SpaxtheRoyal

RIP FACEBOOK:FUNNIEST TWITTER RESPONSES TO THE TRENDING TOPIC

2012-02-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

RIP Facebook became a trending topic early Saturday, with several Twitter users poking fun at the false declaration that the rival social-networking site was dead.
Twitter is an online social-networking and microblogging site that allows its users to send and read posts of as many as 140 characters. These text-based posts are known as "tweets." Jack Dorsey created Twitter in March 2006 and launched it that July. Last year, Twitter had more than 300 million users. Twitter Inc. is based in San Francisco.

Facebook is also a social-networking site, and the Web site was launched in February 2004. Facebook Inc. has more than 800 million active users, and they are able to create personal profiles, friend other users, exchange messages, and more. Facebook was co-founded by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his college roommates and schoolmates Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes.
It is uncertain how RIP Facebook became a trending topic on Twitter, but it may have started after a news report from a coroner called for Facebook to enforce an embargo on RIP messages that are being left on the pages of deceased users.

Herald.ie reported that the call from the coroner resulted after a woman found out about her brother's death through the social-networking site. That report noted that Noreen Mallon was trying to contact her brother Paul Carthy, 29, of Woodside Park, Kildare, County Kildare, Ireland, before her daughter read on Facebook that a body was found in Kildare. The family feared it was their loved one.

"This has been the second or third incident of this kind I have dealt with in recent months involving families finding out tragic news through Facebook," said the coroner, Dr. Denis Cusack, at Naas Courthouse. "It really is a shocking way for someone to be informed of a loved one's death."

"It would be worthwhile to look into an embargo on such Web sites that would protect family and loved ones from learning news of this nature in this way," he added.

A man walking his dog found Carthy's body in the morning of last Oct. 2 on the grounds of Round Towers GAA Club in Kildare, Herald.ie reported.

While Twitter users weren't making fun of someone's actual death, they seemed to have started the trending topic to generate a few laughs among each other about the possibility of Facebook, their rival, no longer operating. Some claimed that Facebook's site was having issues earlier in the morning, which sparked the trend.

Here are some of the funniest Twitter responses to the RIP Facebook trending topic on the microblogging site:
-- "RIP Facebook. But if Facebook closes down, all the people from facebook will come to twitter. Omg. No." -- Bella & Zendaya.♔
-- "Many people seem worried that RIP Facebook would mean twitter would be full of annoying people. I have news for you: THEY'RE ALREADY HERE." -- Richard Nelson
-- "RIP Facebook: I've left you for Twitter and Tumblr, it's not you it's me (it's really you). Can we still be friends, though?" -- *Mimi*
-- "RIP Facebook ... Finally It's Dead after all the changes it done to it self .. Byee" - Åßî ツ ♥
-- "RIP Facebook? How are people gonna stalk each other now..." -- Kasia Sekut
-- "I love Twitter more than Facebook cause I can update my status every 5 minutes without people thinking I'm crazy. RIP Facebook" -- Funny Facts
-- "RIP Facebook. Finally, twitter killed the right thing." -- Until the very end ♥
-- "RIP Facebook. (R)eturn (I)f (P)ossible Facebook." -- Ryan ♚
-- "#RIP Facebook just sent somebody into a coma.. that's all some people live for sad but true" -- lotusflowerbomb
-- "RIP Facebook.....it's been dead for about a yr to me" -- TJ Romano
-- "RIP Facebook? Well, as long as I've got Twitter I'm okay." -- Tobey | Lady Gaga
-- "I like how the trend "RIP Facebook" is full of annoying people saying that the annoying people will move here. There's no need. YOU ARE THEM" -- Matthew Riley
-- "RIP Facebook - if only! It is a hideoulsy invasive globule of irrepresible narcissism!" -- Noxy
-- "RIP Facebook. I won't miss you . Nope.. Not even a little bit." -- samantha bray †

SOURCE:

FLORIDA SCHOOL BUS DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER SHOWING PORN TO STUDENTS

2012-02-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

A school bus driver in Florida is now facing felony charges after police say he showed pornographic images on his cell phone to a group of middle school students.
An investigation into the incident was launched after school administrators at the Mowat Middle School in Panana City, Florida called police with allegations that 37-year-old Marcus Howard had showed “pornographic material” on his cell phone to several teens over the past several weeks.

Three students later confirmed with investigators that they did, in fact, view a number of obscene images on Howard’s phone.

When Howard was interviewed by police, he denied having any pornographic material on his cell phone. However cops found photos and videos that contained “nudity and sex acts” after Howard allowed them to search the device, according to the police report.
Howard then admitted to looking at the X-rated images while driving, which he agreed was wrong. But he said he didn’t allow the kids to see it intentionally, though he “could not say if any of them may have accidentally seen any of the material,” the police report stated.
Howard was charged with four counts of showing obscene material to a minor and is now free on bond. He has also been suspended without pay, and will most likely be fired.
[TSG]

TOP 10 MOST POLLUTED CITIES AROUND THE WORLD

2012-02-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

Pollution is never be a simple problem. Careless government and people contribute to every gram of pollutant that flies in the air or floating on their water resources. It’s time like these when you don’t realise how lucky we really are. Our office is looking just as bad at the moment.
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10. New Delhi India

In another part of city New Delhi, there are some areas where people dump their trash and dirt bag. Infant morbidity in New Delhi is high and main cause are these pollutions. Everyday, 1000 new vehicles run on the roads of Delhi and 3,000 tons of pollutant from industries fill the air of the city. It is not surprise that Delhi is known as 4th most polluted city in the world

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9. Munbai India

Mumbai, another Growing City in India, is one of the most crowded city in the world. Badly, not all the people know how to clean their environment. The city always suffocated with new pollutions from the industries and vehicles. Some NGOs try to solve the problem but their solution won`t work unless it is back up with $1 billion dollar aid from Indian government.

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8. Maputo – Mozambique

Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique and it is a resident of 60,000 families. The city is very close to Indian ocean. The ugly thins is the city has bad sewage treatment and waste removal system.

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7. Moscow, Russia

Despite one of the most expensive city in the world, Moscow is also known as the most polluted city in this planet. Because of the air pollution, many people suffer Lung disease and Cholera. Sanitation facility is apparently excluded from the expensive cost of living in Moscow

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6. Mexico City , Mexico

Around 70 years ago, Mexico city was known as the cleanest city in the world. The fact is change this moment. In 1940, the average visibility was 100 km ad now down to 1,5 km. Snow-caped mountains is scarce and the oxygen is polluted with high percentage of Nitrogen dioxide.

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5. Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos is a home of 12 millions families and many industries. From the air to the soil, Pollutions fill every gap of empty space in city. You can visit the country if you want to approve it. Watch the Nigerian scam if you travel here

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4. Karachi-Pakistan

Karachi is the busiest city in Pakistan. Beside the growing economy, the people of Karachi should the impact of it. Air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, and psychological diseases already affected 35% of people who live on the city.

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3. Dhaka – Bangladesh

Dhaka is a city of 8 million families with serious problems of water pollutions, air pollutions and garbage problem. The water is thick and it is poisoned with pollutant from industries, commercial pesticides and bacteria of disease from other household

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2. Bandar Seri Begawan-Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam is small but rich country in south east Asia. Most of the people have nice salary and many of them not realize that air they inhaled contain very high TSP level. The air pollution mainly come from vehicles and Vehicle emission test already approved this finding.

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1. Baghdad – Iraq

Since 2003, Baghdad face many wars and the government has more serious concern to carry over the environmental issue. Air pollutant from vehicles, power generators, oil burning, and water pollutant from other family are serious problem that grow every day. UN have studied this issue and it is no doubt that it is very serious issue that should be take over quickly

TOP 10 PICTURES THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD

2012-02-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

It has often been said throughout time that a picture is worth a thousand words. Any picture may be worth a thousand words, but only a few rare photos tell more than a thousand words. They tell a powerful story, a story poignant enough to change the world and galvanize each of us. Over and over again…

From the iconic images of Omayra Sanchez’s tragic death to the horrifying images of the Bhopal Gas disaster in 1984, the power of photography is still alive and invincible.

Here is my top 10 list of photos that shocked the world:

Warning: Be prepared for images of violence and death (in one case, the photograph of a dead child) if you scroll down.

10. Kosovo Refugees (Carol Guzy)

Carol Guzy, the first woman to receive a Pulitzer Prize for spot news photography, received her most recent Pulitzer in 2000 for her touching photographs of Kosovo refugees.

The above picture portrays Agim Shala, a two-year-old boy, who is passed through a fence made with barbed wire to his family. Thousands of Kosovo refugees were reunited and camped in Kukes, Albania.

9. War Underfoot (Carolyn Cole)

Los Angeles Times photographer Carolyn Cole took this terrifying photo during her assignment in Liberia. It shows the devastating effects of the Liberian Civil War.

Bullet casings cover entirely a street in Monrovia. The Liberian capital was the worst affected region, because it was the scene of heavy fighting between government soldiers and rebel forces.

8. Thailand Massacre (Neil Ulevich)

Neal Ulevich won the 1977 Pulitzer Prize for a “series of photographs of disorder and brutality in the streets of Bangkok, Thailand” (Pulitzer.com).

The Thammasat University Massacre took place on October 6, 1976. It was a very violent attack on students who were demonstrating against Field Marshall Thanom Kittikachorn.

F. M. T. Kittikachorn was a dictator who was planning to come back to Thailand. The return of the military dictator from exile provoked very violent protests. Protestors and students were beaten, mutilated, shot, hung and burnt to death.

7. After the Storm (Patrick Farrell)

Miami Herald photographer Patrick Farrell captured the harrowing images of the victims of Haiti in 2008. Farrell documented the Haitian tragedy with impressive black-and-white stills. The subject of “After the Storm” is a boy who is trying to save a stroller after the tropical storm Hanna struck Haiti.

More photos of Patrick Farrell: A People in Despair: Haiti’s year without mercy

6. The Power of One (Oded Balilty)

In 2006, Israeli authorities ordered the evacuation of illegal outposts, such as Amona. Oded Balilty, an Israeli photographer for the Associated Press, was present when the evacuation degenerated into violent and unprecedented clashes between settlers and police officers. The picture shows a brave woman rebelling against authorities.

Like many pictures on this list, “The Power of One” has been another subject of major controversy. Ynet Nili is the 16-year-old Jewish settler from the above picture. According to Ynet, “a picture like this one is a mark of disgrace for the state of Israel and is nothing to be proud of. The picture looks like it represents a work of art, but that isn’t what went on there. What happened in Amona was totally different.” Nili claims the police beat her up very harshly. “You see me in the photograph, one against many, but that is only an illusion – behind the many stands one man – (Prime Minister Ehud) Olmert, but behind me stand the Lord and the people of Israel.”

5. World Trade Center 9/11 (Steve Ludlum)

The power of Steve Ludlum’s photos are astounding, and the written description only tends to dilute the impact. The consequences of the second aircraft crashing into New York’s WTC were devastating: fireballs erupted and smoke billowed from the skyscrapers anticipating the towers’ collapse and monstrous dust clouds.

