Friday, January 17, 2014

Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Fallon take a 'Run' at Chris Christie traffic scandal

Jan. 15, 2014 at 9:20 AM ET

Soon-to-be "Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon busted out his musical comedy chops once again on "Late Night" Tuesday, and this time, he had a little fun at New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's expense.

The 2016 GOP presidential hopeful has been facing scrutiny after reports tied one of his aides to the George Washington Bridge traffic snarl after lanes were closed last fall in retaliation against a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse Christie's re-election.

The late-night host, dressed as an '80s-era Bruce Springsteen, reworked the rocker's classic hit "Born to Run" and delivered a slowed down, acoustic tune with lyrics from the working man's point of view.

"In the day we sweat it out on the streets stuck in traffic on the GWB," Fallon-as-Springsteen sang. "They shut down the tollbooths of glory because we didn't endorse Christie. ... We gotta get out but we can't. We're stuck in Gov. Chris Christie's Fort Lee, N.J., traffic jam!"

Midsong, the real Boss himself — also dressed in his signature '80s look — joined the comedian in the reworking of his hit. "The press conference went on and on, it was longer than one of my own damn shows," Springsteen crooned. "Someday, governor, I don't know when, this will all end but 'til then you're killing the working man who's stuck in Gov. Chris Christie's Fort Lee, N.J., traffic jam!"

The governor gave a two-hour press conference after the scandal broke. Springsteen himself made headlines in 2012 after giving his first four-hour concert, which happened in Helsinki, Finland.

One thing viewers likely noticed during the Sprinsteen-Fallon jam, thanks to the sleeveless denim shirts, were The Boss' well-toned arms. They certainly didn't escape the comedian's notice.

"We had a little push-up contest going backstage. We had to get the look right," Springsteen said of the pair's performance outfit.

"I was doing it because, I didn't tell you, 'cause your arms are so jacked, I'm like, 'I got my wimpy comedian arms!'" Fallon laughed. "I did, like, 100 push-ups! ... You out-push-upped me! I just broke down! You beat me! You killed me!"

Fallon wasn't the only admiring The Boss' arms.

"When we showed that video here on the set for the first time, all the girls could say is, 'Check out Bruce's arms. Guns!' " TODAY host Matt Lauer joked Wednesday. He also called the Springsteen-Fallon performance "so creative" and "so clever."

Springsteen just released his 18th studio album, "High Hopes," Tuesday.

Beyonce: Women must 'demand' equal opportunities

Jan. 13, 2014 at 5:51 PM ET

Beyonce Knowles-Carter wrote the following essay for "The Shriver Report," published in partnership with Center for American Progress and focusing on women in economic peril. Maria Shriver is reporting on these challenges with her TODAY series, #DoingItAll.

Lucas Jackson / Reuters

We need to stop buying into the myth about gender equality. It isn’t a reality yet. Today, women make up half of the U.S. workforce, but the average working woman earns only 77 percent of what the average working man makes. But unless women and men both say this is unacceptable, things will not change. Men have to demand that their wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters earn more—commensurate with their qualifications and not their gender. Equality will be achieved when men and women are granted equal pay and equal respect.

Humanity requires both men and women, and we are equally important and need one another. So why are we viewed as less than equal? These old attitudes are drilled into us from the very beginning. We have to teach our boys the rules of equality and respect, so that as they grow up, gender equality becomes a natural way of life. And we have to teach our girls that they can reach as high as humanly possible.

We have a lot of work to do, but we can get there if we work together. Women are more than 50 percent of the population and more than 50 percent of voters. We must demand that we all receive 100 percent of the opportunities.

This piece is an excerpt from "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Pushes Back from the Brink" in partnership with Center for American Progress and was originally posted on ShriverReport.org, a digital destination aimed at inspiring conversations that modernize America's relationship with women. You can download the full report at ShriverReport.org.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Five Utterly Insane Cults Still Active Today

November 7, 2012

Five Utterly Insane Cults: Eckankar

Founded in Minnesota in 1965, the Eckankar movement promotes the idea that one can separate their soul from their body and experience the “Light and Sound” of God by journeying beyond the mortal form.

