Ryan Dunn, one of the stars of MTV's "Jackass" films and TV series, was killed in a fiery car crash on a Pennsylvania highway early Monday, police said.
A passenger in Dunn's 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 was also killed, but investigators have not positively identified the body, according to the police report sent to CNN.
The red-bearded Dunn, 34, was famous for his pranks and dangerous stunts on the show, which evolved into a successful film franchise.
West Goshen, Pennsylvania, police were called to the wreck scene on State Route 322 at 2:30 a.m., the police report said.
"Upon arrival, police located one vehicle off the road and in the woods that was fully engulfed in flames," the report said.
"Speed may have been a contributing factor to the accident," police said, although the investigation is in its preliminary stages.
This photo of Ryan Dunn was posted on his Twitter account about two hours before the accident.
This photo of Ryan Dunn was posted on his Twitter account about two hours before the accident.
Dunn was driving the Porsche, which was registered in his name, police said.
A photo of Dunn was posted on his Twitter account about two hours before the wreck showing him with a drink in his hand. Two men sitting with Dunn in the photo are not identified.
The manager of Barnaby's in West Chester, Pennsylvania, confirmed that the photo was taken in his bar Sunday night. The bar is about a mile away from where Dunn was killed in a car crash.
Manager Jim O'Brien confirmed that Dunn was drinking there.
Ryan Dunn: We're just stupid people
"He didn't seem to be intoxicated at the time he left," O'Brien said. "Ryan was not a hardcore drinker, at least not when he was here."
O'Brien said Dunn was a regular customer and well known to his staff.
"He was a valuable person in our community and his death is a tragedy," O'Brien said. "He will be missed."
MTV issued a short statement through its Twitter account Monday morning: "We're deeply saddened by the passing of a member of the MTV family, Ryan Dunn. Our hearts and thoughts are with his friends and family."
"Jackass" star Johnny Knoxville tweeted his message Monday morning: "Today I lost my brother Ryan Dunn. My heart goes out to his family and his beloved Angie. RIP Ryan, I love you buddy."
Dunn teamed up with "Jackass" co-star Steve-O for an episode of the NBC game show "Minute to Win It" that aired on June 8.
He also hosted "Proving Ground," which premiered on the G4 channel on June 14.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Mark Zuckerberg to Donate Most of His Wealth to Charity
Mark Zuckerberg to Donate Most of His Wealth to Charity
At only 26 years of age, Mark Zuckerberg is one of the world’s youngest billionaires, but he’s not keeping it all for himself. By signing on to Bill Gates and Warren Buffet’s initiative called the “Giving Pledge,” Mark agreed to give most of his wealth to charity.
This is not Zuckerberg’s first foray into philanthropy; he donated an undisclosed amount to the open social network project Diaspora as well as $100 million to Newark Public Schools. He spoke about the Newark donation on Oprah, explaining his dedication to help fix the public school system.
The Giving Pledge, however, is a completely different ball game. Along with 57 other multi-millionaire and billionaire families and individuals, including Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Paul Allen and Carl Icahn, by signing the pledge Mark Zuckerberg promised to give more than half of his wealth to charity, either during his lifetime or after his death.
“People wait until late in their career to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done? With a generation of younger folks who have thrived on the success of their companies, there is a big opportunity for many of us to give back earlier in our lifetime and see the impact of our philanthropic efforts,” said Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a statement.
According to Forbes’ estimate, Mark Zuckerberg is worth $6.9 billion, which makes him the 35th most wealthy Americans. Although many consider him to be the world’s youngest billionaire, he recently lost that title to Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz, who is only eight days younger than him and whose worth is currently estimated at $1.4 billion.
At only 26 years of age, Mark Zuckerberg is one of the world’s youngest billionaires, but he’s not keeping it all for himself. By signing on to Bill Gates and Warren Buffet’s initiative called the “Giving Pledge,” Mark agreed to give most of his wealth to charity.
This is not Zuckerberg’s first foray into philanthropy; he donated an undisclosed amount to the open social network project Diaspora as well as $100 million to Newark Public Schools. He spoke about the Newark donation on Oprah, explaining his dedication to help fix the public school system.
The Giving Pledge, however, is a completely different ball game. Along with 57 other multi-millionaire and billionaire families and individuals, including Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Paul Allen and Carl Icahn, by signing the pledge Mark Zuckerberg promised to give more than half of his wealth to charity, either during his lifetime or after his death.
“People wait until late in their career to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done? With a generation of younger folks who have thrived on the success of their companies, there is a big opportunity for many of us to give back earlier in our lifetime and see the impact of our philanthropic efforts,” said Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a statement.
