Blogger's baby was a hoax

The unmarried mother's story about giving birth to a child diagnosed as terminally ill in the womb hit a major nerve on the Internet.Every night for the last two months, thousands of abortion opponents across the nation logged on to a blog run by the suburban Chicago woman who identified herself only as "B" or "April's Mom."People said they prayed that God would save her pregnancy. They e-mailed her photos of their children dressed in pink, bought campaign T-shirts, shared tales of personal heartache and redemption, and sent letters and gifts to an Oak Lawn P.O. box in support.As more and more people were drawn to her compelling tale, eager advertisers were lining up. And established parenting Web sites that oppose abortion were promoting her blog -- which included biblical quotes, anti-abortion messages and a soundtrack of inspirational Christian pop songs.
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On the Web: Snapshot of blog from June 2, 2009
By Sunday night, when "April's Mom" claimed to have given birth to her "miracle baby" -- blogging that April Rose had survived a home birth only to die hours later -- her Web site had nearly a million hits.There was only one problem with the unfolding tragedy: None of it was true.Not the pregnancy, and not the photos posted on the blog of the supposed mother and Baby April Rose, swaddled in white blankets. The baby was actually a lifelike doll, which immediately raised the suspicion of loyal blog-followers."I have that exact doll in my house," said Elizabeth Russell, a dollmaker from Buffalo who had been following the blog. "As soon as I saw that picture, I knew it was a scam."By Monday, outraged followers on dozens of Christian parenting Web sites unmasked "April's Mom" as a hoaxer, and hundreds more vented their anger."She needs to be exposed and held accountable," Russell said.Sensing people were close to establishing her identity, "April's Mom" on Monday raced in vain to delete her Web site and Twitter and Facebook accounts.But it was too late. The online community found out her true identity: Beccah Beushausen, 26, a social worker from Mokena. more

Cristiano Ronaldo accepts a world record £80m bid

Manchester United have performed an incredible about-turn on Cristiano Ronaldo by accepting a world record £80m bid from Real Madrid for the Portuguese winger. Ronaldo, currently on holiday in Los Angeles, has informed Manchester United of his desire to leave Old Trafford for the Bernabeu and the Premier League champions have now granted his wish by allowing him to speak to Real over a transfer.
In a brief statement issued on the club website this morning, United confirmed that they have accepted Real's offer, while stipulating that the deal must be wrapped up by June 30.
The statement said: "Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

"At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.
"Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice.
Having failed to prise Ronaldo away from Old Trafford last summer, Real have now stunned United with the size of their offer for the 24 year-old, who cost the Premier League champions £12.2m as a 17-year-old from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
Ronaldo has done little to hide his desire to play for Real and his behaviour towards the end of last season, when he reacted angrily to being substituted against Manchester City at Old Trafford, highlighted cracks in his relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson. more

David Carradine did not commit suicide

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The independent forensics expert who examined David Carradine's body says the actor didn't commit suicide, and Carradine's brothers are asking for understanding as Thai authorities investigate.
Keith and Robert Carradine say they're grateful for the outpouring of support during what they call a "profoundly painful time." In a statement read Thursday in Los Angeles, they also thanked U.S. and Thai authorities for their work.

Carradine was found dead a week ago, hanging in a closet of a Bangkok hotel room.

LAPD detective Stephanie Lazaraus is charged in the murder love triangle 23 years later

She had a sworn duty to protect others. But her fellow police officers allege that one of their own -- a detective -- is a murderer who was involved in a love triangle more than two decades ago.



Los Angeles police Detective Stephanie Lazarus, 49, is being held without bail on charges that she killed Sherri Rasmussen in 1986 after Rasmussen married Lazarus' ex-boyfriend, John Ruetten.
While Lazarus has, for now, traded her badge for an orange jumpsuit, the attorney for Rasmussen's family said he was outraged that the LAPD did not investigate its detective for 23 years and accused the department of ignoring vital clues from Rasmussen's parents. more

Police Officer Tases Great Grandmother

Dashcam video shows Texas cop using his Taser gun on a 72-year-old woman.
Bieze said Winkfein was physically "non-complaint" after he pulled her over for driving 60 mph in a 45 mph speed zone on her way to Austin, Texas.
What the DashCam Shows
The video, which was released this week, shows Winkfein refusing to sign her speeding ticket.
She then got out of her pick-up truck and then the confrontation got nastier.
"Give me the f--king ticket now," she said. "Get over here now," Bieze replied.

Bieze then shoved the woman. He said it was to keep her out of traffic whizzing by.
"You're gonna shove me?! You're gonna shove a 72 year old woman," Winkfein said.
But Bieze would do more than just shove Winkfein.
"If you don't stand back, I'm gonna tase you," he tells Winkfein.
"Go ahead, taser me," Winkfein replied.

After warning Winkfein a half dozen times, Bieze makes good on all of those threats.
"Get on the ground! Get on the ground," Bieze can be heard yelling as Winkfein screams. "Now put your hands behind your back." "Put your hands behind your back or you're going to be tased again," see more

77 Suspects Arrested on Child Pornography Charges in Florida, 5 Young Victims Rescued

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — State, local and federal authorities have arrested 77 suspects on child pornography charges and rescued five young victims.
Gov. Charlie Crist announced the 10-week crackdown Tuesday at a news conference with "America's Most Wanted" TV host John Walsh and Attorney General Bill McCollum.
The suspects range in age from 17 to 83 and include two registered sex offenders. The last person was arrested Tuesday in Tallahassee.
Walsh called the crackdown "historic" and heaped praise on Crist and McCollum, saying he hoped both Republicans will win their next political races.
Crist is running for U.S. senator and McCollum for governor.

The new IDF robot snakePhoto:

A robot snake, capable of recording video and sound on the battlefield, is on the way to join the the IDF's hi-tech arsenal.


According to a Channel 2 report, click herethe spying robot, which is about two meters long and covered in military camouflage, mimics the movements and appearance of real snakes, slithering around through caves, tunnels, cracks and buildings, while at the same time sending images and sound back to a soldier who controls the device through a laptop computer.
Able to bend its joints so well that it can squeeze through very tight spaces, the new device will be used to find people buried under collapsed buildings. The snake is also able to arch its body, allowing it to see over obstacles through its head camera. more