Eartha Kitt: Finally Home

The one, the only, the incomparable Eartha Kitt
Whatever that thing that superstars possess, she had it
She had a humble beginning amidst a South Carolina cotton field Abandoned by her parents, she set her mind on a better life and did not yield

Eartha had raging beauty… a style original, bold and keen
And a voice so singular and instantly recognized, it didn’t require
that she be seen
She was dubbed “the most exciting woman in the world” by Orson Welles
He realized she had the type of talent, allure and sex appeal that sells


Kitt landed a spot in the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe and moved on to cabaret
She did records, movies, TV, the concert stage and, of course, Broadway
The classy siren performed with stars like Sidney Poitier and Nat “King”Cole,to name a few
Christmas favorite, Santa Baby, still enchants and entertains Kitt
fans old and new

“The Original Material Girl” was blacklisted for her honesty back in 1968
But she never backed down, toured the world, and made the best of her fate
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter welcomed Ms. Kitt back to her homeland
Her career was no longer spectacular; still, the performer lived a life
fulfilling and grand




Concerts Alone with Me and I’m Still Here: Confessions of a Sex Kitten sold out the Carnegie
She did the voice of Yzma in The Emperor’s New Groove and wrote Thursday’s Child, her autobiography
Eartha Kitt succumbed to colon cancer on Christmas day, 2008. She was 81
Farewell to an enormously talented and infinitely fascinating lady who
was still as beautiful as she was when her life begun


Sunida E. York © 2008 All Rights Reserved

Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail (2009)

DNA from skeletal remains match Caylee Anthony

The skeletal remains found in a wooded area just a mile or so from the Anthony home have been matched to the DNA profile of Caylee Anthony. Dr. Jan Garavaglia, of the television show, "Dr. G., Medical Examiner", confirmed that the test was conclusive. The child went missing in June. She was just two years old at the time. Her mother, Casey Anthony, never bothered to report her missing.

Police were made aware of the Caylee's disappearance by her grandmother, who had not seen her for at least a month. The grandmother also reported to police that Casey's car smelled as if something dead was in the trunk.

Case Anthony was arrested in October and charged with first-degree murder in the case. Pictures of her partying after her daughter went missing seemed to capture the 22-year-old's lack of concern for her missing child.

Click here for a link to the full article: Yahoo! News

This one's for you, Caylee.


Caylee's Destiny

Big brown eyes adorn a beautiful little face
You didn't have much time in this life, this place
Destiny had other plans for you, fair one
The impact you had on others has just begun
To manifest. But what an impact it will be
Your death will cause things to be done differently
People will stop assuming that every parent is "good"
And that they love and care for their child as they should
More people will step up when they see a child in need
When reports are made to authorities, they will take heed
Because people are going to remember your story, your adorable face
And someone will act when a child goes missing from their normal space
Caylee, your unspeakable demise would not have been in vain
If it spares one innocent child from a moment of pain
Now you can be an angel, like the ones who spirited your soul away
Enjoy the love and tranquility you wake up to in heaven each day

Sunida E. York © 2008 All Rights Reserved

Tyler Perry victorious in recent lawsuit

The jury listened as the script for the play, Fantasy of a Black Woman by Donna West, was read. They watched as the movie, Diary of a Mad Black Woman by actor and screenwriter Tyler Perry, played. The jury even heard the testimony of L.D. Dabney, a Dallas area arts buff and associate of West, who stated that he thought Perry's movie was based on West's play when he viewed the film. Still, in the end, the jury sided the with once-struggling playwright turned uber-successful entertainment mogul.

Perry took to the stand in his own defense and endured charges that he took material from other movies like Martin Lawrence's Big Momma's House. Aubrey Pittman, West's attorney, contended that Perry incorporated ideas from The Color Purple, An Officer and a Gentleman and Mrs. Doubtfire into his mega-hit movie as well.

Making eye contact with the jury, Perry responded unequivocally, "I never stole anything from anybody--- never."

West was seeking all proceeds from the movie which took in $50.4 million at theaters across the country.

Bobby Brown Tell All Book: "Whitney's No Punk"

Bobby Brown,formerly of New Edition, is opening up about his life, including his marriage to mega-talented singer and actress, Whitney Houston. "Bobby Brown: The Truth,the Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth" is written by Derek Handspike and published by Down South Books. Released on December 9, 2008, the unauthorized biography is said speak frankly about Brown's drug use, sex and drama.

Brown reunited with former New Edition members Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill to form Heads of State. The trio began touring on September 27, 2008.

