Dog the Bounty Hunter A Racist

My fav bounty hunter is a racist. I mean, what can I say?? Yes, I am a black woman who is very hurt and disappointed with Duane Dog Chapman. I love the show. I can't excuse the audio. Leland's wife is not white, she is of Polynesian ancestry. Do I feel as if it was a setup? Yessir. Everyone who has watch the show, know that Dog and Tucker do not see eye to eye on a lot of things.

Just listen to it and give me your thoughts.

Trailer: Wanted

Check out the official trailer for Wanted. Wanted was directed by Timur Bekmambetov and filmed in part in Chicago, stars Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, Common and Morgan Freeman.

Cover: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe on EW

To promote their movie American Gangster, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe are featured on a two cover collectible for Entertainment Weekly. In an exclusive interview, both movie titans talked about swapping spit, wearing tights, and of course their new movie.

EW: Frank Lucas wouldn't be many people's idea of a noble hero. What
appealed to you about playing a murderous drug dealer?

Washington: I said to Frank, "Look, you did a lot of bad things and you
paid the price - that's the story I'm interested in."

EW: Some people might argue that just by making Frank's life story into a
big Hollywood movie, you're only serving to glamorize him. If you look at how Scarface became a touchstone for rappers--

Washington: Scarface gets more credit than it's worth. Scarface didn't change people. People were already living that. Scarface was just a good movie.

Crowe: "The bottom line is Frank Lucas' life was glamorous. He had a hip
club. He had a lot of sports stars and movie guys he was on a first name basis
with, not to mention politicans. We're telling it like it is. But Ridley [Scott]
also shows the damage Frank did."

To read the rest of this interview and more, pick up your copy of EW on newsstands now.

Trailer: 24

Everyone's favorite arse kicking, trigger -happy, CTU agent Jack Bauer is back! This season is going to be perhaps the best season ever!!! Check out the trailer and give me your take on it.

Rumor Mill: J.Lo getting dropped?!?!

It is being reported that Jennifer Lopez's record label is not happy with her mediocre CD sales and with the amount of money it's costing to promote her. Sources closed to the situation says that Epic and Sony BMG (Epic's parent company) is eating the cost of her makeup, back up dancers, among other expenses.

“She costs too much money and doesn’t sell enough,” says the source, who is familiar with the issue. “Her last album cover alone cost $60,000 in hair and makeup, lighting, photographers, re-touching, etc. The video budget was in the neighborhood of $300,000.”

Lopez performed on “Good Morning America” earlier this month, and all the costs were absorbed by the label. “Epic had to eat the cost for that entire performance. From her makeup — which typically costs in the neighborhood of $8,000 per day — to the backup singers, to the rigging, lighting and sound,” says a source close to the Lopez camp. “The woman requires everything short of flying monkeys to get on a stage.” (READ MORE)

That is why the record companies are coming after people for downloading and such. They are losing money hand over fist.

Cover: Keyshia Cole on VIBE

Keyshia Cole covers VIBE Magazine this month. I really love this photo of her.

My thoughts: God Suffers Things to Happen to Sum Folk

Yesterday, my hubby and I had the chance to see Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?' The movie was very entertaining and done very tasteful. As I talked to my family members who have seen it, I keep getting the same response..."I saw myself in every couple." Well as for me, I identified with Angela the most. With a husband that has a son from a previous relationship, it is hard. My step-son's mom and I do not get along (much like Keisha and Angela). We have called each other names and have almost came to blows on several occasions. However this is not the reason for this post (had to get that off my chest).

When something is going on (churchgoers would say, "going through the valley"), my mother-in-law always tell us "God suffers things to happen to some folk." What she is telling us is that God wants us to go through some things to strengthen our faith and dependence on Him. Sometimes, He wants us to show His good works to others, to be a testimony. Sheila had to go through the verbal abuse and divorce so God could bring Troy into her life, so that she would appreciate him and what he represented--God's Gift. At the end of the movie, Sheila was sharing her testimony with her closest friends and they all reflected on how God has helped to strengthen their marriages.

Food for thought: Did you notice Trina's role in all of this...Did you notice that she wore light colors throughout the movie, what is the symbolism??

Cassandra's Story

October is not only Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. There are a lot of people that wonder why a person would subject herself to violence. I used to ask myself that whenever I watch a Lifetime movie. As a survivor of domestic violence, I can say that it is not easy to leave. Here is my story:
* name has been changed to protect identity

Cassandra’s Story

The year was 1997. I had just graduated from high school and entered into my first year of college. I was young and naive. It was my first time out into the world without my parents. I knew I had to apply the morals and teachings that my parents ingrained in me, but I guess I needed to learn them firsthand. A couple of months into my freshman year, I met this guy. His name was Derrick*. Derrick and I met over the phone. He called my number by mistake and we began to a conversation. He was a charmer, a smooth-talker, some would say he had “the gift of gab” and I would be his next victim.

As I look back at this period in my life. There were signs that I chose to ignore. I thought I could change him. I felt as if I loved him a lot and gave him the support, financially and emotionally, that that would be enough. I was wrong.

The first incident that I can remember happened a late February night. He was in Louisiana at his grandmother’s house. He called and told me he was going to kill himself that life was not worth living anymore. I told him that he had a lot to live for and that he would hurt a lot of people if he went through with it. I told him not to do it and I am on my way. My roommate told me not to go and I told her that I could not have blood on my hands. I drove to his grandmother’s house, which was two hours away. When I arrived, he was standing outside waiting for me, with a sawed-off shotgun. I told him that he didn’t want to do this and that I needed him. By this time, I am crying and pleading for him to put the gun away. He then tells me that he was going to kill us both, that we could be together for eternity. I do not know how I talked him out of it, but I did.

