Miss Teen USA's former classmate accused as webcam peeper

Miss Teen USA 2013 Cassidy Wolf poses for photos at ATLANTIS, Paradise Island, Bahamas in this August 11, 2013 file photo, one day after being crowned Miss Teen USA 2013. Wolf said on September 27, 2013 it was ''weird'' to learn that the 19-year-old California man charged with hacking into her webcam and taking nude photos in a so-called ''sextortion'' case, was a high school classmate.

Credit: Reuters/Darren Decker/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP/Handout

By Alex Dobuzinskis

LOS ANGELES | Fri Sep 27, 2013 9:26pm EDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Miss Teen USA Cassidy Wolf said on Friday it was "weird" to learn that the 19-year-old California man charged with hacking into her webcam and taking nude photos in a so-called "sextortion" case, was a high school classmate.

Wolf, 19, told NBC's "Today" show she has "mixed feelings" a day after the arrest of Jared Abrahams, and that part of her feels sorry for him.

"It's weird for me to be able to put a face to the person who did this to me and to know that it's somebody I went to high school with," the beauty queen told "Today."

"He was young, my age, and I just think it's sad that he chose to do this and now has kind of put himself in this big dilemma," Wolf said. "I don't think he realizes the consequences that he's done and the people that he hurt."

Wolf and Abrahams are both from Temecula, in Southern California. The beauty queen told NBC she was not friends with Abrahams in high school, but knew his name and routinely passed him in the hallway.

A criminal complaint was filed against Abrahams accusing him of extortion, but prosecutors have not yet gone to a grand jury to obtain an indictment, and additional charges are possible, said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.

The criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California identified one of Abrahams' principal targets as "C.W." but the court document and the FBI did not publicly name the woman or other people - from Ireland, Canada, Russia and other places - whose online accounts Abrahams is accused of having accessed.

The FBI is looking for other people who might have been targeted by Abrahams, Eimiller said.

Wolf told NBC the webcam on her home computer was remotely accessed by someone who snapped pictures of her changing clothes and walking back and forth from the shower.

An FBI statement said that in March Abrahams contacted the woman the agency identified as C.W. by sending her an e-mail with nude photos of her. He threatened to post them "all over the Internet" and warned that her "dream of being a model will be transformed into a porn star," the FBI said.

Abrams told C.W. she could stop him from carrying out that threat by sending a video and more pictures of herself and chatting with him on Skype, where he said he wanted her to follow his commands for five minutes, the complaint stated.

Instead, C.W. alerted authorities, the FBI said.

After an initial court appearance on Thursday, Abrams was released on $50,000 bail by a federal judge who ordered that monitoring software be installed on the desktop at his parents' home, Eimiller said.

Abrahams told investigators he infected people's computers with malware, watched them in states of undress and used the photos for extortion, according to the criminal complaint.

Abrahams' attorney Alan Eisner said his client and his family want to "accept the responsibility" and "apologize to the victims, not only the girls, but their families."

"He acknowledges that the violation and the intrusion is a substantial violation of their privacy, their dignity," said Eisner in a phone interview, adding that Abrahams until recently attended college and is on the autism spectrum which "affects his ability to engage in reciprocal communications."

Abrahams is set to appear in court again on November 4, after an indictment is returned against him, Eimiller said.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis; editing by Gunna Dickson)

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Italian pasta baron's anti-gay comment prompts boycott call

1 of 6. A pack of Barilla spaghetti is seen in on a table of a kitchen in Rome September 27, 2013.

Credit: Reuters/Max Rossi

ROME | Fri Sep 27, 2013 9:24am EDT

ROME (Reuters) - Guido Barilla, chairman of the world's leading pasta manufacturer, prompted calls for a consumer boycott on Thursday after telling Italian radio his company would never use a gay family in its advertising.

"I would never do (a commercial) with a homosexual family, not for lack of respect but because we don't agree with them. Ours is a classic family where the woman plays a fundamental role," Barilla, 55, said in an interview with Radio 24 on Wednesday.

Barilla - one of the best known pasta brands around the world - is one of Italy's biggest advertisers, and for many years has used the image of a happy family living in an idealized version of the Italian countryside, with the slogan: "Where there's Barilla, there's home."

In the interview, Barilla said he opposed adoption by gay parents, but was in favor of allowing gay marriage, which is not legal in Italy. His comment about advertising was in response to a direct question about whether he would ever feature a gay family in his company's commercials.

