Keepingitreal

Chris Brown Issues New Apology for Rihanna Incident

CBS censors 'Big Brother' slurs

CBS censors 'Big Brother' speech, edits out slurs spewed during arguments. Television viewers watching the "Big Brother 11" eviction episode Thursday only heard part of contestant Chima Simone's petition to stay on the voyeuristic CBS reality show. Host Julie Chen later called it "the most memorable last plea speech we've ever heard." But the audio cut out right as the 32-year-old freelance journalist referenced a derogatory term for people of Mexican descent that fellow nominee Braden Bacha, a 28-year-old model-actor, had used against two other contestants. Bacha's use of the term was also edited out. Also censored was Simone saying that Bacha had used a sexually insulting word to describe host Chen, who also co-hosts "The Early Show." Bacha was eliminated; Simone saved. CBS said the statements were removed from the broadcast because they were offensive and did not meet the network's standards. Gay slurs slung by contestant Jeff Schroeder during an argument on Tuesday's episode were also left on the cutting room floor. The only place viewers could hear the heated words was on the show's live streaming Internet feed. The network said in a statement Friday that "any views or opinions expressed in personal commentary by a houseguest appearing on 'Big Brother,' either on any live feed from the house or the broadcast, are those of the individuals speaking and do not represent the views or opinions of CBS or the producers of the program." For 11 seasons, "Big Brother" has isolated contestants — or houseguests, as they're referred to on the show — from the outside world. They live under constant surveillance on a soundstage constructed to look like a house. Once a week, the contestants vote to evict each other in hopes of being the last houseguest standing and winning the $500,000 grand prize. On Showtime 2's "Big Brother After Dark," an uncensored and unedited live broadcast of what's happening inside the house for three hours each night, Simone said the producers told her that her speech was censored. She also said she confronted producers about editing out the slurs. "I said, I don't think it's fair because I don't think they showed when it first was said," Simone told her fellow houseguests during "Big Brother After Dark" following Thursday's live eviction episode on CBS. "And I was like, 'If someone's a racist, they should be portrayed as one. You shouldn't edit it to make them look good.'"

Hollywood Studios Bidding for Rights to Michael Jackson Footage

As of Saturday morning, Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox had emerged as the leading contenders in a Hollywood auction of film rights to the rehearsal videos of Michael Jackson’s aborted concert tour, though other studios continued to press bids. Outcome of the auction is expected some time next week. A number of studios had been offered the rehearsal material by AEG, the company that was preparing Mr. Jackson’s tour when he died, and Sony, Fox, Paramount and Universal Pictures had all submitted bids. By Saturday, people who were briefed on the auction — who spoke on condition of anonymity, because they were not authorized to discuss it — said Fox and Sony appeared to have made the most aggressive push for the rights. Sony, according to two people, appeared to be the most likely buyer, in part because Sony Music has rights to Mr. Jackson’s music and would be in a better position than other buyers to exploit a concert film. It was not immediately clear how much was currently being offered for the rights. Bids were reported by Deadlinehollywooddaily.com to have begun at $50 million. Queries to spokesmen for Fox, Universal, Paramount and Sony drew no comment on Saturday. Michael Roth, a spokesman for AEG, would only say: “We have not made any decisions on what we are going to do with the video.” SOURCE:NY TIMES.COM

'TAXIDERMIA'

TAXIDERMIA [NR] Opens in select U.S. theaters beginning August 14.Official site:  http://www.taxidermia-themovie.com

SYNOPSIS

TAXIDERMIA contains three generational stories, about a grandfather, a father, and a son, linked together by recurring motifs. The dim grandfather, an orderly during World War Two, lives in his bizarre fantasies; he desires love. The huge father seeks success as a top athlete - a speed eater - in the post-war pro-Soviet era. The grandson, a meek, small-boned taxidermist, yearns for something greater: immortality. He wants to create the most perfect work of art of all time by stuffing his own torso. Historical facts and surrealism become intertwined as magical realism, like in the works of Gabriel García Marquez or the Hungarian writer Lajos Parti Nagy; the script is based on two of the latter's stories. Palfi added the third story, that of the grandson the taxidermist.

