With Business Hurting, Now Starbucks Is Willing To Give Free WiFi To Coffee Drinking Internet Addicts

Starbucks, which for years rejected giving away free Internet service at its stores, has reversed course and said Monday that it will begin offering limited, free Wi-Fi at more than 7,000 company-owned U.S. stores. You know Britney Spears is excited about this news, poor thing.

The switch to AT&T Inc. from T-Mobile will allow customers to receive up to two hours of free Internet service starting this spring. However, to access the Wi-Fi, customers must have a cash balance on an active Starbucks card, which is used to buy drinks, CDs or other items. Cards start at $5.

Seattle-based Starbucks Corp. said it has not worked out all the details as to how much of a cash balance must be on a card, and it has not set firm dates when the free Wi-Fi will begin. But its hometown likely will be among the first large cities to get the service as it is rolled out this year, said Chris Bruzzo, the company's chief technology officer. Full Starbucks Story

BRITNEY SPEARS CHECKS OUT OF PSYCH WARD

BRITNEY SPEARS CHECKS OUT
Britney Spears has been released from UCLA Medical Center. She slipped quietly out of the psych ward and may be heading home to one of her houses. A police officer said, "It occurred without any law enforcement intervention, and for the public that's a good thing."

DELTA BURKE CHECKS IN
The former Designing Women star decided she could use professional help herself. She voluntarily checked herself into an undisclosed L.A.-area psychiatric hospital last week to deal with some longstanding mental-health issues

But what about African Americans and our mental health. As America throws attention and ultimately millions of dollars keep'n whites sane and tune up. We need this kind of attention and help but rarely get it why.


A 200-page report, "Mental Health: Culture, Race and Ethnicity," cites poverty and lack of insurance as key factors why many minorities do not receive proper mental health care. It found that racial and ethnic minorities are less likely than whites to have access to treatment, and those who do often receive a lesser quality of care.

If you go to the dentist twice a year and the medical doctor once a year... then once a year all of us should spend 3 days with a licensed mental health professional. Read on to HealthyPlace.com and see where Blacks folks must go to get proper mental health treatment.

OBAMA GETS LA TIMES ENDORSEMENT AND ONCE AGAIN, BRITNEY SPEARS IS KILLING MY BARACK BUZZ

Now that Britney Spears' father Jamie has conservatorship over the despondent rock star and Oprah is back on the campaign trail, things are getting better for brotha Obama. Here's the latest, from the Los Angeles Times:

Democrats preparing to vote in Tuesday's California primary can mark their ballots with confidence, knowing that either candidate would make a strong nominee and, if elected, a groundbreaking leader and capable president. But just because the ballot features two strong candidates does not mean that it is difficult to choose between them. We urge voters to make the most of this historic moment by choosing the Democrat most focused on steering the nation toward constructive change: We strongly endorse Barack Obama.

The U.S. senator from Illinois distinguishes himself as an inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering and appeals to Americans long weary of divisive and destructive politics. He electrifies young voters, not because he is young but because he embodies the desire to move to the next chapter of the American story. He brings with him deep knowledge on foreign relations and on this nation's particular struggles with identity and opportunity. His flair for expression, both in print and on the stump, too easily leads observers to forget that Obama is a man not just of style but of substance. He's a thoughtful student of the Constitution and an experienced lawmaker in his home state and, for the last three years, in the Senate.

On policy, Obama and his rival Democratic candidate, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, are a hairsbreadth apart. Both vow to pull troops from Iraq. Both are committed to healthcare reform. Both offer candid critiques of the failed George W. Bush presidency, its blustering adventurism, its alienating stance toward other countries and its cavalier disregard for sacred American values such as individual liberty and due process of law. Get the rest, as the paper's endorsement of McCain.

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).

Britney Calls On Dr. Phil In The Midst of A Breakdown!!!

The story is every where. TV's Dr. Phil went to visit Britney Spears as she was hospitalized at Cedar Sinai Hospital undergoing psychiatric evaluation.


But did he really have to bring a camera crew with him. Isn't he feeding into one of the elements that is obviously setting off her bi-polar episodes. Isn't he just a user like the rest of the bottom feeders who surround her?

If I am ever in a crisis and I need a TV doctor. I'm calling Bernard Fox aka DR. BOMBAY from TV's Bewitched.

Who are you going to call?

Britney Spears's Meltdown Is Killing My Barack Obama Buzz!!!

Britney arrived at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the wee hours this morning after too much partying over brotha Obama's win in Iowa. We're told as Brit-Brit was brought out of the ambulance on a gurney by paramedics, she flipped off waiting paparazzi and had this to say to Hillary, "It's Barack, Bitch."

Earlier Thursday, two ambulances, a few fire trucks and several police cars rolled up to Britney's house. One person on the ground described the situation to us as "scary." Sources confirmed to TMZ that K-Fed's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan was at Britney's home earlier, but left as a police chopper even appeared on the scene.

