Then read the official 55-page transcript of the police interview with Kobe Bryant after he was accused of rape (charges were later dropped).
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Details of Britney and Kevin's secret "wedding"
I just got my People magazine with all the latest details and photos of Brit and Kev's wedding. There are many fine, fine tidbits about this pairing, including the fact that technically (though not in their hearts!) they are not really, totally, completely married yet because they have not signed the wedding certificate. Details, details. Their LOVE is what matters.
My favorite pictures in the article include the one of all the groomsmen in sweatsuits with the words "Pimp" on the back. Kev's father and step-father had "Pimp Daddy" on the back of theirs. Class! May I point out that Kev's father has a mullet.
Brit has dyed her hair brown. She needed to brush it at the wedding. It looked grungy with too much product. Kev cried his way through the wedding. Probably because he is one lucky son-of-a-bitch.
Here is more from the article:
Britney's Big Day
Happy tears and talk of babies: Britney Spears and Kevin Federline open up about their surprise nuptials
Some 40 hours after their top secret Sept. 18 ceremony in Studio City, Calif., newlyweds Britney Spears and Kevin Federline are acting like, well, blissed-out newlyweds: Gazing into each other's eyes. Locking bare toes. Exchanging "Oh babys" and "I love yous." So it's safe to say they're feeling pretty good? "Awesome. Elated," says Spears, lounging with her new husband near the hot tub in the presidential suite of the Hotel Bel-Air. Tying the knot "couldn't have been better," says Federline. Adds Spears: "I'm just kind of happy that we pulled off the whole thing."
Are They Legally Wed?This was not the way it was supposed to happen – as anyone who received one of 100 invitations to the couple's Oct. 16 wedding can vouch. But three weeks ago, amid growing paparazzi attention and mounting stress, Spears, 22, and Federline, 26, scrapped their original plans for a lavish to-do at Santa Barbara's Bacara resort in favor of a ceremony for just 27 friends and relatives – all of whom were kept in the dark until minutes before the ceremony. (Moving up the date prevented the couple from filing their marriage license prior to the wedding.)
"I just thought it would be too much if we had done it when we were supposed to," says Spears. "It became this huge thing and I was like, 'What are we waiting for? We know this is the real thing, why not just do it now?' That's why I wanted to sneak and do it our little way."
Saturday, September 25, 2004
ANOTHER hurricane poised to hit Florida
My mom, sister Jenny and her husband Kevin in Orlando are getting MIGHTY SICK of all this. Yet my sister and her husband have an interesting theory. Here it is, from an e-mail from Jenny:
--------------------
Hello again from Hurricane Land.
May I say, to start off, it has been a lot of
hurricanes! Apparently this is historical. Whoo-hoo.
When Charley came, here was the reaction of the
majority:
"Well, maybe bad. Probably not. Lots of hype."
After Charley: "Oh My God!!!!!!It was horrible!!!!"
Before Frances: "Oh My God!!!!!! Plywood everything!"
Before Ivan : "HOLY SHIT! SONOFABITCH! That thing is
huge! It will crush us all!!!!!!!!"
During Ivan's return: "It's Back????!!!!???? Oh My
God!!!! It will kill us all!"
Now, in the hours leading up to Jeanne, this is what
we all sound like:
"Ok, whatever. 'Sigh'. Let's go bring in the patio
furniture. Good thing we have got that plywood -
which is staying up - until January."
BUT, the reason for this e-mail is not for me to
grouse. It is to share Kevin's most excellent theory.
Ok, now we all know there is something suspicious
about Disney. Yes, it is merry. But it is also
eerily protected from all storms and storm damage.
I mean, it is a fact. Sea World and Universal get
regularly whomped. Not so Disney.
This has led to many theories. One was that Michael
Eisner had God on his payroll, and God was protecting
the Land of the Supreme Mouse.
But that seemed unlikely. For, as Bono said it best
"The God I believe in isn't short of cash, Mister!"
Thus, cannot be bought or whored. Well said, Bono.
Well said indeed.
So, why the otherworldly protection of Disney???
Who else would have that kind of clout?...
Ah-ha! It would be Satan. It makes sense. Michael
Eisner sold his soul to Satan, and then put Satan on
the payroll. For a nice sum. Like buying mafia
protection for your store, but on a grander scale.
A tidy arrangement.
