Hurricane Gustav: How You Can Help

By Sam Graham-Felsen - Aug 31st, 2008 at 2:54 pm EDT

As Hurricane Gustav approaches and Gulf Coast residents evacuate their communities, our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are affected by this situation.

Mayor Ray Nagin has announced a mandatory evacuation for the City of New Orleans today, Sunday, August 31st. If you are in the New Orleans area, please contact the state emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 if you need more information or go to the State of Louisiana site for an updated list of evacuations by parish.

If you are a Mississippi resident, please click here for information.

State and local government officials are working hard to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of the region, and many of you have asked how you can help too.

Please find out how you can help by visiting the American Red Cross or Save The Children today.

If disaster strikes, your support will be vital to those organizations that work to help our communities get back to their feet.

On Thursday night, August 28th, Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

More than 80,000 people joined him in Denver to be part of the moment, and tens of millions more shared the experience across the country.

Watch Barack's historic speech and share it with your friends and family today:



http://my.barackobama.com/barackspeech

This campaign belongs to supporters like you who have built a nationwide movement for change.

Thank you for everything you're doing,

Obama for America

Former President William Jefferson Clinton spoke at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, on August 27, 2008.

Hillary Clinton spoke at the 2008 Democratic National Convention on August 26, in Denver, CO.

Message from Barack on Michelle

I am so lucky to be married to the woman who delivered that speech last night.

Michelle was electrifying, inspiring, and absolutely magnificent. I get a lot of credit for the speech I gave at the 2004 convention -- but I think she may have me beat.

You have to see it to believe it.

And make sure to forward this email to your friends and family -- they'll want to see it, too.

http://my.barackobama.com/michelle

You really don't want to miss this.

And I'm not just saying that because she's my wife -- I truly believe it was the best speech of the campaign so far.

Barack

Green Election Issues 101 - thedailygreen.com

Green Election Issues 101 - thedailygreen.com

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We Move toward Our Focus

Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts . . . but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. 2 Timothy 2:22 (LB)

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Have you ever watched a food advertisement on television and suddenly felt you were hungry? Have you ever heard someone cough and immediately felt the need to clear your throat? Ever watched someone release a big yawn and felt the urge to yawn yourself?

That is the power of suggestion. We naturally move toward whatever we focus our attention on. The more you think about something, the stronger it takes hold of you.

That is why repeating “I must stop eating too much . . . or stop smoking . . . or stop lusting” is a self-defeating strategy. It keeps you focused on what you don’t want. It’s like announcing, “I’m never going to do what my mom did.” You are setting yourself up to repeat it.

Most diets don’t work because they keep you thinking about food all the time, guaranteeing that you’ll be hungry. In the same way, a speaker who keeps repeating to herself, “Don’t be nervous!” sets herself up to be nervous! Instead she should focus on anything except her feelings – on God, on the importance of her speech, or on the needs of those listening.

Temptation begins by capturing your attention. What gets your attention arouses your emotions. Then your emotions activate your behavior, and you act on what you felt. The more you focus on “I don’t want to do this,” the stronger it draws you into its web.

Ignoring a temptation is far more effective than fighting it. Once your mind is on something else, the temptation loses its power. So when temptation calls you on the phone, don’t argue with it, just hang up!

Sometimes this means physically leaving a tempting situation. This is one time it is okay to run away. Get up and turn off the television set. Walk away from a group that is gossiping. Leave the theater in the middle of the movie. To avoid being stung, stay away from the bees.

Do whatever is necessary to turn your attention to something else.

Spiritually, your mind is your most vulnerable organ. To reduce temptation, keep your mind occupied with God’s Word and other good thoughts. You defeat bad thoughts by thinking of something better. This is the principle of replacement. You overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Satan can’t get your attention when your mind is preoccupied with something else. That’s why the Bible repeatedly tells us to keep our minds focused: “Fix your thoughts on Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1 NIV).

“Fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable” (Philippians 4:8 TEV).

If you’re serious about defeating temptation you must manage your mind and monitor your media intake. The wisest man who ever lived warned, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (Proverbs 4:23 TEV).

African-American Stars Combat Fast-Food Industry's Meaty Fare

African-American consumers—a major target of fast-food advertising for unhealthy meat-based foods—are fighting back as part of a very different initiative. They are starring in PETA's ads promoting healthy, vegetarian foods. PETA is spending grant funds to run the television spots featuring Oscar winner Forest Whitaker and NBA champ John Salley—who discuss why they kicked the meat habit—and online ads featuring civil rights leader The Rev. Al Sharpton, who blasts KFC's cruelty to chickens and marketing to African-Americans.
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Select Video:

Forest Whitaker's Veggie Testimonial Rev Al Sharpton Speaks Out Against KFC John Salley's Veggie Testimonial

It's an open secret that fast-food companies target African-American communities with ads promoting foods jam-packed with fat and cholesterol: foods that are produced as cheaply—and, often, as cruelly—as they can get away with. Magazines and TV shows that target African-Americans have fewer advertisements for healthy food than other publications do, and most of the food advertised can make people fat and sick.

