Thursday, January 31, 2008
I'm Beyonce And I'm The Richest Black Woman In Music Bee-otch!
While Madonna's the Richest Girl, Bey Ranks in The Top 5, Mariah Carey Rounds Out Top 10
Fab chick Madonna leads Forbes.com's list of the top 20 'Cash Queens of Music', earning $72 million between June 2006 and June 2007.
Barbra Streisand is No. 2 with $60 million, and Celine Dion ranks third with $45 million, largely from her five-year successful "A New Day" show in Las Vegas, Shakira is fourth with $38 million, followed by Beyonce ($27 million), Gwen Stefani ($26 million), Christina Aguilera ($20 million), Faith Hill ($19 million), the Dixie Chicks ($18 million) and Mariah "Touch My Body" Carey ($13 million).
Forbes.com said it compiled the list by examining concert grosses, merchandising revenue, album sales and other revenue from clothing lines, fragrance deals and endorsements.
Madonna's 'Confessions' world tour pulled in $260 million, Forbes said. The 49-year-old pop star also made money from album sales, her fashion line with H&M and a deal with NBC to broadcast her London concert performance.
Hilary Duff, Avril Lavigne and Martina McBride each banked $12 million. Crazy-loco Britney Spears (rushed to the hospital this morning) ranked 14th on the list, earning $8 million from music royalties and sales of her fragrances with Elizabeth Arden. Spears is followed by American Idol's Carrie Underwood and Nelly Furtado ($7 million each); Fergie, Jennifer "Max & Emme?" Lopez and Sheryl Crow ($6 million each); and Norah Jones ($5.5 million).
Fab chick Madonna leads Forbes.com's list of the top 20 'Cash Queens of Music', earning $72 million between June 2006 and June 2007.
Barbra Streisand is No. 2 with $60 million, and Celine Dion ranks third with $45 million, largely from her five-year successful "A New Day" show in Las Vegas, Shakira is fourth with $38 million, followed by Beyonce ($27 million), Gwen Stefani ($26 million), Christina Aguilera ($20 million), Faith Hill ($19 million), the Dixie Chicks ($18 million) and Mariah "Touch My Body" Carey ($13 million).
Forbes.com said it compiled the list by examining concert grosses, merchandising revenue, album sales and other revenue from clothing lines, fragrance deals and endorsements.
Madonna's 'Confessions' world tour pulled in $260 million, Forbes said. The 49-year-old pop star also made money from album sales, her fashion line with H&M and a deal with NBC to broadcast her London concert performance.
Hilary Duff, Avril Lavigne and Martina McBride each banked $12 million. Crazy-loco Britney Spears (rushed to the hospital this morning) ranked 14th on the list, earning $8 million from music royalties and sales of her fragrances with Elizabeth Arden. Spears is followed by American Idol's Carrie Underwood and Nelly Furtado ($7 million each); Fergie, Jennifer "Max & Emme?" Lopez and Sheryl Crow ($6 million each); and Norah Jones ($5.5 million).
Maybe It's Me, But I Don't Know If I Like The Oprah Sarcophagus
Controversial Sculptor's Latest: 'Winfrey's Sarcophagus'Alicia Keys Teams with Child Charity
Judge Tosses Katrina Lawsuit Against Engineer Corps
Obama: Clinton Presidency is a Step Back to the Past
Judge Called 3 Black Women Lawyers 'Supremes'
MLK Memorial Gets $3 Million Donation
For Montel Williams, Those Daytime Lights Go Dark
After seventeen years on the air…., a couragious battle with Multiple Sclerosis, several marriages and a few Emmy Awards, The Montel Williams show will cease production at the end of this season. Brotha, it's been quite a ride. We'll miss ya!
Christine Beatty's Resignation Letter: From Most Popular To Howard Grad To Detroit Kingmaker To Humbled Sistah
Dear Mayor Kilpatrick,I would first like to thank you and the citizens of Detroit for the opportunity to have worked for the city that I love so much over the past six years.
Serving as Chief of Staff for the Kilpatrick administration since 2002 has been an honor and a privilege. I was born and raised in Detroit and my childhood goal was always to serve my city. I came back home after college to do just that. Serving our citizens and helping to transform Detroit into an even greater city is what I've been dedicated to everyday since January 2002.
As Chief of Staff, I managed key city departments in such areas as human services and labor relations as well as administering the day to day operation of the Mayor's office. I've served the administration and Detroit citizens with diligence, strength and perseverance and I hope that my efforts will one day show through above all else.
In spite of this, however, I believe that it is clear I can no longer effectively carry out the duties of Chief of Staff. Therefore, this letter serves as my resignation effective, February 8, 2008 to allow for an orderly transition of my duties with the new chief of staff. I painfully regret the devastation that the recent reports have caused to the citizens of Detroit, to my coworkers, to the Mayor's family and to my family and friends.Again, I thank you and the citizens of Detroit for the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Christine L. Beatty
Some notable times in Beatty's life
• 1988: Graduates from Cass Tech High School with Kwame Kilpatrick. She is voted most-popular student. She later graduates from Howard University and earns a master's degree in social work at Wayne State University.
• 1996: Manages Kilpatrick's successful run for the state House; serves as a top aide in Lansing.
• 2002: Joins the Kilpatrick mayoral cabinet; gains a reputation as being tough and blunt, overseeing several city departments as well as the mayor's office, and negotiating labor contracts. Until the appointment of Deputy Mayor Anthony Adams, Beatty often acted in Kilpatrick's stead when he was out of town.• 2004: Reportedly demands "Do you know who the (expletive) I am" when stopped by police for speeding in a city car. She calls Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings on her cell phone.
• 2004: Receives a $12,000 grant for a Rosedale Park home loan through a program designed to help low- and moderate-income applicants.
• 2007: Denies under oath that she and Kilpatrick had an affair.
• Thursday: Declines comment after Free Press reveals her text messages showing an intimate relationship with Kilpatrick and discussing the firing of a deputy police chief; the messages contradict their sworn statements.
• Monday: Resigns effective Feb. 8, writing that she can no longer be effective. [Source]
I Would Never Quit You Carlita Kilpatrick, Mayor Kwame Is Another Story
Behold, This Is What A (Busted) Hip Hop Mayor Looks Like
Boys and Girls
Click The Picture To Watch The VideoDetroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick reported for work at City Hall Thursday, the morning after his televised apology. Speaking about the text message scandal for the first time publicly Wednesday, Kilpatrick apologized repeatedly to residents, supporters, opponents, his wife and his three sons for what he called "the embarrassment and disappointment" of the past few days.
Kilpatrick spokesman James Canning said the mayor’s agenda for today is “meetings, meetings, meetings.” The workday follows an emotional Wednesday night apology to the city and his family where hizzoner never actually said what he was apologizing for.
Probably the most electric moment in the speech came when the camera turned to Carlita Kilpatrick, and she talked about what it was like to have intimate issues regarding her husband laid bare to the world for the past week.