Now people have asked us here, many many times, "WHAT
did you Floridians do to piss off God? You have had
so many hurricanes!"
Correct. Now, here is the theory: God has grown
annoyed with the Evil Reign of theUber-Mouse and His
Dog, Chimpmunk & Duck Minions. And especially Eisner!
So, God is angry, at Disney & Eisner. And Satan.
Thus in a sort of archetypal (sp?),, Star-Wars-ish
Good vs Evil battle, God keeps attempting to smite
Disney. Tossing laser bolts and all, like the "Heat
Miser" character in "The Year Without a Santa Claus".
That is why FL is the lightning capital of the world.
God kept throwin' em and Satan kept blockin' em.
So this year God decided to up the ante. And to throw
hurricanes. Figuring one of them will destroy the
Land Of Mouse Uber Alles.
But Satan keeps blocking. So, God has to use bigger
hurricanes, and even grab ones that were totally of
course inthe ocean and toss them this way. And keep
sending Ivan back in the hopes of at least washing out
the Eisner & Satan Super Team.
But, no luck yet. So, on it goes. Unless they reach
a truce. Which may happen 'round the holidays, as God
does have to admit that Disney looks pretty with all
those Xmas decorations, and should get a reprieve...
Until next summer.
I think it is a fine theory. Explains alot, really.
So, I thought I would share it with you all.
Ok, I am now signing off. I am sure there is still
something lying around here to batten down.
Love,
Jenny
Friday, September 24, 2004
Miranda is a lesbian!
Actually, the actress who played Miranda on "Sex and the City" is having an affair with a woman. As Jerry Seinfeld would say: Not that there is anything wrong with that.....
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/235315p-202043c.html
Cynthia Nixon Cynthia Nixon is trying a different kind of sex in the city, the Daily News has learned.
For almost 10 months now, the Emmy-winning actress has been dating another woman, sources say.
Back in June of 2003, Nixon split with Danny Mozes, the father of her two children. Last January, according to friends, she began a lesbian relationship.
Right now, Nixon, 38, does not want to be as outspoken as Rosie O'Donnell, the sources say.
But Nixon did not flinch when we asked her yesterday whether she is involved with another woman.
Speaking exclusively with the Daily News, she said, "My private life is private. But at the same time, I have nothing to hide. So what I will say is that I am very happy."
Word is that Nixon's partner is not in show business.
"She's just a private citizen who would like to remain private," says a friend.
Nixon, whose portrayal of marriage-wary lawyer Miranda on the HBO hit "Sex and the City" earned her her first Emmy last Sunday, began a 15-year relationship with photographer Mozes in high school.
Nixon told one interviewer she and Mozes never wed because "marriage isn't something that appeals to me. Danny was fine with it, so it wasn't an issue."
Nixon and Mozes, who share custody of their children, are said to have remained friendly.
One pal says that, although she's committed to her new lover, "She doesn't live with her."
Nixon has managed to keep the new romance under wraps by going alone, or with her mother, to media-magnet events.
Besides her role as an education-reform activist (she sends her children to New York public schools), Nixon has been busy shooting "Tanner on Tanner," a new Sundance Channel series directed by Robert Altman.
Also, she just signed on to play Eleanor Roosevelt - rumored to have had a lesbian relationship with reporter Lorena Hickok - in the HBO movie "Warm Springs," in which Kenneth Branagh plays FDR.
Nixon's real-life romantic switcheroo runs counter to her "Sex and the City" character, Miranda Hobbes, who had a baby, married her bartender boyfriend and settled down in a Brooklyn fixer-upper.
While she had her share of flings in the series, Miranda kept things mostly heterosexual, except for one episode. In the first season, her boss mistook her for a lesbian and set her up with a woman. But after one kiss, Miranda realized she was strictly an opposite-sex type of girl.
Miranda, a serious law-firm partner, generally was the voice of reason on the show, leaving the lesbian love roles and uninhibited sexcapades to pal Samantha Jones.
In the series, it was Jones, played by Kim Cattrall, who briefly carried on a love affair with a female artist.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Naked yoga is okay in San Francisco
http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/09/22/nude.yoga.reut/
Naked yoga OK in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, California (Reuters) -- Nudists, grab your yoga mats and head for San Francisco.
City prosecutors Wednesday said it was not illegal to perform naked yoga in the city -- even at the crowded tourist destination of Fisherman's Wharf.
