Teacher Student Brawl

Students are getting crazier and crazier. A Stephenson High School substitute teacher and a tenth-grade student have been charged for fighting each other on the last day of school. A cell phone camera captured the entire incident.The fight happened Friday, May 23 on the last day of school. According to an incident report, the two had been having conflicts all day. The teacher, listed as Carolyn Jones, said she overheard the student saying she was going to pull Jones’ wig off. The 53-year-old said she took the wig off herself and told the student that she would have to protect herself if the student messed with her. (now you know you can't mess with a black woman's hair).

I know back in my day, you could not hit a teacher or you would not only be suspended you might also get expelled. What happened to respect? Since their is probably more to this story I will wait for the final report.

Another Pastor Causes Setback For Obama

Okay, I watched this and said I might be blind but isn't he white too. Father Mike, ( Father Michael Pfleger) had to do some serious apologizing after this aired on YouTube. I just shake my head sometimes. Now what was in that message had to do with "GOD?" I said it once, I said it twice, the pastor needs to stay in "GOD'S FOLD" and stay out of the "GOVERNMENT FOLD."

Old School Friday-Philadelpia Soul

As we use to say "back in da day" Philly had its own sound. A unique sound. Growing up in the EastCoast in the 70's you know the "flava." Generally "The Sweet Philly Sound" had this funky beat too it. You had such quality producers as, Thom Bell, Linda Creed, Norman Harris, Dexter Wansel,. What was jamming back in those days was, ""TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia). A notable extension of the Philadelphia sound were bassist Ronald Baker, guitarist Norman Harris and drummer/Trammps baritone Earl Young, (B-H-Y) who also recorded as the Trammps and would produce records themselves. These three were the base rhythm section for MFSB When you think of the "old school" Philly beat these musicians that comprised this sound come to mind.
One of my favorite "Philly based" groups of his era was "The Delfonics." OMG, I loved this group



THE DELFONICS

This one is a late 60's favorite. THis song produced by the combination of Huff and Gamble also brought the Philly sound on the scene. Jerry Butler is the "ICE MAN" an yes HE COMETH!! Damn, this is when we had TRUE singers. Their music rocked your soul


Jerry Butler



I had my first love back in 1974. I left this country for about 6 years and this song by the 3 degrees was kind of like my anthem.


THE 3 Degrees

Other notable Philly Artist are as Follows:

* The Delfonics
* The Intruders
* Patti LaBelle
* Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
* MFSB
* The O'Jays
* Billy Paul
* Teddy Pendergrass
* The Spinners
* The Stylistics
* The Three Degrees
* The Trammps
* Blue Magic
* Soul Survivors
* Dexter Wansel
* Gamble and Huff - Notable Songwriters and Producers
* Thom Bell - Notable Songwriter and Producer
* Daryl Hall & John Oates
* The Ethics


I couldn't leave without putting on my OLDTIME old school Philly Group. This was my "bomb" group in High School. I use to do a "fame" and dance on the cafeteria table to this song. Iriegal doing "THE SKATE," in the 70's.

T.I. gets Reality Show

I tell you folks know how to milk their situation. I say, "right on" to enterprise. Irie ain't mad at yah T.I.

T.I. is turning his legal woes into an eight-episode MTV documentary series. Ish Entertainment will follow the hip-hop star while he performs more than 1,000 hours of community service before starting a one-year prison sentence on weapons charges next spring, according an Atlantic spokesperson.


T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, was arrested last October just hours before he was to be honored at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. The rapper, who had previous convictions, was charged with possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Tribute to Sean Bell-Stand Up

"Stand Up," which debuted on AllHipHop.com today (May 28), will also be available for purchase for .99 cents in the iTunes music store, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Sean Bell Benefit Fund.

Producer/rapper Swizz Beatz, Talib Kweli, Cassidy, Drag-On, Maino and Styles P. are featured on the track, titled “Stand Up (A Sean Bell Tribute).”

The Heat Makers-produced song, which features a sample of Lyfe Jennings’ “Cry,” comes amid public outrage over the April 25 acquittal of detectives Michael Oliver and Gescard Isnora of manslaughter, assault and reckless endangerment in the death of Bell.

Obama's Mural Defaced

A mural of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was defaced in Little Five Points(Atlanta, Georgia) on Monday. "The eyes were blacked out and there was a swastika on his forehead," said artist Cameron Wilthshire. Wilthshire and another artist created the mural.Business owners in the area said they were disgusted by the defacing.

