The Chronicle, U.S.A.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

2011 State of the Union Address Aimed at the American People

Speech Highlights Pres. Obama as Common Sense Leader and Unifier

"The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice..." 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, during his 2011 State of the Union Address

The 2011 State of the Union speech addresses rough economic times from the standpoint of everyday Americans. Pres. Obama stresses planning for the future of America, tackling the debt and using our freedoms responsibly.

In spite of strong phrases and talking points from either side of the process, President Obama, in his 2011 State of the Union address, explained that vigorous debate is a part of our American democratic process. It is normal and healthy and shows that our process is working. He explained that change is coming in the country and the American people have to be a part of new jobs and industry taking root in our country.

As president, Obama is exposed to information in which the public is unaware. The fact that business and industry may take root in other countries is not new. The president has been saying that all along but have we been listening? When anyone repeats information over and over to the public, it is because it is crucial the idea becomes rooted in the brain of the American people. The point: times have changed, please change with it. Evolve, people.

"At stake is whether new jobs and industries take root in this country, or somewhere else... to win the future, we'll need to take on challenges that have been decades in the making...the rules have changed. In a single generation, revolutions in technology have transformed the way we live, work and do business. Nations like China and India realized that with some changes of their own, they could compete in this new world. And so they started educating their children earlier and longer, with greater emphasis on math and science. They're investing in research and new technologies," the president said during his speech.

This is the president as Chief Economic Officer-in-chief and he is telling the employees/the American people that we need to improve our skills, education and knowledge base and our hiring process for new employees and we need to close more deals. In other words, "always be closing"--in everything we do. And the president is serious. He has repeated this mantra countless times and we will hear it again and again until we begin to change. Schools have to change the way they educate students. School curriculum has to be refined to reflect the needs of the future. Parents have to change for the better, child rearing practices.

We have to re-prioritize our needs. Most of this change will be slightly uncomfortable and will require a spirit of cooperation on local levels where we will find ourselves talking to each other again, communicating ideas and debating which way to go.

There will be frictions and hurt feelings and bruised egos but this is the process a freed man and woman growing and changing in a modern America must engage. We cling to our democratic process and our freedoms but with those freedoms comes a cost--temporary personal discomfort. Our forefathers spilled their blood for those freedoms, so how much more of the burden of freedom should we, the beneficiaries of the fight, bare? All of it because we live free today.

And truth be told, we all hate that feeling. We are out of our comfort zones and we have to speak civilly to each other and we may complain bitterly all along the way but we know it has to get done as this is our American Way. We must even take up the slack from those who refuse to cooperate as they are selfish and ignorant.

This country is up against countries that do not have vigorous debate--they tell the people what they are doing after they start doing it. They don't ask permission as they are not democracies and the people do not have freedom. America is the sharpening stone, the measuring stick in which world leaders use to show their progress. As they gain, they say in effect, their form of government is better than our democratic nation. This is the foreign attitude the president combats everyday. What they don't say is how the people hurt as individuals because they do not live in a democracy. However, we do and must prove our system of government is best by keeping up.

This process, as the president has said many times, is not Democrat or Republican or Independent or Green. It is American, red, white and blue. Those stripes are wide and those stars are big and blue is everywhere. We all fit in it. We are fashioned in a circle and it is time to take up the yoke of our forefathers and fight for our existence in this modern, changing world. The fight is with ourselves and within ourselves and not with each other. We are angry because the road will be tough and we have grown soft--some of us.

"Many people watching tonight can probably remember a time when finding a good job meant showing up at a nearby factory or a business downtown. You didn't always need a degree, and your competition was pretty much limited to your neighbors. If you worked hard, chances are you'd have a job for life, with a decent paycheck, good benefits, and the occasional promotion. Maybe you'd even have the pride of seeing your kids work at the same company. That world has changed. And for many, the change has been painful," the president said during his speech.

However, Americans don't back down from a challenge. We still have the largest and most prosperous economy in the world--$14.6 trillion compared to the Chinese $5.7 trillion Gross Domestic Product.

We will win the future, he said, by investing in biomedical research, information technology and clean energy technology. Common sense moves. Our funding will go to scientists and engineers to solve problems. We will embrace electric vehicles and eliminate taxpayer support of big oil companies. By 2035, wind, solar, nuclear and natural gas energy technologies will power our economy and we need to be prepared educationally.

President Obama, as King Solomon the wise leader of Biblical times, asked us to turn away from our present adolescent, hedonistic ways and grow up.

"Tonight, let's agree to make the effort," he said.

The president said investing in infrastructure improvements like roads and bridges will put Americans back to work but Congress has to work together and approve legislation introduced to them that will make this happen. This is what "bipartisan effort" means. Building high speed rail and Internet will aid the economy. Technology companies that depend on fast moving information understand that we are running out of bandwidth.

This can have a detrimental impact on the American economy but those still living in the Industrial Age don't quite get it because high speed rail and the Internet may not be a big part of their lives--or so they think. If everyone around you uses it to help you with health care, the way you get paid, learn, train and many other ways, is it less important because the individual who knows very little about it doesn't understand?

