Woman in Prank Domino's Video is Sex Offender

Kristy Hammonds is a registered sex offender who pleaded guilty to participating in an illicit act with a 14-year old girl. Hammonds is the woman who filmed Michael Setzer in various disgusting acts with food he was preparing at a Domino's Pizza in North Carolina.

The young girl was sexally abused by Hammonds during a four month period. Click here to read the article posted on The Smoking Gun website. There is also a link to the plea agreement documentation on the site that reflects Hammonds' married name, Thompson.

Marking the 2nd anniversary of Va. Tech Tragedy

Thousands marked the second anniversary of the day Seung-Hui Cho took the lives of 32 students at Virginia Tech. Many other students were injured. Click here to read the full article.





Never Good-bye

On April 16, 2007, an unfathomable, horrific and stunning tragedy
Visited the Virginia Tech campus quite unexpectedly
A troubled soul decided to end his secret pain
By targeting innocent, unsuspecting students and faculty in a murderous reign

We cannot imagine what it was like for the victims as we were not there
But for all those left behind, we are here... your lingering burden from this crisis to share
With thirty two beautiful lives prematurely snatched into non-surrendered sleep
How could we not grieve with you? Indeed, our hearts weep

To the families and friends of the students and professors so callously taken away
That you are blessed to walk in God’s grace, mercy and peace, we pray
To the surviving students, faculty and staff, continue to find strength through
your faith and Hokie pride
Knowing that a concerned nation prays for you and stands by your side

One dark hearted man made the cost of an education too high... deplorable and
devastatingly true
But he could not steal your essence and memory. They are nestled safely in the
hearts of those who love you
And just as you shined in your earthly life, you will illuminate the heavenly sky
We yield to a reluctant, bittersweet parting but we will never say good-bye

Sunida E. York © Copyright 2007-2009 All Rights Reserved

Sexting: Teen trend explored on today's Dr. Phil show

Parents, in case you've missed all of the other shows aimed at educating you on the latest teen craze called sexting, you'll want to tune in or Tivo Dr. Phil today. Sexting is the act of sending nude or sexual photos via the cell phone or other electronic devices. Tyra, GMA, and Today have all had segments on the topic.

This seemingly fun and harmless activity has landed some teens in jail on child pornography charges. Once convicted, the offender must register as a sex offender. This type of charge can be leveled whether the teen sends or receives the photo(s) in some cases.




In addition to the legal issues, some of the teenagers find themselves in the cross hairs of those who enjoy ridiculing others. One young woman hanged herself because of the overwhelming and negative attention she encountered after a nude photo of her made the rounds through her high school.

Dr Phil devotes today's show to educating parents on the dangers of sexting. Parents routinely assume that their child would never be involved in sexting and other dangerous trends teenagers engage in but most of the parents who have been interviewed on other shows regarding the subject admit to being mistaken with sometimes dire consequences.

This is your chance to learn about the practice of sexting so that you can intervene, if necessary, before your child makes a mistake that cannot be undone. Sometimes children have to be protected from themselves and the peer pressure they face daily.

Wired Safety is a website offering simple tips to parents designed to protect kids. As the Good Morning America episode revealed, even pre-teen children are taking shocking pictures and videos and forwarding them with their cell phones or other electronic devices.

Dr. Parry Aftab of Wired Safety has offered the following suggestions for parents.

Google: your child's first and last name in quotes Ex: "Jane Doe"
search screen names and address as well
your child's cell phone number in quotes Ex: "555-123-1212"
"Google Desktop" Download free software
Look for *avi for videos and *gpg for images
Visit www.wiredsafety.com and www.getgamesmart.com for other tips

Most importantly, parents should have a frank discussion with their children and discuss the pitfalls of sexting.



In related news, Oprah will be interviewing 14-year old children who claim that they are ready to have sex.

Domino's Workers arrested after tampering with food.

Michael Anthony Setzer, 32, and Kristy Lynn Hammonds,31, laughed it up as Setzer stuffed cheese up his nose and played with salami near his behind while Hammonds recorded the nasty video. The two tampered with food as they made sandwhiches that Hammands claimed would be delivered to unsuspecting customers at a Domino's Pizza in Conover, NC and posted the disgusting video on Youtube.


Both workers were fired and arrested. They were charged with distributing prohibited foods. The video has since been removed from Youtube. The video also showed Setzer sneezing over a sandwich and appearing to bury a "bugger" from his nose in the sandwich. He also pulled down his pants, wiped a sponge over his rear end, and then washed dishes and utensils with the soiled sponge. Viewers cringed as reporters showed the video. It's enough to make anyone rethink eating out for a while.

