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Obama - 100 Days: In Photos

Here's a visual retrospective of the first 100 days of the Obama adminstration with photographs by The Associated Press.

Barack Obama with his wife, Michelle, at his side, takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2009, to become the 44th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, FILE) 

 

U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Bill Mesta replaces an official picture of outgoing President George W. Bush with that of President Barack Obama, in the lobby of the headquarters of the U.S. Naval Station, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in this Jan. 20, 2009, file photo, reviewed by the U.S. Military. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, FILE)

 

In this Dec. 11, 2008, file photo, then-President-elect Barack Obama, right, stands with his then-Health and Human Services Secretary-designate, former Senate Majority Leader Thomas Daschle, during a news conference in Chicago. Daschle would later withdraw his nomination over tax problems, one of several Obama picks with tax issues. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak,FILE)

 

In this April 14, 2009, file photo, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama show off their new dog Bo, a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog, with their daughters Malia, center, and Sasha, right, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)

 In this April 5, 2009 file photo, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet the crowd prior to his speech in front of the Castle in Prague, Czech Republic. (AP Photo/Herbert Knosowski, FILE)

 

In this April 7, 2009 file, photo, President Barack Obama visits the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, FILE)

 

President Barack Obama makes a statement to reporters Tuesday after Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was sworn in during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

--Back to Clear 365 coverage of "Obama - 100 Days"

President Barack Obama speaks Wednesday at a town hall meeting at Fox Senior High School in Arnold, Mo., on his 100th day in office. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)		Obama calls first 100 days tense but fruitful President Barack Obama enters the next phase of his new presidency with a high job approval rating, but he also faces a thicket of challenges as he seeks to move ahead on multiple fronts Read more
"100 Days" Coverage 100 days of Obama: Turning peril into possibility Obama initiates sweeping foreign policy changes Obama's legacy will turn on economic results PROMISES, PROMISES: Miles to go, promises to keep Change comes as promised, but what does it mean? 100 days of transformation for a new first lady

Obama - 100 Days: Around the Web

In first 100 days, Obama continues to embrace the Internet

The lengthy Barack Obama campaign for the presidency changed the way campaigns will be run with its heavy reliance on social networking sites, fundraising by e-mail and direct candidate-to-voter YouTube videos. President Obama in his first 100 days in office has embraced the Internet with as much enthusiasm as he did on the campaign trail.

Even before moving into the White House, Obama displayed his continuing tech savvy by transforming the weekly presidential radio address, which had its roots in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "fireside chats" of the 1930s and 1940s, into a new YouTube video address.

Obama gave the Internet another nod in February during his first press conference when he called for a question from Huffington Post blogger Sam Stein, making him the first credible blogger to be called on during a presidential press conference.

In March, the White House declared itself "Open for Questions" from the Internet and more than 100,000 questions for the president were submitted online. Millions of votes were cast in Digg-like style for or against questions and Obama answered the most popular, including a query about legalizing marijuana. Obama replied in good humor that he didn't know what the question said about the online audience and he also didn't think legalizing pot was a good strategy "to grow our economy."

The global financial crisis prompted Congress to pass and Obama to sign the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Before it became law in February, Obama sent out e-mail urging supporters to host an Economic Recovery House Meeting, complete with online hosting tips and talking points. The White House also created Recovery.gov to help the public track how funds are being spent and to provide greater accountability for taxpayers' dollars.

Lastly, the Obama camp this week sent out e-mail from its "Organizing for America" group outlining the progress made during the administration's first 100 days. An interactive 50-state map and testimonials on Obama's impact can be found at http://my.barackobama/100days.

OBAMA AROUND THE WEB

For a complete look at Obama's 100 days, check out these sites:

Time magazine has a full Day 1 to 100 timeline.

The New York Times has a special 100 Days blog comparing Obama's early presidency to that of Presidents Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.

The Los Angeles Times also has a 100-day calendar, plus video views from commuters.

