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Private Benjamin actress Eileen Brennan dies
LOS ANGELES (AP) Eileen Brennan who went from musical comedy on Broadway to wringing laughs out of memorable characters in such films asPrivate BenjaminandClue has died. She was 80.
Brennan's managers Jessica Moresco and Al Onorato said she died Sunday at home in Burbank after a battle with bladder cancer.
Our family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and respect for Eileen her family said in a statement. She was funny and caring and truly one of a kind. Her strength and love will never be forgotten.
Brennan got her first big role on the New York stage in Little Mary Sunshine a musical comedy that won her the 1960 Obie award for best actress. Along with her excellent singing voice her performance was radiant and comic said a New York Times review.
But it was a series of sharp tongued roles that won her fans on television and in movies including gruff Army Capt. Doreen Lewis in 1980's Private Benjamin aloof Mrs. Peacock in 1985's Clue and mean orphanage superintendent Miss Bannister in 1988's The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.
I love meanies and this goes back to Capt. Lewis in Private Benjamin Brennan said a 1988 interview with the Associated Press. You know why Because they have no sense of humor. People who are mean or unkind or rigid think about it cannot laugh at themselves. If we can't laugh at ourselves and the human condition we're going to be mean.
Private Benjamin brought her a supporting actress nomination for an Oscar. She also won an Emmy for repeating her Private Benjamin role in the television version and was nominated six other times for guest roles on such shows as Newhart thirtysomething Taxi and Will Grace.
Brennan's Private Benjamin role led to an enduring friendship with the movie's star Goldie Hawn. A couple of years after they filmed the movie Brennan and Hawn had dinner one night in 1982 in Venice Calif. As they left the restaurant Brennan was struck by a car. Her legs were smashed bones on the left side of her face were broken her left eye socket was shattered. Brennan said she fought her injuries with rage.
I was no saint she said in an interview with Ladies Home Journal. I was angry and anger is a powerful emotion. It increased my determination not to go under to get well.
Brennan became dependent on painkillers and two years after the accident she entered the Betty Ford Center to cure her addiction in 1984.
We get addicted to dull the pain of life she told the magazine. But once we accept that life is tough and painful we can move on and grow and evolve.
A decade after the accident she said she was glad she was struck by the car.
You learn from powerful things she said in 1992. Initially there's enormous anger but your priorities get shifted around.
Brennan was a member of the original company of Hello Dolly on Broadway. From the New York stage she moved to the screen in Divorce American Style and The Last Picture Show a pair of appearances on Rowan Martin's Laugh In and TV guest shots on everything from All in the Family and McMillan Wife to Kojak The Love Boat Murder She Wrote and Mad About You.
Brennan was born Verla Eileen Regina Brennan in Los Angeles. She was educated in convent schools and studied at Georgetown University and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
She is survived by her two sons Sam and Patrick Brennan.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast rewritten or redistributed.
Nick Jonas tweets shirtless selfie
On the same day that 44 year old Wolverine star Hugh Jackman tweeted a photo of himself dead lifting more than 400 pounds Nick Jonas showed off his pecs and abs in a half naked Instagram photo.
I never do this but... the 20 year old Jonas Brother said. Healthy living and fitness update. Post workout picture. diabeticinshape 2.0.
Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 13. The active pop singer said two years ago that diabetes inspired him to eat health and stay in shape.
MLB Trade Deadline Detroit Tigers add Jose Iglesias Jose Veras
The MLB non waiver trade deadline has now passed. Though the month was mainly quiet the Detroit Tigers made a pair of moves during the final days that should both help the team make its final push to the playoffs as well as help them in October. The cost was relatively inexpensive. True two of the organization's top positional players are now gone but it was as close to a position of strength as you could ask for on the farm.
Tigers additionsJose Iglesias a 23 year old shortstop from the Red Sox with quite a few years of team control remaining. Presumably the Tigers acquired him under the belief shortstop Jhonny Peralta will be suspended 50 games by MLB for his connection to the Biogenesis clinic. Iglesias has beautiful glovework but has struggled to hit for average or power or even to get on base during earlier seasons of his pro career. However he started to put the pieces together during the first few months of this season before a recent stumble. He's seen as the Tigers' shortstop of the future at this point as Peralta is in the final year of his contract.
Read more about the Iglesias deal here. We liked it.
Jose Veras a 32 year old right handed relief pitcher from the Astros. Veras served as closer this season for Houston but will see action in the seventh and eighth innings for the Tigers. He may be asked to closer on occasions Joaquin Benoit is unavailable. Veras has found success this season due to controlling his free passes while continuing to strike batters out. He is under a relatively inexpensive contract for the rest of 2013 and a team friendly option (a bit over $3 million) for 2014 can be exercised. He may just end up closing games for Detroit next year because Benoit is in the final year of his contract. However you'd expect the Tigers to try to keep Benoit if a deal could be reached.
Read more about the Veras deal here.
Tigers subtractionsDanry Vasquez a 19 year old outfielder with Low A West Michigan. He's batting .281/.333/.390 there. He's said to have a beautiful swing and expected to add power as his body fills out. He has the potential to be an above average outfielder. He was traded to Houston in exchange for Veras.
Read our minor league writer's thoughts on the Vasquez deal.
