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Tornados Pound Oklahoma, Midwest

Ty Cobb — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:33:40 +0000

Overturned cars are seen after a massive tornado touched down near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma May 20, 2013. A devestating tornado struck an Oklahoma City suburb on Monday and the National Weather Service urged residents to immediately take cover as a large storm system in the middle of the country threatened to pummel as many as 10 states. STRINGER/Reuters/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive892896

Over the past week storms in the Midwest have spawned tornadoes across the region as the tornado season reaches its peak. Areas that have already been hit by tornadoes are being hit again as the large storm system moves slowly across the country affecting many states including Iowa, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri and most recently a two-mile wide monster wreaking havoc through Moore, Oklahoma this afternoon. Initial reports put today’s tornado just outside of Oklahoma City as an F4 tornado that has killed at least 37 people.

As temperatures continue to heat up in June, the threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes will continue to be high for those living in the Midwest. There are almost 62 million people living the areas where tornadoes could pop up according the National Weather Service. To save lives people should listen to warnings from authorities and be prepared to find shelter immediately.

The extreme winds and hail in the storm around the tornado can damage houses cars and other property of that not directly in the path of the tornado making emergency response hard. As devastating as the property damage is during each tornado season it can all be rebuilt in time as they have proven before.

We will continue to fallow the storm as it moves across the country and bring you images from all of the storms as we get them into Newscom.

Detailed map of downtown Moore, Okla., locating path of Monday’s devastating tornado and compares it to the path of the 1999 tornado, which had the most powerful winds ever recorded; locates destroyed elementary schools. Staff/MCT/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: krtgfxlive043515

A shredded tree stands amid debris after a massive tornado touched down in the town of Moore, near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma May 20, 2013. A huge tornado with winds of up to 200 miles per hour (320 kph) tore through the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore on Monday, ripping up at least two schools and leaving a wake of tangled wreckage as a dangerous storm system threatened as many as 10 U.S. states. STRINGER/Reuters/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive892904

Law enforcement officials arrive on the scene after a huge tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, near Oklahoma City, May 20, 2013. The powerful tornado that struck the town of Moore, Oklahoma, on Monday was given a preliminary rating of at least EF4, or the second highest strength level, with winds of up to 200 miles per hour (321 kph), a U.S. government agency said. STRINGER/Reuters/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive892917

A semi-tractor trailer (top) rests on its side against the guard rails on Interstate 40 as another trailer lies broken open on the road below after falling from I-40, following a tornado strike near Highway 177 north of Shawnee, Oklahoma May 19, 2013. A tornado half a mile wide struck near Oklahoma City on Sunday, part of a massive storm front that hammered the central United States. News reports said at least one person had died. BILL WAUGH/REUTERS/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive891837

A man peers through the wreckage in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the United States, May 20, 2013. Two men were confirmed dead after tornadoes hit the U.S. state of Oklahoma, officials said Monday. Tornadoes ravaged portions of central Oklahoma on Sunday, according to media reports. Marcus DiPaola Xinhua News Agency/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: xnaphotos245801

The funnel of a tornadic thunderstorm almost touches the ground near South Haven, in Kansas May 19, 2013. A massive storm front swept north through the central United States on Sunday, hammering the region with fist-sized hail, blinding rain and tornadoes, including a half-mile wide twister that struck near Oklahoma City. News reports said at least one person had died. GENE BLEVINS/REUTERS/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive891926

A tornado is pictured near a home in South Haven, Kansas May 19, 2013. A massive storm front swept north through the central United States on Sunday. GENE BLEVINS/REUTERS/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive891931

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Just for Smiles: Flowers In The Rain

Annabelle Quinn — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:33:20 +0000

Glacier Lily with drops of rain, Mt Rainier national park, Washington, USA. Arco Images / Weyers, Luidger Image Broker/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ibphotos127847

Rain, rain go away, come again another day… That’s how we are feeling a little bit here in Utah as each day for the past week has brought rain storms across the state. With the temperatures finally reaching summer like degrees we have been itching to venture into the great outdoors as we watch the landscape turn greener and everything start to bloom. April showers certainly brought May flowers.

So as we have remained stuck inside watching the rain trickle from the sky, we have decided not to let the gloom get to us. There is something mystical about fresh precipitation during the spring months. Raindrops dotting everything in their reach leave a sort of sparkling exterior to the world around us. The rain cleanses and refreshes nature. Flowers seem to twinkle.

