Environment Man: The Movie

By Alan Smithee

The Hollywood rumor mill has it that Steven Spielberg and George Lucas are teaming with the Wachowski Brothers to produce and direct "Environment Man: The Movie."  I used my connections to get a peek at the super secret preproduction script.

It appears to be a combination of "The Matrix" meets "Purple Rain."  Eman is working on the sound track and Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga are rumored to be romantic leads in the film. 

The 3-D sci-fi action thriller has a $200 million production budget and will be distributed worldwide.  Environmental Man has committed to a world tour to support the film.

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Eman Linked To Nicki Minaj?

By Susie Centsativ

Onika Tanya Maraj, better known as Nicki Minaj, is being linked to Environment Man. The hip hop world rumor mill is not confirming whether the link is professional or romantic. Reps for both would not comment for the record. Their fans want to know if they will perform together in 2012.

Minaj achieved commercial success after releasing three mixtapes between 2007 and 2009 and being signed to Young Money Entertainment in August 2009. Minaj released her debut album, "Pink Friday" in November 2010. It quickly became a commercial success, peaking at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and being certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) a month after its release.

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Reality Weekly Names Omarosa Manigault West Coast Editor

Omarosa O. Manigault

David J. Pecker, President, Chairman and CEO of American Media, Inc. (AMI) today announced that Omarosa O. Manigault has been named West Coast Editor of Reality Weekly, the first weekly magazine devoted exclusively to the hottest reality shows on TV and their stars.

As West Coast Editor, Ms. Manigault will be responsible for breaking news and exclusives on the west coast. Omarosa will serve as the brand's West Coast ambassador with access to exclusive red carpet events, show premieres and press junkets. In addition to editing for the weekly, Omarosa will appear on behalf of Reality Weekly as the authority on all topics providing insider information to various news outlets.

The weekly celebrity magazine, which launches its premiere issue on January 2, will feature glossy pages splashed with photos of reality TV's biggest stars with news, recaps, tidbits, and scoops including exclusive columns penned each week by various celebrities, and will also include a companion website realityweeklymag.com.

Ms. Manigault is perfectly positioned to help Reality Weekly become an instant hit on newsstands. Omarosa has solidified her place as a reality TV stalwart by appearing in more than 20 reality shows including the "Celebrity Apprentice", "Surreal Life", "Fear Factor" and "Girls Behaving Badly". She has also served as co-producer with business mogul and reality TV tycoon Donald Trump on her own show "Ultimate Merger".

Prior to her reality career, which has spanned nearly a decade, Omarosa served as Education and Research Director for NVLP, a production company owned by Dr. Bill & Camille Cosby. She has worked in the CNN Washington, D.C. newsroom and held various political appointments at the White House with President Clinton. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism and a Master's of Mass Communication degree.

Ms. Manigault will begin her duty as West Coast Editor effective immediately and will report to Mr. Spencer.

About American Media, Inc.

American Media, Inc. owns and operates the leading print and digital celebrity and health and fitness media brands in the United States. AMI's titles include Star, OK!, National Enquirer, Globe, Country Weekly, Soap Opera Digest, Soap Opera Weekly, Pixie, Shape, Men's Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Flex, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health. AMI also manages 18 different digital sites including RadarOnline.com, OKmagazine.com, Shape.com, MensFitness.com, MuscleandFitness.com and FitPregnancy.com. AMI's magazines have a combined total circulation of almost 7 million and reach more than 55 million men and women each month. AMI's digital properties reach an average of 10 million unique visitors and 80 million page views monthly.

AMI also operates a Publishing Services business unit which includes Distribution Services, Inc. (DSI), the No. 1 in-store magazine sales and merchandising marketing company in the U.S. and Canada. DSI places and monitors AMI's publications and third-party publications to ensure proper displays in major retail chains and national and regional supermarket chains. DSI also provides marketing, merchandising and information gathering services to third parties including non-magazine clients. Publishing Services also provides print and digital advertising sales and strategic management direction in the following areas: manufacturing, subscription circulation, logistics, event marketing and full back office financial functions. Playboy is one of many publishers who have taken advantage of these additional services.

