What is it about islands that makes them so intriguing? Whether it’s a tropical speck in the midst of a vast ocean, or a tree-shrouded hummock in the river of a great city, it’s still somehow set apart, unique, proud, lonely, even mysterious. The waters around it ineffably define it, in a way that no […]
There is no NSA “backdoor”
Microsoft: There is no NSA “backdoor” in Windows 7 Microsoft assured users over the weekend that rumors of a secret “backdoor” in Windows 7 which would grant federal authorities access to Windows computers without their users’ permission were completely false. Reacting to the concerns raised by privacy advocates after it was revealed that the NSA […]
American Idol Season 9 finale is a Bowersox lovefest
The final competition of this season’s “American Idol” was a lovefest, with Crystal Bowersox getting a big share of the affection Tuesday. Bowersox sparkled in each of her three song performances, while competitor Lee DeWyze drew praise from the show’s judges for his spirit and voice but fell short, they signaled, of living up to […]
10 Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid
It was supposed to be a momentous occasion for Brian, who was about to close on his first home. But after signing a thick stack of documents–and taking part in the ceremonious passing of the keys–something felt off for the then 26-year-old Montgomery County, Md., resident. There wasn’t even a chilled bottle of bubbly or […]
Biography reveals Queen Mum’s private letters
LONDON – She was known for much of her life as the queen mother. And according to her official biography, she detested it. “Horrible name,” she wrote in a 1953 letter to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, died in 2002 at the advanced age of 101. The official account of […]
Bank of America loses $2.24B as loan losses rise
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Bank of America Corp. said Friday it lost more than $2 billion in the third quarter as loan losses kept rising, providing further evidence that consumers are still struggling to pay their bills. The nation’s second-largest bank, which lost $2.24 billion after accounting for preferred dividends, said its losses for failed loans […]
The Best Dressed Celebrity Brides of All Time
It’s been a big summer for wedded bliss: In the last few months, everyone from Penelope Cruz to Carrie Underwood to Emily Blunt has tied the knot. And, try as Chelsea Clinton might to keep the particulars under wraps, details of her upcoming nuptials have been slowly but surely leaking out. We’re eagerly awaiting pictures […]
Phil Leotardo
“Next time there won’t be a next time.” A longtime captain in the Lupertazzi family, Phil Leotardo was one of several wiseguys who were sent to prison in the “Mafia crackdown” of the 1980’s. Phil was always very good at his job; he has an alleged twenty-seven hits to his credit and can literally scare […]