Avisail Garcia a 22 year old outfielder who'd played with the Tigers on and off since last September. He was with Triple A Toledo when the deal occurred. His MLB slashline of .269/.309/.354 may not sound impressive but he is a player still growing into his own who was clobbering Triple A pitching to the tune of .374/.410/.537. Garcia was traded to the Red Sox but shipped immediately to the White Sox during the three team seven player Jake Peavy deal. He'll be especially missed by Tigers fans due to his uncanny resemblance to Miguel Cabrera.
Brayan Villarreal a 26 year old right handed reliever with the Mud Hens. Villarreal has experience in the MLB having thrown in 73 games across three seasons of work. He finished his Tigers career with a 4.56 ERA. There was some discussion he could possibly close games for Detroit but like seemingly every other young player who has that tag applied to them he fell short. This season he allowed 10 runs in seven appearances and never made it back to Detroit. He continued to struggle with walks in Toledo but had been striking out batters relatively well. He'll remain with the Red Sox.
Rumors we followedTim Lincecum Giants Jon Paul Morosi ignited this one after Lincecum threw a no hitter saying the Tigers asked about the right hander with the idea of making him a reliever. It was never seriously going to happen but it was fun to talk about.
Javier Lopez Giants This came up a few times as the Tigers were thought to be exploring left handed options. He would likely have surpassed both Darin Downs and Phil Coke on the lefty reliever depth chart. But the asking price was too high. Like Lincecum he was not traded.
Toronto Blue Jays relievers No names were named though Darren Oliver an aging lefty who still pitches well was thought to be involved. Little was known beyond a tweet.
Francisco Rodriguez Brewers Milwaukee had a buffet of relievers who could be of help. Buster Olney reports the Tigers asked about K Rod. He was eventually sent to the Orioles instead.
Phil Coke to the Braves No clue how real this one was. Doubtful it was too serious. But it was mentioned by ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. Maybe that's why Coke looked so serious and intense after coming off the mound Wednesday.
More RoarsTrade deadline 2013 coverage
Tigers GIFS On Twitter TigersGIFS
Tigers minor league scores and coverage
Cyclospora infections Tracking the source
WASHINGTON (AP) State and federal investigators are trying to figure out the source of a stomach bug that has sickened 372 people in 15 states. Iowa and Nebraska have linked some cases in their states to eating pre packaged salad mix but the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have said the mix is not linked to all of the cases.
Continue reading
AP PhotoSome frequently asked questions about the infection and the outbreak
Q What are cyclospora infections and how do people contract them
A Cyclospora infection or cyclosporiasis is caused by parasites that are spread when people ingest food or water contaminated with feces. People who are exposed usually become sick after about a week and have bad diarrhea and other flu like symptoms that can last from a few days to a month or longer if untreated. It's common to feel tired and relapse is possible. It's not generally contagious and can be treated with antibiotics. Deaths from the infection are rare.
Q Who is usually at risk
A People who live or travel in tropical or subtropical countries are most at risk according to the CDC. The infections are rare in the United States but have been linked in the past to imported fruits and vegetables.
Q Am I at risk in this current outbreak How do I know if I have it
A You are probably OK if you have not already gotten sick. The CDC reports that most of the illnesses were reported between mid June and early July. Fifteen states have so far reported illnesses Arkansas Connecticut Florida Georgia Illinois Iowa Kansas Minnesota Missouri Nebraska New Jersey New York Ohio Texas and Wisconsin.
Q How does the government trace the source of illnesses like this
A It takes a lot of legwork and coordination between states and the federal government. Cases are confirmed when a sick person gives a sample to his or her doctor and that sample is tested. If it is positive it will eventually be reported to a state health department. The states then gather that data and coordinate with the CDC to look for common strains that could link the illness to a specific product. State and federal officials interview the victims and closely question them about what they ate around the time they fell ill often a difficult task as it is hard for most people to remember everything they ate over an extended time. That is made even harder in a cyclosporiasis investigation because the illness doesn't show up for a week.
In this outbreak the Food and Drug Administration says its investigators have been trying to trace the paths of the food eaten by those who fell ill. Food often goes through several stops potentially in several countries before it reaches a grocery cart and the FDA said the process is labor intensive and painstaking work requiring the collection review and analysis of hundreds and at times thousands of invoices and shipping documents.
The agency said it has a seven person team in its Maryland headquarters and specialists in 10 field offices across the country working to identify the source of the outbreak.
Q What can I do to prevent contracting an illness like this
A Short of growing all of your own food it may be unavoidable. All foods including those labeled local natural or organic have the potential to be exposed to safety hazards on the farm in transit or in the store. Sometimes all it takes is one rogue animal that broke through a fence or one employee who didn't wash his hands to infect food.
What you can do is make sure you practice safe handling and preparation. The FDA recommends always washing hands utensils and surfaces with hot soapy water before and after handling food. You should also thoroughly wash all fresh produce before you eat it. Those measures should significantly reduce your chances of getting sick.
Jose Iglesias versus Omar Vizquel
Jonah Keri breaks down the three way Jake Peavy deal here and Keith Law breaks it down here if you're an ESPN Insider.
Jose Iglesias moves to Detroit in the trade and everyone knows Iglesias isn't anything near the .330 hitter he's been for the Red Sox. After a luck fueled hot start Jonah points out he hit .176 over his final 21 games with the Red Sox.
