[UPDATE BELOW] Now that the budget is balanced, the economy is prosperous, war is over, and global warming is no longer a dire threat to civilization, President Obama can finally focus on the issues that really matter to the American people, like whether he was really born in America, or in some Muslim madrassa in Kenya as part of a terrorist sleeper cell. This morning at 9:45 a.m., the President of the United States will give a statement addressing the "debate" over his citizenship status, which has recently been questioned by human hairpiece pedestal Donald Trump. Obama also posted his "long-form birth certificate" (as opposed to the "certificate of live birth," which Obama released in 2008) on the White House website. Sadly, those who care about this most probably can't read it. Watch Obama talk about this live:
Obama Releases Birth Certificate, Will Talk About This Nonsense
Don't Worry, America: Donald Trump Will Get To The Bottom Of Obama's Mysterious Origins
Usually when Donald Trump appears on the Today Show, it's to promote Celebrity Apprentice. But now, as he's apparently a surging potential 2012 Republican candidates, the "You're Fired!"-er took the time to promise he's going to figure out the biggest "mystery" of 2008: Where President Barack Obama was born. Born again-birther Trump said, "Three weeks ago when I started, I thought he was probably born in this country. Right now, I have some real doubts," and added that he's got investigators on the ground in Hawaii, "I have people that actually have been studying it and they cannot believe what they’re finding."
Videos: Deadly Earthquake, Tsunami Hit Japan, West Coast Next
The 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck off the northeast coast of Japan on Friday is among the top 10 ever recorded, seismologists say. Up to 300 bodies have been found in the city of Sendai in northeastern Japan, which the LA Times reports is an area believed to have been hit hardest by a massive Tsunami that swept across the Pacific at 500 mph. A wave over 33 feet high hit the city of 1 million, which is without power. 1,100 people are estimated to be stranded at the airport. Below, via Media Memo, first-hand video of the earthquake rattling Tokyo, and aerial video of the tsunami sweeping up everything in its path:
Former SI Resident Accused Of Trying To Join Taliban
Abdel Hameed Shehadeh, formerly of Staten Island, has been arrested for lying about his failed attempt to join the Taliban "or a similar fighting group." According to prosecutors, Shehadeh traveled to Pakistan as a teenager in 2008 in an attempt to join the Taliban, but was turned away by Pakistani officials and forced to return to the states. He told FBI officials he traveled to Pakistan to attend a friend's wedding and to visit a university, and then lied about ever going to Pakistan when he attempted to enlist in the U.S. Army at the Times Square recruiting station. Janice Fedarcyk, head of New York's FBI office, said in a statement, "The real purpose, it is alleged, was not to join U.S. forces, but to wage war against them. Stopping one prospective terrorist can prevent untold numbers of casualties."
Hawaii "Dodged A Bullet," More Aftershocks In Chile
After an 8.8 earthquake struck off Chile's coast yesterday, a tsunami warning was issued around the Pacific. Though there were fears that waves as high as 6 to 10 feet could hit the Hawaiian islands—prompting residents and tourists to flee to higher ground—there were only "erratic surges in the sea."
8.8 Earthquake In Chile, Tsunami Warning For Hawaii
At 1:34 a.m. EST, an 8.8 earthquake was registered along the cost of Chile, 70 miles from Concepcion and 200 miles from the capital of Santiago. CNN reports numerous aftershocks—some as big as 6.9. Seventy-eight people are dead, but Chilean President Michelle Bachelet thinks the toll will be greater, adding, "We are taking all the necessary measures at this time." According to CBS News, the earthquake prompted the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to issue a "tsunami warning — its highest alert — for Hawaii... A warning was also in effect for Guam, American Samoa and dozens of other Pacific islands. The first waves were expected to arrive in Hawaii at 11:19 a.m. Saturday (4:19 p.m. EST)." Hawaiian residents are being evacuated and sirens will be sounded.
"Nothing Wrong" With Limbaugh (Health Wise)
After being rushed to a Honolulu hospital for "chest pains" on Wednesday night, radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh said yesterday that doctors "found absolutely nothing wrong" with him. Apparently the doctors found no evidence of arterial or coronary disease—he urged people to take their heart or chest pain seriously, adding, "The treatment I received here was the best that the world has to offer. I don't think there's one thing wrong with the American health care system. It is working just fine." Limbaugh also said that he's taking prednisone for back pain.
Report: Rush Limbaugh Rushed To Hospital
Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh was rushed to a hospital in Honolulu with chest pains last night, according to TV station KITV, which reports, "Paramedics responded to the call at 2:41 p.m. at the Kahala Hotel and Resort... Limbaugh was sitting in a chair in his ninth-floor hotel room at the Kahala when emergency crews arrived, sources said. He told medical crews that he was taking medication for a back problem, sources said. Paramedics treated him and took him to Queen's Medical Center in serious condition. He will not be released from the hospital on Wednesday night." Update 9 a.m.: Limbaugh is now "resting comfortably"—a statement from his show reads, "Rush appreciates your prayers and well wishes, and he will keep you updated via RushLimbaugh.com."
Obama and Clinton: War of the Words
The Wisconsin, Washington and Hawaii primaries have been going on today, and while John McCain is expected to further solidify his presumptive nomination, the Democratic race is tight as ever, with a Gallup pole now showing Clinton closing the gap on Obama after his string of eight straight victories.
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