Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Muggle delight! Potter park opens






The Wizarding World of Harry Potter cost Osaka-based Universal Studios Japan 45 billion yen ($442.2 million) to construct. Universal hopes the attraction will earn the park 5.6 trillion yen over 10 years.The Wizarding World of Harry Potter cost Osaka-based Universal Studios Japan 45 billion yen ($442.2 million) to construct. Universal hopes the attraction will earn the park 5.6 trillion yen over 10 years.

Thousands of fans turned up to be first to experience the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios Japan on July 15. Thousands of fans turned up to be first to experience the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios Japan on July 15.

Inside of the replica of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, visitors will find the signature "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride, a flight simulator filled with special effects. Inside of the replica of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, visitors will find the signature "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride, a flight simulator filled with special effects.


Just like in the films, portraits line the walls of Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visitors walk through the gallery to get to the "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride.

Just like in the films, portraits line the walls of Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visitors walk through the gallery to get to the "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride.

The scarlet Hogwarts Express steam engine is on display at Hogsmeade Station. It's the first thing visitors see after passing through the arch into Hogsmeade. The scarlet Hogwarts Express steam engine is on display at Hogsmeade Station. It's the first thing visitors see after passing through the arch into Hogsmeade.

Universal Studios Japan's Harry Potter attraction has a "Flight of the Hippogriff" mini coaster. Guests climb into a Hippogriff -- a winged horse with an eagle head -- and go on a training flight. Universal Studios Japan's Harry Potter attraction has a "Flight of the Hippogriff" mini coaster. Guests climb into a Hippogriff -- a winged horse with an eagle head -- and go on a training flight.

"Harry Potter" stars Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) were on hand for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening ceremony in Osaka, Japan on July 15. "Harry Potter" stars Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) were on hand for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening ceremony in Osaka, Japan on July 15.

Sorry folks, there's no alcohol in "Butterbeer." A drink consumed by Hogwarts students, the theme park version tastes more like shortbread and butterscotch than yeast and hops.Sorry folks, there's no alcohol in "Butterbeer." A drink consumed by Hogwarts students, the theme park version tastes more like shortbread and butterscotch than yeast and hops.

The Universal Studios Japan recreation of Hogsmeade includes a number of shops that appear in the books, including candy shop Honeydukes. Visitors can pick up some of Hogwarts students' favorite treats like Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans, chocolate frogs and exploding bonbons. The Universal Studios Japan recreation of Hogsmeade includes a number of shops that appear in the books, including candy shop Honeydukes. Visitors can pick up some of Hogwarts students' favorite treats like Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans, chocolate frogs and exploding bonbons.

On the eve of the new Harry Potter attraction's opening, Universal Studios Japan invited 1,000 guests to a special ceremony that included fireworks.On the eve of the new Harry Potter attraction's opening, Universal Studios Japan invited 1,000 guests to a special ceremony that included fireworks.


Visitors to the Japanese version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will find a few things that aren't in the Orlando park, such as the Black Lake in front of Hogwarts.

Visitors to the Japanese version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will find a few things that aren't in the Orlando park, such as the Black Lake in front of Hogwarts.









  • Universal Studios Japan's Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened to the public this week

  • Mirroring its American counterpart, the Osaka attraction features recreations of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was built at a cost of ¥45 billion ($442 million)




(CNN) -- Proving there are still millions to be made off that magical little boy with the lighting bolt scar on his forehead, Universal Studios Japan on Tuesday unveiled its long-awaited Wizarding World of Harry Potter to thousands of delighted muggles.


(Muggles being non-magic folk, for those of you who haven't seen the films or read the books.)


Based on the phenomenally popular book series by British author J.K. Rowling and subsequent films produced by Warner Bros, the new Osaka attraction is Universal Studios' second Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park.


The original opened at Universal Studios Florida in 2010 -- which just last week launched Diagon Alley, a second area of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- while Universal Studios Hollywood is said to be getting its own version in 2016.


MORE: Sneak peek: Harry Potter's Diagon Alley




Sorry folks, there\'s no alcohol in \

Sorry folks, there's no alcohol in "Butterbeer."



Two stars from the films, Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) were on hand for the Universal Studios Japan opening ceremony on July 15, wearing their obligatory Slytherin and Ravenclaw scarves.


Early Tuesday morning, Lynch and Felton performed a mock "Revelio" spell -- a charm used to reveal concealed objects -- after which the archway entrance filled with smoke.