January issue of GQ has Jennifer Aniston Nude

With only a tie around her neck, actress Jennifer Aniston poses for the January, 2009issue of GQ magazine. In addition to showcasing her enviable physique, 39-year-old Aniston jokes about the ever present Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie issue, which, judging from her jokes, is only an issue for the press. Hey, whatever sells magazines and keeps the fans entertained!

Marley and Me Trailer

Veterans Affair Investigain in South Carolina

Veterans beware! A report by Military.com brings to light the investigation of a Columbia, S.C. employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who discarded as many as 95 case files of veterans in a shredder bin. For several years now, the VA has struggled with a backlog of veterans attempting to be evaluated for disability compensation. The actions of this employee will undoubtedly cause further delay for some South Carolina veterans. The employee attempted to allow the files to be destroyed on October 3, 2008. About 46 of the records were submitted for new claims for benefits or contained supporting documentation.

Regardless of where you reside, if you are a veteran who is concerned about your claim or your records, you may contact the Department of Veterans Affairs via the national toll-free number, 1-800-827-1000. You will be connected to your regional office through this number.

WeeWeeChu

This email was so cute, I had to post it.




It's a romantic full moon, when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."

Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.

Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.

"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." replied Rosita.

Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."

Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."

Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang.....

"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!


Thanks to N. Trevino and K. Hutchinson for sharing this!

Tyler Perry Sued for Copyright Infringement

Tyler Perry is defending against charges of copyright infringement in U.S. District Court in Texas. Donna West is claiming that Perry stole material from a play that she wrote based on her own life. West is accusing the phenominally successful writer, actor and producer of basing much of his runnaway hit film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman on her play, "Fantasy of a Black Woman". She states that she can no longer put on the play, performed in July, 1991, in Dallas, because no one is interested in seeing the same storyline acted out again. Perry's film hit the theaters in 2005. The case is expected to come to a close by next Tuesday.

Nothing Like The Holidays

Send a Soldier a Holiday Greeting Card

The Red Cross, with help from Pitney Bowes, is conducting it's campaign to send a million greeting cards to American service members, veterans and their families stateside and worldwide. Until Dec 10, the public can send cards without inserts, including glitter or money, to the address listed below. Care packages should not be sent, either. Please use the proper amount of postage. For additional details and instructions or to download and print a free card, please visit the American Red Cross website.


Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, Md. 20791-5456

Cards will be screened and sorted prior to being delivered in time for Christmas.

Links:

American Red Cross

ABC News

Yahoo Shine

Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Cadillac Records Movie

Starts Friday, December 5, 2008!


Etta James - At Last

A Website for Married Cheaters? Uh... yeah!

Tyra Banks is nothing if not interesting. She loves to bring something different to her show. How about this... a website dedicated to married people who want to cheat? That's right.

The Ashley Madison Agency's trademarked motto is: Life is short. Have an affair. It boasts having over 2,950,000 "like minded members" as the "World's premier discreet dating service."

And you can join for free! Oh, joy! But wait... there's also a 100% guarantee that you WILL have an affair. Well, all of the faithful, non-cheating spouses must love the hell out of that! They can just leave their tedious love-making duties to someone else. It's like having a sex maid. You probably won't know about it, though, with everything being so discreet and secretive.

Ashley Madison must be what every loyal spouse has always wanted... someone to help their presumably unhappy (or down right greedy and selfish) other half step out on them without them having a clue.

For the record, Tyra was appalled by this practice. According to the site, the agency has also been featured on Howard Stern, 20/20, Ellen, Dr. Phil, and Larry King. By the way, the owner is married and said he does not cheat. His wife said that she is not worried about him straying. In addition, the owner does not find anything wrong with providing this much needed service because the cheaters would do so without his help. And he is making a really good living from it. Ain't free enterprise in America grand? Yeah, baby. Do what you like! Don't worry about hurting your spouse, ruining your marriage, alienating your children, or setting a bad example for your children. None of that stuff will happen unless somehow the discreet factor fails and you get caught. Don't forget your raincoat!

Calisthenics Kingz

Check out this guy! My, how he moves. His name is George Richards, aka Calisthenics Kingz. His abs are chiseled to perfection. Well, he is a personal trainer who has been tagged the Bronx Born Hercules. And he says it's all without the use of weights, just calisthenics. I saw a video clip of him on Inside Edition today. Fan-freakin-tastic! Additional videos are posted on YouTube (search Calisthenics Kingz).

Thanksgiving: Dear Soldier

Thanksgiving is tomorrow. What are you thankful for? Many of us are truly grateful to have family and friends with us. Unfortunately, thousands of families have a loved one serving overseas who cannot be with them this holiday season. We should all be thankful for the men and women who are serving in the military, at home or abroad, in an effort to protect us.

