CNN iReport - Newsiest

Whitney Houston's Death Shocks The World Tonight

TheVideoMan — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:39:15 GMT

Whitney Houston, one of the greatest Soul, Pop, and R & B singers of all time - and film actresses here in Hollywood, CA - has just been found dead according to the AP, CNN, and her Publicist. She was 48 years old. The cause of her death is not certain at this time.

Please watch our video tribute - Roberta and I both have musical souls, we loved Whitney and her music, what a voice! She was the music of a generation, from the 80's thru the mid 2000's. I saw her in concert here in LA in 1985 at The Roxy, she had just began her stellar career: What a voice!

According to some media sources here, her bodyguard Ray - not to be confused with Ray - Jay, the entertainer (who had been seen with her the last several days) - found her dead at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, where the Diva was scheduled to appear at Clive Davis's pre-Grammy Award's party tonight. It was Clive Davis, the music producer, who 'discovered' Ms Houston, and he was with her during most of the last 25 years.

The story is still very fluid and not all details have been confirmed. Did drugs or alcohol contribute to her death? If so, once again, we need to all learn from this. Toxicology reports could take weeks. In 2009, she told Oprah that 'She was finally clean of her Demons'. But experts say you can never beat the disease - you simply have to take one day at a time...

'The Bodyguard', where she starred with Kevin Costner, was our favorite film by her, we have seen it several times. The hit song from the movie, "I Will Always Love You", is an all time great wedding song and a Valentine's Day favorite of ours.

She was also set to appear in a re-make of the 1976 film 'Sparkle'. Was a comeback for her on the way?

Just last night, Roberta and I saw Kathy Griffin in concert, she always does a comedy piece on her. Now, the city - the world -and the Grammy's - are in mourning.

God bless her soul, there will be never be another singer like her. She joins Etta James - and all of the others - in Rock & Roll Heaven.

She was 'The Greatest Love Of All', she had battled substance abuse and behavioral problems for years - especially after she married singer Bobby Brown. They were divorced about five years ago. She had a 'God Given Talent' that will not be forgotten.

Update: At the press conference ongoing in LA right now, the Beverly Hills PD says she was pronounced dead at 3:55PM this afternoon. She was found on the 4th floor of the hotel after a 911 call. There were no obvious signs of trauma on the body per the press spokesman.

Fans are gathering outside the hotel. Ironically, she had been invited to have her Star placed here on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. But she had never actually replied to organization, per the Hollywood Chamber website.

Update: The Grammy's have announced a tribute for tomorrow night - perhaps starring Jennifer Hudson. The entire show will now have to be tweaked at the last minute.

This story continues to break, stayed tuned to CNN for further updates...

Our Heart also goes out to her very musical family, and her friends...

Derrame de crudo liviano en monagas, al 6to dia

unclaimed — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:12:23 GMT

(No Description)

Red Beans and Rice Pat's Way

cindyinar — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:33:47 GMT

I simply cannot travel to New Orleans without having my first meal of Red Beans and Rice at Pat O'Briens. Every bite taste better than the one before. The staff help make each meal rememberable, the tables on the patio with the flowers and water fountain, it is just a complete wonderful experience down the last bite. Strawberry Hurricane Cheesecake is the icing on the cake of the meal. I am almost ready to go pack my bags and head out right now just thinking about the meal I could be having.

My Memories of Whitney Houston

KCRep — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:43:46 GMT

I had the honor of attending a Whitney Houston concert at the Anaheim Pond about 18 years ago. It was a sold out crowd. I had a seat in the 8th row front and center. I was so close I could see the eye makeup on Whitney. The concert had been postponed for several months due to Whitney having a vocal throat problem.

Her voice was fantastic. She was already married to Bobby Brown and their daughter Bobbi Kristina was appx. two years old or so. As Whitney was on stage singing, all the sudden Bobbi Kristina ran out on stage with her daddy chasing after her. The crowd went crazy with laughter. This continued throughout the concert, it was very endearing and made you feel like a part of the family.

Whitney had the most beautiful voice, I am saddened that this voice is silenced.

Louisiana Seafood

cookinglady — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:58:46 GMT

Off the beaten path in Maurepas, Louisiana (just a short drive or boat ride from NOLA), is Val's Marina. Home style cooking done by Louisiana cooks (not chefs) and worth the drive from NOLA or Baton Rouge. This is their shrimp & crab stew. I've eaten everything on their menu from fried fish & white beans to gumbo to luscious crab au gratin. It's not fancy, but it's a plate full of Louisiana home cooking, which is better than fancy, by far.