According to Forbes’ estimate, Mark Zuckerberg is worth $6.9 billion, which makes him the 35th most wealthy Americans. Although many consider him to be the world’s youngest billionaire, he recently lost that title to Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz, who is only eight days younger than him and whose worth is currently estimated at $1.4 billion.
Mark Zuckerberg to Donate Most of His Wealth to Charity
Mark Zuckerberg to Donate Most of His Wealth to Charity
At only 26 years of age, Mark Zuckerberg is one of the world’s youngest billionaires, but he’s not keeping it all for himself. By signing on to Bill Gates and Warren Buffet’s initiative called the “Giving Pledge,” Mark agreed to give most of his wealth to charity.
This is not Zuckerberg’s first foray into philanthropy; he donated an undisclosed amount to the open social network project Diaspora as well as $100 million to Newark Public Schools. He spoke about the Newark donation on Oprah, explaining his dedication to help fix the public school system.
The Giving Pledge, however, is a completely different ball game. Along with 57 other multi-millionaire and billionaire families and individuals, including Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Paul Allen and Carl Icahn, by signing the pledge Mark Zuckerberg promised to give more than half of his wealth to charity, either during his lifetime or after his death.
“People wait until late in their career to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done? With a generation of younger folks who have thrived on the success of their companies, there is a big opportunity for many of us to give back earlier in our lifetime and see the impact of our philanthropic efforts,” said Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a statement.
According to Forbes’ estimate, Mark Zuckerberg is worth $6.9 billion, which makes him the 35th most wealthy Americans. Although many consider him to be the world’s youngest billionaire, he recently lost that title to Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz, who is only eight days younger than him and whose worth is currently estimated at $1.4 billion.
At only 26 years of age, Mark Zuckerberg is one of the world’s youngest billionaires, but he’s not keeping it all for himself. By signing on to Bill Gates and Warren Buffet’s initiative called the “Giving Pledge,” Mark agreed to give most of his wealth to charity.
This is not Zuckerberg’s first foray into philanthropy; he donated an undisclosed amount to the open social network project Diaspora as well as $100 million to Newark Public Schools. He spoke about the Newark donation on Oprah, explaining his dedication to help fix the public school system.
The Giving Pledge, however, is a completely different ball game. Along with 57 other multi-millionaire and billionaire families and individuals, including Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Paul Allen and Carl Icahn, by signing the pledge Mark Zuckerberg promised to give more than half of his wealth to charity, either during his lifetime or after his death.
“People wait until late in their career to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done? With a generation of younger folks who have thrived on the success of their companies, there is a big opportunity for many of us to give back earlier in our lifetime and see the impact of our philanthropic efforts,” said Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a statement.
According to Forbes’ estimate, Mark Zuckerberg is worth $6.9 billion, which makes him the 35th most wealthy Americans. Although many consider him to be the world’s youngest billionaire, he recently lost that title to Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz, who is only eight days younger than him and whose worth is currently estimated at $1.4 billion.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Diego Maradona may coach for Iran
Diego Maradona may coach for Iran
Argentina's soccer legend Diego Maradona may be the next coach of the Iranian National Football team, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported on Monday.
In a recent ceremony to honor Iran's medal winners at the Asian games, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad confirmed plans to host a visit by Maradona and nodded when asked if the football great was coming to coach the national team, Mehr news reported.
Rumors of Maradona coaching Iran's national football first swirled last month when Iranian football officials announced a planned visit by the former coach of the Argentine national football team.
Ahmadinejad didn't make it clear when Maradona planned to visit Iran.
"Maradona will come to Iran but his visit is delayed," Mehr news quoted the president as saying.
Argentina's soccer legend Diego Maradona may be the next coach of the Iranian National Football team, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported on Monday.
In a recent ceremony to honor Iran's medal winners at the Asian games, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad confirmed plans to host a visit by Maradona and nodded when asked if the football great was coming to coach the national team, Mehr news reported.
Rumors of Maradona coaching Iran's national football first swirled last month when Iranian football officials announced a planned visit by the former coach of the Argentine national football team.
Ahmadinejad didn't make it clear when Maradona planned to visit Iran.
"Maradona will come to Iran but his visit is delayed," Mehr news quoted the president as saying.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Leslie Nielsen dead at 84
Leslie Nielsen dead at 84
Iconic Canadian actor Leslie Nielsen has died.
Nielsen appeared in more than 100 movies, with the star shining perhaps most brightly in comedies including Airplane! and The Naked Gun.
He died Sunday afternoon in a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from complications of pneumonia. He was 84.