"Like all marriages, ours is not perfect," she said. "Like all people, we are not perfect, but through our commitment to God and each other, my husband and I will get through this. Yes, I am angry, I am hurt, and I am disappointed. But there is no question that I love my husband."
Reaction to the speech from Detroit leaders seemed to depend on their prior feelings about Kilpatrick."I'm not ready to kick him to the curb just yet," said the Rev. Jim Holley, pastor of Little Rock Baptist Church.
Holley, a Kilpatrick supporter whom the mayor appointed to the Detroit police commission, said he was especially impressed with Carlita Kilpatrick. "If she can say what she said tonight and live with him, I ought to be able to live with him," he said.
But Emily Kunze, president of AFSCME Local 2920, whose approximately 300 members are clerical workers in the water and lighting departments, said the romantic relationship between Kilpatrick and Beatty is irrelevant, but added: "He did not address the fact that he wasted money, that he lied on the stand or that he lied to the public. I still wholeheartedly believe he should resign." [Source]
Kilpatrick spokesman James Canning said the mayor’s agenda for today is “meetings, meetings, meetings.” The workday follows an emotional Wednesday night apology to the city and his family where hizzoner never actually said what he was apologizing for.Probably the most electric moment in the speech came when the camera turned to Carlita Kilpatrick, and she talked about what it was like to have intimate issues regarding her husband laid bare to the world for the past week.
"Like all marriages, ours is not perfect," she said. "Like all people, we are not perfect, but through our commitment to God and each other, my husband and I will get through this. Yes, I am angry, I am hurt, and I am disappointed. But there is no question that I love my husband."
Reaction to the speech from Detroit leaders seemed to depend on their prior feelings about Kilpatrick."I'm not ready to kick him to the curb just yet," said the Rev. Jim Holley, pastor of Little Rock Baptist Church.
Holley, a Kilpatrick supporter whom the mayor appointed to the Detroit police commission, said he was especially impressed with Carlita Kilpatrick. "If she can say what she said tonight and live with him, I ought to be able to live with him," he said.
But Emily Kunze, president of AFSCME Local 2920, whose approximately 300 members are clerical workers in the water and lighting departments, said the romantic relationship between Kilpatrick and Beatty is irrelevant, but added: "He did not address the fact that he wasted money, that he lied on the stand or that he lied to the public. I still wholeheartedly believe he should resign." [Source]
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Do Black Women Fear The 'Fro? Depends On Which Sistah You Ask On Any Given Day
(Canadian opera diva Measha Brueggergosmnan)As a black woman living in Canada, I often feel invisible when it comes to my natural hair. The television series da Kink In My Hair (which just wrapped up its first season on Global television) taps into a lot of the issues black women have with hair, but on the streets of Toronto, it's a whole other story.
Talk about hair is so woven into the black female experience that people often make jokes about who has "good hair" and who has "bad hair." In the song "I Am Not My Hair," India Aries sings, "Good hair means curls and waves/Bad hair means you look like a slave." A lot of people might not have a clue as to what she's talking about, but, as a black woman, I sure do.
Prior to the transatlantic slave trade, black hair denoted cultural and spiritual meanings for women, and men, too, write Ayana Bryd and Lori Tharps in Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America.
Back in the motherland, hair functioned as a carrier of messages for the Wolof, Mende, Mandingo and Yoruba people – those who filled the slave ships that sailed to the New World.
Specifically, the authors trace the roots of black hair to the early 15th century, when hairstyles were used to indicate a person's marital status, age, religion, ethnic identity, wealth and rank within the community. You could also determine a person's geographic origins from a distinctive hairstyle.
Once the slave trade began, Africans' connection to their hair was forever altered – and complicated – by their new life. Forced to work in the fields all day, they simply had no time to care much about their appearance or hair. While black women meticulously crafted elaborate hairstyles back in Africa, once slaves, they took to wearing head scarves or handkerchiefs atop their heads, partly to shield themselves from the sun, but also to hide their unkempt hair.
In the 20th century, black women wanted to show the world they were "free" and the easiest way to do that was to let go of their past. Thus, Madam C.J. Walker, touted as the first African American to use the hot-comb with various products to straighten black hair, helped to promote the idea that hair alteration was a signifier of collective progress.
By the time African American George E. Johnson created a permanent straightening system, the "relaxer," in 1954, there was virtually no turning back; that is until the afro-wearing Black Power movement of the 1960s.
Wigs, weaves, extensions and chemical relaxers are examples of how hair is socially, psychologically, and culturally significant to the black female experience
One of the first things I learned as a child was that "bad hair" was not the same as having a bad hair day. It was a matter of texture. "Good hair" was the complete opposite of nappy, tightly coiled hair.
In the book Hair Raising: Beauty, Culture, and African American Women, Noliwe Rooks says African Americans spend three times more than other consumer groups on their grooming needs.
Further, according to a 1997 American Health and Beauty Aids Institute survey, African Americans spend $225 million annually on hair weaving services and products. While these figures are from the '90s, it is fair to assume that similar results would be found today, and would also be applicable in a Canadian context.
And so, it's not just about hair. It's about a lack of cultural awareness and an internalized negative pathology. In order to transcend a troubled past, you have to engage in an open and honest dialogue, but that requires acknowledging there's a problem. On one level, I can understand why black women do what they do to their hair (I used to do it too). Natural black hair can be very difficult to manage and sometimes you just want to try a new look. Having said that, there are lots of products, books, websites and hair salons that cater to natural styles, but it requires effort to find them. [Full Story]
Talk about hair is so woven into the black female experience that people often make jokes about who has "good hair" and who has "bad hair." In the song "I Am Not My Hair," India Aries sings, "Good hair means curls and waves/Bad hair means you look like a slave." A lot of people might not have a clue as to what she's talking about, but, as a black woman, I sure do.
Prior to the transatlantic slave trade, black hair denoted cultural and spiritual meanings for women, and men, too, write Ayana Bryd and Lori Tharps in Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America.
Back in the motherland, hair functioned as a carrier of messages for the Wolof, Mende, Mandingo and Yoruba people – those who filled the slave ships that sailed to the New World.
Specifically, the authors trace the roots of black hair to the early 15th century, when hairstyles were used to indicate a person's marital status, age, religion, ethnic identity, wealth and rank within the community. You could also determine a person's geographic origins from a distinctive hairstyle.
Once the slave trade began, Africans' connection to their hair was forever altered – and complicated – by their new life. Forced to work in the fields all day, they simply had no time to care much about their appearance or hair. While black women meticulously crafted elaborate hairstyles back in Africa, once slaves, they took to wearing head scarves or handkerchiefs atop their heads, partly to shield themselves from the sun, but also to hide their unkempt hair.
In the 20th century, black women wanted to show the world they were "free" and the easiest way to do that was to let go of their past. Thus, Madam C.J. Walker, touted as the first African American to use the hot-comb with various products to straighten black hair, helped to promote the idea that hair alteration was a signifier of collective progress.