Big Easy Food

rotoboy — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:05:34 GMT

A tour of food I had during a trip to New Orleans.

Oyster Trio!

LCTNYC — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:08:50 GMT

The Royal House (www.royalhouserestaurant.com) offers one of my favorite dishes - The Oyster Trio!

This sampler includes Oysters Rockefellar, Oysters Royale and Pepperino Oysters. Simply amazing!

Soft Shell Crab

RWCOOPER — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:00:45 GMT

When I lived in the New Orleans area in the early 1980s my wife and I went to a small local diner in Metairie and I ended up ordering the soft shell crab. It was my first venture eating crab and it was the most delightful and interesting food that I've ever ate.During the year when crabs molt they shed their old shell and this leaves them with only a soft skin and they are then cleaned slightly and coated with a thin crispy coating and then deep fried to a delightful crunch. There are a rainbow of bright colors with each bite revealing a new color of the rainbow that makes up the insides of a crab. Along with the visual experience of the dish the crab was cooked to a perfect crunch and the taste is so delicious that it is a feast fit for a King. Along with the Shrimp Remoulade salad there could not have been a more perfect meal for that time in my younger adventures in life.

Man Destroys Daughter's Laptop as Punishment

PCHater01 — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:33:46 GMT

A man posts a YouTube video of himself firing his pistol into his 15 year old daughter's laptop. Tommy Jordan of Albemarle, NC found a nasty post on his daughter's facebook condemning her parents for making her do chores. Jordan found the post while he was spending money upgrading her laptop the way she wanted it. Is it really so awful that we have our kids do chores? In the video he posted on Facebook, Jordan read the entire post by his daugher, responded to it by explaining the chores she is required to do. Did not seem like that much at all. Then he ends the video by firing nine rounds from his .45 into the laptop and explains to her that she can have a laptop when she can buy a laptop.

At this time the video has almost 3 million views, and with almost 107 thousand likes and only 8 thousand dislikes Jordan is receiving a 93% approval rating. That is a grade of an A by any standard and any politician wishes they could get approval ratings like that. The vast majority of comments on both the YouTube video and his Facebook page are in support of his actions. This support has come from everybody, adults and teenagers.

Are kids entitled to anything they want? Are they entitled to a laptop? I always thought that as far as material possession the only thing kids are entitled to is a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and food to eat. Perhaps this is a result of the entitlement minded society we seem to be making for ourselves.

Here is the whole video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl1ujzRidmU

Here is his Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/tommyjordaniii

Bananas Foster

grits530 — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:53:46 GMT

When I moved from New Orleans, I missed the food. Yes, that is a very general statement but so many excellent choices from Muffulettas and po-boys to crawfish or shrimp etouffee. However, my favorite dessert is Bananas Foster from Brennans. Yes this iconic restaurant is loaded with atmosphere, famous dishes and flavors to make your mouth water, however the bright yellow, sweet bananas are sautéed in butter and brown sugar then flambéed with rum. What a delightful sight to see my dessert being made and even better to eat. The smoldering mix of sautéed bananas in that beautiful brown sauce is poured over a creamy textured vanilla ice cream. YUM !

The French Quarter

alamelu — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:48:47 GMT

We stopped at the cafe for mid morning coffee and snacks, after leisurely walking through the quiet historic district.

Whitney Houston: Didn't We Almost Have It All...

robjh1 — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:03:48 GMT

Whitney Elizabeth Houston (1963-2012) the lady with the pipes of gold has died.

Often times duplicated, imitated but never replicated. She had style grace, beauty and the voice of an angel.

She had won 6 Grammys, 30 Bill Board music awards, 22 American Music Awards and two Emmys.

A fairy tale life marked with ups and downs of a singer and actor. Houston had a tumultuous marriage with R&B singer Bobby Brown whom she later divorced.

Houston latest album was "I look to You." Which was released in 2009. Houston was known for her mezzo-soprano voice and rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXV on January 27, 1991.

She is survived by her daughter, Bobbi Kristina and mother-gospel great, Cissy Houston.

She will be missed.

Federal Police Charge at Occupy DC

ebecker2000 — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:18:47 GMT

A face off between the United States Park Police, enforcing a no camping regulations at McPherson Park in Washington DC, and Occupiers fearful that the police could not be trusted as they moved toward the main Occupy Library. So the Occupiers sat down ready for arrest, but instead of arrest, the Police formed a moving scrimmage line in the front, and sides - narrowing the escape route in part blocked by people sitting down. The Police charge to push through. In the mayhem, a women screams, people panic and some are trampled Some officers may have broken ranks and charged ahead but in all fairness the one caught in this video pushing against the women was one of the main commanders. who is caught in this video lunging ahead with his baton against the woman's back, she is pushed on to the fallen camera person who was taking this video.