If gays "like our pasta and our advertising, they'll eat our pasta, if they don't like it then they will not eat it and they will eat another brand," he said.

Aurelio Mancuso, head of gay rights group Equality Italia, said Barilla's comments were an "offensive provocation" and called for a boycott of the company's pasta, sauces and snacks.

"We accept the invitation from the Barilla owner to not eat his pasta," Mancuso said. Many Italians used social media to voice support for a boycott.

Alessandro Zan, a gay member of parliament, said on Twitter: "You can't mess around with consumers, including gay ones."

Barilla issued a statement on Thursday apologizing, explaining that he was trying to say "simply that the woman plays a central role in a family."

"Barilla features families in its commercials because it embraces anyone, and they have always been identified with our brand," he said.

Spanish film star Antonio Banderas features in the latest publicity campaign for Barilla's Mulino Bianco cookies and breakfast cakes. They feature him baking biscuits with children and talking to a chicken called Rosita.

(Reporting by Steve Scherer; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

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Thousands of car geeks flock to Nebraska vintage Chevy auction

1 of 4. Potential buyers and car enthusiasts check out a 1958 Chevrolet Belair, part of the vintage automobiles from the Lambrecht Collection put up for auction in Pierce, Nebraska, September 28, 2013.

Credit: Reuters/Jim Urquhart

By Michael Avok

PIERCE, Nebr. | Sat Sep 28, 2013 6:30pm EDT

PIERCE, Nebr. (Reuters) - America's love affair with the automobile was on full display Saturday as thousands of people converged on a muddy field in rural Nebraska for the auction of one of the nation's largest collections of vintage Chevrolets.

Antique car buyers mingled with history buffs and ordinary folks who just wanted to show their kids the cars of days gone by at the weekend sale of some 500 vehicles owned by the late Ray Lambrecht, who was the local Chevrolet dealer for 50 years.

Until his retirement in 1996, Lambrecht stored any unsold new vehicles in a shed, outbuildings, and behind a grove of trees outside of town.

Locals knew about all the cars and pickup trucks, but people in auto circles and history buffs did not - until the family decided to put them up for auction earlier this year.

"From the road, you would have never guessed that all of this was here," said family member Cassie Wondersee of Dwight, Kansas, as she stood in the mud with her Mastiff dog.

More than 430 "new" cars and pickup trucks were pulled out from among the trees. Another 50, in better shape, were moved out of the sheds.

Among those up for auction were a 1958 Cameo Pickup with the odometer showing it had traveled only one mile, a 1964 Chevrolet Impala with four miles, and a red 1963 Impala with 11 miles.

People peered into and poked around the engines, doors and interiors of row after row of cars and trucks. One enthusiastic bidder called it the car geek equivalent of the Woodstock rock music festival of 1969.

Food vendors pulled their trailers into the field, and portable toilets lined every exit. Soft drinks and beer were readily available.

Motel rooms were impossible to get anywhere near Pierce, with some attendees staying as far away as Omaha, 145 miles to the southeast.

In Norfolk, Nebraska, 14 miles south of Pierce, workers in fast-food restaurants and convenience stores were renting out rooms in their homes to accommodate the weekend crowd.

"Yeah, things like this don't happen much," said Brandon Wagner, a contractor who runs Wagner Excavating.

Wagner had a front-row seat right from the start of the auction, as he was the one who moved the vehicles out of the trees and into the muddy lot for the auction.

Breaking up the collection was tough for the family, said Wondersee, but she hoped the new owners would restore the cars and get the vintage Chevys back out on the road.

"I hope people are not disappointed. They are not all perfect. Some have rust from sitting outside all these years," she said.

(Reporting By Michael Avok; Editing by Greg McCune and Gunna Dickson)

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Classic Coastal Home

Commemorating Coastal Living magazine’s 10th anniversary, the “Idea House at River Dunes” was a signature home in the community’s Harbor Village and the epitome of traditional, coastal style. Deep porches wrap the structure, creating a series of outdoor living spaces. Inside, wood walls, large windows and salvaged floors create a sense of quality and authenticity, as do architectural details such as a grand staircase, coffered ceilings and abundant built-ins. Three levels of living space are topped by a lantern, a reference to 19th century design, that offers views across the deep water harbor to the Pamlico Sound.

The beautiful interiors of this classic coastal home was done by Tammy Connor, ASID, and architecturally designed by Historical Concepts.

 

Classic Coastal Home

This is the 2007 Coastal Living Idea House located at River Dunes in Oriental, North Carolina. Tragically, the home was destroyed by fire in 2010, but its beauty and design still can inspire us. 

