Dakota's Easter Wish

With Easter fast approaching (April 12th), parents may want to consider a sweet alternative to filling their children's Easter baskets with lots of candy. Author Vasilisa Hamilton's book, Dakota's Easter Wish, makes the perfect Easter gift for children 3 to 8 years of age.


In this humorous tale, Dakota is the only child who has not won the annual Easter egg hunt. Her determination to make her wish come true will inspire your child to dream and to work hard to make that dream come true.


Visit Vasilisa at her website: www.papadidntpreach.com

Heck of A Half Court Shot!

Vick to testify at bankruptcy hearing.

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, Michael Vick, has been ordered to appear at his bankruptcy hearing in Newport News, VA on April 2nd. The Federal Bureau of Prisons website currently lists Vick as being "in transit." The NFL star was convicted of a dogfighting conspiracy charge and sentenced to 23 months at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. Vick is eligible for home confinement on May 21st and release on July 20th.

Can You Keep a Secret?

Author Nishawnda Ellis' secret is out! She returns to bookstores with her latest literary offering, Keeping Secrets Telling Lies. Read an excerpt below.
Shaniece Turner is back and hell bent on getting what she wants: marrying Mark Anderton, and getting away with murder.

In the mind of a dangerous psychotic woman burying her secret is like checking off her "to do" list: planned, calculated and executed. The only thing between her fairy tale ending is an all grown up Dawson Jones, who discovers the real person responsible for her father's mistress's murder and is determined to make her suffer.

After the dust settles, who will win, who will lose and what's the final body count?

Keeping Secrets, Telling Lies is the sequel to Wives and Girlfriends (Urban Books, 2007)

In Stores April 2009

Kutiman - 03 - I'm New

Jon Stewart and Jim Cramer Smackdown

Just in case you missed Jon Stewart giving Jim Cramer a verbal @ss whippin' (I don't think anyone did), here it is.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 3

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

The Peddlers Group opens online bookstore!

The Peddlers Group is a new online bookstore hoping to attract lovers of the written word.



With titles such as Sins of the Innocent by Deborah E. Warr and Nik of Time by Catherine E. Standell and Cora Leigh Hampton, readers are sure to find a novel to captivate and engage their imaginations. If not, Peddlers Group invites you to tell them what your interests are so that they can meet your needs.



Stop by to read an excerpt or just to see what's being peddled today!

Rihanna,Chris Brown case inspires Oprah and Tyra. Pt. 2

NOTE: Dr. Phil is weighing in on this issue on Thursday as well. His segment is titled Love and Lies.

Violence is not the answer for either party, if the truth be told. If your relationship is abusive on any level...emotional, mental or physical, it should not be endured! You deserve better. Love will not be without complications from time to time, but that does not include neglect, intimidation, cruelty, or violence. So, if your relationship is causing you pain, you should be heading for the door.

The following poem is excerpted from my book, "He's Not Your Boyfriend If... She's Not Your Girlfriend If... A Rude, Offensive and Humorous Take on Unrequited Love". By no means am I implying that domestic violence is funny. The book is designed to make people in bad relationships think, open their eyes, look at it from a different perspective, and get out without beating yourself up about it (as women tend to do). The humor is just to make you laugh to lift your spirits. Read the poem. If it's you, get out, girl.

Wrong Far Too Long

If you’re being pushed, punched, kicked, or
slapped in the face...
Leave your abuser. Get to a safe place
So --- you’re staying with him for your
children’s sake
Actually, you’re showing them how much
a human punching bag can take

It’s not worth it. No doubt, he’s wrong
You’ve put up with the pain for far too long

Maybe hitting you is not his thing
He uses verbal abuse to pull your string
Well that is just as bad; it may even be worse
The psychological damage can plague your
life like a curse

Just because he speaks the words doesn’t
mean that they are true. He’s wrong
Listen to your heart, your soul to which God
speaks. You’ve ignored His voice for far
too long