Prosecutors dropped charges against a limber nudist, known locally as the "Naked Yoga Guy," who made a habit of striking yoga poses in the buff in order to promote a book and his lifestyle.
The Naked Yoga Guy, whose name is George Monty Davis, had stripped to stretch nearby Fisherman's Wharf, prompting a public complaint.
But prosecutors decided they had a weak public nuisance case against him because local laws do not bar public nudity.
"Simply being naked on the street is not a crime in San Francisco," said Debbie Mesloh, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office."To bring a case, a person would have to exhibit lewd behavior, block traffic or impede pedestrians on a sidewalk, something along those lines."
In another case involving a Los Angeles teenager who dropped his pants to expose his bottom, or "moon," passing motorists from a nearby sidewalk, a California appellate court ruled nudity itself is not a crime, Mesloh said.
Davis could not immediately be reached for comment.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
My evening with Michael Moore (and 6,000 other people)
I went to see Michael Moore last night at the Tweeter Center in Camden. It was GREAT! My friend Mary Kate came with me and before she left the house, her boyfriend asked: "What is he going to do? Sing and dance?" No, he just talked. And that was more than enough. He was great. Here is the link to the article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/local/9718421.htm
And here is more from me: Moore began the evening by reading from "My Pet Goat." The whole thing! That is a very weird book. It involves a carjacking! Very odd. I could see how it riveted Bush's attention while the U.S. was being attacked by terrorists.
Moore spoke about how Democrats are a bunch of whiny babies lately and all we do is moan about how Kerry is trailing in the polls and what-if, what-if, what-if Bush wins. Moore's advice? Quit whining and spend our energy on defeating Bush. So true. He talked about how Republicans don't spend their time whining. They are up at 5 a.m. each morning, "wondering who they can oppress today." In other words, we need to shut up, keep the faith and make sure everyone who can actually VOTES.
Moore is not a big Kerry fan. In fact, he supported Nader in 2000 (I still haven't forgiven him for that). His whole mantra was: Bush and Kerry. They both suck. But Kerry sucks less. Amen.
At the end of the evening, Moore played a video of John Ashcroft singing all the verses of that Eagle song. And Moore had the lyrics onscreen - with a bouncing ball - so we could all sing along. Such fun
Monday, September 20, 2004
The Emmys
I only watched part of The Emmys, because "The Wire" was on and I was on the phone as well. Here are some quick observations: Meryl Streeep's necklace was awful. Just awful. I am annoyed that Sarah Jessica Parker won again. ENough already. Did you notice how Kim Cattrall sat across the aisle from the other three women from "Sex and the City?" What was UP with Chris Noth proposing to SJP? She looked quite floored. Was that supposed to be funny?
Since I didn't do a log, please read this one from Joal Ryan at E!Online. It rocks.
http://www.eonline.com/Features/Awards/Emmys2004/Backstage/index.html
Surprise! Britney Spears gets married. Again
I, for one, think they will be VERY happy together! I do. Oh yes. Indeedy.
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Entertainment/ap20040920_389.html
Singer Britney Spears Marries Dancer Kevin Federline in Surprise L.A. CeremonyThe Associated Press
LOS ANGELES Sept. 20, 2004 — Britney Spears, who rose to stardom singing "Oops! ... I Did It Again," has once again tied the knot, the second marriage in nine months for the multi-platinum artist.
Spears, 22, married her fiance, 26-year-old dancer Kevin Federline, in a secret weekend ceremony, her record label said Sunday. "She did marry him," Jive Records spokeswoman Sonia Muckle told The Associated Press.
Muckle declined to provide further details. On its Web site, "Entertainment Tonight" said the wedding was held Saturday evening at a private home in the Studio City area with 20 to 30 people attending.
It was the second marriage in nine months for Spears. In January, she married childhood friend Jason Alexander in a surprise wedding in Las Vegas. That marriage was annulled 55 hours later.
In just a few years, Spears has gone from posing as a schoolgirl to sing "... Baby, One More Time" and saying sex should be saved for marriage to recording "I'm a Slave 4 U," kissing Madonna during the MTV Video Music Awards and posing nearly nude for magazine covers.
Spears' latest nuptials caught several of her fellow celebrities by surprise.