And that is exactly what we want to highlight in today’s Just for Smiles post: flowers in the rain. We have some absolutely stunning images of the already beautiful plants dampened, soaked or sprinkled by rainfall. So be sure to check out all the images here and more we have back at Newscom or flowers in the rain.

Seerose covered with Drops of water. imago stock&people/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: imagostock487952

Close Up Of Hen And Chicks Plant With Rain Drops; Calgary Alberta Canada. Design Pics / Michael Interisano/Michael Interisano/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: depphotos130527

Morning dew drops on aster blossom. Michael Peuckert Image Broker/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ibpremium166125

Red rose with rain drops. Daniel Schoenen Image Broker/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ibpremium251449

Oregon, united states of america; a dahlia field in willamette valley. Design Pics / Craig Tuttle/Craig Tuttle / Design Pics/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: depphotos112875

Wild flowers, raindrops. imago stock&people/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: imagostock431671

Purple tulip in the rain. Jürgen Müller Image Broker/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ibphotos123765

Close-up of bearded iris in rain. R. Todd Davis Stock Connection Worldwide/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: scphotos005666

Orange rose blossom with morning dew drops in Wisley Gardens, England. Michael Peuckert Image Broker/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ibpremium166115

Aster (Aster dumosus) after a rain shower. Klaus Wagenhäuser Image Broker/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ibphotos163310

Flower in the rain. Hammond HSN/Design Pics/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: depphotos026418

Close Up Of Rain Drops On A Purple Veined Flower Petals; Calgary Alberta Canada. Design Pics / Michael Interisano/Michael Interisano/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: depphotos130505

Rain falling on a tulip. Design Pics / Craig Tuttle/Craig Tuttle / Design Pics/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: depphotos115100

Rose flower in rain. Arco Images / Ruegner, Martin Image Broker/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ibphotos126958

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20 Pictures of Famous Weddings

Heather Godfrey — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:47:33 +0000

Singer Elvis Presley and his bride, the former Priscilla beaulieu, are shown at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, after their wedding on May 1, 1967.Presle y, 32, and Beaulieu, 21, both from Memphis, met while he was stationed in Ge rmany with the US Army. /SIPA/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: sipaphotos108393

The flowers are blooming, the sky is a brilliant blue most days, and the tanning beds are in full swing. Yes, ’tis the season of cake cutting, bachelorette parties, and honeymooners. The approaching wedding season has made us pause to look back at some of the more famous couples in history.It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty that love and a lot of money can create on a special day.

Famous weddings can be rather exciting, and royal weddings seem to come straight from a fairy tale. Will and Kate’s wedding is one I loved, and I still enjoy pictures of the wedding or of the royal baby bump. However, we seem to forget that even a famous marriage requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice, and sometimes they don’t always work out, as is manifest by celebrities today.

Many like to give Kim Kardashian a hard time for her 72 day marriage trial, but did you know there have been even shorter Hollywood weddings? Eddie Murphy was married for two weeks, and Drew Barrymore for 17 days. Zsa Zsa Gabor divorced her eighth husband a day after the ceremony because he was boring.

Although the rich and famous hold a great deal of power, even their weddings days can experience a few hiccoughs. Napoleon Bonaparte for example, the man who wished to take over the world, arrived two hours late for his marriage to Josephine.

Josh Kelly married Katherine Heigl in 2008. Days before the wedding, Josh went for a ski trip where he ran into a tree and ended up with a huge cut on his nose. The blushing bride refused to speak to him until after the ceremony. They are still happily married though, with Photoshop to thank for usable wedding pictures.

With the approach of the wedding season, we decided to pull out some of the classy photos we have of famous weddings. Enjoy the grandeur of 20 of the most celebrated couples on their happy day. Find many more couples back at Newscom.

Jun 01, 1951; Hollywood, California, USA; 1951, Pictured: AVA GARDNER, FRANK SINATRA, WEDDING. SNAP/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: zumaamericasseven880072

The Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on 29th July 1981. Daily Mirror Mirrorpix/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: mrpphotos004149

Beatles singer John Lennon and his new bride Yoko Ono holding their marriage certificate after their marriage marries Yoko Ono March 1969. Agent Mirrorpix/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: mrpphotos062499

The royal wedding of Queen Elizabeth. They are leaving the Westminster Abby after the ceremony. 11/20/1947. Alpha/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: zumaamericasseven713395

This TV-grab of a file photo shows Winnie and Nelson Mandela (L) on their wedding day, 14 June 1958. They were formally divorced 19 March by the Supreme Court in Johannesburg, but spent barely five years together during their 38-year marriage. FILES Agence France Presse/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: afpphotos191062

