Monday, September 29, 2008
50 Hits Diva Status for Chilie
50 Cent will make his performance debut in Santiago, Chile next month, but the rapper has a list of demands that must be met, before fans can expect to see him perform.His staff calls for a number of specific requests to be met before he hits the stage. 50 Cent and his entourage must be fed chicken, fillet mignon and baked potatoes with sour cream and American cheese, all on porcelain dishes, with fruit and two types of jelly.
50 and crew need 18 liters of spring water, 36 cans of soda, a bottle of cognac and a case of beer to drink.
He also needs several mirrors, two couches, two large tables, 12 black towels, 12 white towels and a classic boom box.
The rapper, who is staying in the Sheraton’s Presidential Suite, could be planning a private party in Santiago as well.
The rap mogul is slated to perform his first show in the country on October 30, at the Movistar Arena.
In related news, 50 Cent will be honored with his own day on October 12 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he currently resides.
Ciara and The Family
Ciara tried to get into a little wholesome family action at Six Flags in Atlanta this weekend to honor some “Fantasy Ride” other something. No comment on her mom’s get up, it's amusement park ride clothing.
Halle and Yoga
The Hottest Upcoming First Lady Yet
Michelle Obama supported her husband Barack at the first presidential debate this past Friday. This is who we need in the White House.
The current issue of Newsweek Magazine mentioned Bossip readers’ thoughts on Obama.
Click HERE if you have yet to register to vote…YES WE CAN!!!
On The Street: Akon
The Decline Begins For Real
Wachovia collapsed today and was sold off with government assistance to Citibank. This comes after Washington Mutual failed last week. This sh*t is no joke, the stock market is headed for a complete crash today after Congress failed to pass a bailout plan:
The fate of the Bush administration’s $700 billion financial bailout plan was abruptly thrown in doubt Monday as a House vote turned against the controversial measure.
The next steps were not immediately clear but supporters were scrambling to put it up for another vote.
What was supposed to be a 15-minute vote stretched past the half-hour mark as leadership scrambled for support.
Investors who had been counting on the rescue plan sent the Dow Jones industrial average down as much as 700 points while watching the measure come up short of the necessary support, before rebounding slightly. The key stock reading was down more than 500 points.
Jesus Take The Wheel! You better believe we haven’t even “felt” the real heat yet. With all the trouble, at least Obama will likely get elected to try to turn this sh*t around.
MTV Jams Brings 'HoodFAB' to Atlanta
MTV Jams’ popular hip-hop trivia show HoodFAB is set to heat things up in the South as the new season prepares to tests the wits of Atlanta's hip-hop heads.
The show's host Buttahman travels througout the country challenging the knowledge of local residents against some of rap’s biggest superstars, according to SOHH.com. But don’t expect any large cash prizes, as winners usually go home with a pack of tube socks.
"We call it ‘The Brokest Game Show in America’ because it’s done for fun, humor and good times," said Buttahman.
While previous seasons have featured the comedic host in popular cities like New York and Los Angeles, this time around Buttahman is taking the show to Atlanta - from Bankhead to the 4th Ward. On the season’s premiere, which debuted on Tuesday (September 23), Buttahman went to the Bowen Homes, pitting local rapper Shawty Lo against a fellow resident.
"It’s one location that we used for the season," Butta explained. "With ‘HoodFAB’ we try to go to the areas where the artists are from. We also want to bring MTV Jams to places where people would not expect us to go. We went to 4th Ward with Young Jeezy, the Westside with the Ying Yang Twins."
Other stars you can expect to see on this season include Big Boi from OutKast, DJ Unk and DTP’s Chingy.
Fans can catch HoodFAB airing on MTV Jams’ "Sucker Free" during the week of October 6th.
Wade Spaeks About Liking His Privacy
Dwyane Wade speaks abut his personal life:
“I keep my personal life my personal life,” Wade said. “You try to keep it as private as you can. When things leak out, it’s not always the truth. Some is. All you can do is continue being who you are. A lot of things have come out about me, and people are going to think what they want to think. But at the end of the day, no one knows what’s happened in my life to get to the point where me and my wife, our family, not being together.” Wade and Siohvaughn Funches were grade-school sweethearts and married before he entered the NBA. They had two children, and court records show the divorce process began late last year, roughly around the time the season began. He has not divulged any details of the breakup.
“When the time comes, I will make one statement and that’s it,” Wade said. “Like anyone else, I want my privacy respected.” He’s also dealing with courts on another matter, a failed restaurant deal. Wade agreed to have his name and likeness used at three restaurants in South Florida and says he never invested any money in the businesses, yet when they failed - even though he tried to fulfill his end of the deal by making appearances - he was sued by the people who approached him about the project for $25 million. Wade is countersuing. “Let people say what they want to say about me,” Wade said. “I hear it. I get mad about it. But it doesn’t get me down. It adds fuel to the fire.”