"Everybody is looking for happiness and love," comedian Ellen DeGeneres said while attending the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. "She's very young. We got to give her a break."
Dennis Franz of ABC's "NYPD Blue," with his arm draped around wife Joanie, said, "All I can do is wish her the best and say, `Compromise, compromise, compromise.'"
Spears and Federline announced their engagement in June after dating since early this year.
Federline appeared in the movie "You Got Served" and performed as a backup dancer for singer Justin Timberlake, Spears' former boyfriend. He was previously involved with actress Shar Jackson of TV's "Moesha." They have two children a 2-year-old and a newborn.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Third season of "The Wire" debuts tonight
I am absolutely CRAZY about this show on HBO. In fact, I had canceled HBO and ordered it again for three months just so I can watch "The Wire."
The show is a cop drama with a pace like that of a novel. Absolutely NOTHING is resolved in thirty minutes. You have to watch the whole season to appreciate all the nuances. "The Wire" was created by David Simon, the former police reporter of the Sun in Baltimore. Anyone who has ever covered the cop beat as a reporter can appreciate this series.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
My political discussion with 12-year-old girls
So I was in line at the checkout counter at Barnes & Noble (buying the new Carl Hiassen book and Jennifer Weiner's new book). Behind me are two blonde girls, about 12 years old. This was the conversation:
TEEN #1: So George Bush is for the war on terrorism. He needs to be the next president because he will make us safer. John Kerry said he will make all the troops come home.
TEEN #2: Well, that is what he SHOULD do....
TEEN #1: (Not listening)...And John Kerry is for gay marriages...
TEEN #2: Ewwwww.....
TEEN #1: And anyway, John Kerry isn't even a Christian!! I know a lot about politics.
So I debate with myself. Do I say something? Do I set them straight? Do I just keep my mouth shut and buy my book?
Nah.
"Girls," I say. "John Kerry IS a Christian. He is Catholic."
"Oh."
"And he isn't necessarily FOR gay marriage, he just thinks each state should decide."
Blink, blink, blink.
"Well, anyway, I am glad you are discussing politics. It is good to know what is going on," I say in a chipper way. "And only a few more years till you can vote!" 
Did they listen to me? Should I have bothered? Who the heck knows. But I did.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
My imaginary boyfriend, Anderson Cooper
There is a new love in my life. A witty, urbane telecaster. His name is Anderson Cooper. Now don't be concerned that my love for my new imaginary boyfriend, Anderson, beats out the love for my continual imaginary boyfriend, George Clooney. That could NEVER happen! I will always be true to George.
However, that Anderson is pretty cool, too. Except for when he must be subjected to violent weather! His heartless bosses at CNN keep putting my precious Anderson in harm's way by making him broadcast live during hurricanes! Last night, he was tossed left. He was blown right. He got very, very wet. And he must have been cold. He SEEMED to be having fun, but how do we know that our valiant Anderson was not just putting on a brave face? I worry for him. I do.
Highlights from this week's student crime log
While some literary license is taken, all events reported are true and taken from Public Safety reports.
09/01/04
Time Unknown
Location: Football Field
Officers were dispatched to the football field for a report of theft. Upon arrival they were told by a grounds employee that during the evening someone had used bolt cutters to break the lock of the equipment shed. A chainsaw was missing. The lock was found about 10 feet from the shed and was brought back to headquarters. It was placed into an evidence bag, which was then placed into the evidence locker.
09/04/04
02:26 hours
Location: Triad
Officers met with Triad residents who called Public Safety regarding criminal mischief in their apartment. The residents stated that on the previousday as he and another roommate were leaving, they witnessed another roommate coming in with between 15 and 20 guests. "Later when they returned the apartment was severely damaged. Window screen was ripped, holes in walls, clothing removed from room and thrown about, used condom under desk, urine in water bottle, and cabinets in disarray." The police report also made ambiguous mention of something else involving shaving cream. Public Safety photographed damage and forwarded a report to housing services. This crime log reporter humbly requests that he be invited to any further events that might take place in the previously mentioned apartment.