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"This Week With Donna Brazile"

AAEA Calls on ABC to Give Donna Brazile a Chance At Hosting "This Week."

Donna Brazile

AAEA believes Donna Brazile would be a great host of the show.  We called for her to get the hosting job when George Stephanopoulos left to host Good Morning America (GMA).  Now George evidently has two jobs because he is coming back to "This Week" while still hosting GMA.  Evidently ABC got impatient with Christiane Amanpour inability to move out of 3rd place (2.3 million viewers) behind "Meet The Press" (2.92 million) and "Face The Nation" (2.86 million). Amanpour left her post as CNN's chief international correspondent after 27 years to host "This Week," but is now returning to CNN.


GIVE DONNA A CHANCE.  There is no better political mind Inside the Beltway (or Outside the Beltway).  She brings that New Orleans 'flavor' to the airways and is a no-nonsense political tactician.  Donna has a unique 'look' and is clearly a personality (and we know she has been holding back).  At a very minimum, give Donna the same 16 months given to Christiane. Donna also has a certain 'flair.'  She recently made a special guest appearance on "The Good Wife."
 
When the suits at ABC see this article, we hope they will take our advice and give Donna a chance.  We also think the ratings would overtake both "Meet The Press" and "Face The Nation."

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Romantic Link Between Eman & Michelle Rodriguez?

Eman is being romantically linked to hot tomboy actress Michelle Rodriguez. Eman is very reclusive and has a strict policy of not talking about his private life. Maybe that is why the paparazzi have not captured the rumored couple together. Regardless of the situation, Michelle would be a great mate for Eman.

Michelle Rodriguez was in the epic 3D film, Avatar, playing the role of a Marine helicopter who is stationed on the planet of Pandora. Her character Trudy Chacon is in the same vein as most of her characters from past films, the hot tomboy or the bombshell with muscle. Michelle Rodriguez has perfected this particular brand of feminine machismo.

Rodriguez also appeared in the blockbuster hit The Fast and the Furious (2001), and Resident Evil (2002).

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Actors Adrian Grenier & Don Cheadle Receive Eco Award

Opportunity Green awarded Actors Adrian Grenier & Don Cheadle as Eco Mavericks

Karen Solomon, Peter Glatzer, Adrian Grenier & Mike Flynn

The Fifth Annual Business Conference Opportunity Green awarded the 2nd Annual Eco Maverick Awards to Adrian Grenier, Peter Glatzer and actor, Don Cheadle. They were honored because of their exemplary service and commitment to environmental sustainability as well as human rights.

Don Cheadle

Over 900 professionals from Fortune 500 powerhouses to inventive startups from around the globe gathered this past week at Los Angeles Center Studio's for the Fifth Annual Opportunity Green Business Conference. The conference presents global business visionaries showcasing the most sought-after opportunities, profound innovations, technologies and trends accelerating the new green economy.

Lex Heslin, Gov Shumlin, Simran Sethi & Karen Solomon

The "2011 Green Governor of the Year" was awarded to Governor Peter Shumlin of Vermont. Vermont is one of 13 states which have voluntarily adopted California’s vehicle emissions standards. Governor Shumlin signed a renewable energy bill into law in 2011 to expand renewable energy and efficiency projects in the state of Vermont. Governor Shumlin also created a ‘Climate Cabinet’ which will function as an advisory body on all matters bearing on climate issues.

The OG after-party was hosted by SouthWest airlines offering a Taste of LA with LA's best sustainable fare from local restaurants such as Border Grill, Veggie Grill, La Poubelle and organic cocktails by locally made GreenBar Collective.

Opportunity Green Business Conference offsets 100% of carbon emissions and diverts 85% waste from landfill making in one of the lowest conference footprints.

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Donna Brazile Appears in "The Good Wife"

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Race As Subtext In NBA Negotiations

By Korben Dallas

The NBA has race as an undeniable subtext in the current lockout and negotiations about profit sharing. Just look at the negotiating table: On one side sit the owners, all Caucasian males apart from Jordan, ranging from mid-40s to soon-to-be octogenarians. Across from them sit their 20- and 30-something employees, almost 84 percent of whom are African American males. The older white men are now asking the young black men to take a pay cut in order to cover their purported losses, upward of $280 million a year. Given that, it’s almost ridiculous they call “basketball-related income” the elephant in the room.