The following poem is one I penned after a conversation with a dear friend who is on his third tour of duty in Iraq. I'm thankful for some lasting friendships I formed while serving in the U.S. Army as well as for the friendship with military members I've met elsewhere. The term "soldier" is used here to encompass members of all branches of the military. And thanks to FreedomTeamSalute.com, U.S. Army Veterans, a spouse, an employer or an entity that supports the Army can be given a commendation. Please visit their site for more details.


Dear Soldier

Thank you, dear soldier, for your service every single day
For making sure America is a lot less in harm’s way
Being away from home for so long undoubtedly takes its toll
You miss family, friends, everyday comforts… the Lazy Boy and remote control

But your resilient nature kicks in again and again
And you find ways to stay positive until your deployment comes to an end
So America is grateful that she can close her eyes and sleep peacefully at night
Without waking to a terrorist engineered, deadly and tragic plight

The old girl is admired and disliked all at once, curiously
From time to time, outside forces seek to challenge her, hoping to see
If she will be immobilized, struck down via the smallest weakness found
Because of you, dear soldier, she has been able to react, to stand, to rebound

People across this great nation appreciate you putting your personal needs aside
And jumping back into the Humvee and back into battle you ride
Never losing sight of your ultimate goal as you labor to set things right
Not only to keep America safe but to return in the same mental and physical
condition as when you joined the fight

You are also acknowledged, dear soldier assigned to the rear. Your work is
immensely important, too
For it’s your preparation and support that allows our troops serving abroad to
do what they do
We, the American people, want you to know that without you all, she would
fail the enemy’s test
And for that, dear soldier, we remain thankful and vigilantly pray that you are
always safe and forever blessed

Sunida E. York © 2008 All Rights Reserved

Webcam broadcasts Fla. teen's suicide

Abraham Biggs committed suicide at his Pembroke Pines, Florida home while viewers watched via his webcam. Some viewers encouraged the 19-year-old to end his life. Vile comments show that they were annoyed that he had threatened suicide on other occasions.

Biggs posted a note, alleged to have been copied from at least two other sources previously posted on the Internet. In photos on his MySpace page, the teen is posing with smiling women though he is not smiling in most of the pictures. The link to the thread on justin.tv, where the death by drug overdose was aired live, has been removed. Another link on bodybuilding.com where the young man was berated and told to make good on his threat after announcing his intentions to commit suicide has been removed as well.

Family members told police that the lethal combination of drugs that claimed Biggs' life were medications prescribed for his bipolar disorder.

If you think that someone is about to commit suicide, prevention assistance is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline via a 24-hour toll-free number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). The call is confidential and you may call for yourself or someone you'd like to help. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also offers assistance. Please visit the website.

Abraham Biggs' story is a sad commentary on how easily a young life can be lost when no one is paying attention or taking their issues seriously. Although it cannot be said with certainty that his death could have been prevented, it is certain that those who sat at their computers and watched during a 12 hour period could have acted sooner to alert authorities so that the necessary intervention could have been implemented in a timely manner.

I hope that this young man's soul is finally at peace. My condolences are extended to his family and friends.

Reggie Watts

I just stummbled across this guy on Youtube. He's unique and has MAD skilz!!


Out of Control



It's Over

5-year-old girl can really handle a ball... or three!

Milan Simon Tuttle



View article by Rod Benson

Gospel Classics

I grew up listening to Gospel music and I still love to listen to traditional Gospel to this day. Some of the best Gospel music is extremely difficult to find or simply no longer available. Thanks to kind folks who post it on Youtube, I am able to hear music that I haven't listened to in years. Here some classic for you to enjoy.

Myrna Summers - Uncloudy Day


The Rev. Reuben Willingham - New Walk


The Gerald Sister (Mullins, SC) Help Me To Bear These Tides


The Meditation Singers - Jesus, Be A Fence


Dorothy Love Coates - City Built Four Square


The Commodores - Jesus Is Love

Comedian Katt Williams Hospitalized

According to a published report, comedian and actor, Katt Williams, was in Sumter, South Carolina on Friday and ended up at the local hospital after family members urged him to seek psychiatric care. The 35-year-old funny man was in town to visit his daughter when his behavior became increasing bizarre. Police were called but they did not feel that he needed to be taken into custody. Williams allegedly consulted a local attorney because he was concerned about a possible violation of his rights. Williams has acted in several movies, including "First Sunday", "Norbit", and "The Perfect Holiday".

