Michael Jackson – This Is it review

When “This is It” was being called a documentary film I didn’t know what to expect. Dictionary.com describes a documentary film as:

a film or TV program presenting the facts about a person or event

Michael Jackson’s “This is It” was not a documentary at all. It was a rare opportunity for people (his fans) to see Michael Jackson do what he does best; create and perfect what was to become the comeback concert of all time. If there was any doubt that Michael could pull it off, rest assured, he was more than ready. From his entrance in the film it’s obvious that he was very thin. I believe I read somewhere that he was 136 pounds. His vocals, dance moves and work ethic were unchanged from the Michael Jackson we knew in the 80’s Thriller days.

What struck a cord with me, and I became emotional several times during the film, were Michael’s statements to musicians, dancers and singers, “I want them to feel the love!” He speaks of love throughout the film. He showed patience when directing dancers and musicians stating, “That’s why we rehearse.” He tells the musical director at one point, “I want it to sound just like I wrote it.” Again, each direction is given with a loving tone. When you think of Michael as the perfectionist King of Pop you would think he’d be hard and controlling. That was never the case. He was precise, but humble. There may have been a team of people working on this project but you knew that Michael was calling all the shots.

The first emotional moment for me was the rehearsal for “The Jackson 5” segment of the show, where Michael and his dancers perform, I Want You Back, The Love You Save and I’ll be There. Before he ends the song, “I’ll Be There,” the music stops and Michael said, “This is when I say, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie, Thank you. Katherine and Joe, I love you.” It was a moving moment for me and I’m sure a touching moment for his family members. There were tears in my eyes and I thought, “What a loss!” Michael was on the verge of musical history.

Could Michael Have Performed 50 Sold Out Shows?

With the controversy over 10 shows verses 50 shows, the question many have asked is, could Michael have performed 50 shows? It’s reported the concert would run from July 13, 2009 through March 6, 2010. 27 shows were scheduled between July 13 and September 29, 2009. There would have been a three month break and the remaining 23 shows would have been scheduled between January 7 and March 6, 2010. That’s a grueling schedule for a young performer, but something tells me Michael, even at age 50, could have pulled it off. He may have had to cancel some dates. Let’s look at this realistically – 50 sold-out shows is a heavy schedule, night after night. One has to also look at the genius that was Michael Jackson. Michael was born under the astrological sign of Virgo, August 25th. (Something I know a lot about) Attention to detail; perfectionism, precision, drive and determination. He would have found a way to make it happen. Sadly, we will never know how it all would have played out.

Everyone asks the question of people close to Michael, “Were there any signs of trouble or illness? The answer is absolutely not.

I’ve always been a fan of Michael Jackson. After viewing “This is It” I’m convinced more then ever that we will never have an entertainer on the level that Michael Jackson was. He didn’t miss a step, a note, and he made it all seem effortless. It had been 12 years since Michael had performed. Think about that!

This is a must see film. I plan on purchasing the DVD but I had to see it on the big screen. The film runs 2 hours and 5 minutes and the time goes by quickly. When it ends you’re left wanting more. Let me suggest remaining in the theatre past the credits because there’s more at the end. If you leave, you’ll miss it.

I recall a memorable line from the Jackson movie, An American Dream (1992) when Michael said, “The music is in me.” The film, “This is It” is a testimony to that statement.

The film is dedicated to the fans and to Michael’s three children.

Megan Williams Tortured or a Tortured Soul?

I wasn’t shocked when my phone rang early this morning. It was my sister calling to say that Megan Williams, the 20 year old victim of torture, whose tragedy I devoted over one year of my life to, was now recanting her story and saying it all was a lie. Is it a lie? This is my personal experience with Megan Williams.

I created a web page at my website (nessapublishing) to Megan’s story when the incident first occurred back in September 2007. For 14 months I wrote something about the case on a daily basis. That filtered here to WordPress where the world logged on, read and many left comments for Megan. My Megan Willaims coverage from WordPress, Nessapublishing, a video I created and posts on YouTube received over 100,000 views.

After the last sentence was handed down in the case, I felt it was time to put the story to rest. It was time for Megan Williams to move on with her life, hopefully in peace.

In June of this year, I began receiving posts, here on WordPress from someone who was claiming to be Megan Williams. Many of the posts I deleted because they had a telephone number attached and I thought, “Why would someone post a phone number so publicly?” The posts included ugly references about Carmen Williams, stating that Carmen smoked crack and that Megan never received any of the money that was collected for her. She wrote that Carmen made her sell her body. She stated she never received the computer that Montel Williams gave her. She stated that Matthew Williams knew the truth and she was trying to find someone to get her story out. She stated something about when the cameras were turned off, everyone left.
My first reponse was, why not take the story to the press? If everything she was claiming was true, I felt this was something the press would “eat up!”

When I emailed Megan I told her, “the things you’re saying about Carmen Williams…..she is not here to defend herself.” I told her I didn’t feel comfortable telling her story. They wanted me to “get the word out” that Megan had been wronged. It was also at that time that she said she was not raped or tortured. This is why I felt the whole thing was a sick joke and it was NOT really Megan Williams.

The last email I received from Megan Williams was July 2009. When I chose not to reply, the emails stopped.

FAST FORWARD

Is Megan Williams lieing about what happened to her? Perhaps she is. There were many holes in the story from the beginning. Did Carmen Williams put her up to it? It’s possible, but we’ll never know. Carmen Williams died in May 2009.

I’d have to sift back through all my notes, posts, etc., but I do recall making the statement “When the cameras go away, Megan is going to have a very hard time with all of this.” That my friends is what I believe all of this is about. The reason I say she didn’t lie is because THERE WERE CONFESSIONS given by Bobby Brewster and his dysfunctional family. This case rocked the world. We were outraged that something so horrendous could happen to someone. But as you’ll read in most of the news accounts of Megan recanting her story, the authorities don’t believe her. I definitely don’t believe her!

Megan is emotionally unstable, mentally challenged and seeking attention! When you look at all the facts of this case, Megan being in the spotlight was probably her biggest triumph in life. After years of being in the foster care system, someone was finally paying attention to her. It made her feel good about herself, whether she was lieing or not. When that was taken away she desperately wanted it back. It’s not rocket science people! Do I regret covering her story and spending 14 months on it? Absolutely not. We need to pray for Megan Williams more now than ever.

Megan may not have been tortured to the extent, we thought she was, but Megan Williams does have a tortured soul. The true question: Is it really her fault?

Many people followed and blogged about this case. FaceBook had a page dedicated to Megan, as well as several bloggers right here on WordPress. I’ll say it again, continue to pray for Megan. I have more to say on this I’m certain. Right now…. I just need to soak all of this up. Wow!

YOUR THOUGHTS ARE APPRECIATED!

Incest – Bobby Brown’s Revenge

As the new fall television season gets underway, there has been no shortage of sensationalism. The Queen of all talk Oprah Winfrey set the bar pretty high with a two day interview with Comeback Diva Whitney Houston. It was Lady O’s September 23rd show with One Day at a Time child star Mackenzie Phillips that has everyone raising both eyebrows in shock. Just in case you’ve only heard tidbits, here’s the scoop:

Mackenzie wrote a tell-all book “High on Arrival” in which she claims for ten years she had a consensual sexual relationship with her late father, John Phillips of the 60’s group The Mama’s and the Papa’s. Keep in mind – both were consistently high on cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and heroin. (No excuse, but important nonetheless) Oprah asked Mac what she was going to do when people came out of the closet refuting her story, claiming her book was defaming her late father. On Friday’s show Mac’s step-sister Chynna Phillips sat in Oprah’s chair to support her sister saying that Mackenzie had told her about the sexual relationship but she had concerns about its effect upon the family.

My thoughts are simple. Why would someone come out and say they had a ten year sexual relationship with their father if it hadn’t happened? That would be pretty twisted. Step-mother Michelle Phillips gave a written statement to Oprah’s producers saying that Mackenzie has always had mental problems. Sister Chynna denied any mental illness stating, “Mac had no mental illness. Mac was a drug addict. My mother is in denial.” Another daughter of one of the Mama’s and the Papa’s members also gave a statement saying that her father was aware of the sexual relationship and John Phillips had confided in him. Mackenzie stated her goal is to free herself and to help others who may be in a similar situation. I thought it was courageous and she was visibly shaking when she confessed it to Oprah’s millions of viewers. It’s obvious the Phillips’ family was/is dysfunctional. This book can do one of two things; make the family more dysfunctional or bring them closer together. Unfortunately, it will probably divide them further.

Bobby’s Revenge

VH-1 aired Behind the Music – Bobby Brown on Thursday night. It was pinned as Bobby’s revenge for rating purposes. Outside of the information we already knew, that Bobby Brown has an ego, what was most interesting were comments by New Edition members, Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill and Michael Bivens about Whitney Houston. Ralph Tresvant said, “Whitney and Bobby were two peas in a pod. Everyone was blaming Bobby for bringing Whitney down when in fact they had a lot in common.” In short, they were saying she was as ghetto as Bobby was. Tell us something we didn’t already know. Don’t get it twisted. I love Whitney Houston, but I’ve often said that she has to take some of the responsibility for the demise of their relationship. As for Bobby bringing her to drugs, I never bought that because Whitney was busted for marijuana possession at an airport long before she was with Bobby Brown. In his tell-all book, which by the way flopped, Bobby Brown states that he never tried cocaine until he met Whitney. No matter who started who, they were both drugged out for most of their marriage.

In the program, Bobby stated that Whitney was raised in West Orange, New Jersey. I’m paraphrasing, but his words were something like, “It was ghetto boy meets ghetto girl.” He also said the two of them had “destructive personalities.” Ya think!!

All in all, Behind the Music Bobby Brown was pretty interesting. Bobby’s gained a ton of weight which he claims he’s going to lose. I enjoyed watching the New Edition songs and videos.

He states the low point of his life was when Video Vixen and author Karrine Steffans, aka Superhead, posted a YouTube video of him sleeping on her couch. He was homeless, had been living in his car for awhile and he ended up in her home. He said the YouTube video was one of the lowest points in his life and the catalyst for him to make life changes.

(You can move the slider to 2:02 if you’re impatient) This was pretty foul on her part, but she’s made a living on kissing and telling.

Bobby claims to now be clean and he’s excited about his new baby boy Cassius, born June 2009, with his publicist girlfriend, Alicia Etheridge. This marks baby number 5 for Bobby Brown.

He’s reunited with New Edition members, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill under the name: The Heads of State. He joined the CMT reality show Gone Country where he wrote and performed a song for the finale entitled, The Man I’m Gonna Be. He dedicated the song to his new girl and his two daughters. There’s talk of a country CD release by Bobby.

It’s ironic, all of the pain that comes with fame. For Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, I hope they work through their turbulent past together for the sake of their daughter. It’s time to move on and open new doors, which both of them appear to be doing. For Mackenzie Phillips, I hope she finds closure. No matter what anyone thinks, it’s her reality.

A VERY TALENTED ARTIST

Hello everyone:

I’ve always been a firm believer that when you find something good, you need to pass it on. My birthday is Monday and I was surprised when I got to work this morning. I need to share one of my special gifts with you all. The picture above of Michael Jackson was done in charcoal by Mr. Sergio Sanchez (holding the picture).

What a gift this was and what talent Sergio has. I wish you could see the photo in person to really see the detail. It’s simply awesome and I’m in awe of this man’s talent. Aren’t you?

We were talking and he said he’s thinking of doing a few more and releasing them on E-Bay. I’ll keep you posted.

Rest in Peace Michael Jackson and thanks again Sergio. I will cherish this gift forever.

Kanye West – For Every Action

Everyone wants to know what I think about the Kanye West incident. I’ll try to give you the reader’s digest version, but you know how I am. LOL!

First let’s recap, because I’m savvy enough to know there are a few people who aren’t into hip-hop or VMA award shows.

Taylor Swift, a country singer, who by the way was the biggest selling artist of 2008 in America with combined sales of more than four million albums, received the Moonman award for best female video. Kanye intercepted her acceptance speech by grabbing the microphone and saying, “Beyonce had the best video in the world.” He then gave the microphone back to a humiliated but composed Taylor Swift. The camera man meanwhile pans over to Beyonce who is sitting in the first row visibly APPAULED. “O.M.G.” was what her lips mimicked. I, on the other hand was cussing at the TV screen “WTF Kanye!”

CLASS IS JUST CLASS

In a classy turn of events, Beyonce received the evenings highest honor, Video of the Year for her mega-hit “All the Single Ladies.” She made a very small acceptance speech, recalling her first Video award with Destiny’s Child and how excited she was and she then asked Taylor Swift to come back to the stage and have her moment. It was a beautiful thing!

DAMAGE CONTROL

I watched Jay Leno’s debut in his new 10 p.m. time slot. It just so happened that Jay-Z, Rhianna and Kanye West were the musical guests. Jay makes an announcement that before they performed Kanye wanted to come out and talk. I thought, “Hmmmm, I wonder what he wants to talk about?” I’m joking okay! Kanye came out, distraught, ashamed, and Jay Leno turned into Oprah Winfrey. “So Kanye-how’s your day going?” He then asked the question that was foremost on my mind, “What would your Mother have thought of what you did? What would your Mother have said to you?” Kanye paused and tried to hold back the tears. He then mumbled something about not grieving and just making it all about the music and that he needed to take some time out.

FOR EVERY ACTION – THERE’S A REACTION

Kanye West was wrong! We know he was wrong. He knows he was wrong. This is not the first time we’ve seen, or rather, heard Kanye become vocal. We remember Hurricane Katrina. He said George Bush doesn’t like Black people and Pepsi didn’t pull his ads. I didn’t hear it, but I read that he has been vocal at other award shows.

Is all this about Kanye being a loose canon, or perhaps something deeper? Kanye West has NOT dealt with the death of his mother. Grief is a tricky thing, and I speak from bonified experience. We all handle grief in different ways. Kanye lost his mother suddenly. He threw himself into his music. He went on tour. He wrote more songs. I believe he’s done everything except deal with his grief. It’s hard to feel sympathy for anyone who is known to be so vocal on so many issues. I believe he is now dealing with the universal principle that says, For every action- there’s a reaction. Kanye’s grief has caught up to him and while it won’t cost him a decline in record sales, he does have to deal with the public humiliation. Like everything celebrity, it will blow over.

My heart goes out to Janet Jackson and her family. Kanye claims that Michael has been such a big influence on his life, but he ruined Michael’s tribute because for the past two days we’ve talked about nothing but Kanye.

Taylor Swift has accepted his apology.

He’s made the decision to take time off from music and get himself together. No one is immune from the trials and tribulations of life. Not even Kanye West.

I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF (Review)

I made a 10:30 a.m. brunch date with Tyler Perry yesterday. Actually, I went to see his 8th film, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”

Sitting in the my favorite spot, at the top middle of the theatre, under the projector, Icee and popcorn in hand, the movie opened with Taraji P. Henson (April) in a nightclub, singing Aretha Franklin’s classic Rocky Steady.

Across town, Madea wakes up to noises in her house. “It must be someone new to the neighborhood”, she says, “I know somebody is not breaking into my house.” She gets up to alert brother Joe, “Code 5 – Code 5.” When the lights come on we find three children, the oldest, a 16 year old attempting to steal a VCR.

For those of us who closely follow Tyler Perry plays and movies, we’ve learned that the movies don’t necessary resemble the live plays. Tyler mixes and matches lines from his plays into his movies, especially with his beloved character Madea. I Can Do Bad All by Myself doesn’t offer viewers anything new with Madea, or Joe, but the familiar lines are funny enough to warrant a chuckle.

At the heart and soul of this movie is Taraji P. Henson’s character, April, a bitter alcoholic nightclub singer whose sleep is interrupted when Madea shows up at her front door with the three children demanding money for her broken VCR and leaves April no choice but to take the children in. The children’s mother, a crack addict is dead. The children’s grandmother, (April’s mother) has been MIA for four days and the drama begins to unfold.

The casting for this movie was great. Gladys Knight plays a church parishioner who strolls into the nightclub and the owner convinces her to sing a song. That was a little different but the scene works because she dedicates the song to troubled April. Mary J. Blige works in the nightclub with April doubling as a singer and bartender. No big surprises there. Pastor Marvin Winans gives a sermon so stirring that you’re expecting someone to show up in the theatre and say, “The doors to the church are now open.” It was the single most powerful moment in the whole movie for me. Adam Rodriguez (CSI-Miami) plays Sandino, an immigrant looking for work and obviously sent from heaven above to help April find real love and self-respect. The chemistry between Adam Rodriguez and Taraji P. Henson oozes from the screen.