That’s certainly understandable, but damn; we guess he won’t be coming out about Gabrielle Union anytime soon.
Some Morning Sexy
Here are some shots of Sanaa Lathan in Jewel Magazine. She is definitely making it rain on those overrated and over-whored out broads. Classic beauty.
Untouchable Swag
Kim Kardashian on Interracial Dating
Anyways, here is our view. The best thing to say is who ever you fall for and who ever lets you be you and you are both willing to listen to each other and no be harmful to either party or yourself it doesn't matter what color your skin is just the fact that you found that right person for you...screw you hater friends and anyone who doesn't get it that's their problem.
Some Common Ground
Pharrell Williams and Doug E. Fresh kicked it at the Start the Show n’ Bowl’ event to benefit The Common Ground Foundation in the Chi this past weekend.
When the Aid Checks Stop
Now the Bush’s ish has affected the big lenders with student loans:
Dozens of the country’s biggest lenders have stopped doling out student loans to struggling college kids because of the economic upheaval - leaving scores of would-be scholars combing the want ads this fall instead of hitting the books. Many lending experts say panicked banks are still reeling from mortgage meltdowns and are leery about taking a chance with their dwindling liquidity. More than 33 banks and lenders have completely shuttered or suspended their private loan programs in the past year, and more than 100 have stopped participating in all or parts of the federally guaranteed student-loan program, according to FinAid.org, a Web site that keeps track of the student-loan industry.
The scurrying ranks include former lending powerhouses such as MyRichUncle.com, Bank of America and Campus Door, which was backed by Lehman Brothers. “The credit crisis has had a tremendous impact on student loans,” said Keith Alliotts, of TuitionBids.com, a website that helps students find the best prices on loans for college. “It’s hard to find anyone doing student loans because so many have left the space.” He said his office is inundated with calls from frantic students and their parents, scrambling to come up with the cash for college. “It’s a sad state of affairs,” he said. Kristina Fernandes, 20, was so desperate that she borrowed $8,000 at 18 percent interest rate to cover her expenses at NYU this semester. “It sucks,” she said. Her federal student-aid package gives her $15,000 a year for school, but she reckons that her tuition, room and board will reach $40,000 for the year. Fernandes, an economics student, took out the loan and works two jobs to swing it. “I’m having a hard time with the whole time-management thing because I spend so much time working instead of studying,” she said.
Kids better start working at Mickey D’s early or they will just be assed out. As if saving up for college was not hard enough, now your loans are up for grabs.
Jet, Beauty. Building a Dynasty & Jada
Jada Pinkett-Smith covers this week’s issue of Jet magazine and talks family:
Petite powerhouse Jada Pinkett Smith may be the wife of actor and entertainer Will Smith, but there’s far more to this talented actress than meets the eye. In addition to her most important roles as mother and wife, she also wears many hats‹including writer, singer, producer and director‹to showcase her artistic diversity. As a Black woman I’ve really been trying to craft a line in my creative life to show that we can do anything, she says about her outlets of creative expression. I feel like that’s an important element to show because people will oftentimes try to keep us Œin our place, she told Jet magazine. Now that acting jobs for the Smith children are becoming more frequent, Pinkett Smith vows that there will be no box-office competition in her household. If this is really going to be our family business, we’re not doing that. Will was already [premiering] on Willow’s [premiere day] for American Girl with Hancock and I was like, Baby, for real? We have to stay united. You can’t allow the business to come between family.
Lil' Wayne a No-Show for Landmark Concert in Bahamas
A landmark concert in the Bahamas featuring multi-platinum artist Lil' Wayne as the headliner, was an upset for fans when the rapper didn't show up this past weekend.
The major event was to take place in Nassau on Friday, September 26. However, it is reported that while Weezy was in town, an altercation between the sound company, TK Productions and promoter Red CityEntertainment, resulted in TK refusing to do the show and leaving the venue -preventing Wayne from performing, according to the press release.
Sources say the dispute began when TK had completed the entire set-up, but had not received the agreed upon payment before the start of the show. Witnesses saw the promoter then panic and offer to pay several thousand dollars more than promised. But after having given the promoters numerous opportunities to fulfill their professional obligations, the offer was refused.
Thousands of fans showed up at the venue, only to be turned away and asked to return for the show the following day.
