1. PHILADELPHIA
Thursday, March 31, 2011
www.metro.us
Max 43°
Min 37°
News
No joke:
Did parody
defame?
South Jersey couple with
dwarfism sues Comcast and
‘The Soup’ They felt serious
life issues were mocked {page 04}
Vanilla Ice: Call
it a comeback?
He’s onstage
again, just not
quite like you
remember
Play ball
{page 10}
The Key: For
nontraditional
students {pages K1-K12}
with the Phab Four
Phillies fans are dreaming of a stroll down World Series Road
But does the team have enough offensive firepower?
Scouting reports on Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hamels {pages 20-31}
MLB PREVIEW
2. www.metro.us
02 philadelphia THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011
STATE DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION
Council to weigh
1
In the news
Budget bus-ter
A tiny
portion of
budget gap
filled
Gov. Tom Corbett patched
‘Ban the Box’ bill
Don’t Ask At First? Council may vote today on removing criminal
history from start of hiring process Supporters say ex-offenders would
get a fair chance Foes suggest anti-discrimination lawsuits could result
Ever since a drunken-dri-
ving arrest in 2002, Rodney
Byrd has been trying to get
employers to judge him on
his qualifications of work-
ing more than 15 years in
G WRITE TO
METRO AT
“If an individual
Box,” referring to the box
on job applications asking
whether a person has ever
been convicted of a crime.
Employers would be pro-
hibited from asking about
How
screening
would work
a 41-foot hole in the budg- the health care industry. can present an applicant’s criminal his- Philadelphia’s ordin-
et shortfall yesterday by “It’s like I try to seek em- tory until after the first in- ance would call on the
themselves ...
The Big retiring “a 1991 tour bus”
that, by being driven few-
ployment and I get online
and fill out application and before that stigma
terview unless otherwise re-
quired by state or federal
mayor to create a nine-
person Fair Criminal
er than 26,000 miles dur- they ask ‘Have you ever been entirely colors their law, such as those which Record Screening Advi-
Five ing the Rendell adminis-
tration, cost taxpayers
arrested’ and I gotta tell the
truth,” the 55-year-old said.
perception, they mandate background
checks for law-enforcement
sory Committee,
which would include
$66,000. “This fiscal year “That’s a mark against you.” have a better and child-care jobs. Not on- at least two ex-offend-
The Hospital of alone, taxpayers have paid Byrd and thousands of chance to put that ly would the ban apply to ers, to monitor compli-
the University of for batteries, towing and ex-offenders in Philadel- conviction in public employers, but ance with the law and
Pennsylvania window tinting,” he said. phia are hoping that mark Philadelphia would become field complaints.
topped U.S. News State Democrats imme- will be removed or at least context.” the first city in the U.S. to
DEVAH PAGER,
and World Re- diately retorted that Cor- covered today. City Council include private employers
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY SOLOMON D. LEACH
port’s first-ever bett “focuses on political is expected to vote on a bill — following the lead of
SOCIOLOGY PROFESSOR sleach@metro.us
ranking of gimmicks” that fill .00166 referred to as “Ban the Hawaii and Massachusetts.
percent of the deficit
Philadelphia-area
rather than listening to
hospitals. Also in residents’ real budget con-
the top five were cerns. METRO Protest. Education funding
Thomas Jefferson
University Hospi-
tal, Temple Uni-
versity Hospital,
Tow-truck
Hahnemann Uni-
versity Hospital
driver shot
and Christiana
Care in Newark,
in Chester
CHESTER. A tow-truck driv-
Del. METRO er was shot early yesterday
morning, but police
In the news haven’t yet said whether
he was the intended
target. The incident
occurred at around 10 a.m.
in an alley off Edgemont
St. Upon arrival, the found
a Philadelphia Auto Recy-
cling driver suffering from Former and current high school and college students united to rail against what they consider misplaced budget priorities
a gunshot wound. Police coming from the state capitol.
reportedly think the shot
RIKARD LARMA/METRO
was fired from a nearby
More priests
placed on leave
home.
The driver, whose name Get ’em while The Campaign for Nonviolent Schools marched on Broad Street
with a “Fund Our Schools, Not Prisons” message for Harrisburg.
