According to a discography on You Tube, "Curtis Mayfield, The Invisible Man's Band consisted of:
Clarence Burke Jnr. b. 1951, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. (lead and acoustic guitar)
James Burke b. 1952, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. (vibes)
Kenneth (Keni) Burke b. 28th September 1953, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. (bass guitar)
Dennis Burke b. 1953, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. (rhythm guitar)..."
Keni Burke wrote my fav steppin' song, "Indigenous Love"
Alllllright!
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Invisible Man's Band - All Night Thing 1979 DISCO
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
KANYE WEST’S FLOW IS COMEDY GOLD ON “THE CLEVELAND SHOW”
Academy Award Nominee Taraji P. Henson (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) Also Guest-Voices
International hip-hop superstar and 12-time Grammy Award winner Kanye West and Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson get animated when they lend their voices to THE CLEVELAND SHOW, the highly anticipated FAMILY GUY spin-off set to debut this fall on FOX. West will appear as KENNY WEST, an all-around cool kid and the archenemy of CLEVELAND JR. (Kevin Michael Richardson), and the two will engage in a “rap battle” for the affection of high school hottie CHANEL (Henson).
THE CLEVELAND SHOW is a new animated series that follows everyone’s favorite soft-spoken neighbor CLEVELAND BROWN (Mike Henry) to his hometown in Virginia, as he settles down with his high school sweetheart, DONNA (Sanaa Lathan); her unruly kids; and his own 14-year-old son, Cleveland Jr. (Richardson). Once in Virginia, Cleveland has a few surprises in store for him, including ROBERTA (Reagan Gomez-Preston), a rebellious new stepdaughter; RALLO (Henry), a 5-year-old stepson who loves the ladies; and a collection of neighbors that includes a loudmouth redneck, LESTER (Richardson); a hipster wanna-be, HOLT (guest voice Jason Sudeikis); and a pious pair of talking bears, TIM (Seth MacFarlane) and his wife ARIANNA (guest voice Arianna Huffington).
Kanye West’s fourth consecutive chart-topping album, “808s & Heartbreak,” was released in November 2008 and has sold over 1.5 million copies to date. He has received numerous accolades for his latest album, and his hit single “Heartless” has been at the top of the charts for 16 weeks and counting.
Taraji P. Henson earned an Academy Award nomination in 2009 for her supporting role opposite Brad Pitt in the critically acclaimed film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Henson has appeared in “Hustle & Flow” with Terrence Howard and “Talk to Me” opposite Don Cheadle. Her upcoming films include “Hurricane Season” opposite Forest Whitaker, “Once Fallen” with Ed Harris and Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” Her television credits include “Boston Legal” and “Eli Stone.”
THE CLEVELAND SHOW is a 20th Century Fox Television production. Seth MacFarlane, Rich Appel and Mike Henry are executive producers and co-creators of the series.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Seth MacFarlane interview with Adam and Jack
Seth MacFarlane interview
I think it is his voice that kept me listening in combination with his mind/conversation on Jack. Love it, love the show.
Pretty Good!
(they actually meantion "Jabba Jaw" and Hanna Barbara, Rubic's Cube, Grape Ape etc.) Remember those cartoons? And yes he does the Peter voice.
Dag!
Photo curtesy of Adam Carolla Podcast
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Go See the film Knowing right away!
This is one of the best movies I have seen this year. I actually paid the matinee price and dragged my two children along with me to watch this film. I didn't wait for it to come out on video. My daughter is Autistic--this will tell parents of special needs kids how much I wanted to see Knowing, starring Nicolas Cage.
The previews looked really exiting but I didn't know if that would be it for the movie or what. It was not. The entire film moved along well: explaining, unraveling, following, back story, character definition. Mr. Cage explored fully the main character-who was a professor of cosmology. His star gazing led to him understanding of the importance of the page of numbers his character's son brought home from the time capsule at his school. The film transcends this world's obsession with petty differences based on race, gender and age and speaks to the audience as they stand naked and helpless before nature itself. Knowing spoke to me as a human. The action was heart-stopping. I covered my eyes at some points. It was so real and believable.
This film was frightening, mind opening and humbling all at once.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Nicolas Cage Interview – KNOWING
"Cage: Well, I have a movie called 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans' coming out. Werner Herzog directed that. I have a movie called 'Season of the Witch' coming out that Dominic Sean directed and now this week I'll be doing, commencing photography on 'Sorcerer's Apprentice'. Plus, I have two animated features coming out which hopefully make the kids smile."
Nicolas Cage Interview – KNOWING
Posted using ShareThis
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Dr. Zag gives the thumbs up to Cage's 2009 thriller Knowing
Hey Harry -
I just got back from a screening of KNOWING and wanted to share my reaction since I’ve been hearing a lot about the movie and haven’t read any reviews yet. I'll start off by prefacing this that it way exceeded my expectations. Yes, it was Alex Proyas so I should have been more excited, but it had been 10 years since his last movie that I loved -- actually one of my top sci-fi of all time -- Dark City. On top of that, it was a new Nic Cage movie, which meant it had a 50% chance of sucking. I was hoping for the Nic Cage from action movies like The Rock or Face/Off, not Ghost Rider or Next Nic.
So imagine my surprise when I walked out of the theater with the initial thought that I'd just seen a brilliant thriller. I'm going to try to keep this as spoiler free as possible, b/c the trailers are doing a great job of concealing some of the shocking (and pleasant) surprises of this movie. It's an intense experience - the movie is filled with a pervasive sense of dread (compounded by the spectacular disaster sequences - Roland Emmerich should take note - this is how you create disaster sequences with shock and consequences while investing people emotionally -- not just empty spectacle). But the turns that this movie takes produce a surprising ray of hope, and not in the Deep Impact or Armageddon kind of way where people improbably save the day in the nick of time.
The movie begins with Cage's son receiving a string of hand written numbers from a time capsule that his (and Nic's former) elementary school unearth. Cage is an astrophysics professor and he is raising his son by himself - his wife died years earlier - and in his opening classroom scenes you get the sense that this loss and his academic philosophy have left him believing that he's living in a world without meaning, where everything happens at random. The discovery that the numbers may have predicted every major disaster (the numbers list date/total deaths/longitude-latitude location) throws this entire belief system into chaos.
He doesn't come full circle until a horrifying plane crash matches one of the three number sequences left to happen. It's an insane sequence - shot all in one take (reminded me of those crazy ass action scenes from Children of Men that were done in one unbroken camera shot). After this he becomes a true believer and sets out on a quest to find out who wrote the numbers.
The end of the film is bold - definitely not what I was expecting - especially for a mainstream Hollywood film. I appreciate the fact that Alex Proyas decided not to go the easy way out and give everything a supernatural explanation - it's all readily explainable and it really ties in the theme of spirituality/meaning vs. science/randomness in some unique ways. It's emotional and it will leave you thinking and debating the outcome with your friends. I still can't shake it.
Some gripes -- it sags in the middle a bit after going at a break neck pace for the first half. There are some Cage moments that are a bit cringe-worthy, but all tolerable within the overall journey of his character.
The good - incredible tension throughout most of the film. A threatening sense of dread and a true mystery was unraveled that I didn't see coming. The disaster sequences - jaw-dropping. And the relationship between father and son was particularly affecting.
Overall I'd give this a solid 8 out of 10. Alex Proyas is back folks and Nic Cage can chalk one up to "good" 50% column. He's safe until National Treasure 3.
If you decide to use this review, please call me Dr. Zag.
I just got back from a screening of KNOWING and wanted to share my reaction since I’ve been hearing a lot about the movie and haven’t read any reviews yet. I'll start off by prefacing this that it way exceeded my expectations. Yes, it was Alex Proyas so I should have been more excited, but it had been 10 years since his last movie that I loved -- actually one of my top sci-fi of all time -- Dark City. On top of that, it was a new Nic Cage movie, which meant it had a 50% chance of sucking. I was hoping for the Nic Cage from action movies like The Rock or Face/Off, not Ghost Rider or Next Nic.