Non-refundable tickets had been sold at $45 General Admin., $80 V.I.P., $200 Platinum, and an undisclosed amount in the thousands for Sky Box.
The show finally went down the next night, Saturday, September 27. It started at around midnight with over 10 local opening acts, and co-headliner Buju Banton took the stage, performing as promised.
Meanwhile, Lil' Wayne was announced throughout the night, riling the crowd in anticipation of his appearance. But by the end of the opening acts, the birthday boy was still a no show, leaving a slew of disappointed Bahamian fans.
Jay-Z Sued Over 'I Will Not Lose' Ad Campaign
Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z and Iconix Brand Group, owner of Rocawear Clothing, are being sued in federal court on copyright infringement charges.
The case was filed last Thursday, September 18 in Georgia Northern District Court by I Will Not Lose, LLC, a company claiming that Iconix Brand Group and Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, adopted the exact same "I Will Not Lose" trademark, according to AllHipHop.com.
Last March, Jay-Z sold the rights for Rocawear to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million.
Despite this, Carter is also named in the suit as it is believed by the plaintiff that he continues to oversee the product development, licensing, and marketing of Rocawear.
Last year, Rocawear launched an international "I Will Not Lose Campaign," where stars such as Chris Brown and Ciara gave accounts of how they overcame personal challenges before reciting the trademarked phrase "I Will Not Lose."
I Will Not Lose, LLC CEO Reggie Tucker alleges in the lawsuit that his company trademarked the brand first and were subsequently ignored throughout 2007 after attempts were made to settle the matter out of court.
The plaintiff is seeking an undisclosed amount of damages for the dilution of their trademark.
Sean Kingston $500,000 Chain Stolen in Mail
Reggae star Sean Kingston's $500,000 chain was stolen from the mail, after the teen rapper had his sister FedEx a diamond encrusted link chain with a crayon box medallion, from Los Angeles to a jeweler in New York.
The authorities were alerted about the missing bling when the shipped package arrived at the jeweler's shop empty, according to TMZ.com.
Kingston's sister reportedly only insured the extravagant parcel for just $500.
The incident is currently under police investigation in Los Angeles.
The pop icon is best known for his Summer 2007 hit "Beautiful Girls".
Hip-Hop Birth Roots to be Sold
A Bronx apartment building, recognized as the birthplace of Hip-Hop culture, is expected to be sold next week, announces New York City officials.The tenants and partnered housing advocates attempted to block the sale by filing a lawsuit in the State Supreme Court. Despite the current tenants, advocates and the building’s hip-hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc coming together to prepare a $10 million offer for the building and securing a temporary restraining order against the sale, the State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the landlord on last Friday (September 26).
"While the owners of 1520 Sedgwick have a legal right to buyout of the Mitchell-Lama program, the building’s residents have made an offer that we believe is more than fair," Shauna Donovan, commissioner for the housing preservation department, told the New York Times. "In this light, it is difficult to understand why the owners would choose to put the affordability of over 100 families’ homes at risk."
In the early 1970s, Kingston, Jamaica native and Hip-Hop founder Clive Campbell moved into the building. There he quickly constructed a graffiti crew dubbed the Ex-Vandals, and took on his famous DJ moniker Kool Herc.
Exasperated by the gang violence that plagued the neighborhood, Herc and his sister Cindy began hosting parties in the building’s recreation room.
Utilizing two turntables and a guitar amp, Herc revolutionized music by isolating "the breaks" of popular records like James Brown’s "Give It Up or Turn It Loose," Booker T and the MG’s "Melting Pot," Babe Ruth’s "The Mexican," and The Incredible Bongo Band’s "Apache."
This style of musical arrangement grew exponentially, attracting dancers (B-Boys and B-Girls) and fellow DJs and future Hip-Hop luminaries Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash.
Last year, New York officially christened the building "the birthplace of Hip-Hop" and declared it eligible for national and state registrars.
According to reports, 1520 Sedgwick Avenue is estimated to be sold for $7.5 million.
The Prêt-à-Porter Crew
Terrence Howard Mourns the Passing of His Mother
(WENN) Actor Terrence Howard is mourning the death of his mother after she lost her battle with cancer. The "Iron Man" star's mom, Anita Williams, passed away earlier this week after a long fight against the disease.
Howard's representative tells People.com, "Terrence Howard's mother, Anita Williams, has sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer.
"Terrence will take some time to privately grieve with his family. He appreciates everyone's support during this difficult time."
Howard, a father of three, is known to be close to his family, telling reporters earlier this year how he gives large amounts of money to his relatives.
Obama Leads in Polls After First Presidential Debate
A pair of one-night polls gave Barack Obama a clear edge over John McCain in their first presidential debate.