iPhone Blog Buzz Chatter 07.17.09

Rapper Rakim – best known as half of the rap duo Eric B. & Rakim – sat down with Billboard to discuss the fall release of his anticipated new album, "The Seventh Seal," a project he says is fueled by "consciousness and spirituality." The rapper signed with Dr. Dre's Aftermath label in 2001, but later parted ways without having ever released an album. In fact, Rakim has not released a new studio project since 1999's "The Master," save for 2008's mostly live set, "The Archive: Live, Lost & Found," which included four previously unreleased songs.The new album is being released on Rakim's Ra Records label in a joint venture with Tuscan Villa Entertainment. Its first single, "Holy Are You," will hit shelves July 28.An attorney for Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe on Tuesday angrily denied a New York Post report that she had agreed to take millions of dollars to give up parental rights to her two children with the entertainer.Two weeks after the death of her brother Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson is reportedly back in Atlanta to begin work on Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married, Too?"Actor Levar Burton was involved in a car accident that took place Monday evening in Los Angeles but he was not seriously injured.The executive producer of A&E's upcoming Jackson family reality project says she has "months and months" of recent footage -- possibly including never-before-seen scenes with Michael, according to the Hollywood Reporter.Grammy-winning music producer Quincy Jones argues in a controversial Details magazine interview - that we assume was done before Michael Jackson's recent death - that Jackson "obviously didn't want to be Black" and suggests that his psychological problem may have resulted from some childhood trauma.Chico's Tacos is about to feel the gay wrath -- a gay wrath that demolished the careers of Carrie Prejean, Tim Hardaway and Isaiah Washington. Chico's Tacos kicked out two gay men for a simple peck on the lips, spat homophobic slurs and the cops okayed it. Read the story.In all, five men were ordered to leave the restaurant. They say they were forced out by homophobic guards."It was a simple kiss...CONTINUE READING US President Barack Obama on Monday named rural southern doctor Regina Benjamin as his pick to be the country’s surgeon general. “I am honored and I am humbled to be nominated to serve… this is a physician’s dream,” the Alabama doctor said after being introduced by Obama in the White House Rose Garden as his choice for the post, which oversees 6,000 staff charged with informing US citizens about questions of health.It seems as though African-American women have come under increased fire as of late. The stereotype of the Angry Black Woman goes hand in hand with the pervasive undertone of hostility towards us as a whole. The imposed cliché of “the b*tch” seems at times inescapable, where even a mere hint of tension from a sister is interpreted as classic ABW behavior. CONTINUE READING... In the rise of natural hairstyles, the Afro aka ‘Natural’ fashionably called, ‘Curly Fro’, ‘TWA’ (teenie-weenie-afro) and ‘Puff’ has made a comeback. Today, there are several singers and entertainers who sport Afros such as Angie Stone, Jill Scott, Algebra Blessett and my personal favorite, although not in the spotlight as of late, Lauryn Hill. I remember searching the bookstore and grocery store magazine racks for pictures of a closer look at Ms. Hill’s ‘knot-out’ fro right after The Fugees, The Score was released in 1996.CONTINUE READING... Yeah, we thought they broke up too - but we all know how that goes. Check out some candids of singers Dawn Richard and Q (from Day 26) hand in hand on the streets on NYC on Monday afternoon. In related news, Dawn is currently writing for Cassie and Diddy at Bad Boy Records and working [...]Whitney Houston arrives at a London hotel on Tuesday night. The legendary singer is set to make a comeback with the release of her highly-anticipated new album in September. Her new single, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” was just released a couple of weeks ago. Looking good Whitney!!! ( Photos: WENN ) It's been exactly 180 years to the day since the death of African Prince Abdul Rahman. Through exclusive interviews with author Terry Alford (Prince Among Slaves), Emmy Award-winning writer/director Andrea Kalin and Okolo Rasheed (Co-Founder of the International Museum of Muslum Culture), Cyrus A. Webb of Conversations LIVE! Radio talks about the life, struggles and lessons of the man who kept his dignity through incredible challenges.  