Illinois Senate ousts Blagojevich: Senator is thrown Out of Office

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Gov. Rod Blagojevich was convicted at his impeachment trial and thrown out of office Thursday, ending a nearly two-month crisis that erupted with his arrest on charges he tried to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.

Blagojevich becomes the first U.S. governor in more than 20 years to be removed by impeachment.

After a four-day trial, the Illinois Senate voted 59-0 to convict him of abuse of power, automatically ousting the second-term Democrat. Democratic Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, one of his critics, immediately became governor.
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In a second 59-0 vote, the Senate further barred Blagojevich from ever holding public office in Illinois again.

"I'm obviously saddened and disappointed by what's happened, but not surprised," Blagojevich said outside his Chicago home after being removed from office.

"It's a very dangerous precedent to set," he said. "Because a whole bunch of politicians have their own agenda."

Blagojevich's ordeal is far from over. Federal prosecutors are expected to bring a corruption indictment against him by April, after which a trial date will be set.

"He failed the test of character. He is beneath the dignity of the state of Illinois. He is no longer worthy to be our governor," said Sen. Matt Murphy, a Republican from suburban Chicago.

Quinn took the oath of office moments after the Senate vote. Though Quinn has served two terms under Blagojevich, the two had little in common. In fact, Quinn has said the men have not spoken in more than a year, and Blagojevich said last year that Quinn was not even part of his administration.

Deficit of more than $3 billion
Quinn is a 60-year-old former state treasurer and tax attorney. He is best known for his efforts to cut big government and protect the little guy. One of the most pressing issues for him is the state's deficit of more than $3 billion. Blagojevich's ordeal is far from over. Federal prosecutors are expected to bring a corruption indictment against him by April, after which a trial date will be set.

Both of Illinois' U.S. senators issued statements following the impeachment.

"Today's conviction speaks loud and clear that there are serious issues preventing him from fulfilling his responsibilities and I support putting new leadership in place," said Democrat Roland Burris, who was appointed to the seat by Blagojevich.

"It is now time to close this chapter in Illinois history," said Dick Durbin, also a Democrat. "The State of Illinois is in need of a fresh start. I look forward to working with Governor Pat Quinn to move our state forward."

Blagojevich, 52, had boycotted the first three days of the impeachment trial, calling the proceedings a kangaroo court. But on Thursday, he went before the Senate to beg for his job, delivering a 47-minute plea that was, by turns, defiant, humble and sentimental.

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SERIUS JONES KILLS CHARLES SO CALM

SOCCER PLAYER BECKHAM GOING TO JAIL?

We just found the lawsuit, filed last month in L.A. County Superior Court, in which Emicles Da Mata claims on December 7, 2008, he had stopped his car on a Beverly Hills street when Beckham reached through the driver's window and grabbed his camera and attempted to wrestle it from him. Da Mata was holding the camera at the time.

The lawsuit claims Beckham's bodyguard -- also a defendant -- then beat him repeatedly, grabbed the camera and threw it in a trash can. The picture on the left shows two of Beckham's bodyguards on top of Da Mata.

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JUELZ COULD POSSIBLY BE THE BEST RAPPER IN NY

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OBAMA'S EXCLUSIVE LETTER TO HIS CHILDREN

Next Tuesday, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President. On this historic occasion, PARADE asked the President-elect, who is also a devoted family man, to get personal and tell us what he wants for his children. Here, he shares his letter to them.


Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn’t make up for all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It’s a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you’ve had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

APPLE'S STEVE JOBS VERY ILL AND STEPPING DOWN

Apple has issued a statement saying that Steve Jobs is taking a leave of absence due to health reasons. Steve Jobs sent out a letter to Apple employees today saying that his previously-explained health problems are "more complex" than he at first thought, and that he plans to return in June. In the meantime Steve will be around for major strategic decisions, and Tim Cook (Apple's Chief Operating Officer) will take over the day-to-day in his absence. AAPL is down around 8% in after hours trading.

The full letter is below:

Team,

I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.

In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple's day to day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.

I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.

Steve

NY KNICK'S EDDIE CURRY SUED FOR SEXUAL HARRASMENT...BY A MAN!!!

A man who worked as a driver for Eddy Curry is suing the New York Knick's center, alleging Curry owes him money, sexually harassed him and berated him with racist slurs, but you know Curry denies the allegations.
"I'm shocked, really," said Curry. "He approached my friends a while back, trying to get money. I just never, ever thought it would go past what it did, which was just idle threats, money-or-else kind of stuff."
Dave Kuchinsky alleges in the lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in New York that Curry owes him $98,000 in back pay and expenses. Newsday reported Tuesday that Kuchinsky is also seeking $5 million in compensatory damages.Kuchinsky also accuses Curry of exposing himself and harassing the former driver and said Curry referred to his Jewish heritage in a derogatory way, calling him a "cracker," "white slave," "white devil" and "grandmaster of the KKK." Curry said he never made such comments."Everyone who knows me knows I'm not a racist. I've never made a comment like that, playing, or nothing," Curry said. "Aside from the fact I wouldn't do it because I'm not racist, I wouldn't do it because I wouldn't want someone to play with me like that. That's incredible, man." Curry portrayed the lawsuit against him as a desperate ploy for money by Kuchinsky, who was his employee for three years ending last October. "It's like a prime example of you got to watch who's around you," Curry said. "This is a guy who I really thought he was my friend up until the last four, five months. I can't even believe this happened. ... I can't believe it went this far. I can't believe someone would represent something like that."