The antagonist in this film, Brian J. White (The Shield; Stomp the Yard) is believable as April’s married boyfriend who foots the bills and therefore feels he can call the shots in a home owned by April. As with most Tyler Perry films, he does the despicable deed and gets what he deserves in the end. The audience claps when it happens.

Tyler Perry has a beautiful and simple formula for movie making. He tells the stories that pull at our heart strings with gospel flavor. You walk out of the theatre feeling better about who you are and some of the demons you’ve dealt with in your own life.

With I Can Do Bad All Myself, I didn’t have that feeling. The ending of the movie left me wanting. I wanted to see something more from these two characters, Sandino and April. Don’t misunderstand, the messages in the movie are crystal clear but for me, the ending didn’t work.

The movie has six (6) songs throughout. Mary J. Blige has a total of three songs during the movie. Add Gladys Knight’s classic, “The Need to Be,” Taraji’s version of Rock Steady during the opening and Marvin Winans’ song following his knockout sermon and you could have plugged this movie as a musical. The soundtrack will definitely be a big seller.

Overall I give I Can Do Bad All By Myself an 8. It will no doubt make it to number one for box office weekend because Tyler Perry has a strong and loyal following. What did you think of this move? I’d really like to know.
Was it just me?

Tyler is currently filming “Why Did I Get Married Too” the sequel to the hit 2007 movie which will be released next year.

Welcome Back Whitney Houston

With the long-awaited release of “I Look to You,” Whitney’s seventh album since her 1985 debut into the music business, many have speculated if the now, 46 year old Diva still had the “chops.”

When gospel great Cissy Houston is your mother, Dionne Warwick is your cousin and the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is your godmother, as a singer, you’ve got big shoes to fill. Whitney Houston has never had a problem filling those shoes.

I Look to You is Whitney’s personal testimony to her much publicized turbulent past and she delivers the songs with honesty and sincerity. It’s difficult to listen and not feel her pain, joy, courage and triumph.

R. Kelly, no stranger to life’s difficulties, wrote two songs for the CD, the title track, “I Look to You” and “Salute,” which I feel was personally written for Bobby Brown with its lyrics. Check it out and see for yourself. My personal favorite is “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” written by music royalty, six-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Diane Warren (Un-Break My Heart, Because You Loved Me) “Lost sight of my soul, lost sight of my dreams, I thought it was the end of me….. I was not built to break – I didn’t know my own strength. My faith kept me alive.” I Look to You and I Didn’t Know My Own Strength are natural tunes for Whitney given her gospel roots. Both songs praise God for triumph over painful situations, something all of us can relate to.

“Nothin’ But Love” speaks to the haters and supporters Whitney has had through her many trials. Whitney sings, “I ain’t got nothin’ but love for ya. The givers and the takers!”The song “Like I Never Left” written by Akon, is a sweet lighthearted duet about a couple reuniting. It’s a feel good song.

“Million Dollar Bill” written by Alicia Keys reminds you of the 1980’s Whitney. This song no doubt will be a hit in the dance clubs and will be re-mixed. There’s also a nice remake of “A Song For You” with an upbeat twist that’s different. All in all, this album is simply Whitney. I’m thrilled for her.

Does Whitney still Have It?

After listening to the CD over the last week, I’d say she has definitely made a successful comeback. If you’re looking for the “I’ll Always Love You” Whitney Houston, I’d say that time has passed. But that’s okay. She’s been through hell and back but you have to give her-her props. Whitney has a musical legacy that can’t be challenged. $140 million in album sells and 50 million in singles, worldwide is an unbeatable accomplishment.

The Good Morning America video has been the big topic on the internet with comments that her voice cracked. It was an emotional performance for Whitney and nothing more, in my opinion. She reportedly had taped the Oprah Winfrey show and her voice was strained. Also, many singers, like Mariah Carey report that singing in the early am is difficult.

&Be sure to check out Oprah’s 24th opening season on September 14, 2009. Whitney will be the first guest of her new season. This interview will air for two consequetive days. Set your DVR’s now.

Welcome back Whitney! We love you and we really missed you!

Michael Jackson Burial at Forest Lawn

Finally, Michael Jackson is laid to rest.

I read reports this morning that people felt cheated because the only part of the ceremony the public was privy to was arrival of the celebrity guests. The Jackson’s were more than gracious to allow us into their private moment of mourning. After all, this was FINAL. Katherine Jackson was reported to have entered the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Glendale but she had to walk back out because her grief was too strong. My heart breaks for her. It’s difficult to bury a child.

Glady’s Knight sang the song, “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”

Elizabeth Taylor, Chris Tucker, MacCauley Culkin, Quincy Jones, and several other noted celebrity friends were all present. Lisa Marie Presley reportedly became very emotional when Michael’s casket was brought in.

I myself became emotional when Prince, Paris and Blanket placed the crown on top of the casket. It’s obvious Michael’s children are adjusting to the devastating loss of their father.

The decision to make Forest Lawn’s Great Mausoleum Michael’s final resting place, right next to Walt Disney, among other notable celebs, was the perfect decision because security there is extremely tight.

Perhaps now. Michael will be given the peace he was not given during his life.

REST IN PEACE MICHAEL JACKSON – 1958 – 2009

What we Can Learn from the Jaycee Dugard Kidnapping

This is the kind of story that you watch, and frankly, the only thing you can say is WTF?

HOW DOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN? That’s the question I had while reading the story of now 29 year old Jaycee Dugard who was kidnapped at age 11 and held captive for 18 years and gave birth to two daughters from her captive Phillip Garrido. How does something like this happen in a world where sex predators are the constant focus of the media, and the internet? This man was on lifetime parole. You mean to tell me in 18 years, no one thought to go through his home, including his backyard? Neighbors reported children playing in the backyard. So no one knew this man was a convicted sex offender?

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s department had a press release apologizing for not checking closely on leads received in 2006. The problem is deeper than that. WHY DIDN’T THE NEIGHBORS KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON? When looking at the photos of the home on CNN, the fence dividing the neighbors home in the backyard was not tall. There were tents and sheds covered with trees and shrubs. Didn’t the neighbors find that suspicious?

Phillip Garrido drew suspicion to himself when he went to UC Berkeley to hand out religious material with his two daughters in tow. Why would a convicted sex offender be out in the streets distributing religious material with two young girls, age 11 and 15?

What we can learn from this story

The federal parole system needs to be held accountable……bottomline! The bigger lesson is that we (human beings) are so desensitized that we don’t get involved. It’s not our problem! The neighbors are now talking amongst eachother in shock and horror, but no one bothered to do anything. Interviews held with various neighbors revealed that most people in the neighborhood felt Phillip Garrido was strange, weird, unapproachable, and downright crazy. How was he allowed to keep this young woman hostage for 18 years, birth two children (that I’m certain he raped as well) and no one suspected anything?

The children, both girls are eleven and 15, meaning Dugard would have given birth to the first when she was just 14 years old.

Garrido was on lifetime parole and his arrest raises questions about how closely parolees are monitored. A parole officer who had visited Garrido’s house previously had not noticed anything amiss — the compound was well concealed by shrubs, garbage cans and a tarp.

“None of the children have ever been to school, they’ve never been to a doctor.” “They were kept in complete isolation in this compound.”

The Garridos were arrested Wednesday after Phillip Garrido raised suspisions of campus police at the University of California, Berkeley. Garrido was spotted there with two young girls trying to gain access to the campus library.

Campus police then notified Garrido’s parole officer who arranged an interview. Garrido, who was on parole from a 1971 conviction for rape and kidnapping, arrived for the meeting accompanied by the two girls, as well as wife and another woman, named Allissa.

Allissa later was identified as Jaycee Dugard, the blond, pony-tailed 11-year-old who was taken from the school bus stop minutes after she left her South Lake Tahoe home in 1991.

We’re so wrapped up in our own stressful lives that we don’t venture beyond our own backyard. We don’t know who our neighbors are other than the fact that they’re our neighbors. We see them coming and going and most times we say hello and keep on moving. Sometimes, we don’t even speak. This is how Jaycee Dugard remained captive for 18 years. We all need a reality check and this one is staring us straight in the face.

How many more Jaycee Dugard’s are out there? Would you know?

Paula Abdul says Goodbye to American Idol

The rumors flied about Paula leaving Idol but now it’s official. She posted it on her Twitter page:

“With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to Idol. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all . . . being a part of a show I helped from day one become an international phenomenon. What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me.”

It’s kind of sad because Paula Abdul has been such a fixture on American Idol from day one. She was the Judge who made the contestants feel human. She also was a great buffer for Simon Cowell when he would humiliate the contestants. I’ll admit, Idol won’t be the same without her. The addition of 4th Judge Kara DioGuardi was a mystery to me, but I guess Idol brass expected the departure of Paula Abdul. The media reports that Simon Cowell earns $36Mil per Idol season, while Paula only earned $2Mil per season. With Simon Cowell having a stake in the creation of AI, I can understand his salary, but Paula Abdul was worth more than $2 million. Some reports have stated she earned $5Mil.

Paula Abdul will Bounce Back

Paula’s been offered a spot on Dancing With the Stars and also So You Think You Can Dance. Both of these shows would be great for Paula because this is an area where Paula shines. She started as a dancer. She’s been a choreographer for top performers like Janet Jackson and it’s well known that she was discovered by the Jacksons and choreographed their Victory Tour in 1984.

Paula Abdul received two Emmy’s, one in 1989 and one in 1990 for best choreography. She’s choreographed the American Music Awards and the Academy Awards. A dance show would be the perfect venue.

Nomatter what road Paula choses to take, there is no doubt she will be successful. Paula is the epitome of the comeback kid. She’s overcome many obstacles in her life, both personal and professional. This is simply a new beginning.

Sometimes in life, we all can benefit by opening a new door.

Sarah Palin Bows out of Debate with Biden?

If we believe the latest news coming out of the McCain camp, it’s highly possible that Sarah Palin will bow out of the debate next week.

It’s being reported that the McCain camp set-up a mock debate and interview for her and it was “disastrous.”

Sarah told Katie Couric in her recent interview, “It’s crisis time!” Unfortunately, the crisis she spoke of had nothing to do with the bail-out, the crisis was in reference to herself. Bloggers are saying they feel sorry for her and she’s way in over her head. I don’t feel sorry for her at all. Sarah Palin has now become a little fish in a big pond. Sarah Palin herself has got to know she cannot pull this charade off any longer.

HOW WILL SHE GET OUT OF THE DEBATE?

Will there be some catastrophic emergency that it will have to be postponed?
Is Sarah Palin in over her head? What do YOU think?

Sticks and Stones – Sarah Palin

On the last leg of the journey to the Presidency it’s sad that the McCain-Palin ticket have nothing better to offer the American people except the old attack game. Desperation tactics are what we all can look forward to during the month of October. The latest story is about Bill Ayers. They’re going to try the guilt by association move using Sarah Palin to deliver the punch, as she did while campaigning in the bay area.

The debate tomorrow night should really be interesting. One thing I’d like to add about all of this dirt is that McCain really should be careful. The Keating 5 scandal is waiting to bite him in the butt. As for Sarah Palin, it’s a shame that all she’s good for is her sarcasm and hockey Mom rhetoric. It’s an insult to the American people and if she had any real sense, she’d see it’s an insult to her.

As for the Ayers story (taken from link above):

The senator said in September 2008 that he hadn’t “seen him in a year-and-a-half.”[41] In February 2008, Obama spokesman Bill Burton released a talking point about the relationship between the two: “Senator Obama strongly condemns the violent actions of the Weathermen group, as he does all acts of violence. But he was an eight-year-old child when Ayers and the Weathermen were active, and any attempt to connect Obama with events of almost forty years ago is ridiculous.”[42] CNN’s review of project records found nothing to suggest anything inappropriate in the volunteer projects in which the two men were involved.

Watch the YouTube video above on the Keating scandal. What is the saying? “Those that live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones!”

God’s Reputation is on the Line – Rev. Arnold Conrad

“There are millions of people around this world praying to their god—whether it’s Hindu, Buddha, Allah—that his opponent wins, for a variety of reasons,” said Rev. Arnold Conrad. “And, Lord, I pray that you would guard your own reputation because they’re going to think that their god is bigger than you if that happens.”

This is a new low for the McPain camp! Their advisors nudged them to quiet down their rallies so they get Rev. Conrad to come in and do it in the name of God! Give me a flippin break! This is so outrageous!

Please don’t tell me they’re not responsible for what someone else says because I’ll put it right back on you in the form of Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers and now ACORN!

What’s Wrong with this Picture – Sarah Palin?

Palin's daughter flips the bird

(click photo to enlarge)
A friend emailed this to me yesterday. If one of Obama’s daughter’s would have done this – the election would be over!!

Will Colin Powell Endorse Obama?

It’s amazing when you read reports that say “An insider close to Powell says he’ll endorse Obama.” No one really knows except Colin Powell. What will an endorsement from Colin Powell mean for Obama? Colin Powell is the one African American that could win a Presidential election by a landslide. Everyone respects him. It should be noted here that Colin Powell started out a Democrat and then switched to Republican. He’s good friends with John McCain, but I’ve heard him say wonderful things about Obama as well. I guess we’ll find out on Meet the Press Sunday morning 10-19-08!

SHORT VERSION – GEN. COLIN POWELL ENDORSES OBAMA ON MEET THE PRESS!

Prayers for Madelyn Dunham – Obama’s GM

A grandmother’s love is special. A grandmother is the one who allows you to do all of those things your parents won’t. They comfort you when Mom scoulds you. They bake your favorite treats. In the case of Barack Obama, they shape and mold your life.

While the smears continue against Barack Obama, we take time out to say a prayer for his grandmother Madelyn Dunham who’s health condition is serious, according to the Obama campaign.
It pains me, some of the things I’ve read on blogs during this difficult time for the Obama family. I don’t dare repeat them here and may you all rot in hell for them.

We as Christian people, pray for God’s will in this situation and hope the media allows privacy in this trying time.

His victory as the next President of the United States will be the biggest tribute to her efforts.

Voter Irregularities – Stealing the Election

Why are we not surprised? George W. Bush got elected this way! I turn on the news this morning and began hearing story after story of voter irregularities. One white man in Jackson County West Virginia went to the polls to vote early. He selected Barack Obama for President but the computer voting machine selected John McCain. He thought perhaps he did something because his eyesight is not that good, so he got his daughter to help him. She selected Barack Obama, but it again jumped up to John McCain. ARE YOU SURPRISED?

In an historic election such as this one, why are we relying on computer aided programs anyway? What ever happened to casting a paper ballot?

College students are reporting massive problems with the vote. Some are being told if they vote they will lose their financial aid due to using their home addresses, but living on campus. Will this election be tied up until January 2009 due to recounts?

It’s not only happening with the Presidential race, it’s across the board. VOTER BEWARE!

IF IT SMELLS LIKE A SKUNK PEOPLE – IT’S A SKUNK!

Jennifer Hudson Family Tragedy

The news is reporting that Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother were found in Hudson’s mother’s Chicago home shot to death. A Grandson, Julian King had been abducted. This took place early Friday morning, October 24th but the bodies weren’t found until this afternoon. It is being called a domestic disturbance.

Police were searching for a man and 7-year-old boy. The missing boy, identified as Julian King — Donerson’s grandson — may have been abducted by William Balfour, a suspect in the murder who is considered armed and dangerous, according to police.

Balfour may be driving a white Chevy Suburban SUV with Illinois license plate X584859 or a teal/green Chrysler Concord four-door sedan with a left front headlight hanging off and scratches along the left side with temporary tags 332K823.

Read more details here

It’s reported Jennifer was in Florida when she heard the news and is on her way to Chicago. Wow, that’s pretty sad. She’s got to be devastated.

UPDATE:    According to WGN-Chicago Evening News William Balfour is the husband of Jennifer Hudson’s sister and had lived in the Chicago home for awhile. 

Our prayers go out to J-Hud.

Alaska Endorses Barack Obama

 The headline in the Anchorage Daily News simply reads:  OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT. 

 

You can read it for yourself  but the pertinent parts of it are below:

Gov. Palin’s nomination clearly alters the landscape for Alaskans as we survey this race for the presidency — but it does not overwhelm all other judgment. The election, after all when said and done, is not about Sarah Palin, and our sober view is that her running mate, Sen. John McCain, is the wrong choice for president at this critical time for our nation.

Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, brings far more promise to the office. In a time of grave economic crisis, he displays thoughtful analysis, enlists wise counsel and operates with a cool, steady hand. The same cannot be said of Sen. McCain.