4. After the Tsunami (Arko Datta)

One of the most representative and striking photos of the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami was taken by Reuters photographer Arko Datta in Tamil Nadu. He won the World Press Photo competition of 2004. Kathy Ryan, jury member and picture editor of The New York Times Magazine, characterized Datta’s image as a “graphic, historical and starkly emotional picture.”

“After the Tsunami” illustrates an Indian woman lying on the sand with her arms outstretched, mourning a dead family member. Her relative was killed by one of the deadliest natural disasters that we have ever seen: the Indian Ocean tsunami.

3. Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984 (Pablo Bartholomew)

Pablo Bartholomew is an acclaimed Indian photojournalist who captured the Bhopal Gas Tragedy into his lens. Twenty-six years have passed since India’s worst industrial catastrophe injured 558,125 people and killed as many as 15,000. Because safety standards and maintenance procedures had been ignored at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, a leak of methyl isocyanate gas and other chemicals triggered a massive environmental and human disaster. Photographer Pablo Bartholomew rushed to document the catastrophe. He came across a man who was burying a child. This scene was photographed by both Pablo Bartholomew and Raghu Rai, another renowned Indian photojournalist. “This expression was so moving and so powerful to tell the whole story of the tragedy”, said Raghu Rai.

2. Operation Lion Heart (Deanne Fitzmaurice)

Pulitzer Prize award winning photojournalist Deanne Fitzmaurice won the highly respected award in 2005 for the photographic essay “Operation Lion Heart.”

“Operation Lion Heart” is the story of a 9-year-old Iraqi boy who was severely injured by an explosion during one of the most violent conflicts of modern history – the Iraq War. The boy was brought to a hospital in Oakland, CA where he had to undergo dozens of life-and-death surgeries. His courage and unwillingness to die gave him the nickname: Saleh Khalaf, “Lion Heart”.

Deanne Fitzmaurice’s shocking photographs ran in the San Francisco Chronicle in a five-part series written by Meredith May.

1. Tragedy of Omayra Sanchez (Frank Fourier)

Frank Fournier captured the tragic image of Omayra Sanchez trapped in mud and collapsed buildings. The eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia 1985 triggered a massive mudslide. It devastated towns and killed 25,000 people.

After 3 days of struggling, Omayra died due to hypothermia and gangrene. Her tragic death accentuated the failure of officials to respond quickly and save the victims of Colombia’s worst ever natural disaster. Frank Fournier took this photo shortly before Omayra died. Her agonizing death was followed live on TV by hundreds of millions of people around the world and started a major controversy. May her soul rest in peace…

22 PLASTIC SURGERY DISASTERS

2012-02-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

It's a pretty bizarre concept to get your head around, who would really want to do this to themselve...
Surgery: Lift, Botox, Lip Injections, Boob job

Facial :

1. Jocelyn Wildenstein

2. Amanda Lepore

3. Megan Fox

4. Rose McGowan

Isa ♥'s rating:

5. Mickey Rourke

4.8

6. Priscilla Presley

7. Joan Van Ark

6.4

8. Sophie Monk

Lip injection

9. Jessica Simpson

1.1

10. Orit Fux

11. Meg Ryan

12. Melanie Griffith

13. Lara Flynn Boyle

14. Nicole Kidman

15. Paris Hilton

16. Nikki Cox

17. Brittany Murphy

Breast Implants

18. Victoria Beckham

19. Jewel Kilcher

20. Beverly Johnson

Eyes

21. Scott 'Carrot Top' Thompson

CHRIS BROWN FEATURED ON RIHANNA’S NEW “BIRTHDAY CAKE” SINGLE

2012-02-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

The producers of Rihanna‘s next single “Birthday Cake” weren’t kidding when they told MTV that the featured artist on the track would “shock the world.”
The word on the curb is that Chris Brown is that featured artist, and popular NYC radio personality Miss Info has confirmed with not just one, but two sources that “Rihanna has Chris featured on the song.

Recently, the song’s co-producers, Da Internz, hinted to MTV News, that “the feature on [the remix] is gonna shock the world.” They didn’t exaggerate.

Your girl Info confirmed with two independent sources that Rihanna has Chris Brown featured on the song. He recorded both a singing verse, and a rap verse. (We’ll see if both of those verses make the final song.)

Earlier this week producers Da Interns revealed to MTV News that the single will be released in about a week or so.

“We got the Rihanna ‘Birthday Cake’ coming out in a week,” a Kosine, one of the producers, told MTV. “It’s gonna be crazy,” his production partner, Tuo, said shaking his head.

“And the feature on there is gonna shock the world,” Kosine chimed.

Chris Brown and Rihanna. On a song. Together? (And not just any song … a SINGLE!)

“Shock the world” sounds like an understatement, don’t you think?

GRAMMY AWARDS 2012 WINNERS

2012-02-13T09:59:00.000-08:00

Here is the complete list of winners from the 2012 Grammy Awards, which aired live on TV last night from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Adele walked away with all six of the awards for which she was nominated, including one for song of the year and the coveted album of the year trophy for her hit single “Rolling in the Deep,” tying with Beyonce for the most wins by a female artist in one year.

Not far behind was Kanye West who won three out of the seven categories he was nominated in, though he skipped out on this year’s show and wasn’t there to accept his awards in person. He won best rap album for “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” best rap performance with Jay-Z for “Otis” and best rap/sung collaboration with Rihanna, Fergie, Kid Cudi and others for “All of the Lights.”

The night’s other big winners included Bon Iver, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and the Foo Fighters.

See who else took home a golden Grammy trophy below:

Album Of The Year:
*WINNER 21 — Adele
Wasting Light — Foo Fighters
Born This Way — Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans — Bruno Mars
Loud — Rihanna

Record Of The Year:
*WINNER “Rolling In The Deep” — Adele
“Holocene” — Bon Iver
“Grenade” — Bruno Mars
“The Cave” — Mumford & Sons
“Firework” — Katy Perry

Best New Artist:
The Band Perry
*WINNER Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex

Best Country Album:
My Kinda Party — Jason Aldean
Chief — Eric Church
*WINNER Own The Night — Lady Antebellum
Red River Blue — Blake Shelton
Here For A Good Time — George Strait
Speak Now — Taylor Swift

Song Of The Year:
“All Of The Lights” — Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter & Kanye West, songwriters (Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie)
“The Cave” — Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford & Country Winston, songwriters (Mumford & Sons)
“Grenade” — Brody Brown, Claude Kelly, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Bruno Mars & Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Bruno Mars)
“Holocene” — Justin Vernon, songwriter (Bon Iver)
*WINNER “Rolling In The Deep” — Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth, songwriters (Adele)

Best R&B Album:
*WINNER F.A.M.E.— Chris Brown
Second Chance — El DeBarge
Love Letter — R. Kelly
Pieces Of Me — Ledisi
Kelly — Kelly Price

Best Rock Performance:
“Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” — Coldplay
“Down By The Water” — The Decemberists
*WINNER “Walk” — Foo Fighters
“The Cave” — Mumford & Sons
“Lotus Flower” — Radiohead

Best Rap Performance:
“Look At Me Now” — Chris Brown, Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes
*WINNER “Otis” — Jay-Z & Kanye West
“The Show Goes On” — Lupe Fiasco

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
*WINNER “Body And Soul” — Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse
“Dearest” — The Black Keys
“Paradise” — Coldplay
“Pumped Up Kicks” — Foster The People
“Moves Like Jagger” — Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera

Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance:
“On The Backs Of Angels” — Dream Theater
*WINNER “White Limo” — Foo Fighters
“Curl Of The Burl”— Mastodon
“Public Enemy No. 1″ — Megadeth
“Blood In My Eyes”— Sum 41

Best Rock Album:
Rock ‘N’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul — Jeff Beck
*WINNER Wasting Light— Foo Fighters
Come Around Sundown— Kings Of Leon
I’m With You — Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Whole Love— Wilco

Best Alternative Music Album:
*WINNER Bon Iver — Bon Iver
Codes And Keys — Death Cab For Cutie
Torches — Foster The People
Circuital — My Morning Jacket
The King Of Limbs— Radiohead

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:
“Party” — Beyoncé & André 3000
“I’m On One” — DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne
“I Need A Doctor” — Dr. Dre, Eminem & Skylar Grey
“What’s My Name?” — Rihanna & Drake
“Motivation” — Kelly Rowland & Lil Wayne
*WINNER: “All Of The Lights” — Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie
“Moment 4 Life” — Nicki Minaj & Drake
“Black And Yellow” — Wiz Khalifa

Best Pop Solo Performance:
*WINNER “Someone Like You” — Adele
“Yoü And I” — Lady Gaga
“Grenade” — Bruno Mars
“Firework” — Katy Perry
“F***in’ Perfect” — Pink

Best Country Solo Performance:
“Dirt Road Anthem” — Jason Aldean
“I’m Gonna Love You Through It” — Martina McBride
“Honey Bee” — Blake Shelton
*WINNER “Mean” — Taylor Swift
“Mama’s Song” — Carrie Underwood

Best Country Song:
“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” — Jim Collins & David Lee Murphy, songwriters (Thompson Square)
“God Gave Me You” — Dave Barnes, songwriter (Blake Shelton)
“Just Fishin’” — Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell & Ed Hill, songwriters (Trace Adkins)
*WINNER “Mean” — Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)
“Threaten Me With Heaven” — Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Will Owsley & Dillon O’Brian, songwriters (Vince Gill)
“You And Tequila” — Matraca Berg & Deana Carter, songwriters (Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter)

Best Rock Song:
“The Cave” — Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford & Country Winston (Mumford & Sons)
“Down By The Water” — Colin Meloy (The Decemberists)
“Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” — Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin (Coldplay)
“Lotus Flower” — Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Phil Selway & Thomn Yorke (Radiohead)
*WINNER “Walk” — Foo Fighters

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
Danger Mouse
*WINNER Paul Epworth
The Smeezingtons (Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Bruno Mars)
Ryan Tedder
Butch Vig.