Fast forward, the year is 2001. By this time, I am not the strong, independent person that I was in 1997. Derrick had drained the life right out of me. I felt ugly and undesirable (which was the reason for him to cheat on me). I was told constantly that if I left him, he would kill me and the guy that I was with. I was not allowed to have my guy friends and if he saw me talking to guy, it was pretty much guaranteed I was going to get the third, fourth, and fifth degree. I found myself going to the library a lot. It was my refuge, my haven, my sanctuary. For some reason, I felt alive when I was at the library. It was during one of my library outings that I got the urge to find my pen pal, Aubrey. Aubrey and I started writing each other when we were 11 years old. He was in Texas and I was in Mississippi. We lost contact in 1997, after I met Derrick. Aubrey told me that I should not get with this guy and I told him it was not any of his business who I dated.

We had never met face to face, only through letters. I told myself that I could not leave this world without talking to him. So for a week straight, I would comb the internet looking for him with no success. One day, after aggressively searching, I hit a road block. I sat and stared at the monitor for what seemed an eternity. Then it hit me, try his mom’s address. So, I typed in the address and BINGO! I got a phone number. I called the number and talked to his mom for approximately 15 minutes. I do remember telling her that I needed to talk to him and to please give him my number. Well, Aubrey called me and we talked every day. He knew I was in a relationship, but did not know the abuse until a month or so later. Aubrey called me one day and Derrick answered the phone. I knew it was him when Derrick told him not to call anymore. I guess Aubrey told him that he needed to hear me say it. Well against my will, I had to tell the one person that made me happy that I could not talk to him anymore. I knew I had to tell him this if I wanted to see the next day. After Derrick hung up the phone, all hell broke loose. He called me every derogatory name he could think of, in English and Creole. He even slapped me a couple time (“just to make sure I got it”). To escaped, I ran and locked myself in the bathroom with my cell. When he left to go be with the girl he was cheating on me with, I called Aubrey to apologize and tell him the whole story. Aubrey promised me that he would get me out that relationship. And he did.

It has taken my a long time to write some of the events that I have with through with Derrick.

Please, please if you know someone or if you are the victim of Domestic Violence, please get out and get help before it is too late.


National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

A Week of Positive Blogging

With so much destruction and chaos in the world, Ehav Ever over at Hochmah and Musar decided to have one week where bloggers were asked to compose positive, yet creative posts. From November 4 to November 10, each blogger will write a piece according to the question for that day.

I am quite excited about partaking in this.

If you have any questions or would like to join, please visit Ehav's blog.

Purple Rain named Best Movie Soundtrack

'Purple Rain' Named Best Movie Soundtrack
Written By: Eva Lam


Prince's "Purple Rain" has been voted Hollywood's greatest soundtrack by the editors of Vanity Fair, beating out other classics like "A Hard Day's Night," "Pulp Fiction," "Trainspotting" and "Saturday Night Fever."

The magazine revealed their top 10 soundtracks Wednesday, whittling the list down from 50.

"Purple Rain," from the 1984 movie of the same name, was described by editors as "a sound that defined the '80s," combining "funk, R&B, pop, metal and even psychedelia."

They also called the film "perhaps the best badly acted film ever." Prince, at the height of his success in the 1980s, plays a talented young performer dealing with family issues and love.


READ THE REST

The magazine's selection of 50 soundtracks will be explored in a one-off publication titled "Movies Rock" in November, which will feature actor Bill Murray's impression of Elvis Presley on the cover.

Issues will be sent to subscribers of the 14 titles published by Condé Nast, which also publishes Vanity Fair.

Here is Vanity Fair's list of the top 10 greatest soundtracks:
1. Purple Rain
2. A Hard Day's Night
3. The Harder They Come
4. Pulp Fiction
5. The Graduate
6. Superfly
7. Trainspotting
8. Saturday Night Fever
9. American Graffiti
10. The Big Chill

To accompany the special magazine issue, Condé Nast is hosting a "Movies Rock" concert on Dec. 2 at Los Angeles's Kodak Theatre, where the Academy Awards also take place.

Artists such as Elton John, Carrie Underwood, John Legend and Beyoncé will perform famous music from the movies.

The concert will be broadcast as a two-hour television special on CBS on Dec. 7. (SOURCE)

Trailer: This Christmas

A Christmastime drama centered around the Whitfield family's first holiday together in four years.

Video: Lauryn Hill - Peace of Mind (MTV Unplugged)

As I was combing the endless phletora of YouTube videos in search of a video to post on Facebook, I came across this Lauryn Hill treasure. This album changed my outlook on a lot of things that were happening at the time. I can remember playing her CD until it scratched (crying, wondering how can I find peace of mind). She voiced what I didn't have the heart to say. When I needed it to be said, I would play her (or Mary J.).

Her voice is raw and that is what most people remember. No mixers, no track masters. Just pure Lauryn.

Enjoy!!

Time Warner CEO May Step Down Next Week

Time Warner CEO May Step Down Next Week

Richard Parsons feeling pressure to exit before contract expires

by Meredith Davis

Time Warner Inc., the world’s largest media and entertainment company with $42.9 billion in revenues in 2006, may be seeing a change in leadership sooner than expected. Speculation has increased about the early departure of Richard Parsons, 59, the CEO and chairman of the board of the entertainment conglomerate, with industry analysts saying that it could be as soon as next week.

