NYTimes Article: Payback Time: Padded Pensions Add to New York Fiscal Woes

By MARY WILLIAMS WALSH and AMY SCHOENFELD

In Yonkers, more than 100 retired police officers and firefighters are collecting pensions greater than their pay when they were working. One of the youngest, Hugo Tassone, retired at 44 with a base pay of about $74,000 a year. His pension is now $101,333 a year.

Errors, misunderstandings and wishful thinking are piling hidden costs onto New York's pension system.

For more on this travesty read the full story at the link below:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/21/business/economy/21pension.html?emc=eta1

Again we thank Christine for this contribution!

MSNBC story: Parents go overboard to help college kid get job

By Eve Tahmincioglu

Some apply for positions for adult child, stick nose in salary negotiations.

With job prospects for new college graduates at historic lows, some parents are using their contacts, connections and job-hunting savvy to help their children get hired. But sometimes in their desire to help, parents can go too far.

It’s no surprise that parents want their children to land well after college. The average student loan debt for graduating college seniors in 2008 was $23,186, according to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study.

You can read more about this in the full article at the link below;

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37218735/ns/business-careers//from/ET

Thanking Christine for forwarding this one to us!

Britney Spears beats Ashton Kutcher to become Twitter Queen

Pop princess Britney Spears has surpassed him with 4,948,848 followers to his 4,943,297. "This is really amazing! I love you all! I better get busy writing 4,947,608 thank you notes! U guys make me sooo happy!" she tweeted excitedly on Monday.

As for Kutcher, he says, "I don't care." Ouch!

Spears later tweeted, "WOW!!!!! #1 on Twitter! Thank you! Tweet me some questions this morning! xoxo -Brit."

Last April, the 31-year-old actor challenged CNN and its founder, Ted Turner, to a race to a million followers, and promised to "ding-dong-ditch" (ring doorbell, run away) the billionaire's house if he beat the news network. He reached 1 million about 30 minutes before CNN passed the mark.

Tammy Lynn Michaels blogs about her split from Melissa Etheridge

Tammy Lynn Michaels has taken to her blog to address her breakup with Melissa Etheridge – and ask her ex to stop saying the split was mutual.

“Things can be a long time coming to one and smash the hell out of another,” she wrote on Thursday.

While she did not use Melissa’s name in the blog post, which was written in poetry stanzas, the subject was clear.

“I’d rather hear 10,000 fans screaming my name in worship than hear my wife harp on meabout my family intimacy issues too, you know?” she wrote. “You evolved, you needed to be happy- but really… you withdrew your hands from family and intimacy to pluck those [guitar] strings more.”

Tammy didn’t stop there, adding that her ex’s latest disc was their breakup album.

“I heard ‘Fearless [Love]’ and I got sick,” she wrote. “‘That’s your break up song with me,’ I said to you. You got so angry with me, remember? And stomped off.”

The revelations were apparently instigated by an interview given by Melissa, in which the star said she wouldn’t censor Tammy’s blogging.

“Thank you for telling an interviewer that you WON’T censor me on my blog,” Tammy wrote. “I did not go anywhere, honey. And you and I both know it. Please stop telling the press it was mutual.”

Melissa said on “Oprah” in April that the separation had been “as mutual as those things can be.”

The emotional blog concluded with the actress admitting she still had feelings for Melissa.

“I still love that damn woman so much, I’m still trying to stop,” she concluded. “I had a dream last where honey and I were fighting and going to get a divorce, and I woke up sobbing…. then I realized. Oh. It’s true.”

The pair announced their split in April. The former couple wed with a commitment ceremony in 2003, welcoming twins Johnnie Rose and Miller in 2006.

Melissa has two children, Bailey, 13, and Beckett, 11, from a previous relationship.

Legend of The Seeker - Cancelled!

The outlook had been bleak since last March, when many of Tribune Station Group’s markets dropped the syndicated series, which had been developed from Terry Goodkind’s fantasy novels by Hercules/Xena producers Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert. ABC Studios, which produces it, kept shopping it around. But, I’m told, they found no takers. So, after two action-packed seasons, Legend is history. I have to admit I would have enjoyed a third season because I really did feel the show had good actors and storylines. I liked how it ended this past weekend. It summed up the "stone of tears" storyline and the rift was sealed between the worlds of the living and the dead so all is right with the world. If you have to go out go with a smile!

Duchess Fergie's – Caught on Camera in a Scandal

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has apologized and says she is "devastated" after being caught on video accepting money in exchange for a promise of business access to her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, who is a British trade representative.

"If you want to meet him in your business, look after me and he'll look after you … you'll get it back tenfold," Ferguson, 50, is seen saying while accepting a $40,000 cash down payment from an undercover News of the World reporter.