Cardinal Justin Rigali hasn’t been released, was Hundreds protested Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed funding cuts
placed two more
priests on adminis-
taken to Crozer-Chester
Medical Center. METRO
they’re young and decried the “school-to-prison pipeline in Philadelphia.”
trative leave as a re-
sult of the grand-jury Director James Wan Video games Love/hate relationship
report into alleged on movie ‘Insidious’ — now in 3-D! with Facebook friends?
sexual-abuse cover-
ups. The announce-
ment offered scant To advertise: phone: 215-717-2600 e-mail sales: advphilly@metro.us | METRO PHILADELPHIA | Editor in Chief: Tony Metcalf tony.metcalf@metro.us, @edinchiefmetro | Managing Editor: Ron Varrial
details other than ron.varrial@metro.us | City Editor: Brian X. McCrone bmccrone@metro.us | Features Editor: Amber Ray amber.ray@metro.us, @amberatmetro | Entertainment Editor: Monica Weymouth
monica.weymouth@metro.us | Sports Editor: Mike Greger mgreger@metro.us | Deputy Features/Careers/Books/Travel editor: Dorothy Robinson dorothy.robinson@metro.us | Home/Style editor:
the priests retired in Tina Chadha tina.chadha@metro.us | Wellbeing/Tech editor: Heidi Patalano heidi.patalano@metro.us | Photo Editor: Rikard Larma rlarma@metro.us | E-MAIL US: letters@metro.us
2005 and 2006. As the world's largest global newspaper, Metro has more than 17 million readers in over 100 major cities in 17 countries • Metro Philadelphia 30 S. 15th St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19102 • main: 215-717-2600 • sales: 215-717-2689
• e-mail sales: advphilly@metro.us • National Sales Director Bob Edmunds • Executive Sales Director James McDonald • U.S. Circulation Director Joseph Lauletta • U.S. Marketing Director Priscilla Arguinzoni
• Advertisements appearing in Metro are published in good faith. Metro does not endorse and makes no representations about any of the advertising content appearing in its pages. Metro is not responsible for any loss or damage
whatsoever resulting from readers using the services of its advertisers. Readers should exercise caution when replying to advertisements, especially those which require any form of payment, and, where necessary, should seek
independent legal advice.
3. SPRING
SPECTACULAR
LOWEST
PRICES
OF THE SEASON!
LAST DAY! DON’T MISS OUR SPECTACULAR ALL-DAY SPECIALS
FREE SHIPPING AT MACYS.COM with $99 online purchase ($8 flat-fee shipping with purchases under $99). No promo code needed; exclusions apply.
SPECIAL SPECIAL 19.99 SPECIAL SPECIAL
10.99 IZOD® POLOS
Reg. $44-$50, after
49.99 14.99
CLEARANCE CLEARANCE SKINNY
Orig.* 37.50-59.50, special 24.99. Cotton Orig.* $200-$320, LEGGINGS
after special 12.99. in solid colors after special 69.99. Reg. 24.99,
Dress shirts or stripes. S-XXL. Pantsuits, skirtsuits & after special
or ties from Big & Tall sizes more. Misses & petites. 19.99. For
famous available in select juniors by
makers. styles; prices may vary. Celebrity Pink.
SPECIAL SPECIAL 17.99
54.99 ALFRED DUNNER
Reg. $42-$66, after
MEN’S DRESS PANTS
Reg. $110-$135, after special $21-$33.
special 69.99. Lauren, Jackets, tops, pants
Nautica, Louis Raphael & more. Misses and
& our Club Room. petites. Women's
WebID 141430 prices slightly higher.
SPECIAL SPECIAL 59.99 SPECIAL 37.99 SPECIAL
21.99 BOSTONIAN
Reg. $80 & 89.99,
BRACELETS
After special $48. All diamond-accent**
$149
TASSO ELBA DIAMOND-ACCENT
Reg. 34.50, after special 69.99. or gemstone bracelets in sterling silver EARRINGS
after special 29.99. Men’s oxfords, or 18k gold over sterling silver regularly Reg. $500, after special $200.
Only at Macy’s. from top: Cass priced at $120. WebID 464412 In-and-out oval hoops
Interlock cotton or Dennison. in 14k yellow ( WebID 202876)
polos. S-XXL. WebID or white ( WebID 202877) gold.
WebID 350673 396701
SPECIAL 68.99 SPECIAL 40% OFF SPECIAL $199 SPECIAL $1179
CUISINART ALL IRONS DIAMOND STUDS DIAMOND RING
Reg. 149.99, Special 17.99-155.99. Reg. $600, Reg. $2700, after
after special 99.99. Reg. 29.99-259.99, after special $336. special $1512.
Grind & Brew after special 19.99- 1/2 ct. t.w.‡ 1½ ct. t.w.‡ in
coffeemaker, #DGB550. 169.99. Shown: Black in 14k white gold. 14k yellow ( WebID
WebID 294790 & Decker cord reel WebID 171294 329845) or white
iron. #ICR500. ( WebID 335774)
WebID 372374 gold.