Link: The Item

The 44th President of the United States

More pictures from The Chicago Tribune

I Hope You're Still Dancin'

For all of you who wanted to hear Gladys Knight's rendition of the song from the soundtrack of Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys, someone posted it on Youtube a few days ago. Also included below is a version by powerful vocalist Oleta Adams. Someone was kind enough to let me know that these posts were available (thank you). Enjoy and keep dancing!


Gladys Knight


Oleta Adams

Rapping 7th Graders Debate Obama v. McCain

Seventh graders from the Ron Clark Academy perform "You Can Vote However You Like," a parody to TI's "Whatever You Like," at the Coca-Cola Leadership Summit in Atlanta, Georgia.

--
Lyrics:


Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

(McCain supporters)
McCain's the best candidate
With Palin as his running mate
They'll fight for gun rights, pro life,
The conservative right
Our future is bright
Better economy in site
And all the world will feel our military might

(Obama supporters)
But McCain and Bush are real close right
They vote alike and keep it tight
Obama's new, he's younger too
The Middle Class he will help you
He'll bring a change, he's got the brains
McCain and Bush are just the same
You are to blame, Iraq's a shame
Four more years would be insane

Lower your Taxes - you know Obama Won't
PROTECT THE LOWER CLASS - You know McCain won't!
Have enough experience - you know that they don't
STOP GLOBAL WARMING - you know that you won't

I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA
Stick with McCain and you're going to have some drama
We need it
HE'LL BRING IT
He'll be it
YOU'LL SEE IT
We'll do it
GET TO IT
Let's move it
DO IT!

Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah

I'm talking big pipe lines, and low gas prices
Below $2.00 that would be nice

But to do it right we gotta start today
Finding renewable ways that are here to stay

I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick wit McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN'T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!

Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah

--
www.ronclarkacademy.com
Category: News & Politics

The Obama Song (World of Friends): Bridges for Obama

Bridges for Obama

Keep Your Eye on the Ref... And He Tackles!

I'm not a big sports fan so I'm certainly not that knowledgeable about football plays. But I don't think that the referee should be tackling the players. The South Carolina Gamecock's Stephen Garcia was probably just as surprised.



Click to read full article by Matt Hinton.

Related articles:

The Wiz of Odds

The Times and Democrat on Garcia

Team Rankings

Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama

Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama



Colin Powell Discusses His Endorsement of Barack Obama

He's Back... Elmo Live!

Kids love Elmo. He's back and better in time for Christmas.




The interactive life-like toy goes on sale nationwide on October 14, 2008 with a suggested retail price of $59.99. Elmo Live can speak, sit and stand, wave his arms, display mannerisms and cross his legs as he sings songs, plays games, and tells jokes and stories. Recommended for children ages 18 and up.


Price: $60.00 and up, depending on where you make your purchase.

Fisher-Price - $60.00

Amazon - $84.99

Videogames4u - $89.99

Fun with Elmo

Art DuFour

On colorful backgrounds stand whimsical trees
Most standing tall, some happy, some serene
And others with branches to the side, obviously blown by a strong breeze


A thin figure sprawled across a bed
Is she tired? Perhaps she’s a bit sad
Whatever the case, she sparks thoughts within your head






A bunch of flowers picked and offered by only a hand,
The intriguing and enticing work of a virtual novice
Like the single flower on a purple wall, it makes a bold stand
This may be your first encounter with such curly branches on a tree
Different, fun, lacking pretense… art by Chris DuFour
Out of the ordinary and worth a look. Come see

Sunida E. York © 2008 All Rights Reserved



Use of artwork courtesy of Chris DuFour.
Copyright 2005-2008 by Chris DuFour All Rights Reserved.

Celebrity News: Madonna, Janet Jackson

According to the ladies of The View, singer Madonna's publicist has confirmed that she and husband, Guy Ritchie are divorcing. Did sexy slugger A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez) have a hand in the break up? Stay tuned.



What's been the cause of singer Janet Jackson's concert cancellations? A rare form of migraine headaches known as vestibular migraines. The headaches cause vertigo and have kept Jackson from continuing her Rock Witchu Tour, People magazine reported.



Ms. Jackson is getting treatment and will resume the tour in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night. Appearances that were previously postponed are set to be rescheduled. Undoubtedly, her fans are thrilled that she's feeling better and is ready to give them the type of performance they have come to expect.