As it cleared, Hogsmeade village was revealed to the masses of fans waiting to access the new attraction.


While we can only assume Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson were too busy for the honorable task, Rowling herself reportedly visited the park prior to its opening.


"The craft and attention to detail across The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan is incredible and I will take away the memory of Hogwarts castle reflected on the Black Lake in particular," said the author in a statement.


"I'm delighted that Harry fans in Japan and around Asia can experience a physical incarnation that is so close to what I imagined when writing the books."


MORE: Discovery Cove named 'best amusement park' by TripAdvisor


Butterbeer and magic wands




The famed scarlet Hogwarts Express steam engine is on display at Hogsmeade Station.

The famed scarlet Hogwarts Express steam engine is on display at Hogsmeade Station.



The Osaka version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has many of the same attractions found in its Orlando counterpart.


This includes Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where visitors will find the signature "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride, an amazing flight simulator filled with special effects.


Getting there is half the fun as guests get to tour the castle, which is filled with a few of Hogwarts' most famous spaces, such as the portrait room with its talking photos, Dumbledore's office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor common room and the Room of Requirement.


There's also a "Flight of the Hippogriff" mini coaster, in which guests pass by Hagrid's Hut before climbing into a wicker Hippogriff -- a winged horse with an eagle head.


In Hogsmeade, a recreation of the village Hogwarts students visited to get their fill of Butterbeer, there are a few shops that appear in the books/films.


These include: wand maker Ollivanders, where visitors can choose their own magic wand; Honeydukes, which sells popular wizarding world sweets such as Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs; and The Three Broomsticks, a tavern serving traditional British fare.


Universal Studios Japan says there are a few park features not found in Orlando such as Hogwarts' Black Lake -- as mentioned by Rowling above -- and live owls.


Trying to complete with Disney?


The Wizarding World of Harry Potter cost Universal Studios Japan ¥45 billion ($442.2 million) to construct.


Universal says it's hoping to earn the park ¥5.6 trillion ($55 billion) over 10 years.


According to an earlier report in Japan's Asahi Shimbun, the park's main competitor is Tokyo Disney Resort, which attracted 31.3 million visitors in fiscal 2013.


Universal Studios Japan only saw 10.5 million visitors during the same period, though it was the first time the number of visitors exceeded 10 million since fiscal 2001, its first year of operation says the report.


Universal Studios Japan is located in the city of Osaka and can be accessed by train. The nearest station is JR Universal City. Park hours vary according to day/season, visit the official website for more info . Tickets from 6,980 yen per adult, 4,880 yen per child (ages 4-11)


MORE: 11 extremely practical Japan travel tips



8 U.S. outlaw adventures






Little Bohemia Lodge, in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, was the site of the famous 1934 shootout between John Dillinger and the FBI. The lodge is open for visitors to dine in and explore.Little Bohemia Lodge, in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, was the site of the famous 1934 shootout between John Dillinger and the FBI. The lodge is open for visitors to dine in and explore.

In Gibsland, Louisiana, a monument stands at the site of the ambush that killed Bonnie and Clyde. The bank robbers were tracked down by Texas and Louisiana law enforcement three years after their crime spree began.In Gibsland, Louisiana, a monument stands at the site of the ambush that killed Bonnie and Clyde. The bank robbers were tracked down by Texas and Louisiana law enforcement three years after their crime spree began.

Jesse James was shot and killed in 1882 in his St. Joseph, Missouri, home by a member of his own gang. The house has been turned into a museum, holding artifacts of James' life and death.Jesse James was shot and killed in 1882 in his St. Joseph, Missouri, home by a member of his own gang. The house has been turned into a museum, holding artifacts of James' life and death.

The entrance to Cody, Wyoming's Old Trail Town, will lead visitors to the museum that holds Butch Cassidy's log cabin. Nearby recreation trails lead to Outlaw Cave, a favorite hideout for Cassidy and his gang.The entrance to Cody, Wyoming's Old Trail Town, will lead visitors to the museum that holds Butch Cassidy's log cabin. Nearby recreation trails lead to Outlaw Cave, a favorite hideout for Cassidy and his gang.

Al Capone spent eight months in Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary in 1929. During this, his first incarceration, he was treated much differently than the general population, living in a cell furnished with luxurious amenities.Al Capone spent eight months in Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary in 1929. During this, his first incarceration, he was treated much differently than the general population, living in a cell furnished with luxurious amenities.

