Posted: 10:21 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2011
Suspect, No Motive In Kids' Killings; Tea Partier Sentenced For Attacking Obama Supporter; Lawyer Says Cop's Porn Shopping Was County Business
By Veronica Waters
- A 28-year-old man is jailed without bond in Wednesday's stabbings of four members of a Gwinnett County family. Two toddlers were killed at the Huntington Falls subdivision; another toddler and the children's father were wounded in the house on Bridle Path Drive. There are rumors of a previous relationship between suspect Antonio Cardenas-Rico and the boys' mother. Cardenas-Rico is said to have a wife and two children in Las Vegas. He does not speak English, and police say his alleged motive remains a mystery.
- Georgia families soon may have the option of forcing school districts to adopt drastic reforms to turn around troubled schools. The measure is drawing opposition from teachers' groups and other education organizations, who say parents should be involved in schools long before it is failing. The bill would allow parents to petition for overhauls including converting the school to a charter, replacing all the staff--or even closing it.
- A Gwinnett County tea partier will serve eight years for attacking a supporter of President Obama at a bar. Larry Morgan convicted of breaking several of Patrick O'Neill's bones with a pool stick. Happened a few days after the inauguration in 2009. Witnesses say Morgan was insulting the new president and when O'Neill and his friends started poking fun, Morgan grabbed the cue and started swinging.
- A woman says she feels lucky to be alive after plunging into Lake Lanier from an icy bridge four stories up. Bianca Vera was looking at her sideswiped car near the Gainesville marina when she saw an oncoming semi truck--and she jumped into the water. Vera says she felt like her legs were broken as she swallowed water and pressed on, but feared she would die if she stopped. Vera, 22, says she swam 45 minutes toward shore until Gainesville firefighters pulled her to safety.
- The DOT is outlawing those roadside memorials people set up after a loved one dies on the highway, calling them a safety hazard. Now, the ageny will offer their own memorial signs--at a cost of $100 a pop. The DOT will be responsible for setting up the signs, then taking them down at the end of the mandatory yearlong time period.
- The lawyer for an ex-Gwinnett County cop indicted on fraud charges for buying stuff on a county credit card is defending his client's actions--including purchases made at an adult superstore. The attorney, Page Pate, contends David Ray Butler went shopping at Starship for department business. Pate explains that Butler's duties included monitoring the sale of unlawful pornography, and that Butler and other officers occasionally purchased porn that they thought might be illegal.
- New moms, the IRS now says you can take your breast pump as a tax deduction. Previously, the tax man considered the pumps to be feeding equipment, not medical devices eligible for deductions on tax returns or in flex spending accounts.
- The woman who admitted lying about a 2010 boating accident on Lake Allatoona that killed a Cobb County police officer has been sentenced to six months home confinement and eight years probation. Shelley Powell, 36, who was having an affair with former Cobb County police officer Ken Reda, lied to Cherokee County investigators about being on the boat the night Officer Brett Stevens drowned.
- Authorities in North Carolina say it's not how they wanted the bank robbery to end. Police say 19-year-old Devon Mitchell held up to seven hostages in a bank in Cary, and was shot dead when he came out pointing a gun to one's head. Mitchell had released several hostages during a tense three-hour standoff. Cops say a person Mitchell didn't know about had hidden inside and helped them with the situation.
- A Texas judge will decide who'll get the crown of Miss San Antonio. This, after the pageant yanked the crown from the 17-year-old winner after nine months. Domonique Ramirez says she was ousted because she's gained weight. The pageant counters that it was because Ramirez was chronically late, insubordinate and that when she bothered to show up to events she was wearing a dirty sash, or the wrong outfits--because she couldn't fit in the clothes they gave her.
- The KISS 104.1 weather forecast: a mix of clouds and sun, high 47, lows 19-27. Saturday and Sunday, sunshine with highs in the mid-50s.
Valentine's Day For the Clueless: Cynthia Young Has Found a Valentine's Gift Guide
SOURCE: Valentine's Gift Guide from BlackAmericaWeb.com! For the Grown and Sexy Sexy Stackers Game ($29.95) For the Manly Man Ballpark Cufflinks ($149) Shari's Berries (from $19.99)
It's Jenga with a sexy twist! You and your partner take turns removing one block at a time, and then place it on top of the tower. Pick a block with an action message on it and you must perform that action on your partner before your turn is over. Add sizzle to your night with actions such as "Take off a piece of clothing" and "Blindfold your partner." The game is over when the structure topples (or you end it early.) The winner is the last person to stack a block without the tower falling.