Fifty-one percent said Obama, the Democrat , did a better job in Friday night's faceoff while 38 percent preferred the Republican McCain, according to a CNN-Opinion Research Corp. survey of adults, reports the Associated Press.
Obama was widely considered more intelligent, likable and in touch with peoples' problems, and by modest margins was seen as the stronger leader and more sincere. Most said it was McCain who spent more time attacking his opponent.
About six in 10 said each did a better job than expected. Seven in 10 said each seemed capable of being president.
In a CBS News poll of people not committed to a candidate, 39 percent said Obama won the debate, 24 percent said McCain and 37 percent called it a tie. Twice as many said Obama understands their needs than said so about McCain.
Seventy-eight percent said McCain is prepared to be president, about the same proportion of uncommitted voters as said so before the debate. Sixty percent said Obama is ready - a lower score than McCain, but a solid 16-percentage-point improvement from before the debate.
In another Obama advantage in the CBS poll, far more said their image of him had improved as a result of the debate than said it had worsened. More also said their view of McCain had gotten better rather than worse, but by a modest margin.
The CNN poll involved telephone interviews with 524 adults who watched the debate and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points. The CBS survey involved online interviews with 483 uncommitted voters who saw the debate and had an error margin of plus or minus 4 points. It was conducted by Knowledge Networks, which initially selected the respondents by telephone.
Polls conducted on one night can be less reliable than surveys conducted over several nights because they only include the views of people available that particular evening.
Both polls were conducted Friday night.
Rihanna is Launching a New Clothing Line
Rihanna is set to follow in the footsteps of fellow pop star Beyonce and launch her own clothing line. The "Disturbia" singer, who is a frequent front-row guest at runway shows, has confirmed she is working on her own designs, according to New York Magazine's online edition.
The sexy star has already dabbled in the accessories industry - she put her name to a range of umbrellas earlier this year to coincide with her international hit of the same name.
"I can't say when it will be released, but it's definitely going to happen. I'm not one to rush into anything. I want to take my time," she tells fashion publication WWD.
Earlier this year, Rihanna hinted she was pondering a fashion line, saying, "There might be a clothing line on the horizon, maybe underwear."
The star has also previously teamed up with retail chain H&M to design a range of casual wear as part of the "Fashion Against Aids" campaign.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Hip-Hop Caucus and Radio One Plan to Register 50,000 Voters in One Day
The masses seem to be uniting for the most historical presidential election, ever, as the bi-partisan Hip-Hop Caucus is teaming with Radio One for the "Respect My Vote" Campaign, aimed at registering over 50,000 voters on September 30.
According to AllHipHop.com, the ambitious one day voter registration drive will be held in 15 big market cities throughout the country, including Atlanta, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Detroit, St. Louis, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
Radio One will utilize 52 stations across the nation to broadcast live from a central location in each city, allowing registrars to set up eligible voters.
Radio One Corporate Director of Marketing Barry Macon explained his company is obligated to spearhead this movement due to their years of community activism.
"Radio One has been committed for more than 25 years to the community and nothing is more important than being able to exercise your right to vote," Macon said. "Voting is the most fundamental of all of our rights as American citizens."
Partnered in the event is Hip-Hop Caucus CEO Reverend Lennox Yearwood, co-creator of the memorable 2004 "Vote or Die" Campaign with Sean "Diddy" Combs.
While this year’s initiative would like to draw voters from all backgrounds, Yearwood disclosed that their focus is on non-college educated African-Americans ages 18-29, who historically have not played a significant part in past elections.
"We are committed to building awareness to the 'Respect My Vote' Campaign," Yearwood stated. "Our partnership with Radio One will help push the importance of registering to vote in this year’s presidential election, to the more than 8 million unregistered African-American's eligible to vote nationwide."
The voter registration drives will commence on September 30 in selected cities from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information visit www.radio-one.com or www.hiphopcaucus.com.
Luda's Pool House Destroyed by Fire
Authorities say a fire destroyed a pool house at rapper Ludacris' home outside Atlanta, according to the Associated Press. Ludacris, whose real name is Christopher Bridges, was out of town at the time of the Wednesday night fire.
Fulton County Fire Department spokesman Gregory Chambers says a relative was in the basement of the main residence when the fire started and was not injured.
Chambers says the fire was put out within 30 minutes but destroyed the pool house, which he says is larger than most homes.
The fire was being investigated but the cause was not immediately identified.
In related news, Ludacris was the first Hip-Hop artist to be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame this past Saturday, September 20.