So imagine my surprise when I walked out of the theater with the initial thought that I'd just seen a brilliant thriller. I'm going to try to keep this as spoiler free as possible, b/c the trailers are doing a great job of concealing some of the shocking (and pleasant) surprises of this movie. It's an intense experience - the movie is filled with a pervasive sense of dread (compounded by the spectacular disaster sequences - Roland Emmerich should take note - this is how you create disaster sequences with shock and consequences while investing people emotionally -- not just empty spectacle). But the turns that this movie takes produce a surprising ray of hope, and not in the Deep Impact or Armageddon kind of way where people improbably save the day in the nick of time.
The movie begins with Cage's son receiving a string of hand written numbers from a time capsule that his (and Nic's former) elementary school unearth. Cage is an astrophysics professor and he is raising his son by himself - his wife died years earlier - and in his opening classroom scenes you get the sense that this loss and his academic philosophy have left him believing that he's living in a world without meaning, where everything happens at random. The discovery that the numbers may have predicted every major disaster (the numbers list date/total deaths/longitude-latitude location) throws this entire belief system into chaos.
He doesn't come full circle until a horrifying plane crash matches one of the three number sequences left to happen. It's an insane sequence - shot all in one take (reminded me of those crazy ass action scenes from Children of Men that were done in one unbroken camera shot). After this he becomes a true believer and sets out on a quest to find out who wrote the numbers.
The end of the film is bold - definitely not what I was expecting - especially for a mainstream Hollywood film. I appreciate the fact that Alex Proyas decided not to go the easy way out and give everything a supernatural explanation - it's all readily explainable and it really ties in the theme of spirituality/meaning vs. science/randomness in some unique ways. It's emotional and it will leave you thinking and debating the outcome with your friends. I still can't shake it.
Some gripes -- it sags in the middle a bit after going at a break neck pace for the first half. There are some Cage moments that are a bit cringe-worthy, but all tolerable within the overall journey of his character.
The good - incredible tension throughout most of the film. A threatening sense of dread and a true mystery was unraveled that I didn't see coming. The disaster sequences - jaw-dropping. And the relationship between father and son was particularly affecting.
Overall I'd give this a solid 8 out of 10. Alex Proyas is back folks and Nic Cage can chalk one up to "good" 50% column. He's safe until National Treasure 3.
If you decide to use this review, please call me Dr. Zag.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes To Jail tops box office
The Jonas Brothers are a genuine sensation - in all seriousness, they might just be the biggest act on Earth.
And the Jonas Brothers had a film out on Friday. So what’s the number one movie at the weekend box office this week? You guessed it - it’s Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes To Jail.
And the Jonas Brothers had a film out on Friday. So what’s the number one movie at the weekend box office this week? You guessed it - it’s Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes To Jail.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Ebony & Jet on the brink of ruin
This e-mail was sent to me from my friend, Toni:
One of the MOST notable permanent fixtures in EVERY black household (back in the days), was the Ebony, along with Jet magazine.
If you wanted to learn about your history, the plight of black america, current issues facing black americans, how the political process of america affects you, how politics works, who the hottest actors were, what time a particular black television show aired, who got married recently, who were the most eligible bachelors, and bachelorettes in your town, what cities had black mayors, police chiefs, school superintendents, how to register to vote, what cars offer the best value for the buck, who employed black americans, how to apply for college scholarships, ect, MORE THAN LIKELY, the Ebony, or the Jet magazine could help you find answers to those questions.
We have recently been informed that the Johnson Publishing Company organization is currently going through a financial crisis. The company is attempting a reorganization in order to survive. Many people have already lost their jobs with a company that has employed thousands of black americans during the course of it's existence.
In order to support this effort to save OUR magazine, my friends and myself have pledged to get a subscription to both, Ebony, and Jet magazine, starting with one year. We are urging EVERY other person who comes across this plea, to do the same. Please post, repost, and post again, to any blog that you may own, or support. Please email this to EVERY person that you know, regardless of their background. Let them know that Ebony, and Jet magazine has been part of the black american culture for 3 quarters of a century, and that there is a lot that they can learn about black american culture from reading them.
We are currently discussing the idea of throwing an Ebony/Jet party, where people can eat, drink, and sign up for their subscription on the spot. Please spread this idea around to all that you know. Your sororities, fraternities, lodges, VFW posts, churches, civic groups, block clubs, caps meetings, book clubs, ect.
It would be a crying shame, to lose our historic magazine, during the same year of such an historic event as the election of our FIRST BLACK President of the US.
May our Father continue to bless us, in the name of our savior, Jesus Christ.
One of the MOST notable permanent fixtures in EVERY black household (back in the days), was the Ebony, along with Jet magazine.
If you wanted to learn about your history, the plight of black america, current issues facing black americans, how the political process of america affects you, how politics works, who the hottest actors were, what time a particular black television show aired, who got married recently, who were the most eligible bachelors, and bachelorettes in your town, what cities had black mayors, police chiefs, school superintendents, how to register to vote, what cars offer the best value for the buck, who employed black americans, how to apply for college scholarships, ect, MORE THAN LIKELY, the Ebony, or the Jet magazine could help you find answers to those questions.
We have recently been informed that the Johnson Publishing Company organization is currently going through a financial crisis. The company is attempting a reorganization in order to survive. Many people have already lost their jobs with a company that has employed thousands of black americans during the course of it's existence.
In order to support this effort to save OUR magazine, my friends and myself have pledged to get a subscription to both, Ebony, and Jet magazine, starting with one year. We are urging EVERY other person who comes across this plea, to do the same. Please post, repost, and post again, to any blog that you may own, or support. Please email this to EVERY person that you know, regardless of their background. Let them know that Ebony, and Jet magazine has been part of the black american culture for 3 quarters of a century, and that there is a lot that they can learn about black american culture from reading them.
We are currently discussing the idea of throwing an Ebony/Jet party, where people can eat, drink, and sign up for their subscription on the spot. Please spread this idea around to all that you know. Your sororities, fraternities, lodges, VFW posts, churches, civic groups, block clubs, caps meetings, book clubs, ect.
It would be a crying shame, to lose our historic magazine, during the same year of such an historic event as the election of our FIRST BLACK President of the US.
May our Father continue to bless us, in the name of our savior, Jesus Christ.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Jerry Seinfeld hosts new comedy reality show
NEW YORK - Jerry Seinfeld is headed back to NBC as the producer of a comic reality series about marriage.
The series, called "The Marriage Ref," will feature a real-life couple involved in a marital spat.
The series, called "The Marriage Ref," will feature a real-life couple involved in a marital spat.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Jamie Foxx "Blame It" video premiere
A star-studded study in human nature...
Everyone grown has been here at one time or another. Can you squeeze another big name in this vid, Jamie? I love this video and this song!
I love when songs examine human nature and motives and all.
Everyone grown has been here at one time or another. Can you squeeze another big name in this vid, Jamie? I love this video and this song!
I love when songs examine human nature and motives and all.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
CNBC Tantrum too little, too late
Translation: This is what I wanted to say last year but was afraid to do so.
See, I was too busy filling my pockets to notice that the economy was going to hell in a hand basket WAY BACK THEN. I feel it is appropriate to yell and scream at a president who has been on the job for about a month.
This is what fear does to a man. It keeps his mouth shut until he feels as if he has nothing to fear anymore.
The horse has left the barn and the barn is on fi-ya. The man with the fire hose who is busy putting out the fi-ya should be yelled at because he is the only adult on duty right now.
Seems about right to me.
See, I was too busy filling my pockets to notice that the economy was going to hell in a hand basket WAY BACK THEN. I feel it is appropriate to yell and scream at a president who has been on the job for about a month.
This is what fear does to a man. It keeps his mouth shut until he feels as if he has nothing to fear anymore.
The horse has left the barn and the barn is on fi-ya. The man with the fire hose who is busy putting out the fi-ya should be yelled at because he is the only adult on duty right now.
Seems about right to me.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Worth Reading
I found this book while searching for representation. It sounds interesting.