The BBC also had a day-by-day breakdown of Obama's first 100 days.

The Washington Post also offers up this video:

--Paul Chavez, Clear365 News Editor

--Back to Clear 365 coverage of "Obama - 100 Days"

SOUNDBITES: Beyonce's howling hoax, Prince's shady deal & more

 ** Early last week, Beyonce found herself at the center of a controversy when Howard Stern aired a clip of what sounded like the 'Bootylicious' diva howling her hit song 'If I Were a Boy.' After checking it out for ourselves, we could have sworn Beyonce was indeed a boy -- in his awkward pre-pubescent stage, no less. Turns out, the clip is a fake and the Internet prankster who altered her 'Today' show performance has come clean, admitting he went a bit too far. Check out what Beyonce had to say about the hoax.

** In related news, if you're planning to catch one of Beyonce's 'I Am ...' concerts this summer (beginning June 21), bring along some non-perishable food items. The singer has teamed up with a national hunger-relief campaign to co-sponsor a World Tour food drive, and she's encouraging everyone to donate. Get the details here.

** Speaking of upcoming tours, looks like Rihanna is ready to leave the miserable Chris Brown saga behind her as she gets set to headline a girl-power tour with Ciara and Keyshia Cole. The pop princess will also make her first solo stage appearance since her alleged altercation with Brown in Dubai next month.

** Could Tommy Lee be the next Match.com spokesmodel? Looks like the Motley Crue star has taken his womanizing ways to the Web, and just may have found himself a girlfriend. Find out what the rocker has to say about his new computer love.

** Passionately in love, or just a moment of passion? Justin Timberlake's courtside make-out session with girlfriend Jessica Biel during the Lakers/Jazz game last week was literally the kiss seen 'round the world. Judging from that alone, we would have axed recent rumors that the couple was on rocks -- and maybe even thought they were on the road to getting hitched. But it seems the 'SexyBack' hitmaker is saying otherwise.

** Eminem's dying mother is calling for a truce, hoping to finally end the family feud that inspired the Grammy-winning artist to rap about offing his mom. Find out how Debbie Mathers is desperately trying to reconcile with her 36-year-old son -- before it's too late.

** When Prince sang, 'Money Don't Matter 2 Night,' he most certainly wasn't referring to the publishing-distribution deal he made for a book documenting his 21-date 2007 residency at London's O2 Arena. According to a new lawsuit filed by The Artist's one-time literary agents, Prince negotiated a deal, then cut off all contact and sealed arrangements behind their backs with somebody else. Get the goods on the whole shady business.

** If you think getting tattooed is a painful process, Pharrell Williams will tell you a worse one: Getting tattoos removed. The hip-hop rapper/producer has decided to stop frontin' the ink he has covering his neck, arms and back, and recently began hi-tech laser surgery to get rid of all his body art. Williams, who's sharing the experience with fans online, has plenty to say about the excruitiating procedure.

** Finally, Elton John can say he felt the love last Wednesday night as he bid farwell to fans in Las Vegas after playing the final show of his five-year stint at Caesar's Palace. The singer, who received a standing ovation after each song in his two-hour set, wrapped up his 'Red Piano' residency with hits including 'Candle in the Wind,' 'Rocket Man' and 'Tiny Dancer.' But now that both Elton and Celine have ended their Caesar's runs, who's in line to dazzle the showroom? Stay tuned for details ...

Until next week, find the latest music news, gossip and downloads on ClearMusic!

--Joyce Liao, Clear365 Blogger

Image credits:
Beyonce, Associated Press
Justin & Jessica, Associated Press
Prince, WENN
4/27/09

The Public Observer on upcoming news ... and all things aquatic

The Public Observer takes a look ahead at news next week and offers up a visual roundup of all things aquatic.

GAY MARRIAGE IN IOWA

The Iowa Supreme Court earlier this month struck down a 1998 law that defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman. The court's decision allows gay couples to wed in the state and its ruling goes into effect Monday in Iowa.

