Wednesday, September 30, 2009

BARACK OBAMA ALMOST LOST MICHELLE

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Michelle and Barack Obama's marriage was so shaky at one point that they almost separated, according to a new book that gives what it says is a behind-the-scenes look at the Obamas' life together.

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JAY-Z ON OPRAH

Jay-Z appears on "The Oprah Winfrey Show"

Here you go again, smelling good," Winfrey joked as Jay-Z walked on the set. The line was in reference to her call with Gayle King where she remarked after meeting the rapper she discovered how good he smelled.

"That's swagger," an audience member chimed in, drawing Jay's laughter.

The pair appeared at ease with each other as the talk-show queen asked the rapper about his drug-dealing past, his marriage to Beyoncé and his relationship with his father, whom Jay-Z had been estranged from before reuniting with him before his death.

They agreed to disagree over issues with the N-word. Jay-Z said people give words power, and as a culture, we can take that away. Winfrey steadfastly disagreed, saying for her generation, the word is loaded with degradation.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Dr. Boyce Watkins speaks on the “Sippin Syrup” Drink Being Sold in Stores

by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

You've probably heard the phrase "sippin syrup," used in reference to the act of mixing cough syrup, codeine, and soda together to create a relaxed feeling within the person who consumes the beverage. The "drank" has become quite popular, particularly in the south, as rappers have done their jobs of giving free promotion to an illegal product that has managed to make teenagers even less productive than many of them already are.
It was only a matter of time before corporate America stepped in to make money off the trend. Meet the new drink on store shelves: Sippin Syrup. The drink doesn't use any illegal products, but produces the same "lean" effect that many young people seek from the cough syrup product on the street. Harmless enough, right? Not so fast.
Officers in the Houston area are concerned that the product sold on store shelves is nothing more than a gateway to an incredibly dangerous and addictive drug. The snazzy ad campaign fully leverages the power of the brand of "purple stuff" being sold on the streets already. Teenagers who can't get the real stuff would likely be enticed by the substitute until the door is open for the actual product.

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If the above link does not work, please click here to see Dr Boyce articles on AOL Black Voices

Monday, September 28, 2009

LL COOL ON THE SCREEN

LL Cool J

CBS scored big with its new spinoff "NCIS: Los Angeles" starring LL Cool J and Chris O'Donnell.       

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Tuesday marked the network's most-watched premiere night since 1993 – thanks to the one-two-three punch of "NCIS" (20.6 million viewers), "NCIS: Los Angeles" (18.7 million) and new series "The Good Wife" (13.7 million).      

 

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Sunday, September 27, 2009

Black News: Author Writes a Book for Ex-Cons to Start Businesses

from AOL Black Voices 

In the first book published by her New York-based Resilience Multimedia, Sheila Rule delivers much-needed information to a segment of society that has long been ignored: the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated. In 'Think Outside The Cell: An Entrepreneur's Guide for the Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated' by Joseph Robinson, readers learn vital information, including how to overcome obstacles that convicted felons face while trying to reenter society and find work.
Rule, who worked at The New York Times for 30 years before her recent retirement, was spurred to start her publishing company after writing to the incarcerated as a volunteer for the Riverside Church Prison Ministry. With funding from the Ford Foundation, she plans to publish next year the 'Think Outside the Cell' book series featuring real-life stories by the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and their families. Rule takes time to talk about the book with AOL Black Voices.
AOL Black Voices: How did you come up with the idea for the book?
Sheila Rule: Joe's book has been published amid renewed efforts to help the formerly incarcerated-who are disproportionately black and Latino-successfully reenter society. But Joe believes that the reentry programs being developed, while commendable, too often focus on finding jobs in a nation where, according to a Princeton University study, it is easier for a white person with a felony conviction to get a job than for a black person who has never been arrested. Joe believes that "Think Outside the Cell" presents a largely unexplored option-entrepreneurship-that can help give men and women leaving prison a realistic second chance

 

Click to read.

