kevin grubb

kevin grubb

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia police are investigating after former NASCAR driver Kevin Grubb was found dead in a Richmond-area motel room.

Henrico County Police spokesman Lt. Doug Perry said Thursday that personnel at the Alpine Motel discovered the Mechanicsville native in his room Wednesday.

Investigators did not speculate on the cause of death, but officials said there doesn't appear to be anything unusual or suspicious at the scene.

The 31-year-old was suspended from NASCAR indefinitely in 2006 because he refused to submit to a random drug test following the Busch Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

Grubb was previously suspended in March 2004 for failing a drug test. But he agreed to random testing as part of his reinstatement. Grubb's career began with NASCAR's lower-tier series in 1997.

duke nukem forever

duke nukem forever

Is Duke Nukem Forever developer 3D Realms finally shuttering? Seems like it. Game On just received a somewhat cryptic form-email from development studios Deep Silver and Apogee Entertainment (a legal alias for 3D Realms) stating, simply, that "Deep Silver and Apogee Software are not affected by the situation at 3D Realms" and that "Development on the Duke Nukem Trilogy is continuing as planned." No further details were offered, or reference made to what the "situation at 3D Realms" actually is.

Judging from the anonymous scuttlebutt ping-ponging around the blogosphere, the "situation" is apparently that development studio 3D Realms — founded in 1987 and the guys responsible for the irreverent Duke Nukem series — is shutting down. It seems an anonymous source pinged Kotaku and Shacknews to deliver the not-really-bombshell news that the studio is closing due to funding issues, and that employees at 3D Realms as well as Apogee have already seen pink slips.

prejean photo

prejean photo

Carrie Prejean says steamy photographs of her "have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith."

Prejean — the 21-year-old Miss USA runner-up whose remarks on same-sex marriage garnered harsh critism — said in a statement today that the images that ended up on the internet on Monday were "mean-spirited attacks."

I am a Christian, and I am a model. Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith. I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be. But these attacks on me and others who speak in defense of traditional marriage are intolerant and offensive. While we may not agree on every issue, we should show respect for others’ opinions and not try to silence them through vicious and mean-spirited attacks.

clayton homes

clayton homes

Clayton Homes, the largest manufacturer of modular homes in the U.S., officially introduced its i-house this past weekend at Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting. Popular Mechanics says the i-house "looks like a house you'd order from IKEA, sounds like something designed by Apple and consists of amenities--solar panels, tankless water heaters and rainwater collectors--that one would expect to come from an offbeat green company out of California selling to a high-end market." But the much-anticipated house, which Clayton claims is at least 30% more energy-efficient than traditional homes, is perhaps the most affordable option for a low-carbon lifestyle, with monthly energy costs of under $70.

The house comes in two packages: the $74,900, 723-square-foot i-house I, and the $93,300, 1,023-square-foot i-house II. Both homes can be configured in at least seven different ways and come with a number of standard features, including galvanized metal roofing, corrugated steel siding, a butterfly roof with rainwater collection, and non-VOC paints. Customers can also tack on solar panels, tankless water heaters, and low-flow faucets for a price.

renegade lyrics

renegade lyrics

BREAKING NEWS! LITERALLY! According to “American Idol” blogs TopIdol and MJsBigBlog, there was an insane amount of drama during tonight’s “Idol” dress rehearsal! Exploding sets, falling stage managers! Yowzas! More news to come… We now return you to your regularly scheduled “American Idol” live-blog…
…and then the Pope says, “Poke her? I don’t even know her!” HAHAHA. That was a funny joke.
Before tonight’s Rock-themed “American Idol” live-blog, I want to say three words: I’m proud of you, America!
Yes, even though Simon through my favorite contestant, Allison, under the bus on last week’s Rat Pack show (and even though I wrote a whole blog predicting her Results Show Demise) you guys rallied around the most underrated contestant of the season and pushed her through to tonight’s Rock-themed “Idol.”

dream on

dream on

New information out just now explaining why Caroline Kennedy isn't Sen. Caroline Kennedy today.
Ticket readers will recall that back in January when Hillary Clinton's New York Senate seat became vacant with her becoming secretary of State, the daughter of assassinated president John F. Kennedy expressed an interest in receiving the seat appointment from the state's governor David Paterson.
This would have continued an historic family position in the Senate. Caroline's father held the seat from Massachusetts, as does her fatally-ailing uncle, Edward, now. Another uncle, Robert, once held the New York Senate seat after serving as his brother's attorney general.

adam lambert led zeppelin

adam lambert led zeppelin

Song-by-song thoughts on tonight's "American Idol" -- and on the idiotic, but not unentertaining, decision to have the contestants perform duets -- coming right up...

