Friday, October 31, 2008

Detroit's ex-Mayor Kilpatrick jailed for 4 months

By COREY WILLIAMS and ED WHITE, Associated Press Writers Corey Williams And Ed White, Associated Press Writers Tue Oct 28, 7:31 pm ET

DETROIT – Kwame Kilpatrick was sent to jail for four months Tuesday for his part in a sex-and-text scandal and the judge chastised the disgraced ex-mayor for arrogance and disregard for the rule of law.

Wayne County Circuit Judge David Groner's sentence was the finale to the scandal that destroyed Kilpatrick's reign at City Hall and threw local government into disarray for months.

"At a time when this city needed transparency, accountability and responsibility, you exhibited hubris and privilege at the expense of the city," the judge said.

He ruled that Kilpatrick not be given an opportunity for early release, a statement that caused confusion at the sheriff's department.

Spokesman John Roach said Kilpatrick probably would qualify for release after 100 days under a Michigan law allowing time off for good behavior. Prosecutor Kym Worthy agreed, but then both backed off by evening.

Kilpatrick, 38, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, admitting he lied about an affair with his chief of staff while testifying in a civil lawsuit in 2007. He also pleaded no contest to assaulting a sheriff's detective.

He was ordered to serve five years of probation and pay the city $1 million in restitution. Kilpatrick paid $20,000 to the city as downpayment on the restitution.

Kilpatrick declined an offer to address the court, but Groner had harsh words for Kilpatrick when he laid down the sentence.

"Ultimately what shocked this court and much of the community was your press conference after your plea hearing," the judge said. "That night, the community expected to hear a message of humility, remorse and apology. Instead, we heard an arrogant and defiant man who accused the governor, among others, for his downfall."

Outside court, Kilpatrick's father, Bernard, a former county commissioner, said his son was "railroaded."

One of Kilpatrick's lawyers was more conciliatory.

"I don't think there are any winners, just the end of a chapter," defense attorney Todd Flood told The Associated Press. "I think the mayor wanted this city to move on, and that's what we're doing."

Groner moved the hearing to a larger courtroom to accommodate media and spectators. As he waited for the hearing to begin, Kilpatrick sat back with an arm around his wife, Carlita. The ex-mayor smiled often and chatted with other family members and supporters seated nearby.

But once the hearing began, Kilpatrick's demeanor changed. At times, he was seen burying his head in his hands.

It was Kilpatrick's first public forum since the speech to supporters — referenced by the judge Tuesday — after his guilty plea Sept. 4. In that address, Kilpatrick lashed out at Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who was holding hearings to remove him from office, and told Detroit, "You done set me up for a comeback."

He was taken Tuesday evening to the Wayne County jail, where he will be in his own cell 23 hours a day. He will not be allowed to mix with other inmates during his one hour of recreation.

Kilpatrick, a Democrat, admitted lying while testifying last year in a civil lawsuit filed by former police officers who had accused him of illegally demoting or firing them.

He and chief of staff Christine Beatty denied having an affair, but text messages obtained by a lawyer in the case — and later by the Detroit Free Press — clearly contradicted them.

They used their city pagers to arrange trysts and share sexually explicit desires. A fresh batch of messages was released last week, revealing that Kilpatrick, married with three children, likely had other lovers.

The messages first were publicly disclosed in January by the Free Press. Beatty quickly resigned but Kilpatrick hung on as mayor, even when prosecutors filed criminal charges against the pair in March.

The saga rolled through spring and summer as Kilpatrick hired a team of lawyers and public-image specialists and publicly ridiculed the case against him.

The City Council voted to hold impeachment-style hearings but a judge said it was illegal. Elected officials called on Kilpatrick to step down for the sake of the entire state.

Finally, he agreed to plead guilty and resign only after the governor began the public hearing in September that could have led to his ouster.

Ken Cockrel Jr. was promoted to mayor from council president. A special election to fill the balance of Kilpatrick's term will be held in May after the field is trimmed to two candidates Feb. 24.

You can vote however you like!

Students of the Ron Clark Academy perform a political song supporting both presidential candidates.

Beyonce better watch out!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Top 10 Racist Limbaugh Quotes

Originally posted October 20, 2008 on
http://newsone.blackplanet.com/elections/top-10-racist-limbaugh-quotes/


Casey Gane-McCalla, News One

Normally I do Top 5 lists, but Rush Limbaugh’s racist comments could not be limited by such a small number. Now that he has reared his ugly once again in saying that Colin Powell is endorsing Barack Obama because he is black, it’s time to ask ourselves why is Sarah Palin appearing on the show with such an astounding racist. Is she pallin around with bigots?

If John McCain was so eager to have Barack Obama repudiate the statements of his ’supporter,’ John Lewis, shouldn’t John McCain repudiate the extremely racist comments of his biggest right wing radio supporter, Rush Limbaugh.

Here’s Our Top 10 Racist Rush Limbaugh Quotes

1. I mean, let’s face it, we didn’t have slavery in this country for over 100 years because it was a bad thing. Quite the opposite: slavery built the South. I’m not saying we should bring it back; I’m just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets were safer after dark.

Okay Rush, slavery was not a good thing for the millions of African Americans who were enslaved, raped and beaten. The streets weren’t at all safe for African Americans. Slavery not a bad thing? Someone should put Rush on a plantation for him to see how great it is. Keep on fear and race mongering Rush, you might get to Goebels status.

2. You know who deserves a posthumous Medal of Honor? James Earl Ray [the confessed assassin of Martin Luther King]. We miss you, James. Godspeed.

Martin Luther King is a national hero, not a black hero. Everybody in the United States celebrates his birthday, children are taught to look up to him as a hero in school. He’s earned the respect and admiration of the world and you believe the man who killed him was a hero? This is beyond racist. This is evil, mean spirited, subhuman. Praising the assassin of one of our great American heroes is beyond the scope of regular racism.

3. Have you ever noticed how all composite pictures of wanted criminals resemble Jesse Jackson?

No but I’ve noticed that all racist bigots think like Rush Limbaugh. Comparing a respected black politician and minister to common criminals is Jim Crow racism. Maybe all black people look alike to him, but I’ve never seen a picture of a wanted criminal that looks like Jesse Jackson. A serial killer that looks like Rush Limbaugh on the other hand.