Since his early acknowledgement that economic policy is not his strong suit, Sen. McCain has stumbled and fumbled badly in dealing with the accelerating crisis as it emerged. He declared that “the fundamentals of our economy are strong” at 9 a.m. one day and by 11 a.m. was describing an economy in crisis.

 
Sen. Obama warned regulators and the nation 19 months ago that the subprime lending crisis was a disaster in the making. Sen. McCain backed tighter rules for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but didn’t do much to advance that legislation. Of the two candidates, Sen. Obama better understands the mortgage meltdown’s root causes and has the judgment and intelligence to shape a solution, as well as the leadership to rally the country behind it.

On the most important issue of the day, Sen. Obama is a clear choice.

The unqualified endorsement of Sen. Obama by a seasoned, respected soldier and diplomat like Gen. Colin Powell, a Republican icon, should reassure all Americans that the Democratic candidate will pass muster as commander in chief.

THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS.  Governor Sarah Palin’s people clearly want Obama as President!

SARAH PALIN ENDORSED OBAMA BEFORE BEING VEEPED!

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Hudson’s Nephew Found

(Video)

The body of a young boy has been found on Chicago’s South Side, near where actress-singer Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother were slain, police said.

 

WBBM-AM, Chicago, reported the body is that of Julian King, Hudson’s nephew, who had been missing since the slayings were discovered Friday. The body was inside a white Chevrolet Suburban that had been parked on the street all weekend. WBBM said a neighbor looked into a window Monday morning, spotting the body.

 

 I just don’t have words for the sorrow I feel for this family.  God be with them as I know the days ahead are going to be extremely difficult!

 

FOLLOW - UP VIDEO 10-28-08

History will be made – Barack Obama

WHAT MUST IT FEEL LIKE TO CARRY THE HOPES & DREAMS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ON YOUR SHOULDERS?

 

Obama’s 3o – Minute Infomerical – Just in case you missed it!
(In it’s entirety)

 

America’s New First Family – What it Means!

I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime!  At this moment I’m reminded of a man and woman named Pierre and Valerie born and raised in Southwest Louisiana during a span of time that didn’t make sense.   Proud Creole people, they raised 9 children and passed down a legacy of pride that would span generations.  Pierre died in 1941 and Valerie prior to that in 1925.  They never had the priviledges that I have.  They never knew the freedom that I know.  They were never allowed to vote, or even have an opinion they could voice out loud. They were second-class citizens.  They were my great grandparents. They were both born into slavery.

Both of my parents served in the military during a time of segregation.  My mother often shared stories of walking into town (in the deep south) as a young girl seeing black people hanging from trees.  My great-great cousin is still alive today and turned 101 last July.  Just imagine how she feels at this moment having lived through significant portions of our history. 

This victory is so much more than the first African American man being elected to the highest office of the land.  This is about PRIDE!  This is about perservering even when the odds are stacked against you. This is about being the best that you can be even though you know people harbor ill-will towards you simply because of the color of your skin. 

This victory doesn’t erase the atrocities of slavery but it does vindicate the years of racism that African Americans have and continue to live with on a daily basis because it tells us something we’ve always known, and something that has been echoed to us by generations over and over again:  “YES WE CAN!”

Joe The Plumber – Can we flush now?

I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of Joe the Plumber aka Samuel J. Wurzelbacher of Toledo, Ohio.  Talk about milking the system and 15 minutes of fame!!!  It wasn’t enough that the guy was found to be a fraud, he’s now started a political action group on the web to “hold Obama accountable.”  Can you believe that?   Don’t look for a link from this blog to his site.  I have no desire to promote this leach!

He was pulled over for a speeding violation and left with a warning after cops found out who he was.  The department cited the fact that he had been illegally investigated and they didn’t want to become a part of that scandal. 

He’s taking pre-orders on a book he’s reportedly written called, “Fighting for the American Dream.”  He’s hired a Nashville publicity company and is seeking a country-western record deal.  I guess there was speculation that he would run for congress.  LOL!  He denied that and said:

“Because of the unique position that I’ve been put in I can better serve my fellow man with a watchdog group.”

He called Barack Obama a Socialist yet it was revealed he had been on welfare twice. When called on it his reply was “I paid into it.” He had a $1200.00 tax lien on his property that he’s since paid off.  [Hmmm. wonder where the money came from?]  There was also an issue of back child support. Does anyone know if this guy works?  If you pay attention, he’s not doing plumbing, so what does he do?

 

As for his plumbing business, he’s putting that dream on hold for now. 

 

He told a reporter:

 

“The nice thing about being a plumber, I can always go back to being a plumber.”

 

Don’t you have to have a plumber’s license to be a plumber?

 

This guys 5 seconds of fame are over!  CAN WE FLUSH NOW?

 

 

The beauty I found in this whole Joe The Plumber rhetoric is that there really is a JOE THE PLUMBER right here in Ventura County, Southern California.   The McCain/Palin Joe the Plumber may be on his way out, but if you live in Southern California and need an honest reliable plumber. 

 

The Real Joe the Plumber

 

 

Even if you don’t live in California, please visit the site.  It seems that Sam Wurzelbacher has been good for Joe “the plumber” Lara’s business!

ONLY IN AMERICA!

Senseless Deaths – Aren’t Marines Brothers?

This is a photo of (left) Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak and her husband Jan Pawek Pietrzak.  

They were found bound, gagged and shot, execution style on October 15, 2008 in their home located in Riverside County.  (Southern, California) They had only been married a few short months. 

Police were baffled as the investigation revealed there was no forced entry to their home.   What was the motive?  Further investigation into this couple revealed they were two “clean cut” kids. Who would want to kill them?   Jan was a U.S. Marine and Quiana worked for the Riverside County Department of Health. 

AREN’T MARINES BROTHERS?

From left, Kevin Darnell Cox 20, Emrys Justin John 18, Tyrone Miller 20 and Kesaun K. Sykes 21

 

Lance Cpl. Tyrone Miller, 20, Lance Cpl. Emrys Justin John, 18, Pvt. Kevin Darnell Cox, 20, and Lance Cpl. Kesaun K. Sykes, 21, are charged with two counts of murder, committing multiple murders and murder committed during a robbery.

The defendants are accused of the October slayings of Sgt. Jan Pietrzak, 24, and his wife, Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak, 26.

The couple’s bodies were found Oct. 15 tied and gagged inside their Bermuda Street home. Each had been shot in the back of the head.

“There was evidence linking all of them to this crime,” prosecutor Daniel DeLimon said outside the courtroom. “Mr. John is charged as the shooter.”  They could face the death penalty or life in prison withour parole if convicted.  Their next court hearing is scheduled for November 20th.

The men also are charged with an enhancement of sexually assaulting Jenkins-Pietrzak.

This story came to my attention because my sister used to work with Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak.  The couple’s funeral services were held October 24, 2008 and they are buried at Riverside National Cemetary.

 

 So I ask you the question: Aren’t Marines’s supposed to be brothers?  What do you think the punishment should be for this crime?

Read more here

U.S. Secret Service Blames Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin Blamed by the US Secret Service Over Death Threats Against Barack Obama
By Tim Shipman  Posted November 11, 2008

Palin’s attacks on Obama’s patriotism provoked a spike in death threats against him Secret Service agents say.

Sarah Palin’s attacks on Barack Obama’s patriotism provoked a spike in death threats against the future president, Secret Service agents revealed during the final weeks of the campaign.

The Republican vice presidential candidate attracted criticism for accusing Mr Obama of “palling around with terrorists”, citing his association with the sixties radical William Ayers.

The attacks provoked a near lynch mob atmosphere at her rallies, with supporters yelling “terrorist” and “kill him” until the McCain campaign ordered her to tone down the rhetoric.

But it has now emerged that her demagogic tone may have unintentionally encouraged white supremacists to go even further.

The Secret Service warned the Obama family in mid October that they had seen a dramatic increase in the number of threats against the Democratic candidate, coinciding with Mrs Palin’s attacks.

Michelle Obama, the future First Lady, was so upset that she turned to her friend and campaign adviser Valerie Jarrett and said: “Why would they try to make people hate us?”

The revelations, contained in a Newsweek history of the campaign, are likely to further damage Mrs Palin’s credentials as a future presidential candidate. She is already a frontrunner, with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, to take on Mr Obama in four years time.

Details of the spike in threats to Mr Obama come as a report last week by security and intelligence analysts Stratfor, warned that he is a high risk target for racist gunmen. It concluded: “Two plots to assassinate Obama were broken up during the campaign season, and several more remain under investigation. We would expect federal authorities to uncover many more plots to attack the president that have been hatched by white supremacist ideologues.”

Irate John McCain aides, who blame Mrs Palin for losing the election, claim Mrs Palin took it upon herself to question Mr Obama’s patriotism, before the line of attack had been cleared by Mr McCain.

That claim is part of a campaign of targeted leaks designed to torpedo her ambitions, with claims that she did not know that Africa was a continent rather than a country.

The advisers have branded her a “diva” and a “whack job” and claimed that she did not know which other countries are in the North American Free Trade Area, (Canada and Mexico). They say she spent more than $150,000 on designer clothes, including $40,000 on her husband Todd and that she refused to prepare for the disastrous series of interviews with CBS’s Katie Couric.

In a bid to salvage her reputation Mrs Palin came out firing in an interview with CNN, dismissing the anonymous leakers in unpresidential language as “jerks” who had taken “questions or comments I made in debate prep out of context.”

She said: “I consider it cowardly. It’s not true. That’s cruel, it’s mean-spirited, it’s immature, it’s unprofessional and those guys are jerks if they came away taking things out of context and then tried to spread something on national news that’s not fair and not right.”

She was not asked about her incendiary rhetoric against Mr Obama. But she did deny the spending spree claims, saying the clothes in question had been returned to the Republican National Committee. “Those are the RNC’s clothes, they’re not my clothes. I asked for anything more than maybe a diet Dr Pepper once in a while. These are false allegations.”

Speaking as she returned to her native Alaska, Mrs Palin claimed to be baffled by what she claims was sexism on the national stage. “Here in Alaska that double standard isn’t applied because these guys know that Alaskan women are pretty tough, on a par with the men in terms of being outdoors, working hard,” she said.

“They’re commercial fishermen, they’re pilots, they’re working up on the North slope in the oil fields. You see equality in Alaska. I think that was a bit of as surprise on the national level.”

Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State?

I heard it on the news this morning and it caught my attention.  Will Obama offer it to her and better yet, will she accept?

Let’s be honest, Hillary Clinton would be good at any position in the White House.  This one will be interesting. Of course no one is confirming anything -but there have been meetings. 

I believe Obama really respects her. Let’s all watch this one closely.

Another stupid idea by Governor Schwarzenegger

I wanted to call Maria Shriver myself and tell her to knock Arnold over the head when I read this one:

Freeway message signs highlighting accidents and abducted children could soon be flashing something else: images of Golden Arches or the lowest rates you can get for your mortgage.

State proposes allowing ads on freeway signs

 

If a proposal from the Schwarzenegger administration comes to pass, thousands of commuters who travel across California freeways could become a captive audience for advertising on more than 600 highway signs when they are not in use to provide drivers with traffic conditions and Amber Alert messages. It is believed California would be the first state in the nation to allow public electronic signs to carry advertising.

Supporters say the proposal could raise millions of dollars for badly needed road repairs and for fixing up the signs themselves. Critics argue that showing advertising on the signs would cause visual blight and distraction for motorists.

AND THERE’S MORE……………

In addition to using highway message signs to generate cash for state coffers, other proposals under study include allowing a company logo to be designed into vegetation along state freeways.

SO LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT:

If this proposal is passed, I can drive the 60 freeway and see a GEICO logo carved into the brush along the freeway?  GTFOH! 

This has got to be the most stupid and senseless idea they’ve come up with to date.  California recently passed a cellphone law that will fine you $20.00 for using your cellphone while driving.  It doesn’t appear to have worked because I haven’t seen too many people using earpieces since it passed.  I’ve seen people texting and driving. They reportedly passed that law to save lives. 

If this passes the death toll, gridlock and number of accidents will triple on California freeways.  I can see it now.  A woman digs in her purse to find an ink pen to write down the telephone number of the doctor whose advertising botox, a tummy tuck and breast enlargement for $5500.00.  She rearends the car in front of her and there’s a 5 car pile up behind her.

I’ve driven on California freeways for many many years.  California drivers cannot drive!  Traffic is backed up 15 miles if someone has a flat tire and now Arnold wants to totally annialate us by flashing ads causing further distractions.  According to the article it’s scheduled to come up for review next year.   This is no way to solve our budget problems in California Mr. Govenator. 

I can pretty much guarantee you Californians aren’t buying into this one.  That’s why this post is filed under SENSELESS SHIT!  

 READ THE WHOLE STUPID STORY HERE

Eugene Allen – A MUST READ story

For more than three decades, Eugene Allen worked in the White House, a black man unknown to the headlines.  During some of those years, harsh segregation laws lay upon the land.

He trekked home every night to his wife, Helene, who kept him out of her kitchen.
At the White House, he worked closer to the dirty dishes than to the Oval Office. Helene didn’t care; she just beamed with pride.

President Truman called him Gene. President Ford liked to talk golf with him. He saw eight presidential administrations come and go, often working six days a week.

“I never missed a day of work,” Allen said.

He was there while racial history was made: Brown vs. Board of Education, the Little Rock school crisis, the 1963 March on Washington , the cities burning, the civil rights bills, the assassinations.

When he started at the White House in 1952, he couldn’t even use the public restrooms when he ventured back to his native Virginia . “We had never had anything,” Allen, 89, recalled of black America at the time. “I was always hoping things would get better.”

In its long history, the White House — note the name — has had a complex and vexing relationship with black Americans.

“The history is not so uneven at the lower level, in the kitchen,” said Ted Sorensen, who served as counselor to President Kennedy. “In the kitchen, the folks have always been black. Even the folks at the door — black.”

Before Gene Allen landed his White House job, he worked as a waiter at a resort in Hot Springs , Va. , and then at a country club in Washington .

He and wife Helene, 86, were sitting in the living room of their Washington home. Her voice was musical, in a Lena Horne kind of way. She called him “Honey.” They met at a birthday party in 1942. He was too shy to ask for her number, so she tracked his down. They married a year later.

In 1952, a lady told him of a job opening in the White House. “I wasn’t even looking for a job,” he said. “I was happy where I was working, but she told me to go on over there and meet with a guy by the name of Alonzo Fields.”

Fields was a maitre d’, and he immediately liked Allen.

Allen was offered a job as a “pantry man.” He washed dishes, stocked cabinets and shined silverware. He started at $2,400 a year.

There was, in time, a promotion to butler. “Shook the hand of all the presidents I ever worked for,” he said.

“I was there, honey,” Helene said. “In the back maybe. But I shook their hands too.” She was referring to White House holiday parties, Easter egg hunts.

They have one son, Charles, who works as an investigator with the State Department..

“President Ford’s birthday and my birthday were on the same day,” he said. “He’d have a birthday party at the White House. Everybody would be there. And Mrs. Ford would say, ‘It’s Gene’s birthday too!’ “

And so they’d sing a little ditty to the butler. And the butler, who wore a tuxedo to work every day, would blush.

“Jack Kennedy was very nice,” he went on. “And so was Mrs. Kennedy.”

He was in the White House kitchen the day Kennedy was slain. He got an invitation to the funeral. But he volunteered for other duty: “Somebody had to be at the White House to serve everyone after they came from the funeral.”

The whole family of President Carter made Helene chuckle: “They were country. And I’m talking Lillian and Rosalynn both.” It came out as the highest compliment.

First Lady Nancy Reagan came looking for him in the kitchen one day. She wanted to remind him about the upcoming state dinner for German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. She told him he would not be working that night.

“She said, ‘You and Helene are coming to the state dinner as guests of President Reagan and myself.’ I’m telling you! I believe I’m the only butler to get invited to a state dinner.”

Husbands and wives don’t sit together at these events, and Helene was nervous about trying to make small talk with world leaders. “And my son said, ‘Momma, just talk about your high school. They won’t know the difference.’

“The senators were all talking about the colleges and universities that they went to,” she said. “I was doing as much talking as they were.

“Had champagne that night,” she said, looking over at her husband.

He just grinned: He was the man who stacked the champagne at the White House.

Colin L. Powell would become the highest ranking black of any White House to that point when he was named Reagan’s national security advisor in 1987. Condoleezza Rice would have that position under President George W. Bush.

Gene Allen was promoted to maitre d’ in 1980. He left the White House in 1986, after 34 years. President Reagan wrote him a sweet note. Nancy Reagan hugged him tight.