San Antonio Spurs star Richard Jefferson left his bride hanging last Saturday, stopping cold a posh Manhattan wedding that reportedly cost $2 million to prepare, reports the New York Post. CONTINUE READING... Comedian Dave Chappelle delivered a free stand-up performance Tuesday night at the packed Pioneer Square in Portland, Oregon that was advertised solely through Twitter, Facebook and text-message alerts.Tito Jackson has confirmed that he and several siblings had an emotional intervention with Michael Jackson before his death in an attempt to end his addiction to prescription drugs.Eastman Kodak Co. has agreed to pay $21.4 million to settle legal action brought by black workers who claim the photography products maker paid and promoted them less than their white co-workers. The deal was given preliminary approval by a federal judge last month, according to court documents. It would have the Rochester-based company, while admitting no wrongdoing, pay amounts ranging from $1,000 to $75,000 to 3,021 past and current workers.Sudanese police arrested 13 women in a raid on a cafe and flogged 10 of them in public for wearing trousers in violation of the country’s strict Islamic law, one of those arrested said Monday. The 13 women were at a cafe in the capital, Khartoum, when they were detained Friday by officers from the public order police, which enforces the implementation of Sharia law in public places.With four simple words — “Give it to me!” — President Barack Obama took possession of the economy. For months, the White House and Obama’s economic team have laid the economic crisis at the feet of President George W. Bush. But there comes a point in a presidency when inheritance becomes ownership.At a time when good economic news is scarce, it’s encouraging to hear about three businessmen, all Rutgers alumni, staking a claim to the future in Newark’s West Ward. Victor Baker, Hassan Keith and Jeffrey Montgomery are constructing houses on five empty lots on South 9th Street between 11th and 12th avenues.In his first speech before the nation's oldest civil rights organization since taking office, President Barack Obama paid tribute to the NAACP as it celebrated its centennial and also delivered a rousing sermon telling black America to become more responsible. Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z recently spoke on the creation of his record "Death of Autotune" and why its controversy and success is mainly due to Kanye West's involvement.Wendy Williams gets interviewed, speaks on Oprah, the Omarosa incident, and Botox.Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler are working on a movie together, so the rumors that they are going around in a romantic were bound to happen. But Gerard is not happy about it. In fact, all the rumors are more annoying than 120 "I LUVZ u PlZ luvz me" text messages from Aniston in a 20-minute period. That's really annoying.The surge in sales of Michael Jackson's music catalog continued Wednesday with the announcement that his recordings dominated the pop charts for the third consecutive week, and a source told The Times that more than 9 million of Jackson's albums have been sold worldwide since his death June 25. As Tom Petty once sang, the waiting is the hardest part. And if you've been anxiously awaiting an upcoming R&B release only to find that it keeps getting delayed and pushed back with no explanation, your Guide to R&B feels your pain. And to keep track of album delays, record deal cancellations, etc., every quarter yours truly keeps you up to speed by compiling a list of the top upcoming albums that have been delayed, pushed back or rescheduled. So if you're wondering about the long-delayed new albums by R. Kelly, Erykah Badu, Pretty Ricky, Tweet and others, check out the Summer 2009 list of delayed albums. Summer 2009 Delayed/Pushed Back Albums Jaicko Lawrence (his first name's pronounced jay-ko) is a performer from Barbados, the same island that gave us the singers Rihanna and Shontelle. According to his Capitol Records bio, he's 17 (although he looks at least a couple of years older to yours truly) and began his career in music after dropping out of high school. He started out as a rapper, but switched to singing when he realized he was better at it. He's already released one independent album in his homeland, and is now looking to break into the American market. Check out his current single, "Oh Yeah," which will be on his U.A. debut album, coming out later this year. You can stream the song by clicking the link below, and please feel free to leave a comment with your opinion. "Oh Yeah" streaming audio (Windows Media)In the past year, Justin Timberlake has become as well known as a comedic foil to "Saturday Night Live" cast member Andy Samberg as he is for being a singer. (There's also his ever expanding golf empire.) He's snagging plenty of recognition, as he found out this morning that he has been nominated for two [...]After a nearly eight year hiatus from music, singer Maxwell comes back ina big way to beat out all albums this week and top the Billboard 200. There's also debuts by the Alchemist and Cage.Making a spelling mistake on a cover letter or resume can be costly.
It could cost you a job, for example, according to a new survey that found that 76% of 150 executives in a telephone survey wouldn't hire someone with one or two mistakes. Forty percent said a single typo could cost a potential employee a job."The resume is an applicant's first chance to impress the hiring manager," said Kathryn Bolt, president of Accountemps' Canadian operations, in a Reuters story. "Mistakes on one's application materials may prompt employers to assume there also will be mistakes on the job."Continue reading Hope to hear from you shorty. Typos on resume can cost you a job THAT'S A WRAP XOXO...