SPECIAL 37.99 SPECIAL 97.99 SPECIAL 47.99 SPECIAL
12-PC. SET 20-PC. ROOM ENSEMBLES 4-PC. LUGGAGE SET 40%-65%
Reg. $100, after
special 59.99. Only
Reg. $400-$450, after
special 199.99-229.99.
Reg. $160, after
special 69.99. + EXTRA
at Macy’s. Basics Only at Macy’s. Only at Macy’s. 20% OFF
Classic stainless steel Queen or king. American Explorer CLEARANCE
cookware from Shown: India Tile. De Soto. Special 5.04-119.04.
Tools of the Trade. WebID 532694 WebID 451836 Orig.* $18-$248, after
WebID 351162 special 6.30-148.80.
Handbags.
Enter the WebID in the search box at MACYS.COM to order. FIND MACY'S EVERYWHERE! Shop, share and connect anytime.
Fine jewelry specials are only available at stores that carry fine jewelry. REG. & ORIG. PRICES ARE OFFERING PRICES, AND SAVINGS MAY NOT BE BASED ON ACTUAL SALES. SOME ORIG. PRICES NOT IN EFFECT DURING THE PAST 90
DAYS. SPRING SPECTACULAR SALE PRICES IN EFFECT THROUGH 4/3/2011, UNLESS NOTED. *Intermediate price reductions may have been taken. ‡All carat weights (ct. t.w.) are approximate; variance may be .05 carat. **May contain rose-
cut diamonds. Jewelry photos may be enlarged or enhanced to show detail. Fine jewelry at select stores; log on to macys.com for locations. Almost all gemstones have been treated to enhance their beauty and require special care, log on
to macys.com/gemstones or ask your sales professional. Specials are available while supplies last. Extra savings are taken off already-reduced sale prices; “special” prices reflect extra savings. “Lowest price(s)” refers to Macy’s spring season
February 1 through April 30, 2011. Prices may be lowered as part of a clearance. Advertised merchandise may not be carried at your local Macy’s and selection may vary by store. Prices and merchandise may differ at macys.com. Luggage &
electric items shown carry warranties; to see a mfr’s warranty at no charge before purchasing, visit a store or write to: Macy’s Warranty Dept., PO Box 1026 Maryland Heights, MO 63043, attn Consumer Warranties. N1020191.
4. www.metro.us
04 philadelphia THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO INCLUDED WITH, AND FOCUS OF, LEGAL COMPLAINT
Satirical skit about
dwarves leads to lawsuit
A photograph for a story about genetic testing was reused for comedy
A South Jersey couple says it was defamation Comcast is a defendant
A married Collingswood, used, without AP permis- The Reynolds also suf-
N.J., couple, both achon- sion, in a “Soup” skit about fered “anxiety, depression,
droplastic dwarves, recent- a fake reality show called insomnia … and feelings
ly filed a defamation suit “Fertile Little Tattooed Pag- of shame and degrada- The Reynolds
against Comcast, E! Enter- eant Parents Who Enjoy tion.” They are suing for at
tainment Television and Baking.” least $50,000 on each
the host of the “The Soup” “The piece depicted a “The defendants count of defamation, mis-
for misrepresenting them woman purported to be chose to ignore the appropriation of likeness, Not for laughs Reynolds. Dozens of chil-
in a skit on the satirical Cara Reynolds in labor, in false light, intentional and dren were added to the
program. the process of giving birth
information negligent infliction of Excerpts from the front yard in front of Mr.
In 2006, Cara and Gib- in a bathroom,” the suit available to them emotional distress and un- Reynolds’ lawsuit: and Mrs. Reynolds to make
son Reynolds were pho- filed March 24 in Philadel- and held the just enrichment. good on the promotion
tographed by the Associat- phia Common Pleas Court plaintiffs up to Comcast referred all Plaintiffs were never asked that these are “happy
ed Press for a story about states. questions yesterday to E! to consent, nor did they dwarves … that can’t stop
the controversies sur- The Reynolds’ were in scorn, ridicule and Entertainment Television; ever consent, to any use of procreating.”
rounding genetic screen- the process of adopting a embarrassment for a vice president of corpo- their photo other than for The description of the cou-
ing. child from China, also an the purpose of rate communications de- the article for which they ple as “fertile little people”
The photo caption stat- achondroplastic dwarf, clined to answer ques- were interviewed. caused them to relive the
ed their “newborn died and were concerned the maintaining ... tions about pending litiga- [The photograph] was al- pain and grief they experi-
from a genetic condition “false and misleading in- revenues for ‘The tion. tered to show a crown and enced with the loss of their
linked to dwarfism.” Three formation … would jeop- Soup.’” a beauty pageant sash on newborn daughter Tracy
years later, a doctored ver- ardize the adoption LAWSUIT EXCERPT BRIAN HICKEY Mrs. Reynolds and tattoos Reynolds in 2005 and their
sion of the photograph was process.” and ALEX PAULIN on both Mr. and Mrs. ongoing fertility issues.