Hammonds was still in custody at the Catawba County jail as of Wednesday night while Setzer was released on a $7,500 bond.

A Domino's spokesperson said that the company found no evidence that the unsanitary sandwiches were delivered to customers. Tim McIntyre also said the company is considering a lawsuit.

Domino's CEO Patrick Doyle posted a video response to the prank assuring customers that the restaurant had been sanitized thoroughly. According to Doyle, hiring practices are being revisited to prevent people like Hammonds and Setzer from being hired in the future.

Jaime Foxx Apologizes on Tonight Show

During an appearance on the Tonight Show, Jaime Foxx apologized to Miley Cyrus for the comments he made about her on his satellite radio show, the Foxxhole. Jay Leno asked Foxx about the incident and said that he knew it had been bothering him. Click here to watch the full episode or choose the chapter(s) you want to watch.

Foxx said he's a comedian and doesn't mean any of the things he says. He also said that the jokes were taken out of context and blown out of proportion; so, he wanted to nip it in the bud.

I'm glad he stepped up and apologized.

Adam Lambert Owns American Idol Season 8!

Adam Lambert has had control of the American Idol stage since he let out the first note. Last week, I became convinced that the final two will come down to Lambert and the 16-year old sensation that is Allison Iraheta. Both happen to be from Los Angeles, CA. Lambert has owned season eight from the beginning. Even my son, who never bothers to watch Idol, has been turning up to watch him perform. Initially, he thought that Idol was pulling a fast one by planting a professional performer in the contest. This guy is clearly in a category all by himself. And he's such a pretty boy! I love it.



Obviously, all of the contestants are very talented. Otherwise, they never would have made it this far. I had high hopes for many of them, even some of those who have departed. But, it is what it is. And that would be a contest. Somebody has to be eliminated tomorrow. I am more than a little concerned for Lil Rounds and Kris Allen. Matt Giraud may be teetering on the edge as well. Barring a miracle, I stand by my prediction that the final battle will be fought by Iraheta and Lambert with Lambert winning hands down.

Jaime Foxx Berates Miley Cyrus

Jaime Foxx and his crew at the Foxxhole, his satellite radio show, launched into an expletive laced tirade about teen Disney star, Miley Cyrus, after a listener called in to complain about Cyrus dissing the band Radio Head. Click here to listen to the audio.



First, Foxx asked who Cyrus was, as if he didn't know. I'm not a fan of the young Cyrus, but everyone knows who the kid is by now because her image and music are everywhere. Then, he proceeded to make fun of her gums... too much gum and small teeth. Cyrus was called a "white bitch" ... did we have to go there with the race issue? We'd be enraged if a white person called one of our sistas a "black bitch" in a public forum. Foxx and friends said that she should "grow up and make a sex tape" (with her dad, someone chimed in). In addition, they said that 16-year old Miley should do drugs and "catch chlamydia from a bicycle seat"!




Foxx's comments are so distasteful because he is 41... much too old to come at a teen aged girl like that, especially since he has a teen aged daughter of his own. Had someone spoken about his child like that, I'm sure he'd want to fight (or kill, even). I realize that he is a comedian and is expected to say outlandish things to keep his fans tuned in, but come on, Jaime. Really? Like that?

American girls have bad enough images about themselves. Young ladies should be respected and taught to respect and love themselves. They should never be degraded in such an offensive manner. And think of the example that you're setting for young men who look up to you! I think you made quite a misstep, Mr. Foxx. I've always admired your tremendous talent to make us laugh through your comedy, move us with your music, and engage us with your acting ability. You're already on top, baby! There's no need to put this child down to pull yourself up even higher.

I don't even understand why the verbal attack took place. Are you close to the Radio Head band? What? Is Miley Cyrus not allowed to be disappointed because she was denied permission to meet them backstage? She probably should have kept her opinion of that incident to herself; but, still, she is entitled to voice her hurt and anger regardless of how overly ambitious her desire to "ruin" their career happened to be.

This was beneath you, Jaime. I hope someone will be able to post an audio of you apologizing. Are you man enough?

BTW, I did a post on this very subject (an adult demeaning a child) 27Jan08. I'm reposting the poem I included for those who need a refresher.