Vibe announce Best Rapper Alive: Eminem

In it's Best Rapper Alive contest, Vibe Magazine tallied up an unbelievable 920,000 final votes of which Eminem garnered 69 percent to Jay-Z's 31 percent. The outcome of the contest has caused a lot of controvery amongst rap fans, many of whom are crying foul. A quick glance at the photos of the contestants might offer an obvious clue... Slim Shady, aka Eminem, is the only white rapper. Something equally blatant is that the fans who voted clearly preferred his flow to any of his black counterparts. The fans seem to also enjoy his storytelling ability and his honesty.

The fans have spoken. Let the rapper savor his victory without turning it into a race issue. Great skills and inherent talent are just that, no matter who embodies them.

Click here for the full version of the contest: Best Rapper

Steve Harvey Still Trippin' Trailer

McCain: Clearly Not Presidential Material

Between John McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, spouting asinine falsehoods about Senator Barack Obama (terrorist, Muslim, untrustworthy, etc.), the racists are coming out in record numbers to McCain/Palin rallies. It will not be in the best interest of this country to go back down that road. John McCain is not ready to lead this country but he's doing a great job of dividing it even further. McCain's half-hearted efforts to put the genie back in the bottle do not fool those of us who have a brain and use it. Barack Obama is the only sane choice.


Palin Supporter Brings Racist Monkey "Obama" Doll to Rally


Week of Hate: Rachel Maddow interviews presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin


Hate Week: Rachel Maddow recaps Mccain/Palin nasty attacks


Thanks for the link, Jackie!

Wake Up Everybody 2008

Thanks for the link, Flora!

Plaxico Burress - "Unapologetic"

I'm not much of a sports fan, but I decided to read the article behind the headline to find out why this young football player was being called "unapologetic" about a recent suspension from his team, the New York Giants. As you football fans must already know, Plaxico Burress is the wide reciever who caught the touchdown that won the Giants the Super Bowl.

A quick scan of the article reveals that Burress missed a team meeting and failed to call to say that he would not be attending. He had to take his son to school and feels that he made the right decision.

My first thought is that since being a football player is his job, his livelihood, how he pays the bills, etc., he should have put in a courtesy phone call. That's what any employee would have to do. However, I do agree that putting his son first (assuming that he had no other means of getting the child to school) was indeed the right thing to do. It did cost him a one game suspension and week's pay, said to be about $117,500. Burress is quoted as saying that his family will continue to come first, but he would at least make a phone call to the team if there is another situation with his family. Sounds good to me.

Tyler Perry opens new studio with party

Tyler Perry opened his new studio in Atlanta on Saturday night with a star-studded party. Guests included Cicely Tyson, Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Dee, Will Smith, Sidney Poitier and numerous actors who have appeared in his movies.

Lamman Rucker - Why Did I Get Married? Additional Photos

Perry has secured his place in entertainment history by becoming the first African-American to own a full-service movie and television studio. His movies, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Daddy's Little Girls, Madea's Family Reunion, Why Did I Get Married?, and The Family That Preys have cemented his success. House of Pain is Perry's first television sitcom. The spin-off, Meet The Browns is due to air soon.


To read the entire Essence magazine article and view more pictures of Perry's party guests, click here: Party pics




The festivities surrounding the opening of Tyler Perry's new studio did not seem to be impacted by a planned picket and allegations of illegal firings by former writers for his sitcom, House of Pain. The writers claim to have been paid wages well below scale, denied health care benefits and residuals for writing what has become the highest rated basic cable television show in cable's history. The show has already gone into syndication. The writers had asked party guests not to cross their picket lines, apparently to no avail.

Read the writers' appeal letter here: Letter requesting support



WGA Creators, Showrunners, and Executive Producers Submit an Open Letter to the Producers of Tyler Perry's House of Payne



Statement of Support from SAG National Board member Anne-Marie Johnson



Of those Perry fans who have heard of the plight of the writers, some are voicing their support but many remain loyal to the highly admired screenwriter, producer, director and actor. Hopefully, the controversy can be worked out in a manner that benefits all who worked hard for the success of House of Payne.

Tina Fey does it again! SNL Spoof

Richard Gere & Diane Lane - Nights in Rodanthe

If you're a sucker for romance or just a Richard Gere fan, you'll be enthralled by the love that he and Diane Lane discover in this bitter-sweet drama.

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Actress,Christina Applegate , star of Smantha Who?, recently appeared on Oprah to talk about her double mastectomy. Although it was clearly still a very emotional issue for her, she bravely and openly spoke about her ordeal. She wanted to others about the journey that led to her decision to have both of her breasts removed as she felt it was imperative that other women be given the opportunity to obtain the information necessary to possibly save their lives. Christina's oncologist, Dr. Philomena McAndrew, was also on the show sharing vital information and answering questions. If you missed the show, please visit Oprah's website to view the video footage and read the information packed articles.