By the time African American George E. Johnson created a permanent straightening system, the "relaxer," in 1954, there was virtually no turning back; that is until the afro-wearing Black Power movement of the 1960s.
Wigs, weaves, extensions and chemical relaxers are examples of how hair is socially, psychologically, and culturally significant to the black female experience
One of the first things I learned as a child was that "bad hair" was not the same as having a bad hair day. It was a matter of texture. "Good hair" was the complete opposite of nappy, tightly coiled hair.
In the book Hair Raising: Beauty, Culture, and African American Women, Noliwe Rooks says African Americans spend three times more than other consumer groups on their grooming needs.
Further, according to a 1997 American Health and Beauty Aids Institute survey, African Americans spend $225 million annually on hair weaving services and products. While these figures are from the '90s, it is fair to assume that similar results would be found today, and would also be applicable in a Canadian context.
And so, it's not just about hair. It's about a lack of cultural awareness and an internalized negative pathology. In order to transcend a troubled past, you have to engage in an open and honest dialogue, but that requires acknowledging there's a problem. On one level, I can understand why black women do what they do to their hair (I used to do it too). Natural black hair can be very difficult to manage and sometimes you just want to try a new look. Having said that, there are lots of products, books, websites and hair salons that cater to natural styles, but it requires effort to find them. [Full Story]
What Black People Eat In A Week: North Carolina Versus Chad
Some of us have such abundance, while others do not and food can be such an easy thing to take for granted. Check this out:
The Revis family of 4 - North Carolina, USA. Food expenditure for one week: $341.98
The Aboubakar family of 6 - Breidjing Camp for Darfur Refugees, Chad (Central Africa). Food expenditure for one week: $1.23
Deep huh???
Mayor Kwame Lets Jesus Take The Wheel
The Black List: Like A Living Coffee Table Book
*Kenya Parties to Begin Mediation
*Obama Courts Republicans Returns Money Tied to Donor
*Kenya Parties to Begin Mediation
*Obama Courts Republicans Returns Money Tied to Donor
Halle Berry: Black Girls Rule, Even When They're KNOCKED UP!
Gabriel really needs to marry Ms. Berry and make that baby legit. Not feeling the curly 'do, but for me -- Halle can do no wrong!
Quickie: Eddie Murphy Tells Us How The Giants Will Win This Sunday
Just A Little Super Bowl Humor From Donkey
As Edwards Quits Presidential Race And His California Support Flocks To Barack, Hillary's Ace Is Maxine "Angry Black Woman" Waters
John Edwards Yells "No Se Puede" While LA Congresswoman Tells Team Barack To "Bring It!"
New York Senator Hillary Clinton won the backing of African American California Rep. Maxine Waters, an influential member of the Congressional Black Caucus whose sole role will be to have all the Ms. Jones in South Central show up for Bill Clinton's woman.
Meanwhile, former North Carolina Senator John Edwards is exiting the presidential race Wednesday, ending a scrappy underdog bid in which he steered his democratic rivals toward progressive ideals while grappling with family hardship that roused voters' sympathies.
The decision came after Edwards lost the four states to hold nominating contests so far to rivals who stole the spotlight from the beginning - Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama. The former multimillionaire Southern white gentleman will not immediately endorse either candidate but it's clear he and his supporters are all foaming at the mouth over Barack. Just like Georgia's favorite peanut farmer, former president Jimmy Carter.
A high ranking African American LA politician specifically told 3 Brothers that as soon as address dropped out, expect to see even more ballers in the game co-signing on Obama. Call it the great debate, as the Kodak theater in Los Angeles on Thursday will present the ultimate showdown between the first black person to secure the democratic nomination, versus the first woman.With Maxine's support, charges of racial polarization against the Clinton campaign in the South Carolina primary have already been somewhat blunted. In a statement, Waters praised the former first lady's readiness to tackle the nation's economic woes."
At a time when the economy continues to worsen and so many of my constituents are losing their homes and their jobs, we need someone with the leadership and experience who can step in on day one to tackle the economic challenges our country is facing," Waters said. [Source]
Edwards, who waged a spirited top-tier campaign against the two better-funded rivals, even as he dealt with the stunning blow of his wife's recurring cancer diagnosis, plans to announce his campaign was ending with his wife and three children at his side in New Orleans where he announced his plans to run last year.With Rudy Giuliani dropping out and Mike Huckabee hanging by a thread, it's down to Romney versus McCain and Clinton versus Obama family.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Amy Winehouse: Don't Hate The Crackhead, Hate The Crack!
Black Folks Relate to Amy Winehouse In More Ways Than OneWhen Back to Black arrived 10 months ago, critics and fans hailed Amy Winehouse as the future of soul music. Now they wonder whether she has a future.
The album generated six Grammy nominations for the eyelinered, tattooed R&B sensation, whose reckless lifestyle has turned a rising star into popular prey for paparazzi and, increasingly, a punch line.
"The danger of all this bad publicity is that she looks not just like a tragedy in the making, which would actually bolster the sad aura of the songs, but that she's also being made into a cartoonish figure," says Entertainment Weekly music critic Chris Willman. "That keeps people from taking the music seriously. The album is still a classic, no matter what happens in her personal life or how sad or ridiculous her image becomes."
Winehouse, 24, entered rehab last Thursday after video of the disheveled British singer supposedly smoking crack sparked a Scotland Yard investigation. Disclosed last week by U.K. tabloid The Sun, the 19-minute clip follows months of stumbles: a pot bust in Norway, a canceled tour, disturbing photos of Winehouse bruised and bloodied or wandering the street distraught, barefoot and in a red push-up bra. Husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who was arrested last June in the beating of a bartender and then again in a suspected attempt to bribe the victim, awaits trial on charges of assault and witness tampering.
Winehouse has confessed to struggles with eating disorders and self-mutilation. She skipped out on a detox stint in August after being diagnosed as alcoholic, she told Blender. Her hit single Rehab ("They tried to make me go to rehab/I said no, no, no") reflects her controversial posture on sobriety. By contrast, reformed bad girl Courtney Love seems hatched from a Jane Austen novel. Continue reading>>>
The album generated six Grammy nominations for the eyelinered, tattooed R&B sensation, whose reckless lifestyle has turned a rising star into popular prey for paparazzi and, increasingly, a punch line.
"The danger of all this bad publicity is that she looks not just like a tragedy in the making, which would actually bolster the sad aura of the songs, but that she's also being made into a cartoonish figure," says Entertainment Weekly music critic Chris Willman. "That keeps people from taking the music seriously. The album is still a classic, no matter what happens in her personal life or how sad or ridiculous her image becomes."
Winehouse, 24, entered rehab last Thursday after video of the disheveled British singer supposedly smoking crack sparked a Scotland Yard investigation. Disclosed last week by U.K. tabloid The Sun, the 19-minute clip follows months of stumbles: a pot bust in Norway, a canceled tour, disturbing photos of Winehouse bruised and bloodied or wandering the street distraught, barefoot and in a red push-up bra. Husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who was arrested last June in the beating of a bartender and then again in a suspected attempt to bribe the victim, awaits trial on charges of assault and witness tampering.