Once race becomes a factor in the discussion, it begins to tinge perceptions of everything and everyone. Just pick an area of American society and race CAN become the elephant in the room.  The White House might have finally integrated, but the  marketplace is still a bastion of White-ownership and Black lack of ownership.  So a stalemate is going on in the NBA.  The one thing that will solve this problem will be when both sides lose so much money that it hurts.  Or a competitor threatens both sides. (Wash Post, 10/21/2011)

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Lisa Jackson on "Real Time With Bill Maher"

REAL CLEAR POLITICS VIDEO

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson appeared on HBO's Bill Maher Show last night [October 21, 2011] and she aggressively represented the importance of EPA regulations.  Administrator Jackson talked about the politicization of our environment under the House Republican's pseudo-jobs plan, “Too Dirty to Fail,” which she discusses in her oped in the LA Times. Jackson noted that "Pollution affects red states and blue states alike, and it is time to stop politicizing our air and water."  LPJ was last on Real Time on Oct 2 2009.

Post Show Discussion on Overtime

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The Original 7ven band formerly known as The Time

The original members of The Time are now known as The Original 7ven: Morris Day, Jesse Johnson, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jellybean Johnson, Jerome Benton and Monte Moir.  This is their first new album together in 21 years. Condensate, due October 18th on SRR Records, features 14 brand new tracks. The album name Condensate is taken from Morris Day’s tongue-in-cheek comment, “I don’t sweat, I condensate.”

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EMan & Phoenix Jones To Team Up To Fight Pollution & Crime?

The self-proclaimed Seattle superhero who goes by the name Phoenix Jones unmasked himself Thursday morning at a court hearing. Jones, 23, whose real name is Benjamin John Francis Fodor, appeared in a court wearing a charcoal-colored mask and a superhero uniform under a black and gray striped shirt. A court officer asked him to remove the mask and he complied but put it back on after the hearing to speak with reporters — at which point, he dramatically removed it again to reveal his true identity.

Fodor was arrested Sunday after police say he pepper sprayed a group of people downtown as they left a nightclub. Fodor said he was trying to break up a fight when he was attacked. He spent about seven hours in jail before posting $3,800 bail.

Jones said he's the leaderof the Rain City Superhero Movement, which has conducted late-night patrols in Seattle since last year. (MSNBC)

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Dick Gregory 80th Birthday Celebration Oct 9 at Riot Act Theater

Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Riot Act Comedy Theater was chosen by Mr. Dick Gregory to host his 80th Birthday Celebration on October 9th at 7pm. Mr. Dick Gregory, a leading civil rights activist and comedian, is mentor to AAEA President Norris McDonald. 

Congrats Dick.  And thank you for helping our president during his deadly asthma episodes in the 1990's.

Mr. Dick Gregory is brilliant as a comedian, but he is recognized for much more. Besides providing audiences with conscious comedy, Mr. Gregory's credits include renowned author, television and film personality, nutritionist and recording artist. Mr. Gregory has worked alongside prominent figures in history such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Medgar Evers, President John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. Being one of the few members of The Movement still alive, Mr. Gregory is a walking history book. His candor combined with his world class political satire and humor make him one of the most celebrated and respected comics and activist of our time....and a must see show.
 
Dick Gregory entered the national comedy scene in 1961 when Chicago’s Playboy Club (as a direct request from publisher Hugh Hefner) booked him as a replacement for white comedian, “Professor” Irwin Corey. His tenure as a replacement for Corey was so successful — at one performance he won over an audience that included southern white convention goers — that the Playboy Club offered him a contract extension from several weeks to three years. By 1962 Dick Gregory had become a nationally known headline performer, selling out nightclubs, making numerous national television appearances, and recording popular comedy albums. (More)

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Eddie Murphy To Host The Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday that Murphy, 50, would host the 84th annual Academy Awards, live on ABC on Feb. 26.