Best Traditional R&B Performance:
“Sometimes I Cry” — Eric Benét
*WINNER “Fool For You” — Cee Lo Green & Melanie Fiona
“Radio Message” — R. Kelly
“Good Man” — Raphael Saadiq
“Surrender” — Betty Wright & The Roots

Best Pop Vocal Album:
*WINNER 21 — Adele
The Lady Killer — Cee Lo Green
Born This Way — Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans — Bruno Mars
Loud — Rihanna

Best Dance/Electronica Album:
*WINNER Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites — Skrillex
Zonoscope — Cut/Copy
4×4 = 12 — Deadmau5
Nothing But The Beat — David Guetta
Body Talk, Pt. 3 — Robyn

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album:
The Gift — Sussan Boyle
*WINNER Duets II — Tony Bennett & Various Artists
In Concert On Broadway — Harry Connick Jr.
Music Is Better Than Words — Seth MacFarlane
What Matters Most – Barbra Streisand Sings The Lyrics Of Alan and Marilyn Bergman — Barbra Streisand

Best R&B Performance:
*WINNER “Is This Love” — Corinne Bailey Rae
“Far Away” — Marsha Ambrosius
“Pieces Of Me” — Ledisi
“Not My Daddy” — Kelly Price & Stokley
“You Are” — Charlie Wilson

Best Dance Recording:
“Raise Your Weapon” — Deadmau5 & Greta Svabo Bech
“Barbra Streisand” — Duck Sauce
“Sunshine” — David Guetta & Avicii
“Call Your Girlfriend” — Robyn
*WINNER: “Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites” — Skrillex
“Save The World” — Swedish House Mafia

Best Long Form Video:
I Am…World Tour — Beyonce
*WINNER Foo Fighters: Back And Forth — Foo Fighters
Talihinia Sky: The Story Of Kings Of Leon — Kings of Leon
Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest — A Tribe Called Quest
Nine Types Of Light — TV On The Radio

Best Comedy Album
Alpocalypse — “Weird Al” Yankovic
*WINNER Hilarious — Louis C.K.
Finest Hour — Patton Oswalt
Kathy Griffin: 50 & Not Pregnant — Kathy Griffin
Turtleneck & Chain — The Lonely Island

Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media:
Black Swan — Clint Mansell
Harry Potter Ant The Deathly Hallows Part 2 — Alexandre Desplat
*WINNERS The King’s Speech — Alexandre Desplat
The Shrine — Ryan Shore
Tron Legacy — Daft Punk

Click Here for the complete list of winners »

BLUE IVY CARTER: FIRST PHOTOS OF BEYONCE AND JAY-Z’S NEWBORN DAUGHTER!

2012-02-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

Say hello to baby Blue Ivy Carter!
Instead of selling the first photos of their newborn daughter to the highest bidder, Beyonce and Jay-Z decided to personally post the photos of their baby girl online to popular micro-blogging site Tumblr.

The Carters posted a message along with the photos, which reads:
We welcome you to share in our joy. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this Beautiful time in our lives. - The Carter Family

MODEL GLADYS RODRIGUEZ

2012-02-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Recently introduced to the modeling world. Not your typical model! I'm VERY curvy, but fit and tall. Serious inquiries only. Will do TF shoots if it's beneficial to my portfolio.
Follow me on twitter @Gladys_xoxo

Big beautiful eyes mounted on a pretty face and a nice slim sexy body. Gladys Rodriguez is new to this game and we welcome her with open arms. Sam Rambo Photo knows how to find the hot babes, as you can see we're displaying more and more of his work.

2012 GRAMMY AWARDS RED CARPET PICTURES

2012-02-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

The 2012 Grammy Awards — arguably the year’s biggest night in music and entertainment — were held Sunday night (Feb 12) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. And lots of celebrities made appearances on the red carpet, including Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Wiz Khalifa & Amber Rose, J. Cole, Kelly Rowland, Common, Bruno Mars and many more.

Some of the other celebs who walked the red carpet of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards — hosted by Hip-Hop veteran LL Cool J — included Adele, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Diana Ross, Taraji P. Henson, Adam Levine, Flo Rida, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Birdman, Tyga, Nicki Minaj and more.

CHECK OUT 50+ PICTURES FROM THE RED CARPET OF THE 2012 GRAMMY AWARDS BELOW:

WHITNEY HOUSTON, DIES AT 48 YEARS OLD

2012-02-13T06:21:00.000-08:00

R&B icon Whitney Houston died this afternoon, reps for the singer have confirmed to multiple media outlets today. She was 48 years old.
According to confirmed reports, Houston was found unresponsive by her bodyguard, who immediately notified hotel security, who then called 911.
Police arrived to the scene within minutes and paramedics performed CPR, but they were unable to revive the music legend, who was pronounced dead at approximately 3:55 PM PT.

Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen reported that there were “no obvious signs of criminal intent” and her death is currently being investigated.
Houston, who famously battled drug addiction for years, died on the eve of the 54th annual Grammy Awards, and was also set to appear in “Sparkle,” a remake of the 1976 hit move, which was loosely based on the story of The Supremes.

“Sparkle” was Houston’s first movie role since “The Preacher’s Wife,” released in 1996. Houston also starred alongside Kevin Costner in “the Bodyguard” in 1992.

After “The Bodyguard,” Houston went on to appear in several more movies in the 1990s, including “Waiting to Exhale.”
Her last public appearance was Thursday night when she attended a pre-Grammy concert in Hollywood hosted by R&B singer Kelly Price. She surprised everyone when she took the mic and performed an impromptu rendition “Jesus Loves Me,” in what would become her last performance.
Over an illustrious musical career than spanned over 3 decades, Whitney Houston won two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards and 22 American Music AWards.
According to her official website, Houston sold over 170 million albums, singles and videos.
She also scored seven straight Billboard No. 1 hits in the 1980s, including “Saving All My Love for You,” “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love of All,” “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).”
Billboard says that her soundtrack for the movie “The Bodyguard” is one of the top 10 biggest-selling albums of all time, featuring the hit single “I Will Always Love You.”

On the personal side, Houston had a high-profile marriage to R&B singer Bobby Brown, with whom she had one child with, Bobbi Kristina.
Houston and Brown were married between the years of 1992 and 2007.
In addition to her daughter, Whitney is also survived by her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, and her cousin, R&B legend Dionne Warrick.

JAY-Z PERFORMS WITH ALICIA KEYS AND NAS AT CARNEGIE HALL IN NEW YORK CITY

2012-02-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

Jay-Z made history Monday night (Feb 6) as he put on a show at Carnegie Hall.
The Roc Nation CEO –backed by a full, 36-piece orchestra — performed several hits from his musical catalog, including the opening numbers “PSA” and “Thank You,” as well as other songs like “Heart of the City,” “Big Pimpin,” “Jigga,” and “Young Forever.”
The New York City native was joined by Alicia Keys for their famous “Empire State of Mind” single, and he also performed with fellow New York rapper Nas for “N.Y. State of Mind,” before Alicia Keys joined the latter for a performance of “If I Ruled the World.”

Jay-Z, who dressed up in two different tuxes (one white, one black) and later dressed down in a black t-shirt, also performed several other songs, including his “Glory” track dedicated to his month-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter. “I didn’t think I was gonna make it through that one, that was tough,” Jay said at the close of the number.

Celebrities in attendance at the concert included everyone from Liza Minnelli to CC Sabathia of the New York Yankees, to even his wife Beyonce, who stepped out in a sexy red dress for the first time since giving birth to their daughter Blue Ivy Carter a month ago today.

According to MTV, last night’s show was one of the two concerts held at the Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall to benefit the the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation and the United Way of NYC in an effort to raise money for gifted high school students who aren’t financially positioned to attend college.

Peep the photos below:

SNOOP DOGG CELEBRATES BOB MARLEY'S BIRTHDAY!

2012-02-08T06:19:00.000-08:00

Snoop Dogg Puffs One To Celebrate Bob Marleys Birthday.
"He made his reggae music to uplift us, inform, entertain, inspire, and make change in the world. He's a musician, a poet and songwriter, a philosopher, a soldier, an activist and a leader." - Cedella Marley
Bob Marley Birthday Celebrations!
"It is not the people we come to play...we come to play music" -- Bob Marley
We'll be celebrating Bob's birthday this year by sharing gifts with his online community. For starters, please check out the new exclusive wallpaper.
We would also like to invite you to visit Bob's Facebook page for week long activities and chances to win some cool Marley merch!
More soon come... like news about the new biographical film, and a special opportunity to remix a classic Bob Marley song!

CHECK OUT SNOOPS VIDEO.

INDIAN WOMAN GIVES BIRTH TO 11 KIDS ALL AT ONCE

2012-02-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

This is very unbelievable truly God is wonderful i am just imagining the kind of joy this India woman will be feeling right now .

Guys what do u thing about this will you call it a blessing or what?

BIRDMAN NAMED IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE

2012-01-31T10:34:00.000-08:00

Birdman was recently named in a sexual assault case alongside Cash Money Records co-founder Ronald “Slim” Williams. The two were not directly involved in the incident. Their associate Alfred Cleveland has already been implicated in the crime and is currently serving time in prison for his part in the incident. But they are being targeted for creating the circumstances that permitted the sexual assault to take place.

According to Nicole Westmoreland, she was invited by Baby to make a business presentation at an event hosted by the label. At some point she went into a restroom, where she was assaulted by Cleveland and afterwards she was offered $100,000 to not report the assault to the police. She refused the money and claims that they attempted to intimidate her.

“[They said] that if I didn’t drop it that they were going to kill me,” said Westmoreland in court. “I believe that Brian Williams and Ronald Williams had to know that the rapist was dangerous.”

Cash Money’s attorney Jim Cox has denied the victim’s claims and in an attempt to distance the label from liability, he asserted that Cleveland was just a friend, not an employee.

The victim sought treatment in a mental hospital after the sexual assault left her feeling suicidal. She is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.

- By Kim Taylor

THINGS THAT TURN MEN OFF (UNEXPECTEDLY)

2012-01-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

Strange things that will make a man's sex drive turn quickly from on to off.
And you thought just nagging him to death or dragging him to the latest rom-com blockbuster were the ultimate turn offs for men. Turns out, in the world of love, there are more than a handful of moves that can turn a guy off. Here, five of those things that might unexpectedly turn men off and launch him right out of bed:

1. Your tears turn men off. A study, published recently in the journal Science, found that when men smell women's tears, they became less sexually aroused and were less attracted to the same women than when they smelled a saline solution that was dribbled on the women’s cheeks. Researchers think this may illustrate a biochemical cue women give off to non-verbally communicate, "Not tonight dear," particularly when we're PMS-ing or having our periods. Seems like the researchers simply didn't quite know what else to make of it, and therefore had to go and blame everyone's favorite sexist scapegoat, The Crimson Wave. Nonetheless, the writing's on the wall: If you want to keep him hot and bothered, it might pay to curb weepiness.

2. Painted-on pouts turn men off. Many of us never outgrow wanting to play "dress up." We wander the aisles at Sephora searching for the ultimate Pink lipstick or super-thickening, lengthening mascara. It's a win-win, right—we have fun playing with makeup, and the result is looking gorgeous. But apparently, men aren't as enthusiastic about it. A recent survey found that one in five men wished his partner would tone down their makeup, while one in ten said he liked women au naturel. If your guy falls into either category, you may do well to tell him, "Fine, but don't you DARE take a Twitpic of me like Russell Brand did to Katy Perry, or you're outta here!"

3. Porn. You're thinking, "What, how can that be???" The occasional skin flick is probably no big thing, but experts say men who frequently view porn may develop unrealistic expectations of women's appearance and behavior, have difficulty forming and sustaining relationships and feeling sexually satisfied.

4. Fruity, or foody, scents. If you think you're going to get his motor running with that cotton candy or creme brulee body cream, think again. According to a scent test done by editors at Cosmopolitan, sugary-smelling, fruity or lollipop-ish perfumes make guys think of the candy store or the kitchen, not the bedroom. The better pick: Eau de Dove soap. Guys seem to prefer to steam it up with gals who smell like they came straight from a sudsy shower.
5. Soy. He might think he's being healthy—and saving you the anguish of dealing with the byproducts of his lactose intolerance!—when he chooses soy milk for his protein shake, but if you know what's good for your sex life, you'll tell him to step away from the soy! The isoflavones in the plant are similar to estrogens in the body, which can have a libido-quashing effect on men. In fact, there's a rumor that monks actually eat soy to stave off sexual urges.

