Wesley Snipes Gets Three Years in Jail

If there’s anying we’ve learned from Survivor’s Richard Hatch, its that government hates tax evaders.  After failing to pay what he owned, the reality show contestant was sent to the pokey for a nice long stay.  (Hatch is not expected to complete his 4+ year sentence until October 2009.)

Unfortunately, Wesley Snipes was either not a fan of the CBS show or he just didn’t heed the warnings.  Today, the Blade actor was sentenced to 3 years in prison for failure to file tax returns.  Back in February, Snipes was found not guilty of other tax fraud and conspiracy charges.

Despite personal letters from fellow actors (Denzel Washington, Woody Harrelson) asking for possible probation, Snipes was given the maximum sentence by a U.S. District Court Judge in Florida.  Snipes also paid $5 million of the reported $41 million he owes at the hearing today.

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Presidential Debate Influenced by Internet

Okay, so we didn’t all get to go to the CES, but somebody had to hold down the fort in case the Gear Live crew has too much fun. I mean, at least we get to see the power of the Internet in other ways. If you caught the debate on ABC last night, you surely noticed the candidates plying their wares outright on National TV.

Fred Thompson was the first to mention that he loves the contributions he is receiving online, and his site posts how much money he has accrued. Mike Huckabee also said that part of his success in Iowa was due to his website which has created quite a following. Both men were quick to give their specific addys. And, by the way, let’s not forget that one of the sponsors was Facebook, where you could follow online the sometime hostile action between Hillary, Barack, and John. The Internet is a glorious place and we should be thankful that so much information is available.

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Spare Batteries Fly Under New Rules

There are now different rules if you intend to fly this year with spare batteries. Here are the basics from the our ever-wary government and the FAA:   

• Spare batteries are the batteries you carry separately from the devices they power. When batteries are installed in a device, they are not considered spare.
• You may not pack a spare lithium battery in your checked baggage.
• You may bring spare lithium batteries with you in carry on luggage - see our spare battery tips and how-to sections to find out how to pack spare batteries safely!
• Even though we recommend you carrying your devices with you in carry on baggage as well, if you must bring in one in checked baggage, you may check it with the batteries installed.

While all this seems a bit too obvious to us, we figure that the elementary way of explaining the rules isn’t just for the casual business traveler. Check the site for more details.

Read More | Safe Travel

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Franklin Image to Move in $100.00 Bills

Look closely at the new $100.00 bills that will soon be issued (Oh sure, like we see a lot of those.) A new security thread, similar to those found on 1,000 Swedish kroners, sounds pretty eerie to us. Move the bill side to side and the micro-printing with tiny lenses allows you to see the image of Ben Franklin moving. Although holograms such as those on credit cards were considered for part of the design, the government felt they were not strong enough visual signals. Other features, such as pastel colors found on the recently released $10.00, $20.00, and $50.00 bills, will also be incorporated. For more information about the designs, visit The Bureau of Engraving and Printing online.

Read More | Yahoo News

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Janeane Garofalo Joins ‘24’

Janeane Garofalo (Ratatouille, The Truth About Cats and Dogs) will once again channel her serious side and enter the world of TV politics.  The actress-comedian brought her signature snarky flair to NBC’s The West Wing and now she’ll (hopefully!) do the same for Fox’s 24.

Garofalo will star in the show’s seventh season as the requisite government agent who investigates Jack Bauer’s latest crisis.  I am regrettably doubtful - but seriously hopeful - that she can help bring the show a much-needed spark.  Season 6 was such a ridiculous bore that I can’t even remember how it ended.

Those needing to review last year’s recaps (like me) have until September 10th to get all caught up.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

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A Question for the Presidential Candidates

I am not, in the least, a person one would describe as politically active or knowledgeable in any way. I try not to be naive about what is going on in our government or our world for that matter but I don't take pride in the fact that I am not as versed in the world of politics as it pertains to me, as I should or would like to be. That is why I am surprised to find myself so impassioned to write about a subject I never questioned or realized was so defunct. My husband and I were able to view the documentary by Michael Moore entitled Sicko before it was released in theaters, via the internet. So I have had a few weeks to let the movie's message brew and I have been able to ascertain how this low-budget documentary could transform our failing healthcare system now that the average American has access to the facts. It is up to each one of us to elect the man or woman who can focus their attention on a system of healthcare that is in such dire straits that even receiving basic care is a joke. It is a poor representation of a nation that calls itself a Superpower.

Click to continue reading A Question for the Presidential Candidates

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