Marissa DuBois in Slow Motion Full Fashion Week 2023, Fashion Channel Vlog,

Monday, June 13, 2016

Prosecutors seeking tough sentence for Pistorius

Paralympian Oscar Pistorius will face sentencing this week over the 2013 killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in Pretoria.


South African prosecutors are expected to press for the toughest sentence against Paralympian Oscar Pistorius at the conclusion of his trial this week.

The hearing, which began on Monday, heard from Professor Jonathan Scholtz, a psychologist called by Pistorius' lawyer that Pistorius was on medication for depression, anxiety and insomnia.

Professor Scholtz said Pistorius is a broken man and that the former athlete should be in hospital and is not fit enough to give evidence.

In December the Supreme Court of Appeal overturned the double amputee runner's manslaughter conviction and changed it to murder.

In South Africa murder carries a mandatory sentence of 15 years minimum - although there is a caveat built in "unless there are substantial and compelling circumstances".

The athlete was refused leave to appeal to the Constitutional Court, finally exhausting all legal avenues to avoid jail.

Several reports suggest his girlfriend's father, Barry Steenkamp, may give evidence in the coming days in an attempt to persuade the judge to levy a long sentence.

Mr Steenkamp did not attend most of the trial due to ill health and if he does testify it is likely to be very emotional and powerful.

It is more than three years since the athlete shot dead his law graduate girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in a toilet cubicle at his home in Pretoria.

The runner has steadfastly insisted the shooting was a mistake. He said he thought an intruder had entered his home in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013 and he feared for their safety.

He fired four shots through a locked toilet door, killing his girlfriend. She was hit in the head, hip and arm.

He has always said that it was only when he battered down the door with a cricket bat that he realised the person behind was Ms Steenkamp.

At the original trial, Judge Thokozile Masipa believed the runner's testimony and found him guilty of the lesser charge of culpable homicide (manslaughter).

He was sentenced to five years under correctional supervision, of which he served only one in prison.

For the past eight months he has been on bail and under what is commonly known as "house arrest", living at his uncle Arnold's home in an upmarket area of Pretoria.

Although the terms of his correctional supervision have remained secret, this typically involves wearing an electronic tag, restricted movements and carrying out community service.

The runner has been photographed arriving at a police station where he cleaned out cells and at his last court appearance in April, he complained about his electronic tag being defective, sending out emergency signals while he was still in his uncle's house.

The runner, who was once a worldwide icon revered for overcoming his physical limitations, is now said to be broke.

He used to have several homes and earned millions in prize money as well as advertising and endorsements.

It has emerged the runner has given his only interview since his arrest to a former British policeman turned filmmaker and it will be aired on 24 June, after the sentencing is expected to be completed.

His uncle Arnold insisted it was his decision and not the runner's to do the interview and no one from the family would profit from it.

"Not knowing what the future holds for Oscar this week, I decided it was necessary to take up one media offer that would provide our family with a voice to address some of the misconceptions that have remained unchallenged," Arnold Pistorius said in a statement.

He said the family's silence and decision not to give interviews throughout the trial had "created fertile ground for inaccuracies and unfounded speculation to flourish in the media and public domain".

PSPA declared, Redcliffe

Police have declared an emergency situation under the Public Safety Preservation Act at an address in Redcliffe this morning.

Officers were called to a residence on Klingner Road at 10am following reports of a disturbance.

Police declared the emergency situation after establishing that a man, who is believed to be armed, had barricaded himself inside the house.

It is believed there may be others inside the residence.

An exclusion zone (pictured) has been established which encompasses Scarborough Road to Watt Street and Pinewood Street to Yates Street.

There is no further information at this stage.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Policelink anonymously via 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day. 

Moreton Crime Watch is a community volunteer organisation working along side the Queensland Police Service.

The systems designed by the MCW Group are built to deliver emergency information in the form of realtime updates. 

By the very nature of the information provided, the MCW Group help to create a safer and more informed community.