While long rumored to be leaving, Parson’s contract is not due to expire until May 2008. A call to a Time Warner spokesperson was not immediately returned. Jeffrey Bewkes, Time Warner’s president and chief operating officer is the front-runner for the CEO post.

READ THE REST

Parsons assumed the top spot at Time Warner in May 2002, two years after its merger with America Online, now considered as one of the worst performing media mega-mergers. Parsons, a New York native, also took on the title of chairman of the board in May 2003 after Steve Case of AOL stepped down.

The company’s stock price languished after the merger and has remained stagnant since. News of Parsons’ potential early exit caused Time Warner’s stock price to rise 4% to $18.46 today; a near high for the day but a low for this year after reaching about $23 in January.

In late 2005, billionaire investor Carl Icahn, whose company owns a 3.3% stake in the media company, rallied for a breakup of the mega-company, but killed his campaign early last year once Parsons agreed to a stock buyback that buoyed the stock price some.

Investors should be keyed into a company’s leadership because changes can give clues to the direction of the company. Time Warner Inc. businesses include interactive services, cable systems, filmed entertainment, television networks and publishing. (SOURCE)

Pregnancy Becomes Halle

Halle Berry holds onto her growing baby bump at the Things We Lost In The Fire premiere during day 9 of the 2007 Rome Film Festival on Friday in Rome, Italy.

Photo spotted on Just Jared.

Movie Trailer: Rambo IV

Vietnam veteran John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) has survived many harrowing ordeals in his lifetime and has since withdrawn into a simple and secluded existence in Bangkok, where he spends his time salvaging old PT boats and tanks for scrap metal. Even though he is looking to avoid trouble, trouble has a way of finding him. A group of Christian human rights missionaries, led by Michael Burnett and Sarah Miller, approach Rambo with the desire to rent his boat to travel up the river to Burma. For over fifty years, Burma has been like a war zone. The Karen people of the region, who consist of peasants and farmers, have endured brutally oppressive rule from the murderous Burmese military and have been struggling for survival every single day. This is the time when medical assistance and general support from the Christian missionaries is needed most. After some consideration, and due to insistence from his mentor, former military man Ed Baumgartner, Rambo accepts the offer and takes Michael, Sarah, and the rest of the missionaries up the river. When the missionaries finally arrive at the Karen village, they are ambushed by the sadistic Major Pa Tee Tint and a slew of Burmese army men. A portion of the villagers and missionaries are tortured and viciously murdered, while Tint and his men hold the remainder captive. News soon reaches the minister in charge of the mission and with the help of Ed Baumgartner he employs Rambo to lead a rescue effort. With five young and highly diverse mercenaries at his disposal, Rambo has to travel back up the river and liberate the survivors from the clutches of Major Tint in what may be one of his deadliest missions ever.

Covers: Kirk Franklin on JET; Denzel On Men's Vogue

Don't forget to pick up your copies now.

Celebrity Outings: J. Hud+Marques H.+Alicia

Andre Talley & J. Hud

Marques Houston & Jennifer Freeman

Alicia Keys

Staph infection cause of boy's death, [New York] city health officials say

BY ETHAN ROUEN and CARRIE MELAGO
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS

Friday, October 26th 2007, 4:00 AM

---

Omar Rivera Jr.'s death on Oct. 14 was likely caused by the superbug MRSA, city said. The seventh-grader had not been at IS211 since start of month.

---

City health officials are blaming the tragic death of a Brooklyn boy last week on the drug-resistant superbug that has raised fears across the country.

The seventh-grader, identified by neighbors and students as Omar Rivera Jr., succumbed Oct. 14.

"This child died of a staph infection, particularly a resistant staph infection called MRSA," said Dr. Don Weiss of the city Health Department.

MRSA - short for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - is a staph bacterium that can't be controlled by basic antibiotics. A recent report contends nearly 20,000 people nationwide have been killed by the superbug in one year.

Intermediate School 211 in Canarsie was informed last week about the boy's death and asked the city Health Department to investigate, officials said. Blood tests confirmed the child was infected with the superbug.

City officials sent a letter home with IS 211 students yesterday, notifying parents that a student there had contracted the staph infection. But the letter cautioned parents not to panic.

"At this time, the Health Department does not believe that other children are at increased risk for the infection," the letter reads.

Medical staff were available at the school to answer parents' questions yesterday, and janitors have scrubbed down the building as a precaution.

Although the boy who died hadn't been in school since early in the month, one friend said Omar had shown him the boil-like lesions on his skin in class.

"He showed me the stuff on his back," said Andrew McKenzie, 13. "I didn't know what to do, so I told him to go to the nurse, and then I never saw him again."

According to literature distributed at his funeral, Omar was born in Miami but lived in New York City most of his life. He was a joker and gifted reader who liked basketball and video games.

"I was very sad. He was my friend," said Michael Elmore, 13. "They called us in today and told us to wash our hands frequently."

Added 14-year-old Kimberly Jenkins, "When I walk in the hallway, it doesn't feel right anymore."

Typical staph is rampant and lives unnoticed on most people's skin. If it enters the body through a cut or scrape, a person might notice a small sore or pimple. Usually, the body's immune system or a penicillin-type drug will nip the infection in the bud.

MRSA infections don't respond to those antibiotics, which is what worries health officials and makes the bacteria potentially deadly.

Some Brooklyn parents were alarmed to receive a letter from the school about the superbug.

"I would have preferred if they told me immediately," said Troy Lee, 38, the father of an eighth-grader. "You probably could have stopped a lot of fear if you called the parents in instead of sending home a letter."