T.I.'s Grand Hustle Managing Outkast's Big Boi
Atlanta rappers T.I. and Big Boi are joining forces again after starring opposite each other in the 2006 film ATL, only this go round, it's all about the music.
According to AllHipHop.com, Grand Hustle Entertainment President and CEO Jason Geter has entered into a new agreement to manage the solo career of Atlanta rapper Big Boi.
The new situation, which was made official last week, will see Geter and the Grand Hustle Management staff overseeing the branding of Big Boi, as he continues to pursue opportunities beyond his success with Outkast.
"Our first plan of action is to identify Big Boi’s next hit record and get him on the road," Geter told AllHipHop.com. "He’s so big. But we feel what’s going to get him where he’s trying to be is to get back to the grassroots level and let him interact with those fans that grew up on Outkast and are eagerly waiting to see what Big Boi has to offer on his own."
The announcement comes as Geter and the Grand Hustle family prepare for the release of two highly anticipated albums; T.I.’s sixth studio album Paper Trail and Big Kuntry’s long awaited debut My Time To Eat.
In celebration of the two releases, the Atlanta-based label will present the first annual Grand Hustle Takeover weekend, offering fans a variety of events during which they can share in the celebration with the label’s entire roster, which includes Young Dro, Alfamega, Eightball & MJG, Mac Boney, B.O.B., Xtaci, and comedian Lil’ Duval.
Included in the weekend’s festivities will be a Comedy Show on September 26; a Teen Skate Jam at Cascade Family Skate on Saturday, September 27 and an Untouchables-themed private birthday celebration for T.I., with music provided by DJ Khaled, DJ Drama and DJ MLK later that evening.
On Sunday, September 28, T.I. and Jason Geter will be joined by Warner Music Group Executive Vice-President Kevin Liles hosting a brunch to bring awareness to the "It’s Cool To Be Smart" mentoring program, of which T.I. has been a great supporter.
The Grand Hustle Takeover weekend will conclude with an Official Pre-Release Party on Sunday night at the Velvet Room.
T.I. and Geter are also gearing up for the launch of their new clothing line, A.K.O.O., which is set to hit retail stores nationwide in November.
The new line, an acronym for A King Of Oneself, represents T.I.’s multi-faceted styled clothes, that can go from casual to business to formal effortlessly, Geter said.
"Hip-Hop is a lifestyle," Geter told AllHipHop.com. "This is our culture. Music is just one aspect of what we do, but clothing is something that’s important to us. And since we have an entrepreneurial spirit, launching our own line was only a natural progression.
"We didn’t just wake up and decide to do it though," he adds. "We’ve spent the last year traveling to places like Milan and Paris, visiting factories and educating ourselves."
The first promotional campaign for A.K.O.O. was recently shot in Atlanta.
The ads feature T.I. alongside producers Jim Jonsin and Drumma Boi, singer/songwriters Sean Garrett and Tha Dream, and Grand Hustle’s latest client, Big Boi.
The ads will start to appear in print magazines in October.
Geter hopes to expand the next round of advertising for A.K.O.O. to include celebrities outside of the world of music.
VH1 Crowns 'Fight the Power' as Greatest Hip-Hop Song
Public Enemy's black power anthem "Fight the Power" tops the 100 greatest hip-hop songs list compiled by music channel VH1, according to the Associated Press.
Salt 'N Pepa was the only female act in the top 10, with their early hit "Push It." Two of rap's biggest names - Jay-Z and Eminem - didn't make the top 10, though they are in the top 20.
Other acts on the list include the Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Biz Markie, Black Sheep and J.J. Fad.
The list comes as VH1 prepares to honor the pioneers in rap once again as part of its annual Hip-Hop Honors show, which this year celebrates Slick Rick, De La Soul, Cypress Hill, Naughty by Nature and Too Short.
The 2008 VH1 Hip-Hop Honors show airs Oct. 6.
Amy Winehouse Hit With $46,250 Bill After Vomiting On Designer's Clothes
Troubled singer AMY WINEHOUSE has been hit with a $46,250 (GBP25,000) bill after reportedly vomiting on clothes loaned to her by a designer.
Reports are that Winehouse has been blacklisted by furious fashion publicists, who have banned her from the long list of celebrities who receive regular clothing loans and free gifts from their high-profile clients.
A source tells us: “Harvey Nichols loaned Amy GBP25,000 worth of silk and satin dresses. Unfortunately, while wearing one of the frocks, she went on an all-night bender. She ended up in the loos, where she was violently sick. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.
“She eventually couriered them back on Monday (22Sep08), but didn’t wrap them separately. So sick had gone on all the clothes. Even worse, green, furry mould had developed on some gowns, making them unwearable.