In other words, there are people who do not share the same priorities as the president who are standing in the way of progress because they do not and won't gain understanding. They want to cling to the past and fail to meet future challenges and then find some scapegoat to blame.

The president also said lowering the corporate tax rate will spur business creation and growth without adding to the deficit. Cutting tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, doubling exports and enforcing trade agreements will also aid economic growth. However, "bipartisan support" is needed from our legislators.

A spending freeze on annual domestic spending, removing unnecessary business regulations while upholding consumer safeguards and tackling the National Debt will cement the American economic future success.

The president also said America can't win the future with a government of the past, asking for a cut of outdated agencies and bureaucracy.

Improving student curriculum and education will prepare the country for future success.

A domestic spending freeze will help cut the National Debt.

President Barack Obama uses common sense leadership stratagies to illustrate America's future.

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Atlanta Housewives Season Finale: Charges of Financial Abuse against Peter by mom of Cynthia, sister

The show opens with Lawrence performing "Closet Freak," a song Kandi wrote for him. The performance was good. Ne Ne started out talking about not having anything to do with Kim. All of the ladies were fierce at the show. (There was an unidentified lady in the audience that had half-blonde and half-black bob--that was cute.)
All the drama was quietly at Cynthia's house. She is short on money and the bridesmaid dresses ain't even thought of since the bride's dress comes first. Cynthia said she doesn't do broke well. It's two days before the wedding.
Then her sister put it out there: How is Peter contributing to the relationship? Cynthia can still work. Peter says he is born to be a restaurant. (since closing the restaurant)
She asked her dad to help her out financially with the wedding. He said he can't swing it.
Mini-cliffhanger!
Phaedra's baby Aden is sooooo cute with the fattest, sweetest cheeks. Momma is going back to work after an eight-week maternity leave and she cried. It's tough leaving baby for work. Every mom knows that.
Kim is so thin. Kandi announces she is touring with Fantasia. She addressed the issue of Kim once again, going around Kandi on the money tip over one of the songs she wrote and details of their business relationship.
They decided to let Kandi's manager and Kim's attorney handle the business end so that they could remain cool. Kandi said distribution for "The Ring Didn't Mean A Thing," will not happen if the details aren't worked out because as it stands, Kandi and her people own the rights to the song.
Whoo. Good girl Kandi--handle it!
Sheree is auditioning for a film, "If These Hips Could Talk."
Sheree is learning to take direction well. Terri Vaughn was on the panel. (secretary on Steve Harvey Show) She seemed to express frustration. Sheree was supposed to portray an angry black woman. She seemed to deliver that. Ms Vaughn seemed to sit up and notice.
Ne Ne, Ne Ne, Ne Ne. Whoooooooo. The list of things-to-do for her son Bryson was involved (for a teen). Teens don't understand. Being momma is tough. You end up saying the same thing over and over and over again. She said Bri-Bri needs a job.
Comes the nuptial countdown. Cynthia's mom paid the last minute, down-to-the wire $3,000 for the open bar at the venue. Phew.
Cynthia's sister questions why the sadness and stress from sister Cynthia. Duh, money problems. Mal, Cynthia's sister, is worried about her sister and the stress made Mal cry! Her mom broke it down: she thinks Peter is financially abusing Cynthia and that he lies.
"Allow him to give," she tells her daughter, because a man will do whatever you allow him to do, she said.

Back to Ne Ne. She and Greg talked over glasses of wine. Greg essentially apologized but Ne Ne said he is always apologizing, so she didn't care.
"It doesn't change anything," she said, adding he needs to change his behavior. They still plan to put parenting first.

Reason number one why Cynthia should not marry Peter:
OK DAMN--PETER DIDN'T GET THE WEDDING BANDS AND IT WAS ON HIS LIST OF THINGS TO DO.
What does that say about the wedding?
Anyway, Cynthia’s dress was amazing in platinum silver. It was an original and it was everything.
Kim is bringing to the wedding, Kroy Biermann, of the Atlanta Falcons football team--who she met at one of the many functions they attend. She said it’s serious but she has been keeping it quiet so that it can last. The big reveal will be at Cyndi’s wedding.
Peter shows to his wedding up full tilt asking for vodka and cranberry.
Last wedding cliffhanger: they forgot the marriage license and are not sure where it is.
It’s official: mom and sis do not want Cynthia to marry. They hijacked the marriage license so when she does marry it won’t legal? Dunno about that one, she does have a license but it just not presented to the pastor. I know he does have to sign the thing.
Anyway.
All the ladies looked fab at the wedding. Kim brought her own bottle because she said Cynthia couldn’t afford good wine if she was, “whining about the honeymoon.”
Ne Ne said Kim is invisible to her.
Well, Sheree said she could see where “they cut corners.” (no abundance of flowers)
Meow. Dang. Kim, Sheree and Phaedra had the claws out for this one!
Anyway, Cynthia was beautiful--like a work of art in that dress--and the ceremony went forth Peter in spite of his imperfections. Ahhh, love. (remember that her mom and sis hid the license so I am not clear if it is legal or not--whooo--because Mal was visibly upset as if she felt guilty about her involvement in the whole thing. Whooo.
The full-skirted, tucked dress (with toile petticoat beneath) had a crease-pleat, choker-collar and huge side bow, also at the neck. Accompanied by large drop earrings, an up do and evening makeup, Cynthia glowed.
Okay, the wrap-up: Dwight and Ne Ne made up at the reception and danced after he presented her with some of the flowers from the wedding arrangements.
P.S. Ne Ne will be on the Apprentice in March. Looks fun! And Kim is preggers, due in June! Whooo!
Source: Atlanta Housewives, Bravo Channel
Site: http://ping.fm/v7p5t
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Friday, January 28, 2011