Friday, September 25, 2009

JAY-Z TELLS 50 TO BRING IT

Jay-Z

Jay-Z was so angry at the residents in his apartment building who objected to his who moving there that he deliberately tries to antagonize them as often as possible.      

"My neighbors didn't want me in the building, it was a whole big thing, it was really racist. They didn't want me in so I bought the biggest place there," he told BBC radio's Trevor Nelson. "They have a board and voting is based on how much of the property share you have so I have the biggest share and I go down just to vote on things I don't care about just to tick 'em off.

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

What You Never Thought you needed to know about property insurance

Your Black World 

Most of us know very little about the ins and outs of property insurance. Christopher Chestnut is not in that category. As a prominent attorney out of Florida, Mr. Chestnut has taken on multi-million dollar cases and handled some of the most complex lawsuits imaginable. As one of the leading young black attorneys in America, Chestnut has been recognized by President Obama for his outstanding accomplishments.

I spoke to Chris this week about Property Insurance and what it can do to make your life a little simpler. Here is what he had to say:

1) If you rent, make sure you have renter's insurance. Also, make sure your landlord has homeowner's insurance, since renter's insurance only includes the contents that are INSIDE the house

2) Check your landlord's insurance regarding injuries on your rented property. Most people are unaware of the fact that the homeowner is liable in the event that someone is injured on their property. Even if the children across the street climb the fence to get into your yard, you are liable if one of them gets hurt. Find out how your landlord's homeowner's insurance would cover you if someone has an accident.

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LAMAR ODOM IS TRIPPIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People magazine is quoting "multiple sources" who say that Khloe Kardashian and Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom – her boyfriend of only a month – are to be married this weekend in Los Angeles.

The ceremony, to be held late Sunday at the L.A.-area home of music manager Irving Azoff, is being thrown together so quickly that guests are being notified by phone that formal invitations will arrive this week, the sources add.

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MICHAEL JACKSON ON THE BIG SCREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Michael Jackson movie "This Is It" -- based on footage from concert rehearsals before his death in June – will begin showing in movie theaters the night before its official Oct. 28 release.      

Many of the "advance screenings" will take place in about 2000 locations as early as 9 p.m. PT on Oct. 27. In Los Angeles, a premiere will kick off at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Nokia Theatre in downtown L.A.

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MAD DOCTOR MURRAY

Dr. Conrad Murray

Prosecutors investigating Michael Jackson’s death have ordered the girlfriend of the singer’s personal doctor to testify before a grand jury this week, according to reports.

Nicole Alvarez, the girlfriend of Dr. Conrad Murray, who remains the focus of a manslaughter investigation into the pop star's death, has been called as a witness "in an investigation pending before said grand jury," according to a subpoena obtained by ABC News. Jackson's June 25 death was ruled a homicide caused by drugs administered in Jackson's mansion by Murray, his personal physician.

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NFL PLAYER IN THE RING

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former NFL Pro Bowl running back Herschel Walker has followed up his run on NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice" with a new contract to become a Mixed Martial Arts fighter.      

Promoter Strikeforce announced that the one-time Heisman trophy winner – and fifth degree black belt in Taekwondo – has signed a multi-fight contract and will begin a 12-week training camp in California next month.

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MCKNIGHT IS DOING IT BIG!!!

Brian McKnight

 

When R&B crooner Brian McKnight first hit the charts and radio waves in 1992, music fans were not only impressed with his vocal ability, but also his songwriting talent, and his skills as a multi-instrumentalist (he can play nine instruments). Clearly marked as his modus operandi, McKnight has maintained his music career by multi-tasking.

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THIS BLIND GOVERNOR IS WORKING HARD

 

 

 

 

 

 

New York's Gov. David Paterson is getting support from a local NAACP branch amid reports that the White House and top Democrats in the state want a stronger candidate at the top of the 2010 ticket.      