Eddie Murphy received his first and only Oscar nomination in 2007 for Dreamgirls.



Eddie Murphy



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Mellody Hobson and George Lucas

This power couple brings a unique combination to Hollywood.  And Chicago too.  The financial brain and the Hollywood movie maker are quite the cute couple.  Mellody Hobson and George Walton Lucas Jr. have been together since 2006.

Melody is the president of Ariel Investments, LLC, a Chicago investment firm managing over $3 billion in assets. It is also one of the largest African American-owned money management and mutual fund companies in the United States. She is also the Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of Ariel Mutual Funds. Hobson is a regular contributor on financial issues to ABC's Good Morning America.

George is a film director, producer, screenwriter and founder of Lucasfilm, Ltd. George has three children. Hobson has never been married and has no children.

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Riot Act Comedy Theater

Riot Act Comedy Theater is a state of the art comedy club and event facility located in the heart of Penn Quarter, on the back of the Spy Museum and one block from the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

Riot Act features the nation's greatest comics while also providing a work place and open mic for local and aspiring comics.

202-697-4900

801 E Street NW
Washington, DC 20004

get directions »

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Re-recording: "Hot Fun In The Summertime" w/ Bootsy Collins

Bootsy's bass kills on this cut.  Larry we love ya but Bootsy definitely served noticed that Sly would have been successful with a Bootsy.  Ummmm.   But Bootsy aint no Larry.  Let's be clear about that.  But come on Larry, you know you have to give him props on his thumping here.  Bootsy went way down on the fret board WITH the mutron peddle.  I mean Larry your fuzz did the same thing back in the day (think "Sex Machine").

Sly's production genius is in clear view if you listen down into the mix of the music.  A close listen to his best stuff reveals his artistic genius.  Freddie Stone was one of Sly's master painters.  And Bootsy's vocals are nowhere near Larry's power.  Yet Bootsy raps, which puts the Woodstock Nation genre up to date.

You have to listen to this. It lets you know that when Sly is trying, can't nobody touch him.

 A re-recording of "Hot Fun In The Summertime" featuring Bootsy Collins.


HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME


Bootsy Collin, George Clinton, Sly Stone



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Sly Stone Drops New Album

I'm Back! Family & Friends

Sly dropped his new album today.  And it is a killer.  The new tracks could be teasers for more such brilliance to come.  Yikes.  The new cuts have sprirt.  And gospel.  Sly's "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" marks his entry into gospel. Okay, "Que Sera Sera" was gospel in tone.  But it wasn't intended to be a gospel tune.

Elvis copied Sly's studded jump suit, buckle and sideburns, Sly is following the King into the gospel arena.  Michael never got a chance to go gospel.  But maybe there are some hidden tracks somewhere.  Regardless, Sly left no musical STONE unturned during the entirety of his career.  Some might question his down period, but nobody can question his musical genius and production - - both onstage live and in the studio.

LISTEN TO THE TRACKS

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Hip Hop Caucus Post MLK Memorial Dedication Party

The Hip Hop Caucus is holding a MLK Memorial Dedication Party at the 9:30 Club (7-11 pm) in Washington DC after the memorial dedication on the National Mall in Washington, DC.  The dedication on August 28th is also the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington.

The multi-talented musician and celebrity personality Biz Markie is the DJ for the night. There will also be performances from the beautiful talents of singer/songwriter and harpist Rashida Jolley, who has spent the last year on an international tour performing alongside megastar Lady Gaga, Grammy Winning rapper Mr. Cheeks, Neo Soul/R&B Artist Reesa Renee, Funk/Rock/Hip Hop band Violet Says 5, and can’t miss Hip Hop performances from Laelo Hood, Substantial and Awthentik, plus other surprise special guest appearances via our celebrity red carpet.

Also, the day prior, on Saturday, August 27th from 12 Noon till Dusk the National Action Network is holding a rally for Jobs and Justice in celebration of MLK’s legacy. The Hip Hop Caucus is supporting this march. There will be more than 40 Bus Departures scheduled across the country.

Click HERE to find details on how to get to DC via the National Action Network’s bus service.

