Should Tony Stewart skip the rest of the NASCAR season?

 

(Derik Hamilton / AP)

Just when will Tony Stewart drive in a NASCAR race again?
Stewart will miss his third straight race since the Aug. 9 incident in which he struck and killed driver Kevin Ward Jr. during a sprint-car race on a dirt track in upstate New York, and it is unclear when he will return. “Stewart’s plans for upcoming Sprint Cup races have yet to be determined,” his Stewart-Haas team announced Wednesday. Stewart, 43, has been in seclusion since Ward’s death and Jeff Burton will again drive his No. 14 car Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Stewart was indulging in his love of returning to his roots by racing on a dirt track in Canandaigua, N.Y., when he collided with Ward, knocking his car into the wall. Ward exited the car during a caution flag and walked toward Stewart as he rounded the track, angrily gesturing toward him. Stewart’s car knock him down and ran over him, killing him nearly instantly. An autopsy determined that Ward’s death was due to blunt force trauma and, although no charges are pending against Stewart, an investigation into the incident by Ontario County, N.Y., authorities is ongoing. Last week, Sheriff Philip C. Povero said he expected it to take up to two weeks.
Clearly, Stewart isn’t going to drive until that is concluded and some are questioning whether he should drive again at all this season, even though fans and his fellow drivers have been supportive. Stewart, who is in seclusion, is coming to terms with what happened and “grieving,” according to Stewart-Haas Vice-President Brett Frood. He is not thinking about NASCAR’s Chase, Frood said as he discussed Stewart’s mental state.
“I’ll be honest, the Chase is of the lowest priority as it relates to Tony right now,” Frood told the Sporting News. “Right now it’s about getting Tony in a better place than he is. When he’s ready to do that, he’ll get back in the car.”
In order to recover, Stewart should take four steps now, according to Jeff Owens of the Sporting News: take time off from racing, explain what happened at Canandaigua, honor Ward in some fashion and think long-term about how to make sprint-car racing safer. From Owens:

Regardless of the outcome, Stewart must live for the rest of his life with the harsh reality that he was involved in an accident that took a 20-year-old driver’s life. That is one of the heaviest burdens anyone can bear, the reality that their actions, whether intentional, accidental or completely unavoidable, took another person’s life.
Stewart already is facing an impossible battle in the court of public opinion, with many blaming him for the accident and convicting him not with evidence but with innuendo, speculation and his history of temper tantrums and confrontations with other drivers.
No matter what Stewart does for the rest of his career, this horrible tragedy will haunt him the rest of his life — which may be worse than any legal punishment or lawsuit he may face.
Stewart’s challenge is not only to clear his name, but to set things right in a manner that brings some relief and closure to this terrible tragedy.

That’s a process that is going to take an indeterminant amount of time.

Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary: London Rapper Identified As ISIS Militant Who Beheaded James Foley

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Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary has reportedly been identified the ISIS militant who beheaded American journalist James Foley in a video released this week.
Reports over the last several days had indicated that British intelligence forces were focusing in on the 23-year-old former London resident, who had achieved some fame in the UK for his rap career. Sources say that Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary left his family’s upscale home in London last year to join ISIS.
Bary is believed to have traveled to Syria, and recently tweeted a picture of himself holding a severed head.
Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary had a somewhat successful rap career, with some of his songs earning play on BBC radio. In early songs he made references to drug use and violence, as well as the threat of his family being deported to Egypt. His father, Adel Abdul Bary, was extradited from Britain to the United States on charges of terrorism in 2012 and was believed to be a close lieutenant of Osama bin Laden.
“It’s hard to progress in the future with a damaged past but still I try to count my blessings and I thank Allah,” he rapped in 2012.
“I’m trying to change my ways but there’s blood on my hands and I can’t change my ways until there’s funds in the bank.
“I can’t differentiate the angels from the demons, my heart’s disintegrating. I ain’t got normal feelings.
“Even my life’s blessed, still I will not find rest.”
In the James Foley beheading video, a masked executioner with a British accent read a statement warning the United States not to enter the conflict. The man later severed Foley’s neck with a knife and cut off is head.
Experts believe that British forces had likely identified Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary not long after the video was released.
Professor Peter Neumann, director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King’s College London, said authorities were likely quite familiar with the British suspect.
He said: “I’d be very surprised if they haven’t already narrowed it down to a small group of people.
“The video provides enough clues to show who is responsible. MI6 probably do have a rough idea already of where the hostages are. The intelligence agencies probably have it narrowed down to two or three people.”
British intelligence has not officially confirmed that Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary is the suspect in the James Foley beheading.

Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/1429387/abdel-majed-abdel-bary-london-rapper-identified-as-isis-militant-who-beheaded-james-foley/#ZdLVP3wJYxme8yFR.99

Kirk Cameron Says Loss Of Faith In Evolution Led Him To God During ‘Growing Pains’

Kirk Cameron became famous for his role in the popular TV show Growing Pains, but the actor says it was at the peak of his popularity that he found God.
In a related report by The Inquisitr, the latest big movie from Cameron was called Unstoppable, which attempted to discuss the problem of evil.
Growing up as a child actor, Kirk Cameron says he began to question certain beliefs he was taught in school, including the theory of evolution:

“I think eventually if people are thoughtful you start asking grown up questions like, ‘How did the world get started? Where did we come from? Where are we going? Why are we here?’ and I guess when I, as a child, I just sort of had blind faith in the fairytale that they way we got here was from goo to the zoo to you,” he said. “I finally said that doesn’t sound right and someone took me to church and kind of opened my eyes to what I believe is the truth about who we are and why we’re here and so when I was about 18 years old I wanted to start living my life in a way that said thank you to the way God made me.”

Kirk’s stance on evolution and creationism has earned him plenty of critics over the years. Even though Cameron has not released a movie or video on the subject, there are atheists who still discuss the debates to this day. For example, one atheist made the ice bucket challenge in this manner:
Today, Cameron wears the label of “Christian actor” proudly, and when he makes a movie, his stories “are really about themes that I think resonate in people’s heart, at least they do in my own family.” His latest movie, Mercy Rule, was released straight to DVD. It’s a story about a local little league that teaches a lesson about “mercy, patience, sacrifice and trusting God.”
Cameron also has a message for fellow Hollywood celebrities, claiming that they need to set a good example:

“I think that when anyone is in the spotlight…you’re always going to be held to a higher standard and we should be held to a higher standard because we’re influencing more people than others might be. With the privilege of a platform comes great responsibility…[We've] got to be careful with what we say and how we say it and everything should be seasoned with grace and while I certainly I don’t do that perfectly, I strive to do it increasingly.”

Do you agree with Kirk Camera that celebrities need to set a higher standard?
[Image via KirkCameron.com]

Robin Thicke Moves On With Katie Holmes After Giving Up On Winning Paula Patton Back

Robin Thicke has apparently given up on winning back estranged wife Paula Patton and is now turning his attention to a new lady in Hollywood — Katie Holmes.
After he was publicly caught cheating last year, Robin vowed to win back his wife’s love and even released an entire album designed to win her affections again. The album, named Paula, was in part a big public apology for his behavior. There was even a music video that featured a Paula Patton look-a-like and a text about how Robin had “embarrassed” his partner.
But the album flopped, selling only a disappointing 30,000 copies in the United States. And even worse for Robin Thicke, his former wife wasn’t moved at all by his public apologies and did not favor reconciliation.
That may be in the past now, with reports that Robin Thicke is starting a relationship with actress Katie Holmes. The two met on the set of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, when Paula Patton and Tom Cruise were shooting scenes together, and reportedly have renewed their relationship.
“She dropped him an email recently to see how he was, knowing he was going through divorce hell,” an insider told New Idea. “And he was so happy to hear from her.”
Robin and Katie haven’t actually been together yet, and certainly not a couple, but are arranging a date in the near future.
“They’ve arranged a date in New York after his tour ends this month,” the insider said. “Everyone’s encouraging this as they have so much in common and if anyone can get him over Paula, it’s Katie.”
The two had already bonded during their brief time together, insiders said.
“Robin totally leaned on Katie,” the source continued. “As she was in the same boat with Suri, who was four at the time.”
“She was invaluable with her advice on looking after a new baby. They bonded over tips and music after he heard her sing to Suri.”
There is no confirmation that Robin Thicke and Katie Holmes are dating, but it appears his bid to win back Paula Patton is finished.

Padma Lakshmi's Emmys Ritual: "It Puts You In the Mood!"

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You'd think someone like Padma Lakshmi would have a fancy breakfast the day of the Emmys.
But no, the Top Chef host keeps it simple.
"I'm going to wake up and I'm going to have a big fat breakfast," Lakshmi told me Thursday at Audi's pre-Emmys party at Cecconi's in West Hollywood. "Probably a lot of protein like eggs and yogurt. Lots of coffee and juice. And then I'm going to have a lot of laughs and slap on some lipstick."
Laughs will include some at her own expense. "I like to have family heckling me while I'm getting my makeup done," Lakshmi said. "My mom usually comes out because my daughter is with me and it's fun."
PHOTOS: See Padma Lakshmi and more stars at last year's Emmys!

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She also teased that she has an Emmys "ritual." "I can't you what it is," Lakshmi said. "I mean some rituals are private. But it gets you in the mood. Yeah, puts you in the mood."
Top Chef is up for Outstanding Reality Competition Program for the eighth year in a row. It went home with the award in 2010.
Season 12 of Top Chef, which filmed in Boston, premieres on Oct. Shameless star Emmy Rossum will make an appearance and Top Chef winner Richard Blais will be on hand as a "recurring judge."