$79 .99 $199 .99
$349 .99
TaTes
MENSWEAR
5. Are you suffering
If so, CRI is conducting a
research study for individuals
from Depression?
suffering from Depression.
Those who qualify receive all
study-related care and study
Are you experiencing persistent sadness medication. Insurance is not
or changes in mood? required to qualify.
Feeling guilty or loss of energy?
For more information, call toll free
Qualified participants must:
Are you or a loved one being treated for • Be 18-65 years of age
Schizophrenia?
• Currently being treated for schizophrenia
• Have had a diagnosis of schizophrenia
for at least the past year
Those who qualify will receive:
• All study evaluations, study medication
If so, please contact CRI Worldwide and study-related care at no cost
• Compensation for their time
to learn about a research study of a
schizophrenia study medication.
For more information, call toll free
Qualified participants must:
Have you been positive with • Be 18 to 65 years old
Hepatitis C Virus
• Have not been treated with any
medication for Hepatitis C
• Be available for an overnight stay
study period
for at least 6 months? Qualified participants receive:
• All study-related evaluations and
investigational medication or inactive
If so, please contact CRI about our placebo at no cost
research study for adults with Hepatitis C. • Compensation up to $750 for time
and travel
No insurance is needed to participate in this study.
For more information, call toll free
6. 06 news www.metro.us
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011
GETTY IMAGES
Google’s
new tweak AT&T: Deal will
takes on
Facebook
SAN FRANCISCO. Google will
improve network
begin allowing users to CEO says acquisition of T-Mobile would boost
personally endorse search
results and Web pages, its capacity and improve service, including on iPhone
latest attempt to stave off
rival Facebook while trying AT&T CEO Randall Stephen- would combine the sec-
to jump onboard a social- son, making his case for a No worries ond- and fourth-largest U.S.
networking boom. proposed takeover of T-Mo- wireless operators to cre-
The so-called “+1” bile USA, said the deal Stephenson said concerns ate the country’s largest.
button started to appear would boost network capac- about the merger limiting The acquisition, which
alongside Google search re- ity and improve service for competition in the U.S. are would leave three major
sults for some users yester- devices such as the iPhone. unfounded. “This is an in- national wireless players
day, letting people recom- The acquisition would tensely competitive indus- including Verizon Wireless
mend specific search improve capacity on try,” he said. “It is intense and Sprint Nextel is sub-
results to friends and con- AT&T’s wireless network before we do this transac- ject to regulatory approval.
tacts by clicking the button. by about 30 percent in tion, it will be intense after AT&T said that as part of
Eventually, the feature some of the largest U.S. we do this transaction.” the purchase it would ex-
may begin to influence the cities, Stephenson said yes- pand the rollout of its high-
ranking of search results, terday at an event at the close the deal, getting a 30 speed wireless technology,
though that is only under Council on Foreign Rela- percent lift in capacity in helping achieve the U.S.
consideration. Results are tions in New York. It could New York City: That’s a sig- Federal Communications
now ranked via a closely also reduce charges for nificant improvement in Commission goal of mak-
guarded algorithm. REUTERS overseas roaming, he said. call quality and data ing broadband available
“This transaction is very throughput.” more widely. AT&T will of-
G FOLLOW instrumental [in improv- AT&T said on March 20 fer its Long-Term Evolution
METRO ONLINE ing network service],” said it had agreed to buy T-Mo- technology to an additional
AT&T’s deal to buy T-Mobile could help your iPhone. Stephenson at the event. bile USA from Deutsche 46.5 million people as part
“Virtually on the day you Telekom, in a deal that of the deal. BLOOMBERG
D O U B L E POINTS. LOW FARES.
PICK ANY T W O.
O N E-W A Y F A R E S F R O M P H I L A D E L P H I A A S L O W A S :
NEW YORK WASHINGTON, DC BALTIMORE NEWARK
$ 36 $ 35 $ 32 $ 36
BWI MARSHALL BOSTON METROPARK NEW HAVEN
$ 32 $ 59 $ 32 $ 41
Right now, one trip on Amtrak® is worth twice the rewards.