09/07/04
22:20 hours
Location: North Halls Parking Lot
Officers witnessed two individuals destroying a bicycle in the parking lot adjacent to Chestnut Hall. When confronted, the subjects claimed that they were playing a joke on a friend of theirs who lived in nearby on campus housing. The name they had given of their friend proved to be fake when it was run through student records. The suspects were found letting air out of the bike's tires, wrapping the tire around the seat and attempting to remove the seat. Both subjects smelled of alcohol and appeared to be very intoxicated. They later admitted to destroying the bicycle and not knowing the owner. They agreed to pay restitution to the bicycles actual owner. Throughout the incident, one of the subjects continuously gave false information regarding his identification, but once taken into custody, he started cooperating. Both individuals were charged with criminal mischief.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Martha Stewart goes to the Big House. Up the River. In the Pokey
Here are my thoughts on Martha Stewart's announcement today that she will go to jail ASAP instead of waiting for her appeal: Good for her. I would want to get it over with, too, instead of having the cloud of jail over my head. However, it was a bit weird for her to mention that she needs to get out of jail by spring so that she can plant her garden. Um....
While I do think she was guilty, I do NOT think she deserved jail time. She has SO MUCH MONEY. She could put that cash to so much better use than by going to jail. The judge could have ordered her to create a trust fund for abused women. Or Martha could have paid to makeover a bunch of projects. Putting her in jail is ridiculous.
VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
An e-mail I wrote to some of my less-political female friends:
Hi ladies,
This is an e-mail to bug you all to vote in November; to nag you to register if you have not, or to urge you to get an absentee ballot if you will be to busy on Nov. 2 to vote.
I don't usually discuss politics too much with you guys. There are friends with whom I do talk politics on a daily basis. But with most of you, we mostly talk life stuff. And I don't want to be one of those annoying in-your-face political people.
But I must stress how important this election is. For real. It could be the most important election so far of our lives and this is not an exaggeration. Our future and the future of your kids could depend on who gets elected.
I support John Kerry, of course. My main reason is because George Bush is an idiot who did not win the election in 2000. Remember that I lived in Palm Beach County, voted on the butterfly ballot, and covered the story for 37 days. Bush stole the election. But more than that, he got us into a war that has already taken 1,000 lives. And it was under the false pretense of looking for weapons of mass destruction. It was a lie.
Okay, if you are a Bush supporter, you stopped reading at that last paragraph. Come back. Here is my non-partisan pitch: No matter who you support, the point is to VOTE. Here is why: Women only got the right to vote in 1920. That is less than 100 years ago! We owe it to all those women at the turn of the century who fought for this right to actually USE it.
"But I will be too busy that day." The polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can sneak in 10 minutes.
"RandomReality, my life is so hectic and busy. You are a single person. You don't know what you are talking about." True enough. So get an absentee ballot. You can request one from your local board of elections and they mail it too you. But you have to act SOON so you don't miss the deadline.
"Oh, my vote doesn't matter." HelllOOOO. Go back to the point above, about this being a really close race, just like in 2000. Your vote matters. Vote for Bush because you think he has a cute butt. Vote for Kerry because you like his wife's ketchup. I don't care.
Just vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Am off my soapbox now.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
U2 nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!!!
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Entertainment/ap20040914_1144.html
U2 Among Nominees for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, New Album Coming Out
The Associated Press
NEW YORK Sept. 14, 2004 — Though U2 is among the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Irish rock band is still going strong. "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" will be released on Nov. 23, Interscope Records announced Tuesday.
Recorded in Dublin, Ireland, and the south of France, the album is the band's first since 2000's "All That You Can't Leave Behind." Steve Lillywhite, who produced U2's first three albums, returns as one of the producers, which bolsters reports that the new disc is a return to the band's rock roots.
The first single, a track called "Vertigo," hits radio waves Sept. 24.
Whether politics will be present on "Atomic Bomb" is unclear, but lead singer Bono has for years been very involved in various causes, including AIDS in Africa.
In July, an unfinished copy of the CD disappeared while band members were posing for the album cover in a studio outside Nice, France.
U2 was nominated for induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday, along with Buddy Guy, Randy Newman and others. Musicians, industry professionals and journalists vote, and results of the 20th annual election will likely be announced in December.
Artists are eligible to be inducted into the Rock Hall after at least 25 years have passedsince their first record was released.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Oprah gives cars to everyone in audience!!!
1) Why wasn't I at this show?????????????????????????
2) Dang, girl, you sure have a lot of money if you can afford that!
http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/13/people.oprahs.surprise.ap/index.html
A brand new car -- for everybody! Host gives cars to everyone in audience Monday, September 13, 2004 Posted: 2:19 PM EDT (1819 GMT)
CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- Oprah Winfrey celebrated the premiere of her 19th season by surprising each of her 276 audience members with a new car.