‘AMERICAN HIP-HOP ARTISTS ARE SCARED TO VISIT AFRICA’ - NAS

2012-01-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

‘There have been a lot of lies told to American people about what’s going on in Africa‘, African-American rapper, Nasir ‘Nas’ Jones recently said at a press conference held in the US.

The bestselling rapper says his colleagues do not like to visit Africa because they are afraid of the ‘dark continent.’

LISTEN TO NAS AND K’NAAN ON ‘NOTHING TO LOSE’

The award winning rap veteran disclosed that his growing up times was when Jamaican singer, Bob Marley was talking about ‘African Unity’ and that got him interested in his roots. Sharing his experiences on his visit to Africa, he said that the horror stories about Africa is out of this world and pointed out that African – Americans and Africans do not communicate, don’t see a reason to talk and do not get along.

‘I think it’s up to Africans to show us that when we come there, we will be alright. I’ve been in Nigeria and it also made me cry when I saw the living conditions of people there and there’s no connection…’, Nas said.

Nas visited Nigeria when he attended the 2008 edition of the Soundcity Music Video Awards (SMVA) to present the award for the ‘Best Hip-Hop Video’.

Furthermore, he called the attention of hip-hop artists who are largely African Americans saying that they have a role to play in changing the current status quo of the African continent.

He raised questions about why rock stars like Bono seem to do so much in Africa and hip-hop artists are not. He then encouraged hip hop artists to also do notable things as such, in his words, ‘hip-hop needs to start raising some voices’.

Nas who is born to a Nigerian father Olu Dara Jones, is gearing up for the release of his 10th studio album ‘Life is Good’.

MODEL ESTEFANY TEJADA

2012-01-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

I am kind of new to this site but not new to the modeling industry....I've been modeling since I was a young girl. My uncle was a photographer and often took photographs of me in natural movement. Growing up I have always been active in sports and exercising my creative mind
Please take the time to acknowledge my style and levels of work that I have done. My photos and resume easily displays my flexibility, range and quality of work that I have experienced.

I am willing to consider TFP, only if you are comparable, creative and/ or Above the quality of photographers that I have worked with today. --- Will also consider if our shoot grantees a cover, tearsheets or spread in an already known (major or highly) popular publication.
---Please contact me with full details of the shoots and compensation. Hair/MUA/Wordrobe Etc.
BookEstefanyT@gmail.com

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S 2012 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

2012-01-25T10:11:00.000-08:00

President Barack Obama delivered his annual “State of the Union” address Tuesday night (Jan 24), outlining a handful of economic proposals, as well as an “economic blueprint” for the country that he says will attempt to give all Americans a “fair shot.”

In the third and last address of his first term, an upbeat President Obama gave his speech in the chamber of the House of Representatives, an arena that has been ruled by the Republican party, who makes up the majority of the House and continues to block much of his agenda.

Among the highlights of Obama’s address to the nation included several proposals, including making changes to the tax code that would not only limit deductions for companies that move jobs overseas, but also reward companies that create jobs here in the U.S. and increase taxes on wealthy Americans.
President Obama called for Congress to institute his new “Buffet Rule” — named after Berkshire Hathaway’s billionaire chairman Warren E. Buffett — which would force people who make over $1 million a year to pay a minimum effective tax rate of at least 30 percent in income taxes.
While Obama placed heavy emphasis on the economy, his speech was relatively short on national security, an area where political analysts and his own aides say his performance has been much stronger, compared to his performance with the economy.
He ended his speech by reflecting on the American assault last year that finally killed Osama bin Laden after 10 long years, recalling that fateful May 2011 day when he monitored the attack from the White House.
In addition his economic proposals, Obama also talked about putting in place new immigration laws, increasing student aid and making it so that students aren’t allowed to drop out of high school until they are at least 18 years old.
President Obama also announced the Defense Department’s brand new clean energy initiative, which he said “will make one of the largest commitments to clean energy in history” and has the potential to “power a quarter of a million homes a year.”

WATCH OBAMA DELIVER HIS 2012 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS BELOW:

TRANSCRIPT:

Thank you. Thank you so much.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:
Last month, I went to Andrews Air Force Base and welcomed home some of our last troops to serve in Iraq. Together, we offered a final, proud salute to the colors under which more than a million of our fellow citizens fought – and several thousand gave their lives.
We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the United States safer and more respected around the world. For the first time in nine years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq. For the first time in two decades, Osama bin Laden is not a threat to this country. Most of al Qaeda’s top lieutenants have been defeated. The Taliban’s momentum has been broken, and some troops in Afghanistan have begun to come home.
These achievements are a testament to the courage, selflessness, and teamwork of America’s Armed Forces. At a time when too many of our institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations. They’re not consumed with personal ambition. They don’t obsess over their differences. They focus on the mission at hand. They work together.
Imagine what we could accomplish if we followed their example. Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we’re in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren’t so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded.
We can do this. I know we can, because we’ve done it before. At the end of World War II, when another generation of heroes returned home from combat, they built the strongest economy and middle class the world has ever known. My grandfather, a veteran of Patton’s Army, got the chance to go to college on the GI Bill. My grandmother, who worked on a bomber assembly line, was part of a workforce that turned out the best products on Earth.
The two of them shared the optimism of a Nation that had triumphed over a depression and fascism. They understood they were part of something larger; that they were contributing to a story of success that every American had a chance to share – the basic American promise that if you worked hard, you could do well enough to raise a family, own a home, send your kids to college, and put a little away for retirement.
The defining issue of our time is how to keep that promise alive. No challenge is more urgent. No debate is more important. We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, and everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules. What’s at stake aren’t Democratic values or Republican values, but American values. We have to reclaim them.
Let’s remember how we got here. Long before the recession, jobs and manufacturing began leaving our shores. Technology made businesses more efficient, but also made some jobs obsolete. Folks at the top saw their incomes rise like never before, but most hardworking Americans struggled with costs that were growing, paychecks that weren’t, and personal debt that kept piling up.
In 2008, the house of cards collapsed. We learned that mortgages had been sold to people who couldn’t afford or understand them. Banks had made huge bets and bonuses with other people’s money. Regulators had looked the other way, or didn’t have the authority to stop the bad behavior.
It was wrong. It was irresponsible. And it plunged our economy into a crisis that put millions out of work, saddled us with more debt, and left innocent, hard-working Americans holding the bag. In the six months before I took office, we lost nearly four million jobs. And we lost another four million before our policies were in full effect.
Those are the facts. But so are these. In the last 22 months, businesses have created more than three million jobs. Last year, they created the most jobs since 2005. American manufacturers are hiring again, creating jobs for the first time since the late 1990s. Together, we’ve agreed to cut the deficit by more than $2 trillion. And we’ve put in place new rules to hold Wall Street accountable, so a crisis like this never happens again.

The state of our Union is getting stronger. And we’ve come too far to turn back now. As long as I’m President, I will work with anyone in this chamber to build on this momentum. But I intend to fight obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first place.
No, we will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt, and phony financial profits. Tonight, I want to speak about how we move forward, and lay out a blueprint for an economy that’s built to last – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.
This blueprint begins with American manufacturing.
On the day I took office, our auto industry was on the verge of collapse. Some even said we should let it die. With a million jobs at stake, I refused to let that happen. In exchange for help, we demanded responsibility. We got workers and automakers to settle their differences. We got the industry to retool and restructure. Today, General Motors is back on top as the world’s number one automaker. Chrysler has grown faster in the U.S. than any major car company. Ford is investing billions in U.S. plants and factories. And together, the entire industry added nearly 160,000 jobs.
We bet on American workers. We bet on American ingenuity. And tonight, the American auto industry is back.
What’s happening in Detroit can happen in other industries. It can happen in Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Raleigh. We can’t bring every job back that’s left our shores. But right now, it’s getting more expensive to do business in places like China. Meanwhile, America is more productive. A few weeks ago, the CEO of Master Lock told me that it now makes business sense for him to bring jobs back home. Today, for the first time in fifteen years, Master Lock’s unionized plant in Milwaukee is running at full capacity.
So we have a huge opportunity, at this moment, to bring manufacturing back. But we have to seize it. Tonight, my message to business leaders is simple: Ask yourselves what you can do to bring jobs back to your country, and your country will do everything we can to help you succeed.
We should start with our tax code. Right now, companies get tax breaks for moving jobs and profits overseas. Meanwhile, companies that choose to stay in America get hit with one of the highest tax rates in the world. It makes no sense, and everyone knows it.
So let’s change it. First, if you’re a business that wants to outsource jobs, you shouldn’t get a tax deduction for doing it. That money should be used to cover moving expenses for companies like Master Lock that decide to bring jobs home.
Second, no American company should be able to avoid paying its fair share of taxes by moving jobs and profits overseas. From now on, every multinational company should have to pay a basic minimum tax. And every penny should go towards lowering taxes for companies that choose to stay here and hire here – in America.
Third, if you’re an American manufacturer, you should get a bigger tax cut. If you’re a high-tech manufacturer, we should double the tax deduction you get for making your products here. And if you want to relocate in a community that was hit hard when a factory left town, you should get help financing a new plant, equipment, or training for new workers.
So, my message, my message is simple. It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America. Send me these tax reforms, and I will sign them right away.
We’re also making it easier for American businesses to sell products all over the world. Two years ago, I set a goal of doubling U.S. exports over five years. With the bipartisan trade agreements we signed into law, we are on track to meet that goal – ahead of schedule. Soon, there will be millions of new customers for American goods in Panama, Colombia, and South Korea. Soon, there will be new cars on the streets of Seoul imported from Detroit, and Toledo, and Chicago.
Now, I will go anywhere in the world to open new markets for American products. And I will not stand by when our competitors don’t play by the rules. We’ve brought trade cases against China at nearly twice the rate as the last administration – and it’s made a difference. Over a thousand Americans are working today because we stopped a surge in Chinese tires. But we need to do more. It’s not right when another country lets our movies, music, and software be pirated. It’s not fair when foreign manufacturers have a leg up on ours only because they’re heavily subsidized.
Tonight, I’m announcing the creation of a Trade Enforcement Unit that will be charged with investigating unfair trading practices in countries like China. There will be more inspections, more inspections to prevent counterfeit or unsafe goods from crossing our borders. And this Congress should make sure that no foreign company has an advantage over American manufacturing when it comes to accessing financing or new markets like Russia. Our workers are the most productive on Earth, and if the playing field is level, I promise you – America will always win.
I also hear from many business leaders who want to hire in the United States but can’t find workers with the right skills. Growing industries in science and technology have twice as many openings as we have workers who can do the job. Think about that – openings at a time when millions of Americans are looking for work.
It’s inexcusable. And we know how to fix it.
Jackie Bray is a single mom from North Carolina who was laid off from her job as a mechanic. Then Siemens opened a gas turbine factory in Charlotte, and formed a partnership with Central Piedmont Community College. The company helped the college design courses in laser and robotics training. It paid Jackie’s tuition, then hired her to help operate their plant.

