Exclusive: Joan Rivers: I’m Not Apologizing for Heidi Klum Holocaust Joke

When discussing  Heidi Klum's super-sexy Oscar night gown on E!’s “Fashion Police,” the79 year old joked, "The last time a German looked this hot was when they were pushing Jews into the ovens." Needless to say, the line was met with lots of jeers.

But Rivers refuses to say she’s sorry. During an interview with “omg! Insider” that airs on Friday evening, Rivers balked when asked if she planned to apologize.
“Apologizing for what?” she exclaimed. “For what?! … Heidi didn't mind it. That's the joke, Heidi Klum didn't mind it. We didn't mind it. So somebody else minded, you know, then don't watch ‘Fashion Police.’ Next.”

Rivers also explained that using the Holocaust in a joke, she’s raising awareness … even if that particular joke wasn’t met with the reception she expected. “I make points with humor and you want to talk about the Holocaust? That's how I talk about the Holocaust,” the former late-night host added. “I remind people there was a Holocaust and someone should wake Mel Gibson up to watch ‘Fashion Police.’”

As for an omg! poll, in which 66 percent of readers voted that she had crossed the line this time, well, the comedian has a message for them, too. “You live in the dark ages,” she continued. “Learn what comedy's about, tell that Richard Pryor, tell that to Chris Rock, tell it to Louis C.K., go back to Lenny Bruce. I'm very proud to be a part that group.”




 “On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.” ― Thomas Jefferson

Health: Scary Facts About Microwave Popcorn

   

In its truest form, popcorn really is a smart, healthy snack--even a superfood. Its purity went up in flames, though, once food manufacturers got hold of the beloved snack and created convenient, microwavable popcorn bags. Americans woof down a whopping 52 quarts of popcorn a year, and much of that is from microwavable versions. But before you nuke one more bag, you need to know the health risks involved. 



 
 Like many fast-food packaging, most microwavable popcorn bags are coated with perfluorochemicals, or PFCs, a class of chemicals linked to various cancers and reproductive system damage. Food manufacturers add the obesity-promoting chemicals to bags to make them more greaseproof, even though these chemicals have been linked to thyroid disease and ADHD, among other ills. Once ingested, PFCs remain in our bodies for a long time, which is another area of concern for these troubling chemicals.

So how do you know if your favorite brand uses these chemical-laden bags? It's tough to know for sure. "Typically, packaged food manufacturers, organic or otherwise, buy their food packaging from another supplier, and they themselves might not know what is the exact composition of food packaging," explains Olga Naidenko, PhD, senior scientist at Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit human and environmental health watchdog group. "This is an area where consumers should be calling for more information."


 
It's not just the popcorn bag chemicals public health experts are concerned about, either. Harsh chemicals are often applied to popcorn and other pre-packaged foods to fool our taste buds into thinking it's freshly made fare. One of the most acutely toxic popcorn chemicals--diacetyl, the fake flavor used to create a buttery flavor--has been linked to lung damage in microwavable-popcorn factory workers and, in rare cases, in consumers, too. "Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health discovered that workers inhaling this chemical, as was happening in microwave-popcorn manufacturing, develop severe lung disease, literally losing the ability to breathe," 

The bad PR prompted many manufacturers to phase out this "natural flavoring," although diacetyl replacements are similar chemicals that may also damage lungs. 

 
Genetically engineered food ingredients have never been tested for long-term impact on human health, and some preliminary animal studies suggest GMOs could cause digestive disease, food allergies, and even tumors. If your popcorn is not organic, you're running the risk that the oils and flavoring agents used could contain GMO material. 

 

 
Industrialized fats like trans fats are a horror to your heart and have even been linked to reproductive problems like endometriosis. Food manufacturers love them because they help keep products shelf-stable, but the dangerous fats aren't always easy to ID on the label.

Even if the nutrition label on your favorite popcorn brand reads "0% trans fat," you may want to take a closer look. Any hydrogenated oils on the label indicate the presence of trans fats. The loophole? If it's less than 0.5 percent, food manufacturers don't have to post trans fat percentage on the label.



 Some of the world's leading public health experts will tell you this simple health tip: Never heat up plastic. That's because heating the petrochemicals will accelerate leaching of harmful chemicals into your food. In fact, in 2010, the President's Cancer Panel suggested avoiding plastics to lower your risk of cancer. Unfortunately, plastic liners are now popping up in some microwavable popcorn.