4. Right. So you go into Darfur and you go into South Africa, you get rid of the white government there. You put sanctions on them. You stand behind Nelson Mandela — who was bankrolled by communists for a time, had the support of certain communist leaders. You go to Ethiopia. You do the same thing.

The communist connection is an old way of dealing with black leaders. They used it on Martin Luther King, they’re using it on Barack Obama and Limbaugh used it on Nelson Mandela. By siding with the racist apartheid regime over a world-wide symbol of peace and freedom, Limbaugh has shown he’s a global racist.

5. Look, let me put it to you this way: the NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it.

Limbaugh is once again fear mongering and race baiting by associating professional black athletes with criminals and gangmembers. He continues the fear mongering association of good, decent, hard working African Americans as criminals.

6. The NAACP should have riot rehearsal. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies.

Now Limbaugh is saying that an organization with a storied tradition of representing the positive black people for change in their communities are criminals and rioters. An organization that has been represented by intelligent professional African Americans, that has played a part in the Civil Rights movement and continues to be an intelligent, concerned voice for the African American community is degraded to common criminals. There you go Rush. Keep racism alive!!!!

7. They’re 12 percent of the population. Who the hell cares?

Decent human beings care Rush. Someone out of that 12% may just become President of the United States. Not caring about black people? Even George Bush wouldn’t admit to that.

8. Take that bone out of your nose and call me back(to an African American female caller).

Okay Rush that’s classy. The old African bone in the nose stereotype. Wasn’t funny when the racist white school kids called the black kids that and it’s definitely not funny when a grown man with audience of millions of easily influenced dittoheads says it either.

9. I think the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. They’re interested in black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well. I think there’s a little hope invested in McNabb and he got a lot of credit for the performance of his team that he really didn’t deserve.

I wasn’t super offended by this, the whole black quarterback/coach thing has been going on for years in sports, but the quote was so offensive that Retired General Wesley Clarke said:

There can be no excuse for such statements. Mr. Limbaugh has the right to say whatever he wants, but ABC and ESPN have no obligation to sponsor such hateful and ignorant speech. Mr. Limbaugh should be fired immediately.

When a respected, retired general condemns the statement of a sportscaster, you know he’s gone too far.

10. Limbaugh attacks on Obama. Limbaugh has called Obama a ‘halfrican American’ has said that Obama was not black but Arab because Kenya is an Arab region, even though Arabs are less than one percent of Kenya. Since mainstream America has become more accepting of African-Americans, Limbaugh has decided to play against its new racial fears, Arabs and Muslims. Despite the fact Obama graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law school, Limbaugh has called him an ‘affirmative action candidate.’ Limbaugh even has repeatedly played a song on his radio show ‘Barack the Magic Negro’ using an antiquated Jim Crow era term for black a man who many Americans are supporting for president. Way to go Rush.

So Rush Limbaugh has managed to make racist attacks on four of the most admired and respected people of African descent in the past one hundred years, in Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Colin Powell and Barack Obama. He has called for the assassin of Martin Luther King to be given a medal, and said slavery was a good thing. He has claimed that Joe the Plumber, who isn’t even a plumber is more important in this election than Colin Powell, a decorated military veteran who has served honorably in three administrations. How can the Republican party stand by this man and let their candidates appear on his show? Rush Limbaugh’s comments are so racist, they’re funny, in a Borat, Archie Bunker kind of way. What is not funny is the millions of dittoheads who listen to him, who take in and re-spout all the racist rhetoric that he spits. Limbaugh’s statements are echoed in the racist, angry Palin/McCain supporters who shout ‘kill him,’ ‘terrorist,’ ‘communist,’ ‘traitor,’ ’socialist’ and ‘off with his head.’


celebrity report....10-20-08

Close friends of Soul Train Founder Don Cornelius are worried about his well being. The 72-year old Cornelius just got out of jail for beating up his young wife. Cornelius was charged with felony domestic violence. The past few months have been rocky for the television legend. He sold the license and brand for Soul Train and made millions, but his friends feel he is being taken advantage of. He has appeared out of sorts on many occasions, and he loves to hang out. His young wife, Victoria, has appeared in public numerous times as though she is under the influence of something. Is there a reason why she is always falling down? Cornelius is worth a lot of money, and if convicted, he could wind up in jail and his young wife would walk away with his millions.

Stevie Wonder did not lose his home to the California wildfires. Wonder says he doesn't know how this rumor got started, but his home is fine. While things are good for him, he says we should keep those who have lost their homes in prayer.

Terrence Howard says he was shocked when he read the news that he was not going to be a part of the new Iron Man II movie. Howard co-starred along with Robert Downey, Jr. in the first installment. Howard was set to star in the sequel as the War Machine's character played a bigger role. Howard says he was given no explanation, and that promises weren't kept. Howard is being replaced by Actor Don Cheadle. The Iron Man II movie is due in theatres by 2010.

Why was Katt Williams a no show at the BET Hip Hop Music Awards? BET Execs were left holding the bag when the comic decided not to attend. All the promos were cut and commercials sent out pumping Williams as the host. Rapper T-Pain was called in at the last minute and did the show, but what is up with Williams. By dissing BET, doesn't he realize that's not a good career move? You may be hot today, but there's always tomorrow.

Congrats to actress Lisa Bonet. She is expecting her third child. Bonet is best known for her role as "Denise Huxtable" on The Cosby Show. Bonet has a teenage daughter with Rocker Lenny Kravitz and a 14-month old with Actor Jason Momoa. Bonet is seven months pregnant. She is currently co-staring on the ABC drama Life On Mars.

We remember Levi Stubbs of the legendary Motown group The Four Tops. Stubbs passes away last Friday at the age of 72. He was the distinct lead singer for the group nearly 50 years before a stroke forced him from touring in 2000. Stubbs never went solo and his voice became the group's calling card among the powerful super groups of Motown. The Tops' hits include When She Was My Girl, Ain't No Woman (Like The One I Got), I Believe In You And Me and the 60's number one classics I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) and Reach Out I'll Be There. The group's original four man line up existed for 43 years and was only altered by death. Lawrence Payton died in 1997 of liver cancer and Renaldo "Obie" Benson died of lung cancer in 2005. The sole surviving original member, Abdul "Duke" Fakir, continues to tour with a new line up for The Four Tops. A public viewing is taking place this weekend in Detroit. Funeral services are set for Monday the 27th.