Entryway

The interiors of this home was a great example of classic and timeless coastal design.

Coastal Living Room

Beautiful and neutral, this living room invites you in!

All of the upholstered furniture in this photo is from Thomasville. Coffee table is byBrickmaker.

Coastal Dining Room

Paint Color: The walls, trim, and ceiling are painted ” Seaside Retreat Light Khaki (SR302) by Valspar”. The paint color have been custom-washed to various strengths.

Dining Chairs: On the long side of the table is the Mystical loveseat by Thomasville. On the short side, the chairs without arms are the Sarah side chairs, also by Thomasville.

Light fixture is the “Large Arch Top lantern in Bronze” by Circa Lighting.

Coastal Kitchen

This is one of my favorite coastal kitchen. A true classic!

Cabinet Paint Color: The custom paint color was provided by Plain & Fancy.

Walls: Seaside Retreat Light Khaki (SR302) by Valspar

Light fixture is by Circa Lighting.

Coastal Eating Nook

The eating nook feels more like a sunroom… I love every detail in this space.

Chandelier is by Bobo Intriguing Objects.

The ceiling height is approximately 12 feet.

Coastal Bedroom

I am sure you have seen this space before, didn’t you? This is yet another coastal classic! 

The beds were custom made for the home. Room Dimensions: 14×14. Chest is from Thomasville and light fixture by Circa Lighting.

Bedding: Vintage wash linen bolsters in Greige by Matteo. Orange/Latte Starfish wool felt applique pillows by Hable Construction. Lattice overlay pillows by Dransfield & Ross.

Wall treatment is a fabric called “Ginger” by Robert Allen.

Sunroom

The sunroom is the perfect place to take a nap or day-dream!

Light fixture is a hanging lantern from Charleston Gas Light.

Porch

A place to celebrate summer!

Ceiling Paint Color: “Sparkling Sage by Valspar.” Patio furniture is by Beach Dwelling.

Water

The exterior was not painted. The architects used pre-finished Hardiplank 7.25? Lap Siding in Sailcloth by James Hardie. The roof is by “Metal Roofing Alliance”.

Dreaming

I was sad to know this home doesn’t exist anymore, but I felt I had to share it because it’s a place that can continue to inspire and teach us on how to create a neutral coastal home with beauty and personality.

Click here to see the floorplan of this incredible Classic Coastal Home.

So, are you ready for this brand new week that’s just starting? I am happy and embracing all the positive and happy moments I believe I will have during this week. 

Embrace this week knowing that it will it be fantastic!:-)

with Love,

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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Sources: Historical Concepts. Images by Jean Allsopp. Interior design by Tammy Connor, ASID.

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Keeping Your House Warm For Winter

With the air feeling chillier every day it is hard not to think about the winter months ahead. Most people moan when it suddenly hits and things start going wrong within their house, so it could be a good time to just give things a check over whilst the rain and snow hasn’t hit yet! Most of us just move into a house and live there for years without checking some components properly, so before the season changes here are a few things you want to inspect and change:

Insulation

The way some houses are built means that insulation may be missing from the walls which sadly nothing can be done about. However insulation can be installed into your attic as your roof is the main point where heat is lost. Specialists will be able to go into your attic and see if you have any insulation and put some up there for a fee. Make sure to ask around to get a few quotes to find the best deal, but in the long run it should hopefully save you money as you won’t have to keep the heating on for as long.

Another idea is transform the unfinished space into a new and useful room. Make sure to add proper insulation to keep the room warm and cozy.

Windows

Make sure you have double glazed windows in your home. Having double glazed will make a huge difference and ensure that a great deal of heat is kept inside. The way the windows are sealed can also cause problems, some houses use wood around the glass which does not keep the heat in as well as plastic.

Heating

When it comes to heating your home it can be difficult to time it properly. Some devices have timers so you can set them to come on and go off during different times of the day. However if your plans change then you cannot change the settings and could be wasting money heating up an empty house. Heatmiser have wi-fi thermostats which you can control using your smart phone meaning you have full control of when it goes on and off, saving money in the long run. 

Winter

You may also want to check radiators and bleed them to ensure they are all working properly. If necessary, replace your light curtains for energy-efficient blackout curtains. Each of these small things can easily be sorted and will make sure your home is toastier in the coming months.