Kate Middleton Concerned About Queen’s Health And Miscarriage Rumors Addressed

Kate Middleton has become an instant celebrity, with eyes affixed to her every movement, similar to the way Princess Diana was idolized. In her short time as a princess and member of the Royal Family, she has been the victim of rumors and debate over her relationship with the Queen and the whether or not she is pregnant. Finally, there may be answers to both debates.
Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton come from quite different backgrounds, upbringings, and are members of completely different generations. So, assuming that they will be best friends or worst enemies is rather unfair. They will not always see eye to eye, but assuming that they are bitter enemies is unfounded. In reality, Kate Middleton sees Queen Elizabeth as the glue that keeps the family together, and fears that her support is essential to maintaining the tight knit family. According to Celeb Dirty Laundry, the relationship between Kate and the Queen is quite supportive both ways.

“Things may get tense at times, like when Kate get’s photographed half-naked, but the love is still there and Kate realizes that after the 88-year old monarch dies she will have few family members really in her corner. Kate and Prince William are trying to get pregnant now – as they have made clear since their trip to Australia and New Zealand, so Queen Elizabeth’s support is more important than ever.”

All in all, Kate Middleton is compared to Princess Diana in every aspect. The unjust comparison creates an imaginary perception that Kate and the Queen are bitter enemies, but we really cannot be sure how their relationship unfolds behind closed doors. The Queen, undoubtedly, loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, so it can only be assumed that she would love and welcome their spouses into the family as well.
Another rumor that has been spreading is the pregnancy, miscarriage, and naming of Kate Middleton’s unborn child. Celeb Dirty Laundry tackled this issue as well, and presented onlookers with some common sense.

“Kate suddenly started making more public appearances over the last two weeks, and her bloat and weight gain suddenly disappeared. She started looking like herself again, which in turn sparked the miscarriage rumors. Now, this one I’m more hesitant to believe, only because I don’t think Will and Kate would have the enthusiasm to be making public appearances if Kate just suffered a miscarriage – and they are making a LOT of public appearances recently.”

Kate has shown that the first trimester of pregnancy plagues her with morning sickness, which would prevent her from any serious travel. Even if a new pregnancy did not muster the sickness, doctors would surely err on the side of caution. With upcoming travel plans, we can assume that she is not currently pregnant, or they would not attempt attending the wedding in Italy. We will most likely be informed of a pregnancy before the end of the year, as Kate plans to extend her family, but without solid proof of a miscarriage or current pregnancy, we can put those rumors to bed.
Why do you think the world cares so much about Kate and the fairy tale life she leads?

William Shatner Exposes Backstabbing, Egos, And Infighting At TNG

William Shatner shows the conflict-ridden, crazy first two years of production for Star Trek: The Next Generation in the new documentary William Shatner Presents: Chaos on the Bridge. The documentary takes an especially in-depth look at the role of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.
And Shatner’s documentary is already being applauded by critics.
The Sun called it “a rich, raucous look at the messy birth of TV’s most famous utopian future, and the two years that nearly ended the whole thing before it started.”
And Shatner himself says this is “really, the best thing I’ve done.” High praise from a man who became the icon of the entire franchise.
In Chaos on the Bridge, William Shatner conducts candid interviews with TNG cast members like Sir Patrick Stewart, Denise Crosby, Jonathan Frakes, and John de Lancie, which reveal a situation of confusion. The cast didn’t seem sure they should even be making a new Star Trek series at all.
Patrick Stewart was not anyone’s first choice to sit in the captain’s seat, while the American cast members were causing ruckus off-screen.
However, nothing seems as noteworthy as the struggle in the writer’s room.
Shatner originally presented the idea for the documentary under the name Wacky Doodle, because writers described the first two years as insanity.
In an interview with Larry King, William Shatner described the problems with the writing process, saying:

“Roddenberry said there’s no conflict in 2400, there’s no conflict. And the writer’s said, what do you mean, drama is conflict. Everybody gets along. So they had to write a show with no conflict.”

There may have been no conflict in the year 2400, but in the writing room there obviously plenty. Twenty-four writers quit during the first three seasons of Star Trek: TNG, nearly triple the normal attrition rate for a TV show like Star Trek.
Most startling seems to be William Shatner’s presentation of Gene Roddenberry.
According to the book, Gene Roddenberry: The Myth and the Man Behind Star Trek, he was struggling with health problems of the brain such as cerebrovascular disease that led him to abuse a variety of drugs including marijuana and cocaine. The drug abuse was compounded by the deteriorating effects of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Despite all of this, he took a hands-on approach in creating the first two seasons of Star Trek until he ultimately let go by the third season.
For his part, William Shatner says he didn’t know Roddenberry that well when he was playing Captain Kirk.
William Shatner Presents: Chaos on the Bridge will debut Monday, August 25, at 9 pm ET/MT on HBO Canada.