"We're calling this our wildest dream season, because this year on the Oprah show, no dream is too wild, no surprise too impossible to pull off," Winfrey said on the show that aired Monday.
Winfrey said the audience members were chosen because their friends or family had written about their need for a new car. One woman's young son said she drove a car that "looks like she got into a gunfight"; another couple had almost 400,000 miles on their two vehicles.
Making sure theaudience was kept in suspense, Winfrey opened the show by calling 11 people onto the stage. She gave each of them a car -- a Pontiac G6.
She then had gift boxes distributed to the rest of the audience and said one of the boxes contained keys to a 12th car. But when everyone opened the boxes, each had a set of keys.
"Everybody gets a car! Everybody gets a car! Everybody gets a car!" Winfrey yelled as she jumped up and down on the stage.
The audience screamed, cried and hugged each other -- then followed Winfrey out to the parking lot of her Harpo Studios to see their Pontiacs, all decorated with giant red bows.
The cars, which retail for $28,000, were donated by Pontiac.
"A little idea grew into a big idea," Mary Henige of Pontiac told The Associated Press.
She added that Pontiac will pay for the taxes and the customizing of the cars.
Is anyone else bothered by this?????
The North Koreans set off a massive explosion but say, "Oh NOOOOO. That wasn't a nuclear bomb. It was something else!"
I am not comforted.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/09/13/nkorea.blast/index.html
Go Batman!!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/09/13/britain.palace/index.html
'Batman' protest at queen's palace
Monday, September 13, 2004 Posted: 2:23 PM EDT (1823 GMT)
LONDON, England (CNN) -- London's police chief has demanded an urgent inquiry after a fathers rights campaigner dressed as Batman evaded supposedly tight security to stage a protest on a Buckingham Palace balcony.
Officers, facing their second security breach in four months after the group pelted Prime Minister Tony Blair with flour-filled condoms, took five hours to finally bring the protester down from Queen Elizabeth's London residence.
Police said no members of the royal family were in the palace but admitted the man -- identified by campaigners as Jason Hatch, a 32-year-old father of two -- should not have been able to scale the perimeter fence with a ladder and climb onto the high-profile balcony.
Scotland Yard issued a statement saying London police chief Sir John Stevens had demanded a report on the incident by Tuesday morning.
Stevens said "the intruder was readily identified as performing a publicity stunt but if he had been carrying a gun or a bomb he would probably have been shot," the statement added.
"He said that the CCTV (close-circuit television monitoring) and the alarms worked and the police response was speedy but nevertheless it was unacceptable that the wall had been scaled and he would ensure that whatever was necessary would be done in relation to improved security."
Former Buckingham Palace spokesman Dickie Arbiter said officials would be seriously embarrassed by Monday's incident.
He told Sky News: "They will be very seriously embarrassed by what has happened, and they will be looking at ways now to really tighten up on possibly even public access, and make it even harder to get in.
"But they've made it hard already, so how much harder they can make it in the light of this I don't really know."
The campaign group Fathers 4 Justice said Hatch, from Cheltenham, in western England, scaled the palace's outer fence helped by a would-be accomplice, Dave Pyke, dressed as comic hero Batman's sidekick Robin.
Meanwhile, other protesters distracted the attention of armed police by climbing on the front gate.
The group said police had threatened to shoot Pyke unless he got down from the fence, "which we think is unacceptable because this is a peaceful, non-violent protest." Police declined to comment on the incident.
Hatch, wearing grey tights, black pants and cape, the superhero's bat symbol and a mask with pointed ears, then climbed up on the palace balcony -- which is used by the royals for ceremonial occasions.
Standing on a ledge to the right hand side of the balcony, about 8 meters (25 feet) above the ground, he unfurled a banner that read: "Super dads of fathers 4 justice."
Also on the banner were the words: "Fighting for your right to your kids."
After spending five hours trying to persuade the protester to come down, police on a cherry picker finally removed him at 7.20 p.m.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Last night, on my digital cable..
...I flipped between "St. Elmo's Fire" and "Waiting for Guffman." Heh.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Digital Cable
Just got digital cable. Can only afford it for the three-month trial period. During that time, I don't think I shall ever leave my apartment.