The group has been heavily criticized for the fact that nearly all of founder Paul Twichell’s works have been plagiarized from other spiritual material or blatantly fabricated. The group has also come under fire for the fact that the primary spiritual leader is also the CEO of the company that sells the founder’s materials for profit.

Utterly Insane Cults: Raëlism

Raëlism itself began prior to its official 1976 formation during a series of conventions hosted in France. Raëlism devotees believe that extraterrestrials genetically engineered humanity thousands of years ago and have been guiding us throughout history through their representatives on Earth who typically have taken the form of major religious figures such as Buddha and Jesus Christ.

Members of Raëlism currently believe that the cults leaders are the modern-day versions of past Raël visitors and that they must teach the world to become peaceful enough to allow the Raëlist extraterrestrials to return to Earth and visit humans at embassies the Raëlist members have built around the world.

Utterly Insane Cults: New Mathura Vrindaban

The New Mathura Vrindaban group is an offshoot of Hare Krishna founded in 1968 by Kirtanananda Swami and Hayagriva Swami. Under the leadership of Kirtanananda Swami, the group became infamous for a wide range of multi-million dollar racketing schemes, mail fraud, and the illegal sales of copyrighted material. Using the money earned from illegal business, Kirtanananda Swami was able to greatly expand New Vrindaban and form communities throughout the Northeast and Midwestern United States.

The Kashi Ashram

Based in Florida, the movement of Kashi Ashram was founded in 1976 by an individual called Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati who believed that she had received visions first from Jesus Christ and then from several Hindu deities. The group promotes actions of compassion and understanding while also encouraging a community-driven lifestyle.

Many former members of the Kashi movement have criticized the group for brainwashing the cults members into believing that Ma Jaya was a God and that they should give themselves and their children, in some cases through informal adoption, to her for training. Though Ma Jaya herself died in 2003, the movement continues to this day.

The Brethren

Founded in 1971 by American Jimmie T. Roberts, The Brethren exists as a radical group that believes that the only way to prepare for the inevitable end of the world is to purify oneself by giving up all modern comforts and conveniences.

Brethren are expected to make or forage for anything they need and live in groups that ignore most modern social conventions. Members of the Brethren are also forbidden from celebrating or playing, since it is believed that all forms of celebration should be saved for the return of their savior at the end of the world. Members of the group typically sever all ties to the world upon joining, which has led to movements formed by families trying to find missing family members post-Brethren joining.

North Korea remains the world's most restrictive nation in which to practice Christianity

Report: North Korea worst for Christian persecution

By Christopher Snyder

Heard on Fox

Published January 08, 2014

FoxNews.com

North Korea remains the world's most restrictive nation in which to practice Christianity, according to the 2014 World Watch List released by Open Doors, a nonprofit organization helping persecuted Christians worldwide. The hermit kingdom is at the top of the rankings for the 12th consecutive year.

The list is compiled of countries where Christians face the most pressure and violence. Other nations included are Somalia, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran.

In an interview with Fox News’ Lauren Green, Dr. David Curry, president and CEO of Open Doors USA, said in North Korea, “it’s very dangerous to identify yourself as a Christian.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un’s absolute rule over the country and the lack of accurate information coming out of Pyongyang makes it difficult to know exactly how the Christian community is treated.

“In some countries there are some freedoms and violence against Christians is noted in news media … in North Korea the control is total,” said Curry. “Reports that have been getting out that have been identified and confirmed by the U.N. about what is happening to Christians, the kinds of torture that are happening to them … is absolutely inhumane.”

Curry said Kim’s regime might feel threatened by people in North Korea practicing Christianity.

“There’s a weird theocracy that’s been developed over three generations … that’s is especially fearful of any sort of spirituality or personal faith that would run contrary to the fact Kim Jong-Un [and his predecessors] … consider themselves Gods,” said Curry.

Satan Statue Design In Oklahoma Joins Christian, Atheist, Satanist Monument Battle

A Satan statue design is a Satanist monument proposed by Oklahoma Satanists to compete with the Ten Commandments and the Atheist monument already on government grounds around the United States.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the designers of the Atheist monument readily admitted it was an attack on the Ten Commandments monument. They even said they’d take the Atheist monument down if the Ten Commandments was removed.