Interviewed at their home last week, Gene and Helene speculated about what it would mean if a black man were elected president.

“Just imagine,” she said.

“It’d be really something,” he said.

“We’re pretty much past the going-out stage,” she said. “But you never know. If he gets in there, it’d sure be nice to go over there again.”

They talked about praying to help Barack Obama get to the White House. They’d go vote together. She’d lean on her cane with one hand, and him with the other, while walking down to the precinct. And she’d get supper going afterward. They went over their election day plans more than once.

“Imagine,” she said.

“That’s right,” he said.

On Monday, Helene had a doctor’s appointment. Gene woke and nudged her once, then again.. He shuffled around to her side of the bed. He nudged Helene again.

He was all alone.

“I woke up and my wife didn’t,” he said later.

Some friends and family members rushed over. He wanted to make coffee. They had to shoo the butler out of the kitchen.

The lady he married 65 years ago will be buried today.

The butler cast his vote for Obama on Tuesday. He so missed telling his Helene about the black man bound for the Oval Office.

Now retired, he started when blacks were in the kitchen.
Published – November 7, 2008

Black on Black Crime at the highest level

Alan Keyes sues President-Elect Barack Obama (filed under Senseless Shit!)

What happens when you lose not once, BUT TWICE, to someone?  I’ll tell you what – you jump on the bandwagon of senseless shit and file a lawsuit to get attention directed your way.   I’ve never been fond of Alan Keyes but I can honestly say this MoFo (yeah I said it) this MoFo has lost his mind. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alan Keyes and other members of the independent party have filed an 18 page Writ of Mandate in California Superior Court in Sacramento dated November 12, 2008, to stop the state from giving its electoral votes to President-elect Barack Obama until documentary evidence is provided to prove Obama is indeed a natural born citizen of the United States.

I’m so tired of this BIRTH CERTIFICATE nonsense.  Use some common sense people.  Barack Obama is a black man.  Regardless of his biracial status, he is a BLACK MAN.  If Obama was not a natural born citizen of the United States do you actually think he would have come this far in his political career?  If this story were really true, they wouldn’t have needed to use Jeremiah Wright.  This would have been enough to destroy him. 

On October 31, 2008, officials from Hawaii made an announcement of verification of Obama’s birth certificate. 

Mr. Keyes, you’re a pathetic excuse for a Black man! I’m embarassed for you.  How dare you attempt to taint this historic time in our country and in our history as African Americans!   Instead of embracing the significance you instead choose to act like a field negro, mad cause you can’t work in the big house.  You had the audacity to use the catch phrase, “We need Alan Keyes for President”   Right now we need Alan Keyes to shut the hell up!  For a man who speaks incessantly about morals, I sir, question yours!

GET OVER IT ALREADY!  You have a PhD from Harvard and did your dissertation on constitutional theory.  Our new President-Elect graduated from Harvard and became a constitutional lawyer and the first African American President of the Harvard Law Review.  Stop HATIN Mr. Keyes!  The people have spoken! Barack Obama is the better man for the job. 349 electorate votes Mr. Keyes.  Repeat after me: “Landslide victory!”  Take it to Sean Hannity Mr. Keyes.  People who believe in truth don’t need your rantings.

To my readers, I apologize. I’m not normally so rude but this news pissed me off to the highest point of pistifity!  This is a true example of BLACK ON BLACK CRIME, and Alan Keyes is a HATER!

Obama’s Dream Team

BARACK OBAMA’S NEW DREAM TEAM

PHOTOS – From Left to Right:
Hillary Clinton
Robert Gates
Susan Elizabeth Rice
Janet Napolitano
Eric Holder
General Jim Jones

Hillary Clinton , U.S. Senator from New York and former First Lady, will serve as Secretary of State.

Secretary Robert Gates , the current Secretary of Defense, will continue to serve in that role.

Eric Holder , former Deputy Attorney General and a former United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, will serve as Attorney General.

Janet Napolitano , Governor and former U.S. Attorney for Arizona, will serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Dr. Susan E. Rice , a Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the Obama for America campaign, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, will serve as Ambassador to the United Nations.

General Jim Jones , USMC (Ret), former Allied Commander, Europe, and Commander of the United States European Command, will serve as National Security Advisor.

OJ Simpson – Was it a set-up?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From a purely legal stanpoint…..

I said I wasn’t going to comment on this one, but so many people have asked what I thought about it, so here it goes. 

First off, the legal system is tricky!  If you’re a black man in America, it’s real tricky.  When I first heard about this case last September I clicked the channel.  I thought, “Wow, O.J. Simpson in the news again, give me a break.”   Hadn’t we had enough? 

But let’s look at this from a purely legal standpoint.  O.J. Simpson, whether you believe he was guilty of killing his former wife Nicole Brown and an innocent bystander, Ron Goldman, was found not guilty.   He later was convicted in a civil suit that to this date he hasn’t made good on.  For the last 13 years he’s had to face public scorn with people calling him “murderer” and treating him like he was a brutal killer.  That’s got to be rough.  At any given time some whacko could have come up and just shot him.  Imagine living like that!  At the end of the day, no one except Nicole Brown, Ron Goldman and perhaps the dog know who really killed them.  LAPD botched the case.

Then we had the book, “What if I would have done it?”  I pretty much figured OJ had lost his mind on that one.   It honestly made me call into question where he was mentally.  Anyway….I’m getting away from my point.

O.J. evidentally had been trying to obtain his possessions/memorabilia that had been stolen long before he and a few of his homies went to the Vegas Hotel last September.  The fact that the entire incident was secretly recorded proves that point to me.   (Watch OJ’s version of the story here)
Click on “Simpson: I am Sorry” it’s 5:03.

 The fact that a gun showed up in the altercation is why OJ will be spending a minimum of 6 years in a Las Vegas jail.  Was it stupid?  Of course it was, but this case was about much more than attempted robbery.

The Goldman Factor

Why were the Goldman’s present for the sentencing?  From a purely legal standpoint this had NOTHING to do with their case.  The Judge cited several times she wanted to make it absolutely clear this sentencing had nothing to do with any retaliation for the 13 year old murder case.   So why were the Goldman’s there?  Not only were they there, but they were interviewed following the proceedings.  They even took credit for putting pressure on O.J. to make him resort to robbery.

The Goldmans maintain that their relentless attempts to take O.J’s assets to satisfy a $33.5-million wrongful-death judgment may have led him to commit the robbery.

The bottom line is that O.J. was set-up by the memorabilia dealers and this case has everything to do with the 13 year old murder case of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman.   Those who believe OJ was guilty are relieved that he will finally be in prison.   I would think a portion of the appeal by OJ’s attorneys will include the fact that the Goldman’s were present for this sentencing.  It may come back to haunt them, from a purely legal standpoint.

Barack Obama Lies and Falsehoods

Bravo to Colin McMahon (Chicago Tribune staff writer)

On 12/6/08 he published the article below in reference to Barack Obama and Sarah Palin being “dogged” on the internet.   I don’t normally post entire articles, instead I usually link, but this one was too good not to (so I apologize Mr. McMahon)   I’m so sick of the outright lies about Barack Obama.  A coworker told me today, “I heard Obama say this myself:  In three years time we’ll have a chip implanted under our skin to shop, etc.”  He then went into the whole “Antichrist” theory, saying that the antichrist is reported to be a Muslim  (I had to correct him and tell him , “No European)  yada yada yada!   It wasn’t until I came home that I realized what he had really said.  He actually believes Obama is a Muslim. Haven’t we moved past that bullshit yet?   Look:  if you didn’t want Barack Obama as President that’s fine!  He was elected by a landslide and no conspiracy theory on the internet or anywhere else is going to change that.  Nomatter how many times his birth certificate/citizenship is called into question, the bottom line is that the Highest Court in the land has dismissed it as bullshit.  What else do you want?   I didn’t want George Bush for President and he’ll go down in history as the worst President ever, but I dealt with it.  He was after all the President. 

I was slammed because I made a comment that I would respect it more if people just came out and said, “I don’t want a Black man running this country.”  At least that way people know where you stand and you don’t have to jump on all of the BULLSHIT BANDWAGONS.   He’s going to be our President and we need to give him a chance to do what he said he would do.  That’s the bottom line.  In the interm, read Mr. McMahon’s words below.  It says it all for me!

Colin McMahon
December 6, 2008

You’ve heard the story: The birth is a sham, the official line a coverup. There are no hospital records. The original birth certificate has never been produced. And this person who has talked of bringing honesty and transparency to the nation’s highest offices is, in fact, a fraud.

But enough about Sarah Palin.

If you think the attack on Barack Obama’s citizenship is the only fringe crusade going, check out what some bloggers are still saying about John McCain’s former running mate.

They contend that Sarah Palin lied about the birth of her son Trig. They are certain that the Down syndrome baby is actually the child of Palin’s daughter Bristol or a family friend. And while Palin’s loss in the vice presidential race has turned wails of outrage into whispers of frustration, it has not stopped the conspiracy theorizing. Never mind that the Alaska governor returned home to pardon turkeys and Obama is preparing to take over the country.

The rumor campaign against Obama carries higher stakes than the one targeting Palin. But at their heart, they have a similar spirit and offer the same lessons.

One lesson is something many of us learned from our mothers: People believe what they want to believe. Another is an old lesson with a new twist: Repeat a rumor enough, even just to shoot it down, and more people will latch on to it. The twist is the Internet, which has done for rumors what mosquitoes do for malaria.

The point here is not to try to support or debunk either of The Great Birth Hoaxes. If you want to dive into the sea of falsehoods, conjecture and circumstantial evidence sloshing around out there, just do a Google search on the words “birth certificate” and then add the name Obama or Palin. Your choice.

The thing is, though, if you believe in one conspiracy theory, you should not be so quick to dismiss the other. They are built on the same sand. And those folks who are certain that some scratchy recording of a long-distance phone interview conducted in Swahili with Obama’s paternal grandmother is proof that he was born in Kenya are close kin to those who can deduce from Internet photos that Palin could not possibly have given birth to her fifth child on April 18.

Proponents of both theories may fall on opposite sides of the political fence but share this claim: It’s not about politics. This is about democracy.

And believing in either hoax requires both a great deal of cynicism and a great deal of faith.

Cynicism because it would take a lot of people telling a lot of lies to make either hoax work. Would so many people in so many different arenas, from state bureaucrats to medical staff to friends and family of Palin and Obama, really be willing to tell abject falsehoods to anyone who asks?

Faith because that’s what it takes to believe that these same people would really be capable of telling the same lie, time and again, with no lapses, no leaks, no betrayals, no slip-ups. People just aren’t that competent at keeping their stories straight, which is one reason America’s prisons are so full.

But even if their friends could protect them, Obama and Palin could hardly hide such whoppers from political enemies who routinely devote enormous amounts of time and money to opposition research.

Those who believe such tales blithely swat away any bit of evidence that tugs at their version of the truth. But there is something else at work here beyond a desire to believe—a desire often driven by rabid political ideology. It’s about acceptance.

Obama was born to a foreign father, a Kenyan with a British passport and very dark skin. Though born in Hawaii, Obama lived in a predominantly Muslim country for a while with a stepfather who also was a foreigner. That makes him different from all the presidents who preceded him. But it does not make him any less American.

While Palin’s claims to be a political maverick may be debatable, the way she handled her pregnancy with Trig was, indeed, iconoclastic. She kept the pregnancy secret for a long time. She traveled to Texas while eight months pregnant. She completed a speech after her water broke and then, after consulting with her doctor, flew back to Alaska to give birth in a small regional hospital. Within a few days, Palin was back at work.

That behavior may strike many as odd. But it offers no proof that Palin fabricated the pregnancy.

Barack Obama and Sarah Palin are who they are. Unfounded rumors, no matter how long they live on the Internet, won’t change that reality.

cmcmahon@tribune.com

Barack Obama – Time’s Person of the Year 2008

He beat out Sarah Palin and Henry Paulson. Were you really surprised at the announcement?  Who else could it have been?  Barack Obama is the millennium version of Robin Hood.  He is the transformational figure who on January 20, 2009 will be sworn in as our 44th President of the United States of America.  He epitomizes the term, “inspiring a nation.”   I often thought during the election that even if he didn’t win, he’s done so much to bring hope to America with his genuine presence and love for this country.  

The road ahead is paved with many curves, but somehow I feel we’ll get through it all.   It won’t be easy, but he says we can do it “together.”  I like the sound of that!

Rick Warren and Obama’s Inauguration

So who would be the better choice to give the invocation at Obama’s inauguration besides Rick Warren? 

The problem is that nomatter whom he selected, someone would find fault with it.  What if he chose Jesse Jackson, Sr?  After all, he is a minister.  That would certainly raise some eyebrows.  What if he selected Louis Farrakhan?  So many people still want to believe Obama is Muslim.  That would start a riot at the ceremony.   The point is that everyone (mainly the gay & lesbian community) are in an uproar over the choice of Rick Warren.  Billy Graham shares the same views as Rick Warren, yet no one seemed to be upset when he gave the invocation in the past for Clinton, or his son gave it in his absence for Bush.   This is Barack Obama’s moment and it rightfully should be “his choice.”   He shouldn’t have to give an explanation to anyone for his choice. 

My God, he and his family gave up their church home of over 20 years because people were uncomfortable with Jeremiah Wright.  Obama was held personally accountable for comments that were taken out of context over and over again.   Barack Obama should be allowed the same choices as any other elected President.

2009 A Year of Hope?

By the grace of God we made it to another year! 2008 was very interesting, to say the least.

The Presidential Election made the biggest headlines. It felt like it would never end. There were however a few headlines sprinkled inbetween election coverage:

• The writers strike that screwed up programming of my favorite shows.
• Eli Manning was named MVP of Super Bowl XLII
• Britney Spears managed to capture the headlines over and over again.
• John Edwards admits to having an affair after he’d lied about it for months.
• Jeremiah Wright is blasted on TV news in sound bites. (It almost turned into a TV series)
• The world is introduced to Sarah Palin and it gives bloggers and comedians tons of material.
• Wallstreet collapses and the banks are bailed out but where is the money?
• John McCain suspends his campaign after telling the American people the fundamentals of the economy are sound.
• Beyonce and Jay-Z get married in a secret ceremony.
• Megan Williams of West Virginia finally receives victory when her attackers are sentenced to prison.
• The Dark Knight is the biggest grossing movie of 2008.
• Michael Phelps breaks Mark Spitz’ record at the Olympics in Beijing.
• Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew are brutally murdered in Chicago and her brother-in-law is arrested for the murders.
• President Bush gets not one, but two shoes thrown at him by an Iraqi reporter. 
• In Covina, California on Christmas Eve, a man goes to his in-laws home dressed in a Santa suit and kills 9 people then later kills himself.

There were many celebrity deaths (several were shocking) :  Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes,  Paul Newman, Heath Ledger,  Estelle Getty – everyone’s favorite Golden Girl,  Charlton Heston,  Tim Russert,  George Carlin, Roy Scheider, Bo Didley, David Groh, Mr. Blackwell,  Larry Harmon [Bozo the Clown] , Suzanne Pleshette, Levi Stubbs,  Harvey Korman, Buddy Miles, Dick Martin,  Jerry Reed, Christian Brando, Rudy Ray Moore – Dolemite, Odetta, most recently, on Christmas day 2008, Eartha Kitt.

We enter 2009 with a sense of renewed hope.  We have an historic inauguration on January 20, 2009.  It’s not just the fact that Barack Obama is being sworn in as the first African American President, but more about people feeling hopeful. 

 

On a personal note:  I’d like to take this time to say thanks to the thousands of you who stopped by to read this blog over the last year.   The election process was brutal, not only on the candidates, but the millions of bloggers who weighed in with their own personal opinions, concerns and thoughts.  It was crazy busy here at WordPress!

 

In 2009, let’s move forward with hope for a better tomorrow for ALL people.  It’s not that difficult.  I’ve learned over the years that:

It’s the level of love in your soul that determines your life experience – believe that!

• I “hope” each of you finds the Divine Love within you. 
  
• I “hope” you allow your soul to cry out to be filled with as much as it can hold.
• I “hope” that you can experience the paradise this earth really is.

 

Sometimes we have to look beneath the surface of what we see at first glance. Dare to hope in 2009. 

Best regards,
Phyllis

The Salvation Army Donations Fall

With the New Year underway, I decided to jump on my “goal” for 2009, which is to rid my house of clutter. I contacted the salvation army because I have a desk and a bookcase to donate. Both of these items are in great condition. I believe in donating to worthy causes so the Salvation Army was my first choice.