Yogi Berra and his bride, Carmen Short, 1949. Everett Collection/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: evhistorypix012648

A file photo of the late singer Whitney Houston with her then husband Bobby Brown on their wedding day. Bobby and Whitney were married on July 18, 1992 on the grounds of Whitneys home in Mendham, New Jersey. inf-00/INFphoto.com/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: infphotos483875

Ronald Reagan, Nancy Davis Reagan at their wedding, 1952. Everett Collection/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: evhistorypix014674

Ringo Starr’s wife Barbara Bach in an Emanuel wedding dress. April 1981 . Mirrorpix/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: mrpphotos221883

The wedding of HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton. Westminster Abbey, Central London. MARC GIDDINGS NI Syndication/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: niphotos001504

Muhammad Ali during his wedding with his third wife Veronica Porche Ali. Muh ammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, is one of the world’s best known athletes, an Olympic gold medalist and a heavyweight boxing champion. WHEELER NICK/SIPA/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: sipaphotos609242

Prince Rainier III of Monaco, whose marriage to the american film star Grace Kelly. MAXPPP. License it from Newscom.com: maxphotos006218

James Dougherty and his wife Norma Jeane Baker, who later became known as legendary actress Marilyn Monroe, on their wedding day in 1942. BRENDAN MCDERMID/EPA/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: epaphotosthree094221

May 11, 1959 – Weybridge, England, U.K. – The wedding took place yesterday at Weybridge, Surrey, of ‘My Fair lady’ star JULIE ANDREWS and her childhood sweetheart TONY WALTON. The picture shows Julie and husband Tony in a happy mood, after the wedding yesterday. KEYSTONE Pictures USA/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: zumaamericasseven571397

Wedding of JACQUELINE KENNEDY and President JOHN F. KENNEDY. Born into a rich, politically connected Boston family JOHN F. KENNEDY was the youngest person elected U.S. President and the first Roman Catholic to serve in that office. The promise of this energetic leader was not to be fulfilled, as he was assassinated near the end of his third year in office. KEYSTONE Pictures USA/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: zumaamericasseven657460

Kennedy wedding – Jackie throwing the bouquet, September, 1953. Everett Collection/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: evhistorypix024526

Aug. 23, 2000 – Checked – Elizabeth Taylor feeds cake to Conrad ‘Nicky’ Hilton at their wedding reception in Beverly Hills. UPPA/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: zumaamericasseven706918

31 July 2010 – Rhinebeck, NY – Marc Mezvinky and Chelsea Clinton pose at Astor Courts in Rhinebeck. Clinton is wearing a strapless beaded gown designed by Vera Wang. SIPA USA/SIPA/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: sipaphotostwo838262

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Colorific Photos: Outstanding Orange

Heather Godfrey — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:31:34 +0000

Colorful fish swimming in coral reef. Stuart Westmorland Cultura/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: cuphotos100002

You can define orange by saying that it is located between red and yellow on the color wheel, which would be quite true. You could say that orange is the color of fire, a fruit, and Newscom, all of which are also true. In some cultures, orange is connected to Buddishm and Hinduism, in other cultures, orange is the color of prison jackets.

The word “orange” comes from the old French word pomme d’orenge, which was the name of the orange fruit. Before orange was introduced to English, it was simply called ġeolurēad. For those who haven’t studied the roots of our English language, that means it was just called yellow-red. Once the fruit and its accompanying name was introduced to the English speakers, the word orange was born.

But how do you explain to someone the way that orange can mean danger or excitement, or sometimes both? How do you tell them that it can clash horribly with red hair, but look absolutely stunning on Beyonce? Try using only words to paint a picture of an African sunset.

You can’t. Which is why you’ll just have to enjoy these pictures. Be sure to follow us back to Newscom to find even more outstanding orange pictures.

BEYONCE has fuelled speculation she is pregnant again by scrapping a show in Belgium on her doctor’s orders. The Crazy In Love superstar is currently performing on the European leg of her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, but has been advised to cancel Tuesday’s (14May13) concert at Sportpaleis in Antwerp. A representative for the singer tells the Associated Press she is suffering from exhaustion and dehydration, but the cancellation comes amid growing speculation the former Destiny’s Child star is expecting her second child with husband Jay-Z. JGA/ZOJ WENN Photos/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: wennphotosthree775202

Pelican. Novastock Stock Connection Worldwide/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: scphotos018084

Portrait of a Jaguar (Panthera Onca) lying down. Mark Newman Stock Connection Worldwide/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: scphotos000769