Fort Sumner, Missouri's Billy the Kid Museum has been a fixture for almost 60 years. Holding over 60,000 artifacts and replicas, it's right next door to a familiar spot of the Kid's, Old Fort Sumner.Fort Sumner, Missouri's Billy the Kid Museum has been a fixture for almost 60 years. Holding over 60,000 artifacts and replicas, it's right next door to a familiar spot of the Kid's, Old Fort Sumner.

Bugsy Siegel was crucial to the development of the famous Las Vegas strip, opening the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in 1946. Siegel was killed one year later in a hit believed to be ordered by a mob associate.Bugsy Siegel was crucial to the development of the famous Las Vegas strip, opening the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in 1946. Siegel was killed one year later in a hit believed to be ordered by a mob associate.









  • Outlaw museums and landmarks can be found all over the country

  • Jesse James' home and Al Capone's grave are popular sites

  • The Crime Museum in Washington, D.C. holds a large collection of artifacts




(CNN) -- Have you ever been caught in a shoot-out, dodging bullets as they scatter across walls? Or participated in a bank robbery in broad daylight?


No need to duck.


Modern-day fans of America's outlaws can safely step into one of the most famous gunfights in history and the first successful daylight robbery.


Although famous outlaws John Dillinger and Jesse James aren't usually embraced for their violence, their exploits are a part of America's history. The birthplaces, graves and trails once traveled by these famous American criminals can be found all over the United States. Here are some of the best locations to relive the most well-known rogues of yesteryear.


John Dillinger, Wisconsin and Arizona


American gangster John Dillinger, whose criminal run was featured in the 2009 Johnny Depp movie "Public Enemies," robbed two dozen banks and four police stations during his Depression-era crime spree. With all the violent criminals running rampant at the time, Dillinger is probably the most infamous of all: His crimes inspired the FBI to develop their organized crime unit and made it a priority to catch Dillinger.


Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, was the site of the famous 1934 Dillinger gang shootout with the FBI in which Dillinger, attempting to hide and evade law enforcement, narrowly escaped with his life. With hundreds of bullet holes in the windows and walls, it's preserved just as it was 80 years ago. The lodge is still open for dining, but with an updated menu.


Another famous Dillinger site is Hotel Congress in Tucson, Arizona. Dillinger was arrested after a fire at the hotel, transferred to Indiana and escaped prison months before the Little Bohemia shootout.


Jesse James, Missouri


Jesse James was one of the most prolific outlaws of the Wild West, believed to have robbed dozens of banks and trains. Although he lived and died in the state of Missouri, the James gang was responsible for major heists in many other states.


After being pursued by law enforcement for nearly 20 years, ironically James was shot and killed by one of his fellow gang members for a $10,000 reward. The 2007 Brad Pitt movie "The Assassination of Jesse James" focuses on the outlaw's death and his relationship with Robert Ford, the friend who shot him in the back of the head.


The Jesse James Farm and Museum in Kearney, Missouri, is the birthplace and childhood home of James, born in 1847. Visitors can tour the restored home and see where the adventure began. The town hosts an annual Jesse James festival in September.


Liberty, Missouri's Jesse James Bank Museum is known as the site of the nation's first successful daylight peaceful bank robbery in 1866. Although the culprits were never caught, this robbery has been attributed to the James gang.


In nearby St. Joseph is the Jesse James Home Museum, where James was killed. This museum holds artifacts of James' life and death, including the evidence from his 1995 exhumation that laid to rest the rumors that he wasn't really dead.


Bonnie and Clyde, Texas and Louisiana


Immortalized in the 1967 movie "Bonnie and Clyde," Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow traveled the central United States and robbed banks during the Great Depression. In 1934, only a few years after their killing spree began, the couple was ambushed in Bienville Parish, Louisiana by Texas and Louisiana law enforcement who had been in pursuit. Caught off-guard, it's said they were shot to death in their car without ever returning fire.


Bienville Parish, eight miles South of Gibsland, Louisiana, has a monument at the ambush site that tourists can visit. The cement marker is repeatedly vandalized and scavenged by souvenir hunters and has to be replaced often, but remains standing.


Both natives of Dallas, numerous places from their past can be found in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The pair's gravesites and Parker's elementary school are just a few of the sites that can be visited.


Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Wyoming


To relive the adventures of the real-life Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, featured in the 1969 movie starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, head to Cody, Wyoming. The town holds Cassidy's home in Old Trail Town, Outlaw Cave and trails commonly traveled by his gang, and several others, for safe passage and places to hide out.


Hole-in-the-Wall pass, in the Big Horn Mountains, once held the log cabin where Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch gang met. Located in a secluded area, lawmen couldn't approach without the gang knowing, keeping them safe. The cabin is preserved at the Old Trail Town Museum.


Some 20 miles west of Kaycee is the Outlaw Cave Recreation Area, another spot where the gang used to hide out. The cave was well hidden and bordered Colorado, allowing for a quick exit from authorities and rival gangs.


Al Capone, Pennsylvania and Illinois


Perhaps the most notorious of all American mobsters was Alphonse Capone, the infamous leader of the Chicago mafia during prohibition. The 1929 St. Valentine's Day Massacre, in which Capone's men lured and killed rival bootleggers, turned the mob boss into a household name, as the media went wild.


Despite all the killings for which he was responsible, Capone was convicted of tax evasion in 1931 and served only seven years in prison. He died at his home in 1947, immortalized as one of the most notorious criminals of the 20th century.


Robert De Niro played Al Capone in the 1987 box office hit "The Untouchables," which recounted FBI agent Eliot Ness's fight to bring Capone to justice.


Al Capone spent eight months at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Eastern State Penitentiary in 1929. This was Capone's first prison sentence, for carrying a concealed and deadly weapon, and he spent his time in a cell on Park Avenue Block with fine furniture, a cabinet radio and other luxuries.


Capone's grave is just outside Chicago at Mount Carmel Cemetery, with a stone monument and flat marker. It's not unusual for visitors to leave icons of his legendary status, such as cigars and bottles of alcohol.


Billy the Kid, New Mexico


Billy the Kid only lived to be 21, dying in 1881, but it's believed he killed eight people in his short life. A frontier outlaw of the Wild West, Billy the Kid started his life of thievery and crime early, eventually joining the Regulators, a gang of lawmen-turned-outlaws. Paul Newman also took on the role as a young Billy the Kid in a 1958 movie that portrayed the outlaw as a misunderstood young man.


In 1880, Billy the Kid was arrested for killing a Lincoln County sheriff and subsequently escaped jail after being sentenced to death. A year later, he was found and shot to death by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.


The Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner opened in 1953 and is filled with over 60,000 relics of the Wild West, many of them historic. The adjoining state monument, Old Fort Sumner, was once a familiar haunt of Billy the Kid's. With plenty of friends nearby and no lawman within a day's travel, it was an ideal place to lie low. When strangers arrived, locals would alert "The Kid," so he could disappear into the countryside until it was safe to return.


Bugsy Siegel, Nevada


A vital part in developing the Las Vegas strip, Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1906 but became famous for his role in the development of the Las Vegas strip 40 years later. Before moving to Nevada, he spent years in New York and California as a bootlegger and ruthless killer. The 1991 Warren Beatty film "Bugsy" depicted the mobster's life in California and his rise to power in Las Vegas.


A lifelong gambler, it was Siegel's dream to open a huge casino in the burgeoning Nevada desert, and with funding from the East Coast mob, he built the $6 million Flamingo Hotel in 1946.


When Siegel's associate, Meyer Lansky, discovered the high cost was due to Siegel's theft and mismanagement, Siegel was gunned down in his Beverly Hills home only one year after the casino opened. Although Lansky was never officially linked to the crime, it's almost undoubtable that he ordered the hit.


One of the first resorts to open on the strip, the Flamingo Hotel (the earliest incarnation of the modern hotel standing today) remains a popular destination in Las Vegas. A bronze plaque memorial remains at the hotel, set in front of the wedding chapel, making for some very distinctive wedding photos.


The Crime Museum, Washington, D.C.


If you don't have time to travel the country in search of outlaws, Washington's Crime Museum holds one of the country's largest collections of criminal artifacts. Visitors can see relics of some of the most famous outlaws and gangsters, such as John Dillinger's car and items from Al Capone's restaurant, Colosimo's. There are even galleries featuring the history of crime dating back to the Middle Ages.



Break-in at Kennedy compound





  • The man told police he'd been in the house for three hours

  • A teen at the home was unharmed, police said






Police say 53-year-old James Lacroix told them he was \

Police say 53-year-old James Lacroix told them he was "looking for Katy Perry" at the the Kennedy compound.



