This Georgia Department of Corrections handout photo shows death row inmate Troy Davis. The countdown to the execution of Davis entered its final hours despite a high-profile campaign to spare the American convicted of killing an off-duty policeman. Just before Troy Davis was executed last night for killing police officer Mark MacPhail more than 20 years ago, he professed his innocence one last time. The Georgia man#39;s controversial case had become a cause celebre in recent days, as a crowd
The happy couple married in 2010. The new mom#39;s co-star TJ Thyne took to Twitter to share the happy news after. “CONGRATULATIONS EMILY D!!!!!!!!!!!!” he Tweeted. “Yay yay yay!!! :o)” Bones#39; Emily Deschanel and her husband, It#39;s Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-star David Hornsby, welcomed their first child Wednesday. His name is Henry. Shortly after her sister Emily announced the news, Zooey Deschanel could hardly contain her excitement, Tweeting: “I am super excited to be an aunt!”
Troy Davis was executed late Wednesday night for the 1989 murder of off-duty Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail. Davis died at 11:08 p.m., according to CNN. The execution was about four hours later than initially scheduled, because prison officials waited for a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Davis’ request for a stay. After 10 p.m. ET, the Supreme Court, in a brief order, rejected Davis’ request. As we previously reported, Davis’ case had attracted international attention from groups like the NAACP and Amnesty International because seven of the nine witnesses against him have recanted or contradicted their testimony. Calls for Davis to be spared execution have been made by numerous dignitaries, including former President Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Pope Benedict XVI, former FBI Director William Sessions, former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Norman Fletcher and Larry Thompson, the former deputy U.S. attorney general. Read more here. RELATED: After #TroyDavis, Then What? A Message From Troy Davis Parole Board Stands By Their Decision To Execute Troy Davis! Race To Save Troy! FBI, Sharpton Protest Controversial Execution
‘Jessie’ actress Debby Ryan applauds the latest album by her fellow Disney star. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Amy Wilkinson Demi Lovato Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images Demi Lovato has certainly caused quite a splash this week, with her album Unbroken making Lovatics out of previous skeptics, thanks to personal lyrics and powerhouse vocals. The 19-year-old Lovato has said the album is her way of “figuring it out” as she makes the transition from Disney princess to 20-something pop star. That theme speaks to fellow Disney star Debby Ryan. “I’ve listened to a bit,” the “Jessie” star told MTV News. “Toby Gad, with whom she produced ‘Skyscraper,’ he wrote that with [singer] Kerli [K
‘We walk away with a great sense of gratitude,’ band says Wednesday, bringing to close a 30-year career. By James Montgomery R.E.M. Photo: Anton Corbijn After 30 years, 15 studio albums, dozens of iconic music videos and boundary-pushing tours (and just four core members) — not to mention a sphere of influence that extends from the nascent days of college radio to the buzzy blogosphere of today — R.E.M. are calling it quits. The band made the announcement Wednesday (September 21) on their website , posting a message that, like most things they did, was almost unyieldingly humble: “To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band,” their statement reads. “We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.” The band — frontman Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry (a lineup that wouldn’t change for some 17 years) — formed in the fertile music scene surrounding Athens, Georgia, in 1980, and after spending their early days touring the Southern states, they found their first modicum of fame with 1981’s “Radio Free Europe,” which garnered them critical acclaim and a contract with indie label I.R.S. Records. In 1982, they released their debut EP, Chronic Town, quickly followed by their first full-length, 1983’s Murmur, which sold modestly but earned R.E.M. even more praise — particularly Buck’s jangly guitar tones and Stipe’s cryptic lyrics. With each subsequent release — ’84’s Reckoning, ’85’s Fables of the Reconstruction, — R.E.M.’s fanbase only grew, and they quickly became pillars of the burgeoning “college rock” scene. They’d also continue to flirt with mainstream audiences, and by the time they released the overtly political Document in 1987, they finally consummated that relationship. Spurred by radio hit “The One I Love,” it became the first R.E.M. album to go platinum. They signed with Warner Bros. soon after and