Sunset above Moscow, Russia. Igor Sinitsyn Image Broker/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: ibpremium471535

Close-up of the bright orange feathers around a rooster’s neck. Gilbert Martinez Stock Connection Worldwide/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: scphotos007815

Orange juice. Charles Haire Stock Connection Worldwide/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: scphotos000826

Orange baby monkey. imago stock&people/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: imagostock510089

Black-Legged Kittiwakes A Northern Seabird Species Nesting In An Abandoned Building;Middleton Island Alaska United States Of America. Design Pics / Brian Guzzetti/Brian Guzzetti/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: depphotos133465

Skyline of Vancouver Down town in the evening light, on False Creek, Granville Street Bridge, British Columbia, Canada, North America. Gerhard Zwerger-Schoner Image Broker/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: ibpremium252759

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Around the World: Rock of Cashel

Heather Godfrey — Sun, 19 May 2013 01:38:45 +0000

Castle on the Rock of Cashel. Dennis Kirkland / Jaynes Gallery / DanitaDelimont.com “Danita Delimont Photography”/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: ddpphotos137287

Cashel is a little town in Ireland that holds some of the country’s greatest tourist attractions – most prominent being the iconic Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is a group of medieval ruins that were built on an outcrop of limestone. These building include a 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, a 13th century Gothic cathedral, a 15th century castle, and the Hall of the Vicars Choral which has been restored.

The Rock of Cashel is also called St. Patrick’s Rock, and Cashel of the Kings, cashel is the Irish word for castle. According to legend, St. Patrick played a great role in the Rock’s history. Locals believe the Rock of Cashel came from a mountain called Devil’s Bit, about 20 miles away, but landed where it is now when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave.

This site is also where St. Patrick converted the King of Munster in the 5th century as well. For several hundred years after that conversion, the Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat for the kings of Munster. This was given up after the Norman invasion, and in the 12th century the castle was donated to the church. The rest of the buildings that have survived were built in the 12th or 13th centuries.

Find more pictures back at Newscom.

Bru Boru sculpture, Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland. The Irish Image Collection / Design Pics/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: depirish011379

Rock of Cashel, Cashel, County Tipperary, Munster, Eire (Ireland), Europe. Jean-Pierre De Mann/Robert Harding/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: rhphotos029456

Rock Of Cashel, Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. Drawn By W.H.Bartlett, Engraved By T. Turnbull. Design Pics/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: dephistrm004716

Rock Of Cashel. Pictures Colour Library/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: scusphotos038244

Jun. 06, 2009 – Republic of Ireland – Tipperary County, Rock of Cashel. Torrione Stefano/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: zumaamericassix559113

Sections of the famed Rock of Cashel date to the 1120s. St Petersburg Times/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: zumaamericasseven859809

Cashel Rock Monastery, Cashel, Co Tipperary, Ireland. Design Pics/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: depphotos116720

The rock of cashel. Design Pics / Peter Zoeller/Peter Zoeller / Design Pics/Newscom., License it from Newscom.com: depphotos112551

Rock of Cashel, Cashel Town, County Tipperary, Munster, Republic of Ireland, Europe. Richard Cummins/Robert Harding/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: rhphotos139613

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West, Texas One Month Later

Annabelle Quinn — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:29:45 +0000

April 25, 2013 Waco, Texas USA: Thousands of mourners gather in Waco, Texas to attend memorial for firefighters killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion on April 17th. Most of the ones killed were first responders from across Texas. Marjorie Kamys Cotera/Polaris/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: polphotos159035

April was a rough month. We were all witnesses to serious tragedies in the United States. We watched as Boston lived a nightmare as bombs went off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon and the hunt for the perpetrator ensued. One month later, we here at Newscom reflected on all that had happened. And we want to look at another event that shook the nation and happened to occur within days of the Boston bombings, the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion.

On April 17^th a fire broke out at the West Fertilizer Company storage and distribution facility in West, Texas. This caused an explosion that killed 15 people, injured more than 160 people and left many buildings damaged including two schools and a nursing home. Along with the massive damage it caused, the explosion left a 93 feet wide and 10 feet deep crater.

A one million dollar investigation had been taking place over the past month, in hopes of finding the cause of the explosion, but the search has come up dry. In a highly anticipated news conference yesterday (May 16^th) officials released that they were unable to rule out the potential three reasons including a malfunctioning golf cart located near the plant, a faulty electrical system, and arson. They also did not comment if they believe West paramedic Bryce Reed had any involvement. He was arrested recently for possessing bomb-making materials.