This past week, we also lost Comedian/Actor Rudy Ray Moore. Mr. "Dolemite" died at the age of 81. Singer Dee Dee Warwick also passed away. She was the older sister of Singer Dionne Warwick and niece to Cissy Houston. Warwick was 63-years old. She had been ill and living in a nursing home for some time. Warwick was known for singing with her sister Dionne and doing background vocals for Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley.

I have a new guilty pleasure. The Bravo network is the home of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. This show is a riot. It airs on Tuesday nights at 10pm with repeats during the week. These women live the most unbelievable lives, and they have money for days. NeNe, the housewife who's married to the businessman, is off the hook.

Donald Trump made her a star as the villainess on The Apprentice, and he is going to help her with her new VH-1 dating show. Omarosa says she is having Trump Productions produce her new reality show because she is serious about finding true love.

Sly Stone of the legendary Sly And The Family Stone is marking his 20-year hiatus by supporting the Martin Luther King SCLC Civil Rights Foundation. Stone will be recording new songs for the project.

Director Spike Lee is trying to turn his career around. The acclaimed director has left the William Morris Agency after 15 years. Lee's career has had many hits and just as many misses. His most recent project was his World War II drama The Miracle At St. Anna. The movie did not do well at the box office, taking in only $7 ½ million. Two years ago, his Denzel Washington-Clive Owen-Jodie Foster movie Inside Man took in over $176 million worldwide. Lee has signed on with Endeavor Management. He's hoping they will help him get the funding for his next projects, including a movie about the Godfather Of Soul James Brown and Baseball Great Jackie Robinson.

Fans of Toni Braxton are hopping mad that the singer was booted off prematurely from Dancing With The Stars. The judges cited Braxton and her partner for being in a rut, but she as clearly better than her competitors, including Crazy Cloris Leachman and Soap Star Susan Lucci. Leachman's antics have been the talk of the town, and the 82-year old has a lot of fans. Lucci is clearly drawing from her soap opera base because she is as stiff as a board in some of her routines. Braxton admitted she was disappointed, but she says in the end, her heart condition improved. Look for a new album from Braxton next spring.

The overweight grandmother is back looking for the bad guys. Martin Lawrence is set to reprise his role as "Big Momma" in Big Momma's House III.

Rapper/Actress Eve is back. Filming starts next spring on the movie Whip It. Drew Barrymore is directing, and Eve is going to play a roller derby queen.

In a recent interview, Mariah Carey revealed what led her to marry young Actor Nick Cannon. Carey says it was Cannon's intelligence and maturity. In her first marriage, Carey was 20 years younger than Music Mogul Tommy Mottola. She is a decade older than Cannon.

Bishop T.D. Jakes' new movie, Not Easily Broken, opens in theatres early next year. The movie stars Morris Chestnut, Taraji P. Henson and Jennifer Lewis.

Chef G Garvin has just released a new cooking book. Dining In features 115 new recipes.

Kindred The Family Soul is back with a new album. The Arrival features the hit single "House Of Love," and is in stores now.

The American Music Awards are set for November 23rd. Jimmy Kimmel is back as host. Alicia Keys is leading the pack with four nominations, and she'll be performing.

Mary J. Blige is teaming up with the makers of Carol's Daughter for a new natural fragrance line.

The movie, Notorious, based on the life of Rapper Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G., is gearing up for its release, which is scheduled for January 16th, 2009. Angela Bassett will be playing Biggie's mom, Volletta Wallace.

Motown Records is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new box set of songs that the fans have picked. The box set is due December 9th. The 10 disc CD will feature 191 songs from your favorite Motown stars including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells and Martha & The Vandellas, to name a few.

The Whispers are coming out with a holiday DVD. The famed singing group has been performing for over 45 years. Christmas With The Whispers features holiday classic and interviews.

Quincy Jones is gearing up to release The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey And Passions. The 75-year old music giant is set to release this book on October 28th. Clint Eastwood is doing the foreword for the book, and Dr. Maya Angelou is doing the introduction. Jones is not slowing down. He is also opening a restaurant in Las Vegas. In other Quincy news, he says he will not be working with Michael Jackson on his upcoming album. The Q produced some of Jackson's biggest selling albums, including Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad. Q says he is too busy with his other projects.

Cedric The Entertainer is headed to Broadway. The stage play American Buffalo, about small time crooks, also stars John Leguizamo. American Buffalo opens on November 17th.

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

A big scandal is brewing for a top Hollywood Star. He is successful, charismatic and appears to be a loving father and husband. There are rumors that he likes to spend time with male escorts. If the scandal comes out, look for him to turn to religion to quell the controversy.

This young actor signed on a TV series thinking he was going to be the star of the show. Well his co-stars are outshining him by winning awards and acclaim. The Actor is not happy about the situation, but, since he needs the money, he's staying put.

Sometimes it doesn't pay to listen to your mother. This singer is trying to downplay his marriage to help salvage his career, but his very pregnant wife isn't going anywhere. She plans to stay married to the singer despite his mother's publicity machine.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Often we allow ourselves to get all worked up about things that, upon closer examination, aren't really that big a deal. We focus on little problems and concerns and blow them way out of proportion. A stranger, for example, might cut in front of us in traffic. Rather than let it go, and go on with our day, we convince ourselves that we are justified in our anger. We plan out an imaginary confrontation in our mind. Many of us might even tell someone else about the incident later on rather than simply let it go.

Why not instead simply allow the driver to have his accident somewhere else? Try to have compassion for the person and remember how painful it is to be in such an enormous hurry. This way, we can maintain our own sense of well-being and avoid taking other people's problems personally.

There are many similar, "small stuff" examples that occur every day in our lives. Whether we had to wait in line, listen to unfair criticism, or do the lion's share of the work, it pays enormous dividends if we learn not to worry about little things. So many people spend so much of their life energy "sweating the small stuff" that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life. When you commit to working towards this goal you will find that you will have far more energy to be kinder and gentler.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Monday, October 13, 2008

celebrity report....10-6-08

What is really going on with Janet Jackson, and why is she canceling shows? She has been ordered to rest, but what is really going on with her. Her brother Randy Jackson has denied issuing a statement saying she was suffering from vertigo. He says he would never make a statement regarding his sister's health.