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NABJ Wrong Opposing Al Sharpton Having Show On MSNBC

Following a deal between MSNBC and Reverend Al Sharpton to host his own 6 p.m. show, a diverse array of liberals, conservatives, black journalists and media watchdogs have lined up to oppose the Baptist minister and civil rights icon's promotion. The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) opposed MSNBC's decision to hire Al Sharpton as host of its 6 pm timeslot, saying:

"This would still be just another non-journalist media 'celebrity' receiving a TV show based upon their name recognition, not their years of experience, training, ability and talent."

AAEA supports Al Sharpton and opposes NABJ's opposition to his hiring by MSNBC.  Again, Blacks get hung up on 'not the right black,' when there was a time when we were just happy to get a black in the door.  Al Sharpton has earned his seat at the MSNBC table.  Although he is not a journalist, he is an internationally known talent who has proven himself on various stages.

Reverend Al Sharpton cancelled his scheduled appearance this week at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference following criticism by two of its members that MSNBC promoting him would be a mistake given that he's a "non-journalist" celebrity rather than a seasoned reporter. This is a huge miscalculation and could be rooted in jealousy.

Sharpton's support for the NBCUniversal and Comcast merger is a plus for him.  Reverend Sharpton is clearly a savy businessman.  He also appeared on FOX News numerous times, probably due to his support for Rupert Murdoch's opposition to a change in the rating system for television programming.  If support for the merger added his elevation to the anchor seat, so be it.  Brilliant.  Journalists better do what Sharpton is doing if they want the seat.

There are also complaints that maybe the White House exerted influence over Jeffry Immelt, CEO of GE, owner of NBC Universal, to hire Al Sharpton to keep him out of the way during the 2012 presidential contest.  Okay. And?  Again, Sharpton leverages himself and there is nothing wrong with that.

NABJ should support Sharpton because it is unprecedented for a black man to be place in that position.  To whine about him not being a journalist totally misses the point. (The Atlantic Wire, 8/5/2011)

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MSNBC 1st Among African American Viewers

MSNBC noted in a recent ratings release that it:

 “Continues to be #1 among African American and Hispanic viewers,”

adding:

“This marks the 6th consecutive quarterly win among African American viewers and the 5th consecutive quarterly win among Hispanic viewers.”

(Wash Post, 8/3/2011)

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Next New Tennis Phenom Preparing To Conquer Tennis World

David Hopkins

David Hopkins is a rising senior at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He has become a top-50 national doubles player for the Demon Deacons.  According to Hopkins:

"If I can get into tip-top shape, like I know I need to be, I don't think anything else will stop me."

David played many sports as a child, but he said he first discovered tennis as a 6-year-old attending a lesson with his mother. When it came time to pick one sport to focus on, he chose tennis over the team-oriented activities, enjoying the control over his own destiny.

2010-11 (Junior)

Played in 24 of Wake Forest's 26 dual matches ... Notched a 19-13 doubles record and 16-15 singles record ... Soared as high as No. 35 in the national doubles rankings with partner Iain Atkinson ... Playing at the No. 1 position with Atkinson, posted ranked doubles wins over No. 11 Kevin King/Juan Spir (Georgia Tech), No. 59 Joey Burkhardt/Stefan Hardy (North Carolina) and No. 66 Will Beck/Pedro Graber (Virginia Tech) ... Spent the season in the bottom half of the Wake Forest singles lineup ... Topped Wisconsin's Petr Satral in the Demon Deacons' win over the No. 30 Badgers ... Outlasted Isamu Tachibana in three sets to help Wake Forest take down No. 33 Rice

2009-10 (Sophomore)

Notched a 4-5 overall singles record ... Won two singles matches in the Virginia Invitational defeating opponents from NC State and William and Mary ... Also competed in the UVA Ranked +1 tournament and the ITA Carolina Regional ... Finished as the runner-up in his doubles flight with partner Jason Morgenstern at the Virginia Invitational ... Played doubles in three dual matches, defeating a team from No. 34 Michigan.