The sad reality is that although there will be further investigation, a cause may never be determined. Leaving those who lost loved ones without any answers.

We have all the images of the cleanup, funerals and words of inspiration from West, Texas, so be sure to check them out here and head back to Newscom for more.

A Stetson hat rests outside the apartment complex adjacent to the site of the fire and explosion in West, Texas, April 24 2013. The plant run by West Fertilizer Co. in the small Texas town exploded on Wednesday, killing 14 people, nearly all of them emergency responders, and injuring dozens more. POOL/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive854440

US President Barack Obama speaks during a memorial for first responders at Baylor University’s Ferrell Center, in Waco, Texas, USA, 25 April 2013. Firefighters and other first responders were among those killed when a fertilizer plant exploded last week in West, Texas. Jerry Larson / POOL/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos836117

Coffins containing the remains of victims from the fertilizer plant explosion in the town of West, Texas, are pictured in an auditorium at a memorial for those victims at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, April 25, 2013. U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attended the event. JASON REED/Reuters/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive856175

West EMTs Russell Lebkowsky and Terase Alexander hug after a memorial service for the victims of the fertilizer plant explosion last week, at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, April 25, 2013. RICHARD RODRIGUEZ/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive856450

A mourner wipes tears away during a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. BRANDON WADE/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos835928

Honor Guard firefighters from several different departments present American flags to the families of the firefighters killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion during a memorial service at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. BRANDON WADE/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos836155

April 27, 2013 – West, Texas, U.S – Funeral services are held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption for Buck Uptmor, 45, a victim of the West Chemical and Fertilizer Company explosion that took 15 lives and injured 200 others on April 17, 2013. Brian Cahn/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaglobal079580

A heavily damaged West, Texas home, seen May 9, 2013, shows the day a nearby fertilizer plant exploded. RON T. ENNIS/MCT/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: krtphotoslive617434

Kearstyn Woodard holds up her sister, Dayla Woodard, as she paints the front of their totaled home in West, Texas. Their fater, David Woodard, is the West High Athletic Director and head football coach. The town’s residents, reeling emotionally from the April fertilizer plant explosion, are rallying behind their highly-successful high school baseball and softball teams. Paul Moseley/MCT/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: krtphotoslive615322

The remains of a home leveled by the nearby fertilizer plant explosion lies around burned pickup trucks in West, Texas, May 9, 2013. RON T. ENNIS/MCT/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: krtphotoslive617432

April 26, 2013 – West, Texas, United States – A sign is seen written on a store window reads, “God Bless West, Texas fallen heroes” and thanks emergency workers and volunteers who responded to the April 17 explosion at the West Fertilizer plant that killed 15, including 12 first responders. Paul Hennessy/Polaris/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: polphotos158725

A damaged home in West, Texas is demolished, May 9, 2013. RON T. ENNIS/MCT/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: krtphotoslive617430

Signs in yards and painted on homes are common like this one on Davis St. in West, Texas, May 9, 2013. RON T. ENNIS/MCT/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: krtphotoslive617443

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Pictures of the Week: Birds of Prey

Heather Godfrey — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:14:07 +0000

Jackal Buzzard, Buteo rufofuscus, in flight, Giant’s Castle Game Reserve, Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Nigel Dennis/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: afrphotos006363

We love our partners, and this week we want to showcase Africa Media Online. Africa Media Online is an organization located in South Africa that is dedicated to telling Africa’s story through Africans. This story telling can come from photos like those below, or audio files or text.

Africa Media Online has collected this showcase of birds of prey. A bird of prey is a bird that primarily hunts vertebrates. What immediately comes to mind are those gross vultures, but it turns out the category is much larger than I had realized.

Taken to the most specific meaning of the term “bird of prey” a lot of common birds that most people would think of are excluded. Characteristics of a bird of prey include sharp talons, keen eyesight for spotting prey from the air, and relatively large beaks. Most of the time the females are larger than the males. By using this narrower term of bird of prey, pelicans, seagulls, and penguins would all be excluded since these birds use only their beak to fight their prey.

The most common birds of prey, and the ones you’ll see the most in these pictures include: eagles, ospreys, kites, hawks, buzzards, harriers, vultures, falcons and owls. For more pictures, be sure to check out Newscom.com!