"That opens up everything you would ever wish for," she says. "And I can open any door you want. And I will for you."

In the video, Ferguson falsely claims Prince Andrew, 50, knew of the deal, and advised her to demand more than $700,000. "He knows that he's had to underwrite me up to now because I've got no money," she says on the video.

In fact, Andrew reportedly knew nothing of Ferguson's secret dealings, which will be a royal pain for him as he seeks to maintain his credibility as a British ambassador.

Ferguson has now apologized and says she is "devastated" by the sting operation, according to the Times of London.

"I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused," she said. "It is true that my financial situation is under stress. However, that is no excuse for a serious lapse in judgment, and I am very sorry that this has happened. I can confirm that the Duke of York was not aware or involved in any of the discussions that occurred."

Scotland Yard has been quoted as saying Ferguson did nothing illegal.

Jimmy Kimmel's; LOST "Alternate Endings"

Did James Cameron Steal Avatar Concept?

James Cameron has been thrust into a legal mess by a San Diego woman who claims the director stole her idea. Kelly Van has filed a lawsuit claiming that Avatar has infringed on the copywright for her 2003 book Sheila the Warrior: The Damned.

The suit alleges that Avatar producers had access to her work and alleges that there is "substantial similarity in characters, setting, plot, visual effects, scenes, concept and feel."

Also in the suit, details stating that Van's concept includes characters with "long braided hair growing beyond the buttocks."

FOX tells The Hollywood Reporter, “This suit is absolutely baseless. Jim Cameron’s treatment for Avatar was written before Ms. Van alleges she even started to write her book.”

'Lost' Finale Addresses Years of Questions

The premiere of "Lost" ended memorably with Charlie's plaintive question to his fellow island castaways: "Guys, where ARE we?"

Six seasons and some 120 episodes later, many viewers might be wondering the same thing as the much-awaited "Lost" finale brought the series to a rapturous close Sunday night.

Viewers, where are we? The answer: Almost anywhere we want to be.

(Spoiler alert for what follows.)

If ever a TV series could be likened to a journey, "Lost" is it, and as it came to the end of the road it left its audience with comfort and inspiration more than hard answers. There was also, not surprisingly, a sense of being lost in the maw of a show that henceforth will give up nothing more, a show whose sweep and ambiguity will fuel debate and theorizing from its viewers for years to come.

That, dear viewers, is where you are.

Led by a two-hour retrospective, ABC's Super Bowl Sunday-scale drama event was capped by the two-and-one-half-hour-long finale.

As they have all season, story lines overlapped between the characters on the island and in their parallel lives in the "normal" world back home in California.

On the island, Jack (Matthew Fox) has volunteered from among the designated candidates to take over from Jacob (Mark Pellegrino) as the island's protector.

The Smoke Monster, occupying the body of Locke (Terry O'Quinn), wants to stop the candidates, kill them, destroy the island and sail away.

Back in Los Angeles, Jack, by profession a surgeon, is about to operate on Locke, who (in this incarnation) is crippled.

"If I can fix you, Mr. Locke, that's all the peace I'll need," Jack says.

But then back on the island, Jack and the Monster-Who-Looks-Like-Locke have a tense confrontation.

"So it's you," says Monster-Locke, meaning the island's new protector. "I assume you're here to stop me."

"Can't stop you," Jack says, but promises instead, "I'm gonna kill you."

Well, he doesn't. But a bit later, Kate (Evangeline Lilly) somehow kills the monster-who-is-mortal-again with a single gunshot after a fierce cliffside fight between him and Jack.

Back in L.A., Locke's surgery is a success. From his bed, he gratefully tells Jack he has feeling back in his legs.

"Jack, I hope that somebody does for you what you just did for me," Locke says to a disturbed-looking Jack, who seems to be having flashes of memory of his alternate existence. It's the sort of memory bursts all the characters are having: island recollections invading their consciousness.

A few minutes later, Jack runs into Kate, his island love, as they, too, play the haven't-I-seen-you-somewhere-before game.

"What is happening to me?" says Jack, bewildered as she looks at him adoringly. "Who are you?"

"I know you don't understand, Jack," she says. "But if you come with me, you will."

Come with her where?

To a church where the former castaways are gathered for what seems a beatific funeral reception for themselves. At this reunion, everyone is smiling and embracing. The room floods with light.

And Jack reconciles with his dead father, whose body he had been bringing back from Sydney when Oceanic flight 815 crashed on the lost island at the start of the series.

Jack has a tender conversation with the man he had clashed with so often before.

"I don't understand," says Jack. "You died."

