The former Tea Party-backed Senate candidate from Delaware walked off a remote hookup with the CNN show "Piers Morgan Tonight," declaring the host to be "rude" as he repeatedly asked for her positions on gay marriage and the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military.
She said she only wanted to talk about her new book on Tea Party ideals, "Trouble Maker: Let's Do What It Takes to Make America Great Again" -- though earlier, before a commercial break, Morgan played clips on her well-known gaffes about once practicing witchcraft and then, in a campaign ad, denying she was a witch.
Pressed by Morgan on why she began to become "so weird" when the gay-related issues came up, O'Donnell said she chose not to answer because she was "not running for office."
"I'm promoting the policies that I laid out in the book that are mostly fiscal, that are mostly constitutional," she said. "That's why I agreed to come on your show. That's what I want to talk about. I'm not being weird. You're being a little rude."
"I'm baffled as to why you think I'm being rude," Morgan said. "I think I'm being rather charming and respectful. I'm just asking you questions based on your own public statements and, now, what you've written in your own book. It's hardly rude to ask you that, surely."
Bad host, O'Donnell countered.
"Well, don't you think as a host if I say, 'This is what I want to talk about,' that's what we should address?" she asked.
"Uh, not really, no," Morgan said. "You're a politician."
O'Donnell soon signaled to someone off camera, where a female voice could be heard saying, "It's time to go," and O'Donnell announced she was "being pulled away."
Soon, a shadowy body stepped between O'Donnell and the remote studio's camera, obstructing the view of O'Donnell.
"Are we off?" she soon asked, her earpiece apparently removed. "Are we done?"
"I'm still here," Morgan said, as a male voice at O'Donnell's location relayed Morgan's message.
"Well ..." O'Donnell answered, trailing off into a chuckle, as her remote shot concluded.
"It would appear that the interview has just been ended because I had the audacity to ask questions about the issues that are in this book," Morgan said.
Gawker Media, the celebrity and political blog powerhouse, and it’s ring of blogs, including Twitter, were hacked this weekend by a group of hackers operating the under the name of Gnosis.Gawker said it was deeply embarrassed over the hack, in which Gnosis released a 500 MB file containing Gawker’s source code, internal conversations between the companies employees, and email addresses and passwords of commentators, banks, federal government employees and NASA.
"This weekend we discovered that Gawker Media's servers were compromised, resulting in a security breach at Lifehacker, Gizmodo, Gawker, Jezebel, io9, Jalopnik, Kotaku, Deadspin and Fleshbot,” Gawker wrote in a post on its Lifehacker blog. "We understand how important trust is on the Internet, and we're deeply sorry for and embarrassed about this breach of security -- and of trust. We're working around-the-clock to ensure our security (and our commenters' account security) moving forward," Gawker added.
The successful hack followed a week of escalating attacks against Wikileaks for releasing U.S. State Dept. cables as well as counter-attacks by hackers associated with a group known as Anonymous in a campaign called Operation Payback.
The hackers brought the Gawker site to a standstill on Sunday with a denial-of-service attack, identical to the tactic being used against Visa.com, Paypal.com and Mastercard.com for those companies’ decisions to stop the ability to donate to Wikileaks.
Gawker has since regained control of their servers, and is telling readers to change their passwords.An anonymous source identifying itself as one of the Gnosis hackers told news blog Mediaite that Gawker was attacked because it’s arrogance, and wrote in the leaked file: "Your empire has been compromised, Your servers, Your database's, Online accounts and source code have all be ripped to shreds!.. You would think a site that likes to mock people, such as gawker, would have better security and actually have a clue what they are doing. But as we've proven, those who think they are beyond our reach aren't as safe as they would like to think!"
(CNN) -- Richard C. Holbrooke, the high-octane diplomat who spearheaded the end of the Bosnian war and most recently served as the Obama administration's point man in the volatile Afghan-Pakistani war zone, died Monday at George Washington University Hospital in Washington. Following are reactions to his death:
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "Tonight America has lost one of its fiercest champions and most dedicated public servants. Richard Holbrooke served the country he loved for nearly half a century, representing the United States in far-flung war-zones and high-level peace talks, always with distinctive brilliance and unmatched determination. He was one of a kind -- a true statesman -- and that makes his passing all the more painful. From his early days in Vietnam to his historic role bringing peace to the Balkans to his last mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard helped shape our history, manage our perilous present, and secure our future. He was the consummate diplomat, able to stare down dictators and stand up for America's interests and values even under the most difficult circumstances. He served at every level of the Foreign Service and beyond, helping mentor generations of talented officers and future ambassadors. Few people have ever left a larger mark on the State Department or our country. From Southeast Asia to post-Cold War Europe and around the globe, people have a better chance of a peaceful future because of Richard's lifetime of service."