Barbara Brown, 54, was nervous about sending her niece back to the school.

"I just hope they get to the source of it," she said. "As a parent, it makes you kind of edgy."

Health officials said it's not possible to know where the boy contracted the infection, and they would not release his name.

It could be weeks before the medical examiner's office releases the exact cause of death.

Earlier this month, a high school student from Virginia was killed by an MRSA infection. At least seven Long Island students have been diagnosed recently with infections related to the superbug, and Iona College also suffered an outbreak. Omar appears to be the first MRSA death in the city.

Officials stressed that staph infections are rarely fatal in children and only spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items like towels or razors. Any wounds should be covered with bandages.

"It is not necessary to keep the student out of school or to close school," the city Health Department said in a statement.

An electric sign on IS 211 read: "Our hearts go out to our young angel."

(SOURCE)

Weight Loss Diary: October 26

This week I was able to wear a pair of jeans, that just one month ago I couldn't. You know I was grinning! I received a lot of compliments ("you look like you are losing weight") that just made me feel real good inside. I know that I have to control my portions and not to eat bread, pasta, or rice at every meal.

What I have been doing is if I ate bread during breakfast, I would not have bread until dinner. So in essence, I am only eating weight gaining carbs twice a day. This is what I did while I was pregnant and it worked.

This weekend I plan to go to the gym. I just found out that I will be taking over the monthly payments (UGHHHHHH!!!!), since she has been paying for it.

Well have a great weekend!!

BTW- I will post an article (in pdf form) later re: easy exercises that can be done while at work.

Listen: Jay-Z ft. Lil Wayne - Hello Brooklyn 2.0

Jay-Z and Lil Wayne have a single entitled Hello Brooklyn 2.0. This definitely grows on you after you have listened to it. Thoughts???

I Love Irv Gotti

I am such a fan of Irv Gotti's show, Gotti's Way. After seeing this past Monday's episode, I am bigger fan. He had a talk with his eldest daughter, Angela. She was being teased at school, some of the other kids were telling her that she was not Gotti's daughter (even I am guilty of saying this). As the episode progressed, we got to see a glimpse of the love he has for her. He did tell her that he was not her biological father, but that he had been in her life since she was 11 months old. In essence, he is her dad, the only dad she knows. He told her that he loved her more than himself (yes, I was almost reduced to tears). It is touching to see a man that is willing to care for and love another man's child. I give him MAD KUDOS for taking on a responsibility that was not his.




If you havent watch this show, please do. Gotti's Way is on VH1, Mondays (check your local listings for time).

sidebar: Ja Rule is reportedly going to be in Austin tomorrow. I am going to attempt to have pictures from his event. So sit tight!!

T.I. Released on Bail!

A Federal judge decided to released T.I. today for $3M. T.I. had to forfeit $2 million in cash bond and $1 million in property as collateral for bail. Additionally, T.I. and must remain under house arrest until his trial on weapons charges.

U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesman Patrick Crosby has informed TMZ that a private monitoring company will reside at T.I.’s home, and he will be subject to drug, alcohol and weapons searches at their discretion. The ATF will also be allowed to search the residence. Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman ordered the rapper be monitored 24 hours a day by a private monitoring service that T.I. must pay for. T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, must stay in his home except for medical appointments and court appearances. He also may not own any guns and cannot have contact with any witnesses or informants in the case.

As previously reported, T.I. was arrested on October 13 on federal gun charges. No new court date has been set.

Listen: Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again

Alicia's second single is "Like You'll Never See Me Again. Thoughts??

Listen :: Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again ::

(Source)

Queen Latifah loving her curves

NEW YORK - Queen Latifah says the definition of beauty is changing.

"Beauty is not just a white girl. It's so many different flavors and shades," the 37-year-old rapper-actress tells People magazine in its latest issue. "It's good for regular girls because the meter (for beauty) has been a slim white girl."

"(In Hollywood) we've definitely gotten better with body type," she says. "It used to be just me! Now with Jennifer Hudson's success and America Ferrera, I got some successors to take the reins on this whole bodylicious thing."

Latifah describes herself as being voluptuous — "definitely curvaceous." (SOURCE)

READ THE REST

"I think I'm normal compared to the statistics," she says. "This is a big country nowadays."

The star of "Chicago" and other films says she had elective breast-reduction surgery in 2003 to alleviate years of back and shoulder pain.

"I didn't want to get it. But I had lost 25 pounds and my breasts didn’t go anywhere! I was still carrying that load," she tells the magazine.

However, "I didn't quite want them to be this small," she laughs.

Before surgery, Latifah says she was "an E or an F cup. I was pretty big. Now I’m like a DD. I wanted to be a triple. They took one D too many! So that was hard to deal with. ... I missed my old look."

Latifah says she isn't interested in more surgery.

"There are people who love (plastic surgery) and want to cut and chop anything. I'm like, `Y'all are crazy!'"

Video: Anthony Hamilton - Do You Feel Me

Anthony Hamilton's new single off of the American Gangster soundtrack, Do You Feel Me.

Yes, I do. Thoughts??

Movie Trailer: Will Smith 'I Am Legend'

I Am Legend

Add to My Profile More Videos


Robert Neville (Will Smith) is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible virus that was unstoppable, incurable, and man-made. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and maybe the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone. Mutant victims of the plague -- The Infected -- lurk in the shadows... watching Neville's every move... waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Perhaps mankind's last, best hope, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But he knows he is outnumbered... and quickly running out of time.