"Yes, I did."

"Then how are you here right now?"

"How are YOU here?" his father (John Terry) replies.

"I died, too," says Jack, beginning to weep.

"That's OK, son."

And yet it's all real, his father assures him.

"Everything that's ever happened to you is real. All those people in the church, they're all real, too."

"They're all dead?" Jack asks.

"Everyone dies sometime, kiddo," his father replies gently.

Through the run of the series, there was much talk among its characters of being on the island for a purpose. As it draws to a close, "Lost" has sustained the eerie feeling (eerie for TV, anyway) that it was on the air for a purpose -- a special purpose beyond selling products and filling time, or even entertainment.

Its cast, producers, writers and the rest seemed drawn to create "Lost," and keep creating it year after year, thanks to fate as much as show-biz urgencies.

Deeper and wider than any TV series should dare to be, it has been thrilling, captivating, confounding (and, at times, pretty tedious), while it challenged its viewers to think, talk and feel.

The series ended where it began six seasons ago after the plane crash: with a close-up of Jack's eye opening as he lay on the ground. But this time, his eye was open and it shut.

That's where "Lost" leaves us viewers as it shuts down. Maybe not so clear about all we've seen, but challenged. Still a little lost, but reassured.

Simon Monjack, Brittany Murphy's Widower, Found Dead in Los Angeles

Simon Monjack, the husband of late actress Brittany Murphy, was found dead Sunday night in his Hollywood Hills home, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He was 40. The screenwriter was reportedly found by his mother-in-law, Sharon, in the master bedroom at the house he once shared with Murphy. The cause of death is being investigated.

Now I know he was sick months before Brittany passed away. Something to do with his breathing or the like. So do you think it could be related? Weigh in below.

'Buffy's James Marsters Is Engaged

Actor James Marsters, 47, announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Patricia Rahman, US Weekly exclusively reports. A rep for the actor confirmed the news today.

Marsters, best known for his role as Spike on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Angel,' proposed to his fashion designer girlfriend in Trier, Germany. The actor met Rahman, 24, at a concert in Amsterdam and they are planning to wed this coming fall.

The actor, also known for memorable roles in 'Smallville,' 'Caprica,' and 'Torchwood,' is heading back to the small screen next fall. Along with 'Lost' alum Daniel Dae Kim, Marsters stars in the new CBS series 'Hawaii 5-0' which will debut in September.

This will be Marsters second marriage. He has one son, Sullivan, with ex-wife Liane Davidson.

Is Dora the Explorer and Illegal Alien?

In this composite image provided May 20, 2010 courtesy of Debbie Groben and FreakingNews.com, is an image of Nickelodeon cartoon Dora the Explorer created late last year by Debbie Groben of Sarasota, Fla., for a contest for the fake news site FreakingNews.com. The image, and others like it that question or make fun of the Latina cartoon character's immigration status and country of origin, have been in wide circulation since Arizona passed a controversial immigration law.

The doctored picture, one of several circulating widely in the aftermath of Arizona's controversial new immigration law, may seem harmless, ridiculous or even tasteless.

But experts say the pictures and the rhetoric surrounding them online, in newspapers and at public rallies, reveal some Americans' attitudes about race, immigrants and where some of immigration reform debate may be headed.

t's not the first time a children's character has been dragged into a serious debate.

In the late 1990s, Tinky Winky the Teletubby, a purple children's TV character with a triangle antenna – was called out by Christian leaders for being gay. Sesame Street roommates Bert and Ernie are often involved in statements on same-sex marriage.

Both shows' producers say the characters aren't gay.

Katherine Heigl on Grey's Anatomy

Bethenny Frankel on Today Show

Now the freeze frame on this is SCARY!

And you thought your Wedding Party had problems...

Forget the Oil of Olay - Photoshop is the new cream to use...

CW NEWS FOR NEXT SEASON

GOSSIP GIRL: Season four will open with a radiant Serena and Blair enjoying their grand and romantic summer in Paris…until Chuck mysteriously arrives in town with a new girlfriend and a new identity. Blair swore off Chuck forever but will this changed man woo Blair into having a change of heart, or will Queen B set her sights on ruling Columbia University? And as for that baby…?

ONE TREE HILL: Season eight will explore the delicate balance that contemporary twenty-somethings face as they endeavor to build and define what their lives will be, while overcoming difficulties and embracing the good things that they sometimes take for granted, shrouded in the pursuit of someday. It will be a celebration of the most important things, among them the quest for love, laughter, health, friends, career and family: timeless pursuits that have always mattered, and matter now, in a place called Tree Hill.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: Next season, the appearance of the villainous Katherine in Mystic Falls throws a wrench into the love triangle between Stefan, Elena and Damon, and the other residents of Mystic Falls must choose sides as they fall victim to a new breed of danger. New and unexpected friendships will be forged, allies will become enemies, and hearts will be broken. Stefan and Damon will be forced to face a villain more evil and diabolical than they ever believed possible. And they’ll take their shirts off. Frequently.