Other cancer survivors were on hand to tell their stories. One of those is the sister of Susan G. Komen, Nancy Brinker who started the foundation after her sister lost her battle with breast cancer.

People previously diagnosed with breast cancer are at greatest risk of having breast cancer. If a first-degree relative (mother,sister, daughter) has had breast cancer, you also have a higher risk. Being overweight or drinking alcohol also puts you at risk for developing breast cancer. Tripple negative breast cancer is of great concern to African-American women as it strikes twice as many black women and is resistant to certain treatments. Males can also have breast cancer. Please visit the Spotlight on Health section of Oprah.com for more detailed information provided by the experts at WebMD

Self-breast exams are still an important tool in the early detection of breast cancer. Women should begin having mammograms at age 40, unless they are identified as being at-risk because of family history. In addition, women who have dense breast tissue should ask to have an ultra sound and/or MRI to make certain no abnormalities are missed.

There is hope on the horizon thanks to the efforts of doctors like Susan Love who founded the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and teamed up with the Avon Foundation to start the Army of Women who are healthy volunteers involved in the research process. A vaccine, NeuVax, is also being tested for the prevention of of the recurrence of the disease.

Related Links and Articles:

Right Action for Women - Christina Applegate Foundation

Christina Applegate Online (fan site)

BreastCancer.org

Click to Give @ The Breast Cancer site

National Cancer Institute

Medline Plus: Breast Cancer (U.S. Nationla Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health

Christina Applegate's Double Mastectomy: FAQ @ WebMD


Which pink products really help fight breast cancer?

Guide To Buying Pink

You’re Sick. Now What? Knowledge Is Power.

Michelle Obama Biography

Synopsis
She can be funny and sharp-tongued, warm and blunt, empathic and demanding. Who is the woman Barack Obama calls "the boss"? In Michelle, Washington Post writer Liza Mundy paints a revealing and intimate portrait, taking us inside the marriage of the most dynamic couple in politics today. She shows how well they complement each other: Michelle, the highly organized, sometimes intimidating, list-making pragmatist; Barack, the introspective political charmer who won't pick up his socks but shoots for the stars. Their relationship, like those of many couples with two careers and two children, has been so strained at times that he has had to persuade her to support his climb up the political ladder. And you can't blame her for occasionally regretting it: In this campaign, it is Michelle who has absorbed much of the skepticism from voters about Obama. One conservative magazine put her on the cover under the headline "Mrs. Grievance."
Michelle's story carries with it all the extraordinary achievements and lingering pain of America in the post-civil rights era. She grew up on the south side of Chicago, the daughter of a city worker and a stay-at-home mom in a neighborhood rocked by white flight. She was admitted to Princeton amid an angry debate about affirmative action and went on to Harvard Law School, where she was more comfortable doing pro-bono work for the poor than gunning for awards with the rest of her peers. She became a corporate lawyer, then left to train community leaders. She is modern in her tastes but likes to watch reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Brady Bunch.
In this carefully reported biography, drawing upon interviews with morethan one hundred people, including one with Michelle herself, Mundy captures the complexity of this remarkable woman and the remarkable life she has lived.

Columnist Kathleen Parker - The Palin Problem

Kathleen Parker, a self-proclaimed Sarah Palin supporter who publicly acknowledged her enthusiasm for Senator McCain's choice of running mate, is now denouncing Palin as being "out of her league"!

Read the full article: The Palin Problem



Tina Fey as Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live: Palin Spoof

The Secret Life of Bees

Catch the cast on Oprah, Thursday, October 2, 2008.

Cancer Claims Life of Paul Newman

Paul Newman died on Friday, September 28, from cancer at the age of 83. The actor was legendary and highly regarded throughout his lengthy career. Nominated for 10 Oscar awards, he won for best actor in 1986 for his role in The Color of Money.

Newman also became a race car driver and the creator of his own popular salad dressing brand, Newman's Own. All proceeds from the sale of his dressings and other food products are donated to charity. another charitable endeavor of Newman's is the Hole in the Wall Gang camp for children with cancer. It allows children to just have fun and forget about their battle with the illness for a while. In addition to his charitable works, Newman was also known as strong political activist who championed the First Amendment.



The beloved actor, known for his piercing blue eyes, rugged good looks, effortless magnetism and non-embellished cool, retired from acting in 2006. He is best known for films such as Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Hustler and the Sting. Other movies include, Message in a Bottle, The Towering Inferno, Road to Perdition, Absence of Malice and The Long, Hot Summer.