Once again, I have to rail against the bumbling on this show. Once upon a time, they were able to squeeze ten songs into an hour. Ten. Now they freak out if the number goes over seven, in part because four judges is too many, in part because all the judges talk too long, in part because there's too much window-dressing (I like Slash, but he's unnecessary), but mainly because the show has just become so fat and lazy and arrogant that they couldn't find a way to make it work. So rather than letting each contestant sing two solo songs, we got one solo apiece, followed by two duets.

teacher appreciation week 2009

teacher appreciation week 2009

Have you heard of Teacher Appreciation Week? This event is becoming better known every year and is celebrated in countries all around the world. Teacher Appreciation Week is in May and it is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our teachers.

Teachers never know how their students feel unless they are told. Teachers deserve to know if students have enjoyed their work and that they have been appreciated throughout the year. Students may not tell their teacher because it may be considered as “un-cool” but if you want to show your gratitude, now is the time to tell them. The Teacher Appreciation Week 2009 is very good opportunity to show your appreciation and good manners to your teachers.

the terminators 2009

the terminators 2009

Hoping to doom a new generation of fans to loneliness, J.J. Abrams takes on "Star Trek." For those who don't remember J.J. Abrams' contributions to the cinema, one need only take a camera outside, turn it on and shake it frantically for about an hour. Congratulations, that's a successful recreation of "Cloverfield." There are only two real reasons to see this movie. One, a trekkie/trekker needs to be reminded they're not alone in their obsession. Two, Simon Pegg is playing Scotty, and the once-zombie-stomping Simon Pegg playing Scotty is just too good to pass up. Shame on the people who are scratching their heads and asking who Simon Pegg is. Go watch "Shaun of the Dead" before you finish this article.

"Terminator Salvation"

tmj4 school closings

tmj4 school closings

MILWAUKEE - In order to prevent the spread of swine flu, officials at St. Anthony School suggested parents pick up their children Thursday. The school, located on the city's south-side, will be closed Friday.

Assistant Principal Holly Cerveny told Today's TMJ4 HD the decision is precautionary. There are no known illnesses at the school, Cerveny said.

Due to the proximity of the St. Anthony campuses to four MPS schools already closed, the school decided to allow parents to pick up their children Thursday. By mid-morning, Cerveny said many students were already back home.

pamela bach

pamela bach

It’s no secret that he has struggled with alcoholism for quite some time, and over the weekend David Hasselhoff was rushed to the hospital after his daughter found him unconscious.

Sixteen-year-old Hayley Hasselhoff discovered the “Baywatch” hunk knocked out on the floor of his Encino, California home and immediately called her mother/Hasselhoff’s estranged ex-wife Pamela Bach to drive him to Cedars-Sinai medical center.

buster douglas

buster douglas

"Tyson" is not a conventional film biography. There is no variety of viewpoints, no back and forth about episodes in his life, and, except for interview footage from the past, no other voices heard.What you get is Mike Tyson, former heavyweight champion, former substance abuser, former prison inmate, talking with that unexpected slight lisp. You may not be happy with everything said, but you will not be bored."Tyson" starts with clips from the 1986 victory over Trevor Berbick that made him, at just 20, the youngest heavyweight champion ever. Actually, the word "victory" doesn't begin to do justice to Tyson's savagery in the ring. He takes Berbick apart with a ferocity that is almost terrifying, a ferocity that led to knockout victories in his first 19 bouts.

Tyson's career had no shortage of drama either. He lost the championship in 1990 to a 42-1 shot named James "Buster" Douglas, and his uncontrollable fury at what he considered to be head-butting by Evander Holyfield in 1997 led to an episode of ear-biting that ended his chances for another championship. "I have the mind of an extremist," Tyson says at one point, "I don't know how to live in the middle," and this unsettling documentary proves that without a doubt.

arsenio hall

arsenio hall

Patricia Murphy: The numbers tell the story. Pat Toomey ran against Specter in 2004 and lost by two points. Toomey held 21% advantage among Republicans over Specter last week. If Specter wanted to be a senator in 2011, he wasn't going to do it as a Republican.Alex Wagner: If you're a Democrat in Washington right now, you did one of three things this afternoon:
1) F****d off work and took yourself out for a 2-year Happy Hour.
2) Shut the door to your office and did a silent Arsenio Hall-era dog whoop (arm churn included), then f****d off work and took yourself out for a 2-year Happy Hour.
3) Called that one Republican friend you have left, expressed your *sympathy* for their loss, shut the door to your office and did a silent Arsenio Hall-era dog whoop (arm churn included), then f*****d off work and took yourself out for a 2-year Happy Hour.

joshua p warren

joshua p warren

Joshua Tree, U2 tribute concert. Friday at 8 p.m. $30 to $38. They Might Be Giants, rock. May 9 at 8 p.m. $25 to $35. “Westchester Symphonic Winds,” classical. Conducted by Curt Ebersole. May 16 at 8 p.m. $13 and $18. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main Street. (877) 840-0457; tarrytownmusichall.org.

may day

may day

Tens of thousands are expected to protest for reform, such as legalization, though policy differences push groups to separate their events into seven marches. Four will be held in downtown L.A.