It’s nothing like that, either, you say
Instead, you’ve compromised your morals in
some way
You know “it’s all good.” You’re trying to
keep your man ‘cause he’s “the one”
Yet, you’re ashamed. Your self-respect is
damaged. You regret what you’ve done

Find your strength by being secure in who
you really are. Asking you to be anything
else is wrong
Find your true character, your morals and
your values that have been pushed aside for
far too long

A relationship that damages you physically,
mentally, or morally is wrong
Staying in it a minute more is a minute too
long
Call on your faith. Rally your courage. As
long as you’re alive, you can be strong
But if you let him beat you to death, slay you
emotionally, or bankrupt you morally...
YOU have been wrong. YOU have been wrong --- far too long

Copyright ©2006-2009 by Sunida E. York All Rights Reserved

Rihanna,Chris Brown case inspires Oprah and Tyra. Pt. 1

Talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey, will be devoting Thursday's show to the subject of dating violence as will Tyra Banks. Both talk show hosts saw the well publicized, violent altercation between R&B singers Chris Brown and Rihanna as an opportunity to speak out against violence against women. Neither host is a stranger to advocating for women and against abuse. Oprah has done numerous shows over the years aimed at empowering women to leave abusive relationships and helping men to realize that it is never acceptable to abuse a woman, physically, mentally or emotionally. Since hanging up her angel wings and picking up a microphone, Tyra Banks has joined the chorus of voices admonishing violent behavior towards women. Oprah and Tyra feel compelled to attempt to reach the millions of teen aged Rihanna fans that statistics reveal are victims of dating violence.

Chris Brown has been charged with two felonies in the physical attack on Rihanna that left her visibly battered and bruised. It is alleged that he threatened to kill her during the beating. Brown's next court date is April 6, 2009. Celebrities have been weighing in on the incident, some speaking to Rihanna, asking her to carefully consider resuming a relationship with Brown. It has been rumored that the pair have reconciled and are engaged. In addition, Rihanna is said to be pregnant. None of the rumors have been substantiated. Many of the celebrities who spoke about the incident have noted that the allegations leveled against Brown have not been proven and judgement should be saved until such time.

I have been following the case and I am appalled when I hear comments such as, "They're just kids. He's only 18." While his age may attest to his lack of maturity, it does not excuse the beating he allegedly inflicted on Rihanna. Likewise, those who want to blame the victim by claiming that she provoked the attack are not offering a valid excuse. There is no excuse for a man to punch, choke and bite the woman he supposedly loves.

Racism is alive, well and kicking!

Man Finds Racial Slur Printed On Receipt
KMBC's Marcus Moore reports.




Thanks to C. Lewis for the email.

Barnes & Nobles responds to "racist" display allegation.

Barnes & Nobles Booksellers
Press Release

CONTACT:
Mary Ellen Keating
Senior Vice President
Corporate Communications
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3323
mkeating@bn.com

03/06/2009

Barnes & Noble Outraged Over Tampering of Store Display in Coral Gables, Florida



New York, New York – March 6, 2009 – Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world’s largest bookseller, announced today that it is the victim of a malicious act. The company is outraged over the tampering of a store display in its Coral Gables, Florida store by a customer who placed an inappropriate title in the center of its Presidential display. Barnes & Noble believes the incident occurred two weeks ago when a customer took a book from another part of the store entitled Monkeys: A Captivating Look at These Fascinating Animals, placed it in the window display and then photographed the altered display. When Barnes & Noble discovered the book in the display it immediately removed it. Since then, the photograph has been widely distributed via email and over the Internet falsely claiming that Barnes & Noble actually placed the book in the display.

Leonard Riggio, Barnes & Noble Founder and Chairman who has long been involved in the civil rights struggle, said “this malicious and despicable act is nothing short of a hate crime, which should be punishable under federal statutes. Rather than detracting from President Obama’s historic victory as was intended, the perpetrator of this crime served only to validate the wisdom of the tens of millions of Americans who voted for him.”

Read entire press release.

