Tiger’s battle continues

Tiger Woods’ alleged mistress Devon James filed a paternity action this afternoon.

According to Fox 35, TMZ claim the woman wants to prove that her nine-year-old son is fathered by the golf star.

James filed legal documents in Florida under her birth name, Melinda Jannette, stating she wanted a judge to determine the paternity of her son Austin Brinling.

Testing one, two, three…

Austin is currently in the custody of his grandmother, who claims a previous DNA test from 2002 proved another man was the father.

Regardless, James is certain her mother has no physical evidence and wants a judge to force Woods to submit his DNA.

Fox 35 reported, James legal documents want to “establish paternity, parental responsibility, time-sharing, and/or child support of a minor child or children.”

James is one of more than a dozen women claiming they had affairs with Woods, this has resulted in a separation from is wife Elin Nordegren and their two children Sam, two, and son Charlie, one.

Wizards come to Orlando

A star-studded grand opening for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.

Outside Hogwarts

In 2005, it was agreed that Harry Potter, would be brought to the sunshine state and today the attraction’s celebrity affair received a magical reception.

Actors from the film joined the lighting up ceremony including Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley). Held in front of the illuminated Hogwarts school, the dramatic music was provided by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tiny Details

Writer of the seven-book series author J.K Rowling also attended and met with fans. She insisted on supervising every step of the attractions features, including the refreshments.

Situated inside Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, visitors can wonder through the five shops on the streets of Hogsmeade. The village from the series homes a restaurant and three rides.

The shops include Honeydukes and the Owl Post form the books giving visitors the option to buy magical tools, sweets, clothing and the chance to send postcards with a Hogsmeade postmark.

Great Minds

Alan Gilmore was the Supervising Art Director and one of the creative minds behind the park. Gilmore worked on the movies ensuring continuity and the same costume designer was used for the employees at the park and actors in the movies.

According to WESH Gilmore said, “We want you to feel like you’ve actually entered the stories, like you’re in the films, that you’re reading the books aloud in your own mind… You can really become part of the story,”

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open to the public on June 18^th 2010.

Teen accused of kidnapping

The teen was charged this evening with the false imprisonment of a child.

Shopping trolly

A 14-year-old Lake County boy is facing charges after the police say he attempted to kidnap toddler in an Orange County store.

Security footage from the Burlington Coat Factory store shows the suspect and the little girl inside together.

The girl, who wondered away from her mother, is seen talking with the boy and then following him out of the store.

Stranger Danger?

According to WFTV News, the security tape is the only evidence of this strange crime but the store investigators who interviewed the teen say they do not have any evidence to suggest he was trying to harm her.

“If there had been some other intent, then he would have been arrested for a kidnapping charge,” said Jeff Williamson from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated on this evening’s news.

Because the two children left the store, the false imprisonment charge was added. The video shows, the boy taking the girl by the hand and leading her away. This is why he was charged.

Mothers Actions

Two minutes elapse before the little girls mother leaves the store to look for her. She returns with her child followed by the young boy and his mother.

According to WFTV News, the boy was subjected to six hours of interviews before being charged with a second-degree felony. This means he could face between two and twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

“We went through the evidence over and over again just to make sure we were making the right decision, because this is a very young man’s life,” said Williamson to reports outside the crime scene.

Police who refuse to comment on why he acted this way is currently holding the boy’s statement. However, a spokesman for the boy’s family contacted WFTV News and said the boy was trying to help the girl find her family.

Mayor serves the Community?

Mayor Buddy Dyer of the City of Orlando attended a community cookout but residents were left disheartened as he made a quick exit.

The Z.L. Riley Park in Parramore, Orlando was built in town known for it’s sub standard living conditions and crime, is part of a restoration project.

Organizers, Pathways for Parramore and radio station Star 94.5 started work at 7.30am this morning as the mayor arrived for the opening cermny a few minutes past 11am.

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He was greeted with applause, cheers and a hug from Star’s Monica May. He took to the stage to make a short speech and smile for photographs for the grand opening.

Residents were surprised as the mayor left before the children’s choir had begun n the chorus to their first song

Community Comeback

One resident claimed it’s was not uncommon for government officials to “…give there two cents and leave.” Miss Thomas said she was angered  by the way the people in Parramore are “…often disregarded.”

Contributors to the cookout included war veterans and local food venders. J.R Atkins a veteran from the RAFMAN foundation believes”The community needs jobs not just pretty parks.”

But many of the parents are happy for a safe environment for their children.

“They need to listen to the people.” (J.R Atkins) The mayor left before the food, music and good sprits of a harden community could be seen.

It was just another day in the office for him.