Of all the ill health effects of eating meat, diabetes is taking an especially high toll on African-Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association, in the U.S., more than 3 million African-Americans 20 years old or older have diabetes and African-Americans are almost twice as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites.

The good news is that when people see how easy it is to switch to a healthful, humane vegetarian diet, they're less likely to pick up another burger or drumstick. PETA has the facts and vegetarian recipes that help put health and compassion on the menu.

Not only is a vegetarian diet the healthiest option, it is also the most compassionate one. On today's factory farms, cows, pigs, chickens, and other animals are crammed by the thousands into small, filthy sheds and feedlots. These animals will never run, play, root in the soil, feel the warmth of the sun on their backs, or build nests. They are deprived of everything that is natural and important to them. They won't even breathe fresh air until the day that they are loaded onto trucks bound for the slaughterhouse—one more hell-on-Earth experience before they die.

Says Forrest Whitaker, "Life is full of choices, and many years ago, I chose to become a vegetarian." He adds that "it was one of the best choices I've ever made."

Follow the lead of Whitaker, Salley, and other African-American vegetarians—such as Russell Simmons, Mos Def, Erykah Badu, and André 3000—by taking PETA's Pledge to Be Veg for 30 Days. We'll send you an e-mail with our top tips on the best places to eat out and our favorite animal-friendly recipes. Feel the meat-free difference today!

A message from Michelle Obama

My mom, the girls, and I left home in Chicago and got to Denver yesterday. What a beautiful city!

The convention started this morning, and everyone here is getting ready for the big week.

All the work you've done is at the heart of what's happening here, and our team filmed a short video to give you a look behind the scenes at the convention center.

Take a minute to check out the video and share it with your friends:

http://my.barackobama.com/behindthescenes

This week, folks from across the country will get to know Barack and our family a little better. Tonight I'm giving a speech at the convention, and I'm planning to share a few stories about the Barack I know -- the husband, the father, and the man who shares my dreams for our girls, for this country, and for our future.

Before my speech, we're also going to show a video introducing our family to families across the country. Make sure to turn on your TV at 10:30 p.m. EDT (8:30 p.m. MDT) to see it, or you can watch it at www.BarackObama.com.

This is such an important moment, and I hope you'll join me by tuning into the convention tonight and all week long.

Thanks,

Michelle

The Black List - HBO Documentary

Part of a multimedia initiative, The Black List: Volume One is the brainchild of renowned portrait photographer/filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders (PBS' Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart, HBO's Thinking XXX) and acclaimed NPR radio host, journalist and former New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell, with Greenfield-Sanders directing and Mitchell conducting the interviews. Mitchell, by design, is never seen on camera or heard, a strategy that allows the subjects' own voices to remain the focus. The actual title of the film itself, The Black List, was first conceived by Mitchell as an answer to the persistent taint that western culture has applied to the word "black."

The Black List's interviewees come from a diverse collection of disciplines from the worlds of the arts, sports, politics, business and government, and include, in order of appearance: Slash, former Guns N' Roses guitarist; Toni Morrison, author and Nobel laureate; Keenen Ivory Wayans, film writer/director, creator of TV's In Living Color; Vernon Jordan, lawyer and former president of the National Urban League; Faye Wattleton, current President of the Center for the Advancement of Women and former President of Planned Parenthood; Marc Morial, former Mayor of New Orleans and current National Urban League president; Serena Williams, eight-time Grand Slam tennis champion; Lou Gossett Jr., Oscar®-winning actor; Lorna Simpson, artist and photographer; Mahlon Duckett, former Negro League Baseball star; Zane, best-selling erotic author and publisher; Al Sharpton, pastor, activist and 2004 Presidential candidate; Kareem Abdul- Jabbar, Hall of Fame basketball great; Thelma Golden, art curator at the Whitney Museum and now the Studio Museum in Harlem; Sean Combs, mogul, actor and music producer; Susan Rice, former Assistant Secretary of State and Barack Obama's senior campaign advisor; Chris Rock, comedian, producer and director; Suzan-Lori Parks, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright; Richard Parsons, former Time Warner CEO; Dawn Staley, 3- time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA All-Star and current Temple University women's basketball head coach; and Bill T. Jones, Tony Award-winning dancer and director of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company.

The Black List: Volume One made its world premiere at 2008's Sundance Film Festival; Variety called it "an impeccably mounted survey of voices from across the spectrum of African-American accomplishment...a rich and revealing work of portraiture."

This film is part of a multimedia initiative titled "The Black List Project," conceived by Greenfield-Sanders and Mitchell and comprised of the HBO documentary, a museum exhibition of photographic portraits, a book of those photographs, and an interactive educational program.

CREDITS: Interviews by Elvis Mitchell; Directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders; Producers: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Elvis Mitchell, Michael Slap Sloane; Executive Producers: Christopher McKee, Scott Richman, Tommy Walker and Payne Brown.

Bernie Mac's Memorial Program

Bernie Mac's Memorial Pic

Obama - Biden 2008!

