Entrepreneurs unveil broadband plan

11/03/2010 17:04

A group of internet and retail entrepreneurs have joined together to announce plans for a $900 million fibre optic cable linking New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

The 13,000 kilometre link would be in place by 2013.

The group which includes Trade Me founder Sam Morgan and Warehouse Founder Stephen Tindall, aims to provide unlimited high speed broadband for Australasian customers. They want New Zealand to keep up with the rest of the world and to stop the increasing digital divide.

The idea is just at the feasibility stage, but the group is appealing to the business sector and the Government to help fund what it sees as a vital step forward for New Zealand.

Peters slams likely SuperGold Card cuts

11/03/2010 16:20

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is deeply suspicious of the Government's plans for the SuperGold Card scheme he masterminded.

Travel entitlements for senior citizens are being reviewed and Transport Minister Steven Joyce says changes will be made because the initiative is on track to exceed its $18 million budget.

Mr Peters suspects the Government is about to break its election promise to protect the SuperGold card and he accuses it of taking an apathetic approach to the scheme.

"The reality is if such a review ends up in cuts or slashing of the benefits then it will belie Mr Key's assurances undertakings to elderly people at the last election."

Mr Joyce claims $2 million out of the $18 million budget is being chewed up by transport subsidies on Auckland's Waiheke Ferries.

Mr Peters says the figure is false and the Government is trying to mislead people. He says Mr Joyce is taking the total figure and calling it the original cost, which is creative accounting at its worst.

Labour's finance spokesman David Cunliffe says any cuts would be most unfortunate.

"I think the gold card has been extremely well received and it's made a real difference in the lives of many older New Zealanders who wouldn't otherwise be able to travel. And I think it'll be greatly regretted if it's cut back."

Rodney to fight super city inclusion

11/03/2010 13:28

The Mayor of Rodney is vowing to fight confirmation the northern boundary of Auckland's super city will include her district.

The Local Government Commission has today confirmed the boundaries of the new Auckland. Despite opposition from many locals, Rodney is in.

Mayor Penny Webster says her council is meeting this afternoon to map out its next step.

"A lot of people in Rodney feel that they haven't been listened to. I mean there's still a lot of angst that we shouldn't be part of the city."

Ms Webster says her council will consider its own plan of action as soon as this afternoon.

"We have been asked by the Northern Action Group to support a local bill putting the northern part of Rodney into Kaipara."

Ms Webster says the council is also looking at putting in a local bill itself, to keep Rodney out of Auckland.

The southern boundary of the new city will see a significant chunk of Franklin become part of the Waikato District. However, the Karioitahi Beach and Paparimu areas will stay with Auckland.

Waikato Mayor Peter Harris says when his district inherits a significant chunk of Franklin, it also inherits massive debt. He says rates could double, if Auckland does not pick up the tab.

"We have issues of roading. We have 50 percent of their roads for 25 percent of the people so there some imbalances there that we're trying to address. It's important that we win this battle."

Waikato District Council raised the issue at a select committee hearing last week. Mr Harris says while it got a fair hearing, it was obvious no one had considered anything south of the border.

Representation for the new council has also been decided. The 20 members will be elected from 13 wards, with 21 local boards sitting below the council.

Woman unsure if baby was born alive

11/03/2010 12:12

The sad details behind the discovery of a mummified baby's body, discovered in a shed behind a Christchurch boarding house, have been revealed.

The baby's 27-year-old mother has just admitted a charge of disposing of the body of a baby with the intent of concealing its birth.

Court documents show the woman gave birth to the baby boy alone in a park sometime last July or August. She does not remember whether it was born alive or dead, but recalls tying off the umbilical cord with a shoelace.

The woman took the baby home where she remained in bed for four days trying to warm it. Eventually she disposed of the baby in a sports bag, which a friend stored for her at the Waltham boarding house.

The mother has been remanded to Hillmorton Hospital ahead of sentencing on June 2.

Rodney included in super city

11/03/2010 11:04

The northern boundary of Auckland's super city will include the Rodney District.

The Local Government Commission has just released its final decisions for boundaries and representation for the council.

The people of Auckland will be represented by 13 wards. Seven will have two members on the council, the other six will have just one. In addition, 21 local boards will share in decision making.

The northern boundary will include Rodney, but to the south a significant part of Franklin will become part of the Waikato District.

The Karioitahi Beach and Paparimu areas will stay with Auckland.

It comes as Rodney residents upset at their district being merged into the Auckland super city are taking their fight to Parliament. More than 1,000 locals have signed a petition organised by the Wellsford Community Group demanding a law be drafted that excludes North Rodney from the super city boundaries. Their petition has been presented to Parliament.

It coincides with the Rodney District Council's own attempt to draft a local bill to keep it out of the planned local government merger.

Australia wins ODI series vs NZ

11/03/2010 22:16

Australia has won the Eden Park one-dayer and the one-day series against the Black Caps.

Chasing 200 runs to win off a rain-reduced 34 overs, Australia scored 202-4 in the 32nd over.

Earlier, before the rain came, the visitors bowled out New Zealand for 238 in just the 45th over.

Australia leads the five-match series 3-1.