(CNN) -- A man wearing a Captain America T-shirt and camouflage shorts broke into the Kennedy compound in Barnstable, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, police said. When officers asked him what he was doing there, he replied: "Looking for Katy Perry."


Officers went to the house in the village of Hyannis Port after receiving a call from Ted Kennedy Jr., who said he had phoned the property from his home in Connecticut to check on his teenage son and a stranger answered.


Police found a black car parked outside the home. Inside the home, they found 53-year-old James Lacroix in the kitchen, said police Officer John O'Hare. The teen was also in the kitchen; he was unharmed.


Lacroix told police he had been there for three hours and was looking for Perry, the pop singer.


He was booked on breaking and entering charges and and will be arraigned in Barnstable District Court on Wednesday morning.


Sandra Bullock came face-to-face with stalker in her own home


CNN's Tina Burnside contributed to this report.



Ron Howard to direct Beatles doc


The Beatles clown about during a Hollywood stay on their 1964 tour.


The Beatles clown about during a Hollywood stay on their 1964 tour.






  • Beatles documentary to be directed by Ron Howard

  • Film will focus on group's touring years

  • Beatles tours were manifestations of Beatlemania, with screaming and craziness




(CNN) -- Time to scream for Beatlemania again.


Apple Corps, the Beatles' business organization, and director Ron Howard are teaming up for a documentary on the Fab Four's touring years, according to a statement released by the principals.


The film will chronicle the rise of Beatlemania, which coincided with the group's relentless touring of England, continental Europe, North America and parts of Asia from 1964 to 1966 -- a punishing schedule of frantic audiences, challenging security and occasional political difficulties that eventually prompted the group to withdraw to the studio, with small exceptions, until its 1970 breakup.


Among the group's trailblazing concerts were the New York Shea Stadium shows in 1965 and 1966, a performance at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan in 1966 and a show at San Francisco's Candlestick Park in 1966 -- the group's final American concert.


The tours weren't without problems. On a 1966 stop in the Philippines, the Beatles skipped an invitation to a breakfast hosted by first lady Imelda Marcos and were accused of snubbing her. In response, the group's police protection was pulled and the group's entourage was attacked at the airport.


Later that year, while touring America, John Lennon's comments about the group being "more popular than Jesus" set off record burnings and protests in some cities.


"The way the Beatles burst onto the scene in Britain was an overwhelming social, cultural and musical phenomenon, but was even then eclipsed by that extraordinary explosion on the American scene and then the world," said producer Nigel Sinclair of White Horse Pictures, which is co-producing the film, in the statement. Sinclair's credits include the documentary "George Harrison: Living in the Material World."


The production team also includes Imagine Entertainment, Howard's producing shingle. Howard, one of Hollywood's most successful directors, won an Oscar for directing 2001's "A Beautiful Mind."



Claims MacFarlane ripped off 'Ted'


Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane's raunchy comedy


Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane's raunchy comedy "Ted" earned an impressive $54.1 million its debut weekend.






  • Company claims "Ted" is "strikingly similar" to "Charlie the Abusive Teddy Bear"

  • "Charlie" appeared on YouTube and FunnyorDie.com in 2009, three years before "Ted"

  • "Ted" copies "Charlie's" story, persona, voice, attitude and dialogue, the suit says

  • Seth MacFarlane has not immediately responded to requests for comment




Los Angeles (CNN) -- A company that says it produced videos about a cursing teddy bear fond of prostitutes is suing Seth MacFarlane over his "Ted" movie.


"Ted" is "strikingly similar" to "Charlie the Abusive Teddy Bear," Bengal Mangle Productions contends in a copyright infringement lawsuit filed Wednesday.


"Charlie is a teddy bear who lives in a human, adult world with all human friends," the complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles said. "Charlie has a penchant for drinking, smoking, prostitutes, and is a generally vulgar yet humorous character."


Their copyrighted vulgar bear was featured in videos on YouTube and FunnyorDie.com in 2009, three years before MacFarlane's "Ted" hit theaters, earning $549 million at the box office worldwide, the complaint said.


"Ted" copies "Charlie's" background story, persona, voice tone, attitude and dialogue, the suit said. The two bears' Twitter postings were even similar, it said, giving a long list of comparisons, including:


"Charlie" tweeted on March 7, 2009: "I have a life mission and it is to drink."


"Ted" tweeted on April 4, 2012: "I drink on Tuesday night to celebrate the fact that it ain't Monday night."