Writer's Representatives
Writer's Representatives
This is what a musical genius sounds like, looks like
This is standing applause. Keep making that music, Ye.
KANYE WEST "Welcome To Heartbreak" Directed by Nabil from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.
KANYE WEST "Welcome To Heartbreak" Directed by Nabil from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Nic Cage is Al Capone in Untouchables Prequel
May 12, 2007
Source: MTV
by Alex Billington
Remember that great 1987 mafia movie The Untouchables that won Sean Connery an Oscar and brought the great performances of Kevin Costner and Robert De Niro to light, as well as a wonderful score from Ennio Morricone? Sticking with the Hollywood trend of sequels (and prequels) these days, they're bringing it back from the dead and making a prequel tentatively titled The Untouchables: Capone Rising, and they've already got their star - Nic Cage. Cage will play Al Capone, the role that Robert De Niro played in the original, but no other major roles have been cast yet.
Source: MTV
by Alex Billington
Remember that great 1987 mafia movie The Untouchables that won Sean Connery an Oscar and brought the great performances of Kevin Costner and Robert De Niro to light, as well as a wonderful score from Ennio Morricone? Sticking with the Hollywood trend of sequels (and prequels) these days, they're bringing it back from the dead and making a prequel tentatively titled The Untouchables: Capone Rising, and they've already got their star - Nic Cage. Cage will play Al Capone, the role that Robert De Niro played in the original, but no other major roles have been cast yet.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Urotherapy Works?
LA PAZ, Bolivia – A Bolivian woman has died from an injection of urine allegedly administered by her friend as a form of health therapy, a prosecutor said Tuesday. Investigating prosecutor Oscar Flores told The Associated Press that 35-year-old Gabriela Ascarrunz died Saturday of an "infection caused by urine that was injected by fashion designer Monica Schultz."
I cannot imagine how this works but apparently it does. I would like to know why it did not work in this woman's case but it did work in the clothing designer who allegedly gave her the fatal dosage.
I read a little on this topic and saw on Wikipedia that Madonna used it to cure athelet's foot fungus.
Apparently this urotherapy has been around for thousands of years.
Growing up I have heard old wives tales that say wipe your face or the baby's face with infant urine for healthy skin. I saw the end results of this but the person was not using cloth diapers but the modern kind. Maybe that was a factor but the baby's face was rash upon rash. Maybe as time went on it cleared up--I dunno.
Anyone else know about urotherapy?
I cannot imagine how this works but apparently it does. I would like to know why it did not work in this woman's case but it did work in the clothing designer who allegedly gave her the fatal dosage.
I read a little on this topic and saw on Wikipedia that Madonna used it to cure athelet's foot fungus.
Apparently this urotherapy has been around for thousands of years.
Growing up I have heard old wives tales that say wipe your face or the baby's face with infant urine for healthy skin. I saw the end results of this but the person was not using cloth diapers but the modern kind. Maybe that was a factor but the baby's face was rash upon rash. Maybe as time went on it cleared up--I dunno.
Anyone else know about urotherapy?
Look What I Can Do!
Watch this preview and tell me it is not funny. Amy is funny and the writing seems off the chain! (And it is set in Indiana)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
List of Grammy winners (the collab was tight)
For recordings released during the Eligibility Year
October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008
Note: More or less than 5 nominations in a category is the result of ties.
Now back to the collaborative performance "Swagger". Just about everyone who I Twittered with said they want to see a tour with all of them.
As written on one of the Grammy blog posts:"...The newly-formed Rap Pack emerged with Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, T.I, and a very pregnant M.I.A. who seemed to fully let loose on stage rolling and riffing with the hip hop gentlemen for "Swagga Like Us."
Twittering while watching the Grammys was the best thing ever but it depends on who you follow. I have good Twitter taste.
Overall, I was completely impressed with the show and its guests and overjoyed with the interactive presence this year with the Grammys. Keep up the good work.
October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008
Note: More or less than 5 nominations in a category is the result of ties.
Now back to the collaborative performance "Swagger". Just about everyone who I Twittered with said they want to see a tour with all of them.
As written on one of the Grammy blog posts:"...The newly-formed Rap Pack emerged with Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, T.I, and a very pregnant M.I.A. who seemed to fully let loose on stage rolling and riffing with the hip hop gentlemen for "Swagga Like Us."
Twittering while watching the Grammys was the best thing ever but it depends on who you follow. I have good Twitter taste.
Overall, I was completely impressed with the show and its guests and overjoyed with the interactive presence this year with the Grammys. Keep up the good work.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Whitney Houston back on top
Read the AP story
"I've got it, I've got it!" Houston, looking glamorous in a skintight leopard dress, sang early Sunday morning as she belted a line from one of her classic hits, "I'm Every Woman." But more than a lyric, it summarized to the crowd of A-list superstars and top industry execs that the superstar _ whose drug use and erratic behavior had caused a shocking fall from grace just a few years ago _ was back in top form.
"We all crossed our fingers that her beautiful story would end (happily)," said Jamie Foxx, who stood at the front of the stage and took video of Houston like he was just another fan in the crowd. "This is a new begining."
"I've got it, I've got it!" Houston, looking glamorous in a skintight leopard dress, sang early Sunday morning as she belted a line from one of her classic hits, "I'm Every Woman." But more than a lyric, it summarized to the crowd of A-list superstars and top industry execs that the superstar _ whose drug use and erratic behavior had caused a shocking fall from grace just a few years ago _ was back in top form.
"We all crossed our fingers that her beautiful story would end (happily)," said Jamie Foxx, who stood at the front of the stage and took video of Houston like he was just another fan in the crowd. "This is a new begining."
Friday, February 06, 2009
Spotlight 29 Casino Laughs It Up With Rita Rudner
March 5 Concert is Benefit for Gilda's Club Desert Cities
"Comedian of the Year" Rita Rudner likes to shop. "I love to shop after a bad relationship. I don't know. I buy a new outfit and it makes me feel better. It just does. Sometimes I see a really great outfit, I'll break up with someone on purpose." Now the top Las Vegas headliner is coming to Spotlight 29 Casino on March 5 for a one-night-only concert benefiting Gilda's Club Desert Cities.
Tickets for Rita Rudner are $125, $75 and $50 and are available now at Spotlight29.com and at the Spotlight 29 Casino Gift Shop. Tickets are also available at StarTickets.com or by calling (800) 585-3737, or at Gilda's Club. Proceeds benefit Gilda's Club Desert Cities.
Rudner began her career as a dancer and appeared in the original Broadway productions of "Follies" and "Mack and Mabel." While appearing in "Annie," she realized there were many more female dancers than there were female comics, and she began to study the New York comedy scene and comic structure of Woody Allen and Jack Benny. Her work resulted in countless television appearances, four books, plays, sell-out concerts all over the world and one of the most in-demand shows on the Las Vegas Strip.
She is married to husband/manager Martin Bergman. Rudner has said, "Before I met my husband, I'd never fallen in love. I'd stepped in it a few times. When I eventually met Mr. Right I had no idea that his first name was Always."
Rudner and Bergman spend their time between their homes in Las Vegas and southern California. "In Hollywood a marriage is a success if it outlasts milk," Rudner has said.
Gilda's Club Desert Cities is part of the national Gilda's Club network. The organization's mission is to provide a place where people with cancer and their families and friends join with others to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care. Free of charge and nonprofit, Gilda's Club offers support and networking groups, lectures, workshops and social events in a non-residential, home-like setting. For information or to join Gilda's Club, call (760) 770-5678.
March 5 Concert is Benefit for Gilda's Club Desert Cities
"Comedian of the Year" Rita Rudner likes to shop. "I love to shop after a bad relationship. I don't know. I buy a new outfit and it makes me feel better. It just does. Sometimes I see a really great outfit, I'll break up with someone on purpose." Now the top Las Vegas headliner is coming to Spotlight 29 Casino on March 5 for a one-night-only concert benefiting Gilda's Club Desert Cities.