WHITNEY HOUSTON UNVEILS ALBUM COVER ART FOR HER HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM "I LOOK TO YOU!"

OFF THE HEELS OF YESTERDAY’S MONUMENTAL LONDON LISTENING EVENT,

WHITNEY HOUSTON

UNVEILS THE COVER ART

FOR HER HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM

“I LOOK TO YOU”

OUT SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 ON ARISTA RECORDS!

Reports out of London describe sheer pandemonium as the audience full of VIPs, press and tastemakers raved and danced in the aisle over Whitney’s new album!

The “Queen Of All Divas” was greeted by a standing ovation after Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, Clive Davis presented select tracks from the album.

Listening events will also be held in New York and Los Angeles next week!

 

 

Click here for more information and be sure to visit www.whitneyhouston.com regularly for up-to-date album information, exclusive photos and breaking news! 

 

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Variety.com Music Review ~ Beyonce

Excerpt from Variety.com ~ By STEVEN MIRKIN  Beyonce's "I Am..." tour, which played Staples Center on Monday night, is a dazzling production -- she is an undeniably charismatic, commanding singer and a dancer of staggering energy. She's surrounded by a powerful but flexible all-female band and a phalanx of dancers, outfitted in some 70 costumes designed by French fashion legend Thierry Mugler, and augmented by high-def screens and enough fans blowing back her hair to power one of T. Boone Pickens' wind farms. It's a night out worthy of a performer who topped Forbes' list of richest under-30 celebs. But all this energy orbits a concept that feels muddled at best. Early on, Beyonce claims that the evening is dedicated to female self-empowerment, but she ends the night confessing, "I am ... yours." Like her most recent album, the double-platinum "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" (Columbia), the concert showcases Knowles' Janus-like self-conception -- the sensitive, ballad-heavy Beyonce, and the groove-driven bad girl, Sasha Fierce. Yet this dichotomy is given short shift. About the only difference one can ascertain between Beyonce and Sasha is that when the latter talks about an underwire bra, she's referring to its electrical connection. And without an overarching theme, the staging -- impressive as it is -- comes off as hollow. The costumes and images start to feel like ads for feminine products. The blocks of electric color and the flowing white resortwear (that's magically turned into a puffy, swirling wedding dress) during "Ave Maria" could be lifted out of commercials seen on daytime talkshows or in the pages of Allure. The futuristic Plexiglas and animal print costume seen during the "Sweet Dreams" video could have come out of Vogue, and the glamorous black-and-white images viewed during a costume change wouldn't look out of place in Vanity Fair. Even her walking on air from the mainstage to the smaller B-stage set in the middle of the area feels borrowed. It's hard not to shake the thought that there's something being sold here, and the product is simply Beyonce. That doesn't mean there's not much to enjoy. The band allows some playfulness to slip into the music -- she folds a passionate take of Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" into "If I Were a Boy" and Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" into "Ave Maria." And songs such as the grime-styled "Diva," the propulsive "Single Ladies" (preceded by a medley of YouTube video imitations) and the bouncy "Radio" (accompanied by footage of the 5-year-old Beyonce hamming it up for the camera) show her stretching musically. The latter images echo in the evening's most uncomfortable moment. During "Halo," the evening's penultimate number, she pays tribute to Michael Jackson. It's certainly heartfelt, but when a singer who got her start in a youthful family act masterminded by her father says she wants to be just like Mike, it's creepy. SOURCE:VARIETY.COM

Is CNN’s Black In America A Sideshow?

Excerpt from Clutchmagazine.com ~ William Shakesphere’s most oft-recited phrase is back with a vengeance with a slightly new twist. What is it like to be Janet Jackson right now? What is like to be an Iraqi insurgent? What is it like to be Bill O’Reilly? What is it like to be an African-American in 2009? CNN is attempting to tackle the last question in the second part of Black in America on July 22nd and 23rd. The first series, which aired last year around this time, elicited many responses from many different sects, but for once, there was a general consensus in the black community: It was inessential, extraordinary (as in extra ordinary) and featured more of the same stories. Stats of despair and poverty, overwhelming amounts of gangsta’ rapping, black women having to cope with copious ills within the black male demographic and the Willie Lynch-inspired light-skinned/dark-skinned divide was a common reminder that we are pretty much doomed. Apparently there’s no fun in being black in America. Perhaps CNN’s target audience for the series are not blacks. Therefore, it makes sense to point out what is highly obvious within. But if other races are the primary audience, then why is it necessary to portray us as a megalithic pathology of woe?

CNN should be applauded for asking these types of questions, for they have the resources to examine the issues of society in-depth. Mass media should seek the truth and ask the hammer-hitting questions. They should be appreciated for endeavoring to figure out this race thing, to make sense of a problem that has been as old as America itself. There are about 39 million African-Americans in this country. There are over 60 million German-Americans. Yet, there is no question of a German-American problem or any series examining what it’s like to be German in America.

And therein lies the rub.

The premise of the show is a noble one, but its execution and practical implications were not so. It’s a safe bet to say that the oeuvres and peccadilloes of Black America provide the seasoning of the Earth. I’m pressed to think of any industry in America that hasn’t been set off by the contributions of blacks, yet, in mass media, there is this nagging depiction of a group who are perpetually embittered and in constant need of attention. Ratings, not to mention revenue, are being generated in spades off such portrayals of Black culture. Last year’s Black In America series drew almost 16 million viewers (for perspective, the Sopranos finale drew just under 12 million viewers), and the CNN website drew nearly 15 million unique visitors. According to Mark Nelson, vice president and senior executive producer at CNN Productions, black viewership “increased almost 900 percent.” So how is one to think that CNN is any different in this regard than this network?

At this point, the answer to what it’s like to be Black in America is no longer relevant. CONTINUE READING...