Goodbye, all. Must obsessively watch the VH1 channel with all the '80s videos on it.
Thursday, September 9, 2004
This is a LOVELY story. Have highlighted key points
Man sentenced to 6 months for swinging alligator at girlfriend
The Associated Press
September 9, 2004, 10:10 AM EDT
DAYTONA BEACH -- A man who swung an alligator at his girlfriend during an argument was sentenced to six months in jail.
David Havenner, 41, of Port Orange, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and possession of an alligator, said Linda Pruitt, spokeswoman for the State Attorney's Office. He changed his earlier plea of not guilty, she said Wednesday.
He was sentenced to six month in jail with 48 days credit for time served during the Sept. 1 hearing, according to court records.
Sheriff's officials said Havenner was keeping the 3-foot gator in his bathtub and swung it at his girlfriend, Nancy Monico, 39, during an argument on July 16.
Monico told investigators that Havenner beat her with his fists, then grabbed the gator and swung it at her as she tried to escape. The gator struck Monico at least once, after which time Havenner threw empty beer bottles at her and then kicked her out of their mobile home, she told investigators.
Havenner told investigators that Monico bit his hand because she was upset that they had run out of alcohol.
The alligator was later released into the St. Johns River, wildlife commission officials said.
"The Apprentice"
I will be watching the new season of "The Apprentice" tonight although I do not know if I can commit to it. Will have to see if the novelty has worn off or if the concept still interests me.
Highlights from this week's student crime log
http://www.thewhitonline.com/news/2004/09/09/News/Crime.Log-714285.shtml
August 13, 2004
Time Unknown
Evergreen Hall
An alarm company representative reported that, while inspecting smoke/heat detectors, he came across one with long black hairs protruding from the cover. Further inspection showed the smoke/heat detector hadbeen disassembled, filled with long black hairs, and then reassembled. Damages and replacement materials were estimated at $150.
August 23, 2004
1:42 p.m.
Wilson Hall area
An officer observed a male subject running through lot A-1. The subject appeared to be in possession of a wooden samurai-type sword in a wooden sheath. The officer approached the subject and attempted to get his attention but was unable. The subject was wearing headphones attached to a portable compact disc player. The volume was extremely loud, so verbal attempts to contact the subject were ineffective. The officer was eventually able to get the subject's attention. The subject was approached from behind and directed to place his sword on the ground prior to the officer exiting his sword-proof vehicle.
The subject was found to be in possession of a wooden samurai sword with silver tape around the hilt. The subject was cooperative and explained to the officer that the sword was for practice and that he always carries it with him when he jogs. The subject was advised that it was not appropriate to carry a sword on university property and advised not to come back with it
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
George Clooney. Why I love him. Today
It has been a long time since I mused about my love, George Clooney. Too long! I love him, as most of you know. Not in a weird-stalker way. Not in a break-into-his-house and wear his underpants way. Not in a steal-his-car way.
No, no. Just in a lustful way. Although I would settle for a cup of coffee. Or a hug.
Sigh.
"Ocean's Twelve" comes out in December!!! Yea!!!!
And here is a lovely website in case you are ever searching for the perfect gift for moi. The thong is especially classy. Not! But I would accept anything else!
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/browse/Ntt-Clooney_pp-2_N-20737644_Ntk-All_nr-1_Nao-1
Premiere of "Real World Philadelphia"
http://www.mtv.com/onair/dyn/realworld-season15/series.jhtml
Did any of you catch the season premiere of MTV's "The Real World Philadelphia?" The city of Philadelphia looked GORGEOUS! I want to live there. Oh wait! I do! Just not in a faboo apartment with a hot tub.
Note to self: Move to faboo apartment. Add hot tub.
No, that wouldn't work. I don't like hot tubs. That just spells hot germs to me.
Monday, September 6, 2004
"Mommy, why is the fruit smiling?
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1086492.html
Not sure if this is real or a joke, but it is rather, um, interesting.
My family is okay!
Yea! Everyone survived the storm. They lost power for about two days but it is back on.
Sunday, September 5, 2004
Mom's roof is flying off, piece by piece
Mom left me a message about noon today. Her voice sounded very tense. The storm is really bad over Orlando right now. All the people and kitties in the house are okay, she said. But the roof - already damaged in Hurricane Charley three weeks ago - is flying apart. Piece by piece. There are a lot of leaks in the house. Oy.