2008-09 (Freshman)

Earned first career start on January 24 with a 6-0, 6-2 defeat of UNC Asheville's Joseph May...Compiled an 11-12 singles record on the season...Opened the season with three consecutive victories from January 24th to January 31st over players from Gardner-Webb, UNC-Asheville, and #34 Rice University...Took down Robert Rotaru of #22 Louisville on February 27th by a score of 6-4, 6-4...Finished the season with a 12-12 doubles record...Posted five consecutive doubles victories with partner Jonathan Wolff from March 7th to March 20th over opponents from #33 Michigan, #62 East Tennessee State, Coastal Carolina, #35 South Carolina, and Maryland...Along with partner Jonathan Wolff, defeated three ACC foes from #13 Florida State, #19 Miami(Fl), and #32 North Carolina between April 3rd and April 8th.Fall 2008: Finished 7-2 in singles ... Advanced to semifinals of UGA's Southern Intercollegiates ... Finished 2-2 in doubles with Andrew Brasseaux.

Background

Keystone National Played with Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy where he helped the team earn the NC State Championship crown in 2004 and 2005 ... Ranked No. 1 in the Men's Open Division in North Carolina First team all-state ... Cracked Top 15 in national junior rankings for 12s, 14s, 16s ... Posted a 40-3 individual record ... James Leighton NC Jr. Male Player of the Year ... Who's Who Among National Students ... International Honor Society member ... People to People Ambassador ... Was also recruited by Virginia, Notre Dame, Texas ... Born December 28, 1989 ... Parents are Dr. Larry Hopkins and Mrs. Beth Hopkins (attorney)... Father Larry was an All-ACC starting fullback for the 1970 ACC Championship Football team. Mother Beth was Homecoming Queen. (Wake Forest Sports, 6/21/2011)

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Herman Cain Sings Gospel

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Underground Hip Hop Music

From the Underground Hip Hop Music Site

For the Rappers, Rockers, and Scholars

Underground Hip Hop music offers something that anybody with a good ear and appreciation for music would want: hard-hitting underground beats, differing rhyme deliveries, and controversial content that you’ll find yourself thinking about later, and saying over and over in your head. underground rappers offer an alternative to mainstream artists rapping about pussy, money, and weed. It’s more than catchy one liners, Underground Hip Hop music covers political issues and social concerns that could impress any academic mind.

However, underground hip hop is precisely that — underground. And unlike commercial rappers, underground rappers and their music are not as easy to come by. There is an emphasis on independent artists and unsigned labels, and this makes for fresh, new, and compelling sounds. Those who criticize rap music for focusing too much on violence and sex should rethink their sentiments and give some of these underground rappers a listen:

Lords of The Underground , MF Doom, People Under The Stairs, Little Brother, Necro, Murs, Aesop Rock, Blackalicious, Brother Ali, Fat Pat, Felt, Devin the Dude, J Dilla, Zion I, Brotha Lynch Hung

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P-Funk Mothership (Replica) Lands at the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian has acquired the Mothership replica used by Parliament-Funkadelic for its permanent music exhibition at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Bernie Walden was one of the Washington-based promoters who abandoned the Mothership in a Seat Pleasant junkyard in 1982. Nearly 30 years later, he helped the Smithsonian track down the replica. David George was the designer who built that replica. (Wash Post)

The landing of the Mothership was one of the greatest rock and roll props ever.  George Clinton and the P-Funk Mob had trouble topping themselves after the Mothership Connection.

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Skin Cancer and EPA's Tips to Avoid It: "Don't Fry Day"

By Susie Censativ

As the seasons change and the weather warms, Americans find themselves spending more time outdoors under the glaring rays of the sun. While African Americans have a lower risk for skin cancer caused by the
sunshine, it is significant to know that they are also at risk. Generally, people with dark skin pigmentation have greater protection against UV radiation. However, the best way for everyone, including African Americans, to reduce the risk of skin cancer is to protect your skin and eyes from the sun by using sunscreen, wearing shirts, wide- brimmed hats , and sunglasses when outdoors.  Of course, African Americans do not generally 'sun bathe' at the beach.