Both bears are "'washed-up' child stars/public personas" and "both Charlie and Ted spend a significant amount of time sitting on a living room couch with a beer and/or cigarette in hand," the lawsuit contends.


Seth MacFarlane: Renaissance man


MacFarlane and Universal Pictures, which also is named as a defendant, did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.


CNN's Lorenza Brascia contributed to this report.



Cheney: Worst president in my years





  • Former Vice President Dick Cheney interviewed on CNN

  • Cheney says Obama may be worse president than Jimmy Carter

  • Some conservatives like Sarah Palin calling for Obama impeachment

  • NEW: Cheney takes no blame for Iraq, says today's debacle mainly due to Obama




(CNN) -- Although a fierce critic of Barack Obama, former Vice President Dick Cheney does not support calls from some on the far right of his party to impeach him, saying it would simply create a distraction.


"I'm not prepared at this point to call for the impeachment of the President," Cheney said in an interview with CNN's "The Lead with Jake Tapper."


Cheney believes Obama is "the worst president of my lifetime" and that "Jimmy Carter might have been a better President," but impeaching him is not going to accomplish much.





Cheney: Impeaching Obama is a distraction

Both Obama and Carter are Democrats, while Cheney is a conservative Republican who served two terms under George W. Bush.


Calls for the Republican-led House to impeach Obama are coming from Sarah Palin and other harsh conservative critics at the height of midterm campaigning. His administration's handling of the immigration crisis on the southern border has amplified the small chorus.


However, such a step is considered far-fetched, especially after House Speaker John Boehner expressed disagreement with the premise in this case.


Obama has clashed repeatedly and sharply with Republicans during his presidency.


Cheney, however, did offer limited support for House Republican efforts to sue Obama over their claims he has abused his authority on a number of occasions by unlawfully going around Congress to carry out policy.


They're focusing their unusual legal action on a piece of Obamacare, a major political flashpoint between the GOP and the President and his supporters.


"I'm glad to see the House Republicans are challenging him at least legally at this point. But I think that gets to be a bit of a distraction just like the impeachment of Bill Clinton did," Cheney said.


Clinton was impeached over the Monica Lewinsky affair, but not convicted by the Senate.


Defiant Cheney accepts no blame for Iraq





Defiant Cheney accepts no blame for Iraq

Cheney also said that the Bush administration left Iraq in reasonably good shape after years of war, and blamed Obama for not getting a security agreement from Iraqi leader Nouri al-Maliki to keep some U.S. troops there after combat operations ended to help ensure stability.


Resurgent Sunni extremists have swept through parts of northern and central Iraq in recent weeks, exposing serious shortcomings in Iraqi security and governance.


Obama has sent military advisers to assess the situation, but pledges no new ground troops.


The debacle has opened another front for Republicans in criticizing the administration's foreign policy.


"Obama's failure to provide for a stay-behind force is what created the havoc we see in Iraq today," Cheney said.


"When we left Iraq was a relatively stable place. We defeated al Qaeda, we had a coalition government in place," he added.


Asked whether some of the decisions made by him and Bush are responsible for the upheaval in Iraq now, Cheney deflected blame.


"I think it's primarily Maliki, and Obama. That's what I believe, and that's what the history books will show," Cheney said.


Opinion: Cheney's amazing chutzpah on Iraq


CNN's Edward Meagher contributed to this report.


Watch The Lead with Jake Tapper weekdays at 4pm ET. For the latest on The Lead with Jake Tapper click here.



Child-porn sweep nets 660 arrests


UK police have arrested 660 suspected pedophiles, the National Crime Agency said.


UK police have arrested 660 suspected pedophiles, the National Crime Agency said.






  • A six-month UK-wide operation snares 660 suspected pedophiles, police say

  • The operation targeted people accessing indecent images of children online

  • Police say more than 400 children have been protected from harm as a result

  • The operation comes amid public concern over the issue of sexual abuse of children




(CNN) -- UK police have arrested 660 suspected pedophiles -- including doctors, teachers and scout leaders -- in a six-month operation spanning the country, the National Crime Agency said Wednesday.


The operation -- which targeted people accessing indecent images of children online -- involved 45 police forces across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.


More than 400 children across the United Kingdom have been protected from harm as a result, the National Crime Agency said in a statement.


Thirty-nine of the suspects were registered sex offenders, the statement said, meaning the vast majority were not previously known to police. Their number also included social care workers and former police officers.