When I called to schedule the pick-up, the woman on the other end began questioning me on my items:

She asked, “Is the desk a computer desk?”  I replied, “I used it for that purpose.”  She asked, “Does it have a keyboard attachment underneath” When I replied that it didn’t, she said they could not take the donation.  She then asked it it was an antique desk?  When I said “no,” she said, “No, we can’t accept it for donation. I was floored and hung up on her.

WHEN DID THE SALVATION ARMY GET SO UPPITY ABOUT DONATIONS?

After a quick search on the internet I found an article that their donations are way down.  They didn’t make the 1.3 million over the holidays from the people outside of KMart,Walmart and Target like they had planned and they were blaming it on the economy.   I blame it on their pickiness.

A few years ago I wanted to donate a sofa and loveseat.  It also was in good condition, with the exception of a small rip in the arm of the loveseat.  I left it outside of my house for pickup.  When I returned home it was still there with a note that said, “Unacceptable for donation.”   I ended up giving it to a family who really needed furniture and didn’t care about the little rip in the arm. 

I know that some people have given junk to the salvation army, but the items I’ve tried to donate to them have always been what I deem in acceptable working order.   Shame on the Salvation Army.   I’ve decided to donate my desk and bookshelf to the Disabled American Veteran’s thrift store.   Suffice it to say, I’m through with the Salvation Army.  As for their financial donation drop all I can say is:  Why would I give my hard-earned money to a charity who won’t pick up a desk that could be used for someone to study on, just because it doesn’t have a keyboard attachment underneath?  Give me a break!

John Travolta’s Insensitivity

As a mother who also lost a son too young in his life, I’m simply appalled at the insensitivity of the media in reporting the Travolta family tragedy. I understand when someone is in the public spotlight they have no privacy BUT some matters should be off limits to all of us. 

Whether or not Jett Travolta had autism; whether he had a seizure and fell and hit his head on a tub, or if he was or was not on seizure medication is not the issue. The only issue here  is that a child has died and the family is left to pick up the pieces.   One news report went so far as to report he may have been left attended.  The media called in “religious experts” to report on what the Church of Scientology believes and does not believe in terms of medication.  They brought in their resident doc to explain why his young body would not be bruised if he in fact hit his head.  It’s just too much, and it’s so insensitive to this family who I KNOW is having the worst time of their lives.  THE DEATH OF A CHILD IS A WOUND THAT NEVER HEALS!  When these news reports surface and they interview the person who was “on the scene” with the family, they always asked that stupid question, “How did the family react?  How is the family doing?”  How the hell do you think they’re doing?  They just lost a son.

I’m pretty confident that when it’s time to talk, John Travolta and Kelly Preston will go on Oprah and share their pain with the rest of the world.  That’s almost a given!  Until then we should keep this family in our prayers and by all means give them some privacy so they can deal with it – in their own way and in their own time.

Oakland BART Police Shooting (graphic)

If we thought the Rodney King case was big – this one will really shock you.
It happened at 2 a.m. New Years Day in Oakland, California and two people captured it all on cellphone video.

I applaud Katrina Vargas for posting her video on the internet. With the power we have with technology I can’t fathom why police officers still insist on this type of treatment.  It was obvious that Oscar Grant (the victim) was cooperating.   The Oakland community is OUTRAGED and rightfully so.  We cannot tolerate this type of behavior from our civil servants.  This is another senseless death!

This is also the number one reason why the Black Panther Party was started – Police Brutality.  Various reports online state the officer (only on the BART Police force for a 2 year period) has resigned and that his family has received numerous death threats.  

An article in the Times had the audacity to say:

The officer, who has resigned from the force, has not been charged with any wrongdoing. Some experts have questioned whether he fired his gun deliberately or mistakenly believed he was using his stun gun instead.

 

 

Gran Torino – Clint Eastwood (Movie review)

Gran Torino scores a home run in my book. I’ve been a big fan of Clint Eastwood for years. The trailer spots reminded me of his original Dirty Harry character so the movie was definitely on the top of my list to see.

The movie is filmed in Detroit, Michigan and tells the story of an old and ailing retired Ford Motor Company worker and Korean War vet Walt Kowalski, played by Clint Eastwood who is openly racist and very bitter.   He lives next door to a Hmong

 family which provides the movie with a lot of “comic relief” from Clint Eastwood’s character. 

An Asian street gang attempt to initiate Kowalski’s young neighbor Thao Lor aka TOAD into the gang by having him steal Kowalski’s 1972  classic Gran Torino.   The remainder of the movie will grip you and touch all of your senses.  

There are two newcomers to this film:  Bee Vang who plays Thao Lor.  He does a phenomenal job considering this is his first movie.  His sister Sue Lor, who is the first person to befriend Walt Kowlaski is played by first time actress,  Ahney Lor.  Both are convincing as Thao’s personality is weak and Sue’s  is strong. 

Clint Eastwood has softened over the years in his directing. (Mystic River)  I don’t want to put any spoilers into this review other than to say you should make sure you have tissue available.  The movie will tug at your heart.  

Nick Schenk should receive an award for his screenplay because it’s original and well paced.  There’s action, drama and tons of comedy. 

Let me put it this way… I went to a matinee to see it, but I would have paid the full $11.00.  It was that good.  It’s one of those movies that will generate talk at the water cooler on Monday morning.   It stays with you after it ends.   Everyone in the movie theatre clapped when it ended, including me.  

The movie is Rated R and I personally don’t think its suitable for young children, but if you’re looking for a movie that’s well written and acted, Gran Torino is the hit of the moment.

Barack Obama – The Movie

Both megastar Will Smith and President Barack Obama have agreed that the movie about his life story will cast Will Smith in the role of Barack Obama.  My question is: Who will play Michelle? 

Kimberly Elise (left) would be a great choice in my opinion because she’s a great actress with range.  Regina King (right) also would be a good choice.  What do you think?  Who should play the role of Michelle Obama?  I’m sure Overbrook (Will & Jada’s production company) will do a great job with this movie, nomatter who’s cast as Michelle.   I’m looking forward to seeing it in the future.

Has the Dream of MLK Been Fulfilled?

Martin Luther King, Jr. day holds special meaning every year, but this year it’s extra special because tomorrow we will officially inaugurate Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America.

Has Dr. King’s dream been fulfilled?  That’s the real question of this moment.

Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream that change one day would come.  Back on August 28, 1963 when he gave the historic I Have A Dream Speech, we never fathomed that 45 years later we would vote into the highest office of the land, an African American President.  

Martin Luther King’s words:

In a sense we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

 

When the press asks the question, “What does this moment mean for you,?”  many answer the same: “I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime.”  (your’s truly included) Ironically, Bobby Kennedy knew this day would come:

 

 

Wherever Barack Obama is, nomatter if its helping in a soup kitchen, or today, when he was painting a wall at an at-risk youth center, we see diversity.   This man drew a crowd of 250,000 people in Germany.  Germany—they can’t vote in our election, but when they found out he was coming they flocked.  When he went to Oregon (photo below) 70,000 Black, White, Latino, Asian, Indian, Muslim – people were all united for one purpose – The Audacity of  HOPE! 

 

Read more of the words of Martin Luther King, Jr:

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.

The answer to this question is a resounding YES.  The dream has been partially fulfilled, Change has come to America!  We do have much more work to do in the form of race relations, but I believe it’s on the way. 

The President & First Lady

As we fight two wars and struggle daily with pressures of a failing economy, Barack Obama will show us through his leadership that innovation is more important than convention.   As a Nation we will become aware of what is outdated in our lives as we strive to find new perspectives and new ways of doing things.   The class distinctions,  unstructured and chaotic order which was once Washington will be replaced with hope and inspiration as we strive to free ourselves from the restrictions, inhibitions, and limitations that have felt constraining rather than safe.

The days of looking to a leader to FIX all our problems will give way to people going back to the basics of  working and helping eachother with more of a direct connection to Spirit.   Remember when life was simple?  I believe this is where Barack Obama will take us as a nation.   Our souls are being re-awakened.  Can’t you feel it?  It’s our time!

We have Dr. King and those who fought alongside him to thank for this moment.  If he had not had a dream it never could have been fulfilled and for that we are grateful.   As long as we don’t become complacent and sit back waiting on Obama to do it all by himself, we will get there. 

HOPE – CONNECTION AND UNITY!

It’s time that we all roll up our sleeves and help our new President get this country back to where it needs to be.

What part will you play in the dream?

Seven Pounds – Will Smith

I like Will Smith!  I was a fan of the Fresh Prince of Bel-air but it wasn’t until Bad Boys that I really paid attention and said, “Ummm, Will can act!”

With that said, I watched Seven Pounds last night. Will Smith plays Ben Thomas, an IRS agent with a secret that only one other person knows about.

I have to admit that I went to sleep in the middle of the movie. It’s pretty slow.  I’m one of those people you have to grab during the first 30 minutes.  I watched enough of the movie before dozing to be able to fall in line when I awoke. (Just a note – it was a screener’s copy and not a bootleg) 
I GOT PEOPLE! 

Anyway, back to the movie….interesting!  The best way to put it is the movie is done in segments.  It’s written well enough that each segment allows you to piece it together but you’re still not quite sure what the heck is going on.  The last act of course reveals everything and the end of the movie makes you say: OH SNAP!   I did rewind the DVD and watched the part I fell asleep on to see what I missed (not much).  I’m being vague here because I don’t want to spoil it. Don’t you hate when people do that?

Will was good. There were a few scenes where he stretched to what I would call dramatic. Watch for the scene in the nursing home.   Rosario Dawson was ok.  Her acting is getting better with each movie she does.  Woody Harrelson did a great job.  His character was very believable.  I wasn’t sure it was him at first until he smiled.  Michael Ealy, who I could sit and stare at all day and all night,  plays Will Smith’s brother, an IRS agent with his own story, which isn’t revealed until the end of the movie. 

The movie takes you on a complex emotional rollercoaster ride, with a tinge of frustration until it gets to the point.  If you wait for DVD rental for this one don’t watch it laying down.  You have to pay attention.  It’s not one of those movies you stick in the DVD player and then sort through junk mail or  iron clothes.   I now I’m not the only one that does that.

To reiterate – it’s a slow start, but it’s worth the wait.  I wondered why the movie was called “Seven Pounds?”  I have some theories about that as well, but I can’t share those either without giving the movie away. 

All in all, I’d have to give it an 7!  The writing is different, at times complex but eventually it all comes together.  Not one of Will’s strongest performances but hey it’s Will Smith.  He’s a box office draw.

A lesson I learned from this movie:  Don’t read text messages while driving. It’s not worth it!  Hmmmmmmmm!!

Cease and Desist – Sasha Malia Dolls

The controversy brewing over Ty, Inc.’s release of the Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia dolls has now hit the blogs.  This one is a no brainer to me. HELL TO THE NO!  These are small children.  Yes they’re now public figures because they are a part of the historic first family, but that doesn’t give this company rights to use their names.  I think the loop hole the company is going after is that they state they did not use their likeness.  That really doesn’t matter either.  THEY USED THEIR NAMES and the dolls are brown skinned.   I can understand Michelle’s frustration and I hope the Obama’s are consulting with their attorney to take care of this matter swiftly and expeditiously.  Rumor has it the dolls are selling anywhere from $25.00 to $125.00 per doll.

Ty, Inc. has retailed the dolls at $9.99.   When asked directly if the young Obama girls were the inspiration behind the dolls they had the audacity to say:   ”Inspiration is proprietary information.”  

What’s ironic to me is that we never saw Chelsea Clinton or Bush twin dolls following their father’s presidencys.  For Ty, Inc. to say this has nothing to do with the Obama girls and that they thought the names Sasha and Malia were good names to give their new dolls is ludricious.   It would have been more appropriate to make Barack and Michelle dolls .  The young children should be off limits in the capitalism of Obama’s presidency. 

Michelle Obama has made no secret about the fact that she is MOM first!  Ty, Inc. must also remember, before she became first lady, she too was a high powered lawyer.   

Someone made a great suggestion on a blog saying that if they cannot get a cease and desist order a big portion of the proceeds of these dolls should go to some type of charity.  Michelle has mentioned one of her roles as first lady will be to champion military families.  I would think a fund set-up for military families would be a worthy charity. 

We haven’t heard the last of this!

Taraji P. Henson – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Taraji P. Henson is the home girl from around the way and she’s nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.   She’s already won the Austin Film Critics 2008 best Supporting Actress for the role.

 

We were formally introduced to Taraji in 2001 when she played opposite Tyrese in John Singleton’s movie, “Baby Boy.”  It was truly a break-out role that was memorable because her character Yvette was one many sistah’s in the inner city could relate to.  I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve watched that movie.  She was phenomenal.  She also had a nice supporting role in the Sanaa Lathan movie, “Something New.”

 

In 2005, Taraji’s star rose higher when she took on the role of a shy but sensitive prostitute in another John singleton film, Hustle & Flow.  I recall the song winning song of the year at the Oscars and Taraji performing onstage.  Who knew she could also sing.

 

Taraji meanwhile appeared in TV shows from Lifetime’s “The Division” as well as Boston Legal.”   She had strong presence in such movies as Four Brothers, Smokin Aces and Talk to Me with Don Cheadle.  Her role in Tyler Perry’s “The Family that Preys” is also memorable, because again, she plays that sistah we all know in our circle of friends.  Taraji is truly a natural.

 

Her role as Queenie, Benjamin Button’s surrogate mother really touched me on several different emotional levels.  She nailed it! The character is strong, caring and reminescent of many elders from different parts of Louisiana, where the movie was filmed.  When the Oscar nominations were read I was elated to hear her name called. 

 

A busy actress of late, Taraji currently stars opposite Morris Chestnut in the TD Jakes adapted screenplay “Not Easily Broken.”  The film is directed by Bill Duke.  Not only is she a gifted actress, she has now acted opposite Tyrese, Morris Chestnut, and Brad Pit….Dayuuummmm!!   

 

She recently filmed Hurricane Season, a true story about a high school coach in Louisiana (played by Forest Whitaker), a year after Hurricane Katrina.  She plays the wife of Forest Whitaker’s character. 

 

This 38 year old single mother of a teenage son, graduated from Howard University in 1995 where she attended on a scholarship from sisters Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, also Howard University grads.    They’ve got to be very proud. 

 

There’s a wonderful line in the movie Benjamin Button that says:  “You never know what’s coming for you.”  For Taraji, let’s hope it’s a golden statute with her name written on it.  Congrats girlfriend.  We’re all pulling for you.

 

Sarah Palin She’s Baccccckkkkk!

For someone who keeps criticizing the media’s coverage of her why does she constantly appear before any camera that will film her?

Because she loves the attention - that’s why! 

Now she’s arguing whether or not she will receive anywhere from 7 million to 11 million for a proposed book deal to “tell her side of the story.” 

The Anchorage Daily News  is reporting she’s headed for Washington this weekend to perhaps have a chance to talk to Obama at a scheduled dinner. She says she’s going to bring Alsaka into the bailout talks.  Pleazzze Sarah….your only motive for anything is Sarah Palin. When asked about her Presidential motives for her new SarahPAC website, she states:

“No, not at all, not at all, no. It’s helpful to have a PAC so that when I’m invited to things even like to speak at the Lincoln Day dinner in Fairbanks, to have a PAC pay for that instead of have the state pay for that because that could be considered quasi-political.

Other governors in the past they all had a fund to be able to travel for things like that. I do not. But now we’ll have an available source of funds so that we’re not coming close to any ethical line to be crossed in terms of travel or participation in events that will help Alaska but could be seen perhaps as not worthy of state funding.”

Sarah Palin has the nerve to talk about Obama being a rockstar. Lately, she’s gotten more press than Britney Spears.

If she is in fact publishing a book, let’s hope she’s securing a ghost writer. Can you imagine the first Chapter:

I’m a hockey mom and just a regular Joe Six Pack native Alaskan and while I CAN see Russia from my house, I’ve served the people of Alaska as both Mayor and Governor.  I wanted to be Vice President because residing over the Senate would allow me to make significant changes to policy in this country.  Gosh darnit I’m still disappointed that didn’t happen.  That Maverick John McCain I was running with wouldn’t allow me to give a concession speech when we lost the election.  I really wanted to give a speech cause I had some real zingers about Obama and that Katie Couric woman. ………..

Just when you thought it was safe to turn on the news!!

GPS-Cell Phone Knowledge Protect Yourself

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT IT COULD SAVE LIVES TOO

This gives us something to think about with all our new electronic
technology. Be very careful about how you program your cell phone, leaving your GPS in the car and answering text messages.