President Barack Obama "For nearly 50 years, Richard served the country he loved with honor and distinction. He worked as a young foreign service officer during the Vietnam War and then supported the Paris peace talks which ended that war. As a young Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, he helped normalize relations with China. As U.S. Ambassador to Germany, he helped Europe emerge from a long Cold War and encouraged NATO to welcome new members. As Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs, he was the tireless chief architect of the Dayton Accords that ended the war in Bosnia 15 years ago this week, saving countless lives. As Ambassador to the United Nations, Richard helped break a political impasse and strengthen our nation's relationship with the UN and elevated the cause of AIDS and Africa on the international agenda. And throughout his life, as a child of refugees, he devoted himself to the plight of people displaced around the world."
Vice President Joe Biden, former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee "Today, I lost a great friend and America lost one of its greatest warriors for peace. Richard Holbrooke was a larger than life figure, who through his brilliance, determination and sheer force of will helped bend the curve of history in the direction of progress. He touched so many lives and helped save countless more. He was a tireless negotiator, a relentless advocate for American interests, and the most talented diplomat we've had in a generation."
Commander Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan "This is a tragic loss for our country, this region, and our world," said Gen. Petraeus. "Richard Holbrooke was a true titan in the diplomatic arena and a central figure in the effort in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It was a privilege to work closely with Ambassador Holbrooke when I was at CENTCOM and then as the commander here in Afghanistan. Indeed, it was with considerable pride that we called him our 'diplomatic wingman.' He was, in short, a tremendous diplomatic partner, a great American, and a good friend. Our thoughts are with Kati and his family."
Former President Bill Clinton "In a lifetime of passionate, brilliant service on the front lines of war and peace, freedom and oppression, Richard Holbrooke saved lives, secured peace, and restored hope for countless people around the world. Tomorrow marks the 15-year anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Accords - the agreement Dick negotiated which stopped the killings in Bosnia and paved a path to peace in the Balkans that endures today. He was central to our efforts to limit ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and pave the way for its independence, and he found a way to break the stalemate in talks in Cyprus. I was proud to nominate him as the United States' ambassador to the United Nations, where he helped equip the UN to meet the challenges of our 21st Century world. For the last two years, he worked hard to counter terrorism and to build a secure, democratic future for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our nation is safer, and our world stronger, because of the work he did. I will miss my friend very much."
Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State "With the death of Richard Holbrooke we have all lost a tremendous and devoted advocate for peace, diplomacy and human rights. I had the honor and privilege of working with Richard through many international crises over several decades, most particularly the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo. He could always be counted on for his imagination, dedication and forcefulness. He was a tireless defender of democracy and freedom, and continued working on these issues in Afghanistan and Pakistan until his final days. Above all, he loved our country. His death is a blow to American diplomacy and the goals to which he dedicated his life. All of his friends will miss his energy and determination. I am deeply saddened, and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kati and his entire family."
Samuel Berger, former National Security Advisor "I am deeply saddened by the death of Richard Holbrooke-- a remarkable public servant and a dedicated force for good. Richard was an unrelenting advocate for peace, a superb diplomat and a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari "Pakistan has a lost a friend. He was an accomplished and experienced diplomat who quickly gained the confidence of interlocutors. He was a key player in international diplomacy to bring peace to Bosnia and in confronting militancy in our part of the world. His services will be long
remembered. The best tribute to him is to reiterate our resolve to root out extremism and usher in peace. My thoughts are with his wife and family. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Hussain Haqqani, Pakistani ambassador to the United States: "In Richard Holbrooke's passing the world has lost a great diplomat while I have lost a personal friend and professional role model. Amb. Holbrooke showed great compassion for the people of Pakistan and was a strong supporter of Pakistan's progress and security as a modern Muslim democratic country. His attitude towards diplomacy was reflected in his response to my question at our breakfast on Thursday about how long he planned to keep working. He said 'As long as I can make a difference.' His greatest asset was his ability to be a personal friend and diplomatic interlocutor at the same time."
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee "Richard Holbrooke has been a dynamic force in American diplomacy for more than five decades. His stellar service is deeply appreciated and held in the highest esteem."