EPA is designating the Friday before Memorial Day is “Don’t Fry Day.” It is the perfect time for EPA to remind all Americans, at the start of summer, about the dangers of exposure to the sun and to offer safety tips to guard against harmful UV rays.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is on the rise in America and is the most common cancer among young adults aged 25-29. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SunWise program and the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention have partnered to provide simple tips on protecting yourself that could save lives.  One American dies from skin cancer every hour. It is the most common type of cancer in the United States, where skin cancer affects more than two million people each year, outnumbering the cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined.  One in five Americans will develop the disease in their lifetime. Over exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer.

For “Don’t Fry Day,” (May 27 this year), EPA encourages Americans to
take these few, easy precautions when they are outside:

·         “Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap.” Slip on a shirt. Slop on SPF 15+ sunscreen. Slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses to protect your body from overexposure to the sun
·         Seek shade. Find shade during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reduce the risk of too much sun exposure
·         Check the UV Index. When planning outdoor activities check the UV Index to identify the times that pose the greatest risk for overexposure to the sun

EPA’s SunWise program is the nation’s largest environmental and health education program designed to encourage kids and their caregivers to practice safe sun habits.

More information on “Don’t Fry Day” and additional sun safety resources (EPA)

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Cynne Simpson & Gordon Peterson

By Susie Centsitiv

Chilly Onscreen Chemistry between the 6 p.m. cohosts of local Washington, DC ABC News

You can't create chemistry.  And watching Cynee Simpson, right, and Gordon Peterson, left, trying to deliver the news together is painful.  The body language speaks volumes.  Gordon clearly being more uncomfortable than Cynne.  Is it a generation gap?  Does Gordon resent the young upstart?  Is there personal animosity?  Whatever it is, it clearly shows up onscreen.  The news producers at the show can surely see it.  It is further contrasted by the excellent chemistry between Simpson and her 5 pm cohost, Leon Harris.  Gordon had and has great chemistry with legnedary local newscaster Maureen Bunyan.  Of course, she is closer to his age.  They also kind of came up together on the Washington, DC news scene.  Maybe he just wants Maureen sitting next to him instead of Cynne.

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30 Best Movies About Black History

The following films are both entertaining and thought provoking explorations of the black experience throughout history. Each one forces us to reflect upon our own position within these sometimes not so fictional worlds.

FULL DESCRIPTIONS

1. Roots (1977)
2. Glory (1989):
3. Amistad (1997)
4. Malcolm X (1992)
5. A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
6. The Rosa Parks Story (2002)
7. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974)
8. The Color Purple (1985)
9. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
10. With All Deliberate Speed (2004)
11. Their Eyes Were Watching God (2005)
12. Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)
13. In The Heat of The Night (1967)
14. 4 Little Girls (1997)
15. Heat Wave (1990)
16. Conrack (1974)
17. The Great White Hope (1970)
18. Sounder (1972)
19. Cooley High (1975)
20. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
21. A Soldier's Story (1984)
22. Something the Lord Made (2004)
23. A Great Day in Harlem (1994)
24. Eyes on the Prize (1987)
25. Ali (2001)
26. Men of Honor (2000)
27. Do the Right Thing (1989)
28. Remember the Titans (2000)
29. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
30. Bamboozled (2000)

(BachelorsDegree. org)

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Sheila Johnson & Arrianna Huffington Form GlobalBlack

BET co-founder Sheila Johnson has teamed up with Arianna Huffington to launch Huffpost GlobalBlack -- a section of the Huffington Post geared toward an African-American audience. According to today's press release, the site, which is set to launch in March,

"will focus on current events and cultural trends from a black perspective from across the globe -- from politics and economics to music and sports -- and will feature content ranging from dynamic storytelling to investigative reporting."

(The Root, 1/20/2011)

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FCC & Justice Approve Comcast Merger With NBC Universal

The Justice Department, along with the Federal Communications Commissionon, approved Comcast's $30 billion acquisition of NBC Universal on Tuesday.  The deal merges the nation's biggest cable and Internet service provider with NBC Universal's library of entertainment.

Most of the conditions for the merger apply for seven years. In addition, Comcast made several voluntary commitments to the FCC to ensure that the deal would be in the public interest. It will offer more children's programming and local news. It will also offer low-income households Internet service for $9.99 a month and stand-alone broadband Internet subscriptions for $49.99.