Since your GPS usually needs your home address to guide you home from a trip, consider putting a wrong address in it, possibly a number on the next block. 

Please be sure to read this to the end.

 GPS

A couple of weeks ago a friend told me that someone she knew had their car
broken into while they were at a football match. Their car was parked on the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS Navigation unit that had been prominently mounted on the dashboard.

 When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen.

The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents.

MOBILE PHONE

A lady has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile
phone. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet, etc. was stolen. 20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says ‘I received your text asking about our pin number and I’ve replied already.’

When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text ‘hubby’ in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.

Moral of the lesson:

Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby,
Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc…. and very importantly, when sensitive info is
being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back.

Also, when you receive text messages from friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don’t reach them, be very careful about going places to meet ‘family and friends’ who text you.

In this technology driven society you can never be TOO SAFE! 

BE INFORMED!

The National Anthem by Jennifer Hudson

This is the BEST version I have ever heard.  ITunes is now offering this and all proceeds benefit the foundation Jennifer started to assist families of murdered victims.  Jennifer is back!!  OMG! It was chilling!

Etta James Pissed at Beyonce – Why?

If I hadn’t heard this audio, I’d believe this was all hype. 

Etta James is a true legend. I learned the words to the song “At Last” when I was very young because my mother played it all the time.  Why is Etta pissed at Beyonce?  Reportedly, Etta wasn’t even the first person to record the song.  I think her version is probably the most popular version recorded.  They’ve even used the song in commercials.  Her son has responded to Etta’s comments by saying that she was moved by Beyonce’s performance of the song to the President and First Lady and that his mother suffers from health problems due to a recent gastric bypass surgery.    Etta is 71 years old.  I’d think Beyonce is hurt by the comments and I’m glad, at least right now, that she hasn’t commented.  Perhaps Etta is also hurt because maybe she feels she should have been asked to sing her “signature” song at the inauguration – I really don’t know.  I just think it’s all very sad.   

I predict we’ll get another statement released from Etta James clearing up her comments at the Seattle concert in late January. Then again, maybe we won’t.   Beyonce has revived Etta’s career and introduced her to whole new set of fans.  Etta’s single “At Last” has been remastered and is in the top 100 as reported by Tower Records. #1 in Soul – Love songs.

Etta James singing “At Last” LIVE.. Make sure when this video ends, you click on the video of Beyonce (in the gold dress) and watch her performance of At Last at Fashion Rocks 2008 as well as her special tribute to Etta James, who is in the audience.  It’s very moving!   (You can also click on the up arrow and go straight to Beyonce’s video)

Iman Crosson – Someone to Watch

I’m sure when 26 year old Iman Crosson started doing impersonations of Barack Obama on Youtube, he never thought he’d receive over 3 million hits and wind up appearing on Entertainment Tonight.

He’s really a natural for Obama and I think he’d make a great addition to SNL.  Fred Armistan the SNL actor who currently plays Obama does a good job, but Iman is dead-on.   This particular video is an older one when Obama was still on the campaign trail, and he calls it preparing for the debates.   It really shows how well he does the impersonation.  His spoof on Beyonce’s Single Ladies is what brought the most attention to him.

You can check out all his videos at his YouTube channel Alphacat 

I wish you the best my brotha! You’re talented, truly talented.

The Truth about Cell Phone Fines

We all know about DWI (Driving while intoxicated); DUI (Driving under the influence), DWB (Driving while Black) – but do you know THE TRUTH about DWC?  (Driving while using a Cell phone)?  I can hear you saying, “Oh yeah – it’s a $20.00  fine – no big deal!”  READ CLOSELY!

CA motor vehicle code 23123 states that a person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.

A violation of this section of California law is an infraction punishable by a base fine of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.

This law does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity. So basically if a motorist is calling 911 for an emergency purpose they would not need to use a hands free device.

I’ve had two relatives receive citations for DWC.  One was $138.00 and the other was $90.00.   Both of these were first time offenses.  This is defintiely a stretch from the $20.00 fine quoted by the DMV website. 

As of October 2008 the CHP has cited over 20,000 drivers for talking on a cell phone.  Although the base fine is $20.00, the DMW states that, “with the addition of penalty assessments, the fine can be more than triple the base fine amount.” (Whatever the hell that means)  I guess in simple terms what they’re saying is “California is broke and we need something to generate more cash into the State.” 

You can click this link to get the full run down on cell phone laws as they apply to California drivers.Other states that have passed cell phone laws include Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C. For more information on state cell phone laws you can check with your state’s DMV or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) which has collected information on this subject.  It also includes the laws on TEXTING while driving, which, if you’re doing, is just plain stupid!

 

 The bottom line:  The fine is much more then $20.00. 

The answer:  Get a bluetooth ANT.  Why risk the fine or your life! They cost between $89.00 – $129.00, depending on where you shop.  The clarity is much better than the ear bluetooth you’re using now.  It’s the wave of the future.   BE INFORMED!

Chris & Rihanna – THE TRUTH

What really happened between Chris Brown & pop singer Rihanna?

The truth is: We weren’t there! We don’t know! I’ve shyed away from this story because we don’t have the facts. It always amazes me how we idolize celebrities and when they do something (human) we begin hearing all this negativity from the media. In Chris Brown’s case, we immediately were fed reports of his troubled past with his stepfather. Hell, before this incident we weren’t getting these stories.  The media reports that Rihanna came from a family that was “always fighting.”  Radio stations have stopped playing his music and several of his endorsements have been either cancelled or put on hold pending the outcome of this case. 

I never condone abuse in any form.  Sites like TMZ and Mediatakeout naturally will give you trumped up details because they want ratings and “clicks.”   If you believe the media hype, Rihanna should be layed up in a police guarded hospital room – not at home in Barbados with ther family.  Each day the details are more and more horrific. 

The TRUTH is:  We weren’t riding in the car with them; we don’t have all the facts and people are supposed to be presummed innocent until proven guilty. 

Will Smith made a comment to EXTRA that really tells the truth of this story:

Smith says that the best support right now may be to step back. Brown, 19, is under police investigation in Los Angeles for allegedly beating Rihanna, 20, early last Sunday morning.

“This is a time where they need to be left alone and if they have things they need to work out, work it out,” Smith says, urging the public to wait until all the facts are in.

 

“People should take a minute before they jump on it and judge,” he tells Extra. “We don’t know nothing. If there are mistakes people make, then they should be willing to live up to the mistakes and do whatever penance they need to do. I don’t think it’s up to us, specifically the media, with such a fast hand to try to chop someone’s head off.”

The rumors swirling around this story change daily…..

> She gave him herpes so he beat her up
> He was flirting with another celebrity at a pre-grammy party
> He received a text message “booty call” and this set Rihanna off
> Rihanna is insanely jealous
> She found out he was cheating on her

Both of these young people are extremely popular. I can only imagine how difficult it is for two young icons in the music business to be dating. Both of them are absolutely gorgeous so if they aren’t mature enough to handle the dating pressures that come with their celebrity – it’s no wonder they spent most of their relationship arguing with one another (if we are to believe the hype).

So I say again – the TRUTH of this situation is: WE DON’T HAVE THE TRUTH and only the two of them know what really happened early Sunday morning in a parked car in Hancock Park.

All of this…….”a source close to the couple said..”  is the media’s way of selling stories.  Don’t believe the hype!  For Chris & Rihanna, I pray you work this out and get back to the business of making music.

California Has a New Budget

The state of California with its 37 million residents is one of the HIGHEST tax states in this country. The thought that Sacramento wants to raise taxes to the tune of $14 billion is disgusting. The hardest part is that the $14 billion will be raised on the working class of California. These are people who have already lost jobs and homes. WTF!!

California has a $42 billion deficit. Initially lawmakers were proposing a 12 cent hike in the gas tax; the doubling of vehicle license fees; a 1 cent increase in California sales tax and a 5-percent income tax surcharge for taxpayers who owe money to the state at the end of 2009.

As of this morning an agreement was reached. So what can we look forward to in the Sunshine state of California?  It’s the usual shit…….raising taxes, cutting programs and borrowing money.

o Program cuts of 15.1 billion – naturally education is first with 8 billion in cuts

o A 1 cent increase in sales tax. So we go from 8.25% to 9.25%

o Instead of the 5% income tax surcharge, there will be a 0.25 percent income tax increase that will drop to 0.125 percent when California gets its expected share of money from the federal stimulus bill passed by Obama on February 17th.

o There will be an increase in the vehicle-license fee from 0.65% to 1.15%

o 1.4 billion will be saved from payroll costs by eliminating two state holidays, changing overtime rules and furloughing workers for one day per month. Look for headline news about disgruntled state workers in the near future.

o There will be $700 million in tax breaks for large corporations

o A special election in May 2009 will include five ballot measures for California voters which will include a spending cap, a plan to sell bonds based on future lottery proceeds and approval to shift money from accounts for mental health and child-development programs; to hold open primaries and to freeze salary increases for lawmakers.

o The controller won’t get new furniture for his office . Why doesn’t he just go to the Salvation Army?

What was shot down was the 12 cent tax on gas.  Hallelujah!

Regarding the $787 Billion stimulus plan signed by President Obama on the 17th, California is set to receive 36 billion.

Well…there you have it my fellow Californians.  Arnold is suppose to sign today. Any thoughts on this new proposal for California?

Eric Holder “A Nation of Cowards”

The media has done it again! They’ve taken a sound bite, played it over and over again and have gotten people all riled up!

Did anyone hear the entire speech?  Did anyone read the entire speech? Let me give you the portions of it that hit home for me and then I’ll direct you to the complete speech.

Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards. Though race related issues continue to occupy a significant portion of our political discussion, and though there remain many unresolved racial issues in this nation, we, average Americans, simply do not talk enough with each other about race. It is an issue we have never been at ease with and given our nation’s history this is in some ways understandable. And yet, if we are to make progress in this area we must feel comfortable enough with one another, and tolerant enough of each other, to have frank conversations about the racial matters that continue to divide us. But we must do more- and we in this room bear a special responsibility. Through its work and through its example this Department of Justice, as long as I am here, must – and will – lead the nation to the “new birth of freedom” so long ago promised by our greatest President. This is our duty and our solemn obligation.

 
As a nation we have done a pretty good job in melding the races in the workplace. We work with one another, lunch together and, when the event is at the workplace during work hours or shortly thereafter, we socialize with one another fairly well, irrespective of race. And yet even this interaction operates within certain limitations. We know, by “American instinct” and by learned behavior, that certain subjects are off limits and that to explore them risks, at best embarrassment, and, at worst, the questioning of one’s character. And outside the workplace the situation is even more bleak in that there is almost no significant interaction between us. On Saturdays and Sundays America in the year 2009 does not, in some ways, differ significantly from the country that existed some fifty years ago. This is truly sad. Given all that we as a nation went through during the civil rights struggle it is hard for me to accept that the result of those efforts was to create an America that is more prosperous, more positively race conscious and yet is voluntarily socially segregated.

On Hardball, Pat Buchanan and Professor Michael Eric Dyson had a rather heated debate that left me saying:  “This is why we can’t talk about race relations in this country.”

Follow the link, read the ENTIRE SPEECH and share your thoughts.  Are we a nation of cowards when it comes to talking about race?

Madea Goes to Jail – Movie Review

We had a family outing on Saturday and went to see Tyler’s newest release:  “Madea Goes to Jail.”  It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Madea on the big screen so the theatre was packed.  Tyler Perry did not disappoint.   For those who have seen the play,  the movie naturally is a little different.   Tyler Perry always has a message to any production.  In Madea Goes to Jail the message is:  forgiveness and redemption.  Strong performances are given by Derek Luke and Keisha Knight Pulliam (Little Rudy Huxtable has grown up). 

Madea finally lands in jail after getting her hand slapped numerous times by Judge Maybelline.   After an incident that occurs in the parking lot of Big K-Mart, Madea is arrested and finds herself, not in front of Judge  Maybelline, but Judge Mathis.   Madea’s going down!

Meanwhile… Derek Luke who plays an up and coming prosectuor in the D.A.’s office is busy planning his upcoming wedding to a fellow prosecutor, played by Ion Overmon  (General Hosptial; Phat Girlz), when he runs across an old friend in Court (Keisha-Knight Pulliam) that he’s been assigned to.  Because of a conflict of interest, he hands the case off to his fiancee and this is when the drama begins.  I won’t spoil it for you but let’s just say it’s ugly!  Linda, played by Overmon is qood at being the protagonist in this film.  I always love how Tyler  Perry works the protagonists in his films so well that when they finally get what’s coming to them the audience is clapping with joy.  Remember what happened to Sanaa Lathan in The Family That Preys, and Steve Harris in Diary of a Mad Black Woman?  (Not to forget Blair Underwood in Madea’s Family Reunion)

Viola Davis, Tony award winnng actress and current Oscar nominee was very impressive as Ellen, a minister who doesn’t come across like a minister, and has a past of her own.   She’s got skills!    We also get a chance to see Joe, Mr. Brown and Cora (played by Tyler Perry and David and Tamala Mann)  It was nice to see Sofia Vergara, who played opposite Angela Bassett in Meet the Browns. She was hillarious as a convicted serial killer of 18 people. 

The critics can say what they want about Tyler Perry.  Tyler is deeply in touch with his audiences and Madea Goes to Jail scores another success in the Tyler Perry dynasty.

The proof:   $41.1 Million and it beat out Friday the 13th and Taken for the number 1 weekend spot.  Tyler Perry’s films have grossed 320.3 million.  Can you say “Halleluyer!”  

Crips and Bloods -Made in America

Forget everything you think you know about the gang wars in South Central Los Angeles and across this country.

A gripping documentary like nothing you’ll ever see began screening in selected limited theaters in West Hollywood and Santa Monica last week.

This documentary is directed by award winning documentary film-maker Stacy Peralta and Executive Produced by NBA LA Clipper’s star Baron Davis.  Forest Whittaker narrates and the end result is an explosive reality of the infamous South Los Angeles Crips and Bloods.  

All to often we turn on the local news and see make-shift memorials for those caught in the cross-fire of gang life.

  

 

Crips and Bloods Made in America tells the true story of what drives this violence. Stacy Peralta’s vision to go into the hood and tell the story from the eyes of gang members and ex-gang members is nothing short of amazing. There are no actors in this documentary.  Hard core issues and realities are discussed that give us, the audience, insight into the factors that contribute and fuel the hatred that has spanned a four-decade long war.
As a mother of a child who was murdered by stray gang bullets I can’t recommend this documentary enough. 

As a parent of a murdered victim, you forever ask “Why?” Crips & Bloods Made in America  takes you into the hearts and minds of those who are caught up in this undeniable lifestyle of destruction and violence.

Visit the official website to find screenings in your area or to pre-order the DVD which will be released on March 5, 2009.  In this new era of HOPE brought on by the election of our nations first African America President, this documetnary is timely.  It’s a problem that will not go away and we’ve lost too many young people to senseless killing.  

We have to save our young people!  There are great resources at the website.  Will you please support this effort? I pray as a parent who has lived through it that you never receive “that” telephone call. It’s been 12 years for me and while you do learn to live on, the memories haunt you without notice.  Bravo to the producers!

“For every life that fades - something beautiful remains”

ATTENTION ALL DANCERS

If you’re a dancer, whether it’s hip-hop, ballroom, jazz, tap, ballet or just freestyle –  you understand how hard it is to find dance merchandise.  I have a friend whose really into dance and I have such a hard time when birthday time arrives to find something suitable for her.  Well search no more!

I can’t tell you how excited I was when I ran across this wonderful website the other day called Dancers Angle.   THEY HAVE EVERYTHING! 
T-Shirts, mugs, dance apparel and links….all for the Dance lover in you.   I love sharing good things and this website is a very good thing.  I’ll include the link in my website category permanently. 

It’s a very unique idea.  A dance resource website. Visit today and don’t forget to tell a friend!  Happy dancing!

He’s the President that’s Why!

Barack Obama’s Presidency has brought the attention, not to the economic crisis of our time, but to ignorant racist rants and I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of it!

 

 

 

 

Let’s first look at the BIGGEST controversy, the NY Post shooting of the monkey.  Tasteless and definitely racist!

DEFINITELY TASTELESS!

 

 

 

 

This display, according to Barnes & Noble in Florida, was switched by a customer and they were deeply apologetic.  Yes, I do believe it was done by a customer. Where are the surveillance cameras? The person responsible needs to be reprimanded for this one.