Winehouse has confessed to struggles with eating disorders and self-mutilation. She skipped out on a detox stint in August after being diagnosed as alcoholic, she told Blender. Her hit single Rehab ("They tried to make me go to rehab/I said no, no, no") reflects her controversial posture on sobriety. By contrast, reformed bad girl Courtney Love seems hatched from a Jane Austen novel. Continue reading>>>
Hizzoner Kwame Kilpatrick is Either A Sex Addict Or Straight-Up Pimpin'
Detroit's Channel 7 WXYZ Action News recently reported on investigative evidence they have that even as late as two weekends ago during the King holiday, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was held up in a local hotel known as the Grove Park Inn "nestled in the mountains" of western North Carolina with another woman who was not his wife Carlita nor former Chief of Staff, Christine Beatty.
He was there to appear at a Martin Luther King prayer breakfast. However, with his wife and three children back home, Kilpatrick and a "companion" took time for a romantic two-hour “Couple’s Retreat” at the world renowned spa. Video of the full report can be found at the WXYZ web site.This comes on the heels of the release of incriminating text messages between him and Beatty.After first refusing to acknowledge the mayor’s presence in North Carolina, his spokesman eventually confirmed the story, but would provide no other details about the mayor's spa treatments or why the hotel bill shows he was not alone. In other developments...
Kilpatrick has appointed a new Chief of Staff less than 24-hours after the resignation Beatty. In a press release this morning the mayor is naming longtime top aide Kandia Milton as his new chief of staff.Milton’s hiring is effective immediately according a prepared statement from the mayor’s office.
In addition to all this, the Detroit City Council today voted to postpone debate into whether to order its own investigation into the developing text messaging scandal involving Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Also, there is a good chance that Kilpatrick and Beatty will not have to repay $9 million paid by the City of Detroit. The only way the city will recover any money from Kilpatrick and Beatty is if they are convicted of lying at the police trial and sentenced by a judge to pay restitution, the experts said.And finally, for now, Kilpatrick has resigned from the board of his alma mater, Florida A&M. Kilpatrick submitted the letter of resignation Monday to the foundation chairman, Joseph L. Webster, effective immediately.
He was there to appear at a Martin Luther King prayer breakfast. However, with his wife and three children back home, Kilpatrick and a "companion" took time for a romantic two-hour “Couple’s Retreat” at the world renowned spa. Video of the full report can be found at the WXYZ web site.This comes on the heels of the release of incriminating text messages between him and Beatty.After first refusing to acknowledge the mayor’s presence in North Carolina, his spokesman eventually confirmed the story, but would provide no other details about the mayor's spa treatments or why the hotel bill shows he was not alone. In other developments...
Kilpatrick has appointed a new Chief of Staff less than 24-hours after the resignation Beatty. In a press release this morning the mayor is naming longtime top aide Kandia Milton as his new chief of staff.Milton’s hiring is effective immediately according a prepared statement from the mayor’s office.
In addition to all this, the Detroit City Council today voted to postpone debate into whether to order its own investigation into the developing text messaging scandal involving Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Also, there is a good chance that Kilpatrick and Beatty will not have to repay $9 million paid by the City of Detroit. The only way the city will recover any money from Kilpatrick and Beatty is if they are convicted of lying at the police trial and sentenced by a judge to pay restitution, the experts said.And finally, for now, Kilpatrick has resigned from the board of his alma mater, Florida A&M. Kilpatrick submitted the letter of resignation Monday to the foundation chairman, Joseph L. Webster, effective immediately.
LATINOS AND BARACK: SI SE PUEDE SENOR OBAMA???
THEY ARE FEELING THIS BROTHA, TRUST ME!
By Najee Ali
The recent false and misleading statements by Sen. Clinton and her staff who implied that Latinos will not vote for Sen. Obama because he is Black are ridiculous.
There are three African American Congress members(Diane Watson, Laura Richardson, and Maxine Waters) whose congressional districts in Los Angeles are noted for having a large population of Latino voters. These African American Congress members as well as Jan Perry, an African American L.A. City Councilmember could not retain there seat without the Latino vote.
Latino voters can’t allow the politics of fear to guide them when they cast their vote. The Clinton campaign has chosen to engage in the politics of divide and conquer. When we cast our ballots to vote we shouldn’t cast our ballot for anyone based on race whether their Latino, African American White or Asian. We have to elect someone who best serves our interests.
When Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa first ran for Mayor I was one the few African American leaders who endorsed him and worked on his campaign. The majority of African American leaders endorsed and supported City Attorney James K. Hahn who grew up in our community and whose father was the legendary Supervisor Kenny Hahn. Black voters were more comfortable supporting someone whose name they knew and whose family was part of their past.
Villaraigosa was unsuccessful in his first attempt but Villaraigosa was successful on his second attempt due in part on the strength of the African American vote which helped him to become the city first Latino Mayor in over a century. African Americans and Latinos live side by side in various parts of the city. We share the same problems and concerns which include gang violence, a lack of jobs, and employment training access to quality schools and healthcare.
Black voters realized that Mayor Villaraigosa was the future and our best choice. Black voters needed to have and welcome a new friend into our community. We chose to vote our conscience and for someone we believed in the next election. Our new friend Mayor Villaraigosa is now a voice in South Los Angles and City Hall for the Black community.
On Tuesday Feb 5th, Latino voters will face a similar dilemma and challenges. Clinton and her husband former President Bill Clinton are well known in the Latino community. Sen. Clinton has been able to use those relationships to garner endorsements from some Latino leaders but is she the best choice for Latinos based on their needs? Sen. Clinton does not support supports driver licenses for undocumented immigrants.
Sen. Obama has a long history of working side by side in Chicago with Latino activists for social change’s.Sen Obama has stated publicly that he supports driver licenses for undocumented immigrants.
Which is why I believe he has been able to secure the vote and support of influential Latino leaders such as Congressman Xavier Becerra, State Sen. Gil Cedillo and State Sen. Gloria Romero. Undocumented immigrants who qualify should be able to drive legally to the store, work, parks, school, and the doctor’s office or anywhere they choose. That should be a right for the Latino community.
The Latino community in Southern California is now faced with the same challenge that African American voters faced. Will the Latino community vote for politicians based on there name or will they vote for their future and a person that best represents there needs.
Digital Civil Rights Activist Najee Ali is co-founder of the Latino and African American Leadership Alliance.
Did You Catch The Night With The Harlem Globetrotters Special?