Thanks to T. Patterson for the link.

NFL Players Corey Smith and Marquis Cooper Missing

Detroit Lions defensive end Corey Smith (pictured on the right) and Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper have been reported missing after failing to return from a fishing trip with two friends. The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for the NFL players and Nick Skyler and William Bleakley. The men did not return to Seminole Boat Ramp in Clearwater Pass, Florida on their 21-foot fishing boat as expected. A Coast Guard spokesman said that no distress call was received from the men.




Links:

ESPN

ABC News

Yahoo News

Bloomberg.com

Radio Broadcasting Legend, Paul Harvey, Dead

AP – FILE **In this Nov. 16, 1988 file photo, radio commentator Paul Harvey and his wife, Lynne, hold a street



After almost 60 years of radio commentary, Paul Harvey passed away in Arizona on Saturday. A cause of death for the 90-year-old has not been made available. For "The rest of the story" on the radio pioneer, click here.


Links:

paulharvey.com

ABC News

Yahoo News

Edit Again Publications releases new title: Ex-boyfriend

Edit Again Publications
_____________________________________________________________________

P.O. Box 35475 • St. Petersburg, FL 33705 • (727) 821-7345


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Teresa Patterson
Email: teresadpatterson@yahoo.com

New book by local author is sure to have you wondering about your ex.

St. Petersburg, FL – February 25, 2009 – Author Teresa D. Patterson of St. Petersburg has launched her own publishing company Edit Again Publications. She will be releasing her first self-published title, Ex-boyfriend on March 1, 2009.

The idea for Ex-boyfriend was born on November 1, 2006, during National Novel Writing Month (www.nanowrimo.org), where the goal was to write a 50,000 word novel in thirty days. Unfortunately, Miss Patterson did not obtain her goal; however she wasn’t deterred. The characters that were created that November cried to have a voice. Miss Patterson felt a strong desire to finish her creation and see it in print.

Ex-boyfriend is a fast-paced novel that will appeal to readers who love urban fiction. It will especially hit home for women with an ex in their past.

Ex-boyfriend is available on line at www.editagainpublications.com, www.teresadpatterson.com and www.amazon.com.

For more information about Ex-boyfriend or other titles by Teresa D. Patterson contact the author at (727) 821-7345.



Ex-boyfriend
When Vicki Holiday catches her boyfriend cheating, she
breaks up with him and tries to go on with her life. Terrence
refuses to go away. He stalks Vicki and harasses her friends.
He even threatens any man who might get close to her. When
he breaks into her apartment and confronts her new love, will
someone end up in a bag?

About the Author
Teresa D. Patterson, who also writes under the pseudonym, Diane Diamond, is the author of It’s Your World, Black Girl! Project Queen, and Uncrossing Her Legs. She’s also the founder of Edit Again Publications and lives in Florida with her two sons.

Book Statistics
Title: Ex-boyfriend
Author: Teresa D. Patterson
ISBN: 978-0-615-27800-1
Category: Urban Fiction
Length: 231 pages
Retail Price: $15.00
Binding: 5 ½ x 8 ½ trade paperback
Release: March 1, 2009

Reviewers
For a gratis copy, please contact the following:
Edit Again Publications
P.O. Box 35475
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
(727) 821-7345
www.editagainpublications.com
www.editagainservices@yahoo.com
###

Fighting Foreclosure: "Produce the note!"

Homeowners trying to fend off mortgage lenders that are trying to foreclose on their home have been finding power in these three words... "Produce the note." Thanks to Florida attorney, Chris Hoyer, this delay tactic may give struggling homeowners the time they need to find a way to save their homes from being repossessed by the bank. Visit Hoyer's website, Consumer Warning Network, for more information and to obtain the "Produce the note" paperwork. The tactic is working for some consumers because the bank holding the note may not be able to produce the original signed note showing that the homeowner is actually liable for the loan. Additional information can also be found at ABC.com

Thinking about giving up? Watch this!