OBAMA - 100 DAYS

President Barack Obama's administration hits the superficial 100-day milestone next Wednesday and the occasion will be marked with a presidential press conference at 5 p.m. PDT in the East Room of the White House.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs on Thursday said that Obama and his staff are proud of the measures they've taken so far to combat the financial crisis, establish a new tone in U.S. foreign policy and provide the change that the nation endorsed by electing Obama.

"In many ways, the President has done each and every day exactly what he promised he would do each and every day of his campaign," Gibbs said. ''The President isn't focused on any one day; he's focused on what he has to do each and every day to give some hope and some opportunity to the American people and to make their lives a little bit better.  That's what he's focused on the whole time."

The 100 Day journalistic event already has been written up by Time and the Los Angeles Times has their own section with a 100-day interactive calendar and videos from commuters with their thoughts on Obama so far. The BBC also has a running diary of Obama's first 100 days and U.S. News & World Report has their own section looking at the best and worst 100-day performances.

MAY DAY

Workers around the world will hold rallies next Friday, May 1, which is recognized in many countries as Labor Day. Hundreds of foreign labor leaders will converge in Cuba for Labor Day celebrations and demonstrations also are expected in Germany. In the United States, labor and immigrant rights activists have planned a major rally in Chicago, where the 1886 Haymarket affair helped solidify May 1 as a day to celebrate workers' rights and labor solidarity.

BLACKBIRDS HONORED

The Long Island University Blackbirds' basketball team during the 1935-36 season went a perfect 25-0 and members of the squad were virtual shoo-ins to represent the United States in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The players, however, held a secret ballot on whether they should participate in the Olympic trials with the agreement that a single no would mean a unanimous no. No one knows the final tally, but the players, who were a mix of Jews, Protestants and Catholics, cited the political climate in Germany as the basis for their decision to not participate.

The Blackbirds will be remembered posthumously Sunday when they are inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in Commack, New York. For more on the team and their principled stance, read this article by Michael Weinreb for ESPN.

AQUATICS

Now it's time for a visual roundup of all things aquatic.

Band-e-Amir is seen in this undated photo in Bamiyan province of Afghanistan. The cascading collection of deep-blue, high-mountain lakes became Afghanistan's first provisional national park Wednesday as the violence-plagued nation took a big first step toward protecting one of its finest natural treasures. (AP Photo)

 

 

Children wear masks of Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav as they bathe Tuesday  in river Yamuna in Allahabad, India. India's national elections, which began last week, will take place over five phases until May 13. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

 

Minnows are deposited through a tube from a tanker truck into Lake Delton on Monday as area officials take the first steps in restocking the lake in Lake Delton, Wis. The minnows will serve as food for larger game fish to be stocked in June. A section of the manmade lake's shore washed away during thunderstorms last June. The entire lake drained through the opening. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

 

A puddle reflects the images of workers at Kremikovtzi, Bulgaria's largest steel maker. The employees marched Tuesday during a protest in Sofia to demand their pay. Nearly 2,000 workers at the troubled Kremikovtzi plant have not been paid since November 2008. (AP Photo/Petar Petrov)

 

Tourists on Tuesday walk along an observation area in front of the Perito Moreno glacier at Los Glaciares National Park in the province of Santa Cruz in Argentina's southern region of Patagonia. (AP Photo Natacha Pisarenko)

 

 

Alain Bernard from France celebrates Thursday after winning the men's 100m freestyle and setting a new world record in a time of 46.94 seconds during the French Swimming Championships in Montpellier, France. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

--Paul Chavez, Clear365 News Editor

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For the latest news and analysis, visit the Clear365 News section.

REALITY CHECK: Learn the true story behind 'The Soloist'

A lone guitarist plays for a crowd of people, or maybe just a few. They come and go as they please, some listening intently, some not. The guitarist plays his heart out, but the people soon disperse. This is a regular day in the life of a street musician.