Iglesias wasn't acquired for his bat of course but his glove. The guy I compare him to is Omar Vizquel as both have those wonderful hands and aesthetic beauty in the field. My question Could Iglesias ever develop at the bat like Vizquel did When Vizquel came up with the Mariners he was like Iglesias a magician on defense with no physical strength at the plate. In his first three seasons with Seattle Little O hit .230/.290/.283 with just four home runs in nearly 1 200 plate appearances. That's about what you would expect from Iglesias moving forward considering his .257/.307/.314 line in the minors.
Vizquel slowly improved however. From ages 25 to 27 which covers his final two years in Seattle and his first in Cleveland he hit .273 albeit still with little power. At 28 he hit six home runs and 28 doubles and then from 1996 through 2002 he hit .287/.358/.388 averaging 41 extra base hits per season. His OPS of 93 was still below the league average hitter but certainly acceptable for a good defensive shortstop.
Ozzie Smith was a similar case as well. Through age 26 he hit .231/.295/.278. Traded to St. Louis and helped by the turf at Busch Stadium his batting averages improved and he eventually topped out at 40 doubles one season.
One big difference between Vizquel and Smith and Iglesias however Both of them showcased a better walk rate. Smith was at 7.7 percent through age 26 and averaged over 10 percent every season except one from ages 27 trough 37. Vizquel was at 7.4 percent through age 26 and averaged 9.4 percent over the next decade. Iglesias owns a 4.7 percent walk rate so far in his major league career (6 percent in the minors). That plate discipline and bat control eventually helped them to become better hitters as well post respectable on base percentages.
I did a quick search on Baseball Reference.com of players since 1969 who had at least 1 500 plate appearances through age 25 and an OPS of 75 or lower (where 100 is a league average hitter). How many of them developed into decent hitters Here's the list of 23 players with their OPS through age 25 (Iglesias is 23) and then their career OPS in parenthesis.
Dick Schofield 75 (73) ... became utility guy in his late 20sAlex Gonzalez I 74 (79) ... power but low OBPsRey Quinones 74 (74) ... out of majors at 25Terry Pendleton 74 (92) ... NL MVP in 1991 runner up in '92Rod Gilbreath 74 (74) ... out of majors at 25Eddie Leon 74 (69) ... last full season at 26Carlos Gomez 73 (89) ... breakthrough season at 26Alex Gonzalez II 71 (79) ... 157 career HRs low OBPsOmar Vizquel 71 (82) ... 2877 career hitsSpike Owen 71 (83) ... not much power but took some walksJulio Cruz 71 (71) ... second baseman with speed no popCesar Izturis 69 (63) ... still hanging aroundOzzie Guillen 68 (69) ... never improved swung at everythingAlfredo Griffin 68 (67) ... once drew four walks in 140 gamesGlenn Hoffman 67 (68) ... utility guy by age 25Ozzie Smith 67 (87) ... better than average OPS in four seasonsRoger Metzger 67 (69) ... five career HRs in 4201 at bats Jerry Royster 66 (76) ... had a few decent years as utility guyTom Veryzer 65 (61) ... last year as regular at 26Andres Thomas 64 (61) ... epitome of bad Braves teams of late '80sTim Foli 63 (64) ... Lots of these no hit '70s shortstops hereJack Wilson 61 (76) ... Had 64 extra base hits with Pirates at 26Enzo Hernandez 56 (61) ... Infamously had 12 RBIs in 618 PAs in '71
Not surprisingly almost all these guys were shortstops. The two who developed the best at the plate were the two who didn't play shortstop or second base third baseman Pendleton and center fielder Gomez. Pendleton hit .240 at age 24 and .239 at age 25 with the Cardinals but later went to the Braves and won a batting title and hit 22 and 21 homers his two big seasons. We know the Gomez story.
Looking at the others however you can see that Vizquel and Smith are unique cases. Iglesias' glove should still make him a valuable asset for the Tigers but I would bet against him becoming even a minor threat at the plate.
OJ Waits for Ruling After Parole Win
After five years behind bars O.J. Simpson has won a small victory with a Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners decision but the former NFL star won't likely be leaving prison anytime soon.
The board on Wednesday approved Simpson's parole request on five concurrent sentences imposed in 2008 following his conviction for kidnapping and armed robbery of two sports memorabilia dealers at a Las Vegas hotel room.
But he still has more time to serve for other sentences ordered to run consecutively.
Simpson faces at least four more years and three more parole hearings unless Clark County District Judge Linda Marie Bell throws out his conviction and grants him a new trial.
Bell presided over a weeklong hearing in May during which Simpson's current lawyers Patricia Palm and Ozzie Fumo argued that his trial attorney Yale Galanter botched Simpson's defense and had a conflict of interest in the case.
Bell has yet to issue a decision. If she rules in Simpson's favor prosecutors will have to decide wither to retry him offer a plea deal or set him free with credit for time served.
In Wednesday's order granting parole commissioners cited Simpson's positive institutional record and his participation in programs addressing behavior that led to incarceration.
The board also noted that Simpson had no previous criminal convictions and still has consecutive sentences to serve in the Las Vegas case.
In Los Angeles Simpson was tried for murder and acquitted in the 1994 deaths of his ex wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.
In a statement Wednesday to The Associated Press Goldman's father and sister Fred and Kim Goldman said they respect the legal process but now feel a sense of vulnerability.