Collapse comes despite Tuffey heroics

11/03/2010 17:32

The Black Caps have been bowled out for 238 in the fourth one-dayer against Australia at Eden Park, in 45 overs.

Brendon McCullum top scored with 61, while Daryl Tuffey smashed 34 off 17 balls, including four sixes.

Black Caps crumble as wickets fall

11/03/2010 16:44

After making a wonderful start, the Black Caps are in real trouble in the fourth one-dayer against Australia in Auckland.

Openers Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill looked to have set New Zealand on its way for a massive score.

But, they have lost a succession of wickets, to put the Aussies well on top.

The Black Caps are 160/6 in the 34th over, with Franklin and Hopkins at the crease.

Highlanders boss outraged as players party

11/03/2010 16:24

The Highlanders have dropped two key players for this weekend's match against the Bulls, after they broke team team curfew.

All Black Adam Thomson and first five Michael Hobbs went out on the town following their big loss to the Stormers.

Highlanders CEO Richard Reid is fuming.

"I'm pretty pissed off about it really. We've had a few issues over the last couple of years. And this isn't one that involves the law, but the issue of young sportsmen not doing the right thing - saying one thing and doing another. It just wears you down after a while."

Reid says they have tried everything to get the message through to their players, but they do not seem to be listening. He says after being in the All Blacks for a couple of years, Adam Thomson should know better.

McCullum smashes 50

11/03/2010 15:36

Brendon McCullum has put New Zealand in a great position in the fourth one-dayer against Australia at Eden Park.

He smashed four sixes on the way to a half century.

Martin Guptill went for a quickfire 30, while Ross Taylor has gone for 15.

The Black Caps are 124/2 after 21 overs.

Top 8 girls perform for a spot in the top 12

By Elaina DeBeikes - Clear Channel

Idol Update!

American Idol started off on a weird note with judge Ellen DeGeneres nuzzling judge Simon Cowell, but we all know it was just a joke! The top 8 girls were excited to perform to gain a spot in the coveted top 12.

Katie Stevens kicked off the show singing "Break Away" by the original Idol Kelly Clarkson. It was a very sound alike performance and she couldn't compare to Kelly. Randy Jackson pinned it on the head saying that the song was too big for Katie. Judge Kara Dioguardi said that she needed to find herself first.

Siobhan Magnus decided to sing "House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals and honestly I think she's the only one who could've pulled this off. Unlike the last performance, you could really feel her soul in it. Ellen said that Siobhan was "spectacular" and is why she loves music. Unfortunately Simon didn't like it too much, he said that she didn't do anything different and he was "under-impressed."

Lacy Brown was up next singing "The Story" by Brandy Carlisle and she is another one of my favorites and she impressed immediately. Randy said the song was a little sleepy but he loved the performance. Kara thought it was her best performance to date.

Katelyn Epperly sang "I Feel the Earth Move" by Carole King and I thought it was cheesy like something you'd see in a bar. Ellen said that probably wouldn't get her into the top 12. Simon said he likes Katelyn's hair and he almost said exactly what I thought; that it was like request night in a restaurant.

Didi Benami chose to sing "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac and her wide mouth notes scared me. Her performance was sleepy and I will not remember it in an hour. Randy said it was better than last week but there was no "wow" moment. Kara said it was one of her "favorite moments of the show this season."

Paige Miles sang "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin and I literally yawned during the performance. Ellen said it was "sad and heavy" and didn't show off her personality. Simon said it was a horrible choice of song and that it was a "peanut performance." Her responses to them even sounded sleepy and boring.

Crystal Bowersox was up next singing "Gimme One Good Reason" by Alan Parsons Project and she is one real talented gal. Randy loved it and he loves Crystal. Kara thought it was a good song choice and is excited for Crystal's record someday.

Lily Scott ended the show singing "I Fall to Pieces" by Patsy Cline and I thought it was really bad. I love Lily but it felt like something from a super indie album that no one would ever hear about because it's such an old sound. Sorry Lily, I hated it and someone needs to throw her earrings away. Ellen actually liked it and Simon thought it was brave and it was cute but there was no "wow."

Photo Copyright Fox Flash

Beyonce appears in Lady Gaga video

Beyonce makes an appearance in "Telephone," the latest music video from fellow pop star Lady Gaga, Interscope Records said Tuesday. The clip is to debut Thursday exclusively on TV's "E! News" broadcast. Ryan Seacrest will then interview Lady Gaga regarding the inspiration behind the song and video.

The video for the hit single is to make its online debut on VEVO.com and LadyGaga.com after it premieres on E!.

"What I like about it is it's a real true pop event," Lady Gaga said about the "Telephone" video in a February interview with KIIS-FM, Los Angeles, and E! host Seacrest. "When I was younger I was always excited when there was a big giant event happening in pop music and that's what I wanted this to be."

"Gritty, erotic and wildly fierce, this nine-minute, visually stunning, cinematic masterpiece features the inimitable Beyonce and is helmed by famed music video director Jonas Akerlund. Rich with Gaga's unique dance stylings, iconic costume design and unworldly hair and make-up -- this is far from your typical music video," Interscope said in a news release.