He was married to actress Joanne Woodward. The couple raised their three daughters in Westport, Conneticut, far from the pressures of Hollywood. Newman also has two daughters with his first wife, Jackie Witte.

Paul Newman leaves 50 years of cinematic magic for his fans to remember him. However, most would agree that he will always be remembered for his big heart.

Related Articles:

Paul Newman's star quality on and off set
Paul Newman

Paul Newman Photos and Filmography

"I want to die at home," Paul Newman tells family as he's given weeks live.

Newman's Own

I Hope You Dance

Tyler Perry fans, this is the song that he talked about during some of his interviews and in his email that he had Gladys Knight record for "The Family That Preys" (it plays at the end). I couldn't find a video of Gladys singing it but I'm sure you'll love this one.

All of you who are disappointed that either Senator Clinton loss her campaign or that there are no candidates you "like"... I hope you dance all the way to the polls to make sure that Barack Obama is elected President on November 4th. You may not like him for whatever reason, but if you're honest with yourself, you know that he's our best chance for getting out of the deep hole this country is in. DANCE!!!

New Plan to Rescue Banks

The Bush administration, with the help of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, have a plan to assist banks with bad debt.

Click here to read entire article:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080919/ap_on_bi_ge/financial_meltdown

Rednecks for Obama

Even this guy gets it! Thanks for the email, Flora.





To view more pictures from the Democratic National Convention, click on the link below.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/29/21040/3558/576/577074

Women Say No Palin!

Hello All! My friend Sam sent me this email. Thanks, Sam. It's on point.


Friends and compatriots,

We are writing to you because of the fury and dread we have felt since the announcement of Sarah Palin as the Vice-Presidential candidate for the Republican Party. We believe that this terrible decision has surpassed mere partisanship, and that it is a dangerous farce—on the part of a pandering and rudderless Presidential candidate—that has a real possibility of becoming fact.

Perhaps like us, as American women, you share the fear of what Ms. Palin and her professed beliefs and proven record could lead to for ourselves and for our present and future daughters. To date, she is against a woman's right to choose, environmental protection, alternative energy development, freedom of speech (as mayor she repeatedly brought up the question of banning books), gun control, the separation of church and state, and polar bears.

We want to clarify that we are not against Sarah Palin as a woman, a mother, or, for that matter, a parent of a pregnant teenager, but solely as a rash, incompetent, and all together devastating choice for Vice President. Ms. Palin's political views are in every way a slap in the face to the accomplishments that our mothers and grandmothers so fiercely fought for, and that we've so demonstrably benefited from.

First and foremost, Ms. Palin does not represent us. She does not demonstrate or uphold our interests as American women. It is presumed that the inclusion of a woman on the Republican ticket could win over women voters. We want to disagree, publicly.

Therefore, we invite you to submit with a short, succinct message about why you, as a woman living in this country, do not support this candidate as second-in-command for our nation:

http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5558/t/3691/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=466

>We will post your responses on a blog called "Women Against Sarah Palin," which we intend to publicize as widely as possible. Please send us your reply at your earliest convenience-the greater the volume of responses we receive, the stronger our message will be.

Thank you for your time and action.

VIVA!

Sincerely,

Quinn L. and Lyra K.
New York, NY
womensaynopalin@gmail.com

**PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY! If you send this to 20 women in the next hour, you could be blessed with a country that takes your concerns seriously. Stranger things have happened.



http://womenagainstsarahpalin.blogspot.com/

Back In The Day...

For my "traditional" Gospel music lovers, here's one from back in the day that is absolutely what we need right now. The Gerald Sisters are from Mullins, SC and were quite popular in the south during the '70s and '80s.

The Gerald Sisters - Lead Me



Thanks Fableable57 for posting this on Youtube.

How The Candidates Did In School

Subject: How the candidates did in school...

People who don't know should know. How does it go - "Only in America ?" What would you do if you were a head hunter? Which of the CV's would you take the most interest in? The former or the latter? Although academic performance is not a total indicator of future accomplishments --- what would you decide? Please share this with your family and friends....Now, you are the Boss --- which team would you hire? With America facing historic debt, multiple war fronts, stumbling health care, a weakened dollar, all-time high prison population, skyrocketing Federal spending, mortgage crises, bank foreclosures, etc. etc., this is an unusually critical election year. Let's look at the educational background of your two options:

Obama:
Occidental College ( South Africa ) - 2 years studying Politics and Public Policy

Columbia University ( New York ) - B.A. Political Science with specialization in International Relations

Harvard Law School - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude, and also where he became the first African-American editor, of the Harvard Law Review

Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and a B.A. in Political Science

Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank 894 of 899.