Tickets for Rita Rudner are $125, $75 and $50 and are available now at Spotlight29.com and at the Spotlight 29 Casino Gift Shop. Tickets are also available at StarTickets.com or by calling (800) 585-3737, or at Gilda's Club. Proceeds benefit Gilda's Club Desert Cities.
Rudner began her career as a dancer and appeared in the original Broadway productions of "Follies" and "Mack and Mabel." While appearing in "Annie," she realized there were many more female dancers than there were female comics, and she began to study the New York comedy scene and comic structure of Woody Allen and Jack Benny. Her work resulted in countless television appearances, four books, plays, sell-out concerts all over the world and one of the most in-demand shows on the Las Vegas Strip.
She is married to husband/manager Martin Bergman. Rudner has said, "Before I met my husband, I'd never fallen in love. I'd stepped in it a few times. When I eventually met Mr. Right I had no idea that his first name was Always."
Rudner and Bergman spend their time between their homes in Las Vegas and southern California. "In Hollywood a marriage is a success if it outlasts milk," Rudner has said.
Gilda's Club Desert Cities is part of the national Gilda's Club network. The organization's mission is to provide a place where people with cancer and their families and friends join with others to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care. Free of charge and nonprofit, Gilda's Club offers support and networking groups, lectures, workshops and social events in a non-residential, home-like setting. For information or to join Gilda's Club, call (760) 770-5678.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
As Chicago wraps up Kanye West week, I have been delighted with more Kanye music than normal. This is a good thing for me. I like his music because it is reflective of hip hop as a whole and the generation of a woman who knows the lyrics to both "Top Billin'" (college hip hop) and "Rappers Delight."(the beginning of rap as we know it today) I encourage all of you who are interested to enroll in a music history class to learn more. Kanye West is a musical genius. Thank you, Chocolate Jock of Power 92 FM, for delighting us with Kanye's music this week.
Monday, February 02, 2009
And Bruce says, "Immo git you high today..." What a cock and bull story!
This is the funniest vid on the Web to date!
Thanks man!
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
My Fellow Citizens...Thank You Father!
I am so moved. I am listening to "Air and Simple Gifts" and Barack and Michelle Obama are President and First Lady as of noon eastern time.
I have teared up.
I have waited so long for this moment and I am so grateful and thankful.
Thank You Jesus, for blessing America, for blessing this country that you love!
God is Good! Praise You Father!
Mr. President is now giving his acceptance speech. I must watch.
As I see it...
Now comes the end of the Era of the Sellout,
says so my President.
The real work and sacrifice is not a glamorous thing, as the President pointed out in his speech and many more times, it brings not with it wealth and fame but temporary, bearable pain with the end result of progress for the good of all humankind.
But who will stand on the front lines of "remaking America?"
Will it be you? I know that it has been me. Before it was popular and the thing to do. I did it because it was right and I am the only one who has to live with me and look me in the mirror. And I wanted to be able to do that without fear and shame.
And I have been beaten down and back, seemingly for naught but in time, its wisdom was revealed to me and made it all worth it and I saw growth--real God-given growth.
It was not easy and many times I asked God "why?"
and "what should I do now?"
Only those who know The Struggle understand my words.
I was comforted and I lived through it.
We will follow our newly appointed leader now. He is someone many of us in this country have placed out hopes upon and look to God to move in His direction.
And we will be comforted, and we will grow.
But it cannot be just him, our newly elected President or just me or just them--it must be (honestly) most of us.
I know that some of us cannot any longer bear the burden because you have been the rock and pillar the majority of your lives; worked for the community earnestly and gave from your hear, to others. Those who need rest now will take it and those who are right minded and strong and able, will take The Struggle upon them and win it for all of us.
I have teared up.
I have waited so long for this moment and I am so grateful and thankful.
Thank You Jesus, for blessing America, for blessing this country that you love!
God is Good! Praise You Father!
Mr. President is now giving his acceptance speech. I must watch.
As I see it...
Now comes the end of the Era of the Sellout,
says so my President.
The real work and sacrifice is not a glamorous thing, as the President pointed out in his speech and many more times, it brings not with it wealth and fame but temporary, bearable pain with the end result of progress for the good of all humankind.
But who will stand on the front lines of "remaking America?"
Will it be you? I know that it has been me. Before it was popular and the thing to do. I did it because it was right and I am the only one who has to live with me and look me in the mirror. And I wanted to be able to do that without fear and shame.
And I have been beaten down and back, seemingly for naught but in time, its wisdom was revealed to me and made it all worth it and I saw growth--real God-given growth.
It was not easy and many times I asked God "why?"
and "what should I do now?"
Only those who know The Struggle understand my words.
I was comforted and I lived through it.
We will follow our newly appointed leader now. He is someone many of us in this country have placed out hopes upon and look to God to move in His direction.
And we will be comforted, and we will grow.
But it cannot be just him, our newly elected President or just me or just them--it must be (honestly) most of us.
I know that some of us cannot any longer bear the burden because you have been the rock and pillar the majority of your lives; worked for the community earnestly and gave from your hear, to others. Those who need rest now will take it and those who are right minded and strong and able, will take The Struggle upon them and win it for all of us.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year 2009!
EVENT GUIDE FOR TIMES SQUARE 2009, NEW YEAR'S EVE IN TIMES SQUARE
You may want to git down wit the git down, at this point.
For 104 years, Times Square has been the center of worldwide attention on New Year's Eve, ever since the owners of One Times Square began in 1904 to conduct rooftop celebrations to greet the New Year. The first Ball Lowering celebration occurred in 1907, and this tradition is now a universal symbol of welcoming the New Year.
THE EVENT
4:00 p.m.
The Revelers
Revelers start arriving late in the afternoon on New Year's Eve. By approximately 4:00 p.m., the Bow Tie of Times Square (42nd to 47th Sts. between Broadway & 7th Ave.) is fully closed to traffic. Revelers are directed by the NYPD to gather in separate viewing sections. As one section fills up, the revelers are directed by police to the next viewing section. As the evening progresses, revelers continue to fill the Times Square neighborhood along Broadway and Seventh Avenue moving uptown from 43rd Street to as far as Central Park.
6:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies - Lighting and Raising the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The celebration begins with Univision host Raúl de Molina assisted by the actress Angelica Vale lighting and raising the brand new New Year’s Eve Ball atop One Times Square. Raúl and Angelica will be joined by representative of the Philips Lighting Company to flip the giant switch which lights the New Year’s Eve Ball and begins its ascent accompanied by special pyrotechnic effects atop One Times Square.
6:05 p.m. to 6:17 p.m.
Musical Performance by Parachute
The Times Square New Year’s Celebration gets started with a musical performance by Parachute from the Nivea Countdown Stage at Duffy Island in Times Square between 46th and 47th Streets.
6:17 p.m. to 6:19 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Practice Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform located on Fence Island between 45th and 46th Streets practicing their best midnight kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
6:58 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Carson Daly
As we approach the New Year, Carson Daly will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
7:10 p.m.
Times Square 2009 Hats, Balloons, Pom-Poms, Confetti Bags and Scarves
The Times Square Alliance sanitation crews clad in bright red uniforms begin to distribute tens of thousands of fun handouts to the Times Square revelers for cheering in the New Year. Nivea is providing festive blue New Year’s Eve hats and blue balloons tied with silver mylar ribbons along with useful Nivea Lip Care product to keep our lips looking and feeling beautiful for that unforgettable kiss at midnight. 3 Musketeers is providing pom-poms to cheer in the New Year, confetti bags, and their delicious chocolate mini- bars. Pepsi is providing New Year’s Eve scarves to keep the revelers warm and happy.
7:25 p.m. to 7:35 p.m.
NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly: Musical Performance by Ludacris
Ludacris performs “Stand Up” and “One More Drink” on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
7:45 p.m. to 7:47 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Special Anniversary Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform for a special anniversary kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
7:58 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Ryan Seacrest
As we approach the New Year, Ryan Seacrest will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
8:45 p.m. to 8:47 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Welcome Home Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform for a long overdue Welcome Home kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
8:58 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Surprise Guest
As we approach the New Year, a surprise guest will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers "Happy New Year", read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share her personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
9:40 p.m. to 9:55 p.m.