This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Harlem Globetrotters, the remarkably gifted and entertaining team known as the "crown princes of basketball. Last night, the Harlem Globetrotters made their dramatic return to network television in a one-hour prime time special event revolving around a basketball game that pitted the legendary Globetrotters against their long-time nemesis, the Washington Generals.Beyond televising the Globetrotter game against the Generals, took a stroll down memory lane and showcased some of the greatest moments from the Globetrotters 80+ years of thrilling audiences worldwide. Like this:
Jackson & Sharpton Differ On Clinton While The Root Debuts, Color Purple Closes And Jamaicans Dis Boss Ross
Introducing Black Web Magazine "The Root"Jackson: Not Upset by Clinton Remarks Sharpton Criticizes
Race a Factor in Shooting of Black Cop in NY?
Queen Latifah Wins Screen Actor's Guild Award
Chicago Police Torture Victims Share $20M Settlement
Race a Factor in Shooting of Black Cop in NY?
Queen Latifah Wins Screen Actor's Guild Award
Chicago Police Torture Victims Share $20M Settlement
D. Woods on New 'Making The Band'
The First African American Billionaire: Reginald F. Lewis
Prostate Cancer More Likely to Return in Blacks
Oprah's Color Purple Takes a Bow
'The Wire' Holds Auction for Baltimore Charity
Documentary 'Traces' Painful Portrait of Slave-Trade Legacy
FAMU Employee Arrested, Accused of Stealing $55,344
NY Police Face Judge, Not Jury, in Sean Bell Shooting
The First African American Billionaire: Reginald F. Lewis
Prostate Cancer More Likely to Return in Blacks
Oprah's Color Purple Takes a Bow
'The Wire' Holds Auction for Baltimore Charity
Documentary 'Traces' Painful Portrait of Slave-Trade Legacy
FAMU Employee Arrested, Accused of Stealing $55,344
NY Police Face Judge, Not Jury, in Sean Bell Shooting
AYLWIN LEWIS OUT AS MORE FOLKS STOP FEELING SEARS
Black Fortune 500 CEO's Are Dropping Like Flies: What's Up???Merrill Lynch's Stanley O'Neal. Time Warner's Richard Parsons. Now Sears is the latest to have a member of the family part ways with a major player on Wall Street. The holdings corportation abruptly announced the departure it's African American president and chief executive officer, leaving a management void at the top of the department store chain as it tries a high-stakes restructuring to reconnect with customers and reinvigorate slumping sales.
Aylwin B. Lewis, 52, was an executive at fast-food chain Yum Brands Inc. and had little retail experience when he was hand-picked in 2004 to run Kmart and later Sears. In addition to leaving as CEO, the brotha will also resign from the Sears'. W. Bruce Johnson was named as interim CEO while the company looks for a permanent successor.
The company gave no timeline for finding a full-time replacement for Lewis, who was one of the nation's few black CEOs of a Fortune 500 company, but industry experts said Sears needs to tap an executive with retail experience if the company has any hopes of succeeding.
For the first three quarters of the year, Sears' profit has fallen more than 40 percent. And earlier this month the company said it managed to post third-quarter earnings of just $2 million — down 99 percent from last year.
Adding to investors' frustrations, was a warning that Sears would likely post fourth-quarter earnings well below Wall Street forecasts as eroding sales push its profit down as much as 57 percent.
The company said it expects to earn between $350 million and $470 million, or $2.59 to $3.48 per share, for the quarter ending Saturday — far less than the $4.43 per share sought by analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial. Sears earned $820 million in the fourth quarter a year earlier.
Sears shares, which reached a high of $195.18 in April, rose $1.28, or 1.3 percent, to $100.28 Monday.
Aylwin B. Lewis, 52, was an executive at fast-food chain Yum Brands Inc. and had little retail experience when he was hand-picked in 2004 to run Kmart and later Sears. In addition to leaving as CEO, the brotha will also resign from the Sears'. W. Bruce Johnson was named as interim CEO while the company looks for a permanent successor.
The company gave no timeline for finding a full-time replacement for Lewis, who was one of the nation's few black CEOs of a Fortune 500 company, but industry experts said Sears needs to tap an executive with retail experience if the company has any hopes of succeeding.
For the first three quarters of the year, Sears' profit has fallen more than 40 percent. And earlier this month the company said it managed to post third-quarter earnings of just $2 million — down 99 percent from last year.
Adding to investors' frustrations, was a warning that Sears would likely post fourth-quarter earnings well below Wall Street forecasts as eroding sales push its profit down as much as 57 percent.
The company said it expects to earn between $350 million and $470 million, or $2.59 to $3.48 per share, for the quarter ending Saturday — far less than the $4.43 per share sought by analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial. Sears earned $820 million in the fourth quarter a year earlier.
Sears shares, which reached a high of $195.18 in April, rose $1.28, or 1.3 percent, to $100.28 Monday.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Looks Like Rudy Is Jumping The Sinking "Giuliani for President" Ship
Etta James Sang It Best, "At Last" Rudy Comes To His Senses
In a meeting in the back of his chartered plane en route to St. Petersburg, Fla., a short while ago, the onetime, longtime GOP front-runner told a small group of reporters: "The winner of Florida will win the nomination.
Another one bites the dust???"
That's an unusually categorical statement suggesting that only a total upset for Giuliani, who trails both Mitt Romney and John McCain in all major polls for Florida's Republican primary tomorrow, will keep him in the competition.
Giuliani's campaign, which led in national polls when it began and stayed there for many months, is showing signs of serious financial fatigue. This month his top staffers are foregoing their paychecks so the maximum amount of money can be invested to salvage his political fortunes in the Sunshine State, which was where Giuliani's late-state strategy was to kick into high gear. [LA Times]
Beyonce Goes Retro Like Barack, Signing On To Play Etta James In New Flick
Having achieved major success on the stage and screen as a singer and as an actress, Beyonce, who starred in 'Dreamgirls', will be singing again on the big screen for her next big role as famed singer Etta James. While speaking to Cedric the Entertainer on his latest film, 'Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins', he mentioned to blackfilm.com that Beyonce has been cast to play the legendary songstress on his next film, 'Cadillac Records'.
Toni Morrison Pens Her Hopes On Obama Being The "Second Black President!"
The incredible Black woman who famously labeled Bill Clinton as the "first black president" is now backing Barack Obama. This brotha is making it rain on Camp Billary family!
Author Toni Morrison said her endorsement of the Democratic presidential candidate has little to do with Obama's race — he is the son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas — but rather his personal gifts.
Writing with the touch of a poet in a letter to the Illinois senator, Morrison explained why she chose Obama over Hillary Rodham Clinton for her first public presidential endorsement.
Morrison, whose acclaimed novels usually concentrate of the lives of black women, said she has admired Clinton for years because of her knowledge and mastery of politics, but then dismissed that experience in favor of Obama's vision.
Continued reading TONI MORRISON REVOKES BILL CLINTON'S "FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT" CARD
Ted Kennedy Proclaims "I've Found My Candidate In Barack Obama!"
Extraordinary Gifts of Leadership and Talent Matches "The Fierce Urgency of Now!"
After his spectacular showing in South Carolina Saturday against Hillary Rodham Clinton, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy flanked by his brother's only surviving heir, Caroline Kennedy and others who make up the famous Kennedy clan, today endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States.