finally achieved massive success with 1991’s Out of Time, a hugely influential album that featured the breakout hit (and accompanying eye-catching video) “Losing My Religion.” It earned R.E.M. seven Grammy nominations, sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and has since become a tentpole of the alt-rock heyday of the 1990s. It also made them one of the hugest rock bands on the planet. Undaunted, they followed the success of Time with the equally huge Automatic for the People (featuring hits “Everybody Hurts,” “Drive” and “Man on the Moon”) and the snarling Monster. But on tour for the latter, drummer Berry suffered an onstage aneurysm and Stipe underwent emergency surgery to repair a hernia. Still, they pressed on, re-signing with Warners (for a reported $80 million) and releasing the noticeably darker New Adventures in Hi-Fi, which didn’t meet expectations from critics or fans and marked the end of their string of huge commercial successes. Berry left the band in 1997, but the remaining members of R.E.M. pressed on as a three-piece (with a variety of drummers filling in behind the kit), releasing a string of albums —′ ’98’s Up, ’01’s Reveal, ’04’s Around the Sun — that garnered critical acclaim but sold poorly in the U.S. (though it should be noted that worldwide, the band remained a huge commercial force). They wrote the instrumental score to the Andy Kaufman biopic “Man on the Moon” and continued to record, releasing their final album, Collapse Into Now, just this year. Of course, though their commercial power faded during their later years, R.E.M. remained hugely influential throughout their entire career, thanks to their music, their activism and their unflappable, DIY ethos. They championed causes like environmentalism, voter registration, animal rights and handgun control, and everyone from Sonic Youth and the Replacements to Pavement, Radiohead and Nirvana cited them as huge inspirations. And, in 2007, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame , it was Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder who gave their keynote speech and brought it all back to the beginning, joking that he’d listened to Murmur “1,260 times … even though you can’t understand a f—ing thing [Stipe] is saying.” Share your favorite R.E.M. memories in the comments below. Related Artists R.E.M.
Athletes usually have a long run on ABC ‘s “ Dancing with the Stars ,” but Los Angeles Laker Ron Artest (a.k.a. Metta World Peace) was the first to get the boot from the season 13 cast. Yes, Ron is a horrible dancer, but he could have had a longer run if he hadn’t been set up to fail! Here’s what prevented him from going far on “Dancing with the Stars”… Who’s That Chick? Instead of pairing Ron Artest with one of the popular professional dancers, he was paired up with new addition Peta Murgatroyd. Maybe this move prevented him from some additional votes? My Name Is Ron Artest’s name was officially changed to Metta World Peace before “Dancing with the Stars” premiered on September 19th, but he was more often referred to by his former name. Maybe there was voter confusion? Up First Ron Artest was the first to perform on the two-hour show on a competitive night of television. Maybe voters missed his chuckle-worthy performance? Laker Haters Either the Los Angeles Lakers are no longer as beloved as they used to be, or the Laker Haters unified and sent their votes to other dancers. Maybe the strength of the Laker Haters was too powerful? The “Crazy” Factor Ron Artest has earned a reputation for being a little nutty, but he danced to a song called “Crazy” by Pitbull! Maybe the song subconsciously turned voters against him? Was Ron Artest robbed by “Dancing With The Stars”? Take a look at his first and last performance on the show, and please leave your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
Below is a letter from Troy Davis who is scheduled to be executed tonight in Jackson, Georgia in one of the most controversial death penalty cases of the century: I want to thank all of you for your efforts and dedication to Human Rights and Human Kindness, in the past year I have experienced such emotion, joy, sadness and never ending faith. It is because of all of you that I am alive today, as I look at my sister Martina I am marveled by the love she has for me and of course I worry about her and her health, but as she tells me she is the eldest and she will not back down from this fight to save my life and prove to the world that I am innocent of this terrible crime. As I look at my mail from across the globe, from places I have never ever dreamed I would know about and people speaking languages and expressing cultures and religions I could only hope to one day see first hand. I am humbled by the emotion that fills my heart with overwhelming, overflowing Joy. I