Nielsen’s nephew, Doug Nielsen, who lives in Richmond, B.C., said his uncle had been in the hospital with pneumonia for 12 days, and in the last 48 hours it got worse.
“This afternoon, surrounded by family, his wife and friends, he basically just fell asleep. It was very peaceful,” he said.
“He was truly a nice man. A very caring, naturally funny guy in day-to-day life, not just because someone wrote something on paper for him. He was a very tender-hearted man. He was one of my best friends and I loved him dearly. I’ll miss him greatly.”
His family also released a statement Sunday night.
“We are saddened by the passing of beloved actor Leslie Nielsen, probably best remembered as Lt. Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun series of pictures, but who enjoyed a more than 60 year career in motion pictures and television,” said the statement.
Nielsen’s father was a Mountie and the actor moved around as child, growing up in Regina, Edmonton and towns in northern Canada.
Nielsen once said he was never the class clown. “In those days, I was too busy trying to be Mr. Perfect. You try to be Mr. Perfect so that your parents can find nothing wrong with you. They have a lot of other things to think about like putting food on the table, so you just don’t want to rock the boat.”
However, he began to suspect comedy was in his genes after he discovered some details of his father’s life.
“I remember seeing pictures of my father at RCMP Sports Days, and he was in a clown outfit. He was the regiment clown.”
Nielsen got his foot into the showbiz door through radio, as an engineer, disc jockey and announcer at a Calgary station.
In December 1949, Nielsen broke into the fresh medium of live television. During the ‘60s and ‘70s, Nielsen constantly worked in TV action series, such as Wagon Train, The Fugitive, The Virginian, Cannon and Kojak — at one point he even turned down the iconic role of Gunsmoke’s Matt Dillon.
Throughout his career, he appeared in some of the best-known television programs, including M*A*S*H, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Hawaii Five-O, Columbo and Murder, She Wrote.
However, he may be most recognizable for his comedic big-screen roles. In Airplane! Nielsen uttered an often-quoted retort to the question: “Surely, you can’t be serious?”
“I am serious . . . and don’t call me Shirley,” he said.
In 2003, Nielsen received both a lifetime achievement award from the Alberta Motion Pictures Industries Association and was presented with an Award of Excellence from the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists.
He received the Order of Canada in December 2003.
Iconic Canadian actor Leslie Nielsen has died.
Nielsen appeared in more than 100 movies, with the star shining perhaps most brightly in comedies including Airplane! and The Naked Gun.
He died Sunday afternoon in a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from complications of pneumonia. He was 84.
Nielsen’s nephew, Doug Nielsen, who lives in Richmond, B.C., said his uncle had been in the hospital with pneumonia for 12 days, and in the last 48 hours it got worse.
“This afternoon, surrounded by family, his wife and friends, he basically just fell asleep. It was very peaceful,” he said.
“He was truly a nice man. A very caring, naturally funny guy in day-to-day life, not just because someone wrote something on paper for him. He was a very tender-hearted man. He was one of my best friends and I loved him dearly. I’ll miss him greatly.”
His family also released a statement Sunday night.
“We are saddened by the passing of beloved actor Leslie Nielsen, probably best remembered as Lt. Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun series of pictures, but who enjoyed a more than 60 year career in motion pictures and television,” said the statement.
Nielsen’s father was a Mountie and the actor moved around as child, growing up in Regina, Edmonton and towns in northern Canada.
Nielsen once said he was never the class clown. “In those days, I was too busy trying to be Mr. Perfect. You try to be Mr. Perfect so that your parents can find nothing wrong with you. They have a lot of other things to think about like putting food on the table, so you just don’t want to rock the boat.”
However, he began to suspect comedy was in his genes after he discovered some details of his father’s life.
“I remember seeing pictures of my father at RCMP Sports Days, and he was in a clown outfit. He was the regiment clown.”
Nielsen got his foot into the showbiz door through radio, as an engineer, disc jockey and announcer at a Calgary station.
In December 1949, Nielsen broke into the fresh medium of live television. During the ‘60s and ‘70s, Nielsen constantly worked in TV action series, such as Wagon Train, The Fugitive, The Virginian, Cannon and Kojak — at one point he even turned down the iconic role of Gunsmoke’s Matt Dillon.
Throughout his career, he appeared in some of the best-known television programs, including M*A*S*H, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Hawaii Five-O, Columbo and Murder, She Wrote.
However, he may be most recognizable for his comedic big-screen roles. In Airplane! Nielsen uttered an often-quoted retort to the question: “Surely, you can’t be serious?”