This is not our personal case against Simpson but since he's been incarcerated there has been a reprieve and calm for us they said. It is unsettling for our family to know that the person we believe responsible for Ron and Nicole's murder could soon have his freedom.
Simpson and his legal team were pleased with the ruling.
We expected it Palm told the AP shortly after the order was issued. There is no reason not to grant him parole. I'm glad they did what they should have done.
Palm said Simpson called from prison to let her know of the board's decision.
He's very happy and grateful she said.
Simpson appeared before a two member Nevada parole panel on July 25 to plead for leniency. He expressed regret for his actions and said he's tried to be a model inmate while behind bars.
Simpson was convicted on charges including kidnapping robbery burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to nine to 33 years for the 2007 stickup of two memorabilia dealers Alfred Beardsley and Bruce Fromong.
During last week's parole hearing a graying Simpson told Parole Commissioner Susan Jackson and hearing officer Robin Bates a retired Nevada prison warden that he was sorry for his actions.
I just wish I never went to that room Simpson said. He added that he has made amends with Beardsley and Fromong.
He said he made a promise to the warden when he arrived at Lovelock 90 miles east of Reno that he would be the best person they ever had at the facility. He added I think for the most part I've kept my word on that.
Simpson also said he's acted as jailhouse counselor of sorts to other inmates some of whom are serving time for similar crimes.
But he said his deed was different.
They were trying to steal other people's property Simpson said of other prisoners. They were trying to steal other people's money. My crime was trying to retrieve for my family my own property.
Olivia Nuzzi Is Not Just the Former Weiner Intern
Roberts is sorry now and sorry in particular to Olivia Nuzzi who I don t know from Adam. Let me pile on It's not very hard to find out who Olivia Nuzzi is. Disclosure Nearly a year ago Nuzzi got in touch with me because she wanted advice in pursuing a journalism career. Why she thought I was equipped to give it I have no idea but we eventually met and chatted and I started to read her stuff. She's not some climbing intern. She's an aspiring reporter albeit one who's been at it for a while. Two years ago she was filing items for Monmouth Musings an opinionated site that let her take whacks at New Jersey politicians. She moved on to Monmouth's triCityNews and she wrote long columns on her Tumblr page. When I met her she was working on a profile of New Jersey's doomed progressive Senate candidate Rep. Rush Holt that piece ran today.
Eagles send Riley Cooper for sensitivity training
PHILADELPHIA Now that he has been fined an undisclosed amount and made his apologies Philadelphia Eagles receiver Riley Cooper is being sent for sensitivity training and counseling the team announced Thursday.
In a statement the team said In meeting with Riley yesterday we decided together that his next step will be to seek outside assistance to help him fully understand the impact of his words and actions. He needs to reflect. As an organization we will provide the resources he needs to do so.
On a video published Wednesday on CrossingBroad.com Cooper was caught using a racial slur in a confrontation with an African American security guard at a Kenny Chesney concert in June.
In a video that has gone viral Cooper said I will jump that fence and fight every (N word) here bro.
BELL Black players must stop using n word too
MICHAEL VICK ON COOPER 'I forgave him'
Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league can't take further action because the collective bargianing agreement prevents a player from being penalized by his team and the NFL.
Obviously we stand for diversity and inclusion. Comments like that they are obviously wrong they are offensive and they are unacceptable. There is no one that feels stronger about that than the NFL our teams and our players Goodell said on ESPN's Mike and Mike program.
He has accepted responsibility for it. He has spoken to his team. He has been disciplined by the club and will go through some training with the club to understand.
Goodell added I'm glad to see the club stepped up and took a decisive action quickly. That's the important part of this. We do not penalize at the club level and the league level for the same incident ... that's something we have an agreement in our collective bargaining agreement not to do. So we will not be taking action separately from the club.
On Wednesday after the video surfaced Cooper apologized on Twitter then to the media then to teammates.
There was a confrontation and I handled it extremely extremely poorly '' Cooper said to reporters and local television cameras. This is kind of the lowest of lows. This isn't the type of person I want to be portrayed as. This isn't the type of person that I am.
I know no one in Philadelphia is happy with me right now. I accept that. I just hope they see the true me. And accept my apology.''
Later quarterback Michael Vick said he accepted Cooper's apology made one on one to him.
We understand the magnitude of this situation we understand a lot of people may be hurt and offended '' Vick said. But I know Riley Cooper. I've been with him for three years and I know what type of person he is. That's what makes it easy at the same time hard to understand the situation. I forgave him.''
Other teammates also said they had forgiven Cooper who addressed the entire team after a Wednesday night practice.
Riley Cooper made a mistake and life goes on '' linebacker Brandon Graham told USA TODAY Sports via text Thursday. Nobody is perfect. We all mess up sometimes. I forgive him and the team does too. I think he will be good to go with us.''
VIDEO RILEY COOPER APOLOGIZES FOR SLUR
Forgiveness might take time with other teammates who are still processing the racial epithet.
Receiver Jason Avant indicated he will take a wait and see approach after Cooper broke a bond among teammates with his incendiary comments.
Does it hurt Yes it does '' Avant said. But I still will deal with it as a Christian and I will always err on the side of mercy.''