 Enjoy your Sunday, my friends!

with Love,

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

Interior Design Services within Your Budget

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Sources: Images:1: Bonin Architects & Associates, 2: Rock Paper Hammer, 3: KellyBaron Design, 4: DHR Architecture, 5: Crisp Architects. Via Houzz.

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Your Garden To-Do List For This Fall

Although the nights might be getting cooler and the summer weather is beginning to fade, it doesn’t mean that we all have to abandon our gardens; there are still plenty of things to be done this fall. From making sure your garden is ready for colder weather to planting the right vegetables – your garden to-do list this fall is far from empty!

Tidy up

There’s no doubt that your garden will have seen a lot of use this summer, so having a good clean up in preparation for the next season should be firmly on your list. Before you start anything, make sure to harvest ripe fruit and vegetables.

Removing old plants, doing the weeding and making space for new plants is detrimental to ensuring the new plants develop over the winter months.

Plant the Right Vegetables

Fall is the perfect time for planting new shrubs as the weather is cooler and rainfall is more frequent. However, planting in fall is often in preparation for next spring, so whilst you won’t be able to reap the benefits of your hard work until next year, we’re sure it will be worth it!

So what exactly are the right things to plant this fall? Most lettuces can be grown at the end of September/October. October is also a great time to plant trees as there will be sufficient water in the ground for them to grow efficiently. Finally, fall is the right time to plant spring bulbs which include tulips and daffodils.

Rake the Garden Lawn

There are all sorts of discussions over whether you should or shouldn’t rake your garden – the main argument against is that keeping leaves over the top of your lawn is thought to provide nutrients to the soil. However, should you decide to rake the lawn, rather than throw your leaves in the bin create a compost heap.

Deck Maintenance

Winter can cause potential damage to your decking over the colder months due to increased rainfall,l so it’s important that you use Ronseal’s best decking oil which will provide a vital layer of waterproofing and restore nutrients to your deck.

Don’t Prune too Soon

Although some people begin pruning in fall, many garden experts wouldn’t recommend this. The main issue is that pruning promotes growth, this is what you want to prevent going into colder months. Most plants stay at their best when they are dormant in winter.

So, after a relaxing summer, now is the time to get busy in your garden!

 I hope you had a good time here. Thank you for stopping by, my friends!

with Love,

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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Sources: Images: 1: Deborah Cerbone Associates, Inc., 2: Deborah Cerbone Associates, Inc., 3: Crisp Architects, 4: Fox Associates, Inc., 5: Johnsen Landscapes & Pools. Via Houzz.

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Home Trends For A/W 13

Just like fashion trends, interior design makes changes season to season too and we like to take a look at what is going to play big features in top designer homes. Of course redecorating your home twice a year is unachievable for the majority, but small accessories and changes can be made if you wanted to be up to date. Here are some of the big looks and ways that you can add them to your home:

Gold

Gold is one of those colors that people seem to either love or hate, however this autumn/winter it is one designers are loving. The opulent shade will add a luxurious touch to homes; it will add the finishing touches to furniture and accessories. You could incorporate this look by finding a mirror with a gold frame, brass hardware or maybe opt for some new light fittings with a gold touch from Arrow Electrical.

Stones

As well as gold, touches of sparkle and giving your home a further affluent look can be achieved with gems, crystals and geodes. This trend is quite girly and if you love things that shine then you could add this to your bedroom or living room in a subtle form of cute photo frames and pretty ornaments.

Color Flash

When winter comes it makes us think of blue and white, cold colors that can bring down the mood at this time of year. This is where the color flash trend comes in to add a spark of something bright. Opting for neutral warm shades is perfect; you should add a touch of red, orange or other warm colors to make a room feel more homely. Some ways to integrate this is by changing your feature wallpaper, cushions or even by bringing some fresh flowers into your home. This should keep cost down and doesn’t take too much time to change next year when spring and summer come around again.

Wood

Adding a natural touch to your home is important this season. Whether you switch to wooden flooring or pick up a new wooden dining table, it is a great way to bring the outdoors inside.

Are any of these four trends something that you would add or already have in your home?

 I hope you’re having a sunny and happy Saturday! We’re taking it easy today… I will cook some yummy dinner (my grandma’s recipe) and we’ll play some boardgames later on. It’s always nice to slow-down a little, isn’t it?

with Love,

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

Interior Design Services within Your Budget

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Sources: Images: 1: Christian Gladu Design, 2: Laura Martin Bovard, 3: Laura Martin Bovard, 4: Laura Martin Bovard, 5: Matthew Korn Architecture AIA. Via Houzz.

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