Google's first CEO is back, amid doubts

Google's first CEO is back, amid doubts

Google Inc. cofounder Larry Page is known for his vision, passion, and intelligence. Yet there is concern that his other known traits - aloofness, a rebellious streak, and an affinity for pursuing wacky ideas - might lead the company astray. Page takes over as chief executive officer Monday as fast-rising rivals and tougher regulators threaten Google's growth.
Investors used to Google's consistency in exceeding financial targets worry that new leadership will bring more emphasis on long-term projects that take years to pay off. And many people are not sure he has enough management skills to steer the Internet's most powerful company.
Page already has learned that smarts alone won't make him a great leader. Although Page impressed Google's early investors with his ingenuity, they still insisted that he step down in 2001 as Google's first CEO. He turned over the job to Eric Schmidt, who began working in Silicon Valley in the early 1980s while Page was still in grammar school.
Page's admirers say that at 38, he is more mature and less apt to be chronically late to meetings or tune out of conversations that do not stimulate his intellect - habits he fell into during his first stint as CEO.
"There are parts of being CEO that don't fit Larry's personality," said Craig Silverstein, the first employee Page and Google's cofounder, Sergey Brin, hired when they started the company in 1998. "You wear a lot of different hats when you're CEO. Some of them are very interesting to Larry and some of them, presumably, are less interesting."
True to his taciturn form, Page hasn't said much publicly since Google announced in January that he would replace Schmidt as CEO. Google said Page wasn't available for an interview.
Page, though, has left little doubt about his top priority: to dissolve the bureaucracy and complacency that accompanied Google's rapid transformation into a 21st-century empire. It is expected to end the year with more than 30,000 employees and $35 billion in annual revenue.
In Page's mind, Google needs to return to thinking and acting like a feisty start-up. Rising Internet stars such as Facebook, Twitter, and Groupon are developing products that could challenge Google and make its dominance of Internet search less lucrative.

Kendra Wilkinson: Hugh Hefner wedding invite MIA?

Kendra Wilkinson: Hugh Hefner wedding invite MIA?

It seems Kendra Wilkinson is concerned Hugh Hefner has not sent a wedding invitation to her. To his credit, his bride-to-be, Crystal Harris may be behind the poor wedding-planning.
The Playboy himself and his former playmate were an item at one time, but love is in the air for Hugh Hefner and his new gal pal, Crystal Harris.

It may turn out to be the wedding of the century and “Hef” may find himself in the Guinness Book of World Records for the oldest magazine founder/publisher to get hitched, if there is such a category.

If Kendra Wilkinson has something to do with Hefner's wedding, it may be giving a lesson to the busy couple on how to send out the "save the date" invites to everyone, at the same time, even former gal pals.

Yea, Kendra Wilkinson is fuming with Hugh Hefner; her wedding invitation never arrived. Perhaps, it's like "the check's in the mail" or something similar -- for her sake. Seriously; she is "pissed," according to an E! report.
"I haven't gotten my save the date yet," Kendra exclusively tells us. "I'm not joking, I'm really pissed off about it."

Highest Paid Baseball Players in 2011

Highest Paid Baseball Players in 2011

Highest-paid baseball players in 2011

Have you ever wondered how much it would cost to own the fastest street-legal car? Or perhaps your fantasy is to own a private island. While there aren’t many people in the world who can afford that, some major-league baseball players can. With the season opening soon, find out what some of the highest earners theoretically could spend their salaries on.  

Scroll down to find out about:

Derek Jeter

Miguel Cabrera

Ichiro Suzuki

Worst Traffic Cities

Worst Traffic Cities

Worst Traffic Cities

Everyone hates traffic jams, but some people suggest we pay a “Travel Time Tax.” The typical urban commuter with a 30 minute commute wastes 22 hours a year stuck in traffic.  Check traffic cams in your area and get the latest on gas prices.

Did Paris Hilton talk about guys?

Did Paris Hilton talk about guys?

Did Paris Hilton say 'I can't stand black guys' in new book? [Updated]

 

Paris Hilton has a new reality show this summer on Oxygen titled "The World According To Paris" and focusing on her daily whirlwind life. But Hilton sparks controversy, and a new book may turn the heat up.

"Everyone Loves You When You're Dead: Journeys Into Fame and Madness" by pop culture journalist Neil Strauss contains an encounter where Strauss quotes the heiresss as saying, "I can't stand black guys. I would never touch one. It's gross."

Portions of the interview, which Strauss said took place in 1999 when he was partying with Hilton, have been posted on several websites, including Gawker and LA Weekly.

Strauss said he was discussing several subjects with Hilton when she started talking about a guy she had been out with the previous evening.

Pointing to an unnamed actor in "Saving Private Ryan," Hilton was quoted as saying, "We were making out, but then we went somewhere where it was bright and I saw that he was black and made an excuse and left. I can't stand black guys. I would never touch one. It's gross."