A branch of the NAACP in Islip says it and other groups are planning a rally to support Paterson, who grew up partly on Long Island. They want to show respect for the state’s first black and disabled governor and urge Democrats to let him deal with the fiscal crisis, not politics.

The Rev. Al Sharpton weighed in Monday on his Twitter page, urging Democrats to settle the issue so that what he calls “reactionary forces” can’t win back the seats of power held by Democrats.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Black News: Marc Lamont Hill Debates Ann Coulter

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill debates Ann Coulter on Fox News about Obama’s appearances in national media.  Click here to watch!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Your Black News: Political Scientists Break Down Healthcare Reform

Your Black World , Howard University

Listen up as Dr. Wilmer Leon speaks with Dr. Pearl Ford about President Obama’s Healthcare Reform Plan.  Click here to listen to the latest exciting episode!

Both are graduates of Howard University’s Political Science Program

News: Did Tavis Smiley Help Sell Bad Loans to Black People?

Did Tavis Smiley help Wells Fargo herd black people into subprime loans? Yes, according to information contained in a lawsuit filed recently by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. The suit alleges that Smiley was the hook used to draw in potential customers for subprime mortgages.
You might be familiar with the "Wealth Building" seminars that Wells Fargo conducted beginning in the year 2000. Smiley was the headline speaker at these events, held in Baltimore; Chicago; Richmond, Va.; and San Francisco. The seminars were advertised aggressively in black media and aimed directly at black communities. They were a huge success. Often, standing room only audiences would hear Smiley speak about how he mostly disliked banks while strongly urging attendees to invest in real estate as a sound strategy to build wealth. ...

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Hypocrisy of the Republicans in the Joe Wilson Case

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By

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III, Your Black World 

On Saturday September 12th, at the U.S. Open semifinals, Serena Williams was caught in a “human moment” that she wishes she could change. After being called for a foot fault by a line judge Ms. Williams launched into an “f-bomb” laden tirade saying in part, “If I could, I would take this @#$#ing ball and shove it down your @#$#ing throat…" The resulting unsportsmanlike conduct penalty cost Ms. Williams the match.

On Monday September 14th Ms. Williams offered a written apology. In it she said, "I want to sincerely apologize first to the lineswoman, Kim Clijsters, the US Tennis Association and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst … I really wanted to apologize sincerely...I think the lady was doing the best she could. She was just trying to do her job.”

Some have questioned Serena’s sincerity and others have questioned the timing of her apology. These questions may be valid but at the end of the day Ms. Williams did the right thing. She took responsibility for her behavior and apologized directly to all of those whom she attacked and offended.

On Wednesday September 9th, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) had his own “human moment.” During President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress on health care, Wilson shouted at the President “you lie”. Shortly after his outburst Congressman Wilson called the White House to offer his apology to the President. President Obama did not take his call. It was accepted on his behalf by Chief of Staff Rhom Emanuel.

Congressman Wilson has been asked by members of his own party as well as Democrats to formally apologize on the House floor. He has refused to apologize on the floor of the House saying, "I've apologized one time. The apology was accepted by the president, the vice president. ... I am not apologizing again … I believe that is sufficient."

As a result of Congressman Wilson’s failure to apologize on the floor, the House passed a “resolution of disapproval” by a 240-179 vote. Congressman Wilson has now been duly punished for his outrageous and childish behavior.

Even though polls show a strong majority of American’s oppose Congressman Wilson’s actions, Republican Party leadership stands behind him. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said the House Democrats are guilty of “stunning…. Hypocrisy.” GOP leader John Boehner (R-OH) said that the action initiated by Wilson's fellow South Carolina colleague, Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) — is "patently partisan." Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) circulated a letter of support for Wilson.

Click to read.