Derrame de petróleo en Monagas

jamunfer — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:53:16 GMT

Fotos tomadas durante la cobertura del derrame de petróleo en el estado Monagas, en Venezuela, por la periodista Giselle Almarza

Clint Eastwood critics show what's wrong in American politics

omekongo — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:56:45 GMT

The fact that Clint Eastwood made a pro-America ad during the presidency of a democrat is not something that is worth of all of the negative attention it has been receiving. Eastwood's record is solid as it relates to who he has supported over the years so leave him alone. We shouldn't always have to wait until a time of crisis to come together as a country. I applaud him for this ad and others should too.

Anything with Crawfish!

hwicker — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:28:46 GMT

Can't beat real Louisiana crawdads. This is my own creation that pulls from South Carolina Low Country Cuisine as well as my home, New Orleans:
Crawfish Grits with Andouille and Collard Greens

Domenica-

Les1984 — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:13:46 GMT

Domenica in the heart of New orleans, owned by John Besh who is well known chef from Nola. Sooo good. Its located in the Roosevelt hotel. Its italian food mixed with Creole/french accent to it. If you are in town its so worth trying John Besh's restaurants.

Lousiana Bistro

phoenixding — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:18:46 GMT

Forget the big name, wait for hours, tourist trap restaurants. This is hot as hell New Orleans. Who wants to wear a jacket and tie with 100 degree weather and 90% humidity? Louisiana Bistro is my go-to place everytime I visit New Orleans. It's a small restaurant where Chef Mars creates every plate and comes out to ensure your dining experience is fantastic. Located in the French Quarter, the menu consists of delicious and cheeky descriptions of entrees that cunningly jabs BP and the 2010 disaster.

Canals Freeze in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

clayzell — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:33:48 GMT

Resembling a painting by one of the Dutch masters, this was the scene in Amsterdam on February 8, 2012 as children and adults took to the ice on the frozen Kloveniersburgwal canal. Local TV station AT5 reported that an impromptu skating party took place later that evening on the central Prinsengracht canal.

amsterdam netherlands canal weather

Jacques Imo's

sengtex — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:33:46 GMT

Jacques Imo's on Oak Street in the garden district is not exactly New Orleans best kept secret but in spite of their great reputation and Chef Jacque's incredible menu, a good time can still be had if you go about it the right way.

Jacques Imo's does not take reservations and again they are very well known by locals and tourists alike. They are only open for dinner Monday through Saturday and they are closed on Sunday. I recommend going early in the week to avoid the weekend warriors and the French quarter wanderers. We prefer to go on Monday's the traditional day for red beans and rice in New Orleans. We usually get to the area around 6-6:30, put our name in with the hostess, and walk next door to The Maple Leaf bar for a liquid appetizer. Often times they have live music and they pour a hearty cocktail. Be sure to tell the hostess you want a table in the original dining room. They recently added on and the expanded area feels more like a banquet room than the original seating and as long as your "killin time" at the Maple Leaf......

The food is beyond decadent. We always start with the Alligator sausage cheesecake as an appetizer. It's inexplicable. Try it!

We have had the rabbit, the red fish, the duck, the stuffed pork chop and several other dishes. Our last trip to New O, we didn't get a chance to go to Coop's or Willie Mae's so I was having fried chicken withdrawals. Who would have known that Jacgues, aside from all the other wonderful dishes on the menu, serves the best fried chicken in Louisiana as well?

Sadly, we have never been smart enough to save room for dessert so I can not speak to their sweet treats. Each entree comes with a spinach salad with one succulent fried oyster buried like a treasure in the greens. Between that, the cheesecake app, and the generous portions, dessert has always been a afterthought.

New Orleans oyster speials

NOfoodlover — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:25:55 GMT

Two oyster dishes I have found no where else.

Brunings at the Yacht Club basin has a dish called stuffed oysters. They are like stuffed shrimp. Each oyster is wrapped in a crab meat dressing and deep fried. Delicious!

Mosca's on Highway 90 West makes a dish called "Oysters Mosca". It is served in a deep dish pizza pan. The oysters are baked in a meal dressing and are incredible.

Both restaurants have been in NO a long time. I don't know if they are still there.

Derrame de petroleo rio guarapiche Monagas Venezuela

unclaimed — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:04:27 GMT

Enviado desde mi iPhone

Opinion- Komen needs to reassess

RichardLovet — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:46:45 GMT

Recently Susan G Komen For the Cure announced that it has ended its funding for the Breast Cancer Screening and education services of Planned Parenthood.