SMALLVILLE: Season ten promises the classic reuniting of the timeless romance between Clark and Lois, and brings Clark face-to-face with his destiny as he overcomes his final trials and forges the iconic identity that will be known for all time. (FYI: Cassidy Freeman (Tess) is included in a list of returning series regulars. Hmm…)

SUPERNATURAL: Season six will be a season of mystery and shadow. Heaven and Hell have been left in complete disarray since the apocalyptic events of season five. And now, monsters, angels and demons roam across a lawless and chaotic landscape. And so Dean Winchester, who has retired from hunting and sworn never to return, finds himself being pulled back into his old life – pulled back by none other than Sam Winchester, who has escaped from Hell. The two reunite to beat back the rising tide of creatures and demon-spawn, but they quickly realize that neither are who they used to be, their relationship isn’t what it used to be, and that nothing is what it seems.

90210: The third season welcomes the West Beverly kids to their senior year of high school. It’s the time of college acceptances and lovers’ rejections, the time of prom dates and promises betrayed, the time of spring break, break-ups and make-ups – but as is always the case in Beverly Hills, it all happens in a world of sun and fun, palm trees and warm sea breezes, success and excess. From the very beginning of the school year, the lives of the West Beverly group will be shaken up in a way none of them could ever imagine. And from this new starting point, their journeys will take them to staggering new heights and terrifying new depths. We’ll see the rise of a pop sensation and the fall of a group of friends, the beginning of a new love and the end of a professional dream, the creation of an unlikely family and the demise of another. And that’s just the first week of school… It’s now or never for the students of West Beverly, and they’re not going to waste a moment of time. Expectations are high, hormones are raging, and scandals are hiding around every corner. From the brightest moments of love and happiness to the darkest hours of shame and fear, senior year at West Beverly promises to be an unforgettable journey.

Allison Mack won't be back full time on Smallville next season

Image Credit: Jack Rowland/The CW

I’ve got good news and bad news for fans of Smallville heroine Allison Mack. The actress has opted not to return as a series regular for the show’s 10th and final season. That’s the bad news. Here’s the good: You have not seen the last of Chloe — not by a long-shot

“It’s amazing to think that Chloe Sullivan and I have been one in the same for over a third of my life,” says Mack in an exclusive statement. “I’m truly humbled by the love and loyalty of all the fans whose enthusiasm has carried me — along with a cast and crew which has become my second family — over the past 9 and a half years. Out of respect for the amazingly loyal fans and the place I will always have in my own heart for Chloe, I’m coming back for several episodes next season to tie up Chloe’s Smallville legacy properly.

“It’s been a life-changing ride,” Mack concludes, “and I look forward to what lies ahead with the strength of a ‘superhero’ as my foundation.”

Speculation about Mack’s uncertain Smallville future has been running rampant for months. Exec producer Brian Peterson recently told me he was “very optimistic” that Mack — the show’s last original female cast-member — would be back in the fall.
Thoughts? Relieved Chloe will at least get a proper send-off? Sound off below!

Jonathan Rhys Meyers Back to Rehab

Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, star of Showtime's 'The Tudors,' has agreed to give rehab another try for his addiction to alcohol following the latest in a string of airport-related incidents, his publicist has confirmed.

Though the rep declined to give further details, a source close to the situation tells PEOPLE that the 32-year-old star "just really wants to get better," adding, "this has been an ongoing battle for him."

The 'Bend It Like Beckham' and 'Match Point' star first entered rehab in April 2007, but it had no lasting impact on the actor. Just months after seeking treatment, he was arrested in a Dublin airport for public intoxication, and in June 2009, he was detained at a Paris airport after an alleged drunken assault on a lounge employee.

His airport woes continued earlier this month when he was reportedly barred from boarding a flight out of New York's JFK airport because he had had too much to drink at a nearby VIP lounge.

According to RadarOnline.com, the actor became "belligerent" and "disruptive" with airport staff and was subsequently banned by United Airlines for future flights.

CW Cancels Melrose Place 2.0

Ok, now this news sucks! Leave it to the folks at the CW to not only bring back an iconic show like Melrose Place but to cancel it after one season! Come on, even the old MP (1.0) had to be revamped after the first season. If you ask me the mistake here was NOT bringing Heather Locklear on board from day one. I mean ok, I liked that they brought Sidney back from the dead but even with that they really didn't explain the whole back story effectively. Then they had some rather sappy characters. Can anyone not agree that Riley should have been shot or killed right out of the gate. The character was such a bore. Even Allison was a better character from the original. And believe me that's saying a lot.