Way to a more healthy pop corn snack

Pop it manually.
Good old-fashioned stovetop popcorn really isn't all that inconvenient. Purchase plain organic popcorn kernels at your favorite natural food store and add to a bit of oil or butter in a pot (coconut oil and grass-fed ghee or butter are delicious and contain healthy fats). Cover the pot with a lid and gentle shake over the flame until most of the popping stops. Afterward, add healthy seasonings that suit your taste buds, including non-GMO nutritional yeast, lemon juice, or inflammation-fighting turmeric.
"Manually popping is still the most reliable method to know exactly what's in your food," says EWG's Naidenko.



Try DIY microwavable popcorn.
Add plain organic popcorn kernels to a plain brown paper lunch bag, fold the top down a few times, and heat up in the microwave. Take the popcorn out when the popping slows down to just a few pops every five seconds.



Go for a more progressive pop.
Quinn Popcorn is changing the world of microwavable popcorn--and for the better. This newer brand features organic, Non-GMO Project Verified kernels, no harmful additives, and compostable bags with no chemical or plastic liners, and cold-pressed natural oils. The brand is available at select Whole Foods and natural foods stores. If you're looking for a bag of pre-popped popcorn, try Skinny Pop--it's delicious and Non-GMO Project Verified.






 “When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied.” ― Herophilu

Arrest Made in the Death of Usher’s Stepson: Suspect Charged With Homicide by Vessel

                   
 
Nearly eight months after the death of Usher’s stepson, 11-year-old Kile Glover, justice is finally being served.
On Friday morning just after 7 a.m. ET, Jeffrey Simon Hubbard was arrested “without incident” at his mother and father’s home in Georgia and was “cooperative,” the arresting officer Sgt. Mike Burgamy, of Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources said!.



 

Hubbard’s arrest comes just one day after a grand jury in Hall County, Georgia, indicted him on a slew of charges – including Homicide by Vessel, Serious Injury by Vessel, and Reckless Operation of a Vessel. In July 2012, Kile and another young girl were struck by a jet ski operated by Hubbard, a family friend of his father’s, as they rode in an inflatable raft. While the girl suffered minor injuries, Kile spent 10 days in a coma before he finally succumbed to his brain injuries on July 21.

Although Sgt. Burgamy would not go into detail of why Hubbard was charged, he did tell newsmen! the investigation into Kile’s death had been ongoing and once complete, evidence was brought before a grand jury, which indicted him on Thursday.
Hubbard is currently being held without bail and is expected to appear before a judge this weekend.

 

Kile’s mother, Usher’s ex-wife Tameka Raymond, has been fighting to make sure her son did not die in vain. On February 21, Raymond, who has two other sons with the “Numb” singer, was at the State Capitol to propose “Kile’s Law” to improve boat safety, which she documented on her Instagram page. “I won't stop,” she wrote that day. “Nope! My best friend and favorite person will never be forgotten #kileslaw.






Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.-William James

Uche Jumbo and husband at her movie premier

Pictures at Uche's Movie Premier

Ozone cinema was last night, Friday March 1, 2013, filled with several Nollywood stars, who gathered for the premiere of Uche Jombo Rodriguez’ much anticipated movie, My Life, My Damage.

Although the event which started with a red carpet session began behind schedule, guests in attendance seemed to have had fantastic moments at the premiere

Kenny Rodriguez excited about Nigeria

Being his first time in Nigeria and the heart city of Lagos, Kenny Rodriguez beamed with smiles all through the event attesting to his joy and content with his stay in Nigeria. Right from the chauffeur driven automobile that brought himself and his wife, Uche Jombo, Kenny couldn’t just keep his eyes off his surroundings as he keeps asking one or two things about what he saw.

On Uche Jombo’s eye popping dress

Delectable actress, script writer and producer, Uche Jumbo was looking smashing in her dress, which was a flowing black and silver studded gown. The dress, which seemed to have been specifically made for the occasion had the nods of many celebrities in attendance. Findings revealed that the dress was designed by a new designer simply known as Damilola.

The Rodrigoezs and the Idahosas

Justin Bieber Returns To His Hotel Shirtless

  

Teen singing sensation Justin Bieber pictured arriving back at his London, UK Hotel shirtless after performing at a Birmingham gig on February 28, 2013. Teen singing sensation Justin Bieber pictured arriving back at his London, UK hotel shirtless after performing at a Birmingham gig on February 28, 2013.

  

Immigrant taxi driver's death, South Africa has suspended eight police officers

South Africa has suspended eight police officers after the death of a man they tied to the back of a police van and dragged along the road while bystanders looked on.

Video footage showing the treatment of Mido Macia, in Daveyton, east of Johannesburg, has once more focused attention on South Africa's police force, already dogged by allegations of brutality, corruption and incompetence.

In the amateur video footage published by South African newspaper, the Daily Sun, Macia's hands are tied to the rear of a police van behind his head before it moves off. Just over two hours later he was found dead in a local police cell, according to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). A postmortem gave the cause of death as head injuries with internal bleeding.

