A meteor streaked across the sky and exploded over Russia's Ural Mountains with the power of an atomic bomb Friday, its sonic blasts shattering countless windows and injuring nearly 1,000 people. The spectacle deeply frightened many Russians, with some elderly women declaring that the world was coming to an end. Many of the injured were cut by flying glass as they flocked to windows to see what the source was for such an intense flash of light. The meteor -- estimated to be about 10 tons and just 2 meters across -- entered the Earth's atmosphere at a hypersonic speed of at least 33,000 mph and shattered into pieces about 18-32 miles above the ground, the Russian Academy of Sciences said in a statement. 'We saw a big burst of light then went outside to see what it was and we heard a really loud thundering sound.' - Eyewitness Sergey Hametov, a resident of Chelyabinsk, the biggest city in the affected region Amateur video showed an object speeding across the sky about 9:20 a.m. local time, just after sunrise, leaving a thick white contrail and an intense flash. "There was panic. People had no idea what was happening," said Sergey Hametov, a resident of Chelyabinsk, a city of 1 million about 930 miles east of Moscow. "We saw a big burst of light, then went outside to see what it was and we heard a really loud, thundering sound," he told The Associated Press by telephone. The meteor released several kilotons of energy above the region, the science academy said. The shock wave blew in more than 1 million square feet of glass, according to city officials. The meteor hit less than a day before Asteroid 2012 DA14 is to make the closest recorded pass of an asteroid to the Earth -- about 17,150 miles. But the European Space Agency in a tweet said its experts had determined there was no connection -- just cosmic coincidence. The Russian meteor was probably about 2 meters across, about the size of an SUV, said Richard Binzel, a professor of Planetary Science at MIT. Read more
The 18-year-old Kennedy scion, who had a short-lived romance with the country singer last summer, was arrested at the White House on Wednesday – alongside his famous father, environmental lawyer and political activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a rep for the United States Park Police confirms to omg!.
Father and son were among dozens other protesters – including actress Daryl Hannah – who attached themselves to the White House gate in an act of civil disobedience to bring attention to the issue of climate change. The group was demanding that President Obama reject the Keystone XL oil pipeline, which they say would carry “dirty oil” that contributes to global warming.
A total of 48 protesters were arrested in all outside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but, as Conor and Bobby were led away, they were both cheered by name.
Faith Hills Braces? She's got Something To Say About Them!
(Yahoo!) - Faith Hill may be all of 45 years old, but the blond beauty is making waves for something usually reserved for teenagers—namely, braces on her teeth! After proudly flashing her bracketed smile at the Grammys, searches online rocketed for “Faith Hill braces.”
Turns out Hill’s had the braces for some time. They were in full evidence at November’s Country Music Association Awards, and she told reporters she’d had them for about four months at that point. The singer had worn braces as a kid, but, as she explained to radio station KNIX, “"I forgot to wear my retainer--kids, wear your retainer!”
Hill’s cheerfully matter-of-fact attitude about fixing her shifted teeth—and, probably as well, the resulting implication that you’re never too old for self-improvement--charmed many out there. The country superstar is happy she was able to make such a positive statement.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.