I don't think it is the first (an that is for any of the candidates), and I don't think it will be last time we are hearing of such events.

8 Year Discrimination Suit Against Secret Service Still Going

The latest twist to this ongoing legal fiasco between the black agents of the Secret Service and the Bureau is that Reginald Moore (black secret agent) has been accused himself of sending racially charged email. The original claim by a group of black employees, say the agency has passed over black agents for promotion. They say white colleagues and supervisors regularly use a racial epithet to refer to criminal suspects and black leaders of other countries. The lawsuit claims the Secret Service has always had a discriminatory culture — a claim the agency has consistently denied.

In April it made headlines again, when a black agent found a noose in the Secret Service Training Center. As part of the discrimination lawsuit, the Secret Service was ordered to turn over evidence. The agency paid an outside auditor more than $2 million to search 20 million e-mails and other electronic documents dating back 16 years.

This seems like it is going to be an ongoing thing. I just hope the Secret Service men involved in the suit are still able to work when this is all over. Prejudice in many of our government offices (lawsuit won or not) is not going to dissipate because a case is won.

Source: AP NEWS

Usher Has Meltdown on TRL

R&B superstar Usher slammed journalists yesterday while promoting his new album “Here I Stand,” culminating in a what some are calling a “mini-meltdown” on MTV’s TRL.

It started out alright, however as soon as questions about his wife, Tameka Foster and his firing of his mother came into play, then homeboy just lost it.

Usher’s frustration spun out of control when he co-hosted TRL, at one point the singer raged, “I love my wife very, very much and there has been a little rumor earlier this week about us separating; it ain't true.” In footage captured by an Usher fansite the singer zeros in on the camera “As a matter of fact I'm tired of people continuing to talk so much trash about me, my wife and my mother.” (see video below).

Shirley Bassey Recovering From Surgery

Shirley Bassey is recovering from emergency surgery after being rushed to hospital with abdominal pains yesterday. Her spokesperson, Paul Carey, declined to reveal further details of her condition but said the star remained in hospital after an operation for “stomach complications”.

Fox News Jokes About Killing Obama

This election is like an ongoing soap opera. In a recent news broadcast, apparently confusing Obama with Osama bin Laden the political analyst, Liz Trotta said she hoped both men would be 'knocked off'.

Transracial Adoption

This may be a controversial topic for some people. I have my plus and minuses regarding transracial adoption. Part of me knows that children appreciate whoever shows them love. The problem sometimes lies with the identification process by black children adopted outside their race. I remember reading where Angelina Jolie wanted to adopt another black child, because she wanted to have her daughter Sahara to have someone to "look" like her.

It seems like adopting African babies is a "new fad" now among celebrities (Madonna, The pitts...).
Meanwhile a report ( The report,) released by the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, recommends major changes to the 1994 Multi-Ethnic Placement Act. The institution states the "Act" places too much emphasis on “color blindness” and not enough on race-oriented education.

I agree with this statement 100%. There are a high number of black children who are in foster care. U.S. laws require discounting race in placing those children, but some believe race, or at least race education, should be a major factor. ( I am one of them).

The study goes on to state. Of the black children adopted out of foster care, about 20 percent are adopted by white families. The Donaldson report said current federal law, by stressing color blindness, deters child welfare agencies from assessing families' readiness to adopt transracially or preparing them for the distinctive challenges they might face.

"There is a higher rate of problems in minority foster children adopted transracially than in-race," said the report. "All children deserve to be raised in families that respect their cultural heritage."

Clinton Inserts Foot Again

I tell you this is getting so old. Hillary (0nce again) has opened her mouth and inserted her foot. Clinton, who is hoping that the inclusion of vote counts from the Florida and Michigan primaries will help her win her party's nomination, said last Wednesday that it is wrong when people go through the motions of an election only to have them discarded and disregarded, according to CBS News.

"We're seeing that right now in Zimbabwe," she was reported to have told a crowd in South Florida. Well it seems Zimbabwean Ambassador to the United States Machivenyika Mapuranga did not appreciate the comparison. Mapuranga said Clinton's comparison was made "out of ignorance or malice" and do not "tally with the facts."