The watermelon patch in front of the White House which was sent by email to people in the Los Alamitos City Council by it’s Mayor who has since stated he will step down from office on March 3, 2009, because  of it.  Is it tasteless and racist?  Of course it is!

But why is he stepping down?  Did he author the picture or is he just guilty of sending it through email?  The author of the picture is at fault here.

We will not stop seeing these images depicted of our new President, or other racial and negative comments about his wife Michelle.  Where do we draw the line?  I’ve read the comments posted on blogs that Blacks are being hypersensitive over these incidents.  It’s not just black people.   If you look at the pics from the New York post protest rally, you’ll see people of ALL colors.   It’s insensitive and it’s got to stop!  People are fed up and we’re not taking it anymore.   As long as these incidents continue to happen, I guarantee you will be hearing from people about it.

Doesn’t our President and First Lady deserve respect?  I for one am calling people out for these insensitivites.  Why?  Because damnit  he’s the President – that’s why!

American Idol FAST FORWARD

Will American Idol continue to dominate the airway ratings after this season?  What’s up with Paula Abdul? Is Simon going off the deep-end?

First, can Simon Cowell be replaced?  Probably not, but I watched last night’s show and I have to admit, his rudeness is beginning to wear on me.   It’s one thing to give his pompous remarks to the contestants, that’s what he does, but he actually called one poor contestant stupid last night.   The comment he made to Kris Allen about “I wouldn’t have brought up the wife so soon,”  was extremely rude, after all, the wife was there and when the camera panned to her, you could tell she was offended by the remark.  What does Simon say?  “I was joking.”  It doesn’t take rocket science to figure out why Extra’s Terri Seymour dumped his sorry ass!

Simon Cowell is responsible for all of the spin-off reality shows we have with the 3 Judge panel formula.  Hollywood tends to sit back and see what works and then they copy the formula, but Simon Cowell has taken nastiness to a whole new level.  I hope he has body guards around him 24/7 because one day he’s going to take it too far.  Just my opinion!

Then we have poor Paula Abdul!  The Emmy winning Choreographer, ex-Laker Girl and grammy winning recording artist is not in the best of health.  I’ll admit I was relieved to read that she isn’t suffering from drunkedness, nor is she high, but that she has a rare disease called RDS.  (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)   Paula says the chronic pain of the syndrome began with a cheerleading accident at age 17, but it was not until November 2004 that RSD was identified. She states that after 12 surgeries and heavy medications that she says made her chronically nauseous, sleep-deprived and confused, treatment with the medication Enbrel (etanercept) has given her relief.

It’s obvious the disease is progressing because last night when the cameras got close, I almost gasped at how ill she looks.  Ladies we all know, makeup can only do so much!  It’s got to be tough to be in the spotlight with people watching you slowly deteriorate.  We need to keep Paula Abdul in our prayers.

The Contestants

Then there’s the issue with Anoop Desai.  Anoop was the 13th contestant chosen that last night Simon stated he regretted putting through since his rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” was so bad.  Anoop held back his emotion and tried to smile, but you could see it affected him.  

There’s also a reported problem with the phone voting and I’ve read that when you attempt to vote #36, cause they didn’t count on 13 contestants, you’re connected to a sex hotline.   I guess that’s why Ryan commented, “Vote carefully”  at the end of last night’s show.  Will this little glitch end Allison Iraheta’s time in spotlight?  How lame of the Idol people. I guess we’ll find out on Thursday.   J-Lo and Mark Anthony may have called Jorge and gave him props, but I think he’s going home.  Jasmine Murray will probably join him on the trip.

Adam (I kissed a boy and I liked it) Lambert was the clear winner of the tribute to Michael Jackson music round.   I like him.  He’s a combination of Prince and Elvis Presley to me, definitely an entertainer.  From all the buzz on the net, he’s the favorite to win this season of Idol?   It’s early yet, and time will reveal.  As for the females, Lil Round is a heavy hitter who will no doubt end up in the top 5.  

The American Idol saga continues……….

 Maybe it’s just me but there’s definitely somewhat of a decline in the show.  We’re pulled in because we love competition.  I do however find myself saying :  Can we fast forward already?

Taken Movie Review

 “If you are looking for ransom I can tell you right now I don’t have money – but what I do have are a very particular set of skills.  Skills I’ve acquired over a very long career.  Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you.   If you let my daughter go now that’ll be the end of it – but if you don’t — I will look for you — I WILL find you and I will kill you!”  — Bryan Mills

 

You’re a divorced, highly skilled CIA operative who has given it all up to be closer to your 17 year old daughter who wants to go to Paris to follow a U-2 concert tour with a friend.  You’re over-protective and at first against the idea but give in and let your daughter go to Paris. You give her an international cell phone and explicit instructions…. “Call me every night!”

 

Within thirty minutes of arriving in Paris, your daughter and her friend are kidnapped and forced into prostitution, or as we’ve come to know it: Human trafficking.   What would you do?

 

That’s the premise behind the movie Taken, starring Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills.  From start to finish this movie delivers and keeps on delivering until the end credits!  Liam Neeson is part, MacGyver, James Bond, The Transporter, and Mission Impossible all rolled up in one.  The action in this movie truly grips you and there are a few moments you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat.    (OMG! I can’t believe he did that? That’s all I’ll say) 

 

With excellent writing from Luc Besson (The Transporter – Point of No Return)  you anticipate each encounter Bryan Mills has while searching for his daughter within a 96 hour window of time.   (4 days)   The human trafficking element is strong and brings much attention to the very real circumstances that sadly exist.   

 

If you’re into action-packed movies, this one is a must see!  The movie has done so well ($100+ million in the US and $73 million overseas) that its rumored talks have begun for Taken II. 

 

You got my vote on a sequel. 

Change, Transform and Grow

Sometimes the obstacles in life – We create!

I’ve spent a good portion of life, as many of you have, being challenged and restricted. What I’ve come to realize is that those challenges and restrictions are asking me to change, transform and grow personally. When I resist the changes I know I need to make – what I’m doing is blowing my blessings. Like you – I believe I’m in control of my life. There are things I KNOW I need to change in myself but I keep waiting on the right time or the right condition, or for my prayers to be answered. There always appears to be some obstacle in the way.

I’ve come to realize – that obstacle might be ME!!!

Think about how often you try to set rules or limits on God and Spirit. Its like things have to be a certain way to meet OUR approval. It’s thoughts like that, that prevent us from seeing & experiencing the true abundance that God wants for us. Maybe there’s something we need to do to arrive at this “change” we so desperately seek.

There will always be obstacles. It’s how we choose to deal with those obstacles that keep us from experiencing the joy we crave deep inside.

We can’t let the obstacles or struggles of life prevent us from seeing & experiencing the magic & miracles waiting for us on the other side of our pain. No plan is full proof!  Do you realize: if things happened as we planned there’d be no need for blessings! We have to begin working through the obstacles instead of moving around them.

Within all of us, something simple and special resides. Let your sense of charity be the eyes through which you see the world. Let your faith hold open a door of possibility, even if circumstances seem to be trying to shut it.

Let’s get real! Our dreams and expectations are not always in line with reality. We need to realistically examine our lives from the inside out – not the outside in.

It’s time to worry less about the job and more about our families. They are going to be with us long after our boss has kicked us to the curb! It’s time to stop spending unnecessarily and save for a rainy day – that rainy day is guaranteed to show up. It’s time to stop worrying about what others are doing and tend to the weeds in our own backyard. If no one asks for your advice – don’t give it! Don’t assume anything and don’t take anything personally. Accept others life process – after all – IT IS WHAT IT IS! Love them anyway and let forgiveness light your way.

The ultimate power on this earth is the ability to be able to speak the truth clearly & openly – it must begin with you – your truth! You can tell all the lies you want – to others – but please tell yourself the absolute truth! We come into this world alone and we will leave it alone!

As we are living through this time of “Change” let’s be realistic. It takes hard work to change habits you’ve had for a lifetime. The beautiful thing is that you can change. It starts in your mind. Change your thinking and you will ultimately change your life.

Whatever your goals, dreams, prayers, or desires – be realistic and just take it day by day. You will fall, but you can always get back up and keep getting back up until you’ve arrived where it is you want to be.

My prayer has become simplistic: “Father – I want what you want for me.”

Focus on what serves your greatest good and channel your energy toward achieving those goals.

Blame Miss California for Prop 8

Say it ain’t so! 

When did beauty pageants become the platform for political policy?  Give me a flippin break!  I don’t understand the uproar about 21 year old Carrie Prejean’s comments from the USA pageant regarding gay marriage.   Let me get this straight:  just because she was voted Miss California, she’s supposed to automatically be in support of gay marriage? 

Beauty pageant contestants cut ribbons at mall openings, they don’t make political policy!!   Pleazzzzeee!

War Games 2 – The Dead Code

So I’m at the video store over the weekend because I wanted to see TD Jakes’ movie (Not Easily Broken) when I ran across War Games  2 – The Dead Code. I was a big fan of the classic 1983 War Games movie with Matthew Boderick and Ally Sheedy.  When I sat down to watch the movie I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting much.   After all, it’s been 25 years since the original and sequels tend to miss the mark.

I was pleasantly surprised!

You obviously know what to expect: A computer hacker, a girlfriend and government engagement.  In Dead Code the story follows Will Farmer and his mother Gail Farmer who works as a BioChemist.  Will accidentally hacks into a government computer named Ripley when he thinks he’s playing an online terrorist simulation game.  Will’s mother is arrested and the hunt is on for Will who runs into Professor Falken (for War Games 1983 fans – you’ll know who Dr. Stephen Falken is)  Unfortunately, it was not the original Stephen Falken played in 1983 by John Wood, but Gary Reineke takes over the role for this sequel.   True fans even get a glimpse at Joshua, the 1983 computer.

All in all, War Games 2- The Dead Code was entertaining.  It was released directly to DVD so if you haven’t heard about it, that’s why.

Obsessed Movie Review (Beyonce Knowles)

When the trailers began running for the movie “Obsessed,” I immediately thought of past movies such as ”The Temp” and “Fatal Attraction.” I’ve said many times, Hollywood has no creativity. 

Obsessed was actually pretty good.  Beyonce definitely brought her A game to the role and I have to give her props because she was pretty impressive. Idris Elba (cutey pie) never has a bad day when it comes to the roles he chooses.  He is the actor to watch. 

Ali Larter obviously had a great time in her role as the CRAZY and DERANGED temp with delusions of grandeur about Derek Charles. She makes Glen Close from fatal Attraction look harmless.  There were several times during the movie when I wished Idris Elba’s character would have just slapped the hell out of her, but that would have made it a politically incorrect movie. 

While the movie is predictable, it pulls you in because Ali Larter’s character goes to such horrendous lengths in her obsession.   The writer did a great job of building the suspense that by the time you get to the climactic last scene the entire theatre is engaged and rooting Beyonce’s character on.  The only criticism I have is the split second decision by Beyonce during the end of the fight scene.  I won’t spoil it. I’ll just ask you: “What would you have done?”

It’s reported that Obsessed is the #1 movie this weekend with $11.1 million on Friday alone.  Surprising, I thought Jamie Fox’ The Soloist would take that spot.   The movie was executive produced by Beyonce and her Father Matthew Knowles.   People can hate on Beyonce all they want.  The girl is doing her thing.

How Do You Rebuild Trust?

When your heart has been broken by love – how do you rebuild trust?

I watched the Oprah interview with Elizabeth Edwards, the 59 year old wife of Presidential candidate John Edwards.  For those of you who aren’t up on the story:  In 2004 Elizabeth Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer and she went into remission.  John Edwards made his public bid for the White House.   Elizabeth’s cancer returned and it was terminal.  The couple talked about John dropping out of the race, but they moved forward.  In the midst of battling terminal cancer, John tells Elizabeth he had an affair with an aid working on his campaign, but it was only once.

He dropped out of the Presidential campaign after seven months and then the tabloid ran the story that he was the father of the aid’s baby daughter. He admits to Elizabeth the affair was more than once. Actually, it lasted for months.

(Photo of Reille Hunter and her daughter Frances Quinn Hunter)

 Fast Forward -  Elizabeth wrote a book called “Resilience.”  In the book she writes about her husband’s affair.  From the excerpts I’ve read, it’s obvious she’s angry as hell, and rightfully so.   As for the affair itself, Elizabeth said:

“I blame John, but also, women need to have more respect for other women! It takes a lot of work to put together a marriage, to put together a family and a home. … You have to have enough respect for other human beings to leave their lives alone. If you admire that life, build it for yourself. Don’t just try to come in and take somebody else’s life.” This was written directly for Reille Hunter —DUH!!!

Oprah of course asked the tough questions and the interview only had one limitation, Oprah could not use the other woman’s name, and Oprah didn’t.  

Oprah asked Elizabeth about the speculation that the other woman’s daughter could be her husband’s child?   Elizabeth said she had seen a picture of the child and….

“It doesn’t look like my children, but I don’t have any idea.”

Oprah tells her, you must have thought –  is it or isn’t it and Elizabeth replied:

Actually, there’s not much reason for me to. This is the part where you have to concentrate on your own life. Whatever the facts are doesn’t change my life, in a sense.  He has told me, you know, he’s talked to me about questions that people ask and things like that, and he doesn’t know any more than I know about this.

Oprah naturally brought up the fact that it would be very easy to find out. Elizabeth Edwards says:

“If a paternity test ever proves that John is, in fact, the father, that would be part of John’s life, not mine.  I mean, I could try to make it change my life. I could beat myself up about it if I thought he was trying to start a family with this woman. Then, that would be one thing. Do I think that that’s true? I do not in any stretch of the imagination think that was true.”

It’s obvious Elizabeth Edwards has been to hell and back. She lost her first born child to a tragic accident. She’s been a politician’s wife for 30 years, is battling terminal cancer and dealing with infidelity in the spotlight of the public. Why would she add to the pain by writing a book about it? What was her motive? Perhaps to send a message to the “other woman,” or to humiliate him to the 10th power. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around that. Pain makes you do some crazy things.

I feel really bad for her. She is definitely in denial! Dealing with betrayal is a tough issue by any standard, but dealing with betrayal while battling terminal cancer is unfathomable to me. During those “months” John Edwards was carrying on an affair with this woman, his wife was going through chemo, throwing up, in terrible pain……How do you rebuild from that?

PANDORA’S BOX IS OPENED…

Fox News reports that a friend close to Reille Hunter says she is seeking a praternity test. The mystery friend says: “It all has to do with Elizabeth Edwards’ book and the resulting chaos.”

Evidentally, in her book, Elizabeth Edwards calls Hunter’s life “pathetic” and writes that she threw up when she learned of her husband’s affair, which she did tell Oprah.

So now, the friend says Ms. Hunter has decided to abandon the cover-up over the paternity of her daughter after learning about the contents of Elizabeth Edwards’ book, in which she reportedly refers to the baby only as “it” and does not name Hunter.
Andrew Young, a former Edwards campaign aide, claimed to be the father of Frances Hunter, another former campaign worker told FOXNews.com last summer that he and Hunter had “no relationship.” The birth certificate for Frances Quinn Hunter does not list a father.

This is going to get real ugly – real fast!

I’ll ask the question one more time: HOW DO YOU REBUILD TRUST?

GREY’S ANATOMY – WTF?

I SAT UP IN MY BED! To quote “Taylor” from the VH1 show, Tough Love, “O.M.G!” George O’Malley is leaving the show?????

Okay, I wasn’t really moved when Izzy Stevens died. I have to admit, for a minute I thought she might make it. (Shonda Rhimes is one hell of a writer and I’ve been a fan from day-one.) If you’re a Grey’s fan, you kind of knew where Izzy was heading. After all, Little Ms. Heigl has been pretty vocal over the past few seasons about what she wanted to do. With her sudden big screen success, I guess the rumors are true that she wants to move on. But TR Knight?

My sister and I discussed it at length because NO-ONE in my office watches Grey’s (all work-no play) so I was busting at the seams to talk to someone about it. My sister brought up a good point: Didn’t George O’Malley have identification on him? If he was getting on a bus going home to see his Mother before he went to Iraq, wouldn’t he have identification on him? Hmmmmm…

I’m glad I taped it, because I had to backtrack and see if I missed any clues. I don’t think anyone saw it coming. I did read somewhere a comment that said something like, “Why would O’Malley go to Iraq when he just passed his test and started his residency?” He was pretty hyped about that. But we all know life is subject to change without notice and I guess the young soldier who wanted his leg amputated really got to him. Whoa!

The question on my mind is: How can they bring O’Malley back if they do decide to renew his contract (cause you all know these things are about money right?) Did you take a good look at John Doe before they realized he was O’Malley? He was pretty F’up!