Celebrity report.....8-18-08

What does the future hold for LisaRaye McCoy Misick? After a tumultuous week of biting, fighting, arrests and hospitalizations, LisaRaye has left the Turks and Caicos Islands. LisaRaye and her husband, Prime Minister Michael Misick got into a violent confrontation last week. LisaRaye wanted back in the mansion, but her husband, who has moved on with Video Host Rocsi from BET's 106 And Park, had other plans. He is ready to end the marriage and the island citizens are backing him up. The women of The Turks And Caicos Islands are supporting their prime minister. They feel LisaRaye has brought nothing but shame, embarrassment and scandal to their homeland. In a videotaped statement, they stated they were fed up with her. The women claim LisaRaye just wanted the title of first lady and that she never bothered to learn their culture and was a pretender using taxpayers' money. LisaRaye has moved on. She is back in Hollywood armed with a new set of wigs ready to resume her career. After her marriage debacle, she needs to figure out her next career move. She wants money from the prime minister, but sources say he has proof she was fooling around with a well known NBA player. Gary Payton of the Miami Heat recently left his wife, and he has been rumored as the player in question. What will LisaRaye do now after going "Diamond" on her husband? What's next…. Players Club II?

The Jackson brothers feud continues. The King Of Pop Michael Jackson turns 50 on August 29th, but don't invite his brothers to the party because he owes them money. Marlon, Jermaine, Tito and Jackie haven't spoken to their brother in three years, and that was when he was acquitted on child molestation charges. The brothers claim Michael owes them money for royalties dating back to the days of The Jackson Five. The brothers are being honored next month as industry icons, but Michael won't be showing up because of this money fiasco.

Dexter King (the cute one) is striking back. Dexter has filed suit against his sister, Bernice King, and his brother, Martin, III. Dexter says his siblings have misused The King Center for personal gains. As the chairman of the center, he does not want them on the property or using The King Center name. Last month, Bernie and Martin, III sued Dexter for misspending King Foundation money. They revealed his high spending lifestyle in Malibu and questioned how he could afford such a luxurious standard of living.

Has winning a Daytime Emmy gone to Tyra Bank's head? Audience members at a recent taping of her talk show went public with their complaints about the talk show host's attitude. They described her bad attitude, making audience members wait for over two hours for tapings, and how she was cold and phony.

Imagine showing up for work and realizing that your job is closed? The business has shutdown and the lights are off. This was the scene last week in Atlanta at Jermaine Dupri's restaurant Café Dupri. Dupri closed his restaurant without warning leaving workers with no money and no job. Workers had been dealing with bounced pay checks, but they never thought it would lead to this. Dupri's mom blamed the restaurant's problems on the workers stating they should have worked harder. WTH?!!! Is this woman crazy? Expect lawsuits soon. How do you blame the workers when your restaurant closes?

Meanwhile, Dupri's lady Janet Jackson is showing her business savvy with her lingerie line. The Pleasure Principle debuts early next year, and will cover sizes 32a to 44g. Yes, Janet is looking out for the big girls.

The entertainment world lost two special people this week. Pervis Jackson of The Spinners died of liver and brain cancer. Jackson was 70-years old. He was just diagnosed and died suddenly. He was touring with The Spinners as recently as last month, and he was an original member of the group. Jackson was known for his deep voice, and earned the nickname "12:45" from the number one song (They Just Can't Help It) Games People Play. He leaves behind his wife of over 40 years and four children.

Atlantic Records Producer and Executive Jerry Wexler passed away last week at the age of 91. Wexler coined the phrase "Rhythm And Blues," and he helped start the careers of the greats such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Cher, Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin.

The latest issue of Jet magazine is a special tribute issue dedicated to Bernie Mac and Soul Legend Isaac Hayes. The issue features rare photos and a look back at their amazing careers. Both men were funeralized last week. There was drama at the Hayes funeral. He had two services, and one was a scientologist ceremony. He was a practicing scientologist for the past 16 years. The other ceremony was a church service for longtime friends. Hayes left behind 11 children, 3 ex-wives, a current wife, who is 25-years old, and their three-year old son. During the eulogy, constant praise was being given to his current wife and their child. Well Hayes oldest daughter Veronica had had enough. She let everyone know when it was her turn to speak that her father had 11 other children, and they were all there to represent and mourn their father. You could hear a pin drop during her talk. One can only imagine what will happen during the reading of his will.

Six months after giving birth to twins, Jennifer Lopez is preparing for her first triathlon. Lopez is raising money for the Los Angeles Children's Hospital. The Malibu Triathlon is happening September 14th.

L.A. Reid and Babyface are reteaming for an historic all-star recording. Just Stand Up will be the featured song during the Stand Up To Cancer benefit that will air on CBS, NBC and ABC, simultaneously. The song will feature Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Keyshia Cole, Ashanti, Ciara, Sheryl Crowe, Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood and Melissa Etheridge. The show airs September 5th, and all sales from the single will benefit cancer research.

It's baby number four for Actress Lisa Bonet. Bonet has an older daughter Zoe by first hubby Rocker Lenny Kravitz, a pre-teen by hubby number two, and now two kids with current beau actor Jason Mamoa.