There's something about momentum and right now, Obama has it in spades. Much to the chagrin of Bill Clinton and his woman, Ted and other Kennedy family members gave brotha Barack credibility in terms of Latinos, labor, the gay community, and independents as soon as he ascended the stage.
After his spectacular showing in South Carolina Saturday against Hillary Rodham Clinton, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy flanked by his brother's only surviving heir, Caroline Kennedy and others who make up the famous Kennedy clan, today endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States.
There's something about momentum and right now, Obama has it in spades. Much to the chagrin of Bill Clinton and his woman, Ted and other Kennedy family members gave brotha Barack credibility in terms of Latinos, labor, the gay community, and independents as soon as he ascended the stage.
Citing Barack as a voice for justice and a new national leader, Kennedy was clear to note that although the phenom could have gone the corporate route as a distinguished Harvard Law grad, this black man took a different route. Giving him credit for his youth and an ability to move America forward, Kennedy insisted that he's looking toward the future. "I see the audacity and hope for the America that is yet to be.""With Barack Obama," Kennedy exclaimed, "we will close the book on race against race, gender against gender and straight against gay." He sees the freshman Illinois senator as being able to get healthcare for the poor, and end a war he never supported that, "America should not have fought." With his hoarse voice sometimes straining, the thunderous applause Kennedy proclaimed that Barack will be ready to lead, "On day one!"
Clearly comparing Harry Truman criticism of his brother, former President John F. Kennedy, to Bill Clinton's sucker-punches of Barack Obama, Kennedy called on the nation to choose change and a new direction. While praising both Hill and Bill, as well as John Edwards, Kennedy left no doubt that he's betting it all on black.
To the cheers "OBAMA, OBAMA!" today was another homerun for team Barack. The senator has found his voice, clearly taking on the New York Senator by referring to Hillary as the past, while he personifies the future. Partly because of the Kennedy administration's assistance in bringing Kenyan students to America for educational opportunites, this is reason, Barack proudly noted, is the reason why his father came to the United States and ultimately met his mother.
The announcement, again with Stevie Wonder's upbeat "Signed, Sealed, and Delivered" oldies tune blaring in the background, comes as February 5th is looking more and more like a political tsunami with high stakes in California, New York, New Jersey and Arizona. With a particular need to tap into the Latino vote, labor, and women, this is exactly what Obama needs as he begins airing Spanish ads in Los Angeles, and courts New Mexico Governor and former presidential candidate Bill Richardson for support.
While Kennedy has "enormous respect and admiration of Sen. Clinton," he also believes Sen. Obama has "a unique message and a unique opportunity." Kennedy's niece and John F Kennedy's daughter Caroline, endorsed Obama yesterday in a New York Times op-ed entitled, "A President Like My Father."In my post Saturday, I told you about how this campaign is being marketed to tap into a 1960's era of change, hope and inspiration. Barack noted all this and more by establishing today that he is the closest link to the John and Robert Kennedy era than any other candidate, and is the proud product of a "dream that has never died."
Obama was masterful in his directive to the local crowd and the national audience to find common ground. As MSNBC's Chris Matthews noted, "For all those kids who wanted to know what it was like in the 60's, this is it." This historic campaign just keeps getting better. CNN has additional details.
TIGER WOODS' NEWBORN SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT, DADDY CELEBRATES BY CRUSHING COMPETITION IN BUICK OPEN
Getting a good nights sleep can make a world of difference. Ask Tiger Woods as he devastated the competition, as the first PGA event of 2008, The Buick Open, came to a close on Sunday.
With this victory Tiger Ties Arnold Palmer with 62 PGA Tour Wins. This was Tigers 4th straight win at the Buick Invitational. Sources say Tiger really owes it to his new baby finally sleeping straight through the night and giving he and his wife Elin Nordegren a goods night sleep. For more, check out Tiger Crushes.
FALLEN SOLDIERS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN: STARTING THE WEEK WITH THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE: 1-28-2008
THIS WEEK, THE PENTAGON RELEASED THE NAMES OF 6 SOLDIERS KILLED IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN:
Army LTC Richard J Berrettini, 52, of Wilcox, PA
Army PFC Keith E Lloyd, 26, of Milwaukee, WI
Marine LCpl Curtis A Christensen Jr, 29, of Collingswood, NJ
Army PFC Danny L Kimme, 27, of Fisher, IL
Army PFC David H Sharrett II, 27, of Oakton, VA
Army SPC John P Sigsbee, 21, of Waterville, NY
As of Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008, at least 3,935 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes eight military civilians. At least 3,200 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.
SO WHY ARE THESE CANDIDATES SMILING? IF YOU ARE AT A RALLY AND GET THE OPPORTUNITY... ASK THEM!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Christine Beatty, Kwame's Former Jump-off, Has An Uncertain Future As The Detroit Mayor's Chief Of Staff
Divorced Mother Of Two And Law Student Seeks Forgiveness... And A Continued Income Stream
BREAKING NEWS: BEATTY RESIGNS!!!!
Sure she sent sexy text messages to the hip-hop Detroit mayor on her city owned crackberry. And yes, her and Kwame Kilpatrick did go on excusions at taxpayers expense while both were married and her husband Lou was coaching hizzoner's son. Hey, that's water on the bridge according to Christine Beatty's pastor.
While Kilpatrick was a no-show at Sunday church services today, he and Beatty, both 37, were quite the team. Mayor Kilpatrick's biggest successes included negotiating much-needed health care and wage concessions with city unions and crafting a strategy for neighborhood improvement. But they were also partners in crime that could now see them both behind bars.
On Thursday that the embattled city chief of staff had the Rev. Ronald Griffin of Rose of Sharon Church of God in Christ disclose that he and his wife have been counseling Beatty and that she is devastated by what has happened. He wouldn't be specific, but said Beatty knows she made a mistake. knows she made a "colossal mistake" and is repentant.
But asking for forgiveness may not be enough for the longtime Kilpatrick aide and high school classmate to stay in the job and avoid perjury charges, after text messages emerged that contradict her under-oath denials of an affair with Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, married to Carlita and a father of three.The exisitence of those damning text messages between Kilpatrick and Beatty -- messages that also document that they fired Deputy Police Chief Gary Brown, which in part cost the city a $9 million lawsuit settlement, which includes legal fees -- should end Beatty's city career, some say.
"She's been an issue for a long time," said Adolph Mongo, a political consultant, who said Beatty has to resign. "When you become a polarizing individual, you need to get out of the way." "She knows her life will never be the same," Griffin said. "She fully realizes the consequences and all those that she has affected. She has not tried to justify it."
Beatty, a former social worker, has worked with Kilpatrick since 1997, when he was in the state House of Representatives, and helped chair his first-term mayoral campaign. The two have been friends since attending Cass Technical High School together. Beatty divorced her ex Lou Beatty in 2006, has two girls, ages 9 and 7, and is a law student at Wayne State University. Although she remains out of the office, Beatty apparently has no plans to quit her position to date.