Sunday, December 26, 2010

TJ Holmes

TJ Holmes

TJ Holmes: "Need to let you guys know that this will be my last weekend on the air ... for now. Starting next year, I will be anchoring "American Morning" from NY, M-F. I will be there for a yet-to-be-determined period of time. Thank you guys for the support on the weekend, and I hope I can continue to count on your support as I ...experiment in a new role. (I'm gonna need it.) Thanks to all of you. -- T. J."

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Facebook | Thanksgiving warm up!

Facebook | Thanksgiving warm up!
with Beryl Turner on the wheels of steel!
Cheap drinks, dance all night (or until u sweat)

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Vote Early, Vote Democrat

Early Voting started Monday October 4. Please vote early in the Midterm Election on November 2. Early voting will continue until November 1. Election Day is November 2. If you don't vote early, please make sure to vote Democrat November 2.
Vote early, vote straight Democrat.
Vote early at:
100 Broadway
Lake County Court Bldg.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m

Lake County Courthouse, normal business hours
Crown Point, Indiana

Also
Volunteer at the Indiana Democratic Headquarters, 201 E. Fifth Ave.(across from the fire station), Gary to help the Democratic Party win November 2. When you show up, ask for "Shae."
Hours:
9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday; Noon to 7 p.m., Sunday.

Call for more information:
219-405-2038
219-405-2041
219-687-0040

Monday, August 09, 2010

Crime Videos Caught On Tape | Watch Crime Videos Online | Crimes Caught On Tape

Crime Videos Caught On Tape | Watch Crime Videos Online | Crimes Caught On Tape

The name of the site is crookstube.com. Follow the link above. The video is chilling because you know it is real. View with caution. I encourage you to view all of them, you Hoosiers. I heard about this site on MSNBC.

Sunday, August 01, 2010

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Kanye West Performs songs from "Good Ass Job" at Facebook

Kanye West's follow-up release, "Good Ass Album" is due out in September.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Personas for Firefox | Steel City Bridge

Personas for Firefox | Steel City Bridge (the bridge at US 12 & 20 and US 41) or Indianapolis Boulevard and West Fifth Avenue.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

It's "Behind the Scenes" with your host, TJ Holmes!

Naw, just kidding, just kidding. T.J. and his crew posted their first twitvid. They are discussing the July 24-25 show.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Mummies of the World Exhibition at California Science Center

Mummies Arrive in Los Angeles 
Under Heavy Security; Motorcade 
Accompanies Rare Collection
to California Science Center 
for World Premiere of Mummies 
of the World Exhibition

American Exhibitions, Inc. Brings the Largest-Ever Exhibition of Mummies To the California Science Center July 1, 2010 for a Limited Engagement


LOS ANGELES, May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The largest collection of mummies ever assembled will travel nearly 6,000 miles to make its highly anticipated arrival in Los Angeles on Friday, May 28. The mummies are traveling to the United States for the first time as part of the Mummies of the World exhibition, set to make its world debut at the California Science Center on July 1.
American Exhibitions, Inc. (AEI), will bring the priceless,
 carefully guarded mummies and related artifacts on an 11-hour journey from Germany and land at Los Angeles International Airport, where a security-detailed motorcade will escort the treasured mummies along a 13.5-mile route to the California Science Center.
There, security will unload its precious cargo, and experts will spend the month of June unpacking and preparing Mummies of the World for its opening. This must-see exhibition premieres on July 1, launching a limited engagement at the California Science Center and a three-year, seven-city tour around the country.

"Inside every mummy is a story waiting to be told," says James Delay, vice president of American Exhibitions, Inc., who is traveling with the mummies as they make their journey to the U.S. "Using state-of-the-art scientific research, the secrets of the mummies are now revealed."

Mummies of the World is a highly distinguished project that has been years in the making for AEI, working with 15 world-renowned museums in seven countries to bring to the U.S. a never-before-seen collection of mummies and related artifacts from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Egypt. Its treasures include one of the oldest mummy infants ever discovered; a mummified family; a German nobleman discovered by his own descendants; and intentionally preserved Egyptian animal mummies.

