The Life of Michael Jackson on Blogtalkradio's Kevin Ross Show

(Click the photo of Michael Jackson to hear the chilling 911 Emergency Call)

Kevin Ross of 3BAAS Media Group paid tribute today to Michael Jackson on his eponymous Internet radio show that featured Lee Bailey of EUR Web and Blogtalkradio CEO Alan Levy. In between the legendary singer's memorable tunes, guests turned nostalgic when talking about The King of Pop's legacy and the future of music overall.

Reggie Calloway, formerly of the group Midnight Star, was one of several callers who paid tribute to the controversial superstar know as well for his sometimes wacky behavior as for a music career spanning five decades and 19 Grammys.

Twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jackson is believed to have sold close to half a billion records with such chart-topping hits such as Beat It, Billie Jean, Black or White, and of course Thriller. On his radio show, Ross erred in stating the Jackson's record sales were at 1 billion.

Speculation remains as to whether former wife and mother to two of the children Debbie Rowe will raised Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11, and Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., 12, after giving up all custody rights in exchange for money.

As to the MJ's youngest, 6 year-old Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (affectionately referred to as "Blanket"), no word on that child's mother or the role she may want to play in the child's life at this point.

In the meantime, the autopsy on Michael Jackson's body could take up to eight weeks before conclusive results are announced. In the meantime, speculation grows over the circumstances surrounding the death of the Black man who altered his appearance to the point of being unrecognizable.

Police are looking for Jackson's doctor who administered a dose of the drug Demoral that may have caused Jackson to go into cardiac arrest.

Stay tuned folks, this is only the beginning of the circus that without question is about to unleash.

Cell Phone Purses By Lore Ross A Hit With Women Seaching The Web For Quality Handbags and Purses That Are Affordable

Attention serious fashionista looking for something unique. Budding entrepreneur Lore Ross of Designs To Infinity has a outrageously cute line of cell phone purses that has women scooping them up for birthdays, graduations and bridesmaids. And on occasion, the intended recipient actually gets the gift -- instead of having to admire it from a far.

Affordably priced, these smartly designed, specialty-made bags in various hip colors and styles allow a girl to dress them up or down depending on her mood. What's particularly rich about these purses is the ease with which you can catch your guy's important call without fumbling all over the place, or otherwise destroying the cell phone now used as much for texting and updating your Facebook page then actually talking.

"We're seeing this explosion of various mobile applications being offered, so it was only a matter of time before style and functionality joined forces to create fabulous accessories for woman on the go," says Ross, a former Southern California fashion instructor. "With an additional opening for a credit card, driver license, some lipstick and a little cash, everything you need is right there."

(Designer Lore Ross, with one of her two sons)

She's absolutely right. Let's get real here, ladies. A cell phone purse is definitely the way to go -- whether attached to your favorite purse strap, a belt loop, or as a dainty stand-alone with just the right charms to really set it off.

And as cell phones become more sleek while retaining all the digital stuff us girls need to keep our lives manageable, this is one pleasure you won't feel guilty about splurging for. Designing since her teen years, Ross knew others would embrace her passion for bags. Seeing her sales increase exponentially over the last few months, all indicators are the busy wife and mother of two is definitely on the right track.

Just in time to celebrate July 4th, the simply adorable Barack Obama inspired "Patriotic Collection" will leave a lasting impression. Using social media to promote her brand, Lore Ross is marketing in ways that truly leverage her small business owner status. Just a quick Google search for "Cell Phone Purses" immediately brings up her blog designstoinfinity.blogspot.com.

In addition, Ross is on Twitter, and her line has been featured on the popular hand-crafted website Etsy. Recently profiled in Our Weekly Newspaper, crocheted bags and clutch purses are just some of the other delicious items you'll find when you stop by the Designs to Infinity online boutique. And if you can, catch up with Lore at one or more of the major upscale trade shows being held throughout the country.