Buoyed by perceptions of a bright political climate for immigration reform, thousands of activists plan to rally today in Los Angeles and nationally for migrant and labor rights.

But even as President Obama, a Democratic Congress and many immigrant activists agree on the major outlines of a reform package, some Southern California activists say differences among them have shattered previous unity and resulted in plans to field separate marches.

rockville high school

rockville high school

Rockville High School is closed "until further notice," officials said last night, because authorities have reported a probable case of swine flu involving a student.

Although it is the first school in the Washington area shut down because of the potential pandemic, hundreds of other U.S. schools -- mostly in Texas -- have closed their doors in an effort to stop the spread of the virus, which is believed to have originated in Mexico.

Montgomery County school officials planned to alert parents of the closure through phone calls this morning.

cha cha guide

cha cha guide

It was a bittersweet night for Dancing with the Stars' Julianne Hough and her boyfriend/partner Chuck Wicks after the pair got booted for their cha cha cha. TV Guide Network caught up with the couple right after they got the bad news to ask them how the experience changed their relationship. The two country singers also revealed what's next in their respective music careers and Wicks' plan for his ballroom shoes.

may day

may day

Historic Rock Hill will host a May Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the lawn of the White Home in downtown Rock Hill. Old-fashioned activities such as May pole dancing, croquet, a cakewalk, horse races and face painting are planned.

Azalea cuttings from the White Home gardens, Billy White books and brass Chirstmas ornaments will be sold. Hot dogs, chips, beverages and desserts will be served. The $5 entry fee includes lunch and activity tickets.

Historic Rock Hill purchased the 169-year-old White Home in January 2005 and has been raising money to restore the historic local residence. In 1837, newlyweds George and Ann White bought 180 acres with a hunting cabin from Alexander Templeton Black, and much of that land is where downtown Rock Hill is located today.

kelly mcgillis

kelly mcgillis

Hear that? It's the sound of a million middle-aged hearts breaking. 'Top Gun' star Kelly McGillis - otherwise known as the boyhood crush of anyone with a beating heart in 1986 - has confirmed longstanding rumors that she is a lesbian.

RadarOnline reports that McGillis said, "I'm done with the man thing. I did that, I need to move on in life. That's another part of being true to yourself... that's been a challenge for me personally."

"I think [accepting being homosexual] that was an ongoing process from the time I was about 12," she added. "I had a lot of things happened that convinced me that God was punishing me for being gay. That was a hard process."

swine flu april 30

swine flu april 30

April 30 (Bloomberg) -- A swine-flu patient in Spain who hadn’t traveled to Mexico may signal a new front of the outbreak, potentially heralding the first influenza pandemic in 41 years.

The World Health Organization raised its six-tier alert to 5, the second-highest, and said a pandemic declaration may come soon. It urged countries to make final preparations to deal with a virus that may sweep across the globe.

elizabeth edwards

elizabeth edwards

Elizabeth Edwards writes in a new memoir that news of her husband's affair made her vomit in a bathroom.

In the book scheduled to be published May 12, Edwards says her husband, John, admitted to the betrayal just days after declaring his run for president in 2006. She says she wanted him to drop out of the race to protect the family from media scrutiny, but stood by his side anyway.

John Edwards went public with the affair in August after the National Enquirer reported he was the father of videographer Rielle Hunter's daughter.

Elizabeth Edwards never identifies Hunter by name. But she says that while her life may be tragic, Hunter's is "pathetic."

69 reade street

69 reade street

The New York City Fire Department says a building at a construction site in lower Manhattan has collapsed.

Fire officials say the structure appeared to have been vacant. The address is listed as 69 Reade Street.

Les pompiers de New York ont annoncé tôt jeudi matin l'effondrement d'un immeuble du sud de la presqu'île de Manhattan, non loin du district financier

On ignore encore si l'immeuble situé au 69 Reade Street était occupé au moment de son effondrement.

fslr

fslr

First Solar Inc.'s (FSLR) first-quarter net income more than tripled as the solar-power-module maker reported surging revenue and margins.

Following the strong results, which easily beat analysts' estimates, shares were up 6.3% to $161.16 in after-hours trading.

Many solar companies have been cutting production and lowering their outlooks recently amid lower demand. But First Solar has continued to post strong results on the strength of its thin-film solar panels, which are less efficient than silicon-based panels but also less expensive. In February, it detailed plans to provide financing as customers find it difficult to raise capital amid the credit crunch.

zodiac killer

zodiac killer

SAN FRANCISCO — In the pantheon of unsolved mysteries, few can top the Zodiac, the shadowy killer blamed for five Bay Area murders in the late 1960s and untold numbers of stranger-than-fiction theories ever since.