Team owner Jeffrey Lurie who gave Vick a second chance after the former Atlanta Falcons star was incarcerated 21 months for his role in an illegal dogfighting ring said in a Wednesday night statement
We are shocked and appalled by Riley Cooper's words. This sort of behavior or attitude has no place in a civil society. He has accepted responsibility for his words and his actions. He has been fined for this incident.''
Motorola Moto X Solid Android Competitor But Not Enough To Displace iPhone
Motorola s new Moto X phone the first smartphone that Motorola Mobility has built from scratch after Google s acquired the company may win out over other Android phones but isn t likely to do serious damage to Apple Inc. s iPhone market standing.
At least that s the take by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.
Despite strong launches in Android devices including Samsung s Galaxy S4 and HTC One we note that iPhone sales have continued to exceed investor expectations over the past two quarters said Munster after Motorola unveiled the new smartphone at an event in New York today. We do not view the Moto X device as significantly different than the aforementioned devices to change the current market dynamics between Android and iPhone.
Apple with its iOS mobile operating system and Google with Android are in a heated battle to win over smartphone customers with cool new hardware so that they ultimately buy into the ecosystem of mobile apps and services they provide. Apple is expected to update its iPhone as it s done every year and deliver a new model in the fall dubbed the iPhone 5S. Munster is also counting on the company to introduced a lower priced iPhone this year with a 3.5 inch display that has a lower quality screen resolution casing and processor and to follow that up in 2014 with a 4.5 to 5 inch model he s calling the iPhone 6.
A year in the works the Moto X features a high resolution 4 inch screen 16 gigabytes of memory and a 10 megapixel camera and starts at $199 for a base model (with a two year contract). Other Android phones have better specs Munster notes. Where the new Motorola device shines The consumer experience built around Touchless Control which lets users control the phone through voice commands by asking OK Google Now. But that and new color options just aren t compelling enough to draw users away from Apple s device and ecosystem he says.
In an Apple like move Motorola chose to make one of the core features of the Moto X the design. The company will allow users to eventually design custom phones including front face colors back colors and accessories like headphones. Motorola also plans on introducing wood as an option for the phone s back panel Munster added. The design as a feature puts the Moto X in a strong position against other Android devices (largely plastic) but may be unlikely to change customer desire for iPhones.
You can read and see all the details about the Moto X in a review by Forbes Alex Konrad as well as the thinking behind it in Parmy Olson s interview with Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside.
Hands On With The Moto X Motorola's New Phone Looks And Feels Like A Contender Alex Konrad Forbes Staff Motorola CEO Moto X Brings Us Back To Our Root In Innovation Parmy Olson Forbes Staff Should Apple Be Worried About The Moto X Smartphone Robert Hof Contributor
Judge sentences Cleveland kidnapper Ariel Castro to life plus 1000 years
Cleveland (CNN) In handing down a sentence of life in prison plus 1 000 years to Ariel Castro an Ohio judge told the kidnapper on Thursday that there was no place in the world for his brand of criminal.
Castro pleaded guilty to 937 counts including murder and kidnapping in connection with the kidnapping and abuse of Michelle Knight Georgina DeJesus and Amanda Berry whom he held captive for a decade in his Cleveland home. As part of the plea deal the death penalty was taken off the table.
You don't deserve to be out in our community Cuyahoga County Judge Michael Russo said after an hours long hearing in which Castro at times appeared to defend his actions. You're too dangerous.
In his oft disjointed statement to the court Castro referred to himself as very emotional and a happy person inside.
Despite his repeated insistence that he wasn't making excuses for his conduct Castro played the victim saying he was addicted to porn and masturbation.
The judge appeared to be unmoved by Castro's words and matter of factly handed down a severe sentence that will likely make Castro a prisoner for the rest of his days.
Ariel Castro's sentencing for the kidnapping and rape of three women in Ohio will be issued Thursday August 1. During the trial the prosecution presented images from inside the house that reveal the disturbing conditions in which they were held. A model of the house was also included. Chains constrained the women in the basement. Castro had a gun in the home and told Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Detective David Jacobs he would show to the girls as a form of control. Asked whether he had ever forced the girls to play Russian roulette Castro told Jacobs that he didn't remember it but if the girls said it it probably happened. Amanda Berry spent most of her time in this bathroom with her daughter. Stuffed animals lie on a bed in the house. Castro describes himself as a sexual predator in a letter. Berry and Michelle Knight were forced to wear a helmet the first time Castro sexually assaulted them according to Andrew Harasimchuk a detective with the sex crimes unit. Toys and other belongings are piled in a bedroom. The FBI agent interviewed on the stand said Castro would make the women wear a brown wig on the rare occasion he let them out of the home. Chains ran through the walls in the house the prosecution said. The pole to which the women were chained in the basement is pictured running through an upstairs bedroom. Stairs led down to the basement. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Evidence photos from Castro's trial Photos of Castro's victims after rescue Officer recounts Castro victims' abuse See photos taken inside Castro's homeExcuses don't take away the harm that's involved Russo said. You have extreme narcissism and it seems rather pervasive.
Russo handed down the stiffest sentence allowed as part of the deal after investigators psychologists and one of the victims painted a horrifying picture of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Castro including brutal beatings and repeated rapes that resulted in pregnancies that he would terminate by punching the women in the stomach.
All three women kept diaries with Castro's permission that provided many of the details of their abuse.
'Eleven years in hell'
Ariel Castro's son I won't visit dad in prison
Berry and DeJesus who did not attend the hearing sent family members to deliver impact statements on their behalf while Knight chose to address her abductor head on.