Comcast promised that it would not retaliate against broadcast networks or cable programmers for licensing their shows to competing firms such as Time Warner Cable or DirecTV. Comcast volunteered to treat all Internet content fairly - with similar speeds - even if the FCC's net neutrality rules are overturned by a court.

The FCC and Justice also demanded that Comcast relinquish its management stake in Hulu, the online joint venture NBC has with News Corp. and Walt Disney. But Comcast would be able to keep its financial stake in the Web site.

The FCC approved the deal on a vote of 4-to-1 (Michael J. Copps opposing).  (Wash Post, 1/18/2010)

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Mutter Evans Organizes 31st Annual MLK, Jr. Day

Mutter Evans

Former WAAA radio station owner Mutter Evans initiated Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorations five years before the federal holiday was passed.  The 26th edition of the federal holiday honoring him included the 31st Annual Noon-Hour Commemoration in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is one of the oldest Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial events in the United States. 

Ms Evans noted:

"Take the time to acknowledge the person who had been so instrumental, and the freedoms and the liberties which we have acquired," said Mutter Evans, who organized the event in 1979. It makes me feel good from the standpoint that people continue to acknowledge and appreciate the history.  It just seems like there is more division. Not everybody voted for him [Barack Obama], but those strives we thought we'd overcome, continue to rear their heads"

The event was originally held on King's birthday, but is now held at the Benton Convention Center on the federal holiday, which began in 1986. Winston-Salem native Clifton Graves spoke at this year's event. Graves, known nationally for his work in civil rights and education, spoke about everyone's power to help themselves and others.

(Fox 8, Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, 1/17/2010)

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Shaunie O'Neal & Her Production Company: Amirah, Inc.

Shaunie O’Neal is a media mogul involved in television production, publishing, fashion and film. She executive produces the VH1 shows "Basketball Wives" and "Football Wives" for Shed Media.

Shaunie is a producer through her production company, Amirah, Inc.  She is also a cast member in "Basketball Wives." (Black Enterprise, 1/15/2010)

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NAACP's 42nd-annual Image Awards

The NAACP's Image Awards honor diversity in the arts and will be presented March 4.

Tyler Perry earned 19 nominationsds Wednesday, including best director for "For Colored Girls" and best screenplay for "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?" Those films will compete alongside "Just Wright," "The Book of Eli" and "The Kids Are All Right."

Perry's TBS series, "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," was nominated for best comedy series.

Janet Jackson ("Why Did I Get Married Too") is up for best actress, as are Halle Berry ("Frankie & Alice"), Kerry Washington ("Night Catches Us"), Queen Latifah ("Just Wright") and Zoe Saldana ("The Losers").

Jackson's "Married" co-star Jill Scott will compete in the best supporting actress category against "For Colored Girls" actresses Anika Noni Rose, Kimberly Elise, Phylicia Rashad and Whoopi Goldberg.

Denzel Washington ("The Book of Eli") is nominated for best actor, along with Anthony Mackie ("Night Catches Us"), Common ("Just Wright"), Jaden Smith ("The Karate Kid") and Morgan Freeman ("Red").

The supporting-actor nominees are Don Cheadle ("Brooklyn's Finest"), Idris Elba ("Takers"), Justin Timberlake ("The Social Network"), Michael Ealy ("For Colored Girls") and Samuel L. Jackson ("Mother and Child").

"House of Payne" is nominated for best comedy series against NBC's "30 Rock," Fox's "Glee," ABC's "Modern Family" and TBS's "Are We There Yet?"

The best drama series contenders are TNT's "HawthoRNe," NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," HBO's "Treme" and ABC's "Detroit 1-8-7" and "Grey's Anatomy."

Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," Smokey Robinson's "Now and Then," Usher's "Raymond vs. Raymond," Sade's "Soldier of Love" and John Legend and the Roots' "Wake Up!" are the best-album nominees. (AP, Wash Post, 1/13/2011)

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Devon Isaacson - Certificate of Black Authenticity - 2011

Get yours today - Eliminate the doubt

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