Because Amtrak Guest Rewards ® members receive double
points on all travel from March 21, 2011 through May 6, 2011
and triple points on all travel from May 7, 2011 through
May 21, 2011. Registration is required, terms and conditions
apply. Register and book at Amtrak.com.
AMTRAK.COM
Fares valid only on Northeast Regional. Valid for discounted one-way Coach Fares only; no Business class upgrades allowed. Advance ticket purchase is required a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to travel. Blackout dates apply: 23Nov11, 27Nov11, 26Dec11 and 02Jan12. Fares are non-refundable. Exchanges are permitted for other rail
fare purchases. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all trains at all times. Not valid for onboard purchase. Not combinable with any other discount offer. Up to two children ages 2-15 may accompany each adult at half the (full) adult rail fare. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions
may apply. Bonus point offers: Must be an Amtrak Guest Rewards member and register for this offer online or by calling 1-800-307-5000 to participate. Earn double points on qualifying Amtrak travel from March 21, 2011 through May 6, 2011 and earn triple points on qualifying Amtrak travel from May 7, 2011 through May 21, 2011. Cancelled
or refunded reservations/tickets will be deemed ineligible. Members must include their membership number when making reservations for travel to qualify. Other terms and conditions may apply. Amtrak, Enjoy the journey, Amtrak Guest Rewards and Northeast Regional are service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
7. news www.metro.us
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011
07
Diamonds
Gaddafi strikes back
Rebels pushed back as loyalists
MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
stolen at
Switzerland
jewels fair
ZURICH. Thieves stole four
unleash superior arms, discipline diamonds worth several
Western airstrikes had helped million dollars from a
trader’s stand at the
world’s biggest watch and
Libyan rebels fled in head- jewelry fair in Basel yester-
long retreat from the supe- Civilians first day, prosecutors said.
rior arms and tactics of “Three men engaged
Muammar Gaddafi’s troops A conference of 40 govern- the staff in a sales talk
yesterday, exposing the in- ments and international while one or two others
surgents’ weakness without bodies agreed on Tuesday opened the showcase,”
Western airstrikes to tip the to press on with aerial bom- said Markus Melzl,
scales in their favor. bardment of Libyan forces spokesman for the Basel
It had taken more than until Gaddafi complied with prosecutor’s office. “These
five days of allied bombard- a U.N. resolution to end vio- were real pros who had
ment to destroy govern- lence against civilians. done some research
ment tanks and artillery in ahead.”
the strategic town of Ajd- ers and bystanders outside Watch and jewelry mak-
abiyah before rebels rushed Gaddafi’s home town of ers meet retailers from all
in and chased Gaddafi’s Sirte, then outflanked them over the world at the Basel
troops 200 miles west in a through the desert, a ma- fair, which closes its doors
two-day dash. neuver requiring the sort of Libyan rebels flee from Ras Lanuf to Uqayla as loyalist forces overran the Libyan key oil town. today. REUTERS
Two days later, the rebels discipline the ragtag rebels
have been pushed back to lack. “These were real
close to where they started. The towns of Nawfaliyah, counterstrike. Rebels ward Ajdabiyah. ment from tanks, artillery pros who had done
The Libyan army first Bin Jawad and Ras Lanuf fell showed no signs of trying to In town after town, and truck-launched Grad
ambushed the chaotic cara- in quick succession to the hold on to the next town, Gaddafi force’s have un- rockets, which has forced some research
van of volunteers, support- lightning government Brega, but carried on to- leashed a fierce bombard- rebels to swiftly flee. REUTERS ahead.” MELZL
Electric carmaker SEPTA NEWS
sues BBC for libel GETTY IMAGES
Get The Straight Talk On The
Future of Fare Collection
SEPTA will host a session to share the latest details on the new fare
payment technologies that will transform the way SEPTA fares are paid,
making it easier and more convenient for our customers.
Tesla says Top Gear’s allegations “grossly misled potential purchasers of the Roadster.” Riders, stakeholders, and members of the public are welcome to attend.
U.S. electric carmaker Tes- In the Top Gear report, run out it’s not a quick job When: Friday, April 1st from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - arrive anytime
la Motors has sued the first broadcast in Decem- to charge it up again,”
BBC's “Top Gear” show al- ber 2008, presenter Jeremy Clarkson said, according to
leging libel and malicious Clarkson said that, even a transcript of the show in- Where: SEPTA Mezzanine Level
falsehood. though the car is “biblical- cluded in the filing.