Add to that roster the tale told Wednesday by Deborah Perez, who announced to a skeptical crowd of reporters and Zodiac aficionados here not only that the killer was her adoptive and long-dead father, Guy Ward Hendrickson, but that she had been present at at least one killing and had even scribbled some of the taunting notes the Zodiac sent to the press and the police.

“I was a child and just thought I was helping my dad,” said Ms. Perez, a 47-year-old real-estate agent from Southern California. “I didn’t know.”

robin wright penn

robin wright penn

Sean Penn has filed for legal separation from his wife of 13 years, Robin Wright Penn, according to Fox News. The duo appeared together at the Oscars in February, but the actor did not thank his wife in his acceptance speech for the Best Actor Oscar he received for Milk. The couple has two children together, daughter Dylan Frances, 18, and son Hopper Jack, 15. They previously filed for divorce in 2007 but then requested that the request be denied in April of last year.

sqnm

sqnm

Several firms commenting on Sequenom (NASDAQ:SQNM) after the co announced it has delayed the launch of its Down syndrome (T21) test due to “employee mishandling” of R&D study data in both the RNA & DNA arms. As such, the company is no longer relying on previously reported results as “the clinical performance appears questionable”. SQNM is also reviewing data from its other Dx tests, and a special independent committee is investigating.

- Stephens is downgrading SQNM to Equal Weight from Overweight while lowering their tgt to $6 from $30. Clearly SQNM has taken a substantial credibility hit here and will likely lose a significant portion of its market capitalization today. Furthermore, they believe a delay in the launch of the prenatal diagnostics franchise exacerbates potential liquidity risk. Firm believes the best way to currently value the business is to look at a sum of the net parts. Given current uncertainty surrounding SQNM's diagnostic franchise, they recommend investors move to the sidelines until we receive externally validated data.

andrew speaker

andrew speaker

An Atlanta lawyer whose tuberculosis case caused an international health scare has sued the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for invasion of privacy.

Andrew Speaker, 33, filed suit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Atlanta. He seeks unspecified damages and attorneys’ fees.

“They had no right to stand up and talk about my private medical information,” Speaker said Wednesday. “It gave them an opportunity to create a big story they could use to get funding.”

CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said the agency does not discuss pending litigation.

selena roberts

selena roberts

Although the slugger insists he dabbled in steroids only while with the Texas Rangers, the book “A-Rod” strongly suggests he didn’t give up performance enhancers when he came to New York.

Sports Illustrated writer Selena Roberts, who broke the story that A-Rod flunked a steroid screening in 2003, reveals fellow Bombers nicknamed the third baseman “B—h T–s” in 2005. That was after he put on 15pounds in the off-season and seemed to develop round pectorals, a condition called gynecomastia that can be caused by anabolic steroids, she writes.

building collapse nyc

building collapse nyc

A vacant five-story building collapsed in Lower Manhattan Thursday morning, flattening a car and showering debris in every direction.

Emergency crews - some using dogs - sifted through the rubble at Reade St. after the 6 a.m. accident. Officials haven't reported any injuries.

"It was like 37 train cars coming right by your head," said Nick Palmacci, 24, who lives nearby and was awakened by the booming collapse between Broadway and Church St.

rielle hunter

rielle hunter

Darien, CT – As one of the country’s most beloved political figures, Elizabeth Edwards has experienced difficulties that have unfolded in front of millions of people. From the unexpected death of her 16-year-old son to her ongoing battle with cancer, Edwards showed Americans that the best way to handle adversity is with dignity and strength.

Mrs. Edwards will donate her time to share her experiences during a keynote address at the Center for HOPE’s Annual Luncheon, which will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20 at Woodway Country Club in Darien. In addition to discussing how her own personal struggles impacted her life and that of her family, Mrs. Edwards will reference inspirational passages from her new book, Resilience.

grade gov

grade gov

President Barack Obama marked his 100th day in office Wednesday with a primetime news conference in which he told the American people he was pleased but not satisfied with the progress of the nation's economy, and twice advised citizens to wash their hands and cover their mouths when they cough to prevent the spread of pandemic flu.

"I think we're off to a good start, but it's just a start," Obama said of his three-month-old administration. "I'm proud of what we've achieved, but I'm not content. I'm pleased with our progress, but I'm not satisfied."

gradegov.com

gradegov.com

After 26 years spent working for the Senate, Elizabeth Letchworth knows a thing or two about Congress — including how much of a bubble it can be.

Now off Capitol Hill, Letchworth is poised to launch a new website next week that aims to keep members in touch with the rest of the country. Gradegov.com will allow users to give individual members a letter grade, A through F. The site will display each lawmaker’s average, as well as breakdowns by political party and by grades sent by voters who actually live in a member’s district.