I want every American looking for work to have the same opportunity as Jackie did. Join me in a national commitment to train two million Americans with skills that will lead directly to a job. My Administration has already lined up more companies that want to help. Model partnerships between businesses like Siemens and community colleges in places like Charlotte, Orlando, and Louisville are up and running. Now you need to give more community colleges the resources they need to become community career centers – places that teach people skills local businesses are looking for right now, from data management to high-tech manufacturing.
And I want to cut through the maze of confusing training programs, so that from now on, people like Jackie have one program, one website, and one place to go for all the information and help they need. It is time to turn our unemployment system into a reemployment system that puts people to work.
These reforms will help people get jobs that are open today. But to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, our commitment to skills and education has to start earlier.
For less than one percent of what our Nation spends on education each year, we’ve convinced nearly every State in the country to raise their standards for teaching and learning – the first time that’s happened in a generation.
But challenges remain. And we know how to solve them.
At a time when other countries are doubling down on education, tight budgets have forced States to lay off thousands of teachers. We know a good teacher can increase the lifetime income of a classroom by over $250,000. A great teacher can offer an escape from poverty to the child who dreams beyond his circumstance. Every person in this chamber can point to a teacher who changed the trajectory of their lives. Most teachers work tirelessly, with modest pay, sometimes digging into their own pocket for school supplies – just to make a difference.
Teachers matter. So instead of bashing them, or defending the status quo, let’s offer schools a deal. Give them the resources to keep good teachers on the job, and reward the best ones. And in return, grant schools flexibility: To teach with creativity and passion; to stop teaching to the test; and to replace teachers who just aren’t helping kids learn. That’s a bargain worth making.
We also know that when students don’t walk away from their education, more of them walk the stage to get their diploma. When students are not allowed to drop out, they do better. So tonight, I call on every State to require that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn eighteen.
When kids do graduate, the most daunting challenge can be the cost of college. At a time when Americans owe more in tuition debt than credit card debt, this Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling in July. Extend the tuition tax credit we started that saves millions of middle-class families thousands of dollars. And give more young people the chance to earn their way through college by doubling the number of work-study jobs in the next five years.
Of course, it’s not enough for us to increase student aid. We can’t just keep subsidizing skyrocketing tuition; we’ll run out of money. States also need to do their part, by making higher education a higher priority in their budgets. And colleges and universities have to do their part by working to keep costs down. Now, Recently, I spoke with a group of college presidents who’ve done just that. Some schools re-design courses to help students finish more quickly. Some use better technology. The point is, it’s possible. So let me put colleges and universities on notice: If you can’t stop tuition from going up, the funding you get from taxpayers will go down. Higher education can’t be a luxury – it is an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford.
Let’s also remember that hundreds of thousands of talented, hardworking students in this country face another challenge: The fact that they aren’t yet American citizens. Many were brought here as small children, are American through and through, yet they live every day with the threat of deportation. Others came more recently, to study business and science and engineering, but as soon as they get their degree, we send them home to invent new products and create new jobs somewhere else.
That doesn’t make sense.
I believe as strongly as ever that we should take on illegal immigration. That’s why my Administration has put more boots on the border than ever before. That’s why there are fewer illegal crossings than when I took office.
The opponents of action are out of excuses. We should be working on comprehensive immigration reform right now. But if election-year politics keeps Congress from acting on a comprehensive plan, let’s at least agree to stop expelling responsible young people who want to staff our labs, start new businesses, and defend this country. Send me a law that gives them the chance to earn their citizenship. I will sign it right away.
You see, an economy built to last is one where we encourage the talent and ingenuity of every person in this country. That means women should earn equal pay for equal work. It means we should support everyone who’s willing to work; and every risk-taker and entrepreneur who aspires to become the next Steve Jobs.
After all, innovation is what America has always been about. Most new jobs are created in start-ups and small businesses. So let’s pass an agenda that helps them succeed. Tear down regulations that prevent aspiring entrepreneurs from getting the financing to grow. Expand tax relief to small businesses that are raising wages and creating good jobs. Both parties agree on these ideas. So put them in a bill, and get it on my desk this year.