MP 2.0 did one thing successful and that was how it weaved in the old and new characters into the current storyline. I think 90210 could take a lesson in this area.

I'll miss that MP 2.0 is gone. It was just getting it's legs and standing up with Heather Locklear back in the saddle. Here's to hopes that FOX will grab it back and reboot the reboot! LOL

NBC's New Shows

Well talk about a lot of new shows on the roaster. Now let's hope that they can get a better amount of them to stick around.

Love Bites

Genre: Romantic Comedy
Notable Cast Members: Becki Newton (Ugly Betty), Jordana Spiro (My Boys), Lindsay Price (Eastwick), Jennifer Love Hewitt, Greg Grunberg (Heroes). However, we're still not sure if most of them are regulars or guest stars.
It's Like... Love Actually and Love American Style had a baby that was raised bySex and the City.
Time: Thursdays, 10pm

Perfect Couples

Genre: Comedic Romance
Notable Cast Members: Olivia Munn (Attack of the Show), the waitress from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, that guy from My Boys who is also in that video you just watched above.
It's Like... someone decided that what the world needs is a recycled version ofFriends. It's also like what will be playing nonstop in Hell when I arrive there.
Time: Midseason

Friends with Benefits

Genre: Comedy, with Romantic Elements (I'm running out of ways to say the same thing here...)
Notable Cast Members: Ryan Hansen (Party Down), Danneel Harris (One Tree Hill). Fran Kranz (Dollhouse) was recently dropped from the show.
It's Like... all these other rom-com shows. Can anyone tell them apart?
Time: Midseason

Outsourced

Genre" Workplace Comedy
Notable Cast Members" Ummm... every single Indian-American actor working today.
It's Like... someone just okay'd racism on TV.
Time: Thursdays, 9:30pm

The Paul Reiser Show

Genre: Comedy
Notable Cast Members: No one. Oh, wait, Paul Reiser.
It's Like... a show from some alternate universe where Paul Reiser is still relevant. Or like being cornered by some weird dude who thinks he's funny and wants to tell you about his life.
Time: Midseason

NBC's New Dramas for Fall 2010

Undercovers

Genre" J.J. Abrams thriller-comedy fest!
Notable Cast Members: Soon-to-be-breakout stars Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, plus that guy I saw at the free UCB Theater improv show (the very funny Ben Schwartz)
It's Like... Mr. and Mrs. Smith, if Mr. and Mrs. Smith were African-American. Still totally hot, though.
Time: Wednesdays, 8pm

The Event

Genre: Thriller
Notable Cast Members: Blair Underwood, Zeljko Ivanek
It's Like... Tom Clancy threw his stories in a blender for a made-for-TV smoothie. And it tastes really delicious.
Time" Mondays, 9pm

Chase

Genre: Action drama
Notable Cast Members: Kelli Giddish (Past Life), Cole Hauser (K-Ville)
It's Like... Justified, but with Jerry Bruckheimer's sense of subtlety.
Time: Mondays, 10pm

Outlaw

Genre: Light-hearted legal drama
Notable Cast Members: Jimmy Smits!
It's Like... House in a courtroom.
Time: Fridays, 10pm

Harry's Law

Genre: David E. Kelley legal drama
Notable Cast Members: Kathy Bates
It's Like... any other David E. Kelley show, slightly Eli Stone-ish.
Time: Midseason

The Cape

Genre: Not-quite-super superhero drama
Notable Cast Members: David Lyons, Summer Glau
It's Like... Heroes, it even has a carnival. Are you kidding me?
Time: Midseason

NBC's Single New Reality Show for Fall 2010

School Pride

Genre: Reality, of the makeover variety
Notable Cast Members: Cute kids, gross schools
It's Like... Extreme Home Makeover goes to schools.
Time: Fridays, 8pm

Fox's New Shows

Promo's for Fox's new show line up. What do you think about these?

Raising Hope
Genre: Goofball Comedy
Notable Cast Members: Martha Plimpton, Cloris Leachman, creator Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl)
It's Like... Three Men and a Baby minus two of the men.
Time: Tuesdays, 9pm
Stray Thought: The original title, Keep Hope Alive, was better.



Running Wilde
Genre: Screwball Comedy
Notable Cast Members: Will Arnett, Kerri Russell
It's Like... Mr. Deeds meets Krippendorf's Tribe? Whatever it is, thank god for Will Arnett.
Time: Tuesdays, 9:30pm
Stray Thought: Does this have a chance to be a live-action comedy hit for Fox?