Though the instrument is different, you'll see scenes much like this in 'The Soloist,' a new movie based on the real-life story of schizophrenic music prodigy Nathaniel Ayers. Ayers -- played by Jamie Foxx in the film -- once attended the prestigious Juilliard School, but his demons got the best of him. He eventually drifted to Los Angeles' Skid Row, became homeless, and amazed passers-by with pitch-perfect Beethoven, which he played on a tattered two-stringed violin. (Ayers' story is fascinating; you can read more about him on 'The Soloist' website.)

Though Ayers was homeless, many street musicians are not. In fact, some make a decent living playing the street theater. Also called "buskers," street musicians from London to New York to Los Angeles simply perform for crowds wherever they can find them. In L.A., for example, musicians can be found all over the city, from Ayers' gritty downtown stomping grounds to Universal Studios' more suburban Citywalk complex. Of course, the best places for performers to play are the ones that have droves of people passing by.

One such performer is Amy May, a 28-year-old singer-songwriter who strums her guitar and sings passionate folk rock on Santa Monica's bustling Third Street Promenade. Originally from Cornwall, England, May has been playing full time on the Promenade for more than a year, making a living by collecting tips and selling her CDs. (May's not homeless, by the way: She currently rents a studio apartment in Venice Beach, just a few miles away.)

"I came out here last year on vacation and loved it," says May of her decision to move to California. "Back home I played lots of clubs, but to get people to come to your shows you need to have fans; to get fans you have to play clubs ... I play here, and it makes a huge difference."

May performs solo, her acoustic-electric guitar plugged in to a battery-powered amp, complete with microphone. Because she owns her own gear, May can control when she starts and stops her sets, without pesky sound engineers giving her orders.

According to May, performing during the week instead of on weekends offers greater exposure -- and way better tips -- because fewer musicians are crowding the streets. That strategy seems to be working for her: Since she started busking, May says she's sold more than 1,000 CDs to people wandering by and stopping to listen; she lives primarily on that income, though she also sells CDs online. And while May won't say exactly how much money she makes, she says a talented performer can take in up to $500 a day if they're good with the crowd.

It may seem intimidating at first, but May says playing the street's really the way to go. And it's on the street where people are likely to approach a musician and strike up a conversation. "People here will always start chatting to you," she says. "They can do it here as opposed to a loud bar, which can be annoying."

If the street-musician lifestyle sounds intriguing, here are a few things to keep in mind:

-- Amy May's only one of many who have searched for success via an unconventional route. Street musicians can make a decent living, create their own "back door" to the entertainment industry, and pick up new fans everyday -- if they're good enough

-- In order to play (legally) in many public places, street musicians are required to have a performer's license. For the Third Street Street Promenade, for instance, that's $37/year, from the City of Santa Monica licensing office. The only restriction is, you can't play in one spot for more than 2 hours at a time

-- In September 2007, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and other famous artists released a fundraising album called 'Give Us Your Poor,' made up of tracks featuring former and current homeless musicians. (Jewel, once homeless herself, also contributed to the album)

-- 'The Soloist,' starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr., hits theaters Friday, April 24

And there you have it. Now watch the trailer for 'The Soloist' ...

-- Ted Goslin, Clear365 Blogger

For the latest movie, TV and celebrity headlines and videos, click on ClearEntertainment

Image credits:
'The Soloist' movie poster, DreamWorks SKG
Street musician Amy May (in her natural habitat), amymaymusic.co.uk

SOUNDBITES: Spector's warning, Eminem's 'Relapse' & more

** As we already know, legendary music producer Phil Spector was convicted of second-degree murder early last week for the death of aspiring actress Lana Clarkson. What we didn't know was, Spector appeared to have fallen into his crazed state several weeks prior to Clarkson's death. According to British band Silence Is Easy, with whom Spector had been working just before meeting Clarkson, the producer's mental meltdown began during their London recording sessions. About a week in, Spector donned a bizarre wig and sprawled himself across the mixing board, refusing to budge. Find out what the band says about their unusual -- and creepy -- experience.