Human is the title of Brandy's new album, which is coming out on November 11th. Brandy says this album is her most personal to date because it showcases her as a woman, an artist, a musician and performer. Her longtime Producer Rodney Jerkins is producing the project.

Bobby Brown owes his divorce lawyers over $90,000. Brown was granted a divorce from wife Whitney Houston last year, but he has not settled the bill. Now his lawyers are suing him.

The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin will be releasing her first ever Christmas album this fall. Franklin says she loves holiday music, and realized it was about time she added this to her repertoire.

Actor Laurence Fishburne is joining the cast of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Fishburne will be stepping in as Actor William Peterson leaves the series. The show is going ten years strong, and the producers say they feel great with the addition of the acclaimed movie actor joining the show. Fishburne is best known for his movies The Matrix, What's Love Got To Do With It, Akeelah And The Bee, Boys In The Hood and Cornbread, Earl & Me.

Is she pregnant yet? Fashionista Kimora Lee Simmons is trying for baby number three with boyfriend Actor Djimon Hounsou.

Reps for Sherri Shepherd have not responded to reports that the comedienne's days may be numbered on the talk show The View. The show is currently on vacation, but look for Shepherd back in the fold at the start of the new season.

Tyler Perry and Star Jones?!!! Maybe it's a photo op or maybe she's angling to be in his latest movie?

Master P is changing his name to "P. Miller" as he gears up for his next venture. Miller is starting a family friendly cable network called Better Black Television. Oscar Winner Denzel Washington is serving on Miller's advisory board.

Tracy Morgan will be back as host of VH1's Hip Hop Honors. The show airs October 17th. This year's honorees include De La Soul, Slick Rick, Naughty By Nature, Cypress Hill and Too Short.

Who is going to be on the new season of Dancing With The Stars? We will find out officially on August 25th, but rumor has it Toni Braxton, The Brady Bunch Mom Florence Henderson, TV's Batman Adam West, Magnum P.I.'s Tom Selleck, Football's Warren Sapp, Boy Band Singer Lance Bass and Socialite Kim Kardashian will be a part of the new season, which kicks off in September.

Usher's mom, Jonetta Patton, and wife Tamika Foster are doing their best to get along. Now that Momma Patton is back in charge of Usher's career, both mom and wife are putting their best foot forward all in the name of Usher. His career depends on these two women getting along. Usher fired his mom as his manager two years ago when she told him she didn't like his wife.

Is love better the second time around? Shaunie O'Neal says yes! She and her hubby, basketball's Shaquille O'Neal, are officially back together. Last August, they shocked everyone with their sudden split. Shaq accused his wife of fooling around with her personal trainer and stealing his money. Shaunie accused her hubby of fooling around with numerous jump offs. They have six kids (four together). Maybe Shaq realized: It's Cheaper To Keep Her. I love the O'Neals as a couple, and I hope they stay together this time.

Vivica A. Fox is ready for her spotlight. Her new VH1 reality show, VH1's Glam God, airs on Thursday nights at 10pm. Auntie Viv looks amazing as she searches for the next top stylist in the country. She not only serves as the host of the show, but she is also the producer and judge. She's got a great cast, and she is ready to make her mark on TV.

Singer Kenny Lattimore is coming out with a new album. The CD, Timeless, is due out on September 9th.

Ellen DeGeneres says she is the luckiest girl in the world. The talk show host tells all in the new issue of People magazine. Last weekend, DeGeneres married her longtime girlfriend Actress Portia De Rossi.

Queen Latifah has been told stop losing weight. Since becoming the spokesperson for Jenny Craig, Latifah has lost 20 pounds. Executives at Jenny Craig realized after the Kirstie Alley fiasco (where she lost of ton of weight and gained it back), they want their celebrity spokespeople to lose moderately. This way if they gain it back, it won't be embarrassing for them and the company.

Mariah Carey has legally changed her named to Mariah Cannon. Mariah wanted to honor her husband. Now everyone is wondering will she changed her professional name to "Mariah Cannon" or will she just stay "Mariah Carey?"

The Queen Of All Media, Wendy Williams, is going national with her Fox talk show. I had a chance to talk to Wendy a couple of weeks ago, and she told me she was on the verge of something big. Look for the Wendy Williams television show to kick off in this area sometime next year.

As the NBC drama ER enters its 15th and final season, look for some changes. Angela Bassett is joining the cast along with her husband, Actor Courtney B. Vance.

LL Cool J is getting ready to unveil his new children's clothing line. The line debuts September 7th at Sears department stores.

Will Downing is scheduled to appear on The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. Downing has been battling a form of MS and is still recovering. He will appear live via remote from New York. Downing says he learned a lot during his recovery, and he wants to be able to say thanks to those who helped him. The telethon airs Labor Day weekend Sunday, August 31st.