Lonestar
Genre: Drama
Notable Cast Members: Jon Voight, Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights)
It's Like... a George Clooney movie.
Time: Mondays, 9pm



Bob’s Burgers
Genre: Adult Cartoon
Notable Cast Members: H. Jon Benjamin (Archer), creator Loren Bouchard (Dr. Katz, Home Movies)
It's Like... a possibly funny cartoon not from Seth MacFarlane.
Time: Midseason! Sundays, 8:30pm



Ride-Along
Genre: Cop Drama
Notable Cast Members: Delroy Lindo, Jennifer Beals, created by Shawn Ryan (The Shield)
It's Like... A watered-down version of The Shield
Time: Midseason, Mondays 9pm



Mixed Signals
Genre: Relationship Drama for Dudes
Notable Cast Members: That guy from The Office
It's Like... Sex and the City grew a penis.
Time: Midseason, Tuesdays




Terra Nova
Genre: Sci-Fi
Notable Cast Members: Produced by Steven Spielberg
It's Like... Land of the Lost meets Avatar
Time: Yet to be scheduled
There's no preview yet, but here's some promo art:

AP: Obama endorsements don't seem to help Democrats

By CHARLES BABINGTON, Associated Press Writer

Voters rejected one of President Barack Obama's hand-picked candidates and forced another into a runoff, the latest sign that his political capital is slipping beneath a wave of anti-establishment anger.

Sen. Arlen Specter became the fourth Democrat in seven months to lose a high-profile race despite the president's active involvement, raising doubts about Obama's ability to help fellow Democrats in this November's elections.

The first three candidates fell to Republicans. But Specter's loss Tuesday to Rep. Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania's Democratic senatorial primary cast doubts on Obama's influence and popularity even within his own party — and in a battleground state, no less.

Of course, it's possible that Democrats will fare better than expected this fall. And there's only so much that any president can do to help other candidates, especially in a non-presidential election year.

Still, Obama's poor record thus far could hurt his legislative agenda if Democratic lawmakers decide they need some distance from him as they seek re-election in what is shaping up as a pro-Republican year. Conversely, it might embolden Republican lawmakers and candidates who oppose him.

"We're licking our chops at running against President Obama," said Rand Paul, tea party candidate and victor in Kentucky's Republican primary for retiring GOP Sen. Jim Bunning's seat. Paul told CNN on Wednesday he'd relish Obama's campaigning on behalf of Democrat Jack Conway. Obama's agenda, Paul said, is "so far to the left, he's not popular in Kentucky."

Obama's track record also raises the question of whether he may be hurting candidates he supports by motivating his foes — such as tea party supporters — to vote. Though this month's AP-GfK Poll shows Americans split about evenly over how he's handling his job, those strongly disapproving outnumber people who strongly back him by 33 percent to 22 percent — not an enviable position for the president's party.

Sestak's victory over Specter is especially embarrassing, because he won by portraying himself and his supporters as being more faithful to the Democratic Party than were Specter and his backers — who included the president, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and other high-ranking party officials.

Creating another bruise for Obama and the Democratic establishment Tuesday, Sen. Blanche Lincoln was forced into a runoff in Arkansas' Democratic senatorial primary. Obama supports her bid for a third term, but he is not as closely associated with her campaign as he was with Specter's.

In previous months, Obama's endorsements and campaign appearances weren't enough to save then-Gov. Jon Corzine's re-election bid in New Jersey, Creigh Deeds' run for governor in Virginia or Martha Coakley's campaign in Massachusetts to keep the late Edward M. Kennedy's Senate seat in Democratic hands.

In fairness, Deeds was an underdog from the start, and Corzine brought many problems on himself. But the Coakley loss to Republican Scott Brown was excruciating. She once was considered a shoo-in, and her defeat restored the Republicans' ability to block Democratic bills with Senate filibusters.

Unlike the Corzine, Deeds and Coakley races, Obama made no late-campaign appearances for Specter. But it will be hard for the president to distance himself from Specter's career-ending loss.

Obama campaigned for Specter last September in Philadelphia, where he said, "I love Arlen Specter." Specter used the clip in recent TV ads. Obama also e-mailed his supporters on Specter's behalf, and he was the first person Specter thanked in his concession speech.

Vice President Joe Biden, a Pennsylvania native, made several appearances for Specter. Last week he told a Pittsburgh radio station, "Arlen is the Democratic candidate."

Moreover, Obama was central to an all-important deal with Specter that struck some Democratic voters as opportunistic at best.