Palin:

Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester

North Idaho College - 2 semesters - General Studies

University of Idaho - 2 semesters – Journalism

Matanuska-Susitna College – 1 semester

University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism.


Now, which team are you going to hire?

Special thanks to T. Bailey for the email!

Lakeview Terrace - In Theaters September 19th

In Lakeview Terrace, a young couple (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington) has just moved into their California dream home when they become the target of their next-door neighbor, who disapproves of their interracial relationship. A stern, single father, this tightly wound LAPD officer (Samuel L. Jackson) has appointed himself the watchdog of the neighborhood. His nightly foot patrols and overly watchful eyes bring comfort to some, but he becomes increasingly harassing to the newlyweds. These persistent intrusions into their lives ultimately turn tragic when the couple decides to fight back.

Hmmm...

This piece was emailed to me today. I don't know who wrote it, but I think that he or she nailed it! Thanks for the email, Michelle.


I'm a little confused. Let's see if we have this straight....

If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're 'exotic, different.' Grow up in Alaska eating moose burgers-- a quintessential American story.

If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim. -- Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.

Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable. Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well rounded.

If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.

If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.

If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising two beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian. If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married heiress Cindy the next month, you're a Christian.

If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible.

If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America 's.

If your husband is nicknamed 'First Dude', with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

OK, we are much clearer now.

Barack Obama: Ready to Lead

Barack Obama Democratic Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech




Barack Obama: Ready to Lead

History was made tonight…
Barack Obama officially took on the fight
To take hold of the reins of the United States
And to lead her back to her status of numerous greats

America was a great economic power
She had a great military ready to defend her at any hour
The old girl still has great citizens ready to roll up a sleeve
And rebuild her into a nation in whom everyone can trust and believe

Obama will lead the fight but he will not be alone
Joe Biden agreed to be his running mate, putting his experience
and ability on loan
In the Senate, Hillary Clinton, whenever she gets the call,
will answer her phone
And with the speech he gave tonight, Obama showed he’s firmly in the game
and he will play it to the bone!

Democrats like former President Bill Clinton and veteran Senator Ted Kennedy
have all converged
Demonstrating their support. And support from the undecided they’ve
strongly urged
Leaving no doubt that a willing, capable and necessary leader has been
found in this man
That’s why even Republicans and Independents are joining in the Obama
chants of “Change” and “Yes, we can!”

Sunida E. York © 2008 All Rights Reserved

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Deep Tracks

Hillary Clinton at the 2008 DNC





Hillary Rodham Clinton: Deep Tracks

In your bid for the Democratic Presidential nomination,
you made quite a stand
Proved yourself more than a worthy opponent; had your say
But when the time came to unite a fractured party
You stepped up and supported Barack Obama in the strongest way

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, you are a political powerhouse
You met every challenge and exceeded expectations to become
a Democratic dynamo
Women the world over are still cheering you on
With well-deserved applause for the Hillary we’ve come to admire and know

You fought a protracted, difficult battle
And came closer to winning the coveted White House
seat than any woman in history
In the process, a role model was forged
That every female, young, old, or in between should see

Thanks to you, that ever present glass ceiling
Now has, in your own words, 18 million cracks
The ties that bind sisterhood are stronger than ever
And countless young women will be proud to follow in your deep tracks

Sunida E. York © 2008 All Rights Reserved

Comedic Writers Looking For Producer

I Hate My In-Laws (Act One)


I Hate My In-Laws (Act Two)





"I Hate My In-Laws," is an African-American sitcom that deals with the trials and tribulations of living with in-laws. We are currently seeking a producer for this show. Thus far, 13 episodes have been written. For more info please email mizbridget@yahoo.com or davidjonesbutler@yahoo.com. You can also visit our website at www.ihatemyinlaws.tv






Bridget Vaughan is a writer and freelance editor. She is also the author of a mystery novel, Grand Jury Connections, which is available through barnesandnoble.com & amazon.com. She is a native of Memphis, a graduate of Tennessee State University and currently resides in Texas.

9-year-old pitched from league... told he's too good!

Jericho Scott used to pitch for his team as a participating member of the Youth Baseball League of New Haven. The 9-year-old can throw a fastball that has been clocked at 40 mph. League officials told the youngster that he is too good to play in their youth league. If you think something stinks about this story, you may be sniffing out the truth. The Miami Herald has the full story.

Click here to read the entire article that uncovers some controversial allegations related to the ouster of Jericho and the disbanding of his team.