-- The Detmold Child is a remarkably preserved Peruvian child mummy,
radiocarbon dated to 4504-4457 B.C. - more than 3,000 years before the
birth of King Tut.
-- The Orlovits family - Michael, Veronica and their son Johannes - was
part of a group of 18th-century mummies found in a long-forgotten
church crypt in Vac, Hungary in 1994.
-- Baron von Holz is a 17th-century nobleman believed to have died in
Sommersdorf, Germany during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), who was
discovered in the crypt of his family's 14th-century castle still
wearing his boots.
-- Egyptian cat mummies, elaborately wrapped in painted linen bandaging,
date to the Ptolemaic period, and show how Egyptian cats were
intentionally preserved to accompany their royals into the afterlife.

This important exhibition dispels the notions and misconceptions about mummies and uses science tools to reach across time, demonstrating how scientific methods can illuminate the history of people and enhance our knowledge about cultures around the world. It also shows that mummification - both through natural processes and intentional practices - has taken place all over the globe, from the hot desert sands of South America to remote European moors and bogs.

Mummies of the World is a ticketed event and requires a timed-entry. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased online beginning June 6 at www.californiasciencecenter.org or by calling 323-SCIENCE (323-724-3623). Group reservations are available at 888-MUMMY TIX (888-686-6984)

More information about the exhibition is online: www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

American Exhibitions, Inc. is one of the leading exhibition producers in the United States, specializing in world-class touring exhibitions for science centers and museums. please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Black & White: Kids on Color CNN Special

Please don't show it. Please don't tell!
Sitting and watching TJ Holmes present CNN's Black & White: Kids on Color, Tuesday morning,
I hoped that after the commercial break, I would not hear a discussion on blacks still being color struck.
But it happened anyway.
I guess it doesn't matter how wide a range of skin colors exist in American families.
The tester in the segment asked again and again: Which child is the pretty one, smart one, bad one, etc.
Most of the children chose darker skinned pictures as bad or ugly children and the lighter one as good or pretty. Only a few opted out of complexion stereotyping or as old folks say, being color struck.
The CNN series examines complexion-based internalized racism in school aged children from white and black races. The study mimics the 1939-1940 doll studies conducted
by two black psychologists.
First, the white children were asked questions about the cartoon pictures of asexual dolls, nearly hairless, arranged in a range of complexions from light to dark.
Most chose the lightest ones as a representation of good and the darkest ones of bad.
Then comes the African American children's responses. I held my breath. I tried not to watch. I didn't want to hear the truth.
"Why is this one pretty?" a tester asked after a child pointed to the lightest example as pretty.
"...because she is light-skinned," a pretty dark-skinned girl said.
"Bias towards white is still a part of our culture." A voice over said.
Don't fret Blacks because Whites have the same color struck conversations in their households. A
pinkish hue is still favored over ruddy or olive complexion--as long as there is still an ability to tan reasonably well.
But one needs only to look throughout their own friends and family to see these hurtful stereotypes repeated and reinforced.
It is a good thing that stunning beauty is held in the facial bone structure of an individual and not the skin color.
I wish someone would tell the kids the truth about beauty because skin color stereotypes are perpetuated through the generations, maintained in the home and reinforced in society. (Oh, good hair counts too.)
Read more: http://ping.fm/g7yZ4

ChiStepper.com Soul Series Phase I

PRESS RELEASE
May 16/2010

For Immediate Release
"Marcell and The Truth"
ChiStepper Interview and Live Performance

Soul Series Phase I

CHICAGO, IL: ChiStepper.com interviews Marcell and The Truth for the first time in two years. Log on today to read the full interview. Also, as you can see from the banner above, Marcell is performing at ChiStepper.com, Dre & Company, and Ken Bedford's "Summer Soul Series" on Sunday, June 13th at the 9 million restaurant and nightclub, Alhambra Palace located at 1240 W. Randolph. Tickets can be purchased at www.chisteppercom/soulseries. If you haven't made up your mind yet, here are 10 reasons why you should definitely be there:

10. Embrace The Dance - The Soul Series caps off Sistas In Sync's "Embrace The Dance" weekend, so you'll have plenty of Out-of-Towners and locals to hang out with.

9. Good Music - DJ Cross is DJing so you know you're getting the best new and old school Steppin' music.

8. Party Like a Rockstar - Party like a millionaire, but on a budget at the 9 million dollar state-of-the-art night club located just a block from Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios. Advance tickets only $10, Door tickets only $15, and VIP Floor Seating for only $25.

7. Be Seen - ChiStepper will have a photographer there to capture your cool and sexy outfits for the ChiStepper photogallery.

6. Have Fun - The Heavy Hitters will be in the building as usual for good dancing before, during, and after the performances. ChiStepper.com, Dre and Company, and Ken Bedford Productions is bringing in Marcell and The Truth.

5. Great Networking - Meet the who's who of the Steppers and business community. With T. Pratt, Ken Bedford, Dre & Company, and Akkeem "The Dream" Berry Sr., you never know who's going to show up.