Atheist leader Dave Silverman almost predicted the Satan statue design when he opined on what the Atheist monument meant for the future:

“So if the Christians are allowed to put up the 10 Commandments and we’re allowed to put up a monument to secularism and the separation of church and state, yes the Muslims should be allowed to put up a monument to pedophile prophets and yes, the yes, a Scientologist. Yes, they should all be allowed to put up whatever they want because this is a free speech zone.”

Oklohoma’s Satanic Temple spokesman Lucien Greaves says Satan will be depicted as Baphomet, which has a goat body, horns, and wings. They plan on building the Satanist monument next to the Ten Commandments. The Satan statue design calls for smiling children next to a pentagram throne, which is said to make the Satanist monument functional:

“The monument has been designed to reflect the views of Satanists in Oklahoma City and beyond. The statue will also have a functional purpose as a chair where people of all ages may sit on the lap of Satan for inspiration and contemplation.”

If you happen to recognize the name Lucien Greaves from somewhere, it’s because he officiated the Satanist Westboro Church “pink mass” that was alleged to have turned Fred Phelps’ dead mother into a lesbian. And while Greaves obviously wasn’t too serious about the pink mass, he says the group is serious about Satan statue design and has already raised almost half of the $20,000 necessary to build the Satanist monument.

This request for a Satanist monument in OK came alongside pleas from Hindus, an animal rights groups, and an atheist group wanting to mock Intelligent Design with a Flying Spaghetti Monster monument. As such, the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission is putting a hold on any requests until a lawsuit by the ACLU concerning the Ten Commandments monument is settled.

Do you think the Satan statue design should be allowed on government grounds because of free speech and religious freedom laws in the United States?

Pope Francis used to be a bar bouncer

Pope Francis reveals he used to work as a bar bouncer

Published December 03, 2013

FoxNews.com

Nov. 27, 2013: Pope Francis waves as he conducts his weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.Reuters

It’s common knowledge that St. Peter guards the pearly gates. But what many people might not know is Pope Francis used to guard the door at a bar in Argentina.

That’s right: Pope Francis used to be a bar bouncer.

The 76-year-old pontiff disclosed his previous vocation in a parish visit to the church of San Cirillo Alessandrino in a working-class neighborhood on the outskirts of Rome on Sunday, the Catholic News Service reported.

The nugget from Francis’ past, when he used to be known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was disclosed during a four-hour conversation, in which the pope also mentioned he used to sweep floors and run tests in a chemical laboratory as a teenager.

The anecdote is yet another example of Francis’ growing reputation as a “pope of the people.” Since ascending to the papacy in March, Francis has eschewed such trappings as the Popemobile, washed the feet of prisoners and has shown a penchant for showing up unannounced wherever the faithful gather.

Last month, photos of Francis cradling and kissing the head of a man covered with tumors went viral, providing a powerful image of a pope dedicated to helping the poor.

In turn, Francis’ popularity has sparked renewed interest in the church. A recent survey by sociologist Massimo Introvigne of Catholic clergy in Italy noted an increase in the numbers attending Mass and confession since Francis’ election. In Italy alone, more than 100,000 are “returning,” often after decades of non-attendance.

Time to Swoon! The 10 Hottest Guys of 2013

These hot guys (Ryan! Liam!) made 2013 a super sexy year to remember

By Teresa Roca - December 30, 2013

Photo Credit: Getty Images

From Miley Cyrus' racy performances to the arrival of Prince George and North West to Beyonce's super-secret album, celebrities certainly didn't make this year a boring one.

But what was our favorite part of 2013? Seeing all of the attractive Hollywood hunks, of course!

From Ryan Gosling to Liam Hemsworth, these stars not only had successful years, but they also looked better than ever!

Check out the 10 hottest guys who made 2013 extra special.