"The store publicists weren’t best pleased. They send stuff out to celebs all the time, but it never gets into such a state. I doubt Amy will be sent any more designer gear for a while and the store has now asked for its GBP25,000 back.”
Google.Com
Prequel to the 2007 Blockbuster
WILL SMITH has been given a 40th birthday gift by Warner Bros. bosses - the chance to reprise his I AM LEGEND character ROBERT NEVILLE in a prequel to the 2007 blockbuster.
Movie executives have greenlighted the film on the movie star's birthday (25Sep08), confirming Francis Lawrence will return as the director and D.B. Weiss will pen the script.
Smith's scientist character was killed in the last film.
And it's not the only Will Smith action/sci-fi blockbuster set for a second outing - the birthday boy's Hancock co-star Charlize Theron has hinted at a sequel.
In a recent interview with MTV, the actress said, "If everybody's on board, I would be an idiot (not to do it)... Riding the Will Smith train is a really nice train to ride."
When you hear the announcement, you know where you heard it first guys.
Busta Rhymes Allowed Into UK
*** Original Story ***
Busta Rhymes has been detained after landing in London City Airport having been refused entry into the Britain.
The rapper is in London to perform at a charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall called RockCorp tomorrow.
But he has been held at the airport due to "unresolved convictions" in the US.
According to reports, immigration officials wanted to send the 36-year-old on a plane to Amsterdam but his legal team intervened and secured an injunction preventing this.
Although Rhymes was arrested on drink driving charges in New York in May last year, it is not stated whether this is the reason as the rapper has already entered the country twice already this year to promote Rockcorp.
Stephen Greene, the co-founder of RockCorp, said he was "shocked at this sequence of events and this treatment of Busta".
"He has the necessary work-permit and has been in the country twice already this year, so we're a little puzzled that a question mark is now being placed over his ability to enter the country to perform to volunteers."
Obama Effigy is found hanging from campus tree!
NEWBERG, Ore. - Officials of a small Christian university say a life-size cardboard reproduction of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was hung from a tree on the campus, an act with racial undertones that outraged students and school leaders alike.George Fox University President Robin Baker said a custodian discovered the effigy early Tuesday and removed it. University spokesman Rob Felton said Wednesday that the commercially produced reproduction had been suspended from the branch of a tree with fishing line around the neck.
Taped to the cardboard cutout of the black senator from Illinois was a message targeting participants in Act Six, a scholarship program geared toward increasing the number of minority and low-income students at several Christian colleges, mostly in the Northwest.
The message read, "Act Six reject."
The disturbing image found near the heart of the campus recalled the days of lynchings of blacks and was all the more incongruous at a university founded by Quaker pioneers in 1891. Felton said he had been at the school since he enrolled two decades ago, and "I've never experienced or heard of any type of overt racial act."
At the end of the college's regular chapel service Wednesday, Baker told students he was "disheartened and outraged."
"It has been my dream to establish a university that more adequately represents the kingdom of God," he said. "This act causes some to question our commitment."
Baker added, "What I've learned is we still have work to do."
Administrators at the university said Wednesday they do not know who hung the effigy, which Felton said few people saw before it was taken down.
Newberg police Sgt. Tim Weaver said officials are working with the university to find out who was responsible. He also said the police department has notified the U.S. Secret Service, although it's not clear yet whether the act was a crime.
"It doesn't fit as a hate crime and it doesn't fit in as intimidation, necessarily," he said. "If it's not a crime, we're not going to be involved."
Brad Lau, a university vice president, said school officials have been questioning students to find out who was responsible. He and other school officials wouldn't say what action it might take.
The school has 17 students in the Act Six program, whose name derives from the New Testament book of Acts. All but one are members of minority groups, Felton said.
Students in the program receive full scholarships and are selected on the basis of leadership potential.
Several students in the program said they are angry but do not feel threatened.
"To me, I just felt like they weren't ready to have a black person be president," said Courtney Greenidge, a sophomore. "We're trying to bring change. Obama's trying to bring change." She described herself, like Obama, as biracial: half black, half white.
She also said that overall, the campus has a welcoming and positive environment, but that she has heard comments along the lines of, "Oh, I wish I was black. Then I could get a scholarship like that."
Obama spokeswoman Sahar Wali said the effigy hanging was "an unfortunate incident but you know we have had a very positive response from Oregonians across the state."
Obama is widely considered to be ahead in Oregon. In the run-up to the state's May primary, he drew a crowd of about 75,000 people in Portland.