I Want To Take You Higher, The Life And Times Of Sly Stone is title of the new book about the famed musician coming out in October.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou is going to be honored along with TV Producer Norman Lear at the 2008 Annual Marian Anderson Awards. The ceremony honoring them is taking place November 17th at the Kimmel Center. Lear is best known for the TV classics All In The Family, Sanford & Son, The Jeffersons, Good Times and Maude. The award is named after the famed Contralto Marian Anderson, a Philadelphia native. Past honorees include Sidney Poitier, Richard Gere, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, Oprah Winfrey and Harry Belafonte. Dr. Angelou and Lear go back a ways back. The doctor is godmother to Lear's youngest children.

The LaBelle reunion is set for October 21st with their new CD Back To Now. Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash are back together after 30 years. The new CD features production from Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff and Lenny Kravitz. Speaking of LaBelle, Anita Baker, Jennifer Hudson, Dionne Warwick, Yolanda Adams and Fantasia will all be on hand for the all-star salute to Patti LaBelle. LaBelle is being honored at the United Negro College Fund's Evening Of Stars. The program will air in January.

Sanford & Son, the popular 70's show, is coming out on DVD. The complete series, 17 discs containing all six seasons, comes out on October 28th. The late Comedian Redd Foxx starred as the grouchy junkman and Demond Wilson played his long-suffering son, Lamont.

Oprah Winfrey may make a surprise appearance at The Emmys. Word has it she'll open the show September 21st.

Singer Al Jarreau is hard at work on a new Christmas CD, which is coming out this fall.

Tyler Perry's new movie, The Family That Preys, is set to open in theatres September 12th. The movie stars Alfre Woodard, Kathy Bates, Sanaa Lathan, Robin Givens, Taraji P. Henson, Rockmond Dunbar, Cole Hauser and Tyler Perry.

Singer Robin Thicke is set to release his new CD, Something Else, in September. The CD features the hit single 'Magic.'

The 5th Annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors takes place in October.

Upcoming TV and Film Events:

Actor Terrence Howard is having an album release party on Saturday, August 23rd. Howard's new CD, Shine Through It, comes out on September 2nd. Howard will be performing songs from the album at Lux Lounge, 724 Arch Street. Doors open at 9pm and showtime is at 10pm. I will be hosting. Other special guests include Joe, Tank, and Howard Hewitt. This is Howard's first album. His latest movie, Iron Man with Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, is coming out on DVD September 30th.

A new best of compilation featuring the music of Tina Turner is coming out. Look for 'Tina' on September 30th.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This R&B Singer hasn't had a hit in almost ten years. He's due to make a comeback, but he's afraid his fans will reject him because he looks different. This former sex symbol has gained a lot of weight.

Watch out for the big girls! This Famous Big Girl is tired of being a big girl. She had stomach surgery, and is denying her recent weight loss. But she has a big head and she is starting to look like a bobble head.

Ohio Rep. Tubbs Jones Dies Following Aneurysm

By Catharine Richert, Jonathan Allen and Alan K. Ota, CQ Staff

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones died Wednesday after suffering an aneurysm, according to officials at the hospital where she was being treated. She was 58.

Jones suffered an aneurysm late Tuesday while driving, which caused a brain hemorrhage and left her with “very limited brain function” during the day Wednesday, according to officials at Huron Hospital in East Cleveland, Ohio.

Joyce Persaud, spokeswoman for the hospital, said only that Tubbs Jones died at 6:12 p.m., as a result of the aneurysm.

A joint statement by Tubbs Jones’ family, Huron Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic said:

“Throughout the course of the day and into this evening, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones’ medical condition declined.”

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland said, “She was a wonderful Democrat. A very able legislator. She had a very difficult committee to chair being ethics. You can’t say anything and because of that, you get criticized by people. She was conscientious. She was very helpful, generally, in being able to create a consensus when dealing with legislation.”

Rep. Doc Hastings of Washington, ranking member on the House ethics panel, agreed.

“Having had the honor of serving with Stephanie for the past several years on the House Ethics Committee, I witnessed her commitment and passion for public service up close.

“Her enthusiasm, tenacity and energy will be missed by me, the House Ethics Committee and the entire Congress. We have all suffered a great loss,” Hastings added.

Tubbs Jones, a Democrat who has represented Ohio’s 11th District since 1999 and was chairwoman of the House’s ethics committee, was scheduled to attend the Democratic National Convention next week as a superdelegate.

Tubbs Jones is the first African-American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives from Ohio.

She was among the five black members who claimed committee chairmanships when the Democrats ascended to the majority in 2007.

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn of South Carolina said he was “stunned by the news today of the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones . There is a great gap where she stood on behalf of affordable health care, women’s issues, access to quality education and fairness in voting.

Whether you were a presidential candidate, a colleague debating on the floor or a friend passing time, you wanted her on your team for her quick legal mind, tenacious debating skills, her infectious humor and that thousand watt smile. My heart is heavy.”

Tubbs Jones’s death means that the ethics chairmanship might be filled by Gene Green of Texas, the second-ranking Democrat on the panel.

A longtime ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif., and a robust fundraiser for the party, Tubbs Jones was tapped for the ethics chairmanship instead of Alan B. Mollohan of West Virginia, who was the senior Democrat on the panel but had come under fire for questionable personal financial dealings.