No Shame in My Name

Most of us answer to the name given to us at birth
Never equating it to our feelings of self worth
But what happens when we are called by the name of something
we could never be?
The result is that it slowly chips away at our image inwardly
Whether accosted in public or behind closed doors with a name less than adorable
The use of such a demeaning form of censure is simply deplorable
A young girl being called a “heifer” during her formative years
Will most likely be left with the “I’m not good enough” doubts and fears
And the “B word” is bantered about so effortlessly
That its use easily survives through multiple generations of the family tree
We all know the names young men are called, so they won’t be repeated here
The devastating effects are seen in their lack of respect for self and
others… it’s crystal clear
Let’s raise the next generation of children with love and respect, starting now
Don’t allow yourself to refer to any woman, young or old, as a cow
Refrain from equating people to animals or words intended solely to shame
When you refer to yourself, speak to and about others, and talk to
your children, call each person by his name
Allow love, acceptance, care and understanding to undulate in your
tone and sparkle in your eyes
You may not see an immediate effect but it will take root in their
souls and eventually rise
In turn, our children will learn to treat themselves and others they
encounter well throughout life
Begin the process at home. Never treat the stranger in the street
better than you treat your child, your husband, your wife
There are no human heifers, no human female dogs, and no
fatherless male child who should hang his head in shame
We claim to want the world to be a better place… let’s start by
calling each person by his or her rightful name


Sunida E. York © 2008 All Rights Reserved

Simon Cowell Leaving American Idol?

Bloggers are buzzing about the nasty rumor that Simon Cowell is quitting American Idol. Cowell is rumored to be unable to keep pace with his hectic schedule. He has several shows on air. Besides American Idol, there is Britain's Got Talent and X Factor. Cowell also has a record label.

Love him or hate him, most Idol fans would agree that the show absolutely would not be the same without the acid-tongued judge. Cowell is the only judge of the four who is not afraid to be brutally honest. And he is almost always on point with his observations of contestants' performances. The ratings would most likely plummet if Cowell does leave.

Related Links:

The Insider

Daily Stab

TV Squad

TV Guide

Sunday School Teacher Arrested in Cantu Murder

A single mother who taught Sunday school at her grandfather's church in Tracy, California is in custody for the kidnapping and murder of her daughter's playmate. Eight-year old Sandra Cantu frequently played with Melissa Huckaby's five-year old daughter.

Family members say that they are stunned to learn that Huckaby has been arrested for this terrible crime because she loves children and has abundant patience with them. Cantu's body was found in the 28-year old woman's suit case in an irrigation pond. Huckaby is being held in custody in the San Joaquin County Jail without bail and on suicide watch.

Statistically, it is rare for women to kidnap and murder children. Police were shocked when Huckaby emerged as their only suspect based on her inconsistent story. They have not revealed where or how young Sandra was killed. No motive has been established.

How odd and alarming that the mother of a young daughter would take the life of someone else's young daughter! I'll ask the question again... Parents, do you know where your children are? Do you really know the person that you are entrusting your child to? Ask your children questions when they've been with someone else outside of your presence. Check their bodies for unusual marks and ask how they got there. Talk to them and let them know that they can come to you about anything, especially if someone tells them not to tell. I'm no expert but as always, I'll include helpful links.

Rest in peace, Sandra. To her family, may God bless and keep you.

Child Safety Tips Links:

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Polly Klass Foundation- Take Action: Keep Your Children Safe

McGruff.org

Essortment.com - Child Safety Tips

Capt. Phillips rescued, three pirates killed

According to an Associated Press report, after being held hostage on the high seas for five days, Capt. Richard Phillips was freed when U.S. Navy snipers shot three of the pirates holding Phillips captive. A fourth pirate was in military custody after surrendering.

Upon learning that their captain was rescued, the crew of the Maersk-Alabama cheered and waived the American flag. They were able to escape the pirates after Capt. Phillips bravely offered himself as a hostage.

Although this hostage drama has a happy ending, pirates are said to hold more than a dozen ships and 230 sailors from various nations. The pirates are threatening to take more aggressive actions by killing hostages if attacked by potential rescuers.

Meet Bo, the Obama's new dog!

Bo is the newest member of the Obama family thanks to Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy (D) and his wife Victoria who gave the six-month old Portuguese water dog to Sasha and Malia. Isn't he just too cute?!

Steve Harvey, is he helping women or a hypocrite?

Undoubtedly, you've heard about or even purchased and read comedian and radio talk show host Steve Harvey's new book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. He's been on all the television talk shows promoting it, including Oprah and Tyra. The book has risen to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, before he appeared on Oprah.