He was further quoted as saying, "If Sen. Hillary Clinton was not aware of these facts,( Zimbawae election resulted in the ruling party (ZANU-PF) winning 97 seats, and the opposition party (MDC) winning 99 seats, as declared by the independent commission), her ignorance can be excused considering the stressful situation she is in because of her faltering campaign; but if she was aware of the facts, we can only conclude that this is yet another of her misspoken utterances."

Currently no comments from the Clinton Press department.

Chris Rock Plays to 15,900 fans

Who would of thought Chris Rock would get into the Guinness Book of Records? He accomplished this by having the largest audience ever at a comedy concert.

The 43-year-old performed to a crowd of 15,900 fans at London's O2 arena in the first of two shows.

Guinness World Records officials were there to ensure their rules were met, and the promoters announced the attempt had been successful after the show.

More...

Oprah Going Vegan for 21 Days

Oprah Winfrey was inspired lately by reading Eckhart Tolle's book, " A New Earth". She stated,
I had recently come to the conclusion that after spending weeks reading and rereading A New Earth and being on line with Eckhart Tolle that bringing a higher level of awareness to my eating was the solution I'd been avoiding."

Oprah chronicles her Vegan challenge in her blog , food and home.

You can read more of the story here.

Hillary implying "possible assasination"

Well, unfortunately Hillary Clinton has opened up a new can of worms. This campaign has given way to many "unfortunate" statements by both parties. Clinton's remarks to the editorial board at the Argus Leader in South Dakota Friday struck some nerves partly because it came in the wake of Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy's health problems and because of longstanding concerns about Obama's security. This was given her reason, when asked the question why she was still in the campaign.

She was quoted as saying, "People have been trying to push me out of this ever since Iowa," Clinton said Friday. "I find it curious because it is unprecedented in history. I don't understand it.
"You know, my husband didn't wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary sometime in the middle of June. Right?" she added later in the conversation. "We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. You know, I just-- I don't understand it."

Obama himself stated he felt Clinton did not mean anything by it. But ABC News political analyst Matthew Dowd, former chief strategist for George Bush's 2004 campaign, told ABC News Radio that Clinton's remark was a huge political misstep.

I feel both parties have to remember that whatever they say is being viewed by the media. Not only "viewed," but scrutinized as well.

Old School Friday-Best Guitar/Solos

This weeks Old School Friday For Grown Folks takes us to the Best Guitar and Solos. The very first person that popped in my mind was Sly Dunbar; and Robbie Shakespare. This was the sound, the beat behind many of Bob Marley and other Reggae Artist. They had this distinct sound. When Stevie Wonder visitied Jamaica in the 1980's he contracted Sly and Robbie to be featured on his then new single, Master Blaster. Well as you know Master Blaster became and instant succes..

Check out the sounds..




That is Robbie rocking the bass mon! and Sly is on the drums.


This group was one of my favorite growing up. ZZ top are killers on the guitar. This was the recent performance on American Idol, featuring this years winner David Cook




Another group I love din the 80's was Aerosmith (actually I still love Aerosmith, Steven Tyler is the bomb).

This collaboration in the 80's brought a serious change to rap music





Well it could not be a complete without Prince and as you and I know to find (anything) Prince on the internet is a challenge, So if you see this video disapper (lol!) you will know why. However, this man has taken the guitar to new heights. This is classic prince.

Violence Increases in Crown Heights Brooklyn

I lived in Crown Heights in the early 90's when the violence had escalated to the point where there was a curfew in the neighborhood. With the insurgence of people from the island coming into that section of Brooklyn, the dynamics of many neighborhoods change. This went from the food (grocery stores) to the nail salons.

In 1991, riots broke out after a 7-year-old black boy was killed by a Hassidic driver, Crown Heights has been hurt off-and-on by periodic tension. In the past month, 20-year-old Andrew Charles, who is black, was beaten up, and the suspect is Jewish.

Now last week, 16-year-old Alon Sherman, who is Jewish, had his jaw broken while being allegedly robbed by two black teens. The attackers were arrested Thursday(yesterday).

When both communities (jewish and African American) having such a history of persecution in this country, you would think that we would be able to co exist. It is indeed a sad time for this wonderful section of Brooklyn.





Well, this is sad for me to see. I grew up in Crown Heights Brooklyn(18 years). I remember in the late 60's when my mother was moving out there that many of the Hassidic jewish population was moving out. It was almost to say, "here they come."