Tesla claims the show, ly quick,” and “the first The report showed the
1234 Market Street
one of the broadcaster’s electric car you might actu- car being pushed into a Philadelphia, PA 19107
most successful programs, ally want to buy,” its range hangar, according to the
faked a scene that ap- is limited. suit. Tesla said the Road-
peared to show Tesla’s “Although Tesla say it ster that was pushed into
Roadster car running out will do 200 miles, we the hangar hadn’t run out
215.580.7800 | WWW.SEPTA.ORG
of energy, according to pa- worked out that on our of power and didn’t need
pers filed at the High Court track it would run out after to be pushed.
in London yesterday. just 55 miles, and if it does BLOOMBERG
8. 08 news www.metro.us
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011
SAUL LOEB/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Now it’s serious: “By bringing in the
NSA, that means
they think they’re
either dealing with
Nasdaq attack a state-sponsored
attack or it’s an
extraordinarily
capable criminal
probed by NSA organization.”
JOEL BRENNER, FORMER HEAD
OF U.S. COUNTERINTELLIGENCE
The feds are bringing in the big guns to solve an attack on the US Investigators have yet to determine which
finance industry National Security Agency well equipped for the job Nasdaq systems were breached and why.
Above: NSA headquarters at Fort Meade, Maryland.
The National Security G WRITE TO attacked and what was tak- Winkler, a former NSA an-
Agency — the top U.S. elec- METRO AT en. It may also show the at- alyst and chief security
$20B
tronic intelligence service tack endangered the securi- strategist at Technodyne.
— has joined a probe of ty of the nation’s financial The probe of the attack exchanges at a time
the October cyber attack infrastructure. on the second-biggest U.S. when several competi-
on Nasdaq amid evidence the world’s most powerful The NSA’s most impor- stock exchange operator, tors have announced
the intrusion by hackers computers for electronic tant contribution to the disclosed last month, is al- The widening invest- such moves. More than
was more severe than first surveillance and decryp- probe may be its ability to so being assisted by for- igation may complicate $20 billion of exchange
disclosed. tion, may help the initial in- unscramble encrypted eign intelligence agencies, Nasdaq’s ability to acquisitions have been
The involvement of the vestigators — Nasdaq and messages that hackers use according to an unnamed strike deals to buy or announced in the past
NSA, which uses some of the FBI — determine who to extract data, said Ira source. BLOOMBERG merge with other five months.
GERARDO MORA/GETTY IMAGES)
Marine life. And death
Survey: More than half
of CEOs plan on hiring Obama: Cut
back on oil
GETTY IMAGES
BOSTON. Chief executives’
view of the economy
brightened in the first
quarter, with more than
half now ready to add jobs WASHINGTON. President
— a critical step if the Barack Obama yesterday Problem areas
economy’s recovery is to proposed to cut U.S. oil im-
gain steam. ports by a third over 10 Obama laid out four areas
The Business Round- years, setting an ambitious to help reach his target of
table’s quarterly CEO Eco- goal that eluded his prede- curbing U.S. dependence
nomic Outlook survey cessors as high gasoline on foreign oil: lifting do-
found that 52 percent of “Our CEOs see prices threatened to un- mestic energy production,
CEOs plan to add staff in momentum in the dermine the economic re- fostering the use of more
the United States over the covery. natural gas in vehicles like
next six months. U.S. economy. Obama outlined his city buses, making cars and
CEOs’ changed views on We collectively strategy after spending trucks more efficient and
hiring would be very good are expecting days explaining the U.S.-led boosting alternative energy
news for an economy that military action in Libya, by encouraging biofuels.
has struggled with high increased sales and where fighting, accompa-
unemployment even since as a result expect to nied by unrest elsewhere Obama did not pretend
its last 18-month recession do more investing in the Arab world, has there were any speedy
officially ended in June helped push U.S. gasoline measures to lower fuel
2009 — and for the admin-
and hiring over the prices toward $4 a gallon. costs that he acknowl-
istration of President next six months.” In a speech that was edged were a “big con-
Barack Obama. REUTERS IVAN SEIDENBERG, CEO OF VERIZON short on details on how to cern” to Americans.
curb U.S. energy demand, REUTERS
Killer whale Tilikum appears during its performance
in its show “Believe” at Sea World in Orlando, Fla.
Eastern US the region by week’s end,
according to the National
Heard it said John Sfakianakis,
chief economist at the
prepares Weather Service.
The system will be the Up to her old tricks? before? Banque Saudi Fransi.