Video: Mary J. Blige - Just Fine

Here is the sneak preview of Mary's new single, Just Fine.

Celebrity Outings: Alicia+Fantasia+Justin+Halle

Alicia performing at the Heineken Red Star Soul


Fantasia at the same event

Justin downing a few beers.


Halle at BFI London Film Festival

Video: Jena 6; Idiocracy at It's Worst

This video is one of the reasons we are viewed by other races and nationalities in a negative light. I was with the whole 'Free Jena 6' until recently. Instead of using the money for greater good (i.e. starting a non-profit organization, paying legal fees and other expenses), these *negroes* decided to post pictures via Myspace. This is very disrespectful, many individuals took off work to march in Jena and around the country. Heck, I even wore black in 100 degree weather to show support and unity.

The next time the Jena PD have you hemmed up, don't call us...

Eva Mendes in Nov. issue of Maxim

Here are a couple of pics from Eva Mendes' Maxim article, issue on newsstands now.

M:
Your new movie, We Own the Night, opens with a pretty explicit scene between you and Joaquin Phoenix. What was that day at work like?
Eva: It was tough. That morning I was so nervous that the director was like, “Why don’t you put a little vodka in your orange juice?” So I did. It took the edge off.

M: Is it bizarre to watch your own sex scenes?
Eva: It’s weird to see myself in bed with Joaquin up on the big screen. I told my mom she has to come 15 minutes late. She wouldn’t live through that first scene—she’d have a heart attack. The poor lady would keel over in the movie theater.

READ THE REST

Celebrity Sightings: Mariah+Nic Murphy+Cassie

Mariah, love the shoes, not the dress.

Cassie and Lauren London.

Aww, black love...Nicole Murphy & Michael Strahan.

Karrine is Today's Black Woman

Karrine is featured on the cover of Today's Black Woman magazine which is on newsstands now. A lot of TBW readers are upset about Karrine being on the cover.



Now, I can't fault someone who knows how to hustle (and baby can she hustle..). I also know she is not the poster child for wholesome behavior; however, she has used her common sense and unadulerated, street smarts to make it in the show biz industry. She was in an abusive relationship and got out (that should be the testimony for her strength), among other situations. Yes, she partied hard and yes she slept with a multitude of men. Some of these men confided in her more so than their wives. Maybe it wasn't cool for her to tell America her deepest secrets and rat on all the men she sleep with.


All I am going to say is before we condemn someone, take a good, long, look in the mirror.

My thoughts: October 24

It may seem as if I am going to ramble during this post, but I am going to write what is in my heart. So please forgive me for any and all grammatical errors

.

On my way to work this morning, I was listening to the radio (The Beat 104.9 ATX). During the 9 o'clock hour, callers have the opportunity to call and talk about anything and everything. Well one caller wanted to voice her opinion about the California wildfires and how quickly aid was coming in to help those residents. With anger in her voice, she stated that she did not understand why it took the government so long to get help and aid to New Orleans, but a matter of hours to the CA residents.

This fire has been going on for a few days now. We do not know how long it takes to mobilize volunteers, rescue units, and aid to areas affected by calamity. New Orleans residents always knew that the city was endangered to flood at any time. While going to USM-Hattiesburg, there were always talk about if a great storm were to hit New Orleans, the city would be underwater.

We just never knew it would happen in our lifetime.

READ THE REST

When Katrina hit the MS Gulf Coast and the surrounding areas, I was shocked and appalled at the devastation. I was sad and angry that so many people could not get out of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in time. I was pregnant at the time and it hurt to see children limped over from dehydration and lack of food. Mothers and fathers crying out for help. During one of my emotional rants, my older sister said this to me: Our people had chances to get out and they chose to stay.

Most of the Cali residents being affected are millionaires, even billionaires. Yes, they can easily buy themselves newer, bigger, better homes. They have lost precious items that can't be replaced as well: wedding/birthday/kids pictures, family heirlooms that have been passed down, etc.

What I am trying to say is that the government learned a lot from Katrina's mistakes and able to get help and aid quicker to affected areas.

Video: Common - I Want You

Common has finally released his video for the single, I Want You, featuring Kerry Washington.

TI Covers Complex

Sexy TI is all over the pages of Complex Mag's November issue.


I just love a man who knows his way around the kitchen.

Taking a break today...

will be back tomorrow.


BTW- I am trying my hand at web design and got a tidbit over my head. In the chaos, I did not copy all of the links from my previous layout. So, if you think/know you were listed on my blog, please send me an email at celeb.blitz[at]gmail[dot]com. Thank you for being understanding!

Rev Run & Fam are Back!

Check out this trailer for the upcoming 4th season of Run's House. Angela and Vanessa are back in the house with the rest of the Simmons clan. The new season premieres October 25 @ 10 PM EST. For more info, check out MTV Overdrive.

Racist Pamphlets distributed in CA. neighborhood.