Christina Aguilera & Blake Shelton React to 'The Voice' Contestant Christina Grimmie's Death

Christina María Aguilera (born December 18, 1980) is an American singer,
songwriter, actress, dancer, and record producer. Born in Staten Island, New York and raised in Rochester and Wexford, Pennsylvania, she appeared on the television series Star Search and The Mickey Mouse Club in her early years. After recording "Reflection" the theme for Disney's 1998 film Mulan, Aguilera signed with RCA Records. She rose to prominence with her 1999 number one self-titled debut album that spawned the Billboard Hot 100 number one singles; "Genie in a Bottle", "What a Girl Wants", and "Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)". The following year Aguilera released two studio albums; the Spanish-language album Mi Reflejo and the holiday album My Kind of Christmas. She assumed creative control for her fourth studio album Stripped (2002) which produced five successful singles including; "Dirrty", "Beautiful" and "Fighter". Aguilera's fifth studio album Back to Basics (2006) debuted at number one on the album charts of ten countries and spawned the major hit singles; "Ain't No Other Man" and "Hurt". During 2010 Aguilera released her sixth studio album Bionic and starred alongside Cher in the film Burlesque. In 2011 she became an original coach on the US television series The Voice and has since appeared on six of its 10 seasons. Her seventh studio album Lotus was released in 2012. Aguilera has also been featured on several successful collaborations during her career including; "Lady Marmalade", "Moves Like Jagger" and "Say Something".

Aguilera has been recognized as a pop icon and earned the title "Princess of Pop" in her early years. Her work has earned her five Grammy Awards, one Latin Grammy Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has sold over 17.9 million albums in the United States as of 2014 and 50 million albums worldwide as of 2011. In 2009, she ranked at number 58 on Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, thereby becoming the youngest and the only artist under 30 to be named. Billboard recognized her as the 20th most successful artist of the 2000s, and Time listed Aguilera among the top 100 Most Influential People in the World of 2013. Aside from her work in the entertainment industry, Aguilera is involved in charitable activities through human rights, world issues, and her work as a UN ambassador for the World Food Programme.

Aguilera announced that her sixth studio album would be "a very futuristic approach to music", drawing inspirations from electronic genres. The final product, Bionic, was released in June 2010. The release struggled to match the chart impact and sales of her previous albums, peaking at number three on the Billboard 200, and has sold 315,000 copies in the United States. The lead single, "Not Myself Tonight", charted at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold 368,000 copies in the United States. "Woohoo" featuring rapper Nicki Minaj was released as a single in the United States and several European countries, while "You Lost Me" was the second single internationally, The last song serviced from Bionic was "I Hate Boys", which was sent to Australian contemporary hit radio in July 2010. That year, Aguilera made a cameo appearance in the comedy film Get Him to the Greek.

In November 2010, Aguilera starred alongside Cher in the film Burlesque.The film was written and directed by Steve Antin, and grossed $90 million. It was met with mixed reviews from critics, who criticized it for being "campy and clichéd", yet praised Aguilera's acting Aguilera contributed eight tracks to the film's accompanying soundtrack, while Cher performed the other two. The soundtrack reached number 18 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA. It has since sold 707,000 copies in the US. At the 68th Golden Globe Awards in 2011, Burlesque received a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, while "Bound to You", a song performed by Aguilera, earned Aguilera a nomination for Best Original Song, which lost to Cher's "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me", which also appeared on the Burlesque soundtrack. In December 2010, Aguilera appeared on T.I.'s song "Castle Walls" from his album No Mercy.

Aguilera has reinvented her public image on numerous occasions throughout her career. In the later 1990s, her then-manager Steve Kurtz marketed her as a bubblegum pop entertainer to capitalize on the genre's financial lure, which earned her recognition as a teen idol. Aguilera introduced her alter ego "Xtina" during 2002 and 2003, which presented an increasingly provocative person. During this time, she dyed her hair black, debuted several piercings, and participated in several nude pictorials for publications. In 2004, Aguilera embraced a more "mature" image with retro-styled hair and makeup, which was inspired by classic movie stars including Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich and Mary Pickford.This reinvention was named "Baby Jane" in 2006, an alter ego which was taken from the 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. Aguilera received widespread criticism over her "curvy" figure from gaining weight in 2012. She later received favorable media attention after a significant weight loss in 2013.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Japanese
automobile manufacturer Toyota. It was the first compact crossover SUV, making its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994 and in North America in 1995. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a compact car. Although not all RAV4s are four-wheel drive, RAV4 stands for "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive" because the aforementioned equipment is an option in select countries.

In most markets, the RAV4 is the only compact SUV or crossover available from Toyota. In other markets, it is the crossover counterpart of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Since the 2006 third generation model, Toyota has offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions are sold in Japan and Europe, with Australia and North America receiving the long-wheelbase versions. Toyota of Japan also sells the longer-wheelbase version as the Toyota Vanguard at Toyopet Store locations. Japanese versions are sold at two different Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Corolla Store and Toyota NETZ Store.