I have a theory:

They will recast George O’Malley and Dr. McSteamy will do plastic surgery on him. They’ll find someone who looks similar, but not exact, to TR Knight and he and the woman he saved will begin a relationship. The experience will change not only his life, but his looks! I just can’t see how they can bring back the same George as bad as he was injured, but you never know.

As for Katherine Heigl, I think Izzy will stay on her elevator ride to heaven. I was never a big fan of Izzy Stevens. She eventually grew on me, but if she’s not at Seattle Grace in September, I won’t lose any sleep over it.

I’m excited about Dr. Hunt and Yang’s relationship. Christine will make all the difference in his life. It will be interesting to watch! (Sandra Oh has the patent on that character – she’s good! It looks like Shonda Rhimes is finally bringing her to a good place. Christine has feelings. It’s a good transition for the character.)

Chandra Wilson (Bailey) never disappoints. It was nice to see the old Bailey again. You have to admit, she’s been kind of calm this season.
I admire her strength and she has a couple of Emmys to prove she has staying power on the show.

Will Meredith back out of the wedding to McDreamy? Just do it already! She did take a vow (on a post-it note: not to run)

Nomatter what direction Grey’s decides to take, I know I’ll be glued to the set come September cause ……..inquiring minds want to know!
I swear, I’m dying to hear what other people thought about this season finale.

Mike Tyson’s Heartbreak (video)

I logged into MSN and saw the headline and it caught me off guard.
“Mike Tyson’s Daughter on Life Support after Tragic Accident”

I later read that his daughter (4 year old Exodus Tyson) had passed away at 11:45 a.m. today in Phoenix. How much more can this man take? It appears that things were looking up for Mike Tyson. The Sony pictures ” Tyson Documentary” has been released. He’s reported to be drug and alcohol free, and it just appears he’s heading to a good place, then this.

My prayers go out to the Tyson family. We never know why these things happen. I guess God needed another Angel in heaven.

Carmen D. Williams – Rest in Peace

Life is subject to change without notice! – Jewel Diamond Taylor

I’m in total shock as I write this! I received an email from a family member of Megan and Carmen Williams advising me that Carmen had passed away on May 31, 2009. She went on to say that I didn’t need to post it, but she wanted to let me know. OMG! I immediately went to the internet.

The Charleston Gazette reports: Carmen D. Williams, the mother of a young woman who was involved in a high-profile sexual assault case last year, died over the weekend. She was 47.

Williams’ daughter, Megan Williams, was held against her will and physically and sexually assaulted at a trailer in Logan County in the fall of 2007. Seven people were convicted for their roles in the incident, including one convicted of a hate crime. The case received national attention.

Williams died on Sunday, according to an obituary in Wednesday’s Gazette. No cause of death was given. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday at Rehoboth Cathedral of Christ.

To the Williams family: God bless and keep you in this horrendous time of sorrow. As one commenter said in the Gazette, “Thank God she got to see her daughter’s attackers brought to justice.” I don’t have words for the sorrow I feel at hearing this news.

Mike Tyson Documentary (Review)

Nomatter what you feel about Mike Tyson personally, and people seem to have very strong opinions and judgments when it comes to him, if you’re a fan, this is a must see film.

Being a past fan, I’ll admit I’d seen a lot of the footage they showed in the documentary. What pulled me in was his brutal honesty.

In this documentary, we’re given a glimpse of a new and improved Mike Tyson. He’s completely cellophane about his demons throughout his career that took him from being the youngest heavy weight champ, with an estimated worth of $300 million – to complete ruin.

When he spoke of his marriage to Robin Givens I was choked up. He explains they were too young to be married and their relationship was constantly under media scrutiny. You could see in his eyes how much he loved her, making the statement, “I wanted to stay in touch with her. They (media) were saying things about me and calling her a gold-digger.”

He spoke of the 1991 rape against then Miss Black America pageant contestant Desiree Washington, whom he referred to as, “that wretched woman.” To this day, he denies the charges. He was sentenced to six years and released after three.

He talks about his irresponsibility in the incident with Evander Holyfield and not training when he fought Buster Douglas and lost his title. He openly admits that his last fight was strictly for survival. He did it for the money. “I needed to survive. I’ve lost the will to fight.”

Sometimes tearful, sometimes remorseful – Mike Tyson is definitely dealing with the demons of his past. What’s next for Mike Tyson? He’s working that out day by day.

My Facebook Fan Page

Phyllis V. Du'Gas

I’ve said it a few times in different blog posts that my intention for this blog was sidelined due to enormous headlines at the time it was set-up. My NY Editor gave me a suggestion to start a fan page at Facebook where I could share my writings. I DID IT!!

Here it is for anyone interested in reading. I thank you for your support WordPress. My sincere prayer is that something you read will touch you and cause you to look beneath the surface of your own life.
I hope to connect with you at FaceBook. Take Care.

Phyllis

Michael Jackson Dead at 50

I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT WAS TRUE!

The King of Pop is dead.

Recording artist, entertainer and global superstar Michael Jackson has died from an apparent heart attack in Los Angeles, Calif. He was 50 years-old.

It was reported earlier by various news sources that Michael Jackson suffered a heart attack this afternoon at his home; paramedics were unable to revive him, TMZ reported.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is saying Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived.

Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince “Blanket” Michael Jackson II.

LA Times
Paramedics were called to a home on the 100 block of Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard. Jackson rented the Bel-Air home — described as a French chateau built in 2002 with seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and a theater — for $100,000 a month.

The home is about a six-minute drive from UCLA Medical Center.

Jackson has three children — sons Prince Michael 7, and Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., 12, and daughter Paris Michael Katherine, 11.

The news comes as Jackson, 50, was attempting a comeback after years of tabloid headlines, most notably his trial and acquittal on child molestation charges.

In May, The Times reported that Jackson was living in a Bel-Air mansion and rehearsing for a series of 50 sold-out shows in London’s O2 Arena. Jackson had won the backing of two billionaires to get the so-called King of Pop back on stage.

The concerts had been scheduled to kick off July 13.

Johnny Caswell, a principal at Centerstaging, the Burbank soundstage where Jackson rehearsed for his London concerts, watched many of the run-throughs and said he was “absolutely shocked” by the performer’s death.

Jackson, he said, was “very frail” but approached the rehearsals with boundless energy.

“He was working hard. Putting four days a week in here. Six hours a day. Working hard. Dancing,” Caswell said. “We’re in shock over here.”

The performer moved from the Burbank facility to the Forum at the beginning of June, Caswell said.

Rand Phillips, the chief executive officer of promoter AEG Live, said in an interview last month that a medical screening of Jackson uncovered “no issues whatsoever.”

Screeners “declared him healthy,” Phillips said. “His cholesterol level is better than mine.”

But a physical may not have revealed a looming heart attack, said Dr. John Harold, a Cedars-Sinai Medical Center cardiologist.

“This is the type of patient who could have a stress test the day before and it could be completely normal, and the next day could have a plaque rupture and a fatal heart attack,” said Harold, who did not treat Jackson.

His backers envisioned the London shows as an audition for a career rebirth that could ultimately encompass a three-year world tour, a new album, movies, a Graceland-like museum, musical revues in Las Vegas and Macau, and even a Thriller casino.

Such a rebound could wipe out Jackson’s massive debt, estimated at $400 million.

Jackson needed a comeback to reverse the damage done by years of excessive spending and little work. He has not toured since 1997 or released a new album since 2001, but he has continued to live like a megastar.

To finance his opulent lifestyle, he borrowed heavily against his three main assets: his Neverland Ranch, his music catalog and a second catalog that includes the music of the Beatles that he co-owns with Sony Corp. By the time of his 2005 criminal trial, he was nearly $300 million in debt and, according to testimony, spending $30 million more annually than he was taking in.

Compounding his money difficulties were a revolving door of litigious advisors and hangers-on. Jackson has run through 11 managers since 1990, according to Frank DiLeo, his manager and friend of three decades.

Outside the white walls of the UCLA emergency center, the valets stand idle as dark-suited men move back and forth between the entrance and a number of parked black SUVs.

In the circle driveway a woman, who identifies herself as Jackson’s cousin, waits with a friend. A harried man in a suit gets out of his car and barks into his cellphone, “Did Latoya come in?”

Suddenly the sound of Jackson’s music blares from speakers on the balcony of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house across the street.

“Oh, now they’re playing Michael Jackson,” the man in the suit declared in exasperation into his phone.

As the music played, a gaggle of crying young girls gathered in the emergency room driveway until police moved them and all other bystanders back onto the sidewalk.

Michael Jackson’s Children

So what happens to the children? Paris Michael Katherine Jackson 11, Prince Michael Jackson 12, and little Blanket, Prince Michael II, 7? They’ve got to feel a great sense of loss considering the sheltered nature of their upbringing. People magazine is reporting the children are with the Jackson family in the Encino home and that Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson will take the children in and care for them.

Michael Jackson was always adamant that he was the biological father of all three children. The topic has been the source of controversy over the years.

<Debbie Rowe is the mother of Paris and Prince and she gave up all rights to the children for a 50 Million dollar payment and a house, reportedly. Blanket's mother reportedly was a surrogate that Michael never met, which appears odd to me because Michael was such a perfectionist. That all appears to be a moot point at this stage because these children are left with no father and he was the only caregiver for them, other than nannies.

One thing not in dispute: Like icons before him, Tupac and Elvis Presley, these children will be well taken care of because there was only one Michael Jackson. He may have been marred by financial problems recently, but in death his earnings will surpass any problems he may have had. The reports are that no one can find a will. His most recent attorney, Joel Katz in Atlanta does not have it. This story will remain in the news in the coming days and months as the world mourns the death of Michael Jackson.

Rest in Peace Michael Jackson. 1958 – 2009
Thanks for the music

The World says Goodbye to Michael Jackson

Now that the details have been put in place on Michael Jackson’s funeral, I for one am hoping things will calm down. I’m sure they won’t, but at least Michael Jackson will be laid to rest. Over half a million requests have been submitted to attend the July 7th Staples Center memorial. According to published reports, the memorial at Staples will be a simulcast. Michael Jackson will have already been buried as the family is having a private funeral before the memorial at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles.

In death, as in life, Michael Jackson has received much scrutiny. Nine days in death and the media has remained the biggest set of leeches; capitalizing and speculating for top ratings.

Did Michael abuse prescription drugs? He may have, but it didn’t affect his music.

Was Michael the biological father of his three children? Of course he wasn’t, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t showered with love.

Will Debbie Rowe sue for custody because of Joe Jackson’s influence? I don’t possibly see how she could, considering she signed her rights away and pretty much bore them for money AND Katherine and Joe Jackson haven’t been together for years.

Michael will be buried in a $25,000 Bronze/14karat gold coffin! SO…and….he’s the King of Pop. What were they supposed to bury him in – a pine box?

What will he leave for his children? He’ll leave plenty. With record sells skyrocketing and unreleased songs yet to be published, the children will be secure. Forty percent of that equates to millions, even after everyone gets a cut. My concern is the emotional affect all of this will have on them. In just six short years, the oldest children will be 17 and 18.

No matter what is written, said or yet to be revealed – Michael Jackson wrote the soundtrack to many of our lives. I recall every song vividly from “ABC” through “You Rock My World.” Michael reached out to the world through his music with songs like “Man in the Mirror” and “Heal the World.” He co-wrote “We are the World” with Lionel Ritchie. Michael Jackson invented the music video and put MTV on the map. He was a sensitive and caring human being, a humanitarian who had many demons not of his making.

I heard one of the reps for AEG quote Michael when he requested a personal physician for the London tour. Michael told him – (pointing to his body) “This is a machine that fuels all of this.” That statement was profound to me and I thought, “Yeah, he was a machine alright, he was an ATM machine for many people.”

Michael may you find peace in death that so eluded you in life. Your legacy is priceless.

Michael Joseph Jackson 1958 – 2009

What Michael Jackson song(s) has made the biggest impact on your life?

Michael Jackson’s death ruled Manslaughter?

Almost one month after the shocking and untimely death of the world’s best entertainer, the investigation has now turned into a possible homicide? I watched the reports earlier today when the police served a warrant and searched the Houston, Texas medical offices of Conrad Murray, M.D., the last physician who was with Michael Jackson when he died and who, according to reports, administered CPR on him for nearly 30 minutes before calling paramedics. Before I go any further let me say this: I loved Michael Jackson. I believe he was one of our brightest and gifted entertainers.

Why has the investigation now turned to possible manslaughter? Could it be we’ve learned something from the Anna Nicole tragedy? Michael Jackson was not the first celebrity, nor will he be the last, to receive prescription medications from a physician. When will any of the blame fall on Michael Jackson? While he was a mega star, he was also human.

Money talks and bullshit walks! Conrad Murray was hired with a reported payday of $150,000 a month to be Michael’s personal physician at the upcoming “This is It Tour.” That’s like car insurance. He wanted to have this doctor available, for what? Just in case he fell ill during the tour? I don’t understand that.

If Conrad Murray was in fact administering Propofol to Michael Jackson, he needs to be prosecuted! Let’s rewind for a minute: Michael Jackson openly professed to having to go into rehab for a drug problem he had developed. Was I the only one that saw that video?

In a world of managed healthcare, physician’s are suffering financially. My personal physician of 17 years broke it down for me with passion. Under managed healthcare a $5,000 surgery will only net the physician around $500.00. YES – $500.00. That’s why we’re having so many useless surgeries, but that’s for another blog topic.

You’re a physician and you get a call from Michael Jackson telling you that he will pay you any dollar amount you want if you provide him what he needs, what would you do? Someone had to administer the drug Propofol to Michael Jackson. It’s not the type of drug he could administer to himself because someone needs to be present to stop the drip so he’d wake-up.
Again, if Dr. Murray did this, he broke the law and his hypocratic oath, but you can’t tell me he was the only doctor involved.

Jermaine Jackson, in his Matt Lauer today show interview said that he would be shocked if the coroner’s report came back stating that Michael died because of drugs because, “He wasn’t into that kind of thing.” I guess Jermaine missed that video of Michael’s statement that he was addicted to prescription drugs!

It’s real easy to point the finger when someone suddenly dies. Joe Jackson has appeared on every talk show that will have him to say he feels “foul play” was involved. Perhaps it helps ease the guilt that Michael had a problem and noone intervened.

So I ask you, who’s responsible for the death of Michael Jackson?

When Children are Hit with Racism

When it comes to our youth, many of them have mixed feelings about racism. Why? Because most of them interact on a daily basis with children of different ethnicities. I work with young people and they all say the same thing, “We don’t see color. I like him/her because they like me and we hang out. We have a lot of fun together.”

The story recently in the news about the Creative Steps Camp in Philadelphia was shocking to me. If you haven’t heard about the story, here’s a quick synopsis:

Creative Steps Day Camp paid The Valley Swim Club more than $1900 for one day of swimming a week, but after the first day, the money was quickly refunded and the campers were told not to return.

At first there was no explanation, but some of the campers recalled overhearing comments about the color of their skin while at the club.

Then the swim club president John Duesler issued this statement: “There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club.”

Reportedly, when the African American and Hispanic children showed up, white parents took their children out of the pool and racial comments were hurled at the Creative Steps children.

An emergency meeting was held by the Prestigious Valley Swim Club (after the story received heavy media attention) and the Valley Swim Club is now back-peddling saying they had safety concerns with so many children in the pool.

A WRONG IS RIGHTED

When the good people of Girard College, a Philadelphia private school, heard about what the kids endured at the Valley Swim Club, they offered their pool for the children. (Watch video at link)

On an even brighter note – Director, Actor and writer Tyler Perry is now treating and picking up the tab for all 65 children to a 3-day Disney World extravaganza. Tyler said: “”I want them to know that for every act of evil that a few people will throw at you, there are millions more who will do something kind for them.”

The Creative Steps Day camp is seeking a lawsuit.

United States Senator Arlen Spector (PA) is looking into the situation and has stated:

“The allegations against the swim club as they are reported are extremely disturbing. I am reaching out to the parties involved to ascertain the facts. Racial discrimination has no place in America today.”

I agree, racial discrimination has no place in America today. As an adult I can deal with it, but for children who were out to beat the heat and have a little fun, this is a shame!

The Valley Swim Club’s website has been dismantled but I did find the following information for those so inclined:

Valley Swim Club
22 Tomlinson Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
(215) 947-0700
John Duesler Jr., President

Farrakhan reveals truth about the attacks on Michael Jackson, Black leadership

Farrakhan reveals truth about the attacks on Michael Jackson, Black leadership

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