George Fox University's campus is in Newberg in the Willamette Valley south of Portland. About 1,800 students are enrolled. It also has centers in Portland; Salem; and Boise, Idaho.
Felton said that about 2 percent of the students are black and about a quarter of the freshman class belongs to minority groups. That number includes international students, largely from Asia and Africa." Yahoonews.com
That is just sick...but they can't stop Obama. Forces of Nature cannot be stopped, you just have to ride them out like a storm. That's all I'm saying on that front.
Lil Wayne Is Set To Join Akon For New Collabo
Sources are revealing that Akon and Lil Wayne is about to join up for new track called “I’m So Paid”.Akon will release his third studio album Freedom on November 25th. The album’s first single “Right Now (Na Na Na)” is available now on iTunes. In related news, US rapper Akon has signed British hip-hop artist Sway to his record label.
Sway has been one of the biggest stars on the British hop-hop scene in recent years, and will now release his music on Akon’s Kon Live label in the US. Akon has had a string of hits including the UK number one singles Lonely and Smack That, featuring Eminem. The deal is the latest example of UK urban acts getting noticed in the US. Estelle’s career was revived when she was signed by soul star John Legend.
Google.Com
Kanye Backs Out Of Challange with 50 Cent
West's 808's & Heartbreak was scheduled to hit stores a week after 50's Before I Self Destruct in December, but in a post on his blog, the rapper states his new album will now arrive on "November something".
He writes, "I finished the album and I felt like (moving up the date). I want yall to hear it as soon as possible."
West has reportedly been working on the album in Hawaii. He went head-to-head with 50 last year in 2007 when both rappers released albums on the same day (September 11).
Meanwhile, early estimates suggest West's new song "Love Lockdown" will debut at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100 on Thursday, September 25.
New 50 Cent Video Game: Too Dangerous?
Zealous gamers and 50 Cent fans will be happy to know that the mogul's second video game titled "50 Cent: Blood on the Sand," hasn't been cancelled (just yet).
Game developers are denying the rumors that have been spreading across the internet for the past week on respected gaming site Kotaku, which stated that the game was to be shelved due to the market being oversaturated with shooter-styled games, according to AllHipHop.com.
Also, it was disclosed that the title’s UK developer Swordfish, would be sold off, effectively ending any hopes of the title being released.
In a statement to kotaku.com, gaming publisher Activision verified they have taken over the title from Videndi but stopped short on whether they plan to release it.
"We have a policy of not commenting on rumors," an Activision representative stated. "I can tell you that we announced back in July that we are retaining only those franchises that are a strong fit with our long-term strategy: "Crash Bandicoot," "Ice Age," "Spyro," "Prototype," and an unannounced new IP. We will not publish other titles that previously were part of the Vivendi Games portfolio and are currently reviewing our options regarding these titles."
If released, the game will be a sequel to 2005’s chart-topping but critically panned "50 Cent: Bulletproof" .
"Blood on the Sand" is purportedly modeled after the blockbuster X-Box shooter "Gears of War" and features as playable characters Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks and DJ Whoo Kid.
While originally included in the game’s initial stages, it’s unconfirmed if former G-Unit member Young Buck is still in the game.
At press time, gamesindustry.biz is reporting that the game’s team members are currently fixing bugs and working tirelessly to have the title completed by the targeted March 31, 2009 release date.
If approved, "50 Cent: Blood on the Sand" will be released for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.
Ne-Yo Blames Media for Lack of Publicity
R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo has lashed out at the media for not giving him enough publicity, and blames the snub on his clean-living lifestyle.
The hitmaker believes his talents are not recognized in the press, despite two multi-platinum albums and a Grammy award, because he is too straight-laced. He believes the media would prefer him to be more like hard-partying Sean 'Diddy' Combs or a drug-taking rock star, according to PR-Inside.com.
"People feel that because I'm a fully functional adult and not a heroin addict, I won't sell magazines.
To Debate or Not: Obama and McCain React to 'Economic Crisis'
John McCain and Barack Obama say presidential politics should have no role in the government's efforts to save the crippled financial system. Yet, each is playing his own politics toward the same goals - showing leadership during crisis, getting credit for any solutions, and ultimately, winning the presidency.
Obama rebuffed his GOP rival on the debate proposal, saying the next president needs to "deal with more than one thing at once."
Both were heading back to Washington on Thursday, summoned by President Bush to attend a White House meeting with congressional leaders in hopes of securing the legislation to rescue the fragile economy.
The stakes were huge for both presidential contenders. The financial upheaval has become an audition of sorts as each man tries to prove to voters that he would exhibit the best judgment and leadership during a national crisis.