Tubbs Jones also was a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, which writes tax, trade and health care policy. She got the seat in 2003 by publicly protesting that the panel had no African-American woman.

It was unclear who might be given Tubbs Jones’ seat on Ways and Means.

She was expected to win re-election easily in November over Republican Thomas Pekarek. She was renominated without opposition in the Democratic primary in March.

Ohio election law calls for Democratic officials in Cuyahoga County to nominate a candidate to fill the vacancy on the general election ballot.

A Democrat would likely succeed Tubbs Jones; she represented a majority-black district that gave President Bush just 18 percent of the vote in the 2004 election.

Michael Teitelbaum contributed to this story.

Memorial Service Arrangements for
Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Friday, August 29, 2008
Viewing
9:00AM -8:00PM
Bethany Baptist Church
1211 East 105th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44108

Saturday, August 30, 2008
Viewing
8:00AM-10:30AM
Memorial Service
11:00AM - 1:00PM
Cleveland Public Auditorium
Cleveland Convention Center
Cleveland, OH 44114

**No Interment**

Note: Information regarding Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Omega Omega Services forthcoming.

The Family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:
The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Scholarship Fund
c/o The Cleveland Foundation
1422 Euclid Avenue, Suite 1300
Cleveland, OH 44115

**Please make checks payable to: The Cleveland Foundation with a notation
for the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Scholarship Fund

P Miller (Master P) to Start TV Network to Rival BET

Aug. 16, 2008 – A new TV network positioning itself to rival BET has already released its lineup of shows. It’s version of 106 & Park, “Sunset and Vine”, will “showcase the top hip-hop and R&B acts as well as play classic videos.”

Lead by CEO and Chairman Hip Hop entrepreneur P. Miller (formerly Master P), the “family friendly” TV network is also backed by actor Denzel Washington. BBTV advisory board members include Washington; Vault Load Films president Jim Finkl; NAACP executive director Vicangelo Bullock; NBA player Derek Anderson; cable industry veteran Prof. Sal Martino; hip-hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc; entrepreneur Olatokunbo Betiku; and real estate mogul Curtis Oakes, according to a press release from BBTV.

“I believe that there is a market in our community for a new diverse network that provides a new brand of superior programming that caters to all aspects of television, from reality to original programming,” said Miller who says the station has been one of his pipe dreams.

Miller credits BET founder Bob Johnson for setting him on his path into the TV business. “I remember him telling me back in the day that if you wanted to know real estate, you’ve got to hang out with real estate investors. If you wanted to know sports, you’ve got to hang out with athletes. I wanted to know TV, so I hung out with Bob and learned the TV game from one of the best in the business.”

RIP "Sho'Nuff - The Shogun of Harlem"

Aug. 22, 2008 – One of the most memorable villains in Black film history has died of complications from pancreatic cancer.

Julius Carry, III, who terrorized the Black karate hero of Harlem “Bruce Leroy” in Berry Gordy’s campy The Last Dragon, is best remembered as the character Sho’Nuff. His co-starring 1985 appearance, along with singers Vanity and the group DeBarge, helped create a presence for actors in several independent Black films that followed well into the ‘90s.

According to Carry's mother, the Rev. Helen Carry, executive minister of Christ Universal Temple in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood, he died of complications from pancreatic cancer, the Chicago Tribune reports. He was 56.

The Chicago native had a TV and film career that lasted almost three decades in which he landed a steady stream of acting job on TV shows including "The Jeffersons,” “Family Matters,” “JAG” and “The Unit."

But it was his role as Sho'nuff, accompanied by his wild, frizzed-out ’fro and outlandish version of samurai gear, demanding to know from his followers, "Who da mastah?" to which they respond, "Sho'nuff!" that he became most famous for.

Carry is survived by his wife, Naomi; a brother, Ronald; and his mother, the Rev. Helen Carry.

Services are being arranged.

Remember these quote:

"Kiss my Converse!"

"I got somethin' real for yo' a$$ in these hands!"

"Who's The Master? .... I Am!"

"Who played this garbage? ... Shut Up *****!"

"If you want some pizza, deliver your feetza to Daddy Green's pizza"

"Don't know. Not sure I'd tell you if I did!"

Here's a classic clip.

US Rep. Tubbs Jones of Ohio in critical condition

By M.R. KROPKO

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the first black woman to represent Ohio in Congress, (member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) had a brain hemorrhage and was in critical condition with limited brain function, a doctor said Wednesday.

Tubbs Jones, 58, suffered the hemorrhage while driving her car in Cleveland Heights on Tuesday, said Dr. Gus Kious, president of Huron Hospital in East Cleveland. The congresswoman had been driving erratically and her vehicle crossed lanes of traffic before coming to a stop, police said.

Tubbs Jones "collapsed when she suffered a very serious brain hemorrhage caused by an aneurysm that burst in an inaccessible part of her brain," Kious said during a news conference. A team of doctors who evaluated her determined she has limited brain function.

A brain aneurysm is a bulge in an artery in the brain. It can leak or rupture, causing bleeding in the brain.