Elizabeth Taylor Through the Years

 Elizabeth Taylor Through the Years

Elizabeth Taylor Through the Years

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor has led a big life. "'The more the better' has always been my motto," she once said. Indeed with three Oscars, eight marriages, 12 best-selling fragrances, and countless carats of gemstones, she is a one-woman epic, dressed for the part with towering sculptures of ebony hair and artfully blended sweeps of jewel-toned shadow. Yet, despite her timeless beauty, juicy personal history, and legendary film performances, her most extraordinary role has been that of a tireless fundraiser for AIDS awareness. For Taylor, living large means giving big.

Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor, the violet-eyed film goddess whose sultry screen life was often upstaged by her stormy personal life, died Wednesday at age 79.
She died of congestive heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized for about six weeks.

Elizabeth Taylor dies at 79

Elizabeth Taylor dies at 79

Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor, the violet-eyed film goddess whose sultry screen life was often upstaged by her stormy personal life, died Wednesday at age 79.

She died of congestive heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized for about six weeks, publicist Sally Morrison said.

"All her children were with her," Morrison said.

Taylor had extraordinary grace, fame and wealth, and won three Oscars, including a special one for her humanitarian work. But she was tortured by ill health, failed romances and personal tragedy.

"I think I'm becoming fatalistic," she said in 1989. "Too much has happened in my life for me not to be fatalistic."

Gay Cure App

Gay Cure App

Apple Under Fire For Approving 'Gay Cure' iPhone App From Exodus International
Apple is under fire for approving a controversial iPhone app created by a religious organization that seeks to help gay individuals become heterosexual.

The application, "Exodus International," was created by a ministry of the same name that says its mission is to "[mobilize] the body of Christ to minister grace and truth to a world impacted by homosexuality."

The app's description notes, "With over 35 years of ministry experience, Exodus is committed to encouraging, educating and equipping the Body of Christ to address the issue of homosexuality with grace and truth."

It received a "4" rating from Apple, which indicates the company considered the app to contain "no objectionable material."

Yet many disagree with Apple's assessment and are demanding that it be removed.

Top Spring Break Hot Spots

Top Spring Break Hot Spots

Top spring break destinations
Who wouldn’t want to party in the Bahamas? Here are a few things to keep you occupied there. Find out some of the hot spots for spring-break fun and what to do there once your ticket to paradise is booked. Remember: Be safe. Not into partying? Try these alternatives and read about students who gave up their breaks for service. Get the latest scoop on hot spots and more for spring break.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Northwest Washington's Skagit Valley comes alive with brilliant color each spring. Acres and acres of daffodils, tulips, irises, and lilies entice visitors to the towns of La Conner and Mount Vernon. They come to take in the pastoral beauty, and to enjoy the annual festivities. The flower-viewing season begins with dainty yellow daffodils in mid- to late-March; a rainbow of tulips takes the stage in April. Irises and lilies follow, providing color well into the month of May.

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival celebrates this annual burst of spring color. Mother Nature decides exactly when the festival begins, with special events scheduled throughout the month of April. These events include:

* Tulip Festival Street Fair in Downtown Mount Vernon
* Kiwanas Club Salmon BBQ
* Art Shows
* Wine Tastings
* Anacortes Quilt Walk
* Tulip Run and Tulip Pedal events
* Chili, Chowdah' & Chocolate Cookoff

While spring is clearly a popular time to visit, Skagit Valley is a great getaway all year round. The fertile valley and water views inspire many artists, giving rise to a number of shops and galleries. Located only an hour north of Seattle, the rural panoramas provide a convenient and relaxing escape from city life.

Lowe's to Donate $1 Million to Red Cross Relief Efforts in Japan

Lowe's to Donate $1 Million to Red Cross Relief Efforts in Japan

(NYSE: LOW) announced today the company will donate $1 million to support the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief effort that is assisting victims in Japan. Lowes.com and Lowe's Canada website, Lowes.ca, will also serve as donation points for customers who wish to contribute to the American Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross, making it convenient for people who want to join Lowe's in making a difference.

"We are truly grateful for Lowe's generosity to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. "Lowe's support is enabling the Red Cross to provide critical assistance and essential relief items in this time of urgent need." The Red Cross already has committed $10 million to assist the people of Japan.

Local volunteers are handing out relief items, including more than 65,000 blankets. More than 100 medical teams, made up of more than 700 people, are providing assistance in the most affected areas through mobile medical clinics.

Todd Walker: College Football Player Killed, Suspect Arrested

Todd Walker: College Football Player Killed, Suspect Arrested

BOULDER, Colo. -- Police in Boulder, Colo., have arrested a man in connection with the fatal shooting of a University of New Hampshire football player.

Twenty-two-year-old Kevin Michael McGregor of Longmont, Colo., was being held without bail Saturday in the death of 20-year-old Todd Walker of Edwards, Colo.

Police say Walker and a female friend were walking home from a party when a man approached them early Friday and struggled with them near the University of Colorado campus.