However the many West Indian, Latino and Asian communities that surfaced did not bring down the Crown Heights Community, but rather enhanced it. I was raised in a very diverse community. I had Hasidic neighbors on one side of our house and Puerto Rican neighbors on the other side. This diversity let me understand in life that the "outer shell" is just a covering. That inside we are indeed all cut from the same cloth.

Florida's Jewish Community Have Questions on Obama

“The people here, liberal people, will not vote for Obama because of his attitude towards Israel,”states Shirley Weitz (83) and Ruth Grossman Ms. Weitz, (80)."
This was quoted from a recent New York Times article.

Yesterday Obama visited a synagogue in Boca Raton, Florida. This is a crucial vote for him. Floria has long been known to upset the nomination of many and a candidate. Jews are important to his general election hopes, particularly in New York, which he expects to win; in California and New Jersey, which he must keep out of Republican hands; and, most crucially,in Florida, where Jews make up around 5 percent of voters.

Jews, of course, are just one of the many groups that Obama must persuade. Latinos, women, working-class whites and independents are vital as well.

Double Standards

Okay new information regardng John McCain is he has disavowed the Texas pastor, John Hagee. McCain aimed a pointed dig at his Democratic rival Barack Obama's own preacher problems in observing he had never been part of Hagee's flock.

So why has he media not made a big issue of this? This issue, which potentially can embarrass McCain among independent voters, erupted as the Republican and Obama traded highly personal invective over a bill to give college education to Iraq and Afghan war veterans.

More Read Here

Remy Ma Speaking on Hot97 with Miss Jones

This was an interview with the victim of Remy Ma's shooting victim (Makita). I am not a lover of her music, however my take is you can't just (allegedly) shoot somebody. If you think someone has your money, dang you don't shoot them then ask questions later. Then there was this crazy thing about Papoose( Remy's finance) trying to get her out of jail. See this is why I stick to Alicia Keys type music. No offense to the "rap" game, but you don't see Alicia trying to shoot India Arie because she didn't get a Grammy or something whack like that. Man, some crazy mess.

New Gary Coleman Divorce Court Video

You know this was kind of sad watching what has become of Gary. I just feel sorry that he had to go to Divorce Court. It is sad, they have not consummated their marriage yet. According to the law if you have not consummated your marriage that actually is grounds for an annulment. I don't know if Shannon knows that. Why the judge all up in their sex life anyway? I hope they work it out. He seems like he really cares for her (at least the best way he can).

Edwards Endorsement Pays Big For Obama

Barack Obama collected the support of seven of John Edwards' Democratic convention delegates on Thursday, then gained the backing of four superdelegates and a large labor union as he marched steadily toward the party's presidential nomination.

I feel this is a necessary move for Obama. He also picked up in addition, three superdelegates — Reps. James McDermott of Washington, and Henry Waxman and Howard Berman of California.

West Virgina was a hard pill to swallow for Obama. However, no surprise to many of us. An area that is populated with KKK members should not be expected to vote for a black nominee.

Old School Friday-Remakes

Marvalus One & Mrs. Grapevine have teamed up to start a new meme called Old School Friday. This is another way to gets some great exchange links, and to have a little bit of fun.Please l join us. Click here to view some guidelines.


Today's theme is "remakes." I had to think a little while on this one. The first person (I have no reason why) that came to mind was "Melissa Morgan'" version of "DO ME BABY." It is not the greatest of songs (her voice isn't that strong), but it was an answer to Prince's version. You know Iriegal is gonna do something different.





This video is from Lauryn Hill, she did this wonderful remake of Roberto Flack's "Killing Me Softly." I just love this version. This was a huge hit for Lauryn. I saw her recently and all I can say is "what the heck happened to my girl?"





Jimmy CLiff did his thing with this country classic. This video is from the Cool Runnings Soundtrack. You know Iriegal loves her Reggae music.

Bloggers Unite For Human Rights

“	All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.	”
—Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

I am enjoying reading all the blogs that people have posted today for the Bloggers Unite for Human Rights Campaign.

If you have and opportunity check them out at Blog Catalog.

My own post is up on my other site at iriejamaica.blogspot.com

.