Taken to the local hospital on a "medical hold" -- essentially a mental evaluation, cops found her earlier this evening at her home under the influence of an "unknown substance." Officers were called to the pop princesses home in Beverly Hills this evening after she reportedly refused to return custody of her two kids back over to K-Fed's bodyguard as ordered by the court. TMZ

At least Sean Preston and Jayden James were safely turned back over to K-Fed just before 11:00 PM PT. Along with the drama surrounding baby sister Jamie Lynn's being preggers and getting her show Zoey 101 canceled, we are watching another Anna Nicole tragedy unfold before our eyes.

While 50 Slams Britney Spears, Pharrell Williams Returns From Paris And All I Got Was This Purple Hermes Bag

Do REAL Brothers Carry Designer Birkin Bags???

Are you a fan of Pharrell Williams? Well, the rapper-songwriter-super producer and designer recently began a blog devoted to his new fashion line. PW also shares some photos of his latest shopping spree in Paris. "Stopped by Hermes yesterday to pick up my new travel bag," he tells his fans. "This purple croc bag is a “Haut A Courroie” which is the original Birkin bag." Rod 2.0 has the rest of the story.

And for God's sake, don't ask the producer of two tracks on the new Britney Spears album about the lippy, troubled pop star: "We should either leave her alone or you guys should ask positive questions on Britney.

I don't want that karma on me. At the end of the day she is a sweet person, she just made a few decisions we don't agree with. Ask me something else, ask me about Micky Mouse."

Aside from the latest drama Brit-Brit is dealing with, 50 Cent has said that it’s an injustice how his lyrics are censored when Britney Spears can say the word “Bitch.” Referring to Spears’ new single, ‘Gimme More,’ which she introduces by saying, “It’s Britney, bitch." "I guess they have their rules that apply individually to each artist separately: 'Oh no, he can't say that, 'cause he feels like that about that person,' " the rapper told MTV.

"But it's not a rule that applies to everybody else. Matter of fact, my next single, I'm going to start it [with], 'It's Britney, bitch!'

Curtis Jackson is "Satan" and Must Retire From Music Demands Group

50 Cent was recently asked to change the title of his new song, ‘It Still Kill’ to ‘I Still Will’ in order for it to comply with broadcast regulations.

BRITNEY SPEARS IS A BLACK WOMAN: SECRET REVEALED AS KANYE WEST COMES TO HER RESCUE

THIS WAS OLD BRITNEY: Britney? Problem? A Black man’s prospective.

Ok, make me understand. Britney’s blond with Jessica Simpson’s “yak hair” and she’s dazed from drinking Hennesy and partying till 6am from the night before.

THE NEW BRITNEY: Britneys put some “nice-Mariah-Carey-thick” on her skinny frame and she’s finally moving in Beyonce’s direction, with some “tasty junk in the trunk.”

Britney? Problem? … Black men got no problem!

Kanye Convinced Brit was Straight-Out Exploited For Ratings... Duh!

P.S. Where can I pre-order “Black” Britney’s new CD?

We need to stop, just stop all the analysis and murmuring and do one thing...

Leave Britney alone!!!

New Pics From The VMA Awards On The Web: Why Kanye West Is So Sour Tops The Day's News

Kanye West Says He'll 'Never Return to MTV'

Terrence Howard Keeps Up His Hustle

U.N. Chief Pleased with Darfur Progress

Liberia Ships First Post-War Diamonds
Sacramento Forum Tackles Crisis in Black Education

Sharpton Calls for Investigation of 'Jena 6' Prosecutor

Asafa Powell Breaks 100m World Record
Blacks Continue to Fill Head-Coaching Positions in NFL

Cosby Brings Back TV Teaching Program
Another Cartoon Uproar
Tiger Woods Fires 63 to Win BMW Championship

Former Clinton Official Backs Obama

Reparations and the African-Centered Curriculum

Why Shar Jackson Is Getting The Last Laugh: Watch Britney Spears "Gimme More" And See For Yourself!

Okay, Here's The Video Of Brit-Brit Last Night On MTV:
We must ask, are you feeling Kevin Federline's ex?

Yay or Nay???

MTV's 2007 VMA Winners In Pictures: Rihanna & Beyonce Can't Compete With Britney Bombing... Big Time!

Was it me, or was there something very off about Britney Spears?

While White media has already started bagging on Spears being "embarrassingly out-of-shape", we were thinking just the opposite. Her body, from a brotha's perspective, was on and poppin'. And after two mini-Federlines back to back -- oh c'mon, don't even trip!

It was her singing performance and dance routine, however, that left a lot to be desired.

Kicking off the show Sunday night with her new single, "Gimme More," Spears looked bleary and unprepared, much like her recent tabloid exploits on the streets of Los Angeles. She walked through her dance moves with little enthusiasm. She appeared to have forgotten the art of lip-synching.

Male Artist of the Year/ Quadruple Threat of the Year: Justin Timberlake/ Best Director: Samuel Bayer for Timberlake's "What Goes Around... "/Best Choreography: Marty Kudelka for Timberlake's "Let Me Talk to You..."