UK to probe Westminster pedophile ring




29 arrested in child porn investigation

The operation was kept under wraps until Wednesday to protect children and gather evidence against the accused, the statement said.


The National Crime Agency is not revealing the methods used to track down the suspects because it hopes to deploy them again in the future.


The charges brought so far range from possession of indecent images of children to serious sexual assault, it said. Many suspects have yet to be charged in the case.


"This is the first time the UK has had the capability to coordinate a single targeted operation of this nature," said Phil Gormley, the agency's deputy director general.


"Our aim was to protect children who were victims of, or might be at risk of, sexual exploitation. A child is victimized not only when they are abused and an image is taken. They are re-victimized every time that image is viewed by someone."


Some of those who start by looking at indecent images online go on to abuse children directly, he said, so arresting them now may prevent them from crossing that line.


The operation comes amid wide public concern over the issue of sexual abuse of children in the United Kingdom.


Children's TV entertainer Rolf Harris was sentenced this month to five years and nine months in prison for a string of indecent assaults against women and girls.


His trial came in the wake of shocking revelations of predatory sexual behavior by the late TV host Jimmy Savile against vulnerable children and adults.


The publicity around those high-profile cases appears to have encouraged others to come forward with allegations of abuse.


Chief Constable Simon Bailey said the majority of police forces in England and Wales are dealing with an "unprecedented increase" in reports of sexual abuse of children.


"Forces are investigating exploitation of children and young people by groups and gangs, non-recent abuse including large-scale investigations into abuse in institutions over many years and sexual abuse by parents and family members," he said.


READ: Entertainer Rolf Harris sentenced to 5 years, 9 months for abusing girls


READ: Victims' ages from 5 to 75: Jimmy Savile sex abuse revealed


CNN's Carol Jordan contributed to this report.



SNL: Two more cast members out






Brooks Wheelan, left, appearing with Colin Jost and Cecily Strong on "Saturday Night Live," recently tweeted that he was "fired" after one season on the show. He's not the first to be dumped from the late-night series. Brooks Wheelan, left, appearing with Colin Jost and Cecily Strong on "Saturday Night Live," recently tweeted that he was "fired" after one season on the show. He's not the first to be dumped from the late-night series.

<a href='http://ift.tt/1t043cR' target='_blank'>According to Deadline,</a> John Milhiser (in the bra) has also been let go from "SNL" and will not be returning in the fall of 2014. His contract was reportedly not renewed after one season. According to Deadline, John Milhiser (in the bra) has also been let go from "SNL" and will not be returning in the fall of 2014. His contract was reportedly not renewed after one season.

Deadline also reported that Noel Wells -- who garnered some buzz for her portrayal of HLN's Nancy Grace -- will not be returning after her single season from 2013 to 2014. Deadline also reported that Noel Wells -- who garnered some buzz for her portrayal of HLN's Nancy Grace -- will not be returning after her single season from 2013 to 2014.

Chris Parnell has the<a href='http://ift.tt/W8R9yo' target='_blank'> dubious honor of having been fired twice from "SNL."</a> He was fired in 2001 after budget cuts, only to return in 2002. He was let go again in 2006. Chris Parnell has the dubious honor of having been fired twice from "SNL." He was fired in 2001 after budget cuts, only to return in 2002. He was let go again in 2006.

Casey Wilson, right, doing a skit with Amy Poehler, was let go in 2009 after only one season. She laughed off reports she was <a href='http://ift.tt/1wsSDyl' target='_blank'>fired for being curvy, telling People</a> magazine, "And to clarify, the issue isn't that I'm too fat, it's that I'm too phat. Can I get a WHAT-WHAT!" Casey Wilson, right, doing a skit with Amy Poehler, was let go in 2009 after only one season. She laughed off reports she was fired for being curvy, telling People magazine, "And to clarify, the issue isn't that I'm too fat, it's that I'm too phat. Can I get a WHAT-WHAT!"

Michaela Watkins, left, played Hoda Kotb to Kristen Wiig's Kathie Lee Gifford during "Today" skits. But that didn't stop Watkins from getting the boot in 2009. Michaela Watkins, left, played Hoda Kotb to Kristen Wiig's Kathie Lee Gifford during "Today" skits. But that didn't stop Watkins from getting the boot in 2009.