Photo Copyright Getty Images

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Jessica Simpson thanks Corgan for studio time and kind words

Jessica Simpson has responded to rocker Billy Corgan's kind words about her in a recent Rolling Stone article by calling The Smashing Pumpkins star a "very, very dear friend".

A month after the pop star's ex-boyfriend, John Mayer, shocked and upset her by revealing details of their sex life in the magazine, Corgan, who is rumored to be Simpson's latest lover, opened up about his relationship with the singer.

He told the publication, "Sometimes people just like being around each other, and good things come out of that... If people knew her like I knew her, they would love her like I do."

And Simpson was thrilled by his kind comments, stating, "I can't find good enough words to speak about Billy."

But she insists their relationship is purely platonic and the odd couple came together to record music: "For him to give his time and talents and share them with me, it was a great experience and I hope we can do more music together."

Photo Copyright Getty Images

Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2009

Derulo's recording career started in mom's car

R&B singer Jason Derulo's first recording studio was one on wheels - he soundproofed his mother's car and staged his first sessions in an alleyway behind his home in Miami, Florida.

Since then, the 'In My Head' hitmaker has toured with Lady GaGa and scored a number one in Britain - but he's very proud of his humble beginnings.

He tells WENN, "I used to record in my mom's car because I didn't have anywhere else to record. I couldn't do it inside the house because I would have to keep the noise down if I did and I wanted to jam out.

"I would drive her car to a back alley and record it live there onto my computer. I had a microphone and the car was padded like a recording studio.

"I needed an outlet to plug my equipment into, so a lot of times I would do it behind a Walmart or a large store. I recorded this one song, called Beautiful Ugly, which I still have on a CD somewhere."

Photo Copyright Getty Images

Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2009

Ke$ha: 'I deserve more respect'

Pop sensation KE$HA wants "a little more respect" from her music industry peers - because she's sick of her "party girl" label.

The 'TiK ToK' hitmaker fears she has become more well known for her active social life than for her music, but she's determined to be taken seriously - insisting her success is down to hard work.

She tells Britain's Sunday Times newspaper, "So many people say, 'So, what, are you a party girl?' And I say, 'I'm a walking good time.' Do I sometimes go out and drink? Hell, yes. But could I have a number one song if I wasn't also working hard? Maybe that needs a little more respect.

"Also, the phrase 'party girl' implies someone who is out at a club, maybe doing some guy in the back who you've just met. Then you get in your car and you flash your vagina at the paparazzi. And I'm none of the above.

"I have been working on realising this dream, my path, my mission, for years. I've really invested a lot of thought, time and effort into it. The last thing that makes me is a victim. I think it's a bummer when people don't represent that properly, when they portray me as purely one-dimensional."

And Ke$ha is not ashamed of her pop style, insisting more music lovers should admit to liking mainstream songs.

She adds, "This is nothing to be embarrassed about. People like to have fun. And sure, there's my deepest, darkest hipster side that wants, for whatever pretentious reason, to hate pop music. But I'm just trying to give people a way to think, it's cool, you can not hate my record. You know - it's okay."

Photo Copyright Getty Images

Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2009

Lil Wayne sentenced to one year in jail

(Reuters) - After whirlwind goodbyes to fans, diminutive rapper Lil Wayne was sentenced to one year in jail on Monday after he pleaded guilty on a gun possession charge in a 2007 incident.

Lil Wayne, 27, whose real name is Dwayne Carter and who also goes by the moniker "Weezy," appeared in New York State Supreme Court wearing jeans and a grey hooded sweatshirt.

Justice Charles Solomon passed the sentence for attempted criminal possession of a weapon after a plea agreement in which Carter gave up his right to appeal over a case in which a gun was found in his tour bus in July 2007.

Carter remained silent during the hearing and nodded solemnly when led to jail in handcuffs. His sentencing had been postponed twice in the last month, once so he could get dental surgery and then because a fire shut the courthouse for four days.

Carter, whose album "Tha Carter III" was the biggest-selling U.S. release of 2008 and won him best rap album and three other prizes at the 2009 Grammy Awards, also recorded numerous videos in anticipation of jail time.

He was accompanied by rapper and Cash Money records co-founder Bryan "Birdman" Williams and a barrage of fans and media gathered outside the lower Manhattan courtroom.

Carter is headed to Rikers Island jail, where he will be held in protective custody and could be released in eight months with good behavior, said his lawyer, Stacey Richman.

"Because of who he is, the department of corrections would not have it (protective custody) any other way," Richman said.

In the lead-up to sentencing, Carter sent a six-part series of videos on his life to MTV.com. "Road to Rikers" shows Carter before and after dental surgery, shooting music videos and relaxing at his home. MTV News reported that he filmed nine music videos in anticipation of his jail term.

"Even if he wasn't going to jail, his work pace would be the same," said Jermaine Hall, chief editor of Vibe magazine. "Wayne (Carter) feels like he's a bottomless pit of great music."

Carter also started a Twitter account last month. His most recent tweet, posted on Monday, said: "Law is mind without reason ... I'll return."

Photo Copyright Getty Images

Copyright 2010 Reuters