Gay media watchdog not laughing at 'Brüno'

Excerpt from SFGate.com ~ The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation says that "Brüno," the new film starring Sacha Baron Cohen, reinforces negative stereotypes and "decreases the public's comfort with gay people."GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios, who saw the film Friday, said that "the movie was a well-intentioned series of sketches - some hit the mark and some hit the gay community pretty hard and reinforce some damaging, hurtful stereotypes."In a style similar to his popular Borat character, Baron Cohen brings Brüno, a flamboyantly gay Austrian fashionista, into ridiculous situations with unsuspecting everyday people. Universal Pictures, which released "Brüno," sought GLAAD's input on the film and invited staff members to advance screenings, Barrios said. The organization "shared a number of concerns, and unfortunately, the scenes that we had the biggest concerns about remained in the film," Barrios said. One such scene shows Brüno in a hot tub with his adopted infant son and two naked men involved in a sex act."Scenes like that don't help America understand the hundreds of thousands of gay families who get up every day, do the carpool, then rush home to make dinner and be with their children," Barrios said. Similarly, the movie's mock marriage scene "doesn't help Americans understand the lives of gay couples who are denied the rights and protections of marriage in 43 states," he said. Universal Pictures maintains that "Brüno" is a satire that "uses provocative comedy to powerfully shed light on the absurdity of many kinds of intolerance and ignorance, including homophobia." CONTINUE READING..

Beyoncé brings the bling, but songs a weak spot

BY: AIDIN VAZIRI, CHRONICLE POP MUSIC CRITIC - The wind machines must have arrived on their own tour bus. They were practically everywhere at Beyoncé's Oracle Arena concert on Friday: blowing her flowing blond tresses skyward from the lip of the stage; at the top of the illuminated staircase from which she descended several times; even high above the crowd when the 27-year-old singer magically took flight. She probably doesn't even go to the powder room without a gust in her face.Backed once again by a rocking all-female band and countless male dancers who seemed to have forgotten to pack their shirts for the North American leg of "I Am..." world tour, Beyoncé's two-hour concert was as delightfully whizz-klonk crazy as you might expect. French artist Thierry Mugler designed the outfits - including a bustier with working motorcycle lights - covering the star and her crew with enough shiny flecks to Bedazzle an entire continent. The taped video segments not only effectively played out the good-girl/bad-girl concept of Beyoncé's latest album, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," but scenes of a half-dressed robot morphing into a cheetah infeasibly raised the weirdness bar for Björk. Oh, there was music, too. Her microphone may not have been on the whole time but Beyoncé shimmied hard to nearly every one of her solo hits, a medley of tunes from her Destiny's Child days, forceful covers of Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" and Sarah McLachlan's "Angel," something called "Freakum Dress," and a personal movie segment that included soundtrack contributions, "Listen" and "At Last." An old home movie showing a 5-year-old Beyoncé performing in the family living room confirmed that, yes, she's always been like this. Actually, given her popularity and history, you would think that she would have more than enough recognizable songs to fill two hours. That wasn't the case. But when Beyoncé got it right - the towering show opener "Crazy In Love," sing-along "Irreplaceable" and honking "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," which was accompanied by a hilarious montage of fan-made videos - it was hard to imagine pop music ever getting any better.

Still, while 30 seconds of "Check On It," delivered during midconcert miniset in the middle of the arena, sounded better than almost everything on the radio right now, next time around Beyoncé's management might consider taking a small sliver of that wind machine budget and investing in some more quality songs - the guys in Kings of Leon might have some lying around. Just a thought. SOURCE: SFGATE.COM

Oakland parking crackdown, fees anger residents

Oakland has raised the price of parking tickets, extended meter times to 8 p.m. in most parts of the city and is more aggressively enforcing parking violations, including in residential neighborhoods.The decision is driven by the city's budget woes, which deep cuts to city services alone did not solve. Falling sales and property, property transfer and hotel taxes have contributed to a $51 million decline in revenues. But the move to wring more money out of parking violations, one of the few legal tools the city has, is inspiring a revolt. A newly established parking enforcement crew that works evenings has been going into neighborhoods and ticketing entire blocks - places where parking habits were defined more by common understanding and history than the law. Shopkeepers and restaurants are up in arms over what they see as a death knell in a flagging economy: $2-an-hour meters that are monitored until 8 p.m. "I'm pissed," said Alan Michaan, owner of the Grand Lake Theatre, who has changed his trademark marquee to say that, with the parking rules, "the City Council will finish destroying our shopping districts!" In Crocker Highlands, Nora Lee Alexander got a $50 ticket for parking facing the wrong direction in front of her home. The retired Oakland schoolteacher has done so off and on for 40 years, but particularly in the last 10 after she broke her left ankle. On the steep incline of Balfour Avenue, parking the wrong direction meant she didn't have to push open the door against gravity using her weak ankle. "The car ain't botherin' anyone out there," Alexander said in her Texan drawl as she pointed out the nine pins and metal plate embedded in her ankle. "I consider it a form of harassment." 