A small owl occuring mainly in bushveld and dryer regions. Feeds mainly on small rodents. When disturbed or frightened, elongates its body, raises the ear tufts and closes the eyes till they form slits. In this way it becomes completely camoflaged as it blends with the colour of branches. They do not build their own nests but take over nests of other birds or breed in naturally occuring hollows in forks of trees. A clutch of 2 to 3 eggs are usually laid. Lorna Stanton / Africa Imagery //Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: afrphotos011971

This tiny African owl is best known for its disproportionaly loud call. Active during daylight hours as well as nightime, it hunts mainly insects but has been recorded successfully hunting and killing prey as large as doves. They have two false eyes on the back of their heads. Nest in holes in tree trunks. Lorna Stanton / Africa Imagery //Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: afrphotos011970

Tanzania, Serengeti National Park, Rüppells vulture. Ariadne Van Zandbergen / Africa/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: afrphotos012189

Cape Eagle Owl, (bubo capensis), Africa, South of Sahara. Lorna Stanton / Africa Imagery //Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: afrphotos011962

Yellow-billed Kite. Lorna Stanton / Africa Imagery //Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: afrphotos011973

Longcrested Eagle. Portrait. Howick. Kwazulu-Natal. South Africa. Roger de la Harpe / Africa Image/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: afrphotos011823

Length Head to Tail 63-73cm. Eagle. Dave Estment / Africa Media Onli/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: afrphotos012068

Martial Eagle, Polemaetus bellicosus, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Kalahari, South Africa. Nigel Dennis/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: afrphotos006691

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Athlete in Focus: David Beckham

Ty Cobb — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:37:18 +0000

Football superstar, ambassador for the Chinese Super League (CSL) and the Youth Football Program, David Beckham waves to fans at Hankou recreation and sports center in Wuhan, capital of central China’s Hubei Province, March 23, 2013. Xinhua/Sipa USA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosfour009670

Soccer superstar David Beckham has decided to end his 20 year professional career at the end of the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) season. Beckham will play two final games for PSG May 18^th against Brest and at Lorient May 26^th. The announcement came four days after PSG captured the Ligue 1 title giving Beckham a league title in four counties, a first for an English player. Despite Beckham no longer competing on the pitch fans, will still get plenty of Beckham and his family in the fashion world.

Paris Saint Germain’s players David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrate after defeating Lyon during their French League One soccer match in Lyon, central France, Sunday, May 12, 2013. Big spenders Paris Saint-Germain were crowned champions of France’s Ligue 1 on Sunday for the first time in 19 years after a 1-0 win at Lyon. Jeremy Menez scored in the second half to hand PSG the crucial victory and spark celebrations in Paris. PASCAL FAYOLLE/SIPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosfour082403

Growing up in London, Beckham began playing soccer in the local parks and had dreams of playing professionally when he grew up. His parents were also big fans of the sport and Manchester United and passed their love of the team onto their son. In 1991 Beckham signed with the Manchester United youth team. In 1992 Beckham saw his action on the United first-team in a League Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion. Beckham would continue to play for Man U until 2003, winning 6 Premier League championships, 2 FA Cups, and the 1998-99 UEFA Champions League title.

David Beckham of Manchester united in action against Coventry City on February 20, 1999. FOTOSPORTS INTERNATIONAL/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: fsphotos209954

In a file picture taken on May 26, 1999 Manchester United’s English midfielders Teddy Sheringham (L) and David Beckham (R) hold aloft the UEFA Champions League trophy after winning the final footbal match against Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona. PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive096075

After Beckham’s relationship with Manchester coach Coach Alex Ferguson deteriorated Beckham left the team to play for Real Madrid and later the LA Galaxy. Beckham would help both teams claim league titles winning La Liga in 2007 then the MLS cup in 2011 and 2012.

As Beckham played in other countries he would always return to represent England in international games. Beckham played 115 games for England and served as captain for 6 years. Beckham scored 17 goals including a classic goal against Greece to send England to the 2002 World Cup.

David Beckham celebrates scoring a 93rd minute goal to put England into the 2002 World Cup Finals. FOTOSPORTS INTERNATIONAL/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: fsphotos209859

With his career as a soccer player coming to an end, Beckham has plenty of other things to occupy his time including his modeling charities, and family. Beckham married his wife Victoria in 1999 and has four kids: Cruz, Romeo, Brooklyn, and Harper. May 26^th might be the last time we see him play, but it won’t be the last time we see the Beckhams.

For more photos of David Beckham and his career check out Newscom.