Tyler Perry had an amazing weekend. The writer/director/actor/producer unveiled his new movie and TV studio in Atlanta. It was a star-studded event with Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, and Sidney Poitier, to name a few. Perry's date for the evening was Model Gelila Bekele. There was talk Perry would show up with rumored fiancé, Actress Taraji P. Henson, his co-star in the movie The Family That Preys. She was a no-show for the evening, so maybe they aren't engaged. Perry wanted the evening to be perfect, and he nailed it. The past week has been rough for him. He has come under scrutiny for firing four writers from his TV shows The House Of Payne and Meet The Browns. The writers wanted to go union. They felt they were overworked and underpaid. Perry is known for not using union workers on the sets of his movies and TV shows. Director Spike Lee has weighed in on the controversy. Lee says Perry should do the right thing and work with the unions. This is a sensitive issue with Perry, and he says he will not deal with it in the press.

There is a lot of tension on the set of the reality show Dancing With The Stars. The competition is fierce, and the claws are out. They may look friendly on the camera, but the backstage drama is off the hook! Soap Star Susan Lucci, at 61, wanted to be the oldest dancer on the set, but 82-year old Cloris Leachman, a.k.a. Crazy Cloris, has taken her spotlight. Despite her antics and non-dancing, Leachman has proven to be a crowd favorite. Lucci is tired of Leachman stealing the spotlight. There is also a lot of resentment toward Singer Toni Braxton. One dancer was overheard saying, Can She Shut Up About Her Heart. They feel she is using her heart condition to win sympathy votes. Then there's former Football Star Warren Sapp. Is he a "man-diva" on the set causing trouble for the show? Last week, no one was kicked off the show because Olympian Misty May Treanor had to drop out after she injured herself. With all this tension, who will be the next star let go from Dancing With The Stars?

Little Richard, the 75-year old Godfather Of Rock & Roll, may have to get hip replacement surgery. Little Richard's health has not been good. He uses a wheelchair to get around, and he is breathing with the help of an oxygen tank.

Good Morning America Anchor Robin Roberts talks about her battle with breast cancer in her new book Eight Rules To Live By. The past year has been life changing for the popular GMA anchor. She successfully battled breast cancer, and she returned to work on GMA. Her new book details her struggles and how she survived the tough times. The book is chock full of wisdom and is very inspirational.

Now that she's showing off her body for Playboy magazine, Spice Girl Mel B is going to show the world how she got such a fab body. Mel B is planning to release a fitness DVD that will detail her daily workouts.

The Screen Actors Guild will be giving a Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary Actor James Earl Jones. The star of stage, screen and voice of commercials will be honored in January.

Singer Natalie Cole is back at home in California. Cole is doing better as she continues her battle with Hepatitis C. She had undergone chemo and the side effects took a toll on her. She lost weight, her hair and needed help with her breathing. She was aided by an oxygen tank. She also had to undergo kidney dialysis. Cole has been ordered to take the rest of the year off and rest.

Singer Brian McKnight has been added to the cast of the new season of Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice. The new season will also feature Joan and Melissa Rivers, Dennis Rodman, Andrew Dice Clay, Tionne T-Boz Watkins of TLC fame and Former Football Star Herschel Walker, to name a few. The new season kicks off in January.

The new seasons have started for Everybody Hates Chris and The Game have started. Check out the shows every Friday night starting at 8pm on the CW Network.

Jennifer Hudson is everywhere. Check her out with her Secret Life Of Bees co-stars Alicia Keys and Queen Latifah on the cover of Ebony magazine and on the cover of Jet magazine. Her new movie The Secret Life Of Bees opens in theatres on October 17th.

Beyonce graces the cover of the new issue of Essence magazine. Beyonce talks about her life with hubby Jay-Z and her upcoming album. Star Jones is also featured in the new issue of Essence. Jones talks her gastric bypass surgery, her failed fairytale marriage to Al Reynolds and her hopes for the future. Jones is currently dating Hotel Executive Chef Herb Wilson. She says she is ready to fall in love again. When asked about former hubby Al Reynolds, she says she's not in love with him anymore. She also expresses regret about lying about her weight loss. She realizes she should have been honest with her audience. Of course, she talks about her days on the popular daytime talker The View. When asked about her former co-hosts, she called them hateful. OUCH!!!!

The King Kids continue to fight. Why can't Dexter, Bernice and Martin, III get along? The King children are about to be sued by the Penguin Group. They were paid a $300,000 advance by that publisher to help with a book based on the life of their mother, Coretta Scott King. But, the kids can't agree on anything for the book. They fight over everything: the photos, personal writings and letters. The book deal is worth over a million dollars. Unless they can get it together, they will have to give back the money, which is probably already spent.

The sexiest woman alive wants more babies, and she's working on it. Esquire magazine recently named Oscar-winning Actress Hale Berry as the sexiest woman alive. Berry gave birth to a daughter, Nahla Ariela, seven months ago, and she says she and boyfriend, Model Gabriel Aubry, are working on more.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Queen Latifah shed some light on her personal life. She was asked if she was gay, and she responded she has a problem discussing her personal life. She doesn't want to share her personal business, and she doesn't care if people think she's gay or not. The Queen says assume what you want.

At the movies this week, it's The Express. The movie is about College Football Legend Ernie Davis. Davis was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. The movie stars Dennis Quaid, Charles S. Dutton and Rob Brown as Ernie Davis.

The movie, Notorious, based on the life of Rapper Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G., is gearing up for its release, which is scheduled for January 16th 2009. Angela Bassett will be playing Biggie's mom, Volletta Wallace.

Motown Records is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new box set of songs that the fans have picked. The box set is due before Christmas.

Prince has a new book out. 21 Nights is the name of the book, and it chronicles Prince performing 21 sold out concerts on London. The book also features 124 previously unreleased photographs. Prince turned 50 earlier this year, and he says he is single, celibate and sexy. Prince is a practicing Jehovah's Witness. He says he was introduced to the religion by Singer Larry Graham.

The Whispers are coming out with a holiday DVD. The famed singing group has been performing for over 45 years. Christmas With The Whispers features holiday classic and interviews.

Comedian Sommore has a new DVD out called The Queen Stands Alone. The Trenton, New Jersey native says she's excited about the project, which she wrote, produced and directed.

Big Daddy is back! The Food Network's latest star, Aaron McCargo, Jr., hails from Camden, New Jersey, and his food show, Big Daddy's House, has been renewed for a second season. The new season premieres in January 2009. McCargo will be in Philadelphia on Friday October 24th at the Radisson Plaza – Warwick in Center City, Philadelphia. For more information and to get tickets, visit his website at Aaronmccargo.com.