"It seems like they are scavenging for money," said her husband, George, who also has difficulty getting out of his car on the street because of a hip replacement. Both their cars have disabled plates. SOURCE:SFGATE.COM

Sotomayor pushes back hard on racial bias charges

Sonia Sotomayor pushed back vigorously Tuesday against Republican charges that she would bring bias and a liberal agenda to her seat as the first Hispanic woman on the Supreme Court, insisting repeatedly she would be impartial as GOP senators tried to undercut her with her own words from past speeches.For all the pointed questioning in a grueling, daylong hearing, there was little doubt that President Barack Obama's first high court choice — with solid backing from the Democrats and their lopsided Senate majority — would be confirmed. Sen. Patrick Leahy, Democratic chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said as much — and predicted she would receive at least some Republican backing. Sotomayor, 55, kept her composure — judge-like, supporters said — during the intense day of questions and answer, listening intently and scribbling notes as senators peppered her with queries, then leaning into her microphone and gesturing for emphasis as she responded. She returns for another full day of questioning on Wednesday. "My record shows that at no point or time have I ever permitted my personal views or sympathies to influence the outcome of a case," the appeals court judge declared during a tense exchange with Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, the top Republican on the committee that is conducting this week's confirmation hearings. He repeatedly questioned her ability to be objective as a Supreme Court justice, citing her own comments. Sotomayor backed away from perhaps the most damaging words that had been brought up since Obama nominated her seven weeks ago — a 2001 comment suggesting that a "wise Latina" judge would usually reach better conclusions than a white man. She called the remark "a rhetorical flourish that fell flat." 

It was bad because it left an impression that I believed that life experiences commanded a result in a case, but that's clearly not what I do as a judge," Sotomayor said. SOURCE: SFGATE.COM

An Amazon-Owned Netflix: Good and Bad

(07-14) 09:21 PDT -- Interest in Amazon (and the company's stock price) leaped yesterday as a rumor circulated about the potential of Amazon.com buying the DVD rental and streaming video service. If true, the partnership would create a behemoth in the movie industry and expand two powerful and reliable businesses. But this deal is not entirely made of gold. Here are the pros and cons.Pro: Broader Watch Instantly selection. Netflix currently streams about 12,000 moviesthrough a variety of set-top boxes, TVs, and video game consoles. Amazon-on-Demand has 40,000 movies. Netflix streams older films, and the selection leans towards the not-so-awesome side, whereas Amazon-on-Demand streams most new releases as they arrive. If Amaflix (or Netzon) happens, the Watch Instantly selection immediately balloons, giving consumers a vast library of choices.,Con: Higher prices for premium content

While you may have a broader selection, you will likely have to pay more for it. You can expect subscription prices to soar as soon as the deal is made. Amazon makes too much money off its rental service to give it up for free or cheap. Streaming video subscriptions would surely cost more than Netflix's sub-$10 bargain. Pro: Even better physical disc distribution. Marrying Amazon's and Netflix's warehouses would get discs to your front door faster and more efficiently than before -- a huge feat given Netflix's already stellar reputation for speedy delivery.

Con: Elimination of physical discs - There's no doubt about it: streaming video is the future of watching movies. If Amazon gets its grip on Netflix, there is the potential that the former would kill off distributing physical DVDs and Blu-Ray discs in favor of tapping the vein of the next big thing. For those without broadband Internet connections -- or people who prefer to watch discs -- this could be a huge, disappointing fallout. Pro: Step towards absorbing GameFly and dominating distribution.  If Amaflix decides to continue along the physical disc train, the possibility of acquiring GameFly -- the video game equivalent of Netflix -- rises in likelihood. Amazon could then dominate two markets at once and have a stranglehold on how people rent movies and games.

Con: Competition narrows - This, of course, would obliterate the competition. Say good-bye forever to Blockbuster, and watch as Apple TV struggles to maintain relevance. A smart Amazon would keep prices low and drive customers away from iTunes and other methods of digital movie downloads, leaving consumers with fewer choices and locked into a permanent hug with Amazon.

Pro: Could push the Kindle to greater heights - Amazon will continue to keep a close eye on the Kindle, its best-selling eBook reader. And with rumors of an Apple tablet buzzing around the hive, the Kindle may experience a total upgrade into a formidable device capable of both e-Ink reading and some form of video. Plus, if Amazon was in the rental business, why not delegate a section of its Kindle Store to an eBook library?

Con: Might balloon out of control -- Source: SF Gate.com

Bill Pickett Invitational African-American Rodeo Highlights

Outfest: Off and Running

Today's Papers: Cheney to CIA: Don't Tell Congress About Program

The New York Times leads news that, under instructions from former vice-president Dick Cheney, the CIA deliberately failed to tell Congress about a secret counterterrorism program. The Washington Post leads news that Attorney General Eric Holder is considering whether to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate allegations that CIA operatives tortured terrorism suspects. The Los Angeles Times leads a recap of President Obama's visit to Ghana, where he gave a speech exhorting the African continent to take responsibility for its own future. None of the papers provide any actual material details about the secret counterterrorism program, which apparently lasted from 2001 until early last month, when CIA director Leon Panetta learned of its existence and ordered it disbanded. Two unnamed sources told the NYT about Cheney's apparent involvement in covering up the program, which the CIA claims was never actually operational. To continue reading, click here.