Beckhams arrive at Viva Forever in London. Viva Forever is a new musical based on music by the Spice Girls. Neil Warner / Splash News/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: spnphotosfour192231

David Beckham and Victoria Beckham take their daughter, Harper Beckham, along on a shopping trip in Paris, France. inffr-01/INFphoto.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: infphotos757331

Paris Saint-Germain’s English midfielder David Beckham (L) vies with Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second-leg football match FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on April 10, 2013. The game ended in a draw 1-1. Barcelona is qualified for the semi-final. JOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive036202

US President Barack Obama poses with a souvenir jersey as he is flanked by players David Beckham (R) and Landon Donovan (L), members of the LA Galaxy, Major League Soccer’s Championship team at the White House, May 15, 2012, in Washington, DC. MIKE THEILER/UPI/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: upiphotostwo209784

Former South African President Nelson Mandela chats with England’s soccer captain David Beckham at the Nelson Mandela Foundation office in Johannesburg, in this file picture taken May 21, 2003. JUDA NGWENYA/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrglsoccerphotos269195

Soccer superstars David Beckham, Cicinho and Roberto Carlos celebrate during the 3-1 victory of Real Madrid against FC Cadiz in the Primera Division. Alvaro Fernandez/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericaseight987123

Los Angeles Galaxy’s David Beckham arrives at a news conference in Sydney in this November 25, 2007 file photo. Former England captain David Beckham announced on May 16, 2013 that he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the season. MICK TSIKAS/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive886413

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Hot Topics: Barbara Retiring, Angelina’s Big Announcement, and a Prince in America

Annabelle Quinn — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:05:06 +0000

Prince Harry and Governor Chris Christie on May 14, 2013 in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. . .Pictured: Prince Harry. Brock Miller / Splash News/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: spnphotosfour428801

Prince Harry came to America this week. Does anything else matter?

Wait, ok, there were a lot of other things going on this week including announcements that caused scandal, surprise and intrigue which is all exactly why they made this week’s hot topics list. At Newscom, we have all the images that depict every story. So be sure to check out the images below and head back to Newscom for more.

And don’t forget about our hot topics page that shows you all the stories trending online. Check out some of the biggest stories in the news this week after the jump.

May 13, 2013: Barbara Walters pictured this morning leaving her Apartment in New York City. The legendary Newscaster will leave TV journalism next summer. infusny-160/Elder Ordonez/INFphoto.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: infphotos765105

Barbara Walters. In not terribly shocking news, Barbara Walters announced her retirement on The View this week. Jimmy Kimmel joked about the announcement at the ABC upfronts: “I just want to take a minute to salute the great Barbara Walters. As you know, Barbara is leaving ABC after more than 50 years, to have a baby. My baby. I love you Barbara.”

Rescue workers comb through debris May 16, 2013 after tornados swept through the town of Granbury, Texas late May 15. At least six people were killed and about 100 injured on Wednesday as three tornadoes ripped through a stretch of Texas near the Dallas-Fort Worth area, destroying a number of homes, authorities said. RICHARD RODRIGUEZ/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive886710

Texas Tornadoes. Lots of damage was found Thursday (May 16th) after tornadoes ripped through Granbury, Texas. At least six people have been killed and many injured. 250 people have been displaced after nearly 100 homes were destroyed.

US President Barack Obama speaks about the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, May 15, 2013. SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive094887

IRS. Scandal hit the IRS when it was revealed that the Internal Revenues Service was targeting conservative groups who had applied for federal tax-exempt status. Today President Obama announced Danny Werfel will take over as the acting IRS commissioner. The President accepted the resignation of Steven Miller over the controversy yesterday.

Madrid, Spain – ANGELINA JOLIE attends ‘The Tourist’ premiere at Palacio de los Deportes. Jack Abuin/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaglobal083364

Angelina Jolie. In an article in the New York Times, Angelina Jolie revealed that she had undergone a double mastectomy. The news was splashed all over headlines around the world. People are praising her brave decision and thanking her for raising awareness about the deadly disease.

Defense witness for the Michael Jackson child molestation trial, Wade Robson, (C) arrives for court at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Maria, California, Thursday, 05 May 2005. MARK J. TERRILL/POOL/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotosfour240314

Wade Robson. The famed choreographer who was befriended and mentored by the late Micheal Jackson, is now suing the singer’s estate claiming he was sexually abused as a young child.

May 2, 2013 – Chris Pine, Alice Eve, Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana attend the International Premiere of Star Trek Into Darkness, Empire Leicester Square, London. Paul Treadway/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericaseight941878

Star Trek. Another summer blockbuster is being released. The highly anticipated Star Trek: Into Darkness makes it’s way into theaters this weekend.

May 14, 2013 – HRH Prince Harry of Wales. Photoshot/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericaseight976177

Prince Harry in America. Every girl in America was swooning at just the thought of Prince Harry setting foot on American soil. The British heartthrob made a visit to the states touring the rebuilt New Jersey shoreline, playing a baseball game with Harlem kids (his first baseball game ever), and winning a polo match. We are really gonna miss him here.