Documents Released In Bribery Case

Documents are released, as Commissioner Mildred Fernandez faces charges for corruption in Orlando.

The Orange County Courthouse, Orlando, Florida

Over 600 pages were released on Tuesday in connection with Orange County Commissioner Mildred Fernandez who was arrested in April 2010 for bribery, grand theft and accepting illegal campaign contributions.

According to the state, the transcripts contain conversations with undercover agents proving Commissioner Fernandez was breaking the law. Her lawyer disagrees and claims the evidence proves her innocence.

The Evidence

The State Attorney’s Office released statements made by Fernandez. They claim her campaign office informed developers in ways to give her money and make it appear legal.

It is alleged, the commissioner accepted illegal campaign contributions in exchange for fast-tracking development projects.

She faces 14 charges, including grand theft, accepting illegal contributions, bribery and racketeering.

Fernandez’s Defence

Fernandez’s lawyer, Tony Suarez, said she did nothing wrong outside Orange County Courthouse. He said it’s not illegal to ask for campaign contributions and she was trying to help a constituent.

“All lobbyist buy access, that’s what lobbyist do. It’s totally legal within our system to buy access to legislators,” Suarez told WFTV. “This is the most extreme use of prosecutorial power and interpretation of statue I have seen in my 33 years as a lawyer.”

The Commissioner has withdrawn from the Orange County mayor race and Governor Charlie Crist has decided against his 12-week window to replace the commission. His office has stated there is no official deadline or timetable.

Magic Make Moves

The roar inside Amway Arena challenged the theme parks last night as Orlando showed Boston how to overcome obstacles in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Amway Arena, Eastern Conference Finals Game 5

Celtics had the chance to shut the series down but Magic made it clear that they were going to Game 6 winning 113-92. But just like a Hollywood blockbuster, there was passion, pain and a party.

The passion started with Vince Carter (8 points) and Rashard Lewis (14 points) throwing down the 3 point shots. These two had a shaky first few games but last night alongside almost every player on their team, they proved that Magic will go down in NBA history as the team who has made the most 3 points in a season.

Boston retaliated in a few different ways. Kendrick Perkins was given his 2nd technical in the first half and was ejected from the game.

The big man has the most technical fouls in the playoffs with a total of seven and will miss Game 6 of the series. Rasheed Wallace got 21 points before fouling out in the 4th.

Dwight Howard could not be stopped. The pick and roll play constantly giving him opportunities on the inside.

Paul Pierce (18 points) was having a bad night as Howard blocked shots with ease and gained 10 rebounds.His dunks gained standing ovations from the sea of blue shirts and he ended the game with 21 points.

Problems for Boston

Pain came from the Boston bench on the defensive end. Glen Davis was elbowed in the face by Howard in the last minute of the 3rd.

He struggled to regain his balance before staggering to the arms of official Joy Crawford. Play was stopped as a disorientated Davis sat on the floor with limited movement. He ended the game with 4 points and a concussion.

That wasn’t all. Marquis Daniels got hit pretty hard in the 4th. The knock to the head sent him to the floor before Celtics deliberate foul to send him to the bench.

Another concussion left Howard, Jameer Nelson and J.J Redick (14 points) with room to do more damage offensively.

Nelson took his team from possible elimination to elevation. With 24 points, 5 rebound and 5 assists, he was the key to Magic’s ignition.

Victory at home

“At this point we believe we can win the series.” Nelson giving more hope to dedicated fans but reminding them, “We have to stay humble and keep focused.”

93 teams have started and ended a series 0-3 down but Magic may go down is history as the team who beat the odds if on Friday they make it 3-3 in Boston.

Nicki’s new Name

Young Money’s female version of Lil Wayne has done a Diddy on us and changed her name this week.

Nicki performing in Orlando

Nicki Minaj announced on Twitter on Monday 23rd that she will only answer to “…Roman Zolanski.”

The real question is, should we be worried that the name ‘Roman Zolanski’ sounds a little like Roman Polanski. The director of ‘Chinatown‘ who had Nicki Minaj s with a 13-year-old girl and ran of the France so he could escape prison.

I’m just saying, if you’re going to rename yourself, maybe a little more thought is needed.

The change comes after negations with the mogul known as Diddy are in its final stages. He sets the trend for name changes (followed by J.LO) and is finalizing paperwork which will allow him to manage her career and create amazing opportunities for Minaj.

Wait…I’m sure he said the same thing about Danity Kane and that boy band he worked with and where are they now?

It is alleged that artists with Diddy as their manager, do not make it very far or don’t make much money so where does ‘Roman’ fit it.

“She has a long way to go…” according to Diddy, “Nicki is up there. Her story has just begun.” With ‘Badboy’ to one side and ‘Young Money’ on the other, I hope it’s not short lived.