Times Square Sing-Along Featuring the Liberty Bells
The USO’s Liberty Bells lead the annual Panasonic Sing-Along from the Nivea Countdown Stage. The Times Square revelers will join the Liberty Bells singing “America the Beautiful”, “Shout”, and “We Are Family”.
9:58 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Anderson Cooper
As we approach the New Year, Anderson Cooper will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
10:12 p.m. to 10:18 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift performs a medley of her hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
10:47 p.m. to 10:54 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie performs a medley of his hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
10:58 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Raúl de Molina
As we approach the New Year, Raul de Molina will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
11:11 p.m. to 11:13 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Practice Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform practicing their best midnight kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
11:42 p.m. to 11:48 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Jonas Brothers
Jonas Brothers perform a medley of their hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
11:55 p.m.
Pepsi Balloon Release
1,000 3-foot balloons featuring the words JOY, HOPE, and 2009 will gently drift down from setback roofs throughout Times Square onto the revelers below as they prepare to countdown the final seconds to the New Year. Pepsi is energizing the revelers by bringing back the big bouncing balloons that were last seen in 1999 as part of the 24-hour millennium celebration.
11:59 p.m.
The Sixty-Second Countdown
The Times Square 2009 Special Guest and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg push the Waterford crystal button that signals the descent of the New Year’s Eve Ball, and lead the final sixty-second countdown to the New Year at the Nivea Countdown Stage.
The New Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The lighted Ball descends 70 feet in sixty seconds. The Ball is a geodesic sphere, twelve feet in diameter, weighing 11,875 pounds. The Ball is covered with 2668 Waterford crystal triangles and lit by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs.
12:00 a.m. -- New Year's Day
2009 Sign
At the stroke of Midnight, the lights on the New Year’s Eve Ball are turned off as the numerals of the New Year “2009” burst to life shining high above Times Square.
Times Square Confetti Release and Pyrotechnic Effects
The world-famous New Year's Eve confetti is released from the rooftops of buildings throughout Times Square creating a celebratory blizzard of colorful confetti as revelers welcome the New Year accompanied by colorful pyrotechnic effects.
12:15 a.m. - End of Show
You may want to git down wit the git down, at this point.
For 104 years, Times Square has been the center of worldwide attention on New Year's Eve, ever since the owners of One Times Square began in 1904 to conduct rooftop celebrations to greet the New Year. The first Ball Lowering celebration occurred in 1907, and this tradition is now a universal symbol of welcoming the New Year.
THE EVENT
4:00 p.m.
The Revelers
Revelers start arriving late in the afternoon on New Year's Eve. By approximately 4:00 p.m., the Bow Tie of Times Square (42nd to 47th Sts. between Broadway & 7th Ave.) is fully closed to traffic. Revelers are directed by the NYPD to gather in separate viewing sections. As one section fills up, the revelers are directed by police to the next viewing section. As the evening progresses, revelers continue to fill the Times Square neighborhood along Broadway and Seventh Avenue moving uptown from 43rd Street to as far as Central Park.
6:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies - Lighting and Raising the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The celebration begins with Univision host Raúl de Molina assisted by the actress Angelica Vale lighting and raising the brand new New Year’s Eve Ball atop One Times Square. Raúl and Angelica will be joined by representative of the Philips Lighting Company to flip the giant switch which lights the New Year’s Eve Ball and begins its ascent accompanied by special pyrotechnic effects atop One Times Square.
6:05 p.m. to 6:17 p.m.
Musical Performance by Parachute
The Times Square New Year’s Celebration gets started with a musical performance by Parachute from the Nivea Countdown Stage at Duffy Island in Times Square between 46th and 47th Streets.
6:17 p.m. to 6:19 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Practice Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform located on Fence Island between 45th and 46th Streets practicing their best midnight kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
6:58 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Carson Daly
As we approach the New Year, Carson Daly will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
7:10 p.m.
Times Square 2009 Hats, Balloons, Pom-Poms, Confetti Bags and Scarves
The Times Square Alliance sanitation crews clad in bright red uniforms begin to distribute tens of thousands of fun handouts to the Times Square revelers for cheering in the New Year. Nivea is providing festive blue New Year’s Eve hats and blue balloons tied with silver mylar ribbons along with useful Nivea Lip Care product to keep our lips looking and feeling beautiful for that unforgettable kiss at midnight. 3 Musketeers is providing pom-poms to cheer in the New Year, confetti bags, and their delicious chocolate mini- bars. Pepsi is providing New Year’s Eve scarves to keep the revelers warm and happy.
7:25 p.m. to 7:35 p.m.
NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly: Musical Performance by Ludacris
Ludacris performs “Stand Up” and “One More Drink” on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
7:45 p.m. to 7:47 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Special Anniversary Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform for a special anniversary kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
7:58 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Ryan Seacrest
As we approach the New Year, Ryan Seacrest will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
8:45 p.m. to 8:47 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Welcome Home Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform for a long overdue Welcome Home kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
8:58 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Surprise Guest
As we approach the New Year, a surprise guest will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers "Happy New Year", read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share her personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
9:40 p.m. to 9:55 p.m.
Times Square Sing-Along Featuring the Liberty Bells
The USO’s Liberty Bells lead the annual Panasonic Sing-Along from the Nivea Countdown Stage. The Times Square revelers will join the Liberty Bells singing “America the Beautiful”, “Shout”, and “We Are Family”.
9:58 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Anderson Cooper
As we approach the New Year, Anderson Cooper will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
10:12 p.m. to 10:18 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift performs a medley of her hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
10:47 p.m. to 10:54 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie performs a medley of his hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
10:58 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Raúl de Molina
As we approach the New Year, Raul de Molina will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
11:11 p.m. to 11:13 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Practice Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform practicing their best midnight kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
11:42 p.m. to 11:48 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Jonas Brothers
Jonas Brothers perform a medley of their hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
11:55 p.m.
Pepsi Balloon Release
1,000 3-foot balloons featuring the words JOY, HOPE, and 2009 will gently drift down from setback roofs throughout Times Square onto the revelers below as they prepare to countdown the final seconds to the New Year. Pepsi is energizing the revelers by bringing back the big bouncing balloons that were last seen in 1999 as part of the 24-hour millennium celebration.
11:59 p.m.
The Sixty-Second Countdown
The Times Square 2009 Special Guest and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg push the Waterford crystal button that signals the descent of the New Year’s Eve Ball, and lead the final sixty-second countdown to the New Year at the Nivea Countdown Stage.
The New Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The lighted Ball descends 70 feet in sixty seconds. The Ball is a geodesic sphere, twelve feet in diameter, weighing 11,875 pounds. The Ball is covered with 2668 Waterford crystal triangles and lit by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs.
12:00 a.m. -- New Year's Day
2009 Sign
At the stroke of Midnight, the lights on the New Year’s Eve Ball are turned off as the numerals of the New Year “2009” burst to life shining high above Times Square.
Times Square Confetti Release and Pyrotechnic Effects
The world-famous New Year's Eve confetti is released from the rooftops of buildings throughout Times Square creating a celebratory blizzard of colorful confetti as revelers welcome the New Year accompanied by colorful pyrotechnic effects.
12:15 a.m. - End of Show
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Dissing the Dog
My friend told me that I should post this because it reminds him of how he is forced to interact with me to get me to do anything.
(Naw muthafucker, Alpo ain't good enuf fo me. You right.)
(Naw muthafucker, Alpo ain't good enuf fo me. You right.)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Fred Armisen on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
I can't wait to see this concept on late night. Fred should be on often. He is a comedic genious and he's cute.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Minnie Ripperton, we still miss you
Minnie Julia Riperton (November 8, 1947 – July 12, 1979) was an American singer and songwriter noted for her five-and-a-half octave vocal range, with her 1975 single "Lovin' You."