And this is from a weblog on the Orlando Sentinel's website www.orlandosentinel.com
It is about Seminole County, where Mom lives:
10:03 a.m.
It's said there is no such thing as a dumb question. The folks answering the Seminole County's citizen hotline might disagree. After a busy night of fielding inquiries, they compiled their David Letterman-style Top 10 list:
-- Gary Taylor
Thursday, September 2, 2004
Dispatches from the hurricane zone, before it hits
Please keep a good thought for Mom, Jenny, Kevin, the cats and all my friends in Florida as Hurricane Frances approaches. Here are some excerpts of e-mails I've gotten from friends today as they wait for the storm to arrive:
From Jon and Kathy in Boynton Beach:
I've never been a big fan of the group e-mail, but for expediency's sake I'm
afraid I have to fire off one so no one needlessly wonders where Kathy and I
are during the hurricane.
Current projections have Hurricane Frances hitting land 30-60 miles north of
where Kathy and I live- Boynton Beach. If Frances retains its current size
and force, our apartment will be hit with massive winds, possibly hurricane
force. Our apartment building is made of concrete and flooding should not be
a factor because we are on the third floor. We are moving our valuable stuff
to Kathy's dad's house south of us, where the winds are not expected to be
as severe. Kathy and I also bought our supplies this past weekend for the
hurricane, well ahead of the stampeding hordes.
Regardless of where the hurricane strikes, Kathy and I will not be in our
apartment. We will be hunkered down in a makeshift newsroom in the
Sentinel's Deerfield Beach office where the printing presses are kept. It
appears we may be spending Friday night there. This office building was
designed to withstand such weather. It appears that the Sun-Sentinel main
office in Fort Lauderdale could be shut down as early as tonight because the
property owners won't allow us into the building.
This is some seriously scary stuff. All the gas stations around our house
are out of gas. Batteries and bottled water are impossible to find. There's
a real air of dreaded, hopeless anticipation. But Kathy and I are prepared
as much as we can be and we will be in the safest place possible.
From Antigone in Lantana (and her cats, Nat and Blondine):
Nat went nuts this am. when loaded into carrier, so Blondine figgered she should too. Mother is half calm half a wreck. I am a total wreck. Got two minutes of sleep last night.
Oy.
xo
Tig
From Meghan in West Palm Beach:
I am making last minute preparations for the hurricane, so sorry I
didnt get back to you and sorry for the mass email.
I am not coming to Philly, obviously, because the airport is closed.
So thanks to everyone who offered to pick me up at the airport/let me
stay with them on Friday. Southwest gave me a refund so that was nice.
I am staying in my apartment tonight. Right now they're saying the
wind will start tomorrow morning and the storm will hit late
Friday/Saturday. Tomorrow I am leaving by noon and heading for a shelter
for my own safety and to file stories for the paper. This is all very
tentative but I will probably be heading to the Boynton Beach High
School shelter.
If this thing hits us, like they're saying it will, please try not to
tie up the phone lines... I'll call when I can. We'll probably have no
power and I'll be trying to conserve battery power on my cell.
Honestly your best source of info might be the Palm Beach Post Web
site, even thought I do knock it more than it deserves: www.pbpost.com.
OK, this is probably all for nothing but it's better to be
overprepared than not at all, right? I'll keep you updated. Tomorrow
I'll probably send out an email saying don't worry, the hurricane is
gone.
Wednesday, September 1, 2004
ANOTHER Hurricane
Well, it looks like Florida will get hit AGAIN. The storm is supposed to hit the east coast of Florida sometime late Friday or early Saturday. It may pass over Orlando and my Mom's house AGAIN. My sister says they have supplies and water, etc., but I don't know if the roof can take it! And what about all the other people in Florida who are still homeless from Hurricane Charley? Oy.
My friends at the Palm Beach Post are on DefCon4. People are stocking up supplies and reporters are heading out to spots all over the east coast of Florida to try and ride out the storm. My friend Antigone lives in a mobile home and she and her cats have been ordered to evacuate by tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Jill and her friend were supposed to travel to Boca Raton on Thursday, but thankfully, they have cancelled their trip. Jill was in Florida on vacation when the state was on fire in 1998 and she does not need to be there for a hurricane.
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