As one of the Past Presidents of the Vermont and New Hampshire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure I am writing this note to express my disbelief that the Komen Board would take such an action. I have been active in Komen as a Grants Chair, an affiliate Vice President, and an affiliate President. I have supported Komen as a runner, as contributor. My name has appeared on the back of Komen t shirts proudly worn by men, women, and children who have joined the fight against this horrible illness.

I am an oncologist here in Vermont, I am one of the past chairs of the Vermont Cancer Plan. I am the son of a breast cancer survivor. I have a wife and three daughters, all of which have supported the Komen cause.

Why did we do it?

Komen was the preeminent Breast cancer charity. Komen funded research, education, screening, and support for the millions of women who suffer, have suffered, or will suffer from this disease. As grant chair, we in Vermont have funded grants to organizations who have helped countless women and men with breast cancer. We have never let politics play a role in our decision process. We have helped women in all walks of life, women in all social circles, women in all economic groups.

Why do we do this?

Breast cancer affects all women, all men. Breast cancer affects one out of 8 women. Breast cancer affects families, it affects husbands, children. It affects men who suffer with it. It affects communities, it affects schools when teachers have breast cancer, it affects governments when politicians have breast cancer.

In short, BREAST CANCER AFFECTS US ALL. IT AFFECTS DEMOCRATS, IT AFFECTS REPUBLICANS, IT AFFECTS LIBERALS, IT AFFECTS CONSERVATIVES, IT AFFECTS US ALL REGARDLESS OF IDEOLOGY.

Susan G Komen For the Cure must reevaluate its decision to end funding for the majority of breast cancer services done by Planned Parenthood. Regardless of political considerations, Komen must support women with breast cancer and not let ideology dictate who should live and who should die.

Komen must reevaluate and change this decision to end funding of this organization which does so much to support the health of so many breast cancer patients.

Best Oysters in the French Quarter (Felix's)

JoyfulGypsy — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:18:48 GMT

At Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar you get quality you can taste in the fresh, hand-shucked Louisiana oysters. Whether served ice cold on the half shell, chargrilled and sizzling in garlic butter or fried to golden perfection, Felix's oysters are some of the best you'll ever have.

Felix's is my absolute favorite oyster bar. I always look forward to going back for their super fresh, delicious raw oysters and friendly, laid back atmosphere.

Photos by Lulis Leal

Central Grocery, Home of the Original Muffuletta

JoyfulGypsy — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:53:53 GMT

Central Grocery is home of the muffuletta, one of New Orleans' great sandwiches. Muffulettas are made with a circular loaf of soft Italian bread, sliced horizontally and piled with salami, ham, and provolone cheese, which are in turn topped with a wonderfully spicy melange of chopped green and black olives fragrant with anchovies and garlic. The hefty hunk of lunch is quartered and wrapped and sold ready to go … or to unwrap immediately and eat along the counters that have been installed at the back of the store. In my opinion, this mighty muffuletta (available as a half sandwich for smaller appetites) is definitive. Yes, other restaurants now make fatter ones on artisan breads with more exotic cold cuts and fancier ingredients in the olive salad, but Central Market's muffuletta has a classic dignity that simply cannot be bettered.

Photos by Lulis Leal

Mitt Romney Rally in Atlanta

adriana71 — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:18:15 GMT

Mitt Romney met with a friendly crowd here in Atlanta. Most people were genuinely interested in seeing him. And thought he could be the best the candidate to beat President Obama in a general election.

####

Derrame en Monagas-Venezuela

unclaimed — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:02:54 GMT

Hola buenas tardes, estas son algunas fotos que tengo del derrame ocurrido en Jusepin Estado Monagas y que afecta al río Guarapiche!!!

Felix's Seafood, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

JoyfulGypsy — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:16:45 GMT

Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar is located in the heart of the French Quarter. Felix's is a traditional New Orleans restaurant serving a wide variety of fine cajun food. Here is a picture I took of their delicious seafood, chicken and sausage gumbo.

Photos by Lulis Leal

Drago's

BoilerUp1998 — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:18:46 GMT

There is a lot of great food in New Orleans, but my favorite has to be the grilled oysters at Drago's. My ex-girlfriend introduced me to them a couple years ago and I am eternally grateful that she did. Watching the guys cook the oysters from the oyster bar in the downtown restaurant is great! Eating the oysters and then using the warm crusty french bread to mop up the left over sauce is the best. Anytime I go to New Orleans, Drago's is a must visit for me.

Memories of N'Orleans

JerzyJoyce — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:51:20 GMT

No better way to start your mornings than with Beignets & coffee!