Family friend Joe Hewitt asked people to pray for the congresswoman. Family members including Tubbs Jones' son, Mervyn Jones II, attended the news conference but left without commenting.

East Cleveland Mayor Eric Brewer, a longtime friend of Tubbs Jones, said it wouldn't be appropriate to consider the political vacuum in Ohio if she cannot serve.

"As far as we're concerned, she's still here until further notice and until the Lord says it's her time to go," Brewer said at the hospital following the news conference. "Right now, She's our congresswoman."

Tubbs Jones, elected in 1998, was one of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's biggest boosters during the primaries and is to be a superdelegate at next week's Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Although she backed Barack Obama in June, Tubbs Jones has said Obama can't win unless Clinton's supporters rally behind him.

"She is a passionate and tireless advocate for the people of Cleveland and a devoted public servant for all Americans," Obama said in a statement. "We send our heartfelt prayers to Stephanie and her family at this very difficult time."

Tubbs Jones represents the heavily Democratic 11th District and chairs the ethics committee in the House. She's the first black woman to serve on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, where she opposed President Bush's tax cuts and his efforts to create personal accounts within Social Security.

Several news organizations, including The Associated Press, had earlier reported that Tubbs Jones had died. The AP cited a Democratic official.

The reports prompted Sen. John Kerry to issue a statement mourning her passing.

Associated Press Writer Andrew Taylor in Washington contributed to this report.

Love Never Goes On Sale

By Sonya Walker
Thursday, July 31, 2008

It Cost Too Much

There was a song written by Kirk Franklin that said this, "Love, a word that comes and goes, but few people really know what it means to really love somebody." Everyone desires to love and to be loved, to be captivated by the feelings and emotions that make the sunshine even on a cloudy day. To be embraced by this thing we call 'love.' The bible says, 'that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus) to die for our sins.' We live in a time where people throw this word around like it has little value and little meaning.

The bible defines love by saying, 'that love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself; does not behave rudely, it's not puffed up.' (1 Corinthians 13:4) We do just the opposite our definition of love is: short, jealous, to show off, inconsiderate, full of hot air and to top it off 'fake.'

People only honor their marriage vows until they see something else they like. People say that they love each other right in middle of sex, or ask them do you love me right in the middle of an orgasm and when they come up for air they never repeat those words or better yet act like they are in love. They told me that they loved me, NO at that time they loved that moment. And, what I would like to know is, why did you wait until then to ask that kind of question? Is it that maybe you know in your heart that this is the only time that you will receive the answer you are looking for?

Looking In the Sales Paper

Often times when people don't want to pay full price for love, they start looking for bargains. They go online to chat rooms, post their love on the internet with their pictures, go to the club with their breast out, butt out, they go to the singles ministry at church, they hang around the break room, you've seen it, looking to give their love away on a budget.

And there a woman met him,

With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.

She was loud and rebellious and her feet would not stay at home.

At times she was outside, at times in the open square,

Lurking at every corner;

She caught him and kissed him; with an impudent face she said to him;

I have peace offerings with me;

Today I have paid my vows.

Proverbs 7:10-14

For example, you went out with someone, they took you or better yet you met them somewhere and maybe they bought you a drink. They spent all of $10 on you that night and then the two of you decided to go to bed together. When I was in elementary they use to give us math problems, and they would ask you to solve the problem, 'if Bob spent $10 on Susan, how much love did Susan give to Bob.' The answer is she gave him all that she had. So who came out on top and the answer would be Bob, because he received love on sale, he ended up with something of more value and less money, less time and less effort. He received a great deal! I wonder how many more people have coupons to receive your love. Do you have written on your coupon offer expires soon, or do you have no restrictions required? Where is your love coupon posted, on your blog, your MySpace page, or is it the clothes you wear? There was a song by DeBarge that went like this, 'it's just the little things you do to show just how much you really care.' Some of you have taken pictures of yourself to show people just how much love you have to offer. Pictures of your private parts, pictures with you lying on your bed, pictures on your camera phone, all in the name of LOVE. God is asking for you to stop in the name of LOVE, you're breaking His heart selling yourself like that. Because, God is love!

Can I get a Price Check!

When was the last time you took out the time to check and see just how much you are worth? You post your picture up on the internet with an invisible sign that tells others that you are for sale. You talk to strange people who can tell you anything and you believe them. But, you question God's love for you? You go to visit them or you allow them to come visit you all because you want to be loved. You go to church every Sunday, are you going for the word of God, or do you go in hopes of finding you a man. Let's check our motives, shall we? That person on your job, do you tell them your problems or listen to their problems because you need to vent or let the truth be told you are interested in them. (married or single)

Why do you really feel it necessary to seek counseling from the pastor or brother so and so? Why are you really joining the choir? Why are you really going to that party is it to have fun or is it to find you a man? Remember now we are just getting a price check! We need to check prices from all stages of life, it's not just those of us who are single, the married people need to check themselves, leaders need to check themselves, corporate people need to check themselves, the old and the young need to check themselves;

For some people love is tied up in the price of their possessions. You think that just because you drive, dress or own something that this qualifies you for love. My love, you can own as much as you want but money can't buy you love. The bible say this: "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?" Robin would say to Batman, "Let's solve this riddle," you will be left with nothing.