Innovation also demands basic research. Today, the discoveries taking place in our federally-financed labs and universities could lead to new treatments that kill cancer cells but leave healthy ones untouched. New lightweight vests for cops and soldiers that can stop any bullet. Don’t gut these investments in our budget. Don’t let other countries win the race for the future. Support the same kind of research and innovation that led to the computer chip and the Internet; to new American jobs and new American industries.
Nowhere is the promise of innovation greater than in American-made energy. Over the last three years, we’ve opened millions of new acres for oil and gas exploration, and tonight, I’m directing my Administration to open more than 75 percent of our potential offshore oil and gas resources. Right now, right now American oil production is the highest that it’s been in eight years. That’s right – eight years. Not only that – last year, we relied less on foreign oil than in any of the past sixteen years.
But with only 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves, oil isn’t enough. This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy – a strategy that’s cleaner, cheaper, and full of new jobs.
We have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly one hundred years, and my Administration will take every possible action to safely develop this energy. Experts believe this will support more than 600,000 jobs by the end of the decade. And I’m requiring all companies that drill for gas on public lands to disclose the chemicals they use. America will develop this resource without putting the health and safety of our citizens at risk.
The development of natural gas will create jobs and power trucks and factories that are cleaner and cheaper, proving that we don’t have to choose between our environment and our economy. And by the way, it was public research dollars, over the course of thirty years, that helped develop the technologies to extract all this natural gas out of shale rock – reminding us that Government support is critical in helping businesses get new energy ideas off the ground.
Now, what’s true for natural gas is just as true for clean energy. In three years, our partnership with the private sector has already positioned America to be the world’s leading manufacturer of high-tech batteries. Because of federal investments, renewable energy use has nearly doubled. And thousands of Americans have jobs because of it.
When Bryan Ritterby was laid off from his job making furniture, he said he worried that at 55, no one would give him a second chance. But he found work at Energetx, a wind turbine manufacturer in Michigan. Before the recession, the factory only made luxury yachts. Today, it’s hiring workers like Bryan, who said, “I’m proud to be working in the industry of the future.”
Our experience with shale gas, our experience with natural gas shows us that the payoffs on these public investments don’t always come right away. Some technologies don’t pan out; some companies fail. But I will not walk away from the promise of clean energy. I will not walk away from workers like Bryan. I will not cede the wind or solar or battery industry to China or Germany because we refuse to make the same commitment here. We have subsidized oil companies for a century. That’s long enough. It’s time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s rarely been more profitable, and double-down on a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising. Pass clean energy tax credits and create these jobs.
We can also spur energy innovation with new incentives. The differences in this chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan to fight climate change. But there’s no reason why Congress shouldn’t at least set a clean energy standard that creates a market for innovation. So far, you haven’t acted. Well tonight, I will. I’m directing my Administration to allow the development of clean energy on enough public land to power three million homes. And I’m proud to announce that the Department of Defense, working with us, the world’s largest consumer of energy, will make one of the largest commitments to clean energy in history – with the Navy purchasing enough capacity to power a quarter of a million homes a year.
Of course, the easiest way to save money is to waste less energy. So here’s a proposal: Help manufacturers eliminate energy waste in their factories and give businesses incentives to upgrade their buildings. Their energy bills will be $100 billion lower over the next decade, and America will have less pollution, more manufacturing, more jobs for construction workers who need them. Send me a bill that creates these jobs.
Building this new energy future should be just one part of a broader agenda to repair America’s infrastructure. So much of America needs to be rebuilt. We’ve got crumbling roads and bridges. A power grid that wastes too much energy. An incomplete high-speed broadband network that prevents a small business owner in rural America from selling her products all over the world.
During the Great Depression, America built the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge. After World War II, we connected our States with a system of highways. Democratic and Republican administrations invested in great projects that benefited everybody, from the workers who built them to the businesses that still use them today.
In the next few weeks, I will sign an Executive Order clearing away the red tape that slows down too many construction projects. But you need to fund these projects. Take the money we’re no longer spending at war, use half of it to pay down our debt, and use the rest to do some nation-building right here at home.
There’s never been a better time to build, especially since the construction industry was one of the hardest-hit when the housing bubble burst. Of course, construction workers weren’t the only ones who were hurt. So were millions of innocent Americans who’ve seen their home values decline. And while Government can’t fix the problem on its own, responsible homeowners shouldn’t have to sit and wait for the housing market to hit bottom to get some relief.
And that’s why I’m sending this Congress a plan that gives every responsible homeowner the chance to save about $3,000 a year on their mortgage, by refinancing at historically low interest rates. No more red tape. No more runaround from the banks. A small fee on the largest financial institutions will ensure that it won’t add to the deficit, and will give those banks that were rescued by taxpayers a chance to repay a deficit of trust.
Let’s never forget: Millions of Americans who work hard and play by the rules every day deserve a Government and a financial system that do the same. It’s time to apply the same rules from top to bottom: No bailouts, no handouts, and no copouts. An America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody.
We’ve all paid the price for lenders who sold mortgages to people who couldn’t afford them, and buyers who knew they couldn’t afford them. That’s why we need smart regulations to prevent irresponsible behavior. Rules to prevent financial fraud, or toxic dumping, or faulty medical devices, these don’t destroy the free market. They make the free market work better.
Now, there is no question that some regulations are outdated, unnecessary, or too costly. In fact, I’ve approved fewer regulations in the first three years of my presidency than my Republican predecessor did in his. I’ve ordered every federal agency to eliminate rules that don’t make sense. We’ve already announced over 500 reforms, and just a fraction of them will save business and citizens more than $10 billion over the next five years. We got rid of one rule from 40 years ago that could have forced some dairy farmers to spend $10,000 a year proving that they could contain a spill – because milk was somehow classified as an oil. With a rule like that, I guess it was worth crying over spilled milk.
I’m confident a farmer can contain a milk spill without a federal agency looking over his shoulder. But I will not back down from making sure an oil company can contain the kind of oil spill we saw in the Gulf two years ago. We will not back down from protecting our kids from mercury pollution, or making sure that our food is safe and our water is clean. I will not go back to the days when health insurance companies had unchecked power to cancel your policy, deny you coverage, or charge women differently than men.
And I will not go back to the days when Wall Street was allowed to play by its own set of rules. The new rules we passed restore what should be any financial system’s core purpose: Getting funding to entrepreneurs with the best ideas, and getting loans to responsible families who want to buy a home, or start a business, or send a kid to college.
So if you’re a big bank or financial institution, you are no longer allowed to make risky bets with your customers’ deposits. You’re required to write out a “living will” that details exactly how you’ll pay the bills if you fail – because the rest of us are not bailing you out ever again. And if you’re a mortgage lender or a payday lender or a credit card company, the days of signing people up for products they can’t afford with confusing forms and deceptive practices. Those days are over. Today, American consumers finally have a watchdog in Richard Cordray with one job: To look out for them.
We’ll also establish a Financial Crimes Unit of highly trained investigators to crack down on large-scale fraud and protect people’s investments. Some financial firms violate major anti-fraud laws because there’s no real penalty for being a repeat offender. That’s bad for consumers, and it’s bad for the vast majority of bankers and financial service professionals who do the right thing. So pass legislation that makes the penalties for fraud count.
And tonight, I am asking my Attorney General to create a special unit of federal prosecutors and leading state attorneys general to expand our investigations into the abusive lending and packaging of risky mortgages that led to the housing crisis. This new unit will hold accountable those who broke the law, speed assistance to homeowners, and help turn the page on an era of recklessness that hurt so many Americans.
A return to the American values of fair play and shared responsibility will help us protect our people and our economy. But it should also guide as we look to pay down our debt and invest in our future.
Right now, our most immediate priority is stopping a tax hike on 160 million working Americans while the recovery is still fragile. People cannot afford losing $40 out of each paycheck this year. There are plenty of ways to get this done. So let’s agree right here, right now: No side issues. No drama. Pass the payroll tax cut without delay. Let’s get it done.
When it comes to the deficit, we’ve already agreed to more than $2 trillion in cuts and savings. But we need to do more, and that means making choices. Right now, we’re poised to spend nearly $1 trillion more on what was supposed to be a temporary tax break for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. Right now, because of loopholes and shelters in the tax code, a quarter of all millionaires pay lower tax rates than millions of middle-class households. Right now, Warren Buffett pays a lower tax rate than his secretary.
Do we want to keep these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans? Or do we want to keep our investments in everything else – like education and medical research; a strong military and care for our veterans? Because if we’re serious about paying down our debt, we can’t do both.
The American people know what the right choice is. So do I. As I told the Speaker this summer, I’m prepared to make more reforms that rein in the long term costs of Medicare and Medicaid, and strengthen Social Security, so long as those programs remain a guarantee of security for seniors.
But in return, we need to change our tax code so that people like me, and an awful lot of Members of Congress, pay our fair share of taxes. Tax reform should follow the Buffett rule: If you make more than $1 million a year, you should not pay less than 30 percent in taxes. And my Republican friend Tom Coburn is right: Washington should stop subsidizing millionaires. In fact, if you’re earning a million dollars a year, you shouldn’t get special tax subsidies or deductions. On the other hand, if you make under $250,000 a year, like 98 percent of American families, your taxes shouldn’t go up. You’re the ones struggling with rising costs and stagnant wages. You’re the ones who need relief.
Now, you can call this class warfare all you want. But asking a billionaire to pay at least as much as his secretary in taxes? Most Americans would call that common sense.
We don’t begrudge financial success in this country. We admire it. When Americans talk about folks like me paying my fair share of taxes, it’s not because they envy the rich. It’s because they understand that when I get a tax break I don’t need and the country can’t afford, it either adds to the deficit, or somebody else has to make up the difference – like a senior on a fixed income; or a student trying to get through school; or a family trying to make ends meet. That’s not right. Americans know that’s not right. They know that this generation’s success is only possible because past generations felt a responsibility to each other, and to the future of their country, and they know our way of life will only endure if we feel that same sense of shared responsibility. That’s how we’ll reduce our deficit. That’s an America built to last.
I recognize that people watching tonight have differing views about taxes, debt; energy and health care. But no matter what party they belong to, I bet most Americans are thinking the same thing right about now: Nothing will get done this year, or next year, or maybe even the year after that, because Washington is broken.
Can you blame them for feeling a little cynical?
The greatest blow to our confidence in our economy last year didn’t come from events beyond our control. It came from a debate in Washington over whether the United States would pay its bills or not. Who benefited from that fiasco?
I’ve talked tonight about the deficit of trust between Main Street and Wall Street. But the divide between this city and the rest of the country is at least as bad – and it seems to get worse every year.
Some of this has to do with the corrosive influence of money in politics. So together, let’s take some steps to fix that. Send me a bill that bans insider trading by Members of Congress, I will sign it tomorrow. Let’s limit any elected official from owning stocks in industries they impact. Let’s make sure people who bundle campaign contributions for Congress can’t lobby Congress, and vice versa – an idea that has bipartisan support, at least outside of Washington.
Some of what’s broken has to do with the way Congress does its business these days. A simple majority is no longer enough to get anything – even routine business – passed through the Senate. Neither party has been blameless in these tactics. Now both parties should put an end to it. For starters, I ask the Senate to pass a simple rule that all judicial and public service nominations receive a simple up or down vote within 90 days.
The executive branch also needs to change. Too often, it’s inefficient, outdated and remote. That’s why I’ve asked this Congress to grant me the authority to consolidate the federal bureaucracy so that our Government is leaner, quicker, and more responsive to the needs of the American people.
Finally, none of this can happen unless we also lower the temperature in this town. We need to end the notion that the two parties must be locked in a perpetual campaign of mutual destruction; that politics is about clinging to rigid ideologies instead of building consensus around common sense ideas.
I’m a Democrat. But I believe what Republican Abraham Lincoln believed: That Government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more. That’s why my education reform offers more competition, and more control for schools and States. That’s why we’re getting rid of regulations that don’t work. That’s why our health care law relies on a reformed private market, not a Government program.
On the other hand, even my Republican friends who complain the most about Government spending have supported federally-financed roads, and clean energy projects, and federal offices for the folks back home.
The point is, we should all want a smarter, more effective Government. And while we may not be able to bridge our biggest philosophical differences this year, we can make real progress. With or without this Congress, I will keep taking actions that help the economy grow. But I can do a whole lot more with your help. Because when we act together, there is nothing the United States of America can’t achieve.
That is the lesson we’ve learned from our actions abroad over the last few years.
Ending the Iraq war has allowed us to strike decisive blows against our enemies. From Pakistan to Yemen, the al Qaeda operatives who remain are scrambling, knowing that they can’t escape the reach of the United States of America.
From this position of strength, we’ve begun to wind down the war in Afghanistan. Ten thousand of our troops have come home. Twenty-three thousand more will leave by the end of this summer. This transition to Afghan lead will continue, and we will build an enduring partnership with Afghanistan, so that it is never again a source of attacks against America.
As the tide of war recedes, a wave of change has washed across the Middle East and North Africa, from Tunis to Cairo; from Sana’a to Tripoli. A year ago, Qadhafi was one of the world’s longest-serving dictators – a murderer with American blood on his hands. Today, he is gone. And in Syria, I have no doubt that the Assad regime will soon discover that the forces of change can’t be reversed, and that human dignity cannot be denied.
How this incredible transformation will end remains uncertain. But we have a huge stake in the outcome. And while it is ultimately up to the people of the region to decide their fate, we will advocate for those values that have served our own country so well. We will stand against violence and intimidation. We will stand for the rights and dignity of all human beings – men and women; Christians, Muslims, and Jews. We will support policies that lead to strong and stable democracies and open markets, because tyranny is no match for liberty.
And we will safeguard America’s own security against those who threaten our citizens, our friends, and our interests. Look at Iran. Through the power of our diplomacy, a world that was once divided about how to deal with Iran’s nuclear program now stands as one. The regime is more isolated than ever before; its leaders are faced with crippling sanctions, and as long as they shirk their responsibilities, this pressure will not relent. Let there be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to achieve that goal. But a peaceful resolution of this issue is still possible, and far better, and if Iran changes course and meets its obligations, it can rejoin the community of nations.
The renewal of American leadership can be felt across the globe. Our oldest alliances in Europe and Asia are stronger than ever. Our ties to the Americas are deeper. Our iron-clad commitment – and I mean iron-clad — to Israel’s security has meant the closest military cooperation between our two countries in history. We’ve made it clear that America is a Pacific power, and a new beginning in Burma has lit a new hope. From the coalitions we’ve built to secure nuclear materials, to the missions we’ve led against hunger and disease; from the blows we’ve dealt to our enemies; to the enduring power of our moral example, America is back.
Anyone who tells you otherwise, anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, doesn’t know what they’re talking about. That’s not the message we get from leaders around the world, who are eager to work with us. That’s not how people feel from Tokyo to Berlin; from Cape Town to Rio; where opinions of America are higher than they’ve been in years. Yes, the world is changing; no, we can’t control every event. But America remains the one indispensable nation in world affairs – and as long as I’m President, I intend to keep it that way.
That’s why, working with our military leaders, I have proposed a new defense strategy that ensures we maintain the finest military in the world, while saving nearly half a trillion dollars in our budget. To stay one step ahead of our adversaries, I have already sent this Congress legislation that will secure our country from the growing danger of cyber-threats.
Above all, our freedom endures because of the men and women in uniform who defend it. As they come home, we must serve them as well as they’ve served us. That includes giving them the care and benefits they have earned – which is why we’ve increased annual VA spending every year I’ve been President. And it means enlisting our veterans in the work of rebuilding our Nation.
With the bipartisan support of this Congress, we are providing new tax credits to companies that hire vets. Michelle and Jill Biden have worked with American businesses to secure a pledge of 135,000 jobs for veterans and their families. And tonight, I’m proposing a Veterans Jobs Corps that will help our communities hire veterans as cops and firefighters, so that America is as strong as those who defend her.
Which brings me back to where I began. Those of us who’ve been sent here to serve can learn a thing or two from the service of our troops. When you put on that uniform, it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white; Asian or Latino; Native American; conservative, liberal; rich, poor; gay, straight. When you’re marching into battle, you look out for the person next to you, or the mission fails. Or when you’re in the thick of the fight, you rise or fall as one unit, serving one Nation, leaving no one behind.
One of my proudest possessions is the flag that the SEAL Team took with them on the mission to get bin Laden. On it are each of their names. Some may be Democrats. Some may be Republicans. But that doesn’t matter. Just like it didn’t matter that day in the Situation Room, when I sat next to Bob Gates – a man who was George Bush’s defense secretary; and Hillary Clinton, a woman who ran against me for president.
All that mattered that day was the mission. No one thought about politics. No one thought about themselves. One of the young men involved in the raid later told me that he didn’t deserve credit for the mission. It only succeeded, he said, because every single member of that unit did their job – the pilot who landed the helicopter that spun out of control; the translator who kept others from entering the compound; the troops who separated the women and children from the fight; the SEALs who charged up the stairs. More than that, the mission only succeeded because every member of that unit trusted each other – because you can’t charge up those stairs, into darkness and danger, unless you know that there’s someone behind you, watching your back.
So it is with America. Each time I look at that flag, I’m reminded that our destiny is stitched together like those fifty stars and those thirteen stripes. No one built this country on their own. This Nation is great because we built it together. This Nation is great because we worked as a team. This Nation is great because we get each other’s backs. And if we hold fast to that truth, in this moment of trial, there is no challenge too great; no mission too hard. As long as we’re joined in common purpose, as long as we maintain our common resolve, our journey moves forward, and our future is hopeful, and the state of our Union will always be strong.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.

K’NAAN AND NAS ‘NOTHING TO LOSE’

2012-01-25T09:45:00.000-08:00

K’Naan has always treaded the line of true African sound.