The fourth generation RAV4 was revealed at the November 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

US sales began in early January 2013. In the UK and Australia, the fourth generation RAV4 went on sale in February. Engines choices include a 2.0- and 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline, and 2.0- and 2.2-liter turbodiesels. Transmissions include a six-speed manual, CVT automatic, and six-speed automatic.

The RAV4 manufactured in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada has about 50 percent of its parts coming from Japan.

The UK model went on sale in 2013. Early European models include a choice of a 2.0-liter petrol or three 2.0-liter diesel engines.

Taiwanese models include 2.0-liter Dual VVT-i inline-four engine with CVT transmission with seven-speed manual mode, or 2.5-liter Dual VVT-i inline-four engine with six-speed automatic.

Indonesian models will be on sale in early 2015, first unveiled at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta in September, only available in G type includes 2.0-liter Dual VVT-i engine with CVT transmission with seven-speed manual mode.

The RAV4 no longer uses the V6 from the previous generation—all engine choices are inline four cylinder engines. Also, unlike the dual wheelbase strategy employed by the previous XA30 model, the XA40 is only sold in single wheelbase (corresponding with the LWB XA30). Therefore, as of April 2014, the previous generation in short-wheelbase length is still sold in Japan in lieu of the newer XA40 which is for export only. The Harrier replaces the long-wheelbase model in Japan that was badged Vanguard.

In 2015 for the 2016 model year, Toyota released a facelift for the XA40 series. The facelift debuted with the RAV4 Hybrid shown at the April 2015 New York International Auto Show.

The full hybrid system combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a powerful electric motor, a 204 cell nickel–metal hydride battery located under the rear seats, a power control unit, and a power split device. RAV4 Hybrids are available in both front and all-wheel drive variants. The all-wheel edition comes equipped with a second, 50 kW high-voltage, rear mounted electric motor that offers increased traction and a 1,750-pound (790 kg) towing capacity[citation needed]. The engine is capable of operating independently from the hybrid system front's electric motor, driving the rear wheels alone.

Orlando Nightclub Shooting Kills 50; Gunman Had Praised ISIS

ORLANDO, Fla.—The deadliest shooting attack in U.S. history killed at least 50 people at a popular gay nightclub here, injured 53, left a community and nation in grief and reignited concern about homegrown American terrorists.


Authorities said Omar S. Mateen opened fire at the Pulse nightclub in downtown Orlando in an onslaught that sent patrons scrambling for the exits. Many remained trapped inside in what became an hourslong siege. During the attack, Mr. Mateen took time to call 911 and claim allegiance to Islamic State, officials said, leading them to treat the shooting as a terror attack inspired by a foreign terror organization.



Police shot and killed Mr. Mateen at about 5 a.m. Sunday, Orlando Police Chief John Mina said. He had carried an assault rifle and a handgun, Mr. Mina said.



“Today we’re dealing with something that we never imagined and is unimaginable,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said at a news briefing.



Many of the wounded were in critical condition at Orlando Regional Medical Center, where surgeries continued throughout the day, trauma surgeon Michael Cheatham said. Families waited for word of loved ones at an official outpost positioned near the hospital. Later in the day, authorities began releasing names of victims.



Hundreds of people gathered in the glare of flashing red lights on the fringes of the law enforcement cordon around the nightclub, and later at area hospitals, hoping desperately for some word on the fates of their relatives and friends.



More than 12 hours after the attack, anguished relatives paced between Orlando Regional Medical Center and a nearby hotel as they waited for word. They were told that so many were gunned down that victims would be tagged as anonymous until the hospital was able to identify them.

Omar Mateen


“We are here suffering, knowing nothing,” said Baron Serrano, whose brother, Juan Rivera, 36, had been celebrating a friend’s birthday with his husband and was now unaccounted for. “I cannot understand why they can’t tell me anything because my brother is a very well-known person here in Orlando. He is a hairstylist, and everybody knows him.”



A tally of victims whose relatives had been notified began slowly building on a city website; by 3:30 a.m. on Monday, it had 18 names. Among them was Juan Ramon Guerrero, a 22-year-old man of Dominican descent who had gone to the club with his boyfriend, Christopher Leinonen, who goes by the name Drew, because they wanted to listen to salsa. A friend, Brandon Wolf, watched people carry Mr. Guerrero outside, his body riddled with gunshot wounds.