Gilbert Gottfried appeared on "SNL" from 1980 to 1981 before he was let go. Gilbert Gottfried appeared on "SNL" from 1980 to 1981 before he was let go.

Damon Wayans, left, and Anthony Michael Hall were players on "SNL" from 1985 to 1986 before being let go. They've since found fame in film.Damon Wayans, left, and Anthony Michael Hall were players on "SNL" from 1985 to 1986 before being let go. They've since found fame in film.

Jenny Slate spent 2009 to 2010 on the show but was let go after dropping an f-bomb live on air. <a href='http://ift.tt/1wsSDOQ' target='_blank'>She later said</a>, "I was so used to being a standup comedian, and I had written that sketch. I never thought of it as something I could make a mistake at. I knew all the rules and everything. It just it never crossed my mind that I would make a mistake." Jenny Slate spent 2009 to 2010 on the show but was let go after dropping an f-bomb live on air. She later said, "I was so used to being a standup comedian, and I had written that sketch. I never thought of it as something I could make a mistake at. I knew all the rules and everything. It just it never crossed my mind that I would make a mistake."

Charles Rocket appeared with Gail Matthius on "SNL" in 1981. He used the f-word during a sketch and was fired in his only season on the show. He<a href='http://ift.tt/W8R9OT' target='_blank'> committed suicide in 2005. </a>Charles Rocket appeared with Gail Matthius on "SNL" in 1981. He used the f-word during a sketch and was fired in his only season on the show. He committed suicide in 2005.

Norm Macdonald, left, goofs around with Kevin Nealon on "SNL." Macdonald hosted Weekend Update from 1994 to 1997 but was ousted after NBC exec Don Ohlmeyer <a href='http://ift.tt/1wsSDP8' target='_blank'>complained that he wasn't funny. </a>Norm Macdonald, left, goofs around with Kevin Nealon on "SNL." Macdonald hosted Weekend Update from 1994 to 1997 but was ousted after NBC exec Don Ohlmeyer complained that he wasn't funny.

Sarah Silverman was virtually a blip on "SNL's" radar. Seen here with Kevin Nealon on the "SNL" set in 1993, Silverman was gone by the start of the 1994-95 season. "It wasn't like I did something wrong," the comedian told <a href='http://ift.tt/1jMsbQn' target='_blank'>The Huffington Post in 2013</a>. "I was that last year of the old guard, and they started anew. And by the way, I wrote not a single funny sketch, so that might have something to do with it, too."Sarah Silverman was virtually a blip on "SNL's" radar. Seen here with Kevin Nealon on the "SNL" set in 1993, Silverman was gone by the start of the 1994-95 season. "It wasn't like I did something wrong," the comedian told The Huffington Post in 2013. "I was that last year of the old guard, and they started anew. And by the way, I wrote not a single funny sketch, so that might have something to do with it, too."








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  • The pair's contract was not renewed

  • The news comes the day after Wheelan announced he was fired

  • They were three of eight featured players




(EW.com ) -- And two more bite the dust: A source confirms to EW that "Saturday Night Live" has elected not to renew the contracts of Noël Wells and John Milhiser, both of whom joined the sketch show last fall as featured players. Deadline first reported the news.


Word of Wells and Milhiser's oustings comes one day after another former featured player, Brooks Wheelan, announced his own exit from the show in an irreverent tweet ("Fired from New York, it's Saturday Night!").


Milhiser's booting shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who kept up with "SNL" last season; the New Jersey-born comedian got a minimal amount of screen time throughout the year, performing just a handful of impressions (including Jon Cryer and Matthew McConaughey) and a single recurring character (if "student in two Shallon sketches" even counts). The departure of Wells, the only new female cast member to join the show last fall, is slightly more surprising (Sasheer Zamata didn't join the show until January). Since SNL will presumably lose Nasim Pedrad to the Fox sitcom Mulaney in September, it seemed as though Wells, who specializes in impressions (Zooey Deschanel, Kristen Stewart, Lena Dunham), may have been kept around to help fill Pedrad's old spot.


Milhiser, Wells, and Wheelan were just three of the eight new featured players added to "SNL" during the rebuilding year that was season 39. The futures of Beck Bennett, Colin Jost (the show's head writer as well as its new Weekend Update co-anchor), Kyle Mooney, Mike O'Brien (a longtime writer and first-time featured player last year), and Zamata remain unclear—though Deadline writes that O'Brien could return to the writers' room full-time come September.


See the original story at EW.com.


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