The video provoked outrage with President Jacob Zuma labeling it "horrific, disturbing and unacceptable. No human being should be treated in that manner." He has instructed the minister of police to investigate the matter.

Police chief Riah Phiyega said the eight officers involved had been suspended and the station commander would be removed from his duties. "We would like to assure the country and the world that what is in the video is not how the South African police service in a democratic South Africa goes about its work," she said.

The IPID responded by launching an inquiry and giving details of the police version of events. The police account alleged that Macia, 27, a taxi driver from Mozambique, assaulted an officer and took his firearm after officers asked him to move his taxi because it was obstructing traffic. They admitted only that there was a "struggle" to get the taxi driver into the police van.

But a further video published by the Daily Sun and provided to the Guardian casts doubt on the account. The new footage suggests Macia did not grab the gun or use violence against police, only struggling to free himself as police seized him and lifted him off his feet.

Amnesty International's human rights organisation's southern Africa director, Noel Kututwa, said the incident was "the latest in an increasingly disturbing pattern of brutal police conduct in South Africa". It comes after a series of setbacks for the South African police force, struggling to demonstrate that its low paid, reputedly poorly-trained, officers can be trusted to uphold – or even obey – the law. Last week, the case against Oscar Pistorius, accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, was undermined when the lead investigating detectives was removed from the case after being charged with seven counts of attempting murder himself. Last year's Marikana shootings, in which police opened fire on a crwoed os srticking miners, killing 34 at a platinum mine northwest of Johannesburg, are being investigated by a judicial commission.

Macia's case also evoked memories of the death of Andries Tatane, a mathematics teacher and community activist in 2011, which was also captured on video. Tatane was attacked at a peaceful protest march by 12 policemen who beat him with batons, kicked him and shot rubber bullets into his chest at close range.

The dispute between Macia and police officers began just before 7pm on Monday. Video shows him gesticulating at an officer but, although there are small gaps in the footage, there is no indication that Macia laid a hand on him. Daily Sun publisher Jeremy Gordin denounced the police account as "a tissue of lies".

Other officers move in and Macia is dragged away, being lifted head-over-heels as police attempt to get him into the police van. He is eventually tied to the van. Onlookers shout that they are going to film the incident and a bystander can be heard shouting in Zulu: "What has this guy done?"

The van moves off while Macia tries in vain to keep step. It then stops, two police officers pick up his legs and drop them to the ground as the vehicle picks up speed and drives off, beyond the view of the camera. The IPID said Macia was found dead in a police cell at 9.15pm.

South African police said the national commissioner, Riah Phiyega "strongly condemned" what had happened and urged people "to remain vigilant and continue to report all acts of crime irrespective of who is involved".

As well as provoking further soul-searching about state violence, Macia's death may also raise fresh concerns about the country's treatment of immigrants. In 2008, Mozambicans were among migrants targeted by rioters, and attacks against foreigners have continued, including allegations of police brutality.

Amnesty's 2012 annual report documented allegations against the South African police of excessive force, torture, rape and "extrajudicial executions". It said the IPID received 720 new cases for investigation of suspicious deaths in custody or in other policing contexts from April 2011 to March 2012.

The Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria has reported that the number of people shot dead by police doubled in the four years to 2010. Deaths in police custody or resulting from police action numbered 860 in 2009-10, against an average of 695 deaths a year from 2003-2008.

Pope Benedict's last day: What's next for the pope emeritus?

Pope Benedict XVI stepped onto a white helicopter on Thursday evening at the Vatican and fly off to the summer papal residence, Castel Gandolfo, and into retirement. At 8 p.m. sharp, Rome time, he ceased being Pope Benedict, and become pope emeritus (or Roman Pontiff Emeritus). This is virtually uncharted territory for the Roman Catholic Church — the last pope to abdicate the Chair of St Peter was Gregory XII in 1415. So what happens to a retired pope and the scandal - tinged church he leaves without a leader?

Early Thursday, the pope held a final meeting with the Colledge of Cardinals, urging them to work together "like an orchestra" to harmoniously pick his successor. He greeted each cardinal individually and said he'd pray for them as they deliberate during the upcoming conclave, adding, "Among you is also the future pope, whom I promise my unconditional reverence and obedience." At about 5 p.m. local time, Pope Benedict met with a small group of staff and members of the Swiss Guards who have protected him over the years, then boarded his Vatican helicopter.

When he arrives at Castel Gandolfo, in the hills outside Rome, the pope made one final public appearance on his balcony, then, "having greeted those gathered below, he stepped back inside and begin his life of seclusion,". The pope emeritus is expected to spend anywhere from a few weeks to a few months in Castel Gandolfo, starting what has been described as a quiet life of prayer and scholarship. Then he will return to the Vatican, to live in a converted convent.