Portraying himself as a bipartisan leader in a time of turmoil, each is carefully navigating the potentially perilous political terrain. Both candidates are trying hard not to appear to be using the situation for political gain - even though politics certainly weighs heavily in every move each makes.
Voters - including the 18 percent an AP Yahoo News poll found - are undecided or still could change their minds - certainly are paying close attention with the election a little more than five weeks away. And the candidates' postures may tell them a lot about how each would act as president.
Polls show the race competitive, with Obama having a slight advantage in a political landscape that dramatically favors Democrats and appears to be further trending toward them in part because of the intense focus on the economy. Obama leads McCain on that issue.
Neither candidate can afford to simply support fast-tracked legislation; they could be seen as insensitive to taxpayers' concerns about the massive bailout and sweeping government intervention. But they also can't be seen as doing nothing by opposing the measure outright; many economists warn that failing to address the crisis in a meaningful way could plunge the economy into further chaos.
McCain also would certainly leave himself open to criticism that he was again siding with Bush if he supported the administration-backed legislation. However, he also could try to put his own stamp on a Republican Party going through somewhat of an identity crisis; congressional Republicans have suggested they are waiting for a signal from McCain on how to vote.
Both tried to strike a balance Wednesday.
In a brief moment of comity, the two issued a joint statement recognizing that the country was facing "a moment of economic crisis" in which "the jobs, savings and prosperity of the American people are at stake." They called the legislation flawed but also said it must not fail.
"Now is a time to come together - Democrats and Republicans - in a spirit of cooperation for the sake of the American people," they said. "This is a time to rise above politics for the good of the country."
But political maneuvering was exactly what went on during most of the day.
First, the two senators spoke privately about the possibility of issuing a joint statement.
Minutes later and before the two campaigns had hammered out their agreed-upon comment, McCain beat Obama to the punch as he sought to gain ground on the economy, stunt Obama's momentum and put himself in a position where he can claim he put his words into action - and the country ahead of his campaign.
The Republican went before TV cameras in New York to say that he had spoken to Bush and asked him to convene a leadership meeting in Washington that would include him and Obama. He said he would halt campaign events, advertising and fundraising to return to Capitol Hill to work on the crisis until an agreement on legislation was reached.
What's more, McCain called for Friday's debate to be postponed - and for Obama to curtail campaign activities as well.
Shortly thereafter, Obama held his own news conference to reject McCain's challenge.
The Democrat said he would continue with his debate preparations while consulting with bailout negotiators and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.
In a political calculation of his own, Obama repeatedly stressed that he called McCain first with the proposal for a joint statement in support of an economic fix. He said McCain called back several hours later and agreed to the idea of a statement but also said he wanted to postpone the debate and hold joint meetings in Washington. Obama said he suggested they first issue the statement.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Palin Cheated on Hubby
The National Enquirer has exposed a Sarah Palin scandal that, if true, threatens to derail the McCain/Palin campaign. According to the Enquirer, Palin cheated on her husband Tom with Todd’s former business partner, Brad Hanson, who at the time was a married man.
Hanson owned a snowmobile dealership with Palin’s husband Todd, who angrily dissolved the partnership after he heard about the affair, which occurred around 1996.
Hanson denies ever having an affair with the 44-year-old candidate, but his family members say otherwise:
Hanson family insider, Jim Burdett, has gone on the record and passed a rigorous polygraph test.
“I’ve known about Brad having had an affair for a long time, but it wasn’t until just recently that I learned his affair was with Sarah Palin,” Burdett told The National Enquirer.
“Todd found out about the affair and was so mad he broke up their partnership at the snowmobile dealership,” Burdett claimed....
50 Cent Wants To Match Eminem & Dr Dre's - Masterpieces
The In Da Club hitmaker will release his fourth album, Before I Self Destruct, this December (08), and it will be his penultimate disc for his label Interscope Records.
Plans are currently afoot for a greatest hits collection, which will complete his five-album deal with the firm, leaving him a free agent.
And the star - real name Curtis Jackson - reveals he will be taking it easy once he has fulfilled the terms of his contract, emulating his mentors Eminem and Dr. Dre and only releasing "masterpiece" LPs.
He says, "The luxury that Eminem and Dr. Dre have now, I'll soon have. I'll only be putting out music when I have a masterpiece ready.
"But those guys are ready to put out their masterpieces very soon. Eminem's album is going to blow people away... Like him, I'll only be coming back when people miss me."
Eminem is currently recording tracks for the follow up to 2004's Encore, while superproducer Dr. Dre is putting the finishing touches to his highly-anticipated LP Detox - only his third solo album to date and the first since the 1999 release of 2001.
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