As a child, Riperton studied music, drama, and dance at Chicago's Lincoln Center. As a teen, Riperton sang lead vocals for the Chicago-based girl group the Gems. Her early affiliation with the legendary Chess record label afforded her the opportunity to sing backup for such acts as Etta James, Fontella Bass, Ramsey Lewis, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters.
While with Chess, Riperton also sang for the experimental rock/soul group Rotary Connection from 1967 to 1971. In 1969 Riperton and the Rotary Connection played in the first Catholic Rock Mass at the Liturgical Conference National Convention, Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, WI. produced by James F. Colaianni. Riperton reached the apex of her short career with her number one single, "Lovin' You," in the spring of 1975. The single was the last release from her 1974 gold album "Perfect Angel."
In 1976, Riperton was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a radical mastectomy. In 1977 Riperton became the first black female to serve as spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and to receive the Society's Courage Award from President Jimmy Carter. On July 12, 1979, Riperton died from the cancer while in her husband's arms, listening to a recording of a song Stevie Wonder had written for her.
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
First Photos of Nic Cage in Season of the Witch
As the Black Plague rages across 14th century Europe, one brave knight Lavey, is tasked with transporting a girl suspected of being the witch who caused the pandemic to trial.
read more | digg story
Thanks Colleen! For more fan info on Nic go to www.Cagefactor.com
read more | digg story
Thanks Colleen! For more fan info on Nic go to www.Cagefactor.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Fraud alert for SSA
Social Security Inspector General Warns Public about Misleading Internet Websites that Appear to be Official Social Security Administration Site
Recently OIG has received complaints from Social Security applicants who believed that personal information they provided to the Social Security Administration had somehow been disclosed, without their permission, to claimant representative firms.
An Office of the Inspector General investigation revealed that instead, while the applicants believed they were visiting the Social Security Administration’s official website, they were instead visiting privately-owned websites designed so as to appear to be that of the Social Security Administration. As a result, some applicants provided personal information when the website operators later contacted them to offer representation.
Some of the misleading characteristics of these websites include: official-sounding website addresses; links which users could click on to (purportedly) apply for benefits; and the use of patriotic and/or governmental symbols, such as the American flag.
The Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General are concerned that some applicants who mistakenly visited these websites believed they were applying for benefits online with SSA. The Office of the Inspector General has taken action under Section 1140 of the Social Security Act to stop the owners of these and similar websites from misleading the public in this fashion.
“Any organization that uses misleading tactics such as these to victimize applicants for Social Security benefits will be dealt with swiftly, and to the full extent of the law,” said Patrick P. O’Carroll, Jr., Inspector General for the Social Security Administration.
To date, the operators of two websites have been contacted and agreed to alter their sites to eliminate confusion. Nevertheless, Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue urges the public to exercise caution online, and to provide personal information only through the Social Security Administration’s official website, www.socialsecurity.gov.
Anyone with knowledge of misleading websites such as those described in this advisory or any suspicious activity involving Social Security programs should contact the Office of the Inspector
General’s Fraud Hotline at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/hotline/ or by phone at 1-800-269-0271. (Those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call the OIG TTY number at 1-866-501-2101.)
If a person has questions about Social Security benefits or programs, he or she should contact Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213 or visit Social Security’s official website at www.socialsecurity.gov. (Those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call Social Security's TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.)
As public servants, SSA employees are expected to maintain a high level of integrity when it comes to facilitating the business of the Social Security Administration. As such, SSA/OIG takes seriously any crimes involving SSA employees. For example, is an SSA employee selling Social Security Cards? Is an employee stealing checks from beneficiaries? If you believe an SSA employee is committing these or any other crime against the Social Security Administration, please contact the OIG Fraud Hotline.
Top
Scams Involving the Impersonation of an SSA Employee
We sometimes receive reports where individuals have been contacted by someone pretending to be an SSA employee. The intent of this type of call may be to steal your identity and/or money from your bank accounts. The caller generally asks you for personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, your mother's maiden name, or your bank or financial account information.
The impersonator may state that "the SSA computers are down" or may refer to enrollment in the Medicare prescription drug program. The intent of this type of call may be to steal your identity and/or money from your bank accounts. You should not provide any of this information to these individuals.
It is possible that an SSA employee may contact you to follow-up on a previous application for SSA/Medicare Part D benefits or to follow-up on other business you initiated with SSA. If you are unsure as to the authenticity of someone who claims to be an SSA employee, please call SSA's toll-free number:
Recently OIG has received complaints from Social Security applicants who believed that personal information they provided to the Social Security Administration had somehow been disclosed, without their permission, to claimant representative firms.
An Office of the Inspector General investigation revealed that instead, while the applicants believed they were visiting the Social Security Administration’s official website, they were instead visiting privately-owned websites designed so as to appear to be that of the Social Security Administration. As a result, some applicants provided personal information when the website operators later contacted them to offer representation.
Some of the misleading characteristics of these websites include: official-sounding website addresses; links which users could click on to (purportedly) apply for benefits; and the use of patriotic and/or governmental symbols, such as the American flag.
The Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General are concerned that some applicants who mistakenly visited these websites believed they were applying for benefits online with SSA. The Office of the Inspector General has taken action under Section 1140 of the Social Security Act to stop the owners of these and similar websites from misleading the public in this fashion.
“Any organization that uses misleading tactics such as these to victimize applicants for Social Security benefits will be dealt with swiftly, and to the full extent of the law,” said Patrick P. O’Carroll, Jr., Inspector General for the Social Security Administration.
To date, the operators of two websites have been contacted and agreed to alter their sites to eliminate confusion. Nevertheless, Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue urges the public to exercise caution online, and to provide personal information only through the Social Security Administration’s official website, www.socialsecurity.gov.
Anyone with knowledge of misleading websites such as those described in this advisory or any suspicious activity involving Social Security programs should contact the Office of the Inspector
General’s Fraud Hotline at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/hotline/ or by phone at 1-800-269-0271. (Those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call the OIG TTY number at 1-866-501-2101.)
If a person has questions about Social Security benefits or programs, he or she should contact Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213 or visit Social Security’s official website at www.socialsecurity.gov. (Those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call Social Security's TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.)
As public servants, SSA employees are expected to maintain a high level of integrity when it comes to facilitating the business of the Social Security Administration. As such, SSA/OIG takes seriously any crimes involving SSA employees. For example, is an SSA employee selling Social Security Cards? Is an employee stealing checks from beneficiaries? If you believe an SSA employee is committing these or any other crime against the Social Security Administration, please contact the OIG Fraud Hotline.
Top
Scams Involving the Impersonation of an SSA Employee
We sometimes receive reports where individuals have been contacted by someone pretending to be an SSA employee. The intent of this type of call may be to steal your identity and/or money from your bank accounts. The caller generally asks you for personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, your mother's maiden name, or your bank or financial account information.
The impersonator may state that "the SSA computers are down" or may refer to enrollment in the Medicare prescription drug program. The intent of this type of call may be to steal your identity and/or money from your bank accounts. You should not provide any of this information to these individuals.
It is possible that an SSA employee may contact you to follow-up on a previous application for SSA/Medicare Part D benefits or to follow-up on other business you initiated with SSA. If you are unsure as to the authenticity of someone who claims to be an SSA employee, please call SSA's toll-free number:
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Saturday, November 01, 2008
We Were There!
We were there to hear and see Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama speak to Hoosiers in Highland, Indiana at Wicker Park Halloween Night.
It was the greatest thing to be a part of because I was about 10 yards from the podium and got to shake the Candidate's hand.
He was so nice and personable to everyone.
Now I can post as many photos and video as I care to because they all belong to me and I hold the copyright.
Naah nah!
Go Obama! Vote Obama!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Nicolas Cage Gets Medieval, National Treasure III (finally) gets the green light
Nicolas Cage on the set of Knowing
while filming in in Australia
Galloping Into Theaters: Nicolas Cage will once again work with Gone in Sixty Seconds director Dominic Sena in Relativity Media's Season of the Witch. Story follows a fourteenth-century knight who must escort on horseback a girl suspected of being "the witch behind the Black Plague" to a distant monastery. The action-loving Sena was presumably hesitant until Cage convinced him that he "could put in some bitchin' horse chases." [HR]
National Treasure 3 is Officially a Go
Written by Stephanie Sanchez
It was certainly an all Disney, all the time kind of day here at IESB. The studios' preview and showcase of upcoming films was full of a lot of good information and surprises.