Mark your calendars for November 7th, 8th & 9th. It's the Philadelphia International Art Expo presented by October Gallery. This is the nation's largest African American Art Expo. It all takes place at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery. Special guests include NBC 10's Lori Wilson, CN8's Arthur Fennell, Bern Nadette Stanis & Ralph Carter ("Thelma" & "Michael Evans" from Good Times) Actress Ella Joyce ("Eleanor" from Roc) and Rapper/Actor Ice-T. There is a $10 admission fee that will cover all three days.

Quincy Jones is gearing up to release The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey And Passions. The 75-year old music giant is set to release this book on October 28th. Clint Eastwood is doing the foreword for the book, and Dr. Maya Angelou is doing the introduction. Jones is not slowing down. He is also opening a restaurant in Las Vegas. In other Quincy news, he says he will not be working with Michael Jackson on his upcoming album. The Q produced some of Jackson's biggest selling albums, including Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad. Q says he is too busy with his other projects.

Morgan Freeman and Barbara Streisand are among the honorees for the Kennedy Center Honors.

Cedric The Entertainer is headed to Broadway. The stage play American Buffalo, about small time crooks, also stars John Leguizamo. American Buffalo opens on November 17th.

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.

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.

Singer Al Jarreau is hard at work on a new Christmas CD, which is coming out this fall. Brian McKnight, Aretha Franklin, Howard Hewett and Ledisi are also releasing holiday projects.

The 5th Annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors takes place in October. Actor Comedian Tracey Morgah is hosting.

The late Bernie Mac and the late Isaac Hayes make their final screen appearance in the movie Soul Men. Soul Men opens in theatres on November 7th and also stars Samuel L. Jackson.

Beyonce teams up with Oscar Winner Adrian Brody and Jeffrey Wright for the movie Cadillac Records. Beyonce is playing the Legendary Etta James. The movie opens in theatres December 5th.

Upcoming TV and Film Events:

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The economy is taking a toll on the concert scene. To save face with low ticket sales, many stars are faking illnesses to get out of concerts.

Monday, October 6, 2008

celebrity report........9-23-08

Longtime Michael Jackson confidante Bob Jones has died. The 70-year old Jones suffered a heart attack last weekend. For years, Jones worked at Motown Records in their P.R. department. While at Motown, Jones became friends with Jackson, and he later went on to work exclusively for him. When there was a Michael Jackson scandal, Jones was there to cover for Jackson. Jones was there during the marriages to Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe. He was there when Jackson wanted to buy the elephant man's bones. He was there when Jackson wanted to sleep in hyper baric chambers. He was there during the first allegations of child abuse that almost ruined Jackson's career. A few years ago, Jackson and Jones had a falling out, and Jones was let go. He was fired with no warning and no severance. Jones was devastated. For years he stood by Jackson, and this was how he was paid back. Jones wrote a scathing book about Jackson called The Man Behind The Mask, but it was not a bestseller.
In other Jackson news, Janet Jackson needs a new recording home. After one album, she has been dropped from Island Def Jam Records. Poor album sales were to blame but also poor promotion. Janet needs Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Keep Producer Jermaine Dupri as your boyfriend, but go back to the men who produced your hits. Janet is currently in need of a new recording home.
Mariah Carey has taken hold of her career and is fighting off rumors that she may be pregnant. Is Carey expecting a baby with her hubby Nick Cannon? Will her new husband become her new manager now that Benny Medina is out? Carey has a new movie, Tennessee, coming out later this year. She has been getting rave reviews for the Lee Daniels produced movie. In Tennessee, Carey plays a waitress.
Tyler Perry is tired of playing the popular character "Madea," and he is currently planning the character's exit. Perry wants to show the world there is so much more to him than "Madea." He doesn't want to get stereotyped with the character, plus it's hurting his love life. He feels he can't connect to the ladies because of his "Madea" character. In a recent interview with Conan O'Brien, he says the ladies prefer his football player friends. Perry is currently at work on his latest movie, Madea Goes To Jail, which hits theatres next January. He also says he will do one final stage production featuring the popular character "Grandmom."
Bishop Thomas Weeks is proving there is life after Prophetess Juanita Bynum. Despite his troubled marriage to Bynum, Weeks says he is ready to do it again. Weeks is looking for wife number three, and he is advertising on his website: bishopweeks.com. Bishop Weeks is looking for a woman who is ready to have babies, a woman who is sensuous and…. she can't be ugly! Weeks' marriage to Bynum ended after five years following a stormy confrontation that left Bynum battered and bruised. Weeks is currently on probation for attacking his wife. He also had to serve 200 hours of community service and attend anger management classes.
Is Pop Singer George Michael a crack addict? The popular 80's singer has not met a bathroom he didn't like. Last week, he was arrested in a London bathroom, and he had in his possession vials of crack cocaine. George has apologized for the incident. For years, he has battled drug abuse. In the 90's, he was arrested in a Beverly Hills bathroom after soliciting a male police officer.