Kanye, Serena and Race

by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, Your Black World 

From AOL Black Voices

Were there any racial implications to the recent outbursts by Serena Williams and Kanye West? Yes, there were. In my latest conversation with Rev. Al Sharpton, we break down these interesting events, all of which occurred during the past week. We can agree, however, that there are certainly things more important than worrying about Serena Williams and Kanye West. But these situations, in light of the backdrop of Obama's comments about Kanye, might provide true teachable moments regarding America's tattered racial history.As I've written before, Serena and Kanye have a lot in common, but nothing in common, all at the same time. Serena's actions were justifiable, given the intensity of the situation and the fact that the line judge made the wrong call. At the same time, most of us can agree that Serena went over the line by threatening to "shove the ball down the f**ing throat" of the line judge because of her mistake. Yes, Serena, you are from the hood. But you don't need to take it back to the hood to make your point to a U.S. Open line judge.

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Black News: Tyler Perry Gets Blasted in New Tell-All Book

oprah1

from Your Black Celebrities

A new tell all book has emerged and it’s about Tyler Perry and his many rumored relations with females in the industry including Tyra Banks and Oprah. Pop the hood for the details.

A book entitled Tyler, an acronym for T.he one Y.ou L.east E.xpected R.evealed:  Uncensored Tell All Book about the REAL man behind the make-up and dress, alleges that the Tyler Perry you see isn’t the Tyler Perry you get.  The author is really trying to throw Tyler under the bus and even has audio of him going off about some “undisclosed” female who is feeling him too much saying “the b*tch is crazy.” 

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Above Average


It was a very humbling experience to be told "No" or nothing at all when I applied to jobs after I graduated. When I graduated in December 2008, I really felt like I would kick down doors and I would be on my way to a higher place. This horrible economy has forced me to be humble in ways un-imaginable. I haven't bought myself a pair of new shoes/clothes in over a year and a half. And for those of you who know me really well, YOU KNOW I like to be "fly as that one thang" I've had the pleasure of having good people in my life because Lord knows I've borrowed enough money, food,shelter and other things to last a life time. Because of God's grace I've been able to keep my head above water and maintain a quality of life that shouldn't have even been possible without a job. But I've done it and this is my testimony to the world.

It's a very humbling experience to walk amongst your peers that have seen you at your highest peak and to now see you searching for a new direction in life. People who used to be your biggest fans will now say "what the f*** are you doing with your life????" Oh yes, even family members will doubt your veracity. I've told my reasons for my position in life countless times but people still give you the suspect look like "yea n**** whatever, get a job". Luckily I'm a humbly- arrogant person who doesn't listen to people because If I didn't know myself enough to know my heart and Gods plan as well. I would have caved in to the ignorant thoughts of others. I have taken the left,right, up and down route to even move one inch closer to my dreams. I'm still searching for that one particular thing that gives me the most joy but trust me my heart and God are working hand in hand nowadays.This experience has taught me to hold steadfast in your belief in God's promise and your own heart. I knew all along that me not finding a job didn't have shit to do with me. It wasn't my time. If you believe that God doesn't make mistakes then your unemployment is no mistake. I knew that my RESUME SHITS ON 80% of the people in the job market, it just wasn't my time. So instead of being impatient and getting down on myself, I kicked it. Why be depressed about some shit that you cant control. Yea yea fill out some job applications for a job that you can get without your $80,000 degree so you can make minimum wage while your boss with no degree can tell you what to do. Have fun!!!!(BTW Subway can "S my D")

This leads me to another issue I have. I'm so happy that this recession hit because if it didn't I wouldn't have gotten the gumption to start my own business. I thought to myself why am I selling myself short and wasting my time applying for these SUS-ASS jobs that I can get without a college degree. Why spend $80,000 plus on a degree for a job you can get without one???? Thats hella dumb and if you did it big shoutouts to you and I'm not knocking you for it. BUT AS FOR ME, Daunte Martez Henderson, I'm not doing it. Why would I??? I don't have a problem with a regular job but I don't like the idea of being regular when I have above average qualities. I don't think I'm more special than the next person BUT I have a firm belief in the BEAST inside of me that's why I'm not settling for a regular job. Regular job=paying the bills, but if all you do is PAY BILLS and go to work .That shit sucks. And most likely you're unhappy. Why be unhappy and u only get one life???