Truly reforming U.S.
for snow second to move through
the area this week, said True killer whale is back WASHINGTON. Analysts and
experts said Obama’s
energy use would
involve sweeping
NEW YORK. A winter storm Lauren Nash, a weather goal is ambitious. changes, including possi-
watch has been issued for service meteorologist in Tilikum returned to public performance yesterday, “All U.S. presidents ble fuel taxes to encour-
eastern New York, parts of Upton, N.Y. The first will the first time the six-ton whale has performed since since the early 1970s age Americans to change
northern New Jersey and arrive tonight and may killing 40-year-old trainer Dawn Brancheau at the have outlined ambitious their habits, which
most of New England while bring light snow to areas Sea World marine park on Feb. 24, 2010. plans to reduce their re- could be politically tox-
a storm packing as much as north of New York City, Sea World Parks & Entertainment president Jim liance on imported oil,” ic, analysts said. REUTERS
12 inches of snow heads for she said. BLOOMBERG Atchinson signed off on the decision this week.
9. news www.metro.us
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011
09
The fallout
of Britney’s
sexuality As pop star releases new album,
author takes a look at how Britney’s past actions
are affecting young girls Fears that girls see sexuality
as a performance and not intimacy
Britney Spears’ new album, issue of sexual entitlement.
“Femme Fatale,” debuts this Girls are feeling like they
week. Looking back, author have to perform the idea
Peggy Orenstein examines that they’re comfortable
the long-lasting — and dam- with their sexuality. And
aging — effects of the “girl you have to wonder, what is
power” pop star’s sexuality. it that they’re getting? They
don’t have pleasure or con-
In your new book, “Cinderella trol. What is the reality of
Ate My Daughter,” you write what that act gives them?
about how Disney princess It’s not anything healthy.
culture has altered your little
girl’s view of sexuality. It So what are parents supposed
reminded me of Britney to do?
Spears, when she debuted in Britney’s “Baby One More Time” video sealed her sexuality. First, it’s about limiting
a schoolgirl outfit posing their access to media and
suggestively. such, when they’re really
Yes, she set a template for a it. So it was an ultimately little. And also trying to ex-
Quoted
lot of the confusion that incredibly disempowering pand their ideas of who
came after and was ironi- “When little girls stance for girls to see. they are and what they can
cally a direct outgrowth of be, that’s not linked con-
the Girl Power movement have inappropriate And what’s been the fallout stantly to playing at pretty
— she had an impact on sexuality — all these years later? or sassy (which is sexy
the way Girl Power was however it’s The culture has taken up with training wheels). Edu-
commodified and changed. that message. It plays into cate them and yourself.
On the one hand, she was a imposed, by pop the diva culture of little
breakthrough because she culture or adults girls right now, that acceler- Who is your daughter Daisy
was a girl who was a star they love — they ated makeup and hot dance idolizing these days?
for girls, as opposed to, say, moves, with Miley Cyrus Well, this is going to sound
David Cassidy or Bobby
don’t understand it. and the like. I want to be politically correct but it’s
Sherman or the Jonas The risk is that they clear: I don’t come at this true. We went to a dinner
Brothers today. But as such, never connect it and from a perspective to be the other night where this
she had this whole differ- sexiness becomes a negative about sexuality. 99-year-old judo champion
ent approach. She was at It’s just that when little girls was being honored. She
once selling chastity and performance for have inappropriate sexuali- was talking about how one
sex and combining them in them rather than ty — however it’s imposed, should be gentle, strong
this really weird way. something that by pop culture or adults and beautiful. To illustrate
they love — they don’t un- “gentle” and “strong,” she
And she was doing this for real- involves intimacy.” derstand it. The risk is that said she could walk up to a
ORENSTEIN
ly little girls when she started. they never connect it and man twice her size (which
It’s hard to remember sexiness becomes a per- wouldn’t be hard, she was
now, but one of her central formance for them rather about 4-foot-9) and touch
fan bases was 6-year-old than something that in- him with her index finger
girls, who would go to her volves intimacy. Instead and he would collapse.
concerts and scream and they see sexiness as some- And by beautiful, she
shout. She always talked thing they do for the pleas- meant not the externals
about being a virgin. And
G POST
YOUR ure and entertainment for but a beautiful heart. I told
she’d say, if you see me as a TS @ ... others. As if self-objectifica- Daisy, “Look at her, isn’t
Lolita, that’s your problem. COMMEN tion was a rite of passage. she amazing!” She was tak- Are Britney Spears’
But everything she did en. She was into it. actions affecting
completely contradicted You see that today: Young girls younger generations?