KJLH Radio Public Affairs Director Jacquie Stephens Leaves The L.A. Scene

Los Angeles Loses One Phenomenal Woman

By Isidra Person-Lynn

Host of "LA Speaks Out" on urban radio station 102.3 KJLH for over decades, veteran News and Public Affairs Director Jacquie Stephens has moved to her childhood home of Chicago to start the next chapter of her journey.

This will probably come as a shock to her devoted listeners, and attendees of the annual Womens' Health Forum. But after the recent passing of her father, this only child knew it was time to be closer to her elderly mother and she stepped up for the biggest assist of her life.

KLJH is one of the few minority run media companies on the West Coast. Music icon and activist Stevie Wonder has owned the legendary FM music station serving the African American community for more than 30 years.

Until February of 2008, I used to sit in for her during her increasing visits to her mother's side. From then until June 16, the radio station has been going through some personnel changes while Jacquie was in the Windy City. Those changes, however, did not impact her decision to be with her mother. She has unselfishly served the Southern California community for over 25 years. This was not a decision that came lightly, but a good decision that brought peace of mind and resolve which allowed her heart to be clear.

As a former public affairs director and news reporter, I know of the countless events, Jacquie MC'd, personalities she interviewed, causes she championed, and news stories she broke. She has been honored frequently as a demonstration of the community's support.

Soon an article about Jacquie will be released, but, since Jacquie is not the type that will allow us to hold a luncheon in her honor (believe me, I asked) feel free to leave a comment which I will share with her.

If you have been a guest on L.A. Speaks Out, if you have ever benefited from a show, if you attended the KJLH Women's Health Conference, or in any way want to send her a message, she will see them, so speak directly to her. She would love to hear from you.

As for me, I am proud of my friend. The same way she worked for our community, she quietly departed. As always, she did it her way. Kwaku and Jaaye and I will miss you, Jacquie, but hold on, we're coming! And Steja, we're here for you, too!

Here are photos from this year's health forum.

New 2009 Study Examines Online Habits of Tech-Savvy African Americans

A recent survey conducted by 3BAAS Media Group that polled members of the newly formed Urban New Media Group elicited some surprising answers to questions surrounding habits of US blacks who frequent the Web.

Queried on the Internet locations they visited, You Tube by far was the most popular, followed by news sites such as CNN and Huffington Post, and then Facebook.

While blogs came in much lower than expected, the online tool the majority of respondents indicated they were most interested in learning more about was blogging. A close second was creating video content, with training on additional Facebook social networking applications coming in third.

Interesting enough, Twitter was not used by many of those surveyed. And yet mastering how to Tweet ranked in close proximity to Facebook.

When asked on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the best) how well were clergy and political representatives communicating important issues affecting African Americans, both received a score of 3. Community leaders fared worse, garnering an average score of 2.

Black newspapers and cable networks also received a 2 when the question was posed, "From a scale of 1 – 5 (with 5 being the best) how well do you think black media is doing providing important information to African Americans?" Black magazines and radio were each given a 3 score.

What was also revealing was the number of computer hours individuals spent specifically online. By far the most popular answer was between 3 – 6 hours a day.

Additional information asked included whether individuals believed Johnson Publications, creators of Ebony and Jet magazines, would be able to survive the current downturn amid advertising cutbacks and plummeting circulation numbers.

And participants also were given an opportunity to identify one issue that they would you like to see the Urban New Media Group focus on.

While the Urban New Media Group is open to anyone, most of the respondents were blacks residing in the United States. With membership having already swelled to almost 500 people, clearly a need exists to reach consumers seeking to become fully engaged in all things involving information and technology. Complete results of the survey will be provided to members and the public in the coming days.

The group was launched at the USC Annenberg School of Communication's 2009 Beyond Broadcast Conference. The 4th annual gathering of media experts, industry professionals and academia featured a discussion entitled, Urban New Media - Embracing The Digital Renaissance Movement. On hand to give their insight was Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas, USC Annenberg Dean Ernie Wilson, actress and media personality Rolonda Watts, and several others.