Specter had been a Republican senator for 28 years, opposing countless Democratic bills and appointees even if he showed more independence than most lawmakers. Thirteen months ago, however, he concluded he could not win the GOP nomination for a sixth term against conservative Pat Toomey. He and top Democrats struck a deal.

Specter would become a Democrat, giving the party the crucial 60th Senate vote it needed to overcome Republican filibusters, which were frustrating the administration. In exchange, Obama, Biden, Rendell and the entire Democratic hierarchy agreed to support Specter's 2010 re-election, including efforts to clear his way to the party's nomination.

The losers in the deal were any longtime Democrats who aspired to the U.S. Senate. They essentially were told to step aside for an 80-year-old longtime Republican. Pennsylvania's Democratic voters were asked to concur.

Sestak, a former Navy vice admiral first elected to the House in 2006, refused to go along. He plugged away without help from the state or national party. A few weeks ago he trailed Specter by about 20 percentage points in polls of likely Democratic voters.

But Sestak caught fire in the closing days, partly through a TV ad showing Specter campaigning enthusiastically with then-President George W. Bush, who remains deeply unpopular with many Democratic primary voters.

In the past few weeks, the White House has played down Obama's role in the Tuesday primaries, and he spent Election Day in Ohio talking about the economy.

"At some point, you feel like we've done what we can do," senior White House adviser David Axelrod told The Associated Press in an interview. "We do have other stuff going on," he said.

Matt Bennett, a Democratic strategist and vice president of the group Third Way, said he doubts that Democratic lawmakers will panic over Obama's inability to help Specter to a victory.

"Presidents have coattails when their names are on the ballot," Bennett said, and that can't happen for Obama until 2012.

Kathy Lee - Confronts Kristen Wiig

V - Red Sky - Season Finale

7 Year Old killed in Raid and it's videotaped for television show...

A video filmed by the crew of A&E's reality-TV show "The First 48" captured the raid, which set out to arrest a murder suspect but ended with Aiyana's death.

ABC's New Shows

Here are some previews for some of ABC's new shows. Take a look at weigh in on what you think the odds are for each show.


Mr. Sunshine
Genre: Midlife-Crisis Comedy
Notable Cast Members: Matthew Perry, Matthew Perry's forehead
It's Like... Chandler Bing, 15 years later.
Time: Midseason



Off the Map
Genre: Tropical Doctors-in-Love Drama
Notable Cast Members: Caroline Dhavernas (Wonderfalls, my dreams), created by Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice)
It's Like... a private Grey's Anatopractice on a tropical island.
Time: Midseason



Detroit 187
Genre: Fake Documentary Detective Drama
Notable Cast Members: Michael Imperioli
It's Like... a tourism video for Detroit.
Time: Tuesdays, 10pm



Body of Proof
Genre: Half-Medical, Half-Detective Drama
Notable Cast Members: Jeri Ryan, Dana Delaney, John Carroll Lynch
It's Like... some network exec decided, "You know what we need? A medical drama! No wait, a detective drama! NO WAIT! Both!"
Time: Fridays, 9pm




Better Together
Genre: Yet Another Relationship Comedy
Notable Cast Members: Joanna Garcia, Kurt Fuller
It's Like... do I really need to continue coming up with descriptions for relationship comedies? One couple is like totally married or something, and another couple is totally not, and they both talk about how their relationships are different. Just like the other ones.
Time: Wednesdays, 8:30pm



Happy Endings
Genre: Relationship-ish comedy
Notable Cast Members: Elisha Cuthbert
It's Like... actually, it's slightly different from the rest in that it starts with a couple breaking up. But a million bucks says it turns into the rest of them.
Time: Midseason



My Generation
Genre: Faux Documentary Dramedy About High-School Friends All Grown Yp
Notable Cast Members: Jamie King, Mehcad Brooks
It's Like... the Scandinavian series it's based on!
Time: Thursdays, 8pm



The Whole Truth
Genre: Legal Drama That Looks at Both Sides of the Case
Notable Cast Members: Joely Richardson, Rob Morrow
It's Like... Law & Order, all of them.
Time: Wednesdays, 10pm

Vanessa Williams to Join Desperate Housewives in Season 7

Watch out, ladies of Wisteria Lane, because Wilhelmina Slater is coming to town. According to reports, 'Ugly Betty' alum Vanessa Williams is joining the cast of 'Desperate Housewives' season 7 as a series regular. "She'll be moving into the neighborhood next season to cause trouble in all the ladies' lives," said creator Marc Cherry, though she won't be at the forefront of next season's mystery. No word yet on Williams' premiere date.