Swim club president denies racism in pool controversy

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- The president of The Valley Swim Club on Friday strongly denied charges of racism after his club canceled the swimming privileges of a nearby day care center whose children are predominantly African-American."It was never our intention to offend anyone," said John Duesler. "This thing has been blown out of proportion."Duesler said his club -- which he called "very diverse" -- invited camps in the Philadelphia area to use his facility because of the number of pools in the region closed due to budget cuts this summer. He said he underestimated the amount of children who would participate, and the club's capacity to take on the groups was not up to the task."It was a safety issue," he said.

The Creative Steps Day Care children -- who are in kindergarten through seventh grade -- went to The Valley Swim Club in Huntingdon Valley on June 29 after the center's director, Alethea Wright, had contracted to use the club once a week.During their first visit, some children said they heard club members asking why African-American children were there. One youngster told a Philadelphia television station a woman there said she feared the children "might do something" to her child.  Watch Wright react to comments allegedly aimed at the children »

Days later, the day care center's $1,950 check was returned without explanation, Wright said.

She was dismissive of Duesler's comments Friday."He knows what happened at the pool that day," Wright told CNN in a telephone interview. "I was embarrassed and humiliated."She called it an "unfortunate situation," adding, "I know what happened; the members know what happened and a higher power knows what happened."  Watch the club president say racism is not at play »

After news reports of the incident, the office of Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pennsylvania) said Specter sent a letter to the club president asking him to reinstate the contract with Creative Steps, saying, "I think that you would agree that there is no place for racism in America today."Duesler said he appreciates the senator's concern, but the club's board has yet to make a decision of how it will proceed."If we're going to revise our policies here, we need to make it so for all the camps," he said. "I just don't think we're prepared for that." SOURCE: CNN.COM

iPhone Blog Buzz Mobile Chatter 07.10.09

It's over for House Resolution 600 - the legislation introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas that would have proclaimed Michael Jackson as an American legend, musical icon and world humanitarian. Michael Jackson's widely televised memorial on Tuesday - carried live across an unprecedented 18 cable and broadcast networks - drew 31.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research, with ABC and CNN attracting the highest number of viewers.A suburban Philadelphia swim club accused of kicking out a group of African American and Hispanic children visiting from the city is denying that their actions were racist. READ MORE Chrisette Michele has been chosen as the opening act for Maxwell during his sold-out 14-city U.S. tour in support of BLACKsummers’night, his comeback album that was released on July 7. The trek opens July 12 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and concludes at Miami’s Waterfront Theater on July 31. Ahead of a visit to Ghana at the weekend, he said: “Ultimately, I’m a big believer that Africans are responsible for Africa. “I think part of what’s hampered advancement in Africa is that for many years we’ve made excuses about corruption or poor governance, that this was somehow the consequence of neo-colonialism, or the West has been oppressive, or racism – I’m not a big – I’m not a believer in excuses. Maxwell has said he used his sabbatical to clear his head and get a life. But it’s clear from his new CD, “BLACKsummers’night,” he also used the time to woodshed something esthetically unique. While the Brooklyn-based singer has always put an original stamp on soul, never has he devised work of this invention or erudition. (Continue Reading…) En Vogue marked their 20th anniversary as one of music’s most successful female groups with a reunion show that electrified the crowd at the Essence Music Festival.“I’m just glad we were able to connect with them.” “We’re just excited to be together again,” Robinson said. “It’s like we never missed a beat. It feels normal again.” Known for their hits “Free Your Mind,” “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It) and “Don’t Let Go,” the group opened the final night of the festival. They performed a medley of tunes by female artists who inspired them, including Tina Turner, Anita Ward and Aretha Franklin. (Continue Reading…) Terrell Carter, the talented singer and actor who starred in a number of Tyler Perry's "Madea" productions, becomes the second black male celebrity outed in the last two weeks. Carter starred in Tyler Perry’s Class Reunion and Meet the Browns, as well as the screen adaptation of TP's Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Carter was also in the "What's Done in the Dark" plays. The six foot five, dark and lovely actor with the phenomenal voice also has quite the phenomenal physique, which made him all the more popular among female audiences.CONTINUE READING..A pair of Kanye West-related videos that leaked after last week’s Island Def Jam spring party made their official debuts yesterday, as legit versions of The-Dream’s “Walkin’ on the Moon” featuring West, and West’s own “Paranoid,” starring Rihanna, hit the blogs. For “Walkin’ on the Moon,” off The-Dream’s excellent second album Love Vs. Money, the Atlanta CONTINUE READING.. The Game has continued his onslaught of disses towards Jay-Z with the Day Two: Jon Clettas Edition video blog where the rapper is seen taunting the rap mogul while traveling in Spain.Very disturbing developments in the case of August Provost, the 29-year-old black gay sailor found dead at Camp Pendleton. A Southern California congressman confirms the deceased was gay and killed in a horrific manner, and is calling for congressional and Defense Department investigations.T.I. couldn’t stand not seeing his baby moms for longer than three weeks so he finally broke down and requested for her to come see him in prison. Pop the hood for more Rap artist T.I. entered a minimum security federal prison in Arkansas on Tuesday (5/26) to begin serving a 366 day sentence on federal charges.ust like most summers, there isn't a whole of R&B or Soul music coming out in July '09. But as it turns out, some of the ones being released are huge. The most noteworthy is BLACKsummers'night, the fourth studio album by Soul man Maxwell. Another is Signature, the latest release from another sophisticated brother who makes the ladies swoon, Joe (aka Joe Thomas). Also dropping a new album is yet another heartthrob, Chico DeBarge, whose latest release, Addicted, will be competing for first-month sales with Exposed, the debut album by his  niece, Kristinia DeBarge. For the full details, check out the article on the new R&B/Soul albums of July 2009. Even after a breakout debut season at Pepperdine, most people don’t know about 6-3 Keion Bell. But with 11 clips on YouTube that include a dunk over a 7-footer and a poster on DeMar Derozan, he’ll soon become a household name. This summer Keion and his 41-inch vertical found his way to the Kobe Basketball Academy where he won the Camp Slam Dunk Contest judged by Kobe, Ice Cube and Josh Powell. READ MORE..The Black Eyed Peas are being accused of swiping a song from UK-based DJ and producer Adam Freeland without his permission. THAT'S A WRAP! HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND XOXO