There's an air of improvisation to this whole transition. Benedict, by his own choice, will keep his white garments, his title of "His Holiness," and the name Benedict XVI. He will share the services of his trusted secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, with the next pope. He is giving up his Twitter account, his Swiss Guard protection — he'll be guarded instead by Vatican police — and his famous red shoes, a papal symbol representing the blood of martyrs. (He will wear brown artisan-made shoes given to him in Mexico, the Vatican says.)

Benedict has said he will remain "hidden from the world" in his Vatican retirement, but nobody quite knows what will happen with two popes within shouting distance of each other, and plenty of Catholics are worried. The discomfort is especially acute among cardinals and more conservative Catholics, says Michael mcGough at the Los Angeles Times. "Although a papal resignation is provided for in church law, Benedict's decision undermines the mystique of papal uniqueness," reducing the papacy to just another bishopric. (The pope is also the bishop of Rome, and Vatican officials had suggested Benedict would return to black clerical clothes and use the title Bishop of Rome Emeritus.)

Liberal Catholics long have emphasized that fact, sometimes referring to the pope as the head of the "college of bishops." Conservative Catholics prefer the pre-Vatican II view of the pope as the source of all human authority in the church, akin to a king. Indeed, it is conservative Catholics who have been insisting that the proper term for Benedict's decision is "abdication," not "resignation." An abdication is seen as a rupture is the natural order of monarchy, even when it is necessary. But the less seen of the former king, the better. Britain's Edward VIII became the Duke of Windsor after his retirement, not "king emeritus."... Granted that there is only one actual pope at a time (and only one who can make infallible pronouncements on matters of faith and morals), the existence of two men who are addressed as "your holiness" changes the ecclesiastical atmospherics. For a lot of traditionalist Catholics, two "popes" (even if one is emeritus) is one pope too many. [Los Angeles Times]

Not that all of Benedict's more liberal critics are happy with his resignation choices. Swiss theologian Hans Küng, a former longtime colleague of the pope who became one of his harshest critics, tells Germany's Der Spiegel that "with Benedict XVI, there is a risk of a shadow pope who has abdicated but can still indirectly exert influence." No one likes to have his predecessor right next door, and "even for the bishop of Rome, it is not pleasant if his predecessor constantly has an eye on him."

Andrew Sullivan is even more offended. "If you were trying to avoid any hint of meddling, of a Deng Xiao Peng-type figure pulling strings behind the scenes, you would not be doing this," he says at The Dish. And the fact that Benedict's longtime personal secretary will live in the convent with him? "This is not the Vatican. It's Melrose Place."

Other Vatican-watchers are more sanguine, of course. "I was somewhat surprised that Benedict would still be called 'His Holiness' and would wear white, but it's akin to the former U.S. presidents being addressed as 'Mr. President,'" Fr. james Martin tells The Associated Press. "It's a mark of respect for the former office he once held."

The next pope will likely be elected sometime in March, as soon as the 115 cardinal electors agree on one and send up the white smoke from their Sistine Chapel conclave. What happens to the Catholic Church in the meantime? "Vatican operations essentially go as still as the characters in Sleeping Beauty — frozen in time as of 8 p.m.," says Cathy Lynn Grossman in USA Today. Essentially, the Vatican will act as if the pope is dead.

All the arrangements are set by the camerlengo (chamberlain of the Church) chosen by the pope. Benedict chose Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of State, for that role but there's little for him to do with no funeral to arrange. All the cardinals and archbishops in the curia, the bureaucracy of the Church, lose their jobs on Feb. 28. It's a bit like all the U.S. president's cabinet resigning after a presidential election so the new head of state can name his team. But in the Holy See, many cardinals expect they'll be asked to stay on in the next papacy.... Vatican offices will be run by secretaries who handle ordinary, minor duties. All serious or controversial matters await the next pontiff.... Only three major officials keep their posts in the period between Benedict's resignation and a successor elected: The vicar of the diocese of Rome who cares for the city's pastoral needs; the major penitentiary who deals with the Holy See's confessional needs so there is always access to forgiveness; and the camerlengo, Bertone, who will deal with property and financial decisions for the Vatican for the time being. [USA Tpday]

With nobody really in charge, nothing much will happen in the Vatican until at least Monday, says Grossman. In fact, "for now, the busiest people in Rome may be the tailors at Gammarelli ecclesiastical tailoring shop. They're stitching up the vestments for the new pope in small, medium, and large sizes so that whoever is chosen will fit right in."

Sources: AFP, The Associated Press (2), CNN, The Dish, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today