that. It’s this weird thing “sext” naked photos of them- MICHAEL
where she was sexualizing selves to their boyfriends. FREIDSON
innocence and fetishizing With sexting, there’s also an METRO WORLD NEWS
10. www.metro.us
10 my THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011
myentertainment
2 THE WORD
Metro’s Dorothy Robinson shares her take on the world of gossip p @dorothyatmetro dorothy.robinson@metro.us
Ice is back top that came with the
crazy glory of selling 11
of “Peter Pan” in London,
reports the BBC. “Ice is a
means Ice can only use
body movements and fa-
with a million copies of “To the
Extreme,” Vanilla Ice proba-
huge name who I am sure
will be a real draw for par-
cial contortions, but not
his voice. This means, of
brand new bly didn’t envision himself
in 20 years performing the-
ents and children alike,”
theater manager Tony Hill
course, there will be no
rocking of the mic like a
The feed ...
invention ater. Make that children’s
theater. In England. In pan-
said. “He has never per-
formed in a pantomime
vandal, but hopefully he’ll
still be able to light up the
During his 1990 “Ice Ice Ba- tomime. before, but I am sure he stage and wax a chump
Checking in with by” heyday of parachute Yes, the former “rapper” will go down as a hit.” like a candle.
some of Hollywood’s pants, bethonged women is playing Captain Hook in Ice Pantomime, which is Whatever that ever
biggest names to see and the pompadour flat a live theatrical production different than mime, meant.
what they’ve been
up to — in their own DARIO CANTATORE/GETTY IMAGES
words, in 140 charac-
ters or less. Daddy Gold. Rabbit Pot, meet on tour. It should be
harder to be an artist.”
Today, Bree Olson
Federline: kettle Ah, yes. “Harder.” This
may be tiring of be- Papa Zao! When asked by apparently means hav-
ing one of Charlie Australia’s Daily ing an already famous
Sheen’s goddesses, Can someone explain Telegraph what she father who would sell
Samantha Ronson to me why women thought of Internet sen- your soul to the Disney
wasn’t where people want to procreate with sation Rebecca Black’s corporation, who would,
said she was and Jon- Kevin Federline? It was “Friday” video, which in turn, spend millions
ah Hill doesn’t get Je- announced yesterday got 16 million views in in marketing you as
sus’ popularity. the one week, Miley Cyrus a singer and actor
former said: “You to gullible little
@BreeOlson backup shouldn’t girls.
I’d love to live in a dancer is just be But let’s not
cottage in the woods. expecting able to put split hairs, shall
Deep in the country. a child a song on we?
To just have all the with girl- YouTube and go
bare essentials and friend Victoria Prince — Cyrus
live off the land. Day
dreams
his fifth. Luckily,
Britney is going on tour Toni is all (golden) ears More G PSSSST ... GET
this year. Girl’s gotta ALL OF THE
@samantharonson
i love when the inter-
work if she’s going to
support all of
Singer Toni Braxton attended the 2011 Lindt Gold
Bunny Celebrity Auction Kick-Off at the Lindt Chocolate
gossip GOSSIP ALL OF THE
TIME. READ THE
net makes me a super Federline’s various Shop yesterday in New York City. Hopefully someone online WORD BLOG ONLINE
hero- i was home at children for him. told Braxton, who recently declared bankruptcy a
the same time i was second time, that bunny wasn’t made from real gold.
at dinner. pix of me
leaving dinner last
night win. PROOF
how breast cancer effects
@JonahHill people’s lives.
I have half as many Talking points
followers as @Jesus.
That is such bulls—. Farrell says
That guy hasn’t been Denise takes goodbye
funny in years.
precaution During the final years of
After ex-husband Charlie her life, Elizabeth Taylor
Sheen’s angry tirade Richards Aniston Farrell struck up a close
against her on Twitter, friendship with actor Colin
Denise Richards has report- Farrell — so close that, at
edly upped the security at mad man, it’s better to be you wished someone Jennifer Aniston is stepping her request, Farrell recit-
her home, according to safe than sorry.” Sheen’s would die it’s a totally dif- behind the camera to di- ed a poem at her funeral
Popeater. “She wants over-the-top behavior on ferent game,” the source rect part of “Project Five,” last week, according to
[daughters] Sam and Lola Twitter reportedly has says. “Denise is no longer an anthology of short Access Hollywood. “Eliza-
to have normal lives, but Richards worried. “Denise angry — she’s scared.” films for Lifetime TV, ac- beth chose it,” says Farrell
after the recent threats has learned how to deal cording to Deadline Holly- of the poem. “It was a
and verbal attacks, she with the name-calling, wood. Demi Moore and Ali- tricky poem as well. Even
has increased her securi- but once you start tweet- cia Keys are also taking the in passing she had me un-
Jonah Hill ty,” a source says. “When ing pictures of yourself Aniston to reigns for sections of the der the thumb, sweating
you are dealing with a with knives and saying direct project, which addresses bricks.”