** Has Scary Spice gone Stripper Spice? Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown kicked off her steamy 'Peepshow' production in Vegas last week -- and the sexy star revealed that she took a rather unconventional approach to fight off stage jitters.

** What do Lil' Jon and Miley Cyrus have in common? Their cell phone numbers, apparently. Producer-rapper Lil' Jon has been begging screaming tweens to stop calling his new cell phone since discovering he's been using a recycled number -- one that previously belonged to Disney sensation Miley Cyrus. Who would have thought the King of Crunk would be half-paralyzed by a bunch of Hannah Montana fans?   

** If you didn't know, the new kid on the hip-hop block is named Cudi ... Kid Cudi, that is. The 'Day 'N Nite' star had been planning an early exit from the music scene, but we've just received confirmation that his act is back on! Cudi has signed a record deal with Universal Motown and announced the launch of his own label, Dream On, in conjunction with Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music. We see big things happening for Kid Cudi in 2009!

** Looks like Snoop Dogg and Amy Winehouse are singing the same 'Smoke Weed Everyday' tune. The 'Fatherhood' star and Winehouse allegedly held up a collab recording session last year after smoking one too many blunts. But how did the songs turn out? We may never know, since -- surprise -- the pair didn't get around to finishing the tracks. Maybe those two both need a stint in 'Rehab.'

** Eminem wasn't kidding around when he titled his upcoming album 'Relapse.' In a recent interview, the Grammy-winning rapper opens up about his drug-induced downward-spiral following the murder of his best friend Proof. Now that Slim Shady is finally making a comeback after a five-year hiatus, can we expect some all-star collabs in the near future? Get the inside scoop here.

** Will Arctic Monkeys be the latest addition to the Bad Boy roster? Could be. Sean 'Diddy' Combs recently declared himself the British rockers' biggest fan and invited the band to his Miami mansion to convince them to sign to his label. Though it appears that the Monkeys had their own agenda for meeting with Diddy ...

For the latest music news and downloads, check out Clear365 Music!

Until next next week,
Joyce Liao, Clear 365 Blogger

Image credits:
Phil Spector, Associated Press
Miley Cyrus, Associated Press
Eminem, WENN

The Public Observer on upcoming news ... and animals

The Public Observers offers a peek at news events expected to occur next week and a visual roundup of animals from around the world.

ELECTIONS

Voters in India - the largest democracy on the planet - will continue to go to the polls next week during its monthlong national election. Citizens in South Africa also will participate Wednesday in a national general election in which the ruling African National Congress and its presidential candidate, Jacob Zuma, are expected to easily win.

EARTH

In other upcoming news, the 39th annual Earth Day will be observed Wednesday with environmental service projects and a concert on the National Mall featuring The Flaming Lips this weekend.

ECONOMY

On the economic front, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank will hold their annual spring meeting at the end of next week. This will be a particularly germane meeting given the global economic crisis and the G20's recent commitment pledging $1 trillion to the IMF and World Bank to help poor and developing nations.

The IMF earlier this week released its World Economic Outlook that included a chapter titled, ''From Recession to Recovery: How Soon and How Strong,'' which looked at 122 recessions that have occurred in advanced economies since 1960. The results were sobering with researchers finding that recessions related to a financial crisis, such as the current global recession, are longer and more severe and recuperation is slower. The type of recession we're in typically lasts 1 1/2 years, about two quarters longer than other recessions.

In other financial matters, more U.S. banks will announce their first-quarter earnings next week with Wells Fargo & Co. and Morgan Stanley releasing official results. In the past week, several banks, including Citigroup Inc. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc., posted earnings that were better than expected. There's debate on whether or not the banks' earning reports should be seen as a light at the end of the recession tunnel.

ANIMALS

Now, it's time for a visual roundup of animals from around the world.