Channing Tatum

Clemens Bilan/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

Channing heated up the big screen with the hits Side Effects, G.I. Joe Retaliation and White House Down. But fans weren't the only ones to be starstuck over the hunky new dad. Stars like Olivia Munn, Jamie Foxx, Miley Cyrus and Jimmy Kimmel paid homage to the actor's sex appeal and overall awesomeness in the laugh out loud music video, "(I Wanna) Channing All Over Your Tatum.”

Adam Levine

Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Grey Goose Vodka

Whether it was his soothing voice that led to countless radio hits, his flawless skills as a coach on The Voice or his perfect physique, the Maroon 5 singer snagged People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2013. After looking at a compilation of Adam's shirtless photos, we couldn't agree more with their decision!

Justin Timberlake

D Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Fans could not get enough of Justin in 2013. His hit album, The 20/20 Experience, reached No. 1 on the charts, selling 968,000 albums in its first week. His guest spot with Jimmy Fallon on Saturday Night Live last week scored the show's highest ratings in two years. Justin even starred in Inside Llewyn Davis (in theaters now), which is already receiving Oscar buzz. Aside from a hands-down successful year, you have to admit that he looks pretty darn sexy in a suit and tie.

Ryan Gosling

James Devaney/WireImage

Although his flicks Gangster Squad and Only God Forgives were box-office bombs, that didn't stop the Internet from continuing to gush over the sexy star. Google Chrome released an extension called Hey Girl, which allows viewers to transform images into photos of Ryan. In addition to Hey Girl memes and Feminist Ryan Gosling, a new meme was created this year: Ryan Gosling Won't Eat His Cereal. With Ryan taking a break from acting, these memes will certainly ease the pain.

Ian Somerhalder

Ben Gabbe/Getty Images

Not only does the blue-eyed star play the irresistible bad boy Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries (where we get to enjoy his incredible abs), but he is also quite charitable. Nothing could be hotter than a do-gooder! The actor began the Ian Somerhalder Foundation in 2010 to inform people on the importance of protecting the environment and animals. Ian also made headlines this year with his split from actress and costar Nina Dobrev. It may have broken the hearts of fans everywhere, but at least Ian is now back on the market!

Taye Diggs

David Livingston/Getty Images

Whether big or small, Taye can spice up any screen! The sizzling star sadly split from wife Idina Menzel, but continued to make us laugh (and leave little to the imagination) on the hit series New Girl. Taye also returned to the big screen in The Best Man Holiday, which left us wanting more of the sexy star!

Leonardo DiCaprio

George Pimentel/WireImage

Leonardo broke the hearts of many when he announced his "long, long break" from acting in January (what happened to "never let go," Jack?!), but luckily fans were able to enjoy Leonardo for another year with two flicks that topped the box office charts, The Great Gatsby and The Wolf of Wall Street (in theaters now). Between his baby blues and sweet smile, we can't wait for Leo to sizzle on the big screen (and the red carpet) again!

Liam Hemsworth

D Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Chris Hemsworth made our list last year, and now the honor is going to the other hot Hemsworth! Liam certainly made a name for himself in Hollywood this year -- and it isn't only because of his amazing looks and rocky relationship with ex Miley Cyrus. The actor nailed roles in Love and Honor, Empire State, Paranoia and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Between his acting skills and good looks, we can't wait to see more of the handsome hunk. Eat your heart out, Miley!

Bradley Cooper

Venturelli/Getty Images for Bulgari

Two years after being announced People's Sexiest Man Alive, Bradley continues to make ladies swoon in his presence! Between his pearly whites, and the fact that he's a total momma's boy (aww!), fans can't get enough of the talented actor. Bradley and his wolf pack returned to the big screen this year for more crazy and hysterical antics in The Hangover Part III, while he teamed up with Jennifer Lawrence again in the buzzed about David O. Russell film Americam Hustle (also starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner).

Idris Elba

Danny Martindale/WireImage

At 41, Idris is the oldest celebrity on our list, but that doesn't make him any less sexy! With memorable performances in Pacific Rim, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (which is receiving Oscar buzz), Thor: The Dark World and a recurring role in the series Luther, Idris is not only attractive, but also talented! And who doesn't love an English accent?