The moderator of the event was Kevin Ross, president and CEO of 3BAAS Media Group, a strategic marketing and online branding firm based in Los Angeles. Buoyed by the response the panel discussion received, 3BAAS is already planning a full 3-day conference focusing on urban niche communities in 2010.

For more information about the Urban New Media Group, visit the website, or join via Facebook.

Newspapers, Magazines, Radio & TV Could Learn Something From GM About Reinvention

It's Not About Going Out Of Business, It's About Getting Down To Business

Barry Diller's IAC Kicks Black Search Engine Rushmore Drive To The Curb

On The Kevin Ross Show, George Mason University Professor and Author Michael Fauntroy broke the news that Rushmore Drive has run out of gas.

The black search engine company that was under the IAC conglomerate never gained traction after it's much touted, splashy launch a lttle more than a year ago. CEO Johnny Taylor offically resigned yesterday according to Black Web 2.0, and Barry Diller, CEO of IAC, confirmed the company's uneventful demise

An IAC (NSDQ: IACI) spokeswoman said the move is "part of our continued effort to rationalize the IAC emerging businesses." The closure affects 17 employees; some people will be staying as the site's business winds down and IAC said it will help others find new positions.

The Washington Post is reporting that as for the potential sale CEO Johnny Taylor mentioned in his resignation letter to staff, apparently the company had exhausted all possibilities. According to April comScore numbers, the site had 439,000 uniques; internal tracking is higher (as is usually the case), around 600,000.

I'm sure more than a few folks are left scratching their heads wondering "What was even the point of Rushmore Drive???

Let's hope the new site The Grio doesn't suffer the same fate. It's all about content, folks!

TheGrio.com Debuts, Partners With NBCU And Sponsor Ford To Reach African Americans Online

NBCU Launches Web Site Aimed at African-Americans

Mary J. Blige: Branches Out on New Song
Dropped Charges Protested in Texas Dragging Case
Obama Speeds Projects to Create, Save 600,000 Jobs
Baseball Star Barry Bonds' to Split from Wife
Shell Settles Human Rights Suit for $15.5M
Stevie, Alicia, Latifah Booked for 'Mandela Day'

National Black Theatre Festival Marks 20 Years
Governor Race in Virginia May Hinge on Black Voters
Africa's Longest Serving Leader Dies
Races Differ in Rates of Sleep-Related Obesity
Publisher of Oldest black Newspaper Tells Secret to Survival
$1.5M to Black Mississippi Troopers Said Unlikely

From Black Report

Radio One Loses 60 Million This Year & Ebony Magazine Now Only Has 1 Photographer. Are We Losing Black Media?

After the 1st Annual Urban New Media conference sponsored by 3BAAS Media Group, a clarion call was made to address the bleak condition rapidly unfolding with black owned newspapers, radio stations, magazines and television outlets. It's time to be the change we want to see.

On Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00pm PST, respected African Americans in media will discuss how a new generation of black entreprenuers are determined to continue telling the stories of our history, celebrating our culture, and providing our perspective. Tune in to The Kevin Ross Show on Blogtalkradio as Boss Ross reveals what tradtional media is doing, and how new media is taking things to a whole new level.

We also reveal the results of the media survey completed by the recently formed New Urban Media Group on Facebook.

The call-in number is (347)945-5939. Don't miss it

Sometimes Black Republicans Have To Call A Spade A Spade!

So I said to him, "Barack, I know Abe Lincoln, and you ain't Abe Lincoln."

A fellow member of the GOP, also African American, sent this picture and accompanying words via email. It depicts famed members of the Republican Party including Nixon, Reagan, Bush I & II, and Roosevelt among others sitting around a table engaging in what appears to be a friendly poker game.

My friend wanted to know what I thought of this. I had an immediate visceral reaction that was so strong, it me to stop what I was doing and post it. It doesn't stop here. Under the hood, check out the rest of the language.

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.

You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.

.....Abraham Lincoln

Thoughts???