Cha Sa-soon, a 68-year-old South Korean woman, should inspire and encourage anyone who's thinking about giving up on a goal. Never give up! I hope she gets that license soon.

Dwight Howard lands 75 footer.

It's all net, baby! And check out his "Superman" dunk below. More highlights at nba.com

Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love

Bungling burgelers' getaway car stolen

Greenwich Village Baker's Racist Cookies

Read more.

Special thanks to P. Thrower for the video link.

Buffalo, NY Plane Crash Kills 49

At approximately 10:10 p.m., Continental Flight 3407 crashed in Clarence Center, a suburb near Buffalo. The plane had left Newark, new Jersey and was set to land in Buffalo. Instead, it hit a home as it went down and burst into searing, high-reaching flames on Thursday night. An information hotline has been set up for relatives of passengers on that flight. The toll-free number is 1-800-621-3263.

According to the FAA, 48 people were on board the jetliner. The 44 passengers and four crew members were killed along with one person on the ground.

Yep. Those nails are real.

(AP Photo/The Deseret News, Tom Smart)

Well, they were real. Salt Lake City, Utah's Lee Redmond once boasted having the longest fingernails in the world and was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. However, a car accident on Feb. 10, 2009, caused the nails to break. Before the accident, the nails measured nearly 30 inches. Luckily, her injuries were not life threatening.

Marcus Jones

Relationship Management - 2008 Year of the Intellectual Black Man - video powered by Metacafe




Return of the Intellectual Soul Brother - Redefining Ourselves! - video powered by Metacafe

Jet Li joins the Davos Debates

Martial arts superstar Jet Li discusses his beliefs about how and why we all need to work together to help each other and save our home (the Earth). Not only can he kick butt all day long, he's pretty damn smart.

Blagojevich deemed unworthy to be governor.

At the close of a four day trial, embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was ousted from office and barred from holding a public office again in Illinois. The Illinois Senate voted 59-0 to convict him of abuse of power. The former governor is now infamous for attempting to sell the senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.

Republican Sen. Matt Murphy is quoted as saying,"He failed the test of character. He is beneath the dignity of the state of Illinois. He is no longer worthy to be our governor."

Federal prosecutors are expected to indict Blagojevich on corruption charges. Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, a Democrat and Blagojevich critic, was immediately sworn in as governor.

To read the entire article, click here: Yahoo! News

Testimony from someone who had 4 strokes & 2 heart attacks

Ms. Kimberly Butler gives astounding testimony about having had four strokes and two heart attacks and surviving them all even though the chief physician did not think that she would live. She drove herself to church that day in spite of being told that she would never see again. It is difficult and laborious for her to speak, so the testimony may seem a bit long to some. Be assured, it is worth every second. At the end, she sings two songs, Amazing Grace and Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus . What is truly amazing is how she is able to deliver these songs with such strength, power, and conviction. Kimberly blessed the congregation with her appearance at Original Holy Ark Church with Pastor Sammy Davis in Chicago. Ain't God good! There is nothing like being blessed by God. Keep singing, Kimberly.

Special thanks to J.J. for the link to the video.

President Barack H. Obama!

January 20, 2009, America embarked on a new phase of it's history with the first African American President. He embodies hope and embraces every race, nationality and ethnicity. The world rejoiced today.












View more photos by Mike Segar (Reuters) at Yahoo News.

They say everyone has a twin...

Indonesian photographer Ilham Anas now has a career as an Obama double. The 34-year-old does bear an amazing resemblance to U.S. President Barack Obama. See full article and additional photos at Yahoo! News.

OBSESSED - In Theaters April 24th 2009

Cubby dances to Beyonce Single Ladies

Cubby from 96.1 The Beat Charlotte does his own version of the SNL skit of Beyonce and Justin Timberlake.

Plane Crashes into Hudson River

Officials have not reported any fatalities or serious injuries in conjunction with the crash of a US Airways plane earlier this afternoon. Two engines on the plane were not functioning after striking a bird. The collision sent the plane into the Hudson River with 150 passengers on board.