Say goodbye to Miss Minaj and hello to Miss Zolanski.

All Aboard the ‘Booze Bus’

Every week in the UK it seems there is a new headline about the country’s excessive binge-drinking habits.

The issue has become so much that in London a special bus run by the London Ambulance Service, operates every weekend to deal with alcohol related incidents.

And the problem is particularly bad among young men and women.

Last year, the Ambulance service was called out 60,000 times to deal with alcohol-related incidents in the Borough.

The latest statistics claims 35 per cent of cases on the weekend cost the NHS between £165 and £200, per ambulance called out.

Kevin Brown, Ambulance Operations Manager said: “people with minor injuries or illnesses rooted by too much alcohol do not always need to go to hospital.

“The booze bus helps us to assess and treat patients without necessarily having to clog up the local A&E department.”

He added: “this dedicated service will free up other ambulances in the borough so they are available for patients who really need our help.”

Paramedic David Pierce, at the Royal Free Hospital said: “we are able to deal with half of the patients we pick up there and then, and we can release them once they have sobered up.

“While patients intoxicated with alcohol poisoning will be rushed to hospital.”

The ‘Booze Bus’ – or Vomit Comet, as it has also been dubbed – was set up by five years ago and trialed during the Christmas and New Year period. It was hailed an instant success and was made permanent for the weekend.

Yet the ‘Booze Bus’ has not reduced the number of paramedic calls related to alcohol incidents. Instead it allows paramedics the authority to decide whether a person needs A&E assistance.

“Nearly £3bn is spent on treating alcohol- related cases each year” said the brains behind the idea, Paramedic Brian Hayes.

“It’s a sad reflection that we have to run vehicles and other services just to deal with alcohol-related calls and they are making it more difficult for us to reach people who really need our help.”

He also added: “The way people excessively drink at the moment, I don’t think we even scratch the surface.”

 

Hepatitis C: Silent but deadly in Scotland

By Gurdeep Hundal

More than 50,000 Scots are estimated to be living with Hepatitis C, but many don’t even know they are sufferers, researchers warn.

In Scotland, eight in ten people are unaware they have the blood borne virus, as it can take years, even decades for symptoms to appear.

In most cases, the blood-borne virus does not cause any symptoms. But when it appears, they tend to be vague.

Possible symptoms of hepatitis C include: fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, flu-like symptoms, anxiety and difficulty concentrating.

The most common symptom is fatigue, which may be mild but can be extreme. Many people initially diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome are later found to have hepatitis C.

By contrast, patients who later become ill and seek help, show significant damage to their liver. As hepatitis C is a long-term debilitating condition that attacks the liver, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure and death.

Petra Wright, the Scottish Hepatitis C Trust Officer is hoping to change this, by raising more awareness of the virus in Inverness, Perth, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.

At a recent event in the Scottish Parliament, Mrs Wright had pleaded for financial support, to tackle the virus throughout Scotland.

As a direct result, the party has led to the implementation of an Action Plan, designed to increase diagnosis and treatment for sufferers, to improve care and support.

However, Mrs Wright believes there’s still a lot of stigma attached to this illness, making it harder for people to come forward.

‘Currently, hepatitis C is associated with drug addicts because many fail to realise it can affect anyone, and it can be caught in many ways, ’ she said.

Debbie, a charity worker at C level, was diagnosed with hepatitis C after her dentist was arrested and jailed for not sterilising his tools.

‘In my mind, I thought I would be fine. But when the results came back my hep b was negative, but unfortunately my hep c result came back positive.’

Children’s Charity set to feed over 2,000 on Christmas Day

Kids Company are pleased to be helping the growing number of children at risk

by Emily Bakosi

A London based charity is set to break a previous  record as number of people seeking support rises.

Kids Company,  a london charity that deals with homeless, vulnerable, and troubled youth, will feed up to 2,500 with nowhere to go on Christmas Day. 

Recent reports have claimed that London has one of the highest rates of neglected children in the UK, with Lambeth and the Southwark borough having the greatest number of children on the protection list.

The UK is also reported to be one of the worst places for children to grow up. Excessive examinations compared to other countries, caused the stress and unhappiness of children.

More children and youth  needing support

Jodie Smith, a spokesperson for the charity, said: “Every year we feed the least fortunate youth in London, and last year we fed around 1,500, but this year we expect well over 2,000. his year has been particularly hard due to the recession I think. There are more young people opting out for support for a range of reasons.”

Smith added: “It is always great to be a part of the christmas events at Kids Company – making a difference in the life of young people, at an important time of the year.”

Kids Company also supports struggling families that are unable to provide meals and gifts for Christmas Day.