His 2009 album ‘Troubadour’ produced the anthem ‘Wavin flag’ which was eventually used as the theme song for the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa. This was his big break into the mainstream.

Three years later, the Somalia-Canadian rapper will be releasing his first EP ‘More Beautiful than Silence’ on January 24. The first single ‘Nothing to Lose’ which features fellow rapper Nas is a blend of alternative music, folklore and rap. Good listen too.

LISTEN TO NAS AND K’NAAN ON ‘NOTHING TO LOSE’

TAP MAGAZINE -AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE MAGAZINE

2012-01-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

THE 4Ws.

WHO

The African Perspective is an online magazine that targets all African youths, at home and in the Diaspora. The primary goal of this medium is to bring all African youths to one cyber space where they can create, re-create and share their world. Also, since education through entertainment is the most successful way of engaging and enlightening the current generation; TAPmagazine seeks to be an entertainment hub for the African Youths.

Ras Moses Gift is the founder and the Executive CEO of TAPmagazine while Cloud Tissa and Grace Ingabire Mahogany are associate CEO’s. More importantly, TAPmagazine is also an open space for friends of Africa and all Africans in general who are passionate about the empowerment of Africa and its people.

WHERE

TAPmagazine will be a digitally online based magazine. We will target every African youth with access to the internet. That said, we have correspondents all over the world including Kenya, South Africa, Germany, France, Rwanda, Egypt, Japan, Canada and Australia.

WHY

Reasons for an African Perspective medium are infinite. The recent events across North Africa (which has largely been only covered by popular western media and the confusion/contradicting messages that have came from these outlets) emphasises the need for an African Perspective on all issues African. Indeed, the everlasting negativity and has become synonymous to Africa in the Western media further advocates for an African Perspective hub. The world needs to know what Africans think of their issues and how they would like to deal with them. Besides, when I talk to most young African youths; they are usually very curious, energetic and extremely keen on all topics Africa; including its many daily beauties and struggles. Unfortunately, there isn’t one place/centre where all these people can build a movement!!

We want this dialogue to take place at TAPmagazine; hence we will seek to become a communication centre where this young people will meet and recoil their ideas; or simply learn from each other THROUGH their own stories. We at TAPmagazine are striving on the challenge of becoming the major media outlet for the next African generation in years to come and we invite you to come for the ride with us.

HOW

Our audiences needs will be met by initially providing a series of “African perspective” interviews, videos and investigative research on popular African topics. We will also seek the outlook of prominent African leaders, community builders, innovators, businessmen/women, celebrities, educators, musicians, entertainers, locals, athletes, politicians and anyone who is held dear by this group.

Moreover, all topics, articles, poems, videos and interviews will aim at engaging, informing and empowering the youth to rise up to the 21 century struggles of an African youth.

TAPmagazine will in addition work extensively hard and prioritise showcasing the creativity of African youths something that’s normally absent in the Western media. The following are among the topics that will be discussed.

· Education

· Culture/History

· Health

· Issues affecting Women

· Leadership/empowerment

· Social Change/

· Poverty/Finance

· Politics/Religion/Spirituality

· Media/Legal issues

THAI MAN MARRIES DEAD GIRLFRIEND IN JOINT FUNERAL AND WEDDING CEREMONY

2012-01-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

Could this is be a proof of true love? News of a Surin man marrying his dead girlfriend became viral on social media after the news had been 'shared' more than 50,000 times in the cyber world.
A man from Thailand recently married his dead girlfriend in a bizarre wedding ceremony that also doubled as a funeral for the young bridge.

According to the TAN, Chadil Deffy, also known as Deff Yingyuen, and his girlfriend Sarinya “Anne” Kamsook met 10 years ago at Thailand’s Eastern Asia University.
The young couple had been planning on getting married in the future, but unfortunately, Anne unexpectedly died on January 3rd in a car accident before the couple could set a date.

The news became the “Talk of the town” on Facebook and YouTube after ” Chadil Deffy ” or Deff Yingyuen, stated his love for his late girlfriend, Sarinya or “Anne” Kamsook.
Much to the surprise of his friends, on January 4, Deff posted the message on his Facebook page, inviting his friends to an wedding-cum-funeral rite for his longtime girlfriend at a local temple in Surin Province. [PDN]

During the unusual ceremony, which was recorded and photographed, Deffy, dressed in an all black tuxedo, can be seen kissing his late girlfriend and putting a ring on her finger.

VIDEO:

Touching and creepy all at the same time.

Your thoughts?

NICKI MINAJ MUSIC VIDEO – “STUPID HOE”

2012-01-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

"I am the female Weezy," declares Nicki Minaj at the end of her crazy video for her new single Stupid Hoe, featuring monkeys, epilepsy-inducing strobes, bright flurries of colour and joint-aching shoulder rotations. Judging by Hoe, from the upcoming album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, Minaj isn't far from her lofty ambition.

Nicki Minaj gets colorful as she shows off her many eccentric looks in her brand new music video for “Stupid Hoe!”

The track serves as the first single from her highly anticipated sophomore album “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,” now due in stores April 3 after being pushed back from its original Valentine’s Day (Feb 14) release date.
The Hype Williams directed clip also features an appearance from her
boyfriend
“hypeman/assistant” SB.

Check out the video for “Stupid Hoe” below:

KANYE WEST LIKES TO WEAR HIS LEATHER SKIRT WHILE WATCHING THE THRONE WITH JAY-Z

2012-01-20T11:12:00.000-08:00

Kanye West has been making lots of headlines recently for his choice of attire while performing with Jay-Z for their “Watch the Throne” Tour.
Making one of the biggest fashion statements in the world of Hip-Hop to date, the controversial rapper has been spotted wearing a long, leather skirt that he covers up with a long-fitting t-shirt (almost as long as the skirt) on all of he and Jay-Z’s tour dates.
The tour has so far stopped in places like Atlanta, New Jersey, Washington, D.C. and more recently New York City’s famous Madison Square Garden.

Surprised at Yeezy’s choice of fashion, a Huffington Post contributor wrote, “We were surprised to see Yeezy assume his macho position as World’s Biggest Hip Hop Star at Madison Square Garden in the unexpected look.”
Another blogger wrote on fashion website TheGloss.com, “It’s interesting that Kanye’s skirt is a little subversive in his super machismo’ed out field of Hip-Hop.”

More photos of Ye in his skirt with Jay-Z are below:

What do you think of Kanye’s skirt?

5-YEAR-OLD BOY ARRESTED AFTER HE STABBED FAMILY MEMBERS OVER JUICE BOX

2012-01-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

Kid don’t be playing these days about their juice….
A 5 year-old boy is in police custody after stabbing three of his family members following an argument over a juice box.

Damn. That kid must have been reallllyyyyy thirsty!

RIHANNA CAUGHT SMOKING WEED IN HAWAII

2012-01-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

Rihanna jetted to Hawaii for another vacation this past weekend, where the “We Found Love” singer was spotted getting some much needed rest and relaxation as she lounged around at her hotel in Hawaii while smoking a blunt.
What was inside that blunt, no one (but Rihanna) really knows for sure, however, she tweeted the following, in reference to Drake and Nicki Minaj’s “Up All Night,” around the time these pictures were supposedly taken:

Sounds like Rihanna was smoking on some of that LOUD! But apparently that one blunt wasn’t enough, because paparazzi snapped more pics of the singer puffing on a blunt of possibly some more “loud” (a slang term for marijuana with a higher potency) Monday afternoon (Jan 16).

CHECK OUT OVER 15+ PICS BELOW:

MODEL ISSII

2012-01-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

Asian Model that prefers print work, with exotic features and a curved figure. She can fit in most demographics,feel free to leave her a message or email her at issii.t@gmail.com
ONE ON ONE WITH ISSII
1. What's the best part about being beautiful?
-The best part about being beautiful is humility. I live to be
beautiful on the inside and find the beauty in other people.

2. What advice would you give a man that may be intimidated by your beauty?
- Any man intimidated by my beauty is not for me. I need a secure man
to secure me and take charge.

3. After a break up would you date one of your ex's friends for revenge?
-After a break up I would get far away from my ex because I love
hard so his friends would just remind me of him. I couldn't do it.

4. Do you think the majority of women settle for less?
- I think women naturally slow their pace for men because we
naturally mature faster so we're a little more patient

5. Do you think African American Women are the hardest women to date?
- IDK I'm Asian

6. What's the best part about being in a relationship with you?
-I know how to make my man happy, I'm Asian we love to cater.

7. Do you think it's ok to have sex if not in a committed relationship?
-It depends on chemistry but overall I would rather a relationship,
either way I only sleep with one guy at a time.

8. In a perdicament would you listen to your gut or listen to your friends?
-I Always listen to my gut.

9. Are you ok with people knowing that you are in a relationship?
-Of course I am loyal and make it known I have a man.

10. Would you ever consider dating a convicted felon?
-I wouldn't go looking for one.

11. Do you believe there is a timeframe on love?
-True love is timeless.

12. Why do you think some women use men for money?
-They have problems with independence.

13. Why do you think some men use women for sex?
- Most men think with their penis

14. Do you think there is a mentality difference between a woman that has had a father figure and a woman that has not?
-Yes but it depends on the father figure. Most Women with a
positive father figure respect themselves and men more.

15. Do you think that African American men have an issue with displaying love? If so, if not explain why.- I guess from having to be tough in a lot of situations most have a
guard up. I also notice men in my past loved hard also once the guard
is dropped.

16. Would you ever consider dating a Caucasian man?
- I have.

17. Describe your first time.
-Very awkward. I didn't know what I was doing. Everything was just so new and so different to me.

18. Define SEXY.
-Confident, sweet, smart, and strong.

19. How would you romance a man?
-I would cook, make him a bath, then give him a massage and great sex.

20. On a scale of 1-10 what's ur confidence level?
-My confidence level from 1 - 10 is 7. On good days...about 8 to 8 and a half lol.

ISSI VIDEO

WATCH TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME (2001) ONLINE

2012-01-15T19:15:00.000-08:00

Love really is a battlefield in this war of the sexes comedy that marks the directorial debut of Def Jam's How to Be a Player (1997) screenwriter Mark Brown. Vivica A. Fox stars as Shante, a knowledgeable veteran of the dating game who thinks she's found the perfect mate in the handsome Keith (Morris Chestnut). When Keith is spotted stepping out with Shante's arch-rival Conny (Gabrielle Union), the spurned lover institutes what she labels the "ten-day plan," an all-out assault on Keith designed to make him come crawling back to her. Shante's scheme includes sexy lingerie, home cooking, aloofness, and other tactics intended to make Keith regret his errant ways, but Keith is receiving contradictory advice from his allegedly worldly wise buddy Tony (Anthony Anderson). Two Can Play That Game is produced by Doug McHenry, director of Jason's Lyric (1994) and Kingdom Come (2001). ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

GRAPHIC VIDEO OF US MARINES PEEING ON DEAD BODIES SPARKS MILITARY INVESTIGATION

2012-01-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

The United States Marine Corps say that a video posted online this week showing U.S. Marines stationed in Afghanistan urinating on several dead Taliban bodies will by “fully investigated.”
The extremely graphic video, which was posted Wednesday morning, is around 39 seconds, and shows at least 4 male Marines literally peeing on the bodies of 3 dead men dressed in traditional Afghan clothing.
The Marines can be heard laughing and joking, while one Marine says, “Have a great day, buddy!” Another guy jokes, “Golden like a shower!”
The disturbing video’s caption reads, “scout sniper team 4 with 3rd battalion 2nd marines out of camp lejeune peeing on dead talibans.”