At the movies this week, it's the Spike Lee joint Miracle At St. Anna. The movie stars Derek Luke, Laz Alonso and Kerry Washington.
Singer Natalie Cole had to be hospitalized last week. She reluctantly suspended her promo tour for her new album, Still Unforgettable, after doctors ordered her to slow down. She is suffering from the effects of the chemo as she battles Hepatitis C. She has lost a lot of weight and her hair. Once she leaves the hospital, she will be on bed rest for weeks. It appears her past use of drugs is catching up with her. This is not a good time for the singer. Keep her in your prayers.
Former Child Star Gary Coleman is being sued by a man who claims Coleman tried to run him over. 24-year old Colt Rushton says he was just trying to take a picture of Coleman when Coleman, 40, backed his truck into him. Rushton is suing him for medical bills plus pain and suffering.
The boys and girls club of America is about to unveil its new ad campaign featuring the childhood photos of Denzel Washington and Jackie Joyner Kersee. Washington serves as a national spokesperson for the organization.
Jada Pinkett Smith is gearing up for a new TV Show. Pinkett Smith will star and be the executive producer of the TNT show Time Heals. She will play a widowed nurse with a teenage daughter.
Mel B is returning to Dancing With The Stars. Mel was a huge hit during season five, and now she is returning as a correspondent. The new season kicked off this week with Lance Bass, Toni Braxton, Brooke Burke and Warren Sapp leading the pack of dancers.
This is an exciting time for Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson. Her new album comes out next week. She will be starring in the movie The Secret Life Of Bees, with Alicia Keys and Queen Latifah, which opens in theatres October 17th, and she is gearing up for her first clothing line. As busy as she is, her family wants her think about her finances. Hudson just announced her engagement to reality star David Otunga, a.k.a. "Punk" from VH1's I Love New York. Her family wants her to make him sign a prenup before they get hitched. Hudson feels making her fiancé sign a prenup takes away from their love, but her family says protect your assets and make this man sign. Hudson could learn a lot from Star Jones. Star made her husband, Al Reynolds, sign an iron clad prenup, and in the end he didn't get a thing. Hudson is already following in Star's footsteps: she's lining up sponsors for her upcoming wedding to donate items or pay cash to be a part of the ceremony.
Chris Rock returns to HBO this week with a new special Kill The Messenger, which airs Saturday night, the 27th at 9pm on HBO.
Congratulations to next year's Inductees into The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Singer Bobby Womack, music groups Chic and War and rappers Run DMC.
The last will and testament of Singer Isaac Hayes was unveiled this week. Hayes left the bulk of his fortune to his 25-year old wife, his 12 children and The Isaac Hayes Foundation. Hayes died of a stroke in August.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been named the official face of the Italian fashion house Dolce and Gabbana. Campbell is getting paid close to $2 million to star in their new national advertising campaign.
Does Eddie Murphy have a new Mel? Murphy, who has been single since splitting with Tracey Edmonds, has been spending a lot of time with Singer Melody Thornton of The PussyCat Dolls.
The Johnson Publishing Company, the owners of Ebony and Jet magazines, is coming out with its first product line. Look for home and office furnishings plus a clothing line. Products will be available on line at ebony-jet.com
Get ready for these new DVD releases: Sex And The City in stores now and Iron Man with Robert Downey, Jr. and Terrence Howard on September 30th.
Quincy Jones is gearing up to release The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey And Passions. The 75-year old music giant is set to release this book on October 28th. Clint Eastwood is doing the foreword for the book, and Dr. Maya Angelou is doing the introduction. Jones is not slowing down. He is also opening a restaurant in Las Vegas. In other Quincy news, he says he will not be working with Michael Jackson on his upcoming album. The Q produced some of Jackson's biggest selling albums, including Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad. Q says he is too busy with his other projects.
Morgan Freeman and Barbara Streisand are among the honorees for the Kennedy Center Honors.
Patti LaBelle is hard at work on the LaBelle reunion. Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx and Patti are reteaming as LaBelle with the new CD called Back To Now. The new CD features production from Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff and Lenny Kravitz. In January, Patti's all-star salute will air as a benefit for the United Negro College Fund's Evening Of Stars. Anita Baker, Jennifer Hudson, Dionne Warwick, Yolanda Adams and Fantasia will all be on hand.
Cedric The Entertainer is headed to Broadway. The stage play American Buffalo, about small time crooks, also stars John Leguizamo. American Buffalo opens on November 17th.
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.
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.
Singer Al Jarreau is hard at work on a new Christmas CD, which is coming out this fall. Brian McKnight, Aretha Franklin, Howard Hewett and Ledisi are also releasing holiday projects.
Singer Robin Thicke is set to release his new CD, Something Else, on September 30th. The CD features the hit single 'Magic.'
The 5th Annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors takes place in October. Actor Comedian Katt Williams is hosting.
The Late Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes make their final screen appearance in the movie Soul Men. Soul Men opens in theatres on November 7th and also stars Samuel L. Jackson.
Upcoming TV and Film Events:
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What's the real story behind a famous singer's illness? She may be suffering from a very serious illness, but she refuses to reveal the truth.
Now that Clay Aiken has decided to come out of the closet, will other big name celebrities follow suit? One female star is ready to be a mom, and she is planning to adopt with her longtime lover. The adoption should have happened last year, but the star is not ready to come out of the closet and explain her relationship.
This big guy comes off loveable and fun on a popular reality show, but in reality he is big jerk. He is rude and nasty to the staff and assistants.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Chris Rock to Bill Clinton "Hillary Lost!"

As in his appearance on the View, Bill Clinton offered the most tepid support possible for Barack Obama's presidential ticket on David Letterman's Late Show last night. After repeatedly invoking his vanquished wife Hillary, Clinton said the typical American voter will recall John McCain's heroic torture in a Vietnamese prison camp before deciding to "go the other way" and vote for... whoever that other candidate for president might be. In an inspired feat of booking, Letterman had comedian Chris Rock lined up to follow Clinton and, uh, remind him who won the primary.

Click this link for video: http://gawker.com/5053486/chris-rock-to-bill-clinton-hillary-lost

25 degrees from New Birth church recognized after all

Accrediting ageny reverses stance, says degrees from defunct program are legit

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The president of a college accrediting agency reversed an agency finding last summer and recognized 25 college degrees earned at an unauthorized program at a metro Atlanta mega-church.

Belle S. Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, said Tuesday that reports from three consultants hired by North Carolina Central University to vet its defunct program at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia convinced her the degrees were good.

The 25 students earned bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, hospitality and business administration. The program began in 2004.

"I didn't want to hurt the students because the university failed to follow procedure," she said by phone.

Bishop Eddie Long, the lead pastor at New Birth, is an alumnus, board member and supporter of NCCU. He announced in August he would give the school $1 million.

Long did not respond to phone calls through the public relations agency he uses.

Wheelan notified NCCU Tuesday.

The satellite campus came to the attention of SACS and the University of North Carolina system last summer. All satellite campuses have to be approved by both to be authorized. Neither knew of the Lithonia-based program.

When NCCU applied for certification last summer, the 77-member SACS commission found problems with faculty competency, resources such as library materials and institutional effectiveness. It did not approve certification.

Afterward, the NCCU hired consultants to report on the program and the curriculum at New Birth.

Wheelan reviewed the reports and said she was confident that the program was sufficient. The SACS commission did not have full information about the program when it made its decision. For instance, not all faculty credentials had been noted in the first report to the commission, she said.

The UNC system is still investigating how the program got started. It may have to pay back federal student aid received for those at the unauthorized campus, according to news reports.