4. Be In The Know - You'll be the first to learn who's up next as we'll present the lineup for the Soul Series Phase II live at the event.

3. Our Track Record - ChiStepper, Dre & Company, and Ken Bedford all have terrific track records for throwing great parties. By combining forces, we hope to continue this tradition.

2. DJ Markey G - DJ Markey G is opening up by performing tracks from his new album "Stepmentalz." He'll be performing the popular Steppin' track "I Wanna Go Steppin" and his Steppers classic "I'm The Man."

1. Marcell and The Truth - Marcell will be singing all of his Steppers classics: Maybe I'm Not The Man; Hopes Too High; Breathe Love; and Cold Rain from the "Hopes Too High" album, and "Seed You Water," from the new album "Symbols" for the first time at a Steppers event EVER! Marcell will have his new CD "Symbols" with him and he'll be selling autographed copies at the event.


* Note to the Steppers - This IS NOT A CONCERT! This will be a Steppers party, where you all are encouraged to dance while the entertainers sing. They'd have it no other way.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

What I Should Have Said Is...

I think if Black Leaders were seen as well connected to the Black Community, they would have a better chance at holding an audience with the President, I think.
Courting The People is a good idea. You never get to know what is really going on if you are not there in person, often times. I'd like to see an enriched relationship between Black Leaders and The Community-at-Large.
Yeah, that's what I meant to say.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

What About the Kids, Arizona Legislators?

Arizona was the last state to sign the Martin Luther King Day bill into law. I took note of that then and I take note with parts of their anti-ethnic education bill.
Why is it that the people of Arizona feel the way they do about minorities? What are they going through every day that makes them not accepting of minorities and why can't they handle their frustrations any better than they have been doing?
Granted, if a politician runs for office and is elected by the people for the people he or she should serve the people completely. More qualified people should have run for office if the people wanted a smarter legislature. However, why stop the African American education curriculum in public schools? Really.
Every ethnic race, Eastern European, African, Hispanic, Dominican, Italian etc. deserves to be highlighted for their race's achievements in American history. The culmination is that we have all contributed in making this country great, so why cull those parts out? It is not a good solution to the problems in Arizona. Students in Arizona won't know or understand who they are or where they come from when they are not taught about European immigrants and what they did to establish their place in American history and culture. Damn shame. There are a lot of European immigrants in this country.
Read more: http://ping.fm/pfjAZ
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Seth MacFarlane on FG Controversy

Family Guy Transgender Episode or Quagmire's Dad Gets a Sex-Change Operation

I saw the Family Guy transgender episode and I just have to say: Please don't act as if we don't already know and understand prejudice exists in America. Seth just did it in a funnier way.
Really. You who support or are GLAAD didn't know that people laugh behind your back and make fun of you? Right. Well, I never heard a racist black joke either. Or a fat joke.
SMH at the whole matter. Seth MacFarlane is in the business of comedy. He is the Equal Opportunity Offender and so the f what. He makes me laugh and I thought the episode was funnier than anything.
Along the lines of GLAAD, I should have expressed similar dismay and agitation at the "My Black Son," cut away. ..."and also he's a Ninja!" Really now, we knew what he was edging at but I was so shocked and stupefied, I laughed because it was funny and we all have a turn at the wheel with the FG creator. So what. He pokes fun at the inhabitants of the Northeast every time FG airs. Look at how he portrays these folks and they're not complaining. They are laughing. Maybe they don't take themselves as seriously as everyone else does. Seth grew up in this Northeastern environment and he is only conveying a portion of what he experienced growing up. There are not many of our generation who bother to participate in our Pop Culture Renaissance. They point out more things we have in common on the show than what they point out as different. Watch the episode in question. Notice how Peter, Lois and Brian interact when Brian makes an announcement about a trip. Listen to that dialogue. And the "can of pennies?!" That is comedy gold and it hits so close to home. The indifference in which we all treat each other in families is a common strand. Trying to get a family member who is so not interested in what you are doing to be interested in you and what you are doing, is an every day challenge for those of us who still bother to interact with our families. I laughed so hard at that. Gold, Seth baby, gold.
I support Seth and the FG team. They're great and they make me laugh and think at the same time. I personally think folk should stop being so fn sensitive and Chicken Little-ish. Save the fight for when it really matters so that you'll have supporters for your cause when you really need it. Also be glad that the issue has been placed before relevant portions of the American public rather than be ignored and shoved out of every one's mind!
More information on the issue: http://ping.fm/e9ZDF
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Monday, May 10, 2010

FOX on Demand - The Cleveland Show clip with Kanye West and Cleavland Jr. Lyric Battle