Harvey has been touting his book as something to help women because he wants women to be armed with the right information from a man's perspective with regards to relationships. His own relationships are being dissected on the Internet in one blog or another. All one has to do is Google Steve Harvey or Steve Harvey book to find links to blogs where his fans and critics are immersed in a battle of words over the book. Many feel that the entertainer is unqualified to give serious advice to women considering the fact that he has been married three times and the second Mrs. Harvey, Mary, is currently suing their former attorney for conning her in the divorce settlement and the affidavit is rife with allegations against Harvey for everything from cheating and spousal abuse to child neglect and abandonment. Harvey supporters think that the sometimes-funny-man is sincere in his quest to assist women in the art of deciphering man-speak. Other readers believe it's just another method of making money. Men have dropped by the blogs to insist that he does not speak for them and that they would never behave in the manner described by Harvey. People have even brought up the severed friendship between Harvey and deceased comedian Bernie Mac. The rumor is that Harvey's dirty dealings killed that relationship.

The BEST BLOG on this controversy, by far (and when I say "by far," I mean by miles and miles, people) is Phyllis V. Du'Gas Blog. Admittedly, I never heard of Phyllis Du'Gas before that fateful Google search; but, now that I have found her blog, I am a fan! I can tell you that you will be as well. She speaks with eloquence and truth. I say "speaks" rather than "writes" because her words seem to be alive and vocal. With that said, Phyllis includes a link to author and poet Sharon P. Carson, who wrote a book by the same title as Harvey's years earlier. There is much speculation as to whether her title, concept and format were copied (with some changes, of course) by Harvey and his camp. Of course, Harvey has denied the allegation.


Titles cannot be copyrighted. Remember the old saying,"there's nothing new under the sun"? Well, it's certainly true that more than one person can have the same idea, although there will most likely be some differences in how those ideas play out. And the excerpts from Ms. Carson's book that I've read online do seem quite different from what Harvey has to say. Perhaps that's because he's writing from a man's perspective and intentionally set about making his material as different as possible. Perhaps not. My opinion is that it's not close enough to be called "plagiarism". However, I do like what I've read of Carson's book better than what I've read of Harvey's. As a result, I feel that my precious funds would be better spent supporting Carson, who is a self-published author, than supporting a reputed self-absorbed comedian whose ego immensely out-weighs his talent. I'm not judging Harvey, here... I don't know him, I'm simply commenting on the posts I've read about him. I think he's okay as a comedian but there are others I like a lot more. I only listen to his show when I'm in my car because he's the only one on in the mornings in my area since Tom Joyner is no longer on the air here (miss you Tom, Sybil, J. Anthony Brown, and the whole crew). But let me tell you that I don't like it when he cuts off a guest who's speaking and they don't even get around to the reason the person is on the show (and he does this consistently) or he calls a woman a "heifer". The heifer thing really ticks me off! When I found out that he was coming to our area, I just didn't feel that he was funny enough for me to actually pay to see him. From some of the comments I've read and the crazy-hilarious Katt Williams video, I was right. And besides, Sharon is a poet and author, y'all. She didn't have to get another author to write for her.

I do have one question... who the hell turned Harvey's book into a PDF and didn't email me a copy?! Dayum! LOL. For anyone else who didn't get that email and doesn't want to pay, try your local library or sit in Barnes & Noble for a hot minute and get your read on.

The last thing I want to say to anyone looking for relationship advice is this: THINK FOR YOURSELF! You know whether you're being treated well or not. You know if the relationship is costing more than you can afford to pay from an emotional standpoint. It's okay to get other people's opinions, but remember that you are the one in the situation, not the person offering advice. You have to decide what's best for you. And if you believe in God or a higher power, talk to Him. He listens and answers prayers. It may not be the answer you want, but He will answer. And for heaven's sake, if you are in an abusive (physically, emotionally, whatever) relationship, don't let anyone talk you into staying. You can't whip my azz or cuss me out and put me down one minute and then tell me that you love me the next and everything's fine. Aw, hell no!! If that's you, girlfriend, get help and get out. Do it for you and your children if you have any. Oh, yeah, there are professional counselors who do this for a living and many of them are males who can give you the benefit of a male perspective as well. Someone mentioned Dr. Ronn Elmore on Phyllis' blog.

Don't forget to check out Phyllis V. Du'Gas and Sharon P. Carson.

Other Links:

Steve Harvey STOLE His Bestselling Book?!

Steve Harvey Book: more fat for the fire


The Savvy Sista: Sharon P. Carson Statement on Steve Harvey...

Steve Harvey's New Relationship Book

Katt Williams Spanks Steve Harvey

AverageBro Steve Harvey on the Foxxhole

Gulf War Illness

This is still a very important subject that should not be forgotten. The soldiers living with Gulf War Illness cannot forget.






Related Links:

Gulf War Syndrome

Gulf War Illness Study

Health of GW Veterans

Gulf War Veterans Illness

Centers for Disease Control: Gulf War Illness

Veterans for America Org

Gulf War Syndrome Wikipedia

Not a myth: GPS can lead to home break-ins!