No Refund and No Exchange

How do I love me, let me count the ways? How many sex partners have you had? How many of them paid the full price to receive your love? What have you given in exchange for love? We give GOODS for SERVICES, and then cry about it. The Lord gave you every sign not to get involved with that person but you thought that if you gave him sex (services) that he would give you love (goods). You thought that if you would cook for him, and do whatever he tells you to do (services) that he would make you his wife (goods). You think that God owes you something because you have perfect attendance at church and you pay your tithes (service) that God is suppose to give you a man when and how you want it (goods).

But you made payments to all your lovers,

And hired them to come to you from all around (internet, parties, church, and work) for your harlotry because no one solicited you to be a harlot.

In that you gave payment but no payment was given you, therefore you are the opposite.

For you are worse than a prostitute because at least she get payment for her services.

Ezekiel 16: 33,34

In other words people spend their money on what they think is necessary or worth spending. If they really want you they will pay the full price. Listen to the scripture; if they don't want you don't sell yourself short or give your love away, and neither is it for sale. You are the one paying the price! I want to share something with you. I just learned the meaning of 'make it rain,' it means to throw money in the air for strippers. Now if someone can throw money to a stripper that is just stripping for all to see, they pay to get in and then buy drinks and throw money away like that. Then my question to you is why are you exposing yourself for all to see but the only difference is that they throw the word love, they throw the word commitment, they throw things that make you climb poles just for 'love.' You are putting up with so much just because you want to be in love. Priceless.

He Paid Full Price

I want to tell you about a man, who paid full price for the one that he loved. You might have heard about him, his name is Jesus. He died just for you! He rose from his grave just for you! He sent me to write these articles just for you! His love goes beyond all knowledge! He is the lover of your soul; His love for you never runs out! If you make your bed in hell, behold Jesus is there, if you have had multiple sex partners Jesus still loves you. His love is unconditional. Jesus told me to tell you that loving Him doesn't cost you a thing. You are so loved, that he calls you "His Beloved." How much more are you willing to pay just to be in love with someone who doesn't love you back? When Jesus is standing by to shower you with His love, why settle for a one minute man when you have an everlasting God? Lord, I ask in the name of Jesus that you would shower them with your love, teach them the true meaning of love. Lord make it rain. Lord, this is my prayer for the ones you love.

Beautifully Speaking,

Sonya

If this article has been a blessing to you please contact me: sonya@wherebeautyisdefined.com or log onto our websites @ www.wherebeautyisdefined.com / www.essanceimages.com

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Awards Melanie L. Campbell Social Action Award

August 15, 2008

- In recognition of her outstanding work as a civic leader, public administrator, and civil rights activist, Melanie L. Campbell was presented the Althea T. L. Simmons Social Action Award during Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s 49th National Convention held recently in Orlando, Florida.

The award was presented by Dr. Louise A. Rice, national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Marcia L. Fudge, Esq., co-chair of the sorority’s Social Action Commission.

“I never had the opportunity to meet Althea Simmons, but I am aware of her great accomplishments, especially lobbying for the extension of the Voting Rights Act,” said Campbell, executive director and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (www.ncbcp.org). “I am honored to accept this award from my sorors and hope that I live up to the example set by Ms. Simmons and others whose shoulders I stand on.”

A sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately Black college educated women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world.

With over 20 years of experience, Campbell is a nationally recognized expert in black voter participation, election reform, and voting rights. She spearheaded the creation of the successful Unity Voter Empowerment Campaign, and founded an innovative, youth-focused leadership development program, Black Youth Vote!, for which she received the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Legacy Award (’03).

Certified in non-profit management by the Georgetown University Public Policy Institute Executive Program, the Clark University graduate was in the first class of the Progressive Women’s Voices at the Women’s Media Center, and served as a resident fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Institute of Politics at Harvard University.

Campbell has published numerous articles on civic participation. Most recently, she contributed to Opportunity Journal magazine, the National Urban League’s scholarly journal. She is a contributing writer in the 2006 Harvard University Journal on African Americans in Public Policy, and has been a guest expert on radio and television shows including CNN News, Washington Journal, and The Bev Smith Show.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Campbell serves on the board of the Black Leadership Forum and is also a member of SCLC W.O.M.E.N., NAACP, NCNW, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and the National Association of Female Executives.

Marvin Gaye sings the american national anthem at 1983 NBA All Star Game.

Obama Family Vacation: Melts In Your Heart, Not In Your Hands

All pictures are by The Associated Press and are from Aug. 12.

Barack, Sasha and Malia walking along Kailua Beach in Kailua, Hawaii

Um ... cutest ... photo ... ever.

Barack goes for a solo walk around Ala Moana Beach park in Honolulu, Hawaii

A picnic in the park with friends and family

Barack and Michelle head to a fundraiser

Barack hangs out after playing a little basketball at Punahou School in Honolulu

Beyonce L'Oreal Pic -- hmmm

This is B's new pic for her add for L'Oreal. Talk about skin enhancement?