Knight who was taken first and held the longest told Castro the death penalty would be so much easier.
You took 11 years of my life away she said. I spent 11 years in hell. Now your hell is just beginning.
In a pre sentencing evaluation Dr. Frank Ochberg a pioneer in trauma science wrote that Knight suffered the longest and most severely.
It was Michelle who served as doctor nurse midwife and pediatrician during the birth (of Berry's child). She breathed life into that infant when she wasn't breathing he wrote. At other times she interceded when Castro sought to abuse Gina interposing herself and absorbing physical and sexual trauma. But each survivor had a will to prevail and used that will to live through the ordeal.
Castro is the father of Berry's 6 year old girl DNA tests have confirmed.
'Happy household'
Castro appeared to blame the victims and accused them of lying about their treatment. He went on to say that none of the women was a virgin when he abducted them that they wanted to have sex with him and there was harmony in the happy household.
Castro even claimed that no one cared enough about Knight to search for her after she disappeared.
I'm not a monster. I'm just sick. I have an addiction just like an alcoholic has an addiction he said. God as my witness I never beat these women like they're trying to say that I did. I never tortured them.
When Castro finished Russo dubbed him a violent sexual predator and thanked Knight for showing remarkable restraint during the hearing.
Wearing eyeglasses and an orange prison uniform the shackled Castro characterized his crimes in a far gentler light than did the book length indictment against him I'm not a violent person. I simply kept them there so they couldn't leave.
Testimony from authorities and mental health experts didn't jibe with Castro's recollection however. Police recalled how the women were forced to play Russian roulette and how Castro would throw money at them after raping them.
Detective David Jacobs of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office testified he'd also show a gun to the girls as a form of control.
It was all to purely satisfy his sexual needs Jacobs said. 'I knew what I did was wrong.' He said that more than once.
Castro's 1 400 square foot home was reconfigured to keep the women's whereabouts a secret FBI agent Andrew Burke testified. The back door was outfitted with an alarm bedspreads and curtains obscured parts of the home and a porch swing was placed in front of the stairs leading to the rooms where Castro held the women and girl hostage.
In the room where Berry and her daughter were held the doorknob was removed a lock was affixed to the outside and a hole was cut through the door for ventilation because the windows had been boarded up from the inside Burke said.
Burke also described a handwritten letter in which Castro claimed he had been sexually abused as a child and wrote I am a sexual predator.
'You saved us '
The first police officer on the scene Barbara Johnson recalled for the court how she and another officer heard the pitter patter of footsteps in a dark room where Knight and DeJesus were held.
When the captive women realized they were police Knight literally launched herself onto an officer legs arms just choking him. She just kept repeating 'You saved us You saved us ' Johnson said.
Multiple officers testified that Castro appeared to show no remorse for his crimes and prosecutor Anna Faraglia said he tormented his victims by allowing them to watch vigils held in their honor and he even attended some.
Castro would talk to his victims' parents as if he were distraught by their disappearances when they were right underneath his roof Faraglia said.
Rape victims forced to fight for custody Deborah Knight the grandmother of kidnapping victim Michelle Knight participates in a community balloon release service in Michelle's honor on Thursday May 9 in Cleveland. Four females were found in a home on Seymour Avenue in the Clark Fulton neighborhood on Monday. Since then the neighborhood and the nation have wondered how they were held captive without anyone noticing sooner. Authorities say Ariel Castro held three women Amanda Berry Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight. DNA tests confirmed that he fathered a girl born to Berry who was among those rescued the Ohio attorney general's office said Friday. His house third from left is now a crime scene. 57 year old Ronice Dunn moved into the neighborhood in 1984. For years after Berry and DeJesus disappeared she joined in neighborhood vigils and prayer groups for their safe return. A building sits boarded up on Seymour Avenue. The Clark Fulton neighborhood is beset by nearly double digit unemployment and one in every five houses is in foreclosure. The media set up tents near Castro's home. Kinkel Avenue is a few blocks from Castro's home. The house of Onil Castro's two sons where he was staying when he was arrested on Kinkel Avenue. He and his brother Pedro were arrested along with Ariel Castro but later were released and not charged. Why didn't I notice anything What should I have been looking for asked Mickie Wodgik who spent years living across the street from Castro and it turns out the three missing women. Around the corner from Seymour Avenue graffiti is written on an abandoned building. A street view shows West 25th Street which runs perpendicular to Seymour Avenue. Cynthia Conor who has lived in the same house for 38 years often drank with Castro and and his brother Pedro she said. Her father trained Castro for his school bus job. A man stands on Clark Avenue in front of painted buildings. This boarded up building sits across the street from Castro's house. Pastor Joe Abraham has ministered to many in this neighborhood for more than 25 years including as the leader of Scranton Road Bible Church. People hold balloons during a community balloon release service in kidnapping victim Michelle Knight's honor. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 The Clark Fulton neighborhood Son Castro belongs in prison for life Ariel Castro listens in the courtroom during the sentencing phase of his trial Thursday August 1 in Cleveland alongside defense attorneys Craig Weintraub left and Jaye Schlachet. He pleaded guilty last week to 937 counts including murder and kidnapping in a deal that dropped a possible death penalty in exchange for life in prison plus 1 000 years. Here's a look at the moments leading up to his sentencing. Michelle Knight speaks during the sentencing phase for Ariel Castro Thursday August 1 in Cleveland. I will live on Knight said in her statement to Castro. You will die a little every day. Castro enters the courtroom Friday July 26. He was arrested in May and accused of holding three young women captive for nearly a decade. Amanda Berry vanished a few blocks from her Cleveland home on April 21 2003. She was 16. She spoke in a video released on YouTube on Monday July 8 thanking people for support and privacy. Berry Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight escaped from a Cleveland home on May 6 after being held captive for nearly a decade. Georgina Gina DeJesus was last seen in Cleveland on April 2 2004 on her way home from school. She was 14 when she went missing. Knight was last seen on August 22 2002 when she was 21. FBI agents and other law enforcement officers stand outside Castro's home in Cleveland on May 9. Castro hangs his head while talking with his public defender Kathleen DeMetz during his arraignment on May 9. Ariel Castro was charged on May 8 with kidnapping the three women. Investigators remove evidence from the house on Seymour Avenue in Cleveland where the three women were held. An FBI forensics team meets outside the house where three women were held as they investigate the property. Cleveland Deputy Chief of Police Ed Tomba center speaks at a news conference to address details of the developments. The house where the three women were held captive in Cleveland was the home of Ariel Castro who was arrested and is being held pending charges in the case. FBI agents remove evidence from the house May 7. A police officer stands in front of the broken front door of the house on May 7 where the kidnapped women escaped. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photos Kidnapped teens rescuedChild custody rights for rapists Most states have them
'Thank you victims'
In addition to Russo's guarantee that he will never be released from incarceration during the period of his remaining natural life for any reason Castro was also hit with a forfeiture of property and fined $100 000.
As the judge sentenced him Castro took issue with the aggravated murder charge related to the termination of his victims' pregnancies saying there was no evidence those incidents occurred. Russo reminded him that he had already pleaded guilty and Castro said he did so only to save his victims further trauma.
In your mind there was harmony and a happy household Russo said. I'm not sure there's anyone else in America who would agree with you.
As the hearing came to a close Castro turned around in the court and glanced at family members of the victims.
Thank you victims. Please find it in your heart to forgive me he said.
Why so many high profile crimes in Cleveland
In each case according to court documents Castro lured the women into his car with the promise of a ride. The women and girl were freed in May after Berry shouted for help while Castro was away.
Neighbors heard her cries and came to her aid as she tried to break through a door to get out. One neighbor gave her a cell phone to call authorities.
Help me I am Amanda Berry she frantically told a 911 operator. I've been kidnapped and I've been missing for 10 years. And I'm here. I'm free now.
In early July Berry DeJesus and Knight released a YouTube video thanking all those who have helped them since they were freed. Berry and DeJesus have not faced their captor and tormentor since their rescue.
I want to thank everyone who has helped me and my family through this entire ordeal. Everyone who has been there to support us has been a blessing Berry said in the video. I'm getting stronger each day.
CNN's Drew Griffin reported from Cleveland and Chelsea J. Carter and Eliott C. McLaughlin reported and wrote from Atlanta. CNN's Pamela Brown Joe Sterling Chris Boyette Ronni Berke and Martin Savidge contributed to this report.
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Princess Diana was madly in love with Hasnat Khan
On the heels of the celebrated birth of Prince William's first child Vanity Fair is remembering his mother Princess Diana who died in a tragic car crash in 1997 at the age of 36.
Britain's young new Prince George of Cambridge may never meet his paternal grandmother but as her story prepares to go to the big screen in Diana this fall the magazine presents a new account of the princess' love affair with Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan in the last years before her death.
Diana was madly in love with Hasnat Khan and wanted to marry him even if that meant living in Pakistan said Jemima Khan a friend to the princess of no relation to the surgeon.
RELATED WATCH NAOMI WATTS REIGNS IN 'DIANA' TEASER
And that's one of the reasons why we became friends.
The Princess of Wales reportedly spent a lot of time trying to get to know members of the Khan family with the intent to quietly marry into it which was not entirely acceptable.
For a son to marry an English girl is every conservative Pashtun mother's worst nightmare said Jemima Khan.
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Antony Jones/UK Press via Getty Images Dr. Hasnat Khan in London 1997 Friends describe the former lover of Princess Diana as a private man who was worried about how it would work between them.Even for Hasnat Khan discussions of a secret wedding were thought to be ridiculous.
I thought it was a ridiculous idea Khan was quoted as saying in his official interview with police after Princess Diana's death adding that he told her that the only way I could see us having a vaguely normal life together would be if we went to Pakistan as the press don't bother you there.
She saw he was horrified by the secret wedding plan Daily Mail reporter Richard Kay who was close to Princess Diana told Vanity Fair. Suddenly she saw all these pitfalls looming.
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Frustrated their relationship spiraled downwards and that was when she met Dodi Al Fayed the new boyfriend that was with her in the car when she died in Paris.
Many friends interviewed by Vanity Fair believed the relationship with Al Fayed may have been only to make Khan jealous. He promised her a ring one day according to Rosa Monckton the former managing director of Tiffany Co.
Hasnat was a decent intensely private man from a traditional conservative Pakistani family and he was worried about how it would work Jemima Khan added.
And he hated the thought of being in the glare of publicity for the rest of his life.