Sen. John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee "This awful news is almost incomprehensible, not least of all because I cannot imagine Richard Holbrooke in anything but a state of perpetual motion. He was always working. He was always a man on a mission, the toughest mission, and that mission was waging peace through tough as nails, never quit diplomacy - and Richard's life's work saved tens of thousands of lives. We loved his energy, we loved his resolve -- that's who Richard was, and he died giving everything he had to one last difficult mission for the country he loved. It is almost a bittersweet bookend that a career of public diplomacy that began trying to save a war gone wrong, now ends with a valiant effort to keep another war from going wrong."
Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Connecticut "Richard Holbrooke was a colossus of American diplomacy. From Vietnam to the Balkans and now Afghanistan and Pakistan, the history of our nation's foreign policy over the last forty years is inseparable from Richard's own remarkable and courageous life -- which was spent, both inside and outside government, in the distinguished service of the country he loved and in pursuit of the most noble ideals for which it stands. Richard Holbrooke has left the world far too soon, but he leaves it a far better place through his achievements."
Samuel Worthington, President of InterAction, an alliance of U.S.-based international non-governmental organizations
"The U.S. NGO community wishes to extend our sincere condolences to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke's family and to all of his colleagues at the State Department on his untimely passing. Ambassador Holbrooke was a longtime friend of the NGO community and his death was a shock to us all. He served on many non-profit boards and was deeply committed to the humanitarian values that guided the NGO response to the Pakistani floods. Ambassador Holbrooke's passing is a great loss to his colleagues, friends, family and to our country. He was a gifted diplomat, whose work over half a century made a difference in the lives of so many people, whether helping to end wars or dealing with their aftermath. His mark on history will be forever felt."
MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court on Tuesday vehemently denied allegations that money changed hands in the acquittal of Hubert Webb and five other accused in the Vizconde massacre case.
Midas Marquez, the tribunal’s spokesman and court administrator, stressed that the seven justices who voted to acquit Webb et al based their decision on court documents and transcripts of records from the Parañaque regional trial court which tried the case.
“It would be better if they read the majority decision,” Marquez replied when asked to comment on insinuations that the justices received money to vote in favor of Webb’s petition.He also downplayed allegations that Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio had a hand in the acquittal of the accused.
“Justice Carpio inhibited himself from the case early on. I don’t see any reason how he could influence other justices,” he said.Voting 7-4, the high court ordered Webb’s release due to inconsistencies in the testimony of star witness Jessica Alfaro and the failure of the prosecution to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
Last week Sony and Naughty Dog first released the details of the upcoming Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. This weekend they topped it off with a trailer and an official November release date.
Somewhere along the way, the Uncharted series went from being a fun series that were liked, to one of the PS3’s biggest hits. The first game was considered a success, but the second game surpassed it in almost every way, quickly becoming one of the “must have” PS3 titles, and winning several “Game of the Year” . Sony then decided to push forward with a movie adaptation written and directed by David O. Russell, who may be on the way to an Oscar nod for his recently released flick The Fighter (although new reports suggest that the movie may be on hold while Russell pursues another project). In other words, the series got really big, really quickly.
So it is not an exaggeration to say that the news of Uncharted 3 was met with a fair amount of excitement. Last week the first details of the sequel—including the name–were released, but at the VGAs this weekend, Naughty Dog did us one better and released both a full trailer including gameplay, and the release date for the game.
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception will bring us back to the world of modern day Indiana Jones, Nathan Drake, as he heads to the Arabian Desert in search of the fabled Atlantis of the Sands. The game will also feature a heavy online emphasis as the previous game did.
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception will be released as a PS3 exclusive on November 1, 2011 (or 11/1/11).
Hugh Jackman has been injured in a flying fox stunt during the taping of Oprah Winfrey's second show in Sydney.The actor was treated by medical staff after slamming into rigging on the outdoor set at the Sydney Opera House this afternoon.
He had been attempting to enter the stage in dramatic fashion with a 100-metre ride on the flying fox.An injury to his eye appears to be only minor."I'm not 100 per cent, actually," Jackman saidafter struggling to free himself from his harness while dangling 10 metres in the air.
"I've hurt my eye; it's not bad. I'm really sorry about this."Hugh Jackman has been injured in a flying fox stunt during the taping of Oprah Winfrey's second show in Sydney.The actor was treated by medical staff after slamming into rigging on the outdoor set at the Sydney Opera House this afternoon.