 

President Barack Obama is almost jerked off his feet Tuesday as he shows offf new dog Bo, a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog, with his daughters Malia, left, and Sasha, right, on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

 

Ostriches seen Thursday at an ostrich farm in Hohenfelde at the Baltic Sea, northern Germany. (AP Photo/Heribert Proepper)

 

Some of 104 fiberglass cows are seen Thursday outside an auction hall in Madrid. The painted cows had been seen in an open air Cow Parade exhibition in various streets of the Spanish capital and were auctioned by Christies. (AP Photo/Paul White)

 

This photo provided by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife shows two wolves standing early Monday near the bodies of two dead lambs in Baker County, Ore. (AP Photo/Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)

The wolf attack, which is the first documented attack on livestock since wolves moved into the state in 1999, is stirring debate in Oregon over whether ranchers should be allowed to shoot them on sight.

 

A person sits dressed as a polar bear during a public hearing in San Francisco on Thursday on the contentious issue of oil drilling off the coast of California. Environmentalists, lawmakers and others packed the forum, the last of four such meetings around the country with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, who is taking public comments on the possible expansion of offshore drilling in U.S. waters. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

--Paul Chavez, Clear365 News Editor

For the latest news and analysis, visit the Clear365 News section.

 

 

MAKE TAX DAY LESS TAXING: 10 freebies & deals

Even if you've already filed your income-tax return -- but especially if you're scrambling to hit tonight's deadline -- April 15 can be one of the most stressful days of the year. We're here to help: Relax and snack (and then go shopping) with these great Tax Day discounts and freebies.

1. Chick-fil-A
If you've been craving a chicken sandwich, waffle fries, carrot-and-raisin salad and Fruit Cup, now's the time to act. Thanks to Chick-fil-A's "Tax Relief Special," the meal you buy today will be the first of two. Just bring your receipt back within the next 30 days (from April 16-30), and you'll get an identical order absolutely free.

2. Cinnabon
According to the chain's website, Cinnabon's buyers travel "the spice-growing regions of the globe to find the very best, most flavorful cinnamon" -- and diet-devastating cream-cheese frosting -- to use in its signature sweets. All this running around, and Cinnabon wants nothing in return but to make weary taxpayers happy: Its Classic Bites bite-size cinnamon rolls are free for all on April 15 from 5-8pm.

3. McCormick & Schmick's
This national chain of seafood, steak and pasta restaurants -- also known for its happy hours -- is giving away certificates good for $10.40 off on future meals. In addition, entrees (regularly priced in the $15-25 range) are $10.40 all day today, and the bar is serving Tax Day-themed drink specials. 

4. McDonald's
In some cities, McDonald's reps will be stationed at local post offices, handing out McCafe customized postage stamps and coupons for free McCafe coffees. But throughout the country, hungry taxpayers can buy one Quarter Pounder or Big Mac sandwich and get a second sandwich for a penny.

5. MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery
In what this chain is calling its "e-cone-omic ice cream stimulus package," MaggieMoo's is giving away free single-scoop servings of its create-your-own-ice-cream-masterpieces all day today. Patrons can pop in anytime on April 15, select a base ice-cream flavor, then add whatever fruit, nut or candy mix-in they'd like -- no charge.

6. Papa John's Pizza
Famished 1040-ers need only place their orders online and use coupon code "1040" to get a large pizza with up to 3 toppings for -- you guessed it -- $10.40.

7. P.F. Chang's China Bistro
Have a hankering to spend Tax Day pigging out on egg rolls, BBQ spare ribs and beef with broccoli -- while surrounded by larger-than-life horse statues and faux terra-cotta warriors? Of course you do! Best of all, your entire check will be discounted 15%.

8. Taco Del Mar
Specializing in Baja-style fish tacos and Mission-style burritos, this mostly West Coast quick-casual eatery claims, "Delicious is our middle name." Today would be a fine day to see if TDM lives up to that name. In honor of the IRS, you can print out a free-taco coupon by logging on to the chain's website and filling out a brief "Taxes Suck. Tacos Don't" e-form."