DIDDY SHEDS A TEAR TALKING ABOUT THE NEW BIGGIE MOVIE

KAT WILLIAMS ENDS STEVE HARVEY'S CAREER NEW YEARS EVE

HERE IS JUST A PREVIEW OF WHAT KAT WILLIAMS HAD TO SAY ABOUT STEVE. NOT ONLY DID HE END HIS CAREER, HE LETS THE WORLD KNOW THAT STEVE IS NOT THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF COMEDY.

THE NEW JORDANS HOT OR NOT?

I KNOW I SAID IM DONE WITH JORDANS BUT THESE ARE KIND OF HOT...

50CENT DISSES JAY-Z AT THE END OF HIS NEWEST FREESTYLE

LIL WAYNE SET TO DO A ROCK ALBUM

According to hiphopdx.com, rapper Drake revealed recently that Lil Wayne's latest project will be a rock album.
"Wayne's coming out with a new album, it's a rock album," said Drake in an interview with MuchMusic.com. "A complete rock album. I have a song on there."

The rapper likened the project to Kanye West's latest project. "It’s something different in just that whole 808s and Heartbreaks, just throwing individuals off."
Drake will be touring with Wayne in North America, stopping at Montreal on Jan. 14 and Toronto on Jan. 15. He has also signed a management deal with Kanye West managers Gee Roberson and Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua and Lil Wayne manager Cortez Bryant.

KAT WILLIAMS ADMITS TO GETTING PUNCHED IN THE FACE LAST WEEK

SERANI HELD AT GUNPOINT

It has been reported that reggae dancehall sensation Serani was robbed at gunpoint in the island of St.Croix, US Virgin Island. With hits for days, Serani performed in Guyana a week earlier and appeared in St.Croix on Saturday night. After his performance, Serani and his manager was dropped off at his hotel. It was reported that there just happened to be a set of robbers on the scene as the two alighted from their ride, who held up both parties at gunpoint, led them to their room and ordered them to lay face down, before robbing them. The coincidence in terms of the perfect timing of these Virgin Island robbers and their ‘perfect’ victims – who just got paid a tidy sum for performing, is leaving a sour taste in all forward thinkers’ mouths. I don't know about you guys, but something don't seem too right with this picture.

NEW EXCLUSIVE 50 CENT (I GET IT IN) "HOT OR NOT?"

Im not gonna front I think this might be the song to bring him back in front.

BOW WOW FINALLY APOLOGIZED TO DUPRI

After making a fool of himself turning his back on Jermaine Dupri,trying to copy the swag of TI and making wak songs with Soulja Boy, Bow Wow finally apologized and went home to daddy. I guess he won't be writing his songs anymore "thank god", now he will continue to let jermaine and Dabrat write his music like they always did.

Here is a world premiere of the first video together, sounds like he's begging for forgiveness to me. Check it out and tell us what you think.

BIG BRAWL NE-YO GETS HURT

Allegedly Tah-Tah "Jay-z's right hand man", Ne-yo and their crew bumped in to Jim Jones and his crew in the Louis Vuitton store. Employees of the store told us they had a few harsh words to each other and before you know it a big brawl broke out. Our sources tell us that Ne-yo ended up in bad shape bleeding.

we will find out more and let you know what really went down. Remember you read it first at upperclassmenmag.com

NEW T-PAIN MUSIC VIDEO FEAT CHRIS BROWN "FREEZE" HOT OR NOT?

Tell us what you think.

VOTE WHO YOU THINK SHOULD BE IN THE NBA ALL-STAR GAME HERE!

Now you can log on to classmen magazine and vote on the NBA all-star game. how hot is that?

JAMES BROWN HONORED WITH NY STREET NAMED AFTER HIM

Soul legend JAMES BROWN will be honoured with his own New York City street behind the famed Apollo Theater.
The block behind the theatre, which spurred his rise to fame, has been officially co-named James Brown Way.
The singer's name was among 49 included in a law signed by the city's Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Monday (29Dec08), and will be added to signs on 126th street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Boulevards.

Brown died of heart failure on Christmas Day in 2006 at the age of 73.

DIDDY'S FIRST GOOD DEED FOR THE NEW YEARS

Although he was unable to skin Time Square's New Years Eve ball in Ciroc blue, Diddy isn't fazed. Instead, he's planning something else for his fellow New Yorkers for the end of the year -- he wants you to get home safe.

According to Diddy's camp, he and Ciroc have teamed up with city Taxi & Limousine Commission and E! Entertainment to give away thousands of free cab rides on December 31st.

"New York is the world's most iconic New Year's Eve City, so let's lead by example and show everyone that a sophisticated holiday celebration doesn't just end when the ball drops, but when everyone gets home safely," the hip-hop mogul said in a statement.

Throughout the evening, Ciroc will have street teams in Times Square handing out debit cards that can be used for taxi rides.

As far as Diddy's $1 million offer to New York City to brand the New Year's Ball, his camp says that the mayor's office decided that the time frame was too small to make it happen. However, they say it may happen next New Year's Eve.

For anyone who wants to know more about Diddy's premium vodka, Ciroc, visit CirocVodka.com.