He had been attempting to enter the stage in dramatic fashion with a 100-metre ride on the flying fox.An injury to his eye appears to be only minor."I'm not 100 per cent, actually," Jackman saidafter struggling to free himself from his harness while dangling 10 metres in the air.
"I've hurt my eye; it's not bad. I'm really sorry about this." Jackman was due to make his entrance after surprise guest and U2 frontman Bono this afternoon.Winfrey has been filming two of her Ultimate Australian Adventure shows in Sydney today in front of 12,000 people. This morning's show featured special guests Russell Crowe and the Irwin family.
The Geminid meteor shower for 2010 peaks overnight Monday with what promises to be a spectacular show for sky watchers who find themselves under clear, dark skies with an unobstructed view of the horizon.
By some estimates, the Geminid meteor shower – so named because they appear to the observer to be emanating from the constellation Gemini – could yield up to 120 shooting stars an hour for those watching under ideal viewing conditions between midnight and dawn Tuesday.For astronomy buffs, the Geminids often provide the best meteor-shower show of the year. For some astronomers, however, the display and its source – an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon – represent something of a mystery: Where did this asteroid come from and why does it appear to be shedding like a golden retriever, something asteroids generally don't do?
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"The whole thing is very weird," says David Jewitt, an astronomer at the University of California at Los Angeles who studies comets and asteroids.Phaethon is a near-Earth asteroid – an object some three miles across whose orbit around the sun each 1.4 years brings it close to Earth's orbit and to within 13 million miles of the sun, well inside Mercury's orbit.
Astronomers discovered Phaethon in 1983 using a space-based infrared telescope known as IRAS. Once researchers had calculated the asteroid's orbit, the late astronomer and comet specialist Fred Whipple noticed that its path matched that of the debris stream that generates the Geminid shower.That appeared to solve a problem, Dr. Jewitt explains, since until then, no one had identified a source of the material forming the Geminids.
Meteor showers typically stem from dust and rocks that comets shed as they approach the sun. They heat up, the ices they carry flash from ice to gas, and as the gas vents through the comet's surface, it carries dust and debris with it. No one had been able to associate a comet with the Geminid debris stream.
But that raised another question: Why is Phaethon shedding? Asteroids don't tend to do that. Astronomers looked for signs that it might have a small halo of gas around it, similar to a comet's "coma." But none appeared. Indeed, over the years, the object has yielded no evidence of activity that would eject material.
Then last year, Dr. Jewitt and colleague Jing Li received an alert from another colleague that Phaethon had brightened suddenly as it reached its closest approach to the sun.Jewitt and Dr. Li captured images of Phaethon with NASA's STEREO-A spacecraft – one of a pair of sun-watching probes. They observed the brightening and proposed that Phaethon's flash occurred as it shed rocky material fractured by the heat of its close approach to the sun.
In effect, the researchers say, the object is a "rock comet" rather than an icy "dirty snowball" or "snowy dirt ball" comet. The duo published its results in November in the Astronomical Journal.As for Phaethon's origins, another team led by Julia Maria de León Cruz at the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia in Grenada, Spain, suggests that Phaethon may be a chip off Pallas, a 340-mile-wide asteroid in the main asteroid belt, which circles the sun between Mars and Jupiter.
Although Phaethon and Pallas don't share the same overall color, a first-cut clue as to their surface composition, Phaethon does share more-detailed spectral signatures of nine other, smaller asteroids near Pallas that are associated with it. They posit that Phaethon and its nine siblings constitute debris left over from a collision between Pallas and another object in an event that would have carved a sizable crater into Pallas.
The Grenada team published its study in April in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.
It's still unclear if Phaethon is shedding enough material to continually resupply the Geminid meteor stream, Jewitt acknowledges. The stream is about 1,000 years old. Phaethon would have to undergo at least 10 such shedding events each orbit over that time to provide enough material to sustain the Geminid shower that humans observe today. So far, astronomers have observed just one.
More broadly, Phaethon could be opening a window on a little-understood process that marks the end of the line for many asteroids and comets."We know small bodies can be destroyed in different ways," Jewitt says. Collisions can break them apart. Comets can run out of gas, their cores becoming dark hulks orbiting the sun. Asteroids and comets can end in fiery plunges into the sun. And comets can get disrupted by planets' gravity and break apart.
With Phaethon however, astronomers may be witnessing that Jewitt calls spontaneous disintegration. "Its a physical decay," he says. "They fall to bits, for reasons which are unclear."Not a promising future from Phaethon's perspective. But for Earthlings, that slow-mo crumble can put on a good show.