So after countless times of overdrawing my bank account and being broke. I thought to myself. I run my mouth tooooo much and toooo well not to get paid for it. I give excellent advice, I'm motivational(big shoutouts to Jeezy and Yeezy), and I believe in 100 % of anything I say. Make it Happen Daunte!!! I'm started my own business, and its called M.A.D.E.M.A.N(Making a Difference for Each Man). I will be going around to local high schools ,middle schools and community centers talking to youth about the importance of getting your education and doing more than graduating from high school. I fully believe in going to college. College is more than just the books for me. I've grown into a well-equipped human being for the experiences I've had in school. There is a large number of people out there that don't know/feel that they deserve this opportunity. So yea Daunte has his own business.

Oh yea I'm moving to Chicago this Thursday September 15, 2009 to be an assistant manager-trainee at U.S. Cellular.. I gotta be "regular" until Diddy calls me.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Kanye West, Serena Williams and Angry Tirades

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

When Kanye West stood on NBC four years ago and said "George Bush doesn't care about black people," I applauded. When he acted a fool on stage after not receiving some award he deserved, I laughed. When he came out with that really weird CD after dealing with personal crises involving the loss of his mother and break up with his fiance, I sincerely felt for him (but never bought the album).
But after Kanye's stunt last night on the MTV Video Music Awards, I wanted to slap him. Damn brother, that was just pathetic. When Beyonce told you she liked men with big egos, you surely put that theory to the test.

Kanye West's decision to bum rush the stage and yank the mike out of the hand of Taylor Swift, a 19-year old woman winning her first award has finally certified him as the jackass that everyone thought he might be. I have been a big supporter of West, and I still support him to a point. He brings some degree of intelligence to hip hopthat the industry has needed for a long time. But the truth is that his actions last night were rooted in extreme selfishness and horribly arrogant behavior. Not good for Kanye, nor anyone else.
This must have been "The weekend the black folks went wild," because Serena Williams had an equally problematic outburst at the US Open. After a very bad call by one of the judges, Serena felt the need to offer to shove the ball down the "f*cking throat" of the woman for making her mistake. OK sistuh-girl, does the judge really need to have the ball shoved down her throat?

 

Click to read.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Dr. Boyce Watkins: Violent Punch and Racial Injustice at The University of Oregon

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

When I saw the video of the punch out by LeGarrette Blount of The University of Oregon, I was shocked and disappointed. This knock out blow that the athlete laid on Byron Hout of Boise State certainly has no place in the game of football - at least after the clock has struck zero. The University of Oregon acted immediately, suspending Blount for the entire season, effectively ending his career with the team. This incident is also going to likely hurt his chances of having an NFL career.

Here are some reasons that Oregon State was dead wrong in their decision.

1) The the university has no right to be judge and jury on this case. Where's the union for college athletes? Oh yeah, they don't have one. This incident is a reminder and sick reflection of the fact that college student athletes should have the same labor rights as the rest of us. Instead, they are subject to the harsh decisions of universities who care more about their revenues and reputations than the athletes themselves. Before you destroy a young man's career, there should be hearings and a full investigation by a trustworthy panel of individuals who consider his well-being as part of the process. The idea that someone moved so quickly without knowing all the facts is absolutely ridiculous.

2) He is young. Since when can't one 22-year old football player punch out another one and not pay for it for the rest of his life? Does it really make sense that the university feels that this man's years of hard work are so disposable that they can simply throw them in the trash without consequence? Coaches are arrested for DWIs, commit crimes and do all kinds of egregious things, and are simply expected to go find another job. Blount, because of NCAA restrictions, can't simply join the team at another university. His career is over.

Click to read.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Black News: First Twins on Death Row?

Two 25-year-old brothers from Orlando, Fla., could become the first twins in the nation to be sentenced to death. They are accused of killing two people during a robbery. Dante Hall is currently on trial. His twin, Donte, has been convicted and a jury recommended that he get the death penalty.