One surprise had producer Jerry Bruckheimer and actor Nicolas Cage on stage to talk about their favorite Disney franchise, “National Treasure.”
Jerry Bruckheimer, Nicolas Cage and Disney's Dick Cook confirmed that National Treasure 3 was currently in development.
Another installment of the popular history based franchise was expected but had not been officially announced.
No release date was given but rumors have it out during the holiday season of 2010.
Information gathered from Cagefactor, a group of individuals dedicated to the fannery of Nicolas Cage.Thanks Colleen!
while filming in in Australia
Galloping Into Theaters: Nicolas Cage will once again work with Gone in Sixty Seconds director Dominic Sena in Relativity Media's Season of the Witch. Story follows a fourteenth-century knight who must escort on horseback a girl suspected of being "the witch behind the Black Plague" to a distant monastery. The action-loving Sena was presumably hesitant until Cage convinced him that he "could put in some bitchin' horse chases." [HR]
National Treasure 3 is Officially a Go
Written by Stephanie Sanchez
It was certainly an all Disney, all the time kind of day here at IESB. The studios' preview and showcase of upcoming films was full of a lot of good information and surprises.
One surprise had producer Jerry Bruckheimer and actor Nicolas Cage on stage to talk about their favorite Disney franchise, “National Treasure.”
Jerry Bruckheimer, Nicolas Cage and Disney's Dick Cook confirmed that National Treasure 3 was currently in development.
Another installment of the popular history based franchise was expected but had not been officially announced.
No release date was given but rumors have it out during the holiday season of 2010.
Information gathered from Cagefactor, a group of individuals dedicated to the fannery of Nicolas Cage.Thanks Colleen!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Celebrate at Grant Park in Chicago Election Night Nov. 4
WASHINGTON--Barack Obama will celebrate election night in Chicago's Grant Park---providing scenic backdrops of the city--and near where demonstrators gathered during the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago.
The Grant Park location is down the street from Obama's national campaign headquarters on Michigan Avenue.
Obama Campaign Announces Location for Election Night Event
CHICAGO - The Obama-Biden campaign today announced that the location for the Election Night event on Tuesday, November 4 will be Chicago's Grant Park on Hutchinson Field.
Grant Park is regularly used as an open-air venue for concerts, charity events and sporting activities such as the Chicago Marathon and Taste of Chicago.
Additional details will be announced as they become available.
This message courtesy of the Chicago Sun-Times and columnist Lynn Sweet
The Grant Park location is down the street from Obama's national campaign headquarters on Michigan Avenue.
Obama Campaign Announces Location for Election Night Event
CHICAGO - The Obama-Biden campaign today announced that the location for the Election Night event on Tuesday, November 4 will be Chicago's Grant Park on Hutchinson Field.
Grant Park is regularly used as an open-air venue for concerts, charity events and sporting activities such as the Chicago Marathon and Taste of Chicago.
Additional details will be announced as they become available.
This message courtesy of the Chicago Sun-Times and columnist Lynn Sweet
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Jamie Foxx stars in "The Soloist"
Due to be released November 21, 2008
The Soloist is based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musical prodigy who developed schizophrenia during his second year at Juilliard School. Ayers becomes homeless in the streets of downtown Los Angeles, playing the violin and the cello.[1]
* Jamie Foxx as Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless. Foxx, who has been classically trained on the piano, is being taught stringed instruments by a Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist for the role.[1]
* Robert Downey Jr as Steve Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times who wrote about Nathaniel Ayers and developed a friendship with him.[2]
* Catherine Keener as Steve Lopez's editor at the Los Angeles Times.[3]
* Tom Hollander as Peter Snyder, a Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist who attempts to rehabilitate Ayers.[4]
* Lisa Gay Hamilton as Jennifer, a sister of Nathaniel Ayers.[5]
* Rachael Harris as Steve Lopez's co-worker.[6
The Soloist is based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musical prodigy who developed schizophrenia during his second year at Juilliard School. Ayers becomes homeless in the streets of downtown Los Angeles, playing the violin and the cello.[1]
* Jamie Foxx as Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless. Foxx, who has been classically trained on the piano, is being taught stringed instruments by a Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist for the role.[1]
* Robert Downey Jr as Steve Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times who wrote about Nathaniel Ayers and developed a friendship with him.[2]
* Catherine Keener as Steve Lopez's editor at the Los Angeles Times.[3]
* Tom Hollander as Peter Snyder, a Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist who attempts to rehabilitate Ayers.[4]
* Lisa Gay Hamilton as Jennifer, a sister of Nathaniel Ayers.[5]
* Rachael Harris as Steve Lopez's co-worker.[6
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
New Spike Lee film angers Italians
Film director Spike Lee has set off a storm in Italy with a movie about black American soldiers fighting alongside Italian partisans in World War Two.
Read more
Read more
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Janet Jackson has been hospitalized
Janet Jackson has been hospitalized, a rep said Monday.
The singer "got suddenly ill during the sound check" before her concert in Montreal.
Read more
The singer "got suddenly ill during the sound check" before her concert in Montreal.
Read more
Monday, September 29, 2008
Nicolas Cage to bewitch in supernatural thriller: report
As found on the NIC newsletter--thanks Colleen!
(AFP) — Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage is to reunite with director Dominic Sena in a supernatural thriller set in the Middle Ages, entertainment industry press reports said Monday.
Cage, whose recent films have included "Bangkok Dangerous" and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets," has signed to star in "Season of the Witch," according to Daily Variety and the Hollywood Reporter. The film chronicles 14th century knights charged with transporting a girl suspected of being the witch responsible for spreading the plague. Filming is due to get underway in November at locations in Austria and Hungary. Cage, 44, previously worked with Sena on the 2000 car-racing caper "Gone in Sixty Seconds."
(AFP) — Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage is to reunite with director Dominic Sena in a supernatural thriller set in the Middle Ages, entertainment industry press reports said Monday.
Cage, whose recent films have included "Bangkok Dangerous" and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets," has signed to star in "Season of the Witch," according to Daily Variety and the Hollywood Reporter. The film chronicles 14th century knights charged with transporting a girl suspected of being the witch responsible for spreading the plague. Filming is due to get underway in November at locations in Austria and Hungary. Cage, 44, previously worked with Sena on the 2000 car-racing caper "Gone in Sixty Seconds."
100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. Mourns Death of Chairman and President Terrell L. Slayton, Jr.
Sudden Passing of Community Leader, Youth Advocate and Entrepreneur Will be Felt by Many in Atlanta, the State of Georgia and Across the Nation
ATLANTA, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. regretfully announces the death of Chairman and President Terrell L. Slayton, Jr. He passed away unexpectedly on September 27, 2008, after becoming ill that morning. He was an extremely dedicated member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and worked faithfully to support the programs of Project Success, a tuition assistance and mentoring program started by the organization in 1987. Throughout last week, Mr. Slayton spoke on behalf of the organization at events associated with the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, a major funding source for Project Success.
"We are deeply saddened by Terrell's death," said Milton Jones, President Elect, 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. and Georgia Market President, Bank of America. "Anyone who ever worked with Terrell Slayton can attest to his inexhaustible passion for a mission and a cause. I benefited greatly from the impact of his energy and passion and he inspired all of us to work harder as he demonstrated every day how committed he was to the work of this organization and to the youth connected with Project Success and BEST Academy."
ATLANTA, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. regretfully announces the death of Chairman and President Terrell L. Slayton, Jr. He passed away unexpectedly on September 27, 2008, after becoming ill that morning. He was an extremely dedicated member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and worked faithfully to support the programs of Project Success, a tuition assistance and mentoring program started by the organization in 1987. Throughout last week, Mr. Slayton spoke on behalf of the organization at events associated with the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, a major funding source for Project Success.