The university is pulling together a way to allow several dozen students at the New Birth program who not graduated to continue their studies.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

What presidential candidate do you agree with?

ABC has a test at the below address to see who's campaign statements, McCain's or Obama's, you agree with most.

They do not tell you who made the statements, but a statement made by each candidate on the same topic (economy, immigration, judiciary, etc.) will be side by side.

You just pick which statement you agree with and, after selecting all 13, you'll find out which candidate's philosophy you support.

Absentee Ballot Deadlines


As a general rule, you should request your absentee ballot two months to six weeks before the election. Most states start mailing ballots 30 days before the election. You can get your absentee ballot application from our forms & ballots [1] section and from our absentee voter guides [2].

Military and Overseas Voters have different deadlines. Learn more at theOverseas Vote Foundation [3]

General Election: November 4, 2008

State Absentee Ballot Application Deadline Absentee Ballots Due By
Alabama [4]
Received October 30, 2008 Postmarked November 3, 2008
Alaska [5]
Received October 25, 2008 Postmarked November 4, 2008; received 10 days after election
Arizona [6] Received October 24, 2008 Received 7pm election day
Arkansas [7]
Received October 28, 2008 (by mail); Received by close of business day November 3, 2008 (in person) Received 7:30pm election day
California [8]
Received October 28, 2008 Received 8pm election day
Colorado [9]
Received October 24, 2008 Received 7pm election day
Connecticut [10]
No specific deadline, but allow enough time for them to mail you the ballot and for you to mail it back. Received 8pm election day by mail. Day before the election if returned in person.
Delaware [11]
Received October 31, 2008 Received 8pm election day
District of Columbia [12] Received October 28, 2008 Postmarked November 4, 2008
Florida [13]
Received October 29, 2008 Received 7pm election day
Georgia [14]
Received October 31, 2008 Received 7pm election day
Hawaii [15]
Received 4:30pm October 28, 2008 Received by close of polls
Idaho [16]
Received October 30, 2008 Received 8pm election day
Illinois [17]
Received October 30, 2008, by mail; November 3, 2008, in person. Received by close of polls
Indiana [18]
Received October 27, 2008 Received by close of polls
Iowa [19]
Received by 5 PM on October 31, 2008 Postmarked before election day and received by noon on November 10, 2008
Kansas [20]
Received October 31, 2008 Received 7pm election day
Kentucky [21]
Received October 28, 2008 Received 6pm election day
Louisiana [22]
Received October 31, 2008 Received November 3, 2008
Maine [23]
No specific deadline, but allow enough time for them to mail you the ballot and for you to mail it back. Received by 8pm on election day
Maryland [24]
4:30 p.m. on October 28, 2008 (mailed), or 11:59 p.m. on October 28, 2008 (faxed). 8pm election day (in person);
Postmarked by November 4, 2008 and received by 10am on the 2nd Friday after the election (by mail)
Massachusetts[25]
Received noon November 3, 2008 Received before close of polls
Michigan [26]
Received 2pm November 1, 2008 Received 8pm election day
Minnesota [27]
No specific deadline, but allow enough time for them to mail you the ballot and for you to mail it back. Received by close of polls
Mississippi [28]
At least two weeks before the election Received 5pm November 3, 2008 (by mail); by noon November 1, 2008 (in person).
Missouri [29]
Received 5pm October 29, 2008 Received by close of polls
Montana [30]
Received noon November 3, 2008 Received by close of polls
Nebraska [31]
Received 4pm October 27, 2008 Received 8pm election day
Nevada [32]
Received 5pm October 28, 2008 Received 7pm election day
New Hampshire[33]
No specific deadline, but allow enough time for them to mail you the ballot and for you to mail it back. Received 5pm election day
New Jersey [34]
Received October 28, 2008, by mail; 3pm November 3, 2008, in person Received 8pm election day
New Mexico [35]
Received October 30, 2008 Received 7pm election day
New York [36]
Received October 28, 2008 (by mail); Requested by November 3, 2008 (in person) Postmarked November 3, 2008; Received November 11, 2008
North Carolina[37]
Received October 28, 2008 Received 5pm November 3, 2008
North Dakota[38]
No specific deadline, but allow enough time for them to mail you the ballot and for you to mail it back. Postmarked or handed-in November 3, 2008
Ohio [39]
Received noon November 1, 2008 Received 7:30pm election day
Oklahoma [40]
Received 5pm October 29, 2008 Received 7pm election day
Oregon [41]
N/A Received 8pm election day
Pennsylvania[42]
Received 5pm October 28, 2008 Received 5pm October 31, 2008
Rhode Island[43]
Received 4pm Ooctober 14, 2008; 4pm November 3, 2008 (emergency ballot) Received 9pm election day
South Carolina[44]
Received October 31, 2008 Received by close of polls
South Dakota[45]
Received 3pm on election day Received by close of polls
Tennessee [46]
Received October 28, 2008 Received by close of polls
Texas [47]
Received by end of business day October 28, 2008 Received by close of polls
Utah [48]
Received October 31, 2008 Postmarked November 3, 2008; received by noon November 10, 2008
Vermont [49]
Received 5pm November 3, 2008 Received 7pm election day
Virginia [50]
Received October 28, 2008 Received close of polls
Washington [51]
No specific deadline, but allow enough time for them to mail you the ballot and for you to mail it back. Postmarked November 4, 2008
West Virginia[52]
Received October 29, 2008 Received by close of polls
Wisconsin [53]
Received 5pm October 30, 2008 Received 8 pm election day
Wyoming [54]
No specific deadline, but allow enough time for them to mail you the ballot and for you to mail it back. Received 7pm election day


NOTE: The data in this chart was confirmed by each state's Secretary of State - either via their website or direct email.

Political Fashion Face Off: Condi Rice, Michelle Obama

Originally posted by The Black Snob at : http://blacksnob.blogspot.com/2008/09/political-fashion-face-off-condi-rice.html

There can only be one: Killer Bob Condi Versus La Femme Obama

This may surprise some, but while I pretty much believe Condoleezza Rice was an abysmal National Security Adviser and Secy. of State, I don't dislike the woman. She is smart and seems nice outside of her world-wrecking job. I can also relate to her middle class, classical piano playing upbringing and lifetime of having to compete against white peers, expected to be the best of the best, and dealing with that pressure.