SNL: Bedilia

SNL: Preniva

SNL: BP Oil Spill Cold Open

SNL: Update: Snooki

SNL: Update: Stefan

SNL: Digital Short - A Great Day

Desperate Housewives - Promo - I guess this is goodbye

A Desperate Baby Switch?

Season 6 of "Desperate Housewives" has come and gone, leaving us with a whole summer to wonder which Wisteria Lane kid was switched at birth.

Our first thought?

It must be M.J. Delfino.

With the return of Paul Young (Mark Moses) at the end of Sunday's (May 16) finale, M.J. seems like the obvious choice.

Paul has a motive. He probably blames Mike Delfino (James Denton) for the loss of his son Zach, who disappeared with his dead grandfather's money not long after he found out that Mike was his biological dad and that Paul had stolen him when he was a baby.

Switching Mike's brand new infant boy at birth seems like a pretty good way to get back at him, no?

Of course, if that's true, Paul has technically robbed Mike of two sons and we're not exactly sure how that's fair, but things in Fairview often aren't.

So, what do you think?

Is M.J. the kid who was swapped at the hospital? Or is that too obvious? Could it be one of Gaby's little munchkins? Lynette's? Danielle's little Ben whom Bree pretended to carry?

Weigh in with your theories in the comment section...

From Guy to Girl

One Persons transformation from Guy to Girl...

Yo Yo Master?

This guy faked his way into gigs as the Yo Yo Master.

Times must truly be hard.

What's back, What's not, and what's up in the air.... (UPDATE)

ABC
The Bachelor: A sure thing.
Better Off Ted: A long shot. Officially canceled.
Brothers & Sisters: A sure thing.
Castle: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
Cougar Town: Already renewed.
Dancing with the Stars: A sure thing.
The Deep End: A long shot. Officially canceled.
Desperate Housewives: A sure thing.
FlashForward: Could go either way. Now a long shot. Officially canceled.
The Forgotten: A long shot.
Grey’s Anatomy: A sure thing.
Hank: Already canceled.
Lost: Series finale airs May 23.
The Middle: Already renewed
Modern Family: Already renewed
Private Practice: A sure thing.
Romantically Challenged: Unofficially canceled.
Scrubs: A long shot. Officially canceled.
Ugly Betty: Already canceled. Series finale aired April 14.
V: Could go either way. Officially renewed.

CBS
Accidentally on Purpose: Could go either way.
The Amazing Race: Already renewed.
The Big Bang Theory: Already renewed.
Cold Case: A long shot.
Criminal Minds: A sure thing.
CSI: A sure thing.
CSI: Miami: A sure thing.
CSI: NY: A safe bet.
Gary Unmarried: A safe bet.
Ghost Whisperer: A safe bet.
The Good Wife: Already renewed.
How I Met Your Mother: Already renewed
Medium: Could go either way
The Mentalist: A sure thing.
NCIS: A sure thing
NCIS: Los Angeles: Already renewed.
New Adventures of Old Christine: Could go either way.
Numb3rs: A long shot.
Rules of Engagement: Could go either way.
Survivor: Already renewed.
Three Rivers: Already canceled.
Two and a Half Men: Already renewed.

FOX
24: Could go either way. A long shot. Now officially canceled.
Brothers: A long shot. Officially canceled.
American Dad: Already renewed.
American Idol: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
Bones: Already renewed.
The Cleveland Show: Already renewed.
Dollhouse: Already canceled.
Family Guy: Already renewed.
Fringe: A safe bet. Officially renewed.
Glee: Already renewed.
House: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
Human Target: Could go either way. Officially renewed.
Lie to Me: A safe bet. Officially renewed.
Past Life: A long shot. Officially canceled.
The Simpsons: Already renewed.
‘Til Death: Could go either way. Officially canceled.

NBC
30 Rock: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
The Biggest Loser: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
Celebrity Apprentice: A safe bet. Officially renewed.
Chuck: A safe bet. Could go either way. Back to being a safe bet. Officially renewed.
Community: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
Friday Night Lights: Already renewed for fifth and final season.
Heroes: Could go either way. Officially canceled.
Law & Order: A sure thing. Unofficially canceled. Officially canceled.
Law & Order: SVU: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
Mercy: Could go either way. Canceled.
The Office: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
Parenthood: A safe bet. Officially renewed.
Parks and Recreation: Officially renewed
Trauma: A long shot. Canceled.

THE CW
90210: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
America’s Next Top Model: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
Gossip Girl: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
Life Unexpected: Could go either way. A safe bet.
Melrose Place: A long shot. Unofficially canceled.
One Tree Hill: Could go either way. A safe bet.
Smallville: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
Supernatural: A sure thing. Officially renewed.
The Vampire Diaries: A sure thing. Officially renewed.