> Full Coverage

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Dr Boyce Watkins: Barack Obama Needs to Be Like Mike

By Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

MSNBC’s TheGrio.com.

It's clutch time and Obama needs to be like Mike

  • Related News
Obama prepares for pivotal health care speech
Michael Vick warns students about the dangers of peer pressure
Welcome to the age of "No Child Left Un-Politicized"

 

This week, Michael Jordan will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He will always be remembered for his many accomplishments and record-breaking achievements in the sport. However, as President Obama prepares to put on a full-court press for health care reform in a speech to Congress tonight, he needs only to look back at one performance from "His Airness" to gain inspiration.

Twelve years ago, in the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan was going to lose. Sick with the flu, he could barely walk, and his aura of invincibility had been shattered in the eyes of the American public. Mike was going to finally relinquish one of his many titles and Karl Malone was going to get the championship that we all now know he never received.


But Mike was Mike, and Karl wasn't. Mike found a way to win and Karl Malone found a way to become "posterized" as yet another footnote in the astonishing legacy of the great Michael Jordan. Every great man or woman has an opportunity to build his or her legend, and it comes during the most trying of times. It is how we respond to these moments that make the difference between becoming Michael Jordan or just another Charles Barkley.

Click to read.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Black News: BET Gets Slammed by Former Employee

So Andreas Hale, former Executive Editor of Music at BET.com, has been let go.
But instead of simply gathering up his pencils, Rolodex and the favorite coffee mug, Hale took to the web to lay out many of his trials and tribulations during his time at BET.
Hale then hit 'send' on an explosive email that landed in our in-boxes Tuesday. The dysfunction that Hale describes is startling, but if we're honest, I think Hale verifies what many of us have long suspected:
As someone who has been critical of BET for many years, it surprised many that I would leave my post at HipHopDX last year to take a position at BET. But it was an opportunity I absolutely had to take. I could no longer be critical of this company without accepting the opportunity to change it when given. ...
Although I was hired to bring about change, I was systematically shut down. I wasn't hired to make noise, I was hired to be silenced. The truth of the matter is that everything that you thought was wrong with BET is true.

Click to read.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Check Out Film Maker Byron Hurt

Byron Hurt Photo

Byron Hurt is making waves with his amazing films.  Click here to find out more about his amazing work.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Van Jones is Out of the White House

Van Jones took a bullet for his boss.
After more than a week of withering criticism for past comments, Jones has resigned as an advisor to the White House on green jobs.
The White House announced the news in the early hours of Sunday morning. In a statement, Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, thanked Jones "for his valuable contributions to the Council on Environmental Quality. Over the last six months he has been a strong voice for creating 21st century jobs that improve energy efficiency and utilize renewable resources. We appreciate his hard work and wish him the best moving forward."
But Jones had turned into a political liability for President Obama after statements he made prior to joining the White House came to light. Last week Jones apologized for a six-year-old petition he signed, alleging government complicity in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He also issued an apology for recorded comments from a February public meeting where Jones referred to Republicans as "a**holes" for not supporting administration efforts.
On Saturday, Jones came under more fire after Verum Serum posted an excerpt for an anti-war CD that Jones appeared in which also featured Mumia Abu-Jamal, who was convicted of shooting to death a Philadelphia police officer in 1981. But that case has turned into an international cause celebre with critics arguing that Jamal's death row sentence should be overturned.

Click to read.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

50 CENT POPPED THE QUESTION

ciaraand50cent

Just caught wind of some EXCITING news - it came from a usually reliable insider (this person also happens to be an Atlanta celebrity). Word is that rapper 50 Cent has PROPOSED to R&B singer Ciara.
It has been reported to you in the past, Ciara and 50 Cent have been dating for almost 2 YEARS and in recent months, the couple's relationship has ratcheted up.
The insider stated that last night Ciara called her mom and closest friends to tell them the good news.

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