Girl's Dress Violated Dress Code-She got Arrested

Marche Taylor's prom night experience wasn't what you would call the norm.
That's because instead of a night of dancing and hanging out with friends, the Madison High School senior ended in a confrontation with school officials and her being escorted out in handcuffs. All because school officials said her dress was inappropriate for the school prom.


Why young girls wear these crazy outfits then want to get defensive when they are not following school protocol? Each school has the right to deny entrance to a school funded event if they feel the student is in violation of any of their school codes. Marche demanded her money back but what she got was arrested.

I see some prom dresses and yes some are "ghetto fabulous"

Bloody Suge Knight

Suge was at Shag nightclub when he began arguing with a man he had been talking with. Our spy overheard Suge say, "I want my money!" Suge and his peeps beat the guy to the ground, but the man landed a right hook on Suge's face, knocking him out for around three minutes.

Seems like the big bad Suge Knight is not so tough afterall. For every bully there is always another one.

NYC Officer did not recognize Black Chief

A white police officer was disciplined for acting "in a discourteous manner" when he confronted a black motorist who turned out to be one of the highest-ranking commanders in the New York City Police Department, an agency spokesman said Saturday.

Chief Douglas Zeigler, 60 years old, the head of the NYPD's Community Affairs Bureau and the highest uniformed black officer on the force, was off duty and sitting in his department-issued sport utility vehicle on a street in the borough of Queens on May 2 when two white police officers approached.

Zeigler has headed the Community Affairs Bureau since January 2006. His wife, Neldra Zeigler, is the NYPD's deputy commissioner for equal employment opportunity.

I was cracking up when I read this story, because you never know who you might meet up with in life. So it is important to treat everyone with respect.

Continued..

Obama Adviser Resigns

Rob Malley, a Middle East policy adviser to likely Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama, resigned after news surfaced that he had been meeting with Hamas.

Malley called the Obama campaign on Friday to sever ties with the candidate after learning the Times of London was publishing a story about his contacts with the terrorist group.

He could not stay on, because I am sure if he didn't resign Obama would have fired her. Obama has well documented how he feels about talking to Hamas.
MORE..

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day From Iriegal!

ONELOVE..

Hancock Trailer- Will Smith's New Movie

A Superhero everyone loves to hate. This movie looks strange, but I love me some Will Smith.

Star Jones Upset About Mention in Barbara Walter's Book

Star Jones is apparently angry over being mentioned in Barbara Walters Book. Well, how can you write a "true" autobiography of your life if you don't mention aspects of your life? Although I don't know why Barbara felt it necessary to write this "tell all," she can mention who she likes.

"It is a sad day when an icon like Barbara Walters, in the sunset of her life, is reduced to publicly branding herself as an adulterer, humiliating an innocent family with accounts of her illicit affair and speaking negatively against me all for the sake of selling a book. It speaks to her true character," Jones told Us Weekly magazine.

2 men found guilty in Racial Killing

A federal jury has convicted two Kansas City men in the hate-crime murder of a black pedestrian.

Gary Eye and Steven Sandstrom were on trial for killing William McCay, 44, in March 2005 in what prosecutors alleged was a violation of his civil right to walk down a street unmolested because of his race

More...

Old School Friday-Movie Songs

This weeks's Theme is Movie Songs. One of the movies in the 70's that set the theme in the 70's and placed Gordon Parks on the map was "Superfly.'

The movie is about, Super Fly who is a cocaine dealer who begins to realize that his life will soon end with either prison or his death. He decides to build an escape from the life by making his biggest deal yet, converting the coke to cash and running off to start a new life. The problem is that the Mob does not have a retirement plan and will give him a choice of staying and selling for them or dying if they find out his intentions

The fashion statements in this movie sets the template for many other movies in that follow in "blaxeplotation era."


















And OF course one of the men who garnered much accolades for his soundtrack- PRINCE (PURPLE RAIN).

My Last selection (cause I love this theme I could go on and on) is Let's Do It Again By the Staple Singers. Written by Curtis Mayfield, it was part of the soundtrack for the Bill Cosby/Sidney Poitier movie, Let's Do It Again. The single reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in December 1975

Michelle Obama on Rachel Ray

This was a very interesting video. Not sure if you saw it, but if not enjoy.

Congrats to Jamia Simone Nash

The Firm said Monday that it's partnering with the Popular Entertainment Group to oversee the career of singer-actress Jamia Nash. The 11-year-old performed at the Academy Awards in February, singing the Oscar-nominated song "Raise It Up" from "August Rush." The Firm CEO Jeff Kwatinetz said, "She is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime talent that people will look back at one day and recall the first time they heard her voice or saw her act."