FOX on Demand - The Cleveland Show

Reversal of Fortune: A documentary on Showtime

I saw a good portion of this documentary on Mother's Day and found it quite interesting. First off, I would like to know where the filmmaker got $100,000 to give to a homeless man?
Obviously, the guy had some personality disorders, delusions, etc.
He does not know the right thing to do and as he stated, his mother was a "bar whore." He said that on the weekends, he found a different man his mother would bring into his home as a child. I wonder what types of abuse he experienced as a child and if he is a result of one of his mother's trysts? No one asked him any follow up questions.
Maybe that is why he frequented bars. Then again he also said he had not had a woman in years and that most of the woman he meets found him undesirable for either his lack of teeth in the front of his head or other reasons. (Check out how he argued with that woman at the recycling center. Really.)
After one's basic needs are met they are supposed to climb Maslow's hierarchy of Need, not just stop at the basics, safety, food, clothing, shelter, emotional needs. But he did not know that and he is obviously not self-actualized. Many are not and that is the basic problem with society.
In his defense however, he has a kind heart and gave the ones close to him some of his treasure. He gets big points for that. I think at least one of them should have convinced him to use the financial counselor. With discipline, that money could have lasted quite a while. But self-discipline is a quality many people do not own. His outlook on life is to live without restraint so the very nature of giving him a large sum of money could have led to his death. Then what would the filmmaker do? That money could have gone to a socially well-adjusted but struggling family. I wonder what they would have done?
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Monday, May 03, 2010

Seth is a Comedic Genius

The Bank Vault episode was Seth's best ever idea. I was immediately drawn into the dialogue. I could not believe what Brian did! I cannot believe Seth got away with that. It was stellar!
Every season, Seth MacFarlane surprises me with even more of his scathingly deep, genius. I have to buy the season DVD. I just have to.
This man Seth, has the humor market cornered!
("Seth" does mean "the anointed one," after all...)

I posted this on the Yahoo message board and on Seth's Facebook page.
I listened to Seth explain this episode on Larry King a week or so ago but I had no idea the episode would be so intense.
Kudos, Seth. I guess you will never run out of comedic genius. The feelings and emotions of the characters leaped toward me and drew me into their minds. I had not watched anything so intently in a while.
There is a lot thought and emotion rambling around in Seth's head and a bit of it was released in that Bank Vault episode.
A study in excellence, it was.
(now you have to write a novel, Seth)

Saturday, May 01, 2010

I Want to Touch TJ Holmes' Thigh Too

Fitness guru Denise Austin and Actress/Director Debbie Allen appeared on CNN weekend morning edition with news anchor TJ Holmes Saturday. It was lively and informative. Near the end of the segment, Denise stood up and invited TJ to touch her rock hard stomach. He did. Then, she touched his leg. OK, she open-palm, grabbed his thigh and felt him up. She said he was fit. TJ declined to open his suit jacket so that she may feel his rock hard abs, to the disappointment of many audience members around the globe.
Basically, the ladies said consume fewer calories and increase calorie burn and weight loss will occur. Or, simply put less food on your plate and stop overeating.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Oklahoma to Become Fourth Retail Market for Honda's Natural Gas-Powered Civic GX

Dealer network expands for retail sales of nation's only natural gas-powered vehicle sold by an OEM

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., recently announced that dealers in Oklahoma will now have the option of selling the compressed natural gas (CNG) powered Honda Civic GX to customers on a retail basis. There are 13 Honda dealers in Oklahoma, three of which are already selling the Civic GX as a fleet vehicle.

"Expanding Honda's Civic GX retail program along with the continued success of fleet sales expresses our commitment to the environment and natural gas vehicle technology," said Elmer Hardy, senior manager of Alternative Fuel Vehicle Sales & Marketing. "Honda seeks market opportunities for the Civic GX where strong natural gas refueling infrastructure exists, and we continue to see its promise as a clean, sustainable, domestically-sourced alternative fuel."

Honda is the only OEM currently selling a CNG-powered vehicle on a retail basis in the United States. Additionally, the Civic GX is the only OEM-built, CNG-powered passenger car assembled in America. The Civic GX is built on the same assembly line as the gasoline-powered Civic 4-door models at Honda's Greensburg, Indiana manufacturing facility.

In 2006, the Civic GX became available for the first time to retail customers in California. Since then, retail sales have expanded to New York, Utah and now, Oklahoma. Currently, 43 dealers in California, 19 in New York and eight in Utah have added Retail Sales Addendums to their Honda Sales Agreements that enable them to sell the Civic GX on a retail basis. When including dealerships that sell fleet vehicles, there are a total of 134 Civic GX dealers in 33 states.

Oklahoma is an ideal market to expand retail sales of the Civic GX with its low refueling costs, a generous state tax incentive toward the purchase of a new Civic GX and solid fleet sales. As the second largest natural gas producing state in the U.S., Oklahoma already has a strong existing CNG station infrastructure with robust plans to expand the network over the next several years.

