Week of March 1, 2005

The Syrian-backed government of Lebanon collapses under a groundswell of

street and other protests.

The Supreme Court abolishes the death penalty for juveniles, ruling that it was

excessive and cruel to execute a person who was under 18 when the crime was

committed.

In a sign of Syria’s dwindling diplomatic support, Saudi Arabia demands

Damascus pull its soldiers out of Lebanon without delay.

The Bush administration increases pressure on Syria, demanding the full and

immediate withdrawal of its military and intelligence forces from Lebanon.

Federal authorities temporarily suspend three gene therapy experiments

following news that a third child in a similar French study has developed

leukemia and that one of the three has died.

Jemaah Islamiah terrorist network, is found guilty of taking

part in an “evil conspiracy” to carry out the 2002 Bali

nightclub bombings that killed 202 people.

prison to her estate in Bedford, NY.

She’ll remain under the watch of federal

authorities while truing to revive her

homemaking empire.

Kobe Bryan and the 20-year-old woman who accused him of

sexual assault settled her civil suit out of court.

The ACLU and a human rights organization sues Defense

Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and three army commanders on

behalf of former detainees, charging that the military authorized illegal

interrogation techniques.

Technology -

XM radio says it will hike its fees at par with rival Sirius - from $9.95 per month to

$12.95. It says it will add some premium features to its basic plan. Pricing goes

into effect April 2.

Week of March 1, 2005

shootout at New York radio station WQHT in 2001. A

gunfight occurred as Lil’ Kim’s entourage was leaving the

station and the entourage of rap group Capone-N-Noreaga

was arriving. More than two dozen bullets were fired. One

man was struck in the back, but survived.

Not again! - A member of rapper the Game’s entourage is

shot outside the studios of radio station WQHT (Hot 97) located in Queens.

Rapper 50 cent was being interviewed on the station when the shooting

happened about 10pm. He had just made the unexpected announcement that he

was kicking his protégé the game out of his crew, G-Unite, for being disloyal.

Neither 50 Cent nor the Game was hurt in the incident. Police believe the fight

may have started when the Game, Jason Taylor and his entourage heard 50

Cent insulting him on the radio. The Game had left the station earlier, but when

his group heard the interview, they drove back. With 50 Cent still on the radio,

members of his entourage came out of the station and began fighting with

Game’s entourage. Kevin Reed of Los Angeles was shot in the groin.

Entertainment news -

Actor/director Mel Gibson has purchased a Pacific island hideaway in northern

Fiji. He purchased the 5,411-acre Mago Island form Japan’s Tokyu Corp. for

about $15 million.

More Music news -

Passing - Martin Denny (93) - known for creating the Tiki sound and putting it to

popular-selling records in the late 1950’s. His “Quiet Village” was a million-seller

in 1959.

Terry Howard, a recording engineer who won three Grammys last month for his

work with Ray Charles, is arrested for harboring master tapes from the singer. He

was actually arrested a few weeks ago, but this week, a judge reduced his bail to

$100,000.

Pill” by releasing an acoustic version of the record. The

album has sold 14 million copies in the U.S. and brought

Morisette four Grammy awards.

Week of March 1, 2005

Sports -

Passing - Chuck Thompson - voice of the Baltimore Orioles and Colts.

Wednesday night television -

CBS - 60 Minutes Wednesday, King of Queens, Yes

Dear, CSI:NY, Late Show

Tonight Show

WB - Smallsville, Jack & Bobby

ABC - Lost, Alias, Wife Swap, NightlineFox - That 70’s

Show, That 70’s Show, American Idol, The Simple Life:

Interns

PBS - Antiques Roadshow, Antiques Roadshow, ON

State at the Kennedy Center: The Mark Twain Prize,

Charley Rose

Comedy Central - Mad TV, Comedy Central, Crank Yankers South Park,

Chappelle’s Show, Daily Show

MTV - Jennifer Lopez: Beyond the Runway, Newlyweds

Top movies -

Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Hitch

Constantine

Cursed

Man of the House

Million dollar Baby

Because of Winn-Dixie

Are We There Yet?

Son of the Mask

The Aviator

Week of March 1, 2005