"We are deeply saddened by Terrell's death," said Milton Jones, President Elect, 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. and Georgia Market President, Bank of America. "Anyone who ever worked with Terrell Slayton can attest to his inexhaustible passion for a mission and a cause. I benefited greatly from the impact of his energy and passion and he inspired all of us to work harder as he demonstrated every day how committed he was to the work of this organization and to the youth connected with Project Success and BEST Academy."
OBAMA CAMPAIGN ALERT!
Pay attention Hoosiers (and all interested parties!)
Members of the Obama family will be at the Gary,Indiana Barack Obama for President Campaign Office, 201 E. 5th Ave., October 4, at 10 a.m. to kick-off a canvass effort.
Members of the Obama family will canvass with volunteers as well.
Feel free to bring your camera and please, BE FIRED UP!
LET'S TURN IT BLUE INDIANA!
West
Head east on 12/20 which is 5th Avenue, cross Broadway and look right for the Obama sign. The campaign office is across the street from the Fire Station.
East
Head west on 12/20 you will be on 4th Ave. Turn left at Broadway (where City Hall sits) and turn left at 12/20 (first signal) or 5th Avenue and look to the right for the campaign office sign.
Members of the Obama family will be at the Gary,Indiana Barack Obama for President Campaign Office, 201 E. 5th Ave., October 4, at 10 a.m. to kick-off a canvass effort.
Members of the Obama family will canvass with volunteers as well.
Feel free to bring your camera and please, BE FIRED UP!
LET'S TURN IT BLUE INDIANA!
West
Head east on 12/20 which is 5th Avenue, cross Broadway and look right for the Obama sign. The campaign office is across the street from the Fire Station.
East
Head west on 12/20 you will be on 4th Ave. Turn left at Broadway (where City Hall sits) and turn left at 12/20 (first signal) or 5th Avenue and look to the right for the campaign office sign.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Volunteer at your local Obama for President campaign office
I registered people to vote today as I volunteered at my local Barack Obama for President campaign office.
I ran into some youth-two of them- who said to me, "I'm voting for McCain. He gone win anyway!"
I thought the first youth was joking with me but somehow I don't think she was. I urged her to change her mind and bid everyone inside the Laundromat farewell. Everyone else was voting for Obama anyway and said they'd give some thought to volunteering at their local office on Saturday.
I ran into another who said he was "voting for McCain" for the same reasons. Then he said he was joking.
Not that I think anything in this election cycle is a joking matter, I signed the young man up to vote in Indiana anyway, hoping that he really was joking.
I urged them as well to volunteer at the local Obama for President office.
None of the people in my age range 40s were laughing and joking about registering people to vote or volunteering and seemed to give my urgings to volunteer some serious thought.
There are barriers to volunteering.
First, you have to leave your home, your comfort zone and go talk to people you don't know.
People who overcome this, obviously know helping put Barack in the White House is way more important than our personal comfort--especially when volunteering begins and ends when you say it does--it's volunteer work!
Second, expenditures of personal time is an important decision.
Either there are children to attend to or work considerations that make one say either: yes, I will give up X number of hours on this day of this week or I will not. The easiest way is to donate an hour of your downtime after work.
If you workout for two hours, give one of those hours to Obama. If you go to the local tap for three hours, give one of those happy hours to Barack--then return to your normal schedule.
The benefits of volunteering is that you meet new people who can later become business contacts or friends. Another benefit is that you learn stuff when you talk to people who don't live or work with you.
Once you volunteer, you can talk to your friends about the experience--they may want to volunteer too.
I ran into some youth-two of them- who said to me, "I'm voting for McCain. He gone win anyway!"
I thought the first youth was joking with me but somehow I don't think she was. I urged her to change her mind and bid everyone inside the Laundromat farewell. Everyone else was voting for Obama anyway and said they'd give some thought to volunteering at their local office on Saturday.
I ran into another who said he was "voting for McCain" for the same reasons. Then he said he was joking.
Not that I think anything in this election cycle is a joking matter, I signed the young man up to vote in Indiana anyway, hoping that he really was joking.
I urged them as well to volunteer at the local Obama for President office.
None of the people in my age range 40s were laughing and joking about registering people to vote or volunteering and seemed to give my urgings to volunteer some serious thought.
There are barriers to volunteering.
First, you have to leave your home, your comfort zone and go talk to people you don't know.
People who overcome this, obviously know helping put Barack in the White House is way more important than our personal comfort--especially when volunteering begins and ends when you say it does--it's volunteer work!
Second, expenditures of personal time is an important decision.
Either there are children to attend to or work considerations that make one say either: yes, I will give up X number of hours on this day of this week or I will not. The easiest way is to donate an hour of your downtime after work.
If you workout for two hours, give one of those hours to Obama. If you go to the local tap for three hours, give one of those happy hours to Barack--then return to your normal schedule.
The benefits of volunteering is that you meet new people who can later become business contacts or friends. Another benefit is that you learn stuff when you talk to people who don't live or work with you.
Once you volunteer, you can talk to your friends about the experience--they may want to volunteer too.
Janet Jackson's Rock Witchu Tour Sells Out in Los Angeles and Las Vegas
LL Cool J receives roaring welcome on his first date of the tour
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Music icon Janet Jackson kicked off her highly anticipated Rock Witchu tour to rave reviews, major media coverage and fan adulation during opening week of the smash tour, selling out Staples Center in Los Angeles and Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas last week. Adding to the excitement in Los Angeles was the addition of hip-hop superstar LL Cool J, who joined the tour at the Staples Center on September 17th and will continue on the Live Nation produced tour from Chicago on September 25th through the final date at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on October 22nd.
"Janet Jackson still a trend-setter, diva, and marvelous performer -- When she decides it's time for a tour, Ms. Jackson makes sure it's done right. And when she promises fans the show is going to be packed with hits, costumes and dancers, she doesn't disappoint."
What the Reviewers said:
Vancouver Sun
"Some two hours and 35 songs later, Jackson had played all 10 of her No. 1 hits, as well as her other blockbusters ... That's how a true pro gets back to business after a seven-year absence from the road."
Contra Costa Times
"Any show following Janet Jackson into GM Place will find it difficult to match her."
Vancouver Province
"Offering up a lengthy and engrossing song-and-dance spectacle that delivers on every level..."
Variety
"Nine seamlessly executed costume changes are only the beginning. This show is all about dominance, and Jackson held the whip."
Los Angeles Times
Rock Witchu kicked off on September 10th in Vancouver, BC with unparalleled dance routines and stage production featuring more than two hours of music including fan favorites and smash hits "Control," "Rhythm Nation," "Pleasure Principal," "All For You," "Young Love," "Let's Wait A While," "What Have You Done For Me Lately," "Escapade," and more along with new singles "Feedback" and "LUV," spanning three decades of music that have made Janet Jackson one of the most celebrated performers in history.
LL Cool J joins the tour on the heels of 13th album release, Exit 13. More than a hip-hop artist, more than an actor, the author, television producer, two-time Grammy Award winner LL Cool J is an American icon who kicked opened his own doors to music, Hollywood, television, publishing, and along the way created opportunities for countless others. His 20 million album sales worldwide are just the tip of the iceberg for this international megastar, recipient of countless industry awards.
For more information on Janet Jackson and the tour go to www.LiveNation.com, www.JanetFanClub.com or www.janetjackson.com. For additional information on LL Cool J go to www.LLCoolJ.com
ABOUT LIVE NATION:
Live Nation is the future of the music business. With the most live concerts, music venues and festivals in the world and the most comprehensive concert search engine on the web, Live Nation is revolutionizing the music industry: onstage and online. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at www.livenation.com under the "About Us" section.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Ryan O' Neal, son, arrested in drug sweep at home (AP)
Authorities say they have arrested actor Ryan O'Neal and his son on suspicion of having drugs in their Malibu home.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Cage in Bangkok Dangerous tops weekend at box office
The Nicolas Cage action-thriller "Bangkok Dangerous" grabbed $7.8 million to take the top spot at the box office.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
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