So in that respects, I tip my hat to her accomplishments, but shake my head to uber-allegiance to her BFF-in-chief. She was more an enabler than adviser with Dick Cheney taking on that role and muscling her, as well as then Secy. of State Colin Powell, out.

That said, I've enjoyed how Condi Rice's wardrobe drastically improved after she became Secy. of State. A lot of women struggle to balance power with femininity (see Clinton, Hillary and "pantsuits"), but Condi seemed to find that yin and yang quite gracefully, whether dressing like a chic Darth Vader in knee high black boots to address the troops, or a pastel and tan arrangement of designer and tailored suits.

While I adore Michelle Obama and her often eclectic yet classic fashion sense (which also balances femininity with family and business), the two have very different looks -- even when wearing similar duds. And while they're playing on different sides of the political aisle I'd love to see them go shopping together. If only because I want the answer to this question -- who rocks it best?

Let the fashion-off begin!

CONDI'S CREME A LA MINT TWEED VS MICHELLE'S PINK TWEED POWER

This is a hard one. I'm a big fan of the Maria Pinto designed pink tweed suit Michelle rocked earlier this year. I love the cut, the pearls, but there is something adorable yet tough about the mint and tan ensemble Condoleezza is wearing. Michelle is at a slight advantage in the way her suit is cut because she is curvy and statuesque while Condi is a tough, shorter skinny mini. I almost want to call this a tie, but I gotta tilt the tweed suit game to Michelle.

THE BASIC PANTSUIT

Michelle and Condi obviously have different ideas on what a pantsuit should look like. Condi goes for the Hillary Clinton specials, light colored tailored pantsuits whereas Michelle goes for something that's more casual, yet professional. Michelle's first brown suit is not a favorite of mine because it's baggy and makes her look a little slouchy/sloppy, but the second khaki suit is a must have. With a zipper front and that little flare around the bottom of the jacket, Michelle is easily the winner. She found a better alternative to the traditional business suit.

BLACK AND BLUE FOR TWEED

Condi's tweed: Dark with a wide, flat black lapel. Very flattering. Very dominating. It says, "I'm ready for business, I'm pretty and I can totally destroy you." Michelle's tweed is a throwback with two strands of pearls. It's very vintage, but doesn't flatter her usually fashion risk-taker spirit. Condi wins the battle of the black and blue tweeds, recovering handsomely of her loss in the pastel colored tweeds.

HOUNDSTOOTH

Houndstooth is a designer staple. It's been around forever and never goes out of style. If you're a business woman you should own a jacket or suit that is houndstooth. Condi's is a bright yellow with frayed edges, buttoned up to the top button. Michelle is more casual -- even sexy. How can one make houndstooth hot yet professional? Michelle found a way and it works in the skirt and jacket combo. Game, set, fashion -- Michelle.

RED RED RED

In the red wars this is a matter of taste. Do you like your daring red conservative? Red is already a powerful color. There's no need to dress it up. Condi dominates in her red. It says, "Subpoena this, bitches!" Michelle's red suit with the bunched up sleeves is a flashier, "I'm gonna be fierce for the Lawd this Sunday" suit. Something the pastor's wife would rock or the leader of the women's Bible study. Michelle's suit would be much more popular with certain black women, but may be a little too avant garde for the conservative dresser. I really don't know how to rule here. Condi's is more appropriate for work. Michelle's is more appropriate to show-off. Draw.

THE GRAY PINSTRIPED PANTSUIT

I couldn't find a full picture of Michelle in her gray pinstriped suit, but she looked great it in. I promise you. The cut was adorable while Condi's, per usual, was more traditional and Hillary Clinton style. It looked like it could be bought at a generic department store near you. Michelle's had a more flattering cut and shorter jacket. Michelle wins.

CONTRASTING COLOR

I gave an array of color key assortments, mixing black with another solid color. While both Condi and Michelle's outfits are pretty awesome here I'm going to give Condi the edge based on her adorable yellow jacket and black, A-line skirt mix-n-match. That look is hot. And Condi gets to show a little leg. And isn't it fascinating that both Condi and Michelle aren't ashamed of showing off their gams, although Condi is always pantyhose clad and Michelle doesn't bother with them.

FEMININE NATURALS AND NEUTRALS

This was also a tough one. Michelle's look is effortless and casual in her neutrals and browns. And I love the assortment of dark pearls with the long pleated skirt. But Condi is killing in her first outfit from the jacket to the skirt to the shoes. It is a rocking number that is all hotness. I love "Starfleet captain" style jacket with the off-center buttons and jacket flap, the flare of the beige skirt and those shoes, which she breaks out again in a burnt orange tweed suit identical to her mint-tan tweed shown earlier. I like both, but Michelle's look is really laid back whereas Condi's is sharper than a knife. Go Condi.

STRICTLY BUSINESS

What to wear when meeting with heads of state or when your husband is sworn in at the Senate? Condi goes for power suits, some bright like that stain, blazing blue. Others plain and unassuming. But Michelle is the winner with a different daring look for every serious show down. A boldly striped, boxy suit for a women's group meeting, a tailored navy, sleeveless dress with a crystal pin for the DNC, sweater dress knit set for kicking it with the kiddies and a gorgeous striped suit with a magenta ruffled blouse underneath at the swearing in. Michelle's got a different look for every strictly business situation.

HEAVY METALLICS

Condi is boxy and basic. Michelle is pretty, but the suit is similar to the baggy brown one where she looks a bit sloppy in it. I like Michelle's look more (as Condi looks a bit like a linebacker in her jacket), but I'm going to call it a draw.

BASIC BLACK

You can always bet on black to be a winner and Condi and Michelle placed their bets well. Condi goes simple, but Michelle, per usual, can't just wear any black suit. She needs richness, boldness and in a few cases pinstripes. She makes black the new black. Michelle wins. (Although, Condi's dotted suit with the flared skirt is very stylish.)

STORMTROPPER CONDI VERSUS MICHELLE'S SUEDE SUPERWOMAN

Michelle's jacket dress is hot. Condi's is not, making her really look like the dark lord of the sith. But this competition is all about the boots and Condi's dominatrix boots win. I always said that Michelle betrayed her cute coat dress by paring it with some tepid brown suede boots. She needed something black, tough with an exclamation point at the end. Condi's sexy stiletto boots do just that. Boot Battle goes to the dominatrix!

The overall winner of the fashion challenge is Mrs. O with six wins to Rice's four, with two draws. How would you score the leading black women of political fashion?