Strawberries and Champagne Kama Sutra Kit ($49.95)
Everything's better with strawberries and a little champagne, right? Add the centuries-old principles of the intimacy-enhancing Kama Sutra and you're in for a very interesting Valentine's Day evening. This very attractive kit includes a strawberry-flavored body dust, a feather tickler applicator, strawberry and champagne oils and a pleasure balm. This kit is sure to please for Valentine's Day and beyond.
A Romantic Getaway
There's nothing like a vacation for two, complete with love, relaxation and bliss. What's the cost? It all depends on your budget. Go the least expensive route and keep it local. Go out for a romantic dinner and a show then retire to an upscale hotel in town. Or splurge and book a weekend long trip to a bed & breakfast or island spa paradise. It's up to you as long as romance is on the menu.
For the Outdoorsy Type
REI giftcard
This is for the true outdoor enthusiast. REI has everything the outdoorsy type would dream of. From snow and cycling gear to solar-powered radios and waterproof digital cameras, it's easy to spoil the one you love for Valentine's Day. And there's nothing easier than a gift card.
Picnic Backpack ($79.95)
This is the perfect setting for a romantic evening. A picnic filled with a delicious, home-cooked meal or catered cuisine and great wine in front of the fireplace screams 'infinite possibility.' The Picnic Backpack makes it all possible. The bag includes everything you'll need to make it happen: soft, felt blanket, melamine plates, goblets, flatware and napkins, plus a bread knife, wooden cutting board, salt and pepper shakers and a corkscrew. You can even chill your wine with the detachable wine cooler. Although the picnic can take place outdoors, why not bring the romance in from the cold?
Adventure Packages
A little adventure can go a long way. Adventure packages are a hot trend in the travel industry and are for more than the person completing their bucket list. Take a lakefront bike tour in Chicago, treasure hunt in an "Amazing Race" trip or become weightless during flying trapeze training. The possibilities are endless, fun and affordable.
For the Indoorsy Type
A Beautiful Piece of Art
If you or a loved one would rather enjoy the comforts of home than go out any day, why not have some great art to adorn your walls? Art is sold just about everywhere these days, even your local Blockbuster. Think of your lover's favorite things and find them depicted on canvass. A great handmade portrait can also be romantic.
Towel Spa ($79.99)
Ever enjoyed the warmth of a thick, heated towel after an awesome spa treatment? Now you give these pieces of heaven to your sweetie to enjoy every day with the Towel Spa warmer. It heats up to two 70"x40" bath towels, socks, even blankets. It's the perfect end to a luxurious bath.
Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set ($253.99)
For all that your honey does for you, he or she deserves a great night's sleep. Wrap them in love with a soft Egyptian linen set. This import from Italy is cool, crisp and made from the best 100% extra long staple Egyptian cotton.
For the Girly Girl
Purse Hanger and Mirror ($19.95)
If a lady puts her purse on the floor, she'll always be broke. Old wives' tale? Who knows. But just in case you do believe in it, here's the answer. This trendy, Swarovski crystal-adorned fold-up purse hanger and mirror is the perfect gift for the sophisticated lady. It also stores easily as a keychain or can hang from a purse strap.
Bamboo Bath Caddy ($44)
The true girly girl will religiously soak her delicate skin in a warm, silky bath on a regular basis. The Bamboo Bath Caddy is an essential part of this experience. This super sturdy, modern caddy comes with a wine glass holder, adjustable arms and a fold-away book support.
Valentine's Day Homemade Spa
Add a little romance to your lady's weekly spa treatment by giving her a spa treatment at home. Purchase a great facial product, massage oils, a great spa robe and slippers and some fruit, cheese and wine to create a relaxing environment. You can even give her a personalized coupon prior to her spa day.
Personalized Coasters ($49.95)
These game-themed coasters are the essential to complete your man's man cave. Choose from pool, poker, football, golf or pub themes.
Beer of the Month Club membership ($22.95 per month and up)
What is a man without his beer? A gift membership in the Beer of the Month Club will have your man grinning from ear to ear. Each month, he'll receive via mail twelve full-sized bottles of specialty beers from independent breweries from across the U.S. Choose from 3, 6, and 12 month clubs.
Travel Gadget Charger and Organizer ($39.95)
If your mate is a frequent travelling techy, this gadget charger and organizer may be just what he or she needs. Easily charge a camera, cell phone, MP3 player or any electronic. One wall outlet, one power cord, convenient.
For the Reader
Personalized Romance Novel ($34.95)
Imagine being the star of a romance novel. Make your romance fantasies come true by ordering a personalized romance novel. Dive into this 180-page novel, complete with you and your partner's nicknames, eye color, favorite food, music, perfume, lingerie color, etc.