But no one knew what had become of Mr. Leinonen. His mother, Christine, anxious because of health problems, had woken at 3 a.m. to news of the shooting, and learned from Mr. Wolf that her son had been inside.



A three-hour standoff followed the initial assault, with people inside effectively held hostage until around 5 a.m., when law enforcement officials led by a SWAT team raided the club, using an armored vehicle and explosives designed to disorient and distract. Over a dozen police officers and sheriff’s deputies engaged in a shootout with Mr. Mateen, leaving him dead and an officer wounded, his life saved by a Kevlar helmet that deflected a bullet.

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team in Chicago,
Illinois, who are members of the National League Central division of Major League Baseball. The team plays home games at Wrigley Field on the city's North Side. The Cubs are one of two major league teams in Chicago; the other, the Chicago White Sox, are members of the American League Central division.

The team was a founding member of the National League in 1876, becoming the Chicago Cubs in 1903.
In 1906, the Cubs won a Major League record 116 games, and posted a modern-era record winning percentage of .763, before losing the World Series to the Chicago White Sox by four games to two. The Cubs won back-to-back World Series championships in 1907 and 1908, becoming the first Major League team to play in three consecutive Fall Classics, and the first to win it twice. The team has appeared in seven World Series following their 1908 title, most recently in 1945. The Cubs have not won the World Series in 107 years, the longest championship drought of any major North American professional sports team, and are often referred to as the "Lovable Losers" because of this distinction. They are also known as "the North Siders". The Cubs have a major league rivalry with the St. Louis Cardinals, and an interleague rivalry with the Chicago White Sox.

The Ricketts family acquired a majority interest in the Cubs in 2009, ending the Tribune years. Apparently handcuffed by the Tribune's bankruptcy and the sale of the club to the Ricketts family, the Cubs' quest for a NL Central 3-peat started with notice that there would be less invested into contracts than in previous years. Chicago engaged St. Louis in a see-saw battle for first place into August 2009, but the Cardinals played to a torrid 20–6 pace that month, designating their rivals to battle in the Wild Card race, from which they were eliminated in the season's final week. The Cubs were plagued by injuries in 2009, and were only able to field their Opening Day starting lineup three times the entire season. Third baseman Aramis Ramírez injured his throwing shoulder in an early May game against the Milwaukee Brewers, sidelining him until early July and forcing journeyman players like Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles into more prominent roles. Additionally, key players like Derrek Lee (who still managed to hit .306 with 35 HR and 111 RBI that season), Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto also nursed nagging injuries. The Cubs posted a winning record (83–78) for the third consecutive season, the first time the club had done so since 1972, and a new era of ownership under the Ricketts' family was approved by MLB owners in early October.

Draymond Green’s crotch shots finally will cost him

The NBA only could take so many crotch shots. Draymond Green was assessed
a retroactive Flagrant Foul 1 upon league review for making contact with LeBron James’ nether regions during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. That pushes his flagrant foul points during the NBA playoffs 

The play in question occurred with 2:48 remaining, after James stepped over Green. Green, angry at the perceived disrespect, lashed his arm out twice, once appearing to make contact with James’ groin. This came after Green narrowly avoided a suspension for a kick between the legs of Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams in the Western Conference Finals.

James retroactively was assessed a technical by the league office.

“The cumulative points system is designed to deter flagrant fouls in our game” executive VP of basketball operations Kiki VanDeWeghe said in a statement. “While Draymond Green’s actions in Game 4 do not merit a suspension as a standalone act, the number of flagrant points he has earned triggers a suspension for Game 5.”

Draymond Green’s crotch shots finally will cost him

The NBA only could take so many crotch shots. Draymond Green was assessed
a retroactive Flagrant Foul 1 upon league review for making contact with LeBron James’ nether regions during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. That pushes his flagrant foul points during the NBA playoffs 

The play in question occurred with 2:48 remaining, after James stepped over Green. Green, angry at the perceived disrespect, lashed his arm out twice, once appearing to make contact with James’ groin. This came after Green narrowly avoided a suspension for a kick between the legs of Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams in the Western Conference Finals.

James retroactively was assessed a technical by the league office.

“The cumulative points system is designed to deter flagrant fouls in our game” executive VP of basketball operations Kiki VanDeWeghe said in a statement. “While Draymond Green’s actions in Game 4 do not merit a suspension as a standalone act, the number of flagrant points he has earned triggers a suspension for Game 5.”