Lynching Flyers Are Distributed In A California Neighborhood

Posted October 22, 2007

They show Sharpton and Jackson hanging, amid protests regarding school cake case
A week after a guard at a Palmdale, Calif., high school was cleared of any wrongdoing for the way he handled a Black girl who spilled crumbs on the cafeteria floor, leaflets – purportedly signed by the KKK – were passed out in a local neighborhood showing nooses around the necks of the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department found that Chris Niemeyer, security guard at Pete Knight High School, did not use excessive force in detaining 16-year-old Pleajhai Mervin, despite a widely distributed videotape showing him twisting her arm behind her back and bending her over a table. Investigators say, too, that Pleajhai’s arm was not fractured, as the girl’s mother alleged. Pleajhai and her mother, Latrisha Majors, were arrested, as were Joshua Lockett, 14, who videotaped the altercation, and his sister, Kenngela Lockett, 16, who protestors say also suffered a fractured wrist. Sharpton reportedly announced plans to visit Lancaster County to participate in a local protest. The lynching flyers were stuck on the windshields of cars parked at the school and in a largely Black Palmdale neighborhood following Sharpton’s announcement, deputies said. “[The flyer] depicts what seem to be two figures of Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton hanging from a tree with some quotes saying ‘nappy headed pimps, get out of the Antelope Valley.’ and it’s signed by the KKK at the bottom,” Darren Parker, of the Antelope Valley Human Relations Task Force, said. Christopher Keeling, a hate crimes task force investigator for the sheriff’s department and the FBI, told the Los Angeles Daily News that, “It’s unfortunate that someone would go out and put a flyer out like that. It was my understanding that the first flyer that was found was a clear depiction of Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton, but because it’s been faxed and copied so many times now, it’s pretty much a blur at this point,” Keeling said. In addition to a White supremacist or special-interest group, it could also be a Black activist trying to stir up trouble, he noted.

Looking Good, Whitney!!

I believe Clive Davis can work miracles. He took a gamble on a young girl during the 80s and made her into a powerhouse. Yes, I am talking about the woman, Whitney Houston! This video is from the Swarovski Fashion Rocks Concert, held in London this past Thursday. I was hoping she was going to sing, but I guess a brief note was good enough. She looked GOOD!!

Need a fix?? Go to San Fran

Now I have seen everything!!!

Yesterday, the San Francisco Department of Public Health held a symposium on the idea of having a supervised drug house. Yes, you read it right. The injection clinic will have supervised trained personnel shoot up intravenous drug users. The idea is to decrease overdoses, keep dirty needles off the street, and cut the risk of spreading Hepatitis C and HIV. The City will not supply the drugs, the addicts will have to bring it to the clinic. Now, keep in mind, this is the same state and city that wants to have Mary Jane legalized for medicinal purposes. Click here and here to read more about the clinic.

What say you? Will this plan work? Would you want your city government to shell out money to keep addicts addicted?

Video: Ja Rule ft Lil Wayne - Uh-Ohhh!

I know I may be behind, but that is ok. I think this "Uh-Ohhh" is still hot and in my opinion, Ja Rule wants to show us that he can spit rapidfire lyrics. What are your thoughts???

Here we go again...another stereotypical comment

This is getting really redundant. I am getting sick and tired of racist bigots demeaning my intellectual value. Here is the article in its entirety:

Comments on black aptitude stir outrage

By By Malcolm Ritter
Associated Press

Friday, October 19, 2007

NEW YORK -- James Watson, the 79-year-old scientific icon made famous by his work in DNA, has set off an international furor with comments to a London newspaper about intelligence levels among blacks.

Watson, who's chancellor of the renowned Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York, has a history of provocative statements about social implications of science. But several friends said Thursday he's no racist.

And Watson, who won a Nobel Prize in 1962 for co-discovering the structure of DNA, apologized and says he's "mortified."

A profile of Watson in the Sunday Times Magazine of London quoted him as saying that he's "inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa" because "all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours -- whereas all the testing says not really."

While he hopes everyone is equal, "people who have to deal with black employees find this is not true," Watson is quoted as saying. He also said people should not be discriminated against on the basis of color, because "there are many people of color who are very talented."

The comments, reprinted Wednesday in a front-page article in another British newspaper, The Independent, provoked a sharp reaction.

London's Science Museum canceled a sold-out lecture he was to give there today. The mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said his comments "represent racist propaganda masquerading as scientific fact. ... That a man of such academic distinction could make such ignorant comments, which are utterly offensive and incorrect and give succor to the most backward in our society, demonstrates why racism still has to be fought."

In the United States, the Federation of American Scientists said it was outraged that Watson "chose to use his unique stature to promote personal prejudices that are racist, vicious and unsupported by science."

Watson is in Britain to promote his new book, "Avoid Boring People."

READ THE REST

It is obvious that these individuals have not taken anytime to do a little research. Most of the comforts that they enjoyed have been invented or improved upon by African-Americans. Let's take a crash course in African-American History 101: Black Inventors.

Not too take up much space, I will only list a few of the creature comforts that African Americans have invented or improved upon. Click to see full list of Black inventions.

Toilet - T. Elkins

Refrigerator - J. Standard

Mop - T.W. Stewart Baby Buggy - W.H. Richardson

Traffic Signal - Garrett Morgan

Hair Brush - Lyda Newman

The all important Golf Tee - George F. Grant

Thermo Hair Curlers - Soloman Harper
Clothes Dryer - G.T. Sampson

Remote Controllers - Joseph N. Jackson

Telephone System, Telephone Transmitter, Electric Cutoff Switch, Roller Coaster, Auto Air Brake - Granville T. Woods

So the next time you are brushing your hair, drying your clothes, or at the 9th hole, just remember if it hadn't been for these African-American men and women, none of the simple things that we have today would be nonexistent.