TED KENNEDY ENDORSES BROTHA BARACK!
Ghost Of JFK Haunts Camp Billary
After his spectacular showing in South Carolina Saturday, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy will endorse Barack Obama for president tomorrow. YES WE CAN!!!
There's something about momentum and right now Obama has it, much to the chagrin of Bill Clinton and his woman. A Hillary campaign source told CNN that campaign understands "that Ted Kennedy is endorsing Obama and expecting it." And a Massachusetts Democratic source close to the senator confirmed that Kennedy has indeed committed to teaming up with the bi-racial Illinois Senator.
The announcement comes as February 5th is looking more and more like a political tsunami with high stakes in California, New York, New Jersey and Arizona. With a particular need to tap into the Latino vote, labor, and women, this is exactly what Obama needs as he begins airing Spanish ads in Los Angeles, and courts New Mexico Governor and former presidential candidate Bill Richardson for support.
While Kennedy has "enormous respect and admiration of Sen. Clinton," he also believes Sen. Obama has "a unique message and a unique opportunity." Kennedy's niece and John F Kennedy's surviving heir, Caroline Kennedy, endorsed Obama today in a New York Times op-ed entitled, "A President Like My Father."
In my post yesterday, I told you about how this campaign is being marketed to tap into a 1960's era of change, hope and inspiration. With 9 days before Super Tuesday, I think Barack Obama can pull it off. What say you?
AFRICAN-AMERICAN POLITICAL COMMENTATORS HOLD THEIR OWN IN THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
I have to give a big thumbs up to Hardball with Chris Matthews, NBC, MSNBC, General Electric and anyone affiliated with the NBC brand. They are finally fully redeeming themselves from the whole Don Imus fiasco almost a year ago.
Around the time I began regularly blogging, the Don Imus situation had arose and I remember being so angry that it took NBC/MSNBC two days to get any Black women on their program to respond to what became a crisis for NBC.
Well, what a difference nine months makes.
The professed news junkie that I am, I regularly switch back between CNN and MSNBC most afternoons. Well, Friday I almost went into cardiac arrest because I believe MSNBC broke the record for the most African American commentators during the course of any one hour news program in history. It was thrilling. I loved it!
On the program today, Chris Matthews had on Faye Wattleton of the Center for the Advancement of Women, Michelle Bernard of Independent Women's Voice, Deroy Murdock, Rudy Giuliani advisor and Townhall.com columnist, LaToya Foster, radio talk show host and Michael Fauntroy of George Mason University and author of Republicans and the Black Vote (btw, why the hell is this 181-page book $40?).
Now between CNN and MSNBC, is it about to be the battle of the Black commentators? CNN has Roland Martin, Amy Holmes and Donna Brazile. Another regular Black commentator making the rounds is Keli Goff. And of course, I can't forget my friend, Dr. Boyce Watkins. Continue reading>>>
Saturday, January 26, 2008
SOUTH CAROLINA GIVES OBAMA THE NOD, SNUBS HILLARY CLINTON'S REQUEST FOR A GHETTO PASS!
YES WE CAN!!!
In the non-stop punditry that's sure to follow the South Carolina Democratic presidential smackdown, most talking heads will never truly decipher the reason New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's lost so stunningly to Illinois Senator Barack Obama.
Hillary's DECISIVE defeat at 27% versus Barack's 55% was not about her electability in Dixie. And this certainly was not about needing to ratchet-up her national delegate count. I submit to you that Hillary was there to tender her application for a ghetto pass. And based on Saturday’s results, her request so far has unequivocally been stamped DENIED!
Ghetto Pass: Figurative and/or literal approval, i.e. street credibility, given to a non-black person or a now-successful Black person, from African-Americans. Awarded when one can establish a demonstrative comprehension of the Black struggle while holding themselves and their image out to be a person not necessarily from, but of the ghetto - whether they’re of color or otherwise.
Still confused? Let’s try it in a sentence: In a valiant effort to say I-am-sistagirl-hear-me-roar, Hillary went from one urban neighborhood to the next waving her husband’s platinum ghetto pass.
While most in Black intelligentsia would concede Bill Clinton’s lifetime membership is secure, there is considerable disagreement over whether the former president’s pass extends to Hillary. Ghetto passes, after all, are typically non-transferable. Just because soulful crooner Robin Thicke became the first white artist since George Michael in 1988 to top the U.S. R&B charts with his melodic “Lost Without U” last year, doesn’t mean Black folks want to start channel surfing Nick at Nite to catch Robin’s dad Allan Thicke on the 80’s sitcom Growing Pains.With the fiercely loyal African American vote being without question the mother’s milk of Democratic politics, South Carolina provided a fascinating setting to observe both Hillary and Barack suckling from the same lactating teat. After all, where else would someone with White House aspirations be able to successfully nurse multiple constituencies of church folk, old school civil rights warriors, and the white-labor-working class base?
But the race is still early, and right now it’s the former first lady who clearly recognizes that her fate is tied to this notion that the African-American community can be both colorblind and blindly loyal to all things Clinton. Bill Clinton knows that we have done this before, sometimes even at our own peril.
Whether looking out from his office windows in Harlem or testifying at Coretta Scott King’s funeral last year, we love Bill and we’re not about to completely abandon his girl. Not yet anyway. But Camp Clinton realizes that Barack has people swooning. And that’s why Bill’s appearances of late, despite being affectionately dubbed the “first black president” by author Toni Morrison, have caused some to demand that the once cool cat sporting dark shades and wielding a sax on Arsenio back in the day needs to immediately take a "chill" pill.
Why? Because Slick Willy, as dub by the GOP, is starting to really tick us off. Just look at Hill's plummeting support from Blacks in national polls. According to the Associated Press, Mr. Clinton predicted last week that “many voters would be guided mainly by gender and race loyalties" and that his wife would lose South Carolina. So if that was a foregone conclusion, why label Barack a fairytale? Why are folks like Magic Johnson inferring that Obama is a bench-warming rookie, or BET’s Robert Johnson insulting this dynamic young politician on the come-up?Barack’s meteoric rise in star power has awakened the sleeping giant called Black political activism. His campaign is driving up and drawing out young people, particularly the increasingly large independent vote more and more Blacks are gravitating towards. Having chipped away at Clinton's early lead in a race that is clearly now mano-o-mano (John Edwards who?), the body politic in particular and the country in general needs a competent woman and solid minority duking it out for top dog status.
When it comes to yet another year of the White Boy, we have been there and done that! It’s 2008, and even Black Republicans like me feel it’s time we shake things up. Although Camelot is long gone, the fascination with Barack is reminiscent of JFK some forty years ago. And the frenzy over Hillary versus Jackie O is noteworthy, if for no other reason, than the fact that they were both First Lady’s who left their imprimatur on this nation in ways we’re still dissecting.