Google Doodle Honors Maria Mitchell First Professional Woman Astronomer
Google
Updated at 2 24 p.m. on Aug. 1 2013
Today s Google Doodle honors Maria Mitchell (Aug. 1 1818 Jun. 28 1889) the first professional woman astronomer in the U.S. and the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Born to a Quaker family on Nantucket she grew up stargazing with her father s telescope. On October 1 1847 while working as a librarian at the Nantucket Atheneum she discovered a new comet which became known as Miss Mitchell s Comet. King Frederick VI of Denmark sent her a medal in honor of her discovery.
In 1865 she became the first astronomy professor at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie New York where she ran the school s observatory and woke students up in the middle of the night to study Saturn and Jupiter. A staunch proponent of the anti slavery movement during the Civil War she also used the observatory to host salons that discussed current events in politics and feminism and to host dome parties where everyone would sit around and write poetry on scraps of paper. We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics nor all logic but is somewhat beauty and poetry she once said according to the National Women s History Museum.
In 1873 she helped establish the Association for the Advancement of Women and ran it for a few years afterwards. There s even a crater on the Moon named after her Mitchell s Crater.
Other prominent women who have been honored with Google Doodles this year include biophysicist Rosalind Franklin jazz musician Ella Fitzgerald and the first African singer to win a Grammy Miriam Mama Africa Makeba.
MORE Google Doodle Celebrates Rosalind Franklin
PHOTOS The Month in Space
Simon Cowells baby mama steps out with visible baby bump
Lauren Silverman the married mother of Simon Cowell s baby stepped out Thursday for the first time since news of her affair with the X Factor judge broke.
The 36 year old socialite was photographed with a visible baby bump underneath a body hugging black dress as she left her mother's home in Bridgehampton New York.
Matt Agudo/INFphoto.com Lauren Silverman didn't shy away from showing off her baby bump.Earlier in the day Silverman doned a loose white top and hid her long brunette hair under a blue baseball cap walking with her mother Carol Eisenberg to get groceries.
Eisenberg spoke to the Daily News one day after it was revealed that her daughter married to Cowell s real estate buddy was pregnant with the TV star s first child. She slammed critics who have ripped her daughter as a conniving gold digger.
GRPR/Raef Ramirez/AKM GSI Simon Cowell pictured leaving the set of X Factor in Los Angeles Wednesday night hours after the news that he s expecting his first child with his close friend s wife broke.My daughter is a wonderful girl and a wonderful mother Eisenberg said. People like to talk. That s all I have to say.
PHOTOS THE WOMEN OF SIMON COWELL
StClair/Splash News Lauren Silverman shows off a visible baby bump as she steps out with her mother in Bridgehampton N.Y. on Thursday.Multiple sources told The News that Cowell 53 was blindsided by the news and felt tricked by his secret lover.
He assumed she was using birth control a source close to Cowell said Wednesday.
StClair/Splash News Lauren Silverman didn't try to hide her burgeoning belly as photographers spotted her one day after news broke of her pregnancy with Simon Cowell's first child.Simon thought this was a casual relationship friends with benefits. The pregnancy was not planned.
He is feeling tricked added the source.
laurensilverman1 via Instagram 'Me and my lil Simey monster simoncowell x' Lauren Silverman captioned her Instagram photo of the two.Another friend called Silverman a gold digger.
RELATED SIMON COWELL 'TAKEN BY SURPRISE' AT NEWS OF FIRST CHILD WITH FRIEND S WIFE
X17online.com Lauren Silverman was photographed with her hands through Simon Cowell's hair as the two relaxed aboard a yacht during a trip to St. Barths in January.She has a thing for rich powerful men said the friend.
She knows having Simon s baby will mean he will always be in her life and he is a very wealthy and generous man.
X17online.com Lauren Silverman's husband can be seen catching his wife getting playful with Simon Cowell.The gorgeous brunette s husband Andrew Silverman 37 filed for divorce two weeks ago.
Andrew Silverman named Cowell in the court papers a highly unusual move that suggests the cuckolded husband has it out for both his cheating wife and his one time friend.
X17online.com The two appear cozy without realizing Andrew Silverman is closeby.This could be a knockdown drag out fight famed divorce lawyer Raoul Felder said.
PHOTOS CELEBRITY BABY BUMPS
OWEN HOFFMANN/PatrickMcMullan.co Andrew Silverman filed for divorce two weeks ago.Cowell the creator of The X Factor only found out about the pregnancy around July 10 a source said.
She told him around that time a second source said.
XPOSUREPHOTOS.COM/AS01JAI1TD02 The pair pictured in August 2012 vacationed together on several different occasions while Silverman's husband was on board.He didn t have a clue before then and it has come as a complete surprise. . . . Simon has repeatedly said he doesn t want kids.
The stunning pregnancy news comes less than a year after Cowell and the Silvermans were pictured together lounging on a yacht in St. Barts.
Butterworth/SplashNews/Butterworth/SplashNews Andrew Silverman leaves his NYC apartment Wednesday amid reports his wife is pregnant with Simon Cowell s first child.In one shot Lauren Silverman was caught cuddling up to a shirtless Cowell and running her hands through his hair as her hubby looked on.
Andrew and Lauren Silverman have a 7 year old son and had been living inside a swanky upper East Side apartment valued at more than $6 million.
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