U.S. Pursues Credible Terrorist Plot Targeting September 11

There are no specifics being offered by U.S. officials and lawmakers about a credible terrorist threat that is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and various U.S. intelligence agencies. Some rumors have circulated that the threat originated in the tribal regions of Pakistan and that it involved truck bombs that would be detonated in New York and Washington DC on or around September 11. Reports airing last night suggested that at least three persons of interest entered the U.S. sometime in August with the intention of carrying out or aiding in the execution of coordinated attacks.

Reports from ABC News suggested that officials were searching for two moving trucks that were rented from a location in Missouri in recent days, with the implication that the trucks might eventually be packed with explosives. At this point, officials are remaining tight-lipped about the details of the threat and almost everyone is tempering their language with the idea that credible threats such as these often amount to nothing once a complete investigation has taken place.

Given the national significance of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, however, it's understandable if officials and law enforcement are erring on the side of caution with regards to this particular threat. One could imagine few things more disheartening for a struggling nation than to be attacked yet again on the 10th anniversary of one of the darkest days in the history of the United States. With the lives and resources that have been expended attempting to secure the nation, a new attack would surely create questions and fears that no one wants to face.

Kardashian sex tape buyer still anonymous

The owner of the reputed Kim Kardashian sex video says the prospective buyer of the tape is not connected to the reality television star.

Steve Hirsch told TMZ.com he has been negotiating with a proxy, who insists the buyer is not Kim herself or anyone associated with her.

Hirsch, who wants $30 million for the steamy video, said, "It made sense the entire time it would be Kim, but it appears it is not."

That jibes with sources in the Kardashian camp who have insisted Kim isn't dealing with Hirsch, although she is anxious to find out who the mystery buyer is.

Hirsch said he was told the buyer's identity and reasons for going to such trouble and expense once a sale is finalized. Hirsch cautioned the two sides are still far apart on price.

Ripa not expecting another Regis

Kelly Ripa says whoever replaces Regis Philbin as co-host of their venerable U.S. daytime television won't be another Regis.

Philbin, 80, will leave "Live! With Regis and Kelly" next month after hosting the show since its debut in 1983.

"I don't think anybody can fill his shoes," Ripa told Parade. "It will have to be somebody entirely different."

Ripa predicted her new partner would probably just fall into the job much the same way she settled into Kathy Lee Gifford's old chair. "I was filling in for somebody who was filling in and it just clicked," she said. "It worked for us and I think that when it clicks and when it works, everybody will know."

In the meantime, Ripa, the show's producers and the loyal viewers of "Live!" have been reminiscing about Philbin's long career. "To see our audience really re-appreciate Regis is a wonderful thing."

Princess Beatrice graduates college

Britain's Princess Beatrice graduated from college this week and will embark on a series of internships, Buckingham Palace announced.

Beatrice took part in Friday's commencement exercises at the University of London's Goldsmiths College with hundreds of classmates and her proud parents, the duke of York and Sarah Ferguson, in the stands.

Beatrice, 23, earned a degree in history but her career path is being focused on future good works.

"Princess Beatrice will over the coming months broaden her knowledge and experience to complement her position as a member of the Royal Family," the palace said in a written statement. "This will involve undertaking a number of internships to develop her experience, particularly in business and philanthropy."

The Daily Telegraph said Saturday the princess is already active in the Teenage Cancer Trust and her mom's Children in Crisis charity.

Sweden arrests 4 on terror allegations

Swedish police said they arrested four terror suspects in the western city of Gothenburg early Sunday.

The TT news agency said the country's National Task Force, a specialized police unit, swept into a part of the city and cordoned it off around midnight.

An art gallery hosting an opening party was ordered evacuated as barriers were erected in the vicinity, the report said.

Police released no details of the arrests.

Sara Kvarnstrom, a spokeswoman for the Swedish Security Services, was also tight-lipped about the operation.

"There's no cause for the general public to be concerned," she said.

In October, after two people were arrested on charges of plotting a bombing in Gothenburg, federal security officials said some 200 Islamic militants were known to be in the country, CNN said.

The arrests came on the 10th anniversary of four al-Qaida suicide aircraft attacks on the United States.

Girly Inspiration: {Hermès, Heels, Sequins and Perfumes}

{... hopelessly addicted to all things girly, the endless perfume bottles, layers and layers of sequins and crystal encrusted shoes... but mostly love Hermès scarves, so pretty... I think a shopping spree is in order!}

♥



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Wall St gains in choppy trade ahead of Obama speech

Stocks edged higher in choppy trade on Thursday, led by gains in the technology sector ahead of a speech by U.S. President Barack Obama laying out a major jobs package.

Indexes seesawed between modest gains and losses throughout the morning session. Technology stocks were the day's top gainers, supporting the Nasdaq, which outperformed other indexes. The Philadelphia semiconductor index <.SOX> was up 1.4 percent.

Banks were the biggest decliners after sharp gains in the previous session. The KBW Bank Index <.BKX> was down nearly 1 percent.

"We're seeing a lot of action in the Nasdaq and technology stocks. Those are flush with cash and have the least amount of risk," said Phil Streible, senior market strategist with MF Global in Chicago.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 20.51 points, or 0.18 percent, at 11,435.37. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 0.76 points, or 0.06 percent, at 1,199.38. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> put on 8.16 points, or 0.32 percent, at 2,557.10.

Obama will lay out a $300 billion plan to include tax cuts for the middle class and businesses and new spending to repair deteriorating infrastructure. Obama, scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. EDT, (2300 GMT) is staking his re-election hopes on a call for urgent bipartisan action.

Boosting the Nasdaq, Sandisk Corp jumped 5.6 percent to $39.74.

Among bank shares, Bank of America Corp fell 1 percent to $7.40, the second largest decliner on the Dow. The S&P 500 financial sector index <.GSPF> lost 0.7 percent.

Earlier, data from the Labor Department showed weekly jobless claims rose to 414,000 from an upwardly revised 412,000 in the prior week.

Separately, the trade deficit narrowed considerably in July, a positive signal for growth in the third quarter after a sluggish first half.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will speak on the U.S. economic outlook to the Economic Club of Minnesota at 1:30 p.m. EDT.