Friday, May 28, 2010

"Diff'rent Strokes" Actor Gary Coleman Dies

Gary Coleman, the 'pint sized' child star of the 1970's sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes", has died.

Coleman who had suffered a brain hemorrhage, died at 12:05 PM MDT today at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, after being removed from life support with family and friends by his side. 

Coleman, who's life and later career on the D-list, was marred by medical and legal problems, including kidney disease (he had two kidney transplants in 1973 and 1974) which stunted his growth and a prolonged estrangement from his parents, played the wise-cracking Arnold Jackson on the '70's hit comedy, alongside child actors Todd Bridges and the late Dana Plato.  He was an immediate break-out star of the series and best known for his catch phrase "What'choo talkin' 'bout?"

After the show ended his stardom faded quickly and his adult life was filled with a lot of ups and downs.  In 1989 at the age of 21, his mother filed a court request trying to gain control of his $6 million fortune.  In 2003 he ran for Governor of California in the recall election that ousted Gray Davis, finishing in eighth place with over 12,000 votes.  He continued to get TV guest shots, small roles and celebrity endorsements but never regained the star status of his childhood.

In 2005 Coleman moved to Utah where he continued to have run-ins with the law, many involving disputes with his wife.  In 2008 he pleaded no contest to a disorderly conduct charge involving an incident with a fan at a bowling alley.

Gary Coleman, who had been hospitalized twice this year after suffering seizures, was born on Feb. 8th, 1968 in Zion, Ill.  He was 42 years old.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Facebook Password Scam

Beware of the latest Facebook password scam!

McAffee, in a blog post is warning Facebook users of a new password scam. This is a potentially serious security threat which could allow hackers access to personal information on your computer including identity and banking information.

Facebook users are receiving an email telling them that their password has been reset and they need to click on an attachment to retrieve it. Once the attachment is opened it infects the users computer with a "password stealer" that can access usernames and passwords used on that computer including online banking information.

*WARNING: DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT AND DELETE THE EMAIL*

For more information and to see an example of what the scam email looks like,
visit the McAffee site here.


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Masters Golf Tournament 2010

It's official. Tiger Woods will play in next months Masters golf tournament.

After laying low for several months following his Thanksgiving night car crash and the subsequent revelations of infidelity, Woods announced he will make his PGA return at next months Masters.


Woods return April 8th from a self-imposed exile is most likely a calculated move given that Augusta National Golf Club is know for its tight control of the news media and fans.

The big winners here are certainly the networks, ESPN and CBS, which are broadcasting the tournament, and stand to gain from what could be the highest television ratings of all time, for a golf tournament.

Known as the ultimate perfectionist, Woods faces many unknowns when he steps back on the golf course next month - including how he will handle the pressure and scrutiny, whether or not he'll be in top form or even if he will make the cut.


Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain. The PGA needs him out on the tour as TV ratings have been down 11% without his presence, compared to the same time period last year.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Lebron James on Steroids?

Apparently, there is a rumor floating around the internet that Lebron James has tested positive for steroids and has been suspended for 50 games. Sure he is a muscular, amazing hulk of an athlete but let's clear up things right now.

Lebron has NOT tested positive for steroids and has NOT been suspended. In fact, James, who has been nursing an ankle injury and missed a few games, is expected to be back on the court tonight for a game against the 76er's.

I'm always amazed at how these types of rumors get started and with the internet and 24/7 media, it takes literally no time at all for them to spread around the planet. It may be related to another Lebron, Cleveland Indians minor league catcher Steven Lebron who failed a drug test and was suspended for 50 games. The Indians have apparently voided his contract.

In any case, Lebron and the Cavs look to be headed to a number 1 seed in the East and it should be an exciting post season.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Corey Haim dead at 38

Troubled child star Corey Haim has died at the age of 38. Haim had struggled with substance abuse for years reportedly suffering a drug-induced stroke back in 2001. According to his agent, he had been suffering from a fever and flu-like symptons in the hours leading up to his death.

The Canadian-born Haim first broke into the Film industry back in 1984. He may be best remembered for his roles in "Lucas" (1986) with fellow teen actors Charlie Sheen and Winona Ryder, and the 1987 vampire film "The Lost Boys" with fellow actor Corey Feldman.

Haim and Feldman teamed up again back in 2007-2008 for a short-lived reality show "The Two Coreys" which aired on the A&E cable network. The show was cancelled after 19 episodes.

Feldman released a statement on his blog today which read in part "This is a tragic loss of a wonderful, beautiful, tormented soul, who will always be my brother, family, and best friend. We must all take this as a lesson in how we treat the people we share this world with while they are still here to make a difference."

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Pringles Recall Announced

Proctor & Gamble has announced a recall of Pringles. The recall affects two flavors of the popular stacked potato chips: Restaurant Cravers Cheeseburger and Family Faves Taco Night.

The Pringles recall stems from it's use of a flavor enhancer HVP (hydrolyzed vegetable protein) made by Basic Food Flavors, Inc., which the FDA believes may have been contaminated by salmonella.

Consumers who believe they have purchased contaminated Pringles should check to see if the product has a "Best by" 2011 stamp. If so you should throw out the product and call Proctor & Gamble at 1-877-876-7881 to get a refund or replacement coupon.

Pringles is just one of a number of processed food products that use the HVP in question and more recalls may be on the way. Check the FDA website for a complete list of affected foods.