I agree and have followed her from I first saw her at Showtime at the Apollo when she was only 6 years old. God has truly blessed this young lady with an amazing voice.

Philly Cops Retaliate

I really want to feel that the beating these men take in the video below is because of the cop that was killed in Philly last week.

"It is not acceptable, of course, to do anything less than the professional standards we expect from our police officers," Mayor Michael Nutter said. "The behavior that was at least exhibited on the tape is unacceptable."

On Saturday, police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski was shot and killed with an assault rifle while attempting to apprehend bank robbery suspects. One suspect was killed by officers in the confrontation and another has been arrested. The third suspect remains at large.

Well, right now in North Philly it is a witch hunt so it best not to "walk or drive" while being black (especially a young black male.) (at night time) . The cops will surely do something to you.

Sharpton Shuts Down NYC- Arrested

Several hundred protesters briefly shut down traffic at entrances to the Queensboro Bridge, the Triborough Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge and the Holland Tunnel and Queens-Midtown Tunnel this afternoon as part of a coordinated series of protests over the acquittal of three New York City police detectives in the fatal shooting of Sean Bell in 2006.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who coordinated the protests, was among more than 200 people who were arrested by the police — nearly all of them in an orderly fashion — for blocking traffic

I just have a problem with Al Sharpton. He wants so badly to be the Martin Luther King Jr of the 21st Century. The main difference is that Dr. King was consistent in his civil rights role. Sharpton seems to pop up after or during the problem. Then he takes it to "new heights." I don't think he will ever live down the Tawana Brawley incident. He aggressiveness at taking on these cases haspeople questioning his intentions.

More...

Congrats to Kobe Bryant

Congratulations going out to Kobe Bryant for winning his first MVP Award.

The newspaper reported that commissioner David Stern will be in Los Angeles next week to present the trophy to Bryant.

"We have not been told anything by the league," Lakers spokesman John Black told The Associated Press


More...

Mariah Carey Married

I have been hesitant to write about Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey, simply because there really has been no confirmation. However Bahamas official have confirmed that they have gotten married. After dating less than two months, Carey, 39, and Cannon, 27, got hitched in an impromptu island ceremony in the Bahams. Nick Cannon, who proposed to Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks last year after just four months of dating. (The pair split last October.)

What was the rush?

It has been reported even Cannon's family was surprised by the move. "It's crazy right! We're definitely happy. Well wishes!" Cannon's brother, Gabriel, tells PEOPLE. "I'm trying to be like him and I love him very much."

More...

Prince Working on A New Book

Well if the singer is not talented enough, add author to his resume. "21 Nights," a "photographic essay" that offers "a rare glimpse into the life, lyrics, and mystique" of the maker of such hits as "1999" and "Purple Rain," will be published worldwide come fall, according to Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

The 21 nights is reference to his 21 days of sold out performances in London last year.

I am looking forward to the book. I have been a big fan for a longtime.

Source: Yahoo.news

San Francisco-Few Black Residents,More in Jails

San Francisco well known for its diversity San Francisco's population of African American residents has decreased in recent years, the population of black men and women locked up in the San Francisco County Jail has increased dramatically, Sheriff Michael Hennessey said Monday.

Hennessey said the criminal justice system and the war on drugs are "disproportionately adversely affecting San Francisco's African American community."

Source: SF GATE.COM

Diddy and Hollywood Walk of Fame

SEAN `DIDDY' COMBS became the first rapper to be honoured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame yesterday (02May08) when he unveiled the 2,362nd star outside Hollywood landmark Mann's Chinese Theater.


Fellow rap mogul Russell Simmons and Jamie Foxx were among the celebrities who paid tribute to Diddy at the event.


Diddy is organizing a $2 million dollar party to celebrate getting a star on Hollywood's walk of fame. According to The UK Mirror, Diddy has booked ten private jets, five different custom outfits, smoking jacket, pimp suit, top hat and tails and pajamas; luxury French Ciroc vodka; 300 white lilies and a $400 goodie pack for guests.