The 2010 Civic GX achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 24/36** miles per gasoline-gallon equivalent and is the only vehicle certified by the EPA to meet both Federal Tier 2-Bin 2 and Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) zero evaporative emission certification standards. Additionally, the Honda Civic GX is the cleanest internal combustion vehicle ever tested by the EPA, and for the seventh straight year, the Civic GX NGV was named "Greenest Vehicle" by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Steppers Soul Series (Phase I)


Steppers Soul Series (Phase I)
Presents
"Marcell and The Truth" &
"DJ Markey G"
Hosted by ChiStepper.com, Dre and Company, & Ken Bedford Productions



Soul Series Phase I


CHICAGO, IL: The summer is looking a little sexier, as ChiStepper.com has partnered with Dre and Company and Ken Bedford Productions to bring you the "Steppers Soul Series." ChiStepper prides itself on creating outlets for those Steppers, both New and Old Skool, who appreciate a classy mature party, with great music, and good dancing.

On June 13th, 2010 (2nd Sunday), capping off Sistas In Sync's "Embrace The Dance" weekend, ChiStepper.com, Dre and Company, and Ken Bedford Productions is bringing in Marcell and The Truth. Marcell will be singing all of his Steppers classics: Maybe I'm Not The Man; Hopes Too High; Breathe Love; and Cold Rain from the "Hopes Too High" album, and "Seed You Water," from the new album "Symbols" for the first time in Chicago. Marcell will have his new CD "Symbols" with him and ChiStepper.com will be giving away a few FREE CD's on ChiStepper.com to Elite Advantage Members and some regular readers also.

In addition, we have DJ Markey G opening up, who just released his new album "Stepmentalz," and features the popular Steppin' track "I Wanna Go Steppin'." Markey G will also be performing his Steppers classic "I'm The Man." Don't get it confused though, this IS NOT A CONCERT! This will be a Steppers party, where you all are encouraged to dance while the entertainers sing. They'd have it no other way.

It has been a dream of mine to bring a live element to Steppin' ... and to do it downtown in the summer at the 9 million dollar "Alhambra Palace" is going to be awesome. By the way, this is only Phase I of the "Steppers Soul Series." On July 18th, 2010 (3rd Sunday) we're bringing you two more popular artists with tracks that we love, who have never ever before performed in front of the Chicago Steppin' audience. Then, we'll wrap up the Soul Series up on Sunday, August 15th (3rd Sunday) with two more Steppin' artists.

Steppers, you asked from something fresh, classy, and unique and here it is. DJ Cross will be in the booth spinning the best of New and Old Skool Steppers music. Come out and party with T. Pratt, Dre Blackwell, and Ken Bedford on June 13th as we cap off Sistas In Sync's "Embrace The Dance" weekend.
Upcoming Events

Stay tuned in to the hottest events in the nation and view the full flyers by clicking on ChiStepper's Upcoming Events page, located at: http://www.chistepper.com/Upcoming-Events

Send an email to ChiStepper@yahoo.com inquire about prices to post banners and or advertise on the Upcoming Events page!
ChiStepper.com is the Nation's Home For REAL Steppers. Tune in daily to stay up on the latest happenings on the national Steppin' scene.

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Sade's smooth return a decade later - CNN.com

Sade's smooth return a decade later - CNN.com
"Solider of Love" was released February 9th to the delight of her fans.
CNN Entertainment reviews her new song, her 10 year hiatus and her multi-platinum CDs.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

torontofilmcritics.com » Toronto Film Critics Association Awards 2009

torontofilmcritics.com » Toronto Film Critics Association Awards 2009
Nicolas Cage named Best Actor December 2009 for his role in Bad Lieutenant.
About time he was recognized (again)!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

R&B singer goes from homeless to Grammy nominee :: Entertainment :: Post-Tribune

R&B singer goes from homeless to Grammy nominee :: Entertainment :: Post-Tribune
Gap Band's Charlie Wilson tells he Associated Press how he rebounded from homelessness during the mid 1990s to be nominated for Billboard Artist of the Year and double Grammy nominee.
He said the downward spiral began when the group asked their manager to split profits from the publishing rights of their music catalog. Wilson claims the Gap Band was dropped by the manager and then blackballed in the industry.

Editor's Note: Charlie Wilson is one of my favorite singers.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Lasik Eye Center in New York

Lasik can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Lasik is the most often performed surgery in the US. Lasik vision recovery can be as little as a few hours, but most see well in about a day or two. Lasik normally has no pain. US Lasik results data is available at usaeyes.org/Lasik General Lasik information and surgery video available at usaeyes.org
Stahl Eye Center has been serving patients for more than 35 years. The Stahl Eye Center doctors’ patient outcomes have been independently verified by nonprofit Lasik patient advocacy USAEyes to meet or exceed the national norms for Lasik results. Fewer than 100 doctors nationwide have attained this certification.
Stahl EyeCenter doctors are graduates from top universities such as UCLA, John Hopkins and Yale. Doctor information is available at
Stahl Eye Center has three locations in New York including Manhattan and Long Island.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Los Angeles Office Movers

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Sunday, October 04, 2009

Please help free the tourists!

TransGriot: Free The Antigua 6
Read this blog post. Tell as many people as you can because they need help.

