douglas to write to the judge.

And the "Spartacus" legend didn't pull any punches, saying it's his dying wish to see the troubled bit actor who calls him Pappy turn his life around.

"Cameron was always a pleasant guy who cared for others. It was a surprise to me when he got in trouble," the Hollywood hot shot wrote to Manhattan Federal Judge Richard Berman.

"I am convinced that Cameron could be a fine actor and a person that cares for others. I hope I can see that happen before I die. I love Cameron."

Cameron Douglas' father, Michael Douglas; his stepmom, Catherine Zeta-Jones; his mom, Diandra Douglas, and former NBA coach Pat Riley all wrote letters on behalf of the drug-dealing deejay.

The 31-year-old, who pleaded guilty after being caught pushing crystal meth, faces a minimum of 10 years in prison unless the judge cuts him a big break.

His famous family said he should be in rehab, not lockup.

Zeta-Jones said her stepson has been an "exceptional" brother to her two children and had never been abusive to the family.

"What is wrong is wrong, but may all these positive attributes prevail, so that a facility that he is positioned in will help rehabilitate him," she said in a handwritten note to the judge.

On official Miami Heat stationery, family friend Riley told Berman that he knows the heroin addict "can become a valuable, responsible productive person in society."

"Cameron is not a criminal," he added. "His criminal behavior cannot be tolerated and should bear consequences. I ask for mercy, Judge. Can we please save this 'ONE.'"

Cameron Douglas' mother blamed herself.

"I can admit, as I already have to Cameron, that I was not as wise as I should have been when it came to raising him due to my young age," she wrote.

"I must admit that my immediate reaction when I learned of my son's crime was one of guilt."

Cameron Douglas' lawyers are asking Berman to give him just 47 months in prison, arguing he became a middleman in crystal meth deals to feed his six-times-a-day heroin habit.

They also asked that the family pleas for mercy be kept under seal. The judge released some of the letters, though not one from Michael Douglas.

"This case is a routine drug case," his lawyers wrote. "The defendant is not Lynne Stewart, Michael Milken or the Unabomber."



Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/04/06/2010-04-06_kirk_douglas_catherine_zetajones_pen_letters_in_hopes_of_helping_cameron_douglas.html#ixzz0lk0aYYQq