Even the celebrity-studded audience seemed bewildered. 50 Cent looked at Spears with a confused look on his face; Diddy, her new best friend, was expressionless. Some comeback. Breathlessly hyped by MTV as the evening's most anticipated performance, it became the most shockingly bad of the night. Jive Records might want to push back that Nov. 13 album release date.

The VMAs had better luck with their own reinvention on Sunday. After suffering poor reviews and a decline in ratings over the last few years, MTV moved the show to Las Vegas' Palms Casino, shortened the show from three hours to two, and changed the show's setup to focus more on performances than awards. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, Kanye West, Fall Out Boy and the Foo Fighters each hosted separate suite parties, where much of the show's performances were held.

Female Artist of the Year: Fergie

Thankfully, after Spears' dismal start and an awkward, tired intro by comedian Sarah "I Hear Crickets In The Audience" Silverman, the show rebounded with several exciting performances.

Silverman not only dogged Britney, but also her kids by calling them mistakes. You know if that had been a Black woman, hair would have been flying all over that stage.

There was even "White Rockers Gone Wild" drama in the audience when an off-camera beatdown broke out between Pamela Anderson exes Kid Rock and Tommy Lee. Word is that Kid just walked up and pimp-slapped Lee, leading Diddy to remark: "It's not just the hip-hop artists that sometimes have a problem."

Translation - there are no color barriers when it comes to acting Ghetto. Want another example? How about the latest "White Girls Gone Wild" baby-mama-drama playing out between actress Bridget Moynahan, supermodel Giselle Bundchen, and New England Patriot quaterbackr Tom Brady.

Best Group: Fallout Boy, "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race"

Timberlake's suite was packed with revelers, alcohol and eight lingerie-clad stripper types on raised platforms. Before he accepted the Quadruple Threat of the Year award at his suite, the DJ summoned the partygoers to watch the monitor and go crazy if Timberlake won.He did, they did, and Timberlake said: "I want to challenge MTV to play more videos!" Then he was whisked away by bodyguards and disappeared.

The ex-boy band N'Sync member was the night's big winner, with four trophies. After accepting the award for Male Artist of the Year, he jabbed at MTV again: "We don't want to see the Simpsons on reality television" - apparently he's not a fan of either Jessica or Ashlee's MTV shows.

Most Earthshattering Collaboration: Beyonce and Shakira, "Beautiful Liar"

Meanwhile, Rihanna won the coveted Video of the Year for her metallically inspired "Umbrella," and Monster Single of the Year for her ubiquitous hit "Umbrella," and Beyonce and Shakira won Most Earthshattering Collaboration for "Beautiful Liar." Beyonce's shimmering gold dress barely contained her top; immediately after she picked up her trophy, she asked an assistant backstage to help fix her dress, apparently to prevent a wardrobe malfunction.

Best Editing: Ken Mowe for Gnarls Barkley's "Smiley Faces"

Other performers were appearing on the show's main stage, in front of an industry-only audience seated at tables, like at the Golden Globes. Chris Brown gave one of the evening's most extravagant performances - a dance-centric, eye-popping spectacle that channeled Michael Jackson, right down to a brief "Billie Jean" imitation.

Alicia Keys had the evening's most rousing performance, debuting her new song "No One" and then an inspired, choir-backed cover of George Michael's "Freedom."

Best New Artist: Gym Class Heroes

While performances like Keys and Spears were delivered on the main stage, others were delivered in snippets: Akon crooned a bit of his "Smack That" before an award was announced, while the cameras zoomed in on performances from Fall Out Boy and the Foo Fighters mid-performance in their suites, giving viewers the sense that they had happened upon an intimate concert.

Cee-Lo delivered a rocking version of Prince's naughty classic "Darling Nikki" in the smoky Foo Fighters suite (where a beer bong was in operation as Dave Grohl danced, sang Cure songs, played air drums and posed for snapshots); Soulja Boy was showing Kanye West his "Crank That" dance in West's suite.

Though the suites appeared to be chaotic parties, the MTV-cast revelers were carefully organized and strategically placed for the cameras. In another suite, the MC encouraged everyone to drink and keep the energy up.

Video of the Year: Rihanna, "Umbrella," featuring Jay-Z / Monster Single of the Year: Rihanna, "Umbrella"

Choreographed or not, Timberlake and Timbaland's joint suite looked like the most exciting - T.I., buffeted by pole dancers, delivered a rousing version of "Big Things Poppin'" while 50 Cent stopped by to perform "Ayo Technology" with Timberlake and Timbaland.

Not to be outdone, T-Pain and West danced high atop Las Vegas in one of the Palms' balcony suites as they celebrated "The Good Life." And Lil Wayne, doing double duty in the Fall Out Boy suite after opening the pre-show with Nicole Scherzinger, was particularly animated.

But the TV audience never got full views of those shows, though MTV promised viewers more via its Web site and other "remixed" versions of the show. That might have been the purpose: to whet appetites for repeat viewings by promising glimpses of what they missed during the traditional broadcast. And unlike in recent years, there was plenty reason to come back for more.

WAIT... WE'VE GOT MORE PHOTOS!

AP Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen contributed to this report.