Win a pair of Tickets to see Kevin Michael in Concert

Not too long ago, I told you about Kevin Michael. Well, it has been announced that he is coming to Texas (along with Maroon 5)! So, if you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston areas, this is your chance to see him up close and personal. Here are the details (via Myspace bulletin):

Want to win a pair of tickets to see Kevin Michael with Maroon 5? We are giving away a pair of tickets for the following two shows:

-10/26/07-Houston, TX, Toyota Center
-10/27/07 -Ft. Worth, TX, Ft Worth Convention Center

HOW TO WIN:

-To sign up for the free* mobile fanclub an enter yourself to win tickets to see Kevin Michael on 10/26 in Houston, TX , just text KMTX1 to 50505

-To sign up for the free* mobile fanclub an enter yourself to win tickets to see Kevin Michael on 10/27 in Ft. Worth, TX , just text KMTX2 to 50505



NOT FROM THE TEXAS AREA?

Text KM to 50505 to sign up for the mobile fan club and you'll be the first to find out about other contests like this, secret shows, local tour dates, Kevin Michael news and more!



*standard text message rates apply.

So get to texting and Good luck!!

Weight Loss Diary: 8 Simple Reasons We Gain Weight

While reading this month's issue of Essence (the one with Keyshia Cole on the cover), I came across this article about weight gain and 8 reasons behind it. I felt the author was speaking to me. Out of the 8 reasons, I counted 5 reasons why I gain weight. Since it is already late, I will add the article and later post which reasons are causing me to gain weight.


UPDATE(10/26/07): Sorry for the lateness, but late than never...Well here are the 5 reasons my arse can't lose

1. Not enough sleep - with working full time, family and other obligations I am lucky if I get 6 hours of sleep.
2. Have a life - Family, work, school, blogging, and other obligations and commitments, I am a busy lady!!
   
3. Not enough trips to grocery store - If I can get it dead and cooked at McDonald's, I'm cool..
   
4. Job tempts me with oh-so-fattening-but-tastes-really-good snacks - No explanation is needed for this.
   
5. Too stressed - See #1 & 2.

UPDATE***Mark S. Allen Apologizes: "I was a jerk"

CBS affiliate CW31 has finally issued an on-air apology in response to the barriage of emails and calls that was recieved. Well, to be honest, it was Mark S. Allen who issued the apology and rightfully so!! During a recent interview with Janet Jackson and Tyler Perry, Mr. Allen used a shock-jock approach (befitting of Howard Stern) and repeatedly brought up the Super Bowl situation. Click to watch the video.

Cover: Ashanti posing for Sophisticate's Black Hair

Ashanti is featured on the November cover of Sophisticate's Black Hair, which is available now.

Video: Ja Rule ft. Ashley Joi - Body

This is the video for Ja Ruls's new single, "Body," which features the vocal talents of the beautiful Ashley Joi. Now, what makes this song likeable is the infectious beat. I know that most do not like Ja and I can respect that. Just watch it and let me know if this is the hit Irv Gotti's been searching for.

Video: Nelly - Wadsyaname

Nelly is back and this is his first single, "Wadsyaname" off his new album (drops November 13). Nelly is so hot in this video. Sorry, honey...

Anyway, watch the video and do your dance..

Cali TV station apologizes to Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson

A Sacramento TV station sent out email apologies after the station was slammed with thousands of emails from irate fans over a recent Janet Jackson/Tyler Perry interview.

In the email, C31 promised to reaccess Mark S. Allen's interviewing techniques and the station apologized for offending any viewers. Many fans say that this is not enough and they will continue to email complaints to the station.

Here is the apology:

Subject: Tyler Perry/Janet Jackson Interview
Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:28:07 -0400
From: "KMAX General Mgr"
To: [Email Withheld]

Thank you for contacting CW31. We have reviewed the many comments we have received regarding our interview with Tyler Perry and Janet Jackson that aired on October 11. As a result of the numerous comments received, we have carefully reviewed the segment and have reassessed the approach taken by Mr. Allen.

While we certainly did not intend to offend anyone during this interview, we do sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been offended, including Ms. Jackson and Mr. Perry.

We take seriously the feedback we receive from our viewers and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

Sincerely,

KMAX/CW31

Obama, Dick Cheney Cousins

Dick Cheney's wife, Lynne, uncovered that her husband and Obama are in fact cousins.

She said she uncovered the long-ago ties between the two while researching her ancestry for her latest book, "Blue Skies, No Fences," a memoir about growing up in Wyoming.

"This is such an amazing American story that one ancestor ... could be responsible down the family lines for lives that have taken such different and varied paths as Dick's and Barack Obama," Lynne Cheney told MSNBC.

According to her spokeswoman, Sen. Obama, D-Ill., is a descendant of Mareen Duvall. This French Huguenot's son married the granddaughter of a Richard Cheney, who arrived in Maryland in the late 1650's from England, said Ginny Justice, a spokeswoman for Lynne Cheney.

The vice president's full name is Richard B. Cheney. (SOURCE)

A spokesman for Obama replied, "Every family has a black sheep."

sidebar: It is mighty peculiar that this information was brought out during the peak time of presidential campaigning. The Bush Administration is not slick at all. Black folks are still going to support Obama, even though, he has a trigger-happy cousin.

Nine words women say...

I received this and thought I would share. Men, please take note and be aware...

Nine words women use...
>
>1.) Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when they are
>right and you need to shut up.
>
>2.) Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour.
>Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more
>minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
>
>3.) Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means something,
>and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing
>usually end in fine.
>
>4.) Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
>
>5.) Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement
>often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an
>idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time
>standing here and arguing
>with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
>
>6.) That's Okay : This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman
>can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard
>before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
>
>7.) Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say
>you're welcome.
>
>8.) Whatever : Is a woman's way of saying @#**?! YOU!
>
>9.) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning
>this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but
>is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking
>'What's
>wrong?' For the woman's response refer to #3.

Breathe...