“I am serious . . . and don’t call me Shirley,” he said.
In 2003, Nielsen received both a lifetime achievement award from the Alberta Motion Pictures Industries Association and was presented with an Award of Excellence from the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists.
He received the Order of Canada in December 2003.
Actor Leslie Nielsen dies of complications from pneumonia
Actor Leslie Nielsen dies of complications from pneumonia
Leslie Nielsen, whose longtime career as a dramatic actor took a sudden turn into comedy with spoofs like "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun," has died at age 84, his family said Sunday.
The Canadian-born Nielsen's career reached back into the early days of television, when he made frequent appearances on live drama series like "Goodyear Playhouse." He played the earnest starship captain in the 1956 science fiction classic "Forbidden Planet" and made regular appearances on a wide range of TV dramas into the 1970s.
Much of that changed in 1980, when he was cast as a doctor aboard an endangered jetliner in the gag-a-minute disaster-movie parody "Airplane!" Nielsen's deadpan delivery of lines like "I am serious -- and don't call me Shirley" helped launch a second career.
The film's producers went on to cast him in their short-lived television series "Police Squad!" and had him reprise that show's bumbling lead character, Lt. Frank Drebin, a decade later in three "Naked Gun" movies. Nielsen appeared in several similar but less-acclaimed spoofs following those films.
Nielsen died of complications of pneumonia in a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, surrounded by family and friends, a family statement said.
Leslie Nielsen, whose longtime career as a dramatic actor took a sudden turn into comedy with spoofs like "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun," has died at age 84, his family said Sunday.
The Canadian-born Nielsen's career reached back into the early days of television, when he made frequent appearances on live drama series like "Goodyear Playhouse." He played the earnest starship captain in the 1956 science fiction classic "Forbidden Planet" and made regular appearances on a wide range of TV dramas into the 1970s.
Much of that changed in 1980, when he was cast as a doctor aboard an endangered jetliner in the gag-a-minute disaster-movie parody "Airplane!" Nielsen's deadpan delivery of lines like "I am serious -- and don't call me Shirley" helped launch a second career.
The film's producers went on to cast him in their short-lived television series "Police Squad!" and had him reprise that show's bumbling lead character, Lt. Frank Drebin, a decade later in three "Naked Gun" movies. Nielsen appeared in several similar but less-acclaimed spoofs following those films.
Nielsen died of complications of pneumonia in a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, surrounded by family and friends, a family statement said.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Beatles Sell 2,000,000 Songs in Their First Week on iTunes
The Beatles Sell 2,000,000 Songs in Their First Week on iTunes
One week ago, the entire Beatles catalogue was made available on Apple’s online music store iTunes. Now, the numbers are in: according to Billboard, the Beatles sold more than 450,000 albums and over two million individual songs in the first week on iTunes.
The best selling album in the U.S. was Abbey Road while the best-selling song was Here Comes the Sun.
The impressive numbers come as no surprise as the Beatles took over the iTunes charts in the first day of availability, with eleven of their albums surging to the iTunes top 25 albums list.
Getting there was no easy task, however. Back in 1978, the Beatles’ corporation Apple Corps sued Apple Inc. (then Apple Computer) for trademark infringement. The suit was settled in 1981, but it dragged on for decades, reaching pinnacle in 2003, with Apple’s launch of iTunes, when Apple Corps once again sued Apple Computer, claiming it has violated the agreement not to distribute music. Finally, on February 2007 the two companies settled their trademark dispute, but it took three more years for the Beatles’ catalog to reach iTunes. Judging by the impressive sales, the long wait paid off for both companies in the end.
One week ago, the entire Beatles catalogue was made available on Apple’s online music store iTunes. Now, the numbers are in: according to Billboard, the Beatles sold more than 450,000 albums and over two million individual songs in the first week on iTunes.
The best selling album in the U.S. was Abbey Road while the best-selling song was Here Comes the Sun.
The impressive numbers come as no surprise as the Beatles took over the iTunes charts in the first day of availability, with eleven of their albums surging to the iTunes top 25 albums list.
Getting there was no easy task, however. Back in 1978, the Beatles’ corporation Apple Corps sued Apple Inc. (then Apple Computer) for trademark infringement. The suit was settled in 1981, but it dragged on for decades, reaching pinnacle in 2003, with Apple’s launch of iTunes, when Apple Corps once again sued Apple Computer, claiming it has violated the agreement not to distribute music. Finally, on February 2007 the two companies settled their trademark dispute, but it took three more years for the Beatles’ catalog to reach iTunes. Judging by the impressive sales, the long wait paid off for both companies in the end.
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