can’t even explain the insurgence of emotion I feel when I try to express the strength I draw from you all, it compounds my faith and it shows me yet again that this is not a case about the death penalty, this is not a case about Troy Davis, this is a case about Justice and the Human Spirit to see Justice prevail. I cannot answer all of your letters but I do read them all, I cannot see you all but I can imagine your faces, I cannot hear you speak but your letters take me to the far reaches of the world, I cannot touch you physically but I feel your warmth everyday I exist. So Thank you and remember I am in a place where execution can only destroy your physical form but because of my faith in God, my family and all of you I have been spiritually free for some time and no matter what happens in the days, weeks to come, this Movement to end the death penalty, to seek true justice, to expose a system that fails to protect the innocent must be accelerated. There are so many more Troy Davis’. This fight to end the death penalty is not won or lost through me but through our strength to move forward and save every innocent person in captivity around the globe. We need to dismantle this Unjust system city by city, state by state and country by country. I can’t wait to Stand with you, no matter if that is in physical or spiritual form, I will one day be announcing, “I AM TROY DAVIS, and I AM FREE!” Never Stop Fighting for Justice and We will Win! Parole Board Stands By Their Decision To Execute Troy Davis! Race To Save Troy! FBI, Sharpton Protest Controversial Execution How Obama can keep hope alive for Troy Davis Risky? Troy Davis Willing To Take Polygraph To Prove Innocence Troy Davis’ Lawyers To File Late Appeal Before Georgia Execution Check out more Troy Davis coverage here.
“Atlanta Casting and Talent” has openings for various positions in the film, theater and entertainment industry. YOU MUST have a background in these fields to apply. Positions available include instructors for acting, dance, voice and music classes; also stage/set design, sound, lighting, wardrobe, public relations, booking, security and building maintenance. The job fair is today, September 19 th , from 12 noon to 4 pm. Dress to impress, and bring you resumes to 572 Edgewood Ave. Ste 116, Atlanta, Georgia 30312. Be prepared for an immediate interview. For more information call 404- 215- 7005.
As you may know, in 1991 Troy Davis was convicted of murdering a Georgia police officer . Twenty years after his conviction and despite growing doubts of his actual guilt, an execution date has been set for September 21. The Georgia Board of Pardons & Paroles will determine Troy Davis’ fate on September 19 during a final clemency hearing. As NAACP President & CEO Benjamin Jealous said, “Time is running out, and this is truly Troy’s last chance for life.” Now is the time for action! The NAACP (in partnership with Amnesty International) began the #TooMuchDoubt campaign last Tuesday. There are three easy ways that people can support Troy Davis. 1. Sign the petition to the Board of Pardons and pass this on to your friends and family. Each name means a more united front for justice: http://action.naacp.org/Name-Wall 2. Send a message of support to Troy as he fights for justice on what may be the final days of his life. http://action.naacp.org/LettersOfSupport 3. Make sure everyone knows about this injustice. Spread the word on Facebook and Twitter (hashtag #TooMuchDoubt) so that Troy Davis’ story can be heard. We still have a chance to save his life, but only if people are willing to speak out against injustice. The NAACP will also be on the ground mobilizing our members and allies in the state of Georgia as Troy Davis’ hearing date approaches. On September 15 they will hold a rally at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA.
FREE ADMISSION! FREE PARKING! PROFESSIONAL DRESS REQUIRED! Professional dress is required. No jeans, sneakers or shorts. Serious job seekers who want to increase their chances of employment should bring at least 25 copies of their resume to this event. The 51 ST Atlanta Diversity & Professional Career Fair Cobb Galleria Centre Two Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30039 Tuesday, September 14, 2011 10 am until 2 pm Call 770- 955 – 8000 or visit www.diversityhiringexpos.com for details. Companies participating include: The Boeing Company, Drive Time, DeVry University, DiversityHiringExpos.com, Genuine Parts Company – NAPA, Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia Department of Labor, MetLife Financial Group, MSC Industrial Supply, Organo Gold International, Primerica Financial Services, Sears Holding Corporation, Shorter University, Schwan’s Home Service, TMX Finance, US Navy, US Drug Enforcement Administration, VIRTUOUS Career Services, Waddell & Reed