9. T.G.I. Friday's
Get your T.G.I. flair on -- and maybe dive into a nice appetizer platter and a couple of Long Island iced teas. Today, Friday's will give a little something back to tax-paying patrons, in the form of a $5 "Bonus Bites" gift card for every $15-25 food and drink purchase. (The restaurant will give $10 "Bonus Bites" cards for tabs that total $25 or more.) 

10. QVC
When you've finished making the restaurant rounds, turn your attention to online shopping. Today only, QVC is making its TV-Web deals especially sweet: You'll get free standard shipping-and-handling for "top brand" beauty, fashion, electronics, home and garden, handbags, shoes and jewelry products -- you get the idea -- on all orders placed by 11:59pm EST.

Finally, a very special bonus deal for Clear and Clearwire registered users ...

11. ClearMusic downloads
Registered users take 25% off all ClearMusic store downloads! At checkout, just enter promo code CLEARWIRE25 (for Clearwire users) or CLEAR25 (Clear users) and your discount will automatically be applied.

 

4/15/2009
Disclaimer: Not all restaurant locations participate in Tax Day promotions. You might want to call before going out all of your way.

SOUNDBITES: Snoop's death hoax, Stevie's diatribe & more

A death hoax in the Dogg-house, Stevie Nick's LiLo diatribe and a whole lot more: It's all in this week's Soundbites ...

** Whoever though it'd be funny to call the California Highway Patrol and report that 'Father Hood' star Snoop Dogg had the dead body of his wife, Shante Broadus, stashed in his basement really caused a stir last Friday. A screenshot of the CHP website surfaced on gossip site TMZ early Friday morning citing a possible fatality in Los Angeles linked to the rapper, but the claim was later dismissed by Snoop's manager as "ridiculous." Now that we've gotten that out of the way, can we drop the subject like it's hot?

** Last Wednesday's episode of 'South Park' might have had Grammy-winner Kanye West crying over the 'Heartless' way he was portrayed, but to many people's surprise (including ours), the famously narcissistic Auto-Tune crooner may have learned a little something from the parody, too.

** Speaking of Auto-Tune, Bow Wow has something to say about the software that has rappers going gaga of late. In an interview with Giant magazine, Bow Wow disses artists like Kanye West and Lil Wayne, who rely on Auto-Tune to enhance their vocals. Insisting that he'll never use it, Bow Wow says ... well, it's not very nice.

** The Beatles had us at 'The Beatles: Rock Band' -- and now they're giving us the entire digitally remastered Fab Four catalog! Apple Corp. and EMI Music announced last week that the collections would be released worldwide on Sept. 9, the same day as 'Rock Band.' Get all the details here.

** Apparently Samantha Ronson -- Lindsay Lohan's now ex-girlfriend -- is ecstatic about her recent split from the 'Mean Girl' actress. Check out the many words of support and congratulations the DJ's celeb friends have been offering via Twitter.

** While Lindsay has been tight-lipped about her recent personal public dealings, there is someone who is openly expressing her outrage. Singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks has fired back on reports that Lohan is set to star in a biopic as the Fleetwood Mac songstress. Find out what Stevie had to say.

** We could have sworn we were in a recession ... but it looks like the declining economy hasn't impinged on the lifestyles of the rich and famous! Jacko reportedly laid down a $1.45 million deposit for a 28-bedroom pad in England to accommodate his eight-month stay as he preps for his summer concerts at London's O2 Arena. On the other hand, if you're smart like the Osbournes, you rent out your Malibu beach home for $25,000 a month -- and cross your fingers that some filthy rich bonehead bites. (We wouldn't hold our breath, though.)

** Finally, what crazed celeb would voluntarily give out his/her personal cell-phone digits to adoring fans? Find out for yourself.

For the latest music news, gossip and downloads, check out Clear365 Music

Until next time ...
Joyce Liao, Clear365 Blogger

Image credits:
Snoop Dogg, eonline
Stevie Nicks, Associated Press