Saturday, August 01, 2009

BBC iPlayer - BBC Proms: 2009: Prom 22 - MGM Musicals

BBC iPlayer - BBC Proms: 2009: Prom 22 - MGM Musicals Seth MacFarlane is a singer in this particularly wonderful string of show tunes. I almost hate to say "show tunes" it's too abbreviated for music that brings back childhood memories of days spent in front of the tele dancing and singing along with the actors--and of course a couple days thereafter. (Over The Rainbow elicited tears.)
The whole series is comprised of indoor and outdoor concerts in England.
Every voice was melodic and captured the idea of each film. As a child, I rarely knew the titles of each film, i like musicals.
I'm listening to it now and it sounds gorgeous! Seth is singing songs from "High Society". Goodness that man's voice is fabulous and rich and expansive. It even fluttered and soared. It takes up the whole theater. Jeez he's talented. Shaboopie!
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ (arr. Conrad Salinger & Nelson Riddle)
Kim Criswell, Seth MacFarlane vocalists
‘You’re Sensational’ (arr. Nelson Riddle)
Seth MacFarlane vocalist
‘Well, Did You Evah?’ (arr. Conrad Salinger & Nelson Riddle)
Seth MacFarlane, Curtis Stigers vocalists

And who hasn't sang "Singing In the Rain" and performed a quick soft shoe? Okay just me. What a perfect song for Seth to sing.
Nacio Herb Brown (music)/Arthur Freed (lyrics)

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (arr. Conrad Salinger)
Seth MacFarlane vocalist


I'll be happy when he cuts a CD.

Well, the rest of the back story is here: What's On: Prom 22 2009

E! News Now _ Michael Jackson's Long-Lost Son

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Sunday, July 19, 2009

This is why athletes should never marry - FOX Sports on MSN

This is why athletes should never marry - FOX Sports on MSN
I understand that this article is an oversiplification of the facts but parts of it ring true. Just hire someone to cook meals and take care of you and date whomever you like until you find that right Mrs. Ballplayer. Getting love right the first time takes time and thought outside of heart pounding love and out-of-sight sex.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Michael Jackson had something for everyone--no need to blame Jamie

Well, I went to the Jamie Foxx web site and there is a virtual race war-of-words going on there. Some are accusing Mr. Foxx of being a racist after viewing the Black Entertainment Television Awards Show last week.
If any of you watched Michael Jackson’s memorial on Monday and heard Al Sharpton entire speech, then maybe you will get the hint that Mr. Jackson was indeed a black man. Don’t blame Jamie Foxx for that, for he too is a black man. There are some things relatable across the races and some things relatable to the races. Mike’s last CD was a testament to the love he felt for his community. His entire music catalog is a testament to how he loved music and his fans.
Invincible was played at every stepper’s set for years and still got some play before he died just because it was gooooood! We like and appreciate that Mike, so thanks. We liked all of his songs but some of those syncopated beats scream foot work and some scream other dance moves--stuff I‘m too old to do. We all like some things more than others. That is just the way people are made up. No one calls Foxx a racist when he is hosting the Country Music Awards. He is just as funny and shocking as ever. So I think the rub in all of this is that Foxx reminded folk that Michael Jackson was a black man.
Some of his fans do not want to take this fact into consideration. He was everything but to them. The truth is that he was a little black boy from Gary, Indiana--which is 85 percent African American--who grew up in Los Angles using his talent to his advantage. Was he more than just a black man? Yes, just as all black men are more than just a black man and just like all white men are more than just white men,
et cetera. We are all more than just our race. However, it seems being black sticks under the craw of many. I don’t know why but it just seems to make a difference. As assimilated as we are, it should not be but it is and it takes a great effort on a black person’s part to downplay anything that gets in the way of acceptance. Mike proved that. As blacks we are still making and counting firsts. Mike proved that too.
Let us not find a blame in all of this surrounding MJ’s death but take entertainment at face value and not make it a political action committee. If you want to fight for rights or anything else good that helps the human race, President Obama has several very fine outfits people can join.

P.S. Ladies no one will care if you work, are on government assistance, have had children out-of-wedlock or whatever. Those things are your personal choices and do not give nor take away your right to speak out. So please stop prefacing comments with ”I am a single mother…” No one cares and we are not giving out awards for choosing to birth and/or raise children. We used to but not anymore because everybody’s doing it.

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Invisible Man's Band - All Night Thing 1979 DISCO

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!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Seth MacFarlane on Bill Maher--May 8 2009

Bill signed up to be a talking cow on Family Guy.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Leslie Jones McCloud's Gas Station Divas Confront!


Characters from my new in-progress book, "Gas Station Divas" confront each other during a scene at Chi-Chi's place of work--a gas station convienence store named Red, White and Blue Country.
Marion, whose only fault was choosing that particular gas station, decided to get down with it and ditch her uppity ways.
Who will get the man?

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.

Watch Me Discuss Soapy Goodness - Made with Coconut Oil

Feel the Soapy Goodness on your skin

Feel the Soapy Goodness on your skin
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