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Celebrity Picture Profile: Seth Meyers

Annabelle Quinn — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:17:41 +0000

Actor Seth Meyers made an appearance at The Late Show with David Letterman on November in New York city. KRISTIN CALLAHAN – ACEPIXS.COM/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: acephotos153069

After NBC recently announced Jimmy Fallon would be taking over The Tonight Show when Jay Leno retires, it didn’t take long for the network (before the upfronts, of course) to announce Jimmy Fallon’s replacement, Seth Meyers.

The choice of the Saturday Night Live comedian did not come as a surprise to very many. His work in entertainment has very much emulated that of Jimmy Fallon, the most obvious being his years on the late night sketch comedy show SNL, and the fact that both sat on the Weekend Update desk, Jimmy paired with Tina Fey, and Seth with Amy Poehler. Although, for the last couple years since Amy’s departure, Seth has held his own at the desk making audiences laugh weekly.

This may have been what has given him the edge over any other possible competition, that and his incredible writing skills. Unlike his predecessor, Seth has dazzled as a comedy writer. He wrote the skits that starred Amy Poehler and Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton, making it obvious why he has been a head writer since his promotion in 2006.

But Seth is not without amazing performance skills. Although he is only ever seen on Weekend Update, the years before his anchor job were spent making a ridiculous spectacle of himself along with his fellow cast members. He has also made movie appearances in films like New Year’s Eve and played one of Mindy Kaling’s earliest love interests on the show The Mindy Project.

There is no doubt that Seth has the formula for success. So in honor of his new gig, be sure to check out these images and more we have back at Newscom of the very funny Seth Meyers.

Seth Meyers – 5/9/2013 – New York City, New York – BARNEYS NEW YORK, FREIDA PINTO, DAVID ADJAYE, and WENDY SCHMIDT Host a Private Dinner in Celebration of MAIYET VARANASI SILK CAPSULE COLLECTION and NEST VARANASI SILK WEAVING FACILITY held at Consulate General of India, NYC. Neil Rasmus/BFAnyc/Sipa USA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosfour079224

Alexi Ashe, Seth Meyers – February 24, 2013 – 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at Sunset Tower Hotel, Los Angeles, CA. Patrick McMullan Co./McMullan/Sipa USA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosthree962959

Amy Poehler and her former “Saturday Night Live” cast mate Seth Meyers are seen getting coffee together. PacificCoastNews/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: pacificphotos588934

Seth Meyers at Cosmopolitan Magazine’s 40th Birthday Bash. (NYC). Walter Weissman/starmaxinc.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: starmax118753

Seth Meyers, Alexia Ashe – March 05, 2012 – The Cinema Society and People StyleWatch with Grey Goose host the after party for “Friends with Kids” held at The Top of the Standard, Standard Hotel, NYC. PATRICK MCMULLAN CO./Hunt/McMullan/Sipa Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosthree501887

Host Seth Meyers and comedian Andy Samberg perform a routine at the 2010 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on July 14, 2010. Samberg was dressed as Paul the octopus, which lives at Sea Life Centre in Oberhausen, Germany and correctly predicted the outcome of eight matches at the recent 2010 World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa. JIM RUYMEN/UPI/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: upiphotostwo029773

Celebrities outside the Ed Sullivan Theater for ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’ Featuring: Seth Meyers. HRC WENN Photos/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennphotosthree683509

New York City, October 10 2005….Seth Meyers arriving at the Premiere of Elizabethtown New York Premiere at Loews Loncoln Centre. KRISTIN CALLAHAN – ACE PICTURES/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: acephotos035634

Seth Meyers performs live on stage at the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino Coconut Creek, Florida. JD3 WENN Photos/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennphotosthree385702

Seth Meyers The 13th Annual Webby Awards held at at Cipriani Wall Street New York City, USA. AS6 WENN Photos/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennphotostwo197795

29 June 2008 – Westwood, California – Seth Meyers. “Journey To The Center Of The Earth” World Premiere – Los Angeles Film Festival’s Family Day held at the Mann Village Theatre. Jaguar/AdMedia/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: admphotos302901

You may also be interested in these other Celebrity Picture Profiles at FocalPoint:

Celebrity Picture Profile: Ross Mathews

Celebrity Picture Profile: Emma Roberts

Celebrity Picture Profile: Anthony Mackie

Celebrity Picture Profile: Paula Patton