US Airways flight 1549 had departed LaGuardia heading for Charlotte, N.C. when the accident occurred. The New York Fire Department and the Coast Guard launched rescue efforts with assistance from several ferries that surrounded the plane while waiting for passengers to board for taxi to the shore. The waters of the Hudson River are extremely frigid which heightened concern for the safety of the plane crash survivors.

Click here for more information.

Other links:

Yahoo News

Newday

A MUST READ!!!



Dr. Manis

When Are WE Going to Get Over It?
For much of the last forty years, ever since America "fixed" its race problem in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, we white people have been impatient with African Americans who continued to blame race for their difficulties. Often we have heard whites ask, "When are African Americans finally going to get over it?

Now I want to ask: "When are we White Americans going to get over our ridiculous obsession with skin color?

Recent reports that "Election Spurs Hundreds' of Race Threats, Crimes" should frighten and infuriate every one of us. Having grown up in "Bombingham," Alabama in the 1960s, I remember overhearing an avalanche of comments about what many white classmates and their parents wanted to do to John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Eventually, as you may recall, in all three cases, someone decided to do more than "talk the talk."

Since our recent presidential election, to our eternal shame we are once again hearing the same reprehensible talk I remember from my boyhood.

We white people have controlled political life in the disunited colonies and United States for some 400 years on this continent. Conservative whites have been in power 28 of the last 40 years. Even during the eight Clinton years, conservatives in Congress blocked most of his agenda and pulled him to the right. Yet never in that period did I read any headlines suggesting that anyone was calling for the assassinations of presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, or either of the Bushes. Criticize them, yes. Call for their impeachment, perhaps.

But there were no bounties on their heads. And even when someone did try to kill Ronald Reagan, the perpetrator was non-political mental case who wanted merely to impress Jody Foster.

But elect a liberal who happens to be Black and we're back in the sixties again. At this point in our history, we should be proud that we've proven what conservatives are always saying -that in America anything is possible, EVEN electing a black man as president. But instead we now hear that schoolchildren from Maine to California are talking about wanting to "assassinate Obama."

Fighting the urge to throw up, I can only ask, "How long?" How long before we white people realize we can't make our nation, much less the whole world, look like us? How long until we white people can -once and for all- get over this hell-conceived preoccupation with skin color? How long until we white people get over the demonic conviction that white skin makes us superior? How long before we white people get over our bitter resentments about being demoted to the status of equality with non-whites?

How long before we get over our expectations that we should be at the head of the line merely because of our white skin? How long until we white people end our silence and call out our peers when they share the latest racist jokes in the privacy of our white-only conversations?

I believe in free speech, but how long until we white people start making racist loudmouths as socially uncomfortable as we do flag burners? How long until we white people will stop insisting that blacks exercise personal responsibility, build strong families, educate themselves enough to edit the Harvard Law Review, and work hard enough to become President of the United States, only to threaten to assassinate them when they do?

How long before we starting "living out the true meaning" of our creeds, both civil and religious, that all men and women are created equal and that "red and yellow, black and white" all are precious in God's sight?

Until this past November 4, I didn't believe this country would ever elect an African American to the presidency. I still don't believe I'll live long enough to see us white people get over our racism problem. But here's my three-point plan:

First, everyday that Barack Obama lives in the White House that Black Slaves Built I'm going to pray that God (and the Secret Service) will protect him and his family from us white people.

Second, I'm going to report to the FBI any white person I overhear saying, in seriousness or in jest, anything of a threatening nature about President Obama.

Third, I'm going to pray to live long enough to see America surprise the world once again, when white people can "in spirit and in truth" sing of our damnable color prejudice, "We HAVE overcome."
Andrew Manis is author of Macon Black and White and serves on the steering committee of Macon's Center for Racial understanding.
It takes a Village to protect our President!!!

Special thanks to R. Martin for the email!!

Outrageous News Stories

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