Police say McGregor faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted aggravated robbery and first-degree murder during the commission of another crime.

Marisa Tomei: Lady Gaga Flattered Hollywood Actress Marisa Tomei

Marisa Tomei: Lady Gaga Flattered Hollywood Actress Marisa Tomei

MARISA Tomei was “so touched” when Lady GaGa said she wants the actress to pay her in a movie.

In a recent interview on SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up, the 24-year-old singer –real name Stefani Germanotta — was asked who should play her in a biopic.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Rosario Dawson,” GaGa said. “Oh, you know what? I would have Marisa Tomei play me. I am such a Marisa Tomei fan.

“All my friends call me Marisa when I get angry.

West unleashes air strikes, Gadhafi defiant

West unleashes air strikes, Gadhafi defiant

TRIPOLI — European and U.S. forces unleashed warplanes and cruise missiles against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's forces in the biggest Western military intervention in the Arab world since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Libyan state television said 48 people had been killed and 150 wounded in the Western air strikes. It also said there had been a fresh wave of strikes on Tripoli early on Sunday.

There was no way to independently verify the claims.

Libya's Al-Watyah air base, 170 km (100 miles) southwest of the capital Tripoli, was among the targets of Western air strikes overnight, a Libyan military official said.

"They tried to attack the (base's) anti-aircraft defenses," said the official, who did not want to be identified. "Some were damaged." He said there was no other damage to the base.

Woman Grandson Found Under Rubble in Japan

Woman Grandson Found Under Rubble in Japan

TOKYO — An 80-year-old woman and her teenage grandson were rescued Sunday in northeastern Japan when the youth was able to pull himself out of their flattened two-story house nine days after the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Jin Abe, 16, was seen calling out for help from the roof of the collapsed home in the hard-hit city of Ishinomaki, according to the Miyagi Prefectural Police. Like other homes in northeastern Japan, they had lost electricity and telephone service in the March 11 earthquake.

He led them inside to his 80-year-old grandmother, Sumi Abe. Both were conscious but weak, and had survived on the food they had in their refrigerator, said Shizuo Kawamura of the Ishinomaki police department.

The woman could not get out of the house because she has trouble walking, and the teenager, who was suffering from a low body temperature, had been unable until Sunday to pull himself from the wreckage, Kawamura told The Associated Press by telephone.

Dukan Diet France

Dukan Diet France

Dukan Diet: The French Atkins-Like Weight Loss Method

 

The Dukan Diet has taken France by storm, selling 3.5 million copies in 14 different languages and being hailed as a life-long weight loss answer.

But many Americans have never heard of it.

Well they will next month when the diet books make their American debut, according to the New York Times. Dr. Pierre Dukan, the diet's creator, sold the North American Rights for $1.3 million up front.

But the diet may be nothing more than a glorified Atkins impersonator.

The NYT summed it all up in one paragraph:

Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox

Spring is here
The Spring equinox officially begins on March 20. It marks the beginning of the new season and makes it so we see equal parts of both day and night.






Source: Specials

50 female celebrities hacked

50 female celebrities hacked

FBI Continues The Hunt for Russian Hacker Kristina Izvekova

 

Yesterday we told about the 5 arrested hackers in Ukraine and the sexy Russian hacker Kristina. Today! I am telling you about another female hacker, she is a blond. Yes, I am talking about Kristina Izvekova, she is 22 years old, she is suspected in more than 16 hacker attacks.
She is involved in hacker attacks as a ‘money mule’, she steals money from U.S. banks and send it over to overseas hackers. It has been investigated that Kristina used Zeus Trojan or Malware to steal money from different bank accounts. She is also involved in using malware other than Zeus.

Final Harry Potter Trailer

Final Harry Potter Trailer

Hollywood studio Warner Bros has released a short trailer boasting the "first look behind the scenes" of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2," the final installment in the hit franchise.
The 93-second clip features soundbites from key actors, producers and director David Yates and glimpses of what its makers promise will be an action-packed finale to one of the world's most successful film series.
The first seven movies have grossed around $6.4 billion at the global box office, and the concluding film, due to hit theatres on July 15, is widely tipped to be the biggest picture of 2011, particularly because it is available in 3-D.
Included in the trailer is a kiss between Harry and Ginny Weasley and a showdown between the boy wizard and his nemesis Voldemort, in which the latter says: "Harry Potter -- the boy who lived come to die."
Emma Watson, who plays Hermione, said: "The scale of this one feels enormous. Your heart's going to race -- it's a really very intense ending."

Facebook to stream MLB games

Facebook to stream MLB games

The social-media giant continues its foray into the video market with live baseball.

 

Facebook has started a little spring training of its own.


The social-networking giant is offering users live streaming of Major League Baseball games. The service was introduced this week, featuring a game of the day from baseball's spring training season.



The games are largely a promotion to lure subscribers to MLB.TV's $120 season-long subscription package. But the move also looks like a warm-up to Facebook's ongoing push in to the nascent streaming-video market.