Coach, teammates remember slain ex-NFL QB McNair

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Steve McNair's pastor and close friend cautioned against judging the ex-NFL quarterback Thursday, reminding people who gathered for his memorial not to cast the first stone when talking about his life off the field.McNair, who was married, was shot to death at his condo early Saturday by his 20-year-old girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, who then turned the gun on herself."Drop your stone the next time you write about Steve McNair. Drop your stone the next time you text somebody. Drop your stone the next time you twitter. Drop your stone, those of you in the barbershops, the beauty shops. Those of you walking the streets on the corner, drop your stone," Bishop Joseph W. Walker III told thousands of people, among them family members, fans and more than 50 former teammates, gathered at Mount Zion Baptist Church."What I do know about this man was that he loved God though he was just like us: imperfect," Walked said. "But he knew God."Among those in the audience was McNair's wife, Mechelle, who later left wearing sunglasses. Walker called her an amazing woman."You have inspired us all to endure hardship as a good soldier," he said.It was her first public appearance since her husband died, and press photographers were asked not to take pictures of her or other family members.Fans had lined up starting Thursday morning to view McNair's closed silvery-gray casket at a funeral home and later outside the church. A helicopter provided live TV footage as McNair's body was moved by hearse, and three of four local TV stations showed the memorial service live.McNair's casket was on display at Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he had attended services since moving to Nashville in 1997. It was flanked by a large photo of him posing with his 2003 NFL MVP award on the right and another of him holding a football on the left.The program included a statement from the McNair family."Today in our loss, our hurt, and our pain we recognize our gains in you our friends and loved ones ... They have all been a source of strength and comfort at this time to our family," it read.Titans owner Bud Adams, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean all attended.SOURCE:SFGATE.COM

Police Conclude Sahel Kazemi Murdered Steve McNair, Killed Herself

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 8) -- A distraught Sahel Kazemi shot Steve McNair four times in his sleep, then turned the gun on herself, police confirmed on Wednesday.Kazemi "was spinning out of control" when she shot McNair on July 4, Police Chief Ronal Serpas said. Interviews with friends led detectives to conclude she was becoming increasingly upset over events in her life, including financial problems. Police said she also suspected McNair was seeing another woman. Police earlier had labeled McNair's death a homicide, but awaited further tests and investigation before saying for sure what happened.Kazemi told a friend on Friday that "My life is a ball of s--- and I should end it," Serpas said. Her friends also revealed to police that she was making payments on two cars and her rent was doubling, in addition to her concerns that McNair was involved in a second affair.McNair, 36, a quarterback for the Tennessee Titans most of his career, met Kazemi six months ago at a restaurant where she was a waitress and his family often ate. She seemed happy and eager to build a life with him, but something went wrong."We do know that she was clearly sending a message during the last five to seven days of her life that things were going bad quickly," Serpas said, though there was no indication she told anyone she planned to harm McNair. Serpas said detectives learned that Kazemi recently found out about another young woman she thought McNair was romantically involved with and even followed that woman home, though she did not confront her. Serpas said police believe McNair was asleep when he was killed because there were no defensive wounds. After shooting McNair in the head, Kazemi apparently shot him twice in the chest before shooting him in the head again. She then sat next to McNair's body and "tried to stage it so she would fall in his lap," Serpas said. She did, but her body slid to the floor and ended up at McNair's feet, Serpas said. The gun was found underneath Kazemi. CONTINUE READING