The 1960's era, for better or worse, reflected something unique and different about the country's psyche. Americans want to believe again, and one of these two candidates will be the benefactor of this current nostalgic feeling that real change is just over the horizon. Having Caroline Kennedy's endorsement, Stevie Wonder's Signed, Sealed Deliver blaring in the background, and scores of folks sure to follow after that Bill Clintonesque speech, Hillary made need to find a new voice... AGAIN!Clearly the final exam African Americans are administering before Super Tuesday on February 5th will consist of the remaining devastation of Hurricane Katrina, illegal immigration, the subprime mortgage crisis, the decline of Black males enrolling in college and marrying Black women having their children, the Iraq war, access to capital, and the lingering effects of slavery and racism. While Obama seems poised to do well on this test, it remains to be seen whether Hillary Clinton will score high enough to pass.
But if the Disneyland “E” ticket she’s coveting equates to securing this prized ghetto pass of which I speak, and folks who see themselves as being Black first before anything else hold sway over how we go forward, everyone in the Democratic party should buckle their seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.
By Kevin Ross, Founder and CEO, 3BAAS Media
Janice Dickerson Knows Eye Candy When She Sees It: Meet Mauricio!
Ladies, check out this tasty Black man's MySpace page!Tyra Banks, Would You Please Feed Your Model!
America's Next Top Model winner Jaslene is clearly about to pass out. This ain't cute. PERIOD!
Detroit Black Female Prosecutor Kym Worthy Will Decide If Kwame Kilpatrick Should Be Taken Out!!!
Prosecutor Promises Full Investigation, Despite Personal Call From Kilpatrick
Seven hours after Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced she was wading into the text message scandal involving Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his chief of staff, the prosecutor confirmed Friday that the mayor called her this week to tell her he would remain neutral in her upcoming re-election bid. I don't know about you, but something tells me this sistah don't play!
And unfortunately for brotha Kwame, hooking with a high-yellow sister who probably wasn't giving him the time of day before his ascent will not bode well for his politcal career. As my queen pointed out, the wife may have gained some weight (see next post) and stopped taking care of herself, as many women do, in order to focus on the children and play the doting, supportive spouse role! Now Mayor, it's payback time!
Worthy's spokeswoman, Maria Miller, said the phone call came out of the blue Tuesday morning, several hours before the Free Press notified the mayor's office it wanted to interview him and Christine Beatty regarding what the newspaper published Thursday. The call was unusual because Worthy and Kilpatrick have had a distant political relationship.
Miller said Worthy doesn't know whether Kilpatrick was aware of the upcoming Free Press report when he made the call, or whether he was trying to head off an investigation. But Miller pointedly noted that Worthy has had no more than three conversations with the mayor in four years.
"She was very surprised by this because they know each other as public officials but she rarely speaks with him on the phone," Miller said.
Worthy, at her news conference Friday morning, said she would conduct a "fair, impartial and thorough" investigation in the wake of the Free Press report that Kilpatrick and Beatty lied under oath at a police whistle-blower's trial last summer when they denied having a sexual relationship.
The report, based on a series of text messages from Beatty's city-issued paging device, also indicated the mayor and Beatty misled jurors when they said they had not fired deputy police chief Gary Brown in 2003.
The outcome of the trial and related legal issues cost the city more than $9 million.
Worthy did not specify what, if any, possible criminal charges would be investigated and she declined to take questions from reporters.
Former Macomb County Prosecutor Carl Marlinga said Worthy could either conduct the investigation in-house or ask the State Police, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office or another law enforcement agency to conduct it. He said having an outside agency do the investigation would give it more credibility.
Marlinga, referring to Kilpatrick's phone call to Worthy, said the call is suspicious, but probably not improper.
Kilpatrick spokesman James Canning acknowledged Friday that the mayor made the call but said it was before Kilpatrick knew about the Free Press' upcoming articles. "It was well before we were aware you guys were doing a story," Canning said.
The mayor called Worthy sometime before noon Tuesday, Miller said. The Free Press first notified the mayor's office it wanted to speak with him and Beatty early Tuesday evening. That was followed by numerous attempts Wednesday.
The city's attorneys, however, have known since early January of a Free Press lawsuit against the city seeking documents relating to the whistle-blower settlement. As part of that suit, the paper had sent a subpoena to SkyTel seeking the text messages.
Worthy ran unopposed in 2004. Defense lawyer and former Wayne County assistant prosecutor Portia Roberson has announced that she plans to run against Worthy this year. Worthy did not endorse anyone in the 2005 mayoral race, when Kilpatrick won his second term.
Detroit City Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel said she's concerned about the phone call.
"Personally, I would not be comfortable," she said. "I would be concerned that it would create the appearance of a conflict."
Motown Embroiled In Sex Text Scandal As Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Faces Perjury Probe And Calls To Step Down
Black Detroit Mayor Is Missing In ActionAt a news conference Friday in Detroit, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said articles about the Motor City's Kwame Kilpatrick (shown above with wife Carlita) and his chief of staff Christine Beatty that appeared in the Detroit Free Press on Thursday have raised questions that require an investigation.
As we first reported, this embarassing scandal resulted in Detroit doling out 9 million for a lawsuit that could have been settled for 100,000 after a security officer filed an unlawful termination lawsuit against the city and the mayor. "Yesterday there was an article that appeared in the Detroit Free Press about the mayor and his chief of staff," Worthy said at a news conference, where she refused to answer any questions. "I found out about this article when you did, in the morning newspaper. There are people who mistakenly believe that this office has been conducting an investigation. That could not be farther from the truth. And we have received no information whatsoever from any police agency."
Worthy said "news reports and newspaper articles are not investigations and they are not evidence. We cannot and will not at any time make any potential charging decision based on that."
The stories have, however, prompted an investigation. Details>>>
As we first reported, this embarassing scandal resulted in Detroit doling out 9 million for a lawsuit that could have been settled for 100,000 after a security officer filed an unlawful termination lawsuit against the city and the mayor. "Yesterday there was an article that appeared in the Detroit Free Press about the mayor and his chief of staff," Worthy said at a news conference, where she refused to answer any questions. "I found out about this article when you did, in the morning newspaper. There are people who mistakenly believe that this office has been conducting an investigation. That could not be farther from the truth. And we have received no information whatsoever from any police agency."Worthy said "news reports and newspaper articles are not investigations and they are not evidence. We cannot and will not at any time make any potential charging decision based on that."
The stories have, however, prompted an investigation. Details>>>
Friday, January 25, 2008
Barack & Michelle Obama: That's Some Serious Black On Black Love
ENOUGH SAID!For Michelle Obama, 44, the emphasis was on Barack Obama, 46, and his character. ``So, if you haven't heard, my husband is running for president of the United States,'' she said to a crowd of students at the University of South Carolina in Columbia on Jan. 23, an event that drew about a dozen national reporters. Throughout the day, she used ``we'' as often to refer to the audience or Americans as a whole, as she did when speaking of herself and her husband. [Forbes]
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