Source: contactmusic

Barbara Walters Affair with Senator Brooks

Barbara Walters has cited a a long affair in the 1970s with then-married U.S. Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts, the first black senator since Reconstruction. She called him “exciting” and “brilliant,” and while she wasn’t in love, she says, “I was certainly infatuated.”

I feel it is self promotion for her book. Why would you even put it your book. I know the rage is these "tell all" books, but what about the damage to this man's family after all these years.

Brooke was the first African-American to be popularly elected to the Senate. Both he and Walters knew that public knowledge of their affair could have ruined his career as well as hers, Walters says.

Her affair with Brooke, which never before came to light, had ended before he lost his bid for a third term in 1978.

More....

Hostile Takeover Cited From Tama Broadcasting

Tama Broadcasting filed a lawsuit in federal court Tuesday accusing its largest creditor of serious violations of federal and state laws as a result of a company restructuring plan gone bad.

It appears that D.B. Zwirn Special Opportunities Fund,( a multibillion-dollar hedge fund is shutting down after losing the confidence of its wealthy global investors). Tama is accusing the company of llegally selling Tama’s assets, of violating Federal Communications Commission laws by trying to take control of Tama’s nine stations without FCC consent, of interference with Tama’s business relationships, and of various deceptive business and lending practices under state law.

Tama’s nine stations represent almost five percent of the total number of Black-owned radio stations in America. Tama is the sixth-largest Black-owned broadcasting group in the country.

For more of the story >CLICK HERE<

Karl Malone Fathered Child With 13 Year Old

Why is this so disturbing to me. I guess because although not a fan of Karl Malone's antics on the court, I have admired over the years his talent as a basketball player. This week, however, the buzz around Malone has nothing to do with fouls or free throws. Instead, the hot topic is the child Malone fathered with a 13-year-old girl named Gloria Bell.







I should add that Malone was 19 years old at the time. However, these are the athletes that condone the behavior of other athletes (while hiding there own secrets).

Now 19 years later emerges Demetrius Bell. Demetrius who was sent to the Buffalo Bills in a 7th round draft pick. Malone does not acknowledge his son. He is lucky the parents of that 13 year old girl did not seek prosecution of him at that time. I think for me more importantly then even fathering the child, is the fact he has not been in this young man's life. (Does the name Dennis Rodman come to mind?).

Bell was quoted as saying, “I feel good I made it this far. Nothing against him, but I feel good at this time. If he would’ve been there, yeah, it would’ve been good. But if not, it’s even better. Everything is a plus right now.”

I wish him all the best on the start of a bright future

I also wanted to add a couple of other news sources, including BET, have mentioned the story, but I have been unable to find it mentioned in Sports Illustrated or on ESPN or ABC or TNT or Fox or any of the other media outlets that cover the NFL or the NBA. Who are they protecting? A raptist?

Madonna-On BET

Well, it took over 20 something years, but Madonna has made it to BET. Anyone remember her first big hit "holiday," where she did no appear on the album cover? She will be a guest on 106th and Park. Madonna has been a mainstay in the black community for quite awhile. Madonna debuted six new songs from her upcoming album Hard Candy last night (April 30) at the Roseland Ballroom, where she was joined on stage by Justin Timberlake.

"I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have been able to make a record with him [Timberlake], Timbaland, Pharrell [and] Kanye," Madonna told the crowd.

I feel even though many artist do no embrace hip hop, they sure use them to bring back life to dead careers.

Old School Friday-Singers I wish I could be like

There are so many singers I wish I could be like but when I first read this weeks Meme's topic, this lady came to mind.

Angie Stone:- Angela Laverne Brown on January 30, 1961) is an American R&B, soul, and neo soul singer-songwriter, keyboardist, record producer, and occasional actress. She has just recently been nominated for the Best R&B Performance By A Duo/Group W/Vocals Grammy for her duet with Betty Wright for the hit single "Baby". (courtesy of Wikipedia)


I read her bio and could relate to many struggles in her life.

Angie Stone - No more rain
by foxysoul

check out these other participants of Old School Friday

-Electronic Village - Chatting Over Cocktails - Ms Grapevine - Quick - Marcus LANGFORD - Cassandra - Danielle

-Chocl8t - DP - Kreative Talk -MarvalusOne - Regina - LaShonda -AJ - Sharon - Invisible Woman -Believer1964

- Dee - SJP - sHaE-sHae - Songs In the Key of Life - Hagar’s Daughter - freshandfab -Lisa C