The Story of a Lifetime Memoir ($59.95)
Memories are forever and passing on those memories bind families together. The Story of a Lifetime Memoir is a large, matte-finish hardcover book that tells a person's life story. By answering questions like, "What is a typical family meal?" and "What was your engagement proposal like?" including almost 500 more about childhood, leaving home, college, etc. others get a glimpse of history. This is a great heirloom to pass on to the next generation.
Kindle ($139)
This is the ultimate book reader's luxury item. Great for those long flights, jury duty must-haves or for simply lounging around, Kindle is lightweight, compact and fun to use. It has built-in Wi-fi, a one-month battery life and can store up to 3,500 books.
For the Sports fan
NFL Shop ($19.99 and up)
If your sweetie goes into deep depression after the Super Bowl, then lift his or her spirits with a gift from the NFL Pro Shop. Choose from t-shirts, jerseys, hats, collectibles and other licensed items.
Personalized New York Times Football History Book ($89)
This is for the true football enthusiast. This hardcover, monogrammed book contains full-page articles from The New York Times that highlight the NFL's history-making moments. Give it a personal touch by specifying a team to chronicle and have your guy's full name (up to 22 characters) etched on the cover.
For the baseball fanatic, these sentimental collector's items are truly a piece of history. Crafted from salvaged seat from American's most famous stadiums, the Ballpark Cufflinks are original, coated in the original paint of the stadium seat colors.
For the Music/TV Lover
Mix Tape USB Stick ($20.98)
Thought mixed tapes were a thing of the past? Think again. Now you can go back in time and create a mix tape for your honey. Pick his or her favorite old school music or slow jams, save them on a USB stick, which hold 64 MB) and give it to your boo, nestled in an 80's style mix tape cover. Don't forget to write down the song titles on the old school paper insert.
The Best of Soul Train ($29.49)
Do the bump with your Valentine down a good, old-fashioned Soul Train line. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic show of the 70's with 'The Best of Soul Train' 3-DVD set. Enjoy the series that changed the American culture. Re-live memorable performances by stars like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and more, ground-breaking fashions and dance moves. Don't miss this train!
Aretha Franklin Box Set ($185.72)
Who doesn't love the Queen of Soul? This new box set features hits from Aretha Franklin's years at Columbia records. It includes seven full-length albums and a 48-page booklet with original photos by Columbia staff photographer Don Hunstein.
For the Foodie
Groupon
This is for the foodie who not only loves great food, but also loves great food at a discount. Go to Groupon.com and take your honey out to experience fine dining without breaking the budget. Get deals on bed and breakfast getaways, wine tastings and many other outings.
What's Valentine's Day without some delectable, chocolate-covered strawberries? Instead of flowers, send a bouquet of strawberries to your food lover. Try a half-dozen berries dipped in coconut, chocolate and white chocolate swirl and nuts. Or go for the full dozen berries with a dozen roses. Hurry and take advantage of the exclusive special for TJMS listeners.
Candlelight Dinner for Two
This may seem cliché, but many couples still find the classics completely satisfying. Set the stage for a great evening by creating the perfect romantic setting. Prepare a delicious meal, irresistible dessert and spirits. Pull out the fine china and pick some great music. Now dim the lights and light the candles. Enjoy!
For the Hopeless Romantic
Legendary Love Letters ($39.95)
Love letter writing is a dying art. Bring it back to life with Legendary Love Letters. Give this gift, filled with beautiful love letters written by famous historical figures. Each one of the fourteen love letters is placed in its own envelope and tied with a satin ribbon then encased in a book-shaped keepsake box. And to top it off, you can create your own personalized love letter by choosing from our templates. This is the perfect gift for the hopeless romantic.
Flowers ($19.95 and up)
Every romantic loves to receive flowers. Make Valentine's Day extra special with a bouquet from Pro Flowers. Choose from long-stemmed roses, tulips, orchids, lilies and a variety of others. Don't miss the TJMS listener special!
Scrapbook
Scrapbooking isn't just for the crafty woman. Guys and girls alike can create a sentimental, love-filled scrapbook for that special someone. Compile a book of love poems and letters, pictures and keepsakes that show them just how much they're loved.
For You
A Day Off
For many hard-working folks, this can be a priceless gift that. Hire a sitter and get out of the house for a day of rest and relaxation. Hire a maid service, take a day off from work, treat yourself to lunch and a spa treatment. Show yourself some love.
Throw a Party
If you're single and proud of it, this is a hot new trend. For those who don't subscribe to Valentine's Day, this is a way to celebrate friendships and love for yourself. Decorate with a heart theme or a theme of your choice, play games, chill the wine and serve awesome finger foods and desserts. Visit the Quirky Alone website for other ideas on hosting a party like this.
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