I spotted this video on Miss Info's blog and I am just as appalled and outrage as her! Nas is a creative and controversial artist. As Chuck pointed out "we do not know what his creative license is for his proposed album title."

I am going to get off of my soapbox for a minute (BP is sky high right now). Watch this video and let me know your thoughts??

Sherri Shepherd developing new CW sitcom

Comedian and The View cohort, Sherri Shepherd, is set to produce and star in a CW sitcom. The sitcom will be loosely based on her life experience, particularly her marital situation. As of now, the show is still untitled.

Last year, Shepherd joked with "The View" co-hosts about wanting "to kill" her husband over his actions, and said she was divorcing him because of the infidelity. But after a change of heart, the comedic actress decided to try and work things out with her husband. She has also spoken about accepting his illegitimate child. (SOURCE)

The CW sitcom will most likely be taped in New York, so that Shepherd will not have to fly to L.A. (and risk falling off since she still thinks the world is flat).

Thanks Sheila for the link.

Video: Pharrell not paying attention

In the video interview, Pharrell takes a few precious moments to ignore talk to YoungHollywood.com about his upcoming album and new artist, Kenna, before a performance at the Hennessy Artistry event in Hollywood, California.

UPDATE: Diddy to turn himself in

According to the NY Daily News, Diddy is expected to turn himself in to face charges stemming from an altercation he had over the weekend. As previously posted, Diddy allegedly punched a dude after words were exchanged over a former girlfriend. The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Steven Acevedo.

Acevedo told cops that Diddy punched him in the mouth, knocked him to the ground, and when he got back up, Diddy struck him again. After the altercation, Acevedo went home where he phoned the cops hours later. [sidebar: why did he wait to call the po-po??]

We know where this is going: in a couple of months, Acevedo will be settling for an undisclosed amount from Diddy. If he was smart, he would ask for a monthly stipend from Diddy and a job at Bad Boys or Sean John--that is what I would do...

Take that, Take that: Diddy assaults guy over a chick

A man has accused Sean "Diddy" Combs of punching him out
during a dispute at a trendy Manhattan nightspot, law enforcement officials said
Tuesday.

Police were investigating the report of an assault early Saturday at the club in SoHo, but declined to identify any suspects.

The law enforcement officials confirmed news accounts Tuesday that Combs, 37, was the alleged assailant. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation hadn't been completed.

Investigators were seeking to locate more witnesses before questioning Combs, the officials said. In a statement, Combs' attorney denied any wrongdoing by his client.

The incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. inside Kiosk nightclub. The victim told police that he and Combs had been arguing over a woman before he was punched in the face by the hip-hop mogul, the officials said.

SOURCE

Could this dispute be over Kim or Sienna??

ILNY 2: Episode 2

So last night the remaining 15 contestants vying for New York's arse heart had to swim across a lake and present a gift to her. The guys who make the best impressions will get a date with her. You had chocolates, a wack drawing of New York (nice try Knock Out) and a shirt that was for someone else.

Also It intercepts a delivery of roses from another suitor and gives them to New York. IS there a snitch in the house and who is still married??? To find out, go to VH1 and watch the full episode now.

TI Denied Bail

TI, who was arrested on weapons charges, was denied bail. All I can say is this is not looking good for TIP.

via Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

During a brief court hearing, U.S. Magistrate Alan Baverman ordered Harris to remain in custody at least until Friday, when the judge will hold hearings to determine whether Harris is eligible for a bond and whether there was probable cause to arrest him.

Federal prosecutors are moving to keep Harris detained until his trial, which could be several months away. If convicted, Harris, 27, faces certain prison time - about five or more years behind bars, according to the federal sentencing guidelines.

One of his lawyers, Steve Sadow, said he requested Harris's bond hearing be postponed until Friday to give the defense team more time to prepare for it. But it will be difficult for Harris's defense team to win a bond for a defendant who has a prior crack cocaine-dealing felony conviction and who allegedly had an arsenal of weapons at his College Park home.

Harris, wearing a black shirt and pants, answered "Yes, sir," and "Yes, your honor," when asked a number of questions by Baverman, such as whether he understood the charges against him and knew he had the right to remain silent. Family members sat jammed together behind the rap star in the packed courtroom.

After the hearing, Dwight Thomas, one of Harris's lawyers, said, "We're looking at complete exoneration in this case. Our objective is to completely exonerate him."

For those that haven't seen the arsenal that TI was purchasing and kept at his house, check this out (video was spotted on Miss Info)

Dailymotion Feature: Locked in the Pantry

Since it is a very slow day, I bring this video to you of a spoof to R. Kells "Trapped in the Closet."
Enjoy!!

Fashion: Finally!! Lil Mama gets it right

Photos snagged from Lil Mama's fansite

FINALLY, after the fashion faux pas at the VMAs, Lil Mama gets it right (well, sorta) at the BET Hip Hop Awards.

Video: Rihanna - Don't stop the music

Rihanna has gone techno on us. This is her new single, "Dont Stop the Music."

Thoughts??

A Reality TV Review: Gotti's Way

Last night was the sneak premiere of Vh1's Gotti's Way. This show follows Irv Gotti and The Inc.'s climb back up to the top of the music industry. What I know I will like about this show is the constant love/hate relationship between Gotti and his estranged wife, Deb. I will not spoil the episode for you, but I will tell you this: Gotti is a control freak to the nth degree.

Will I watch this show? Heck yeah (since there is nothing else on TV).

Watchability Stars: 4 out of 5 (for constant brickery between Gotti and his wife).