Shortly after it was posted, the video went viral and has appeared on hundreds, maybe even thousands of websites.

Muslim organizations across the United States expressed their outrage over the videos to TMZ, calling the footage “disgusting,” and asking that the soldiers be rightfully punished.

“We are appalled by the video” … a rep for the Muslim Public Affair Council tells us … adding, “We ask Secretary of Defense Leon Penetta to reprimand these soldiers. These soldiers don’t stand for what our nation and our army and armed forces fight for on a daily basis.”
The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) had a similar opinion — saying, “We condemn this apparent desecration of the dead as a violation of our nation’s military regulations and of international laws of war prohibiting such disgusting and immoral actions.”
CAIR adds, “If verified as authentic, the video shows behavior that is totally unbecoming of American military personnel and that could ultimately endanger other soldiers and civilians.”
[TMZ]

The desecration of corpses during wartime violates military law and could possibly land these guys in front of a court-martial, a judicial court for trying members of the armed services accused of offenses against military law.

Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Gregory Wolf said in an e-mail that the authenticity video hasn’t been confirmed, nor has its origin been tracked down.

“The actions portrayed are not consistent with our core values and are not indicative of the character of the Marines in our corps. This matter will be fully investigated,” Wolf said.

MARINES URINATING ON DEAD BODIES

WHY DID BEYONCE AND JAY-Z NAME THEIR BABY GIRL BLUE IVY CARTER?

2012-01-12T16:35:00.000-08:00

Now that Beyonce and Jay-Z have finally welcomed their first child into the world, lots of people have questions about why the superstar couple decided to name their newborn daughter “Blue Ivy Carter.”
While there has been no official word from the intensely private couple on why they gave their daughter such a unique name, and how they came up with it, fans of Jay-Z (born: Shawn Corey Carter) have long known that the color ‘blue’ holds a special place in the rapper’s heart.
“My favorite hue is Jay-Z blue,” he raps in the song “Go Crazy” featuring fellow rapper Young Jeezy.

And not only that, but Jay-Z has also has a popular album series called “the Blueprint,” which has seen three releases so far (“Blueprint 1″ – 2001, “Blueprint 2″ – 2002, and “Blueprint 3″ – 2009).

As far as the baby’s middle name “Ivy” is concerned, it’s a well-known fact that Jay-Z and Beyonce (born: Beyonce Giselle Knowles) both have a ‘thing’ with the number 4.

Jay-Z’s Birthday: December 4th
Beyonce’s Birthday: September 4th
The day Beyonce and Jay-Z got married: April 4th
Beyonce’s latest album: “4″
Jay-Z’s next (rumored) solo album: “The Blueprint 4″

And since the Roman Numerals for the number 4 is “IV,” it only makes sense that they would come up with the name “Ivy.” (Get it? I-V?)

There are also some bizarre Illuminati-based theories surrounding BIC’s name, like the theory that “Blu Ivy” spelled backwards is “Eulb Yvi,” which is supposed to be Latin for “Lucifer’s daughter.” Or that “Blue” is an acronym for “Born Living Under Evil,” and “Ivy” stands for “Illuminati’s Very Youngest.”

But of course those are just “theories” made up by people with a lot of free time on their hands who seriously and truly believe that Beyonce, Jay-Z and a number of notable celebrities and public figures are a part of a “secret” society, that isn’t such a secret if everybody knows about it. (Right?)

As the International Business Times points out (regarding the whole “daughter of Lucifer” thing):

Though the Bible doesn’t explicitly say if angels possess the capability of reproduction, there is no mention in the Scripture either of Lucifer having a daughter.
As for the claim that “Eulb Yvi” means “Lucifer’s daughter” in Latin, there is no indication that these words have any Latin meaning. As per Google Translate, “Daughter” in Latin is “Filia” and “Lucifer” is Latin for “Morning Star.” So how is “Eulb Yvi” Lucifer’s daughter?

So there you have it. Lucifer doesn’t have a daughter and isn’t even capable of reproduction. Who would want to have a child with him anyway? Just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense…

What do you think about Beyonce and Jay-Z naming their newborn daughter Blue Ivy Carter?

BEYONCE AND JAY-Z’S BABY BLUE IVY CARTER MAKES HISTORY, BECOMES YOUNGEST PERSON TO CRACK BILLBOARD CHARTS

2012-01-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

Beyonce and Jay-Z‘s newborn daughter Blue Ivy Carter isn’t even a week old yet….and already she’s made history!
Following her highly anticipated arrival, Baby Blue appeared as a featured artist on a new song from her daddy called “Glory.”
At the end of the song, Baby Blue makes her musical debut as she cries and coos in the background, taking inspiration from the hit Stevie Wonder classic “Isn’t She Lovely,” which also featured vocals from his then newborn daughter Aisha.

“Glory,” officially billed as “featuring B.I.C.” (an abbreviation for Blue Ivy Carter) enters Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart this week at No. 74, making Blue Ivy the youngest person ever to be credited with gracing a Billboard chart.

Why does B.I.C. claim the mark for youngest charted artist and not Wonder’s girl?
Two reasons: young Aisha was never officially credited on “Lovely” and the song did not reach a Billboard chart until Jan. 29, 1977 (when it entered Adult Contemporary at its No. 23 peak), almost two years after she was born.
Blue Ivy Carter/B.I.C. also benefits from the era in which she born. Technology today allows an advantage in that Jay-Z was able to record and release “Glory” less than 48 after her birth.
After almost 72 years of numbers, positions, peaks, lows, gains and debuts — the first national Billboard chart was published the week of July 27, 1940 — the little princess born to the reigning king and queen of R&B/hip-hop breaks the mold almost concurrently with her arrival into Beyonce’s anticipating, loving arms.
[Billboard]

Blue Ivy is in good company too, as her parents have a few accolades of their own, including dad Jay-Z’s 15 Grammy Awards, and mom Beyonce’s 16 Grammys, as well as her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Now that Blue has made history on the Billboard charts, just like her famous mommy and daddy, she’s an official member of the Carter-Knowles family!

Jay-Z – Glory Lyrics

Featuring: Blue Ivy Carter

[Hook]
The most amazing feeling I feel
Words can't describe the feeling, for real
Baby I paint the sky blue
My greatest creation was you, you: Glory

[Verse 1]
False alarms and false starts
All made better by the sound of your heart
All the pain of the last time
I prayed so hard it was the last time
Your mama said that you danced for her
Did you wiggle your hands for her?
Glory! Glory!
Glory! Sorry
Everything that I prayed for
God's gift, I wish I woulda prayed more
God makes no mistakes, I made a few
Rough sledding here and there, but I made it through
I wreak havoc on the world
Get ready for part two
A younger, smarter faster me
So a pinch of Hov, a whole glass of Bé

[Hook]

[Verse 2]
Your Grandpop died of nigga failure
Then he died of liver failure
Deep down he was a good man
Goddamn, I can't deliver failure
Bad-ass lil Hov
Two years old, shopping on Savile Row
Wicked-ass lil B
Hard not to spoil you rotten, looking like little me
The most beautifulest thing in this world
Is daddy's little girl
You don't yet know what swag is but you was made in Paris
And mama woke up the next day and shot her album package
Last time the miscarriage was so tragic
We was afraid you'd disappear, but nah, baby, you magic
So there you have it, shit happens
Just make sure the plane you on is bigger than your carry-on baggage
Everybody go through stuff
Life is a gift, love, open it up
You're a child of destiny
You're the child of my destiny
You're my child with the child from Destiny's Child
That's a hell of a recipe
Glory! Glory! Glory! Sorry..

[Hook]

MODEL MESHA SEVILLE

2012-01-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

You have seen Mesha in magazines and sites like Hip Hop Weekly,Show Magazine Black Lingerie13.Mesha has been features in numerous sites like thisis50.com, purplecitydreamgirls.com, dynastyseries.com etc. Mesha's ultimate goal is to become a house hold name. She is very determine to take it to the next level. Mesha is a very down to earth genuine person, who loves the people who support her and the people who dont. Mesha isn't just a pretty face, she is currently going to school for her bachelors in Human Resource Management.

MESHA SEVILLE VIDEO

Links//
www.twitter.com/meshaseville
www.meshaseville.com

Booking Mesha: meshaseville@gmail.com

10 WAYS TO CREATE A STRONG, INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP

2012-01-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

Before I married my wonderful husband, I dated a lot of men. For most of my 20s (and even my early 30s) I had a perfect fairy-ideal of what romantic love was, probably because I was an actress and loved drama back then.
It took years for me to realize a relationship is not a romance movie.
At some point in our lives, we may believe that love should be like the kind of romance we see portrayed in films, television, and novels.

For some reason, I always thought my romantic relationships were less if I did not experience this kind of fairy-tale relationship. Maybe this is why I kept meeting frogs.
At times, I bought into the belief that if I had a relationship with the perfect prince, then all would be well in my life. I thought, Now, I will be safe forever.

In truth, I did marry a prince—but a prince who is also human, who has faults and issues just like every person, no matter how wonderful he is.

At some point I grew up and learned to let go of the crazy metaphor of romantic love in order to find true happiness. Yes, I was disappointed to realize that the knight riding through the night to save the damsel in distress is a fallacy. It’s a bummer.

But, let’s look at it in this light: We all saw Romeo and Juliet and Titanic. Why stories like these make our hearts sing is that the love is unrequited. Unavailability fuels the romantic expression.

This kind of romantic story can only work when there is an absence of the lover. Sometimes, they have to die in the end in order for their love to fit into this romantic view. Or, we eat handfuls of popcorn, waiting to see if they live happily ever after, and we rarely find out if they really do.

The romantic love fantasy is really a substitute for intimacy—real, connected, vulnerable intimacy.

So then, how do we make relationships work and stay happy?

We begin with the understanding of what pure love is, and then redefine and update the romantic fairytale into a healthier type of love.

Here are 10 ways to create true intimacy, find pure love, and be truly happy in your relationship:

1. Use relationships to teach you how to be whole within.

Relationships aren’t about having another person complete you, but coming to the relationship whole and sharing your life interdependently. By letting go of the romantic ideal of merging and becoming “one,” you learn as Rainer Maria Rilke says, to love the distances in relationship as much as the togetherness.

2. See your partner for who he or she really is.

The romantic tragedy occurs when you view the person you are in love with as a symbol of what they have come to represent, the idea of them. When you realize that more often than not you don’t really know your partner, you begin to discover who they are and how they change and evolve.

3. Be willing to learn from each other.

The key is to see the other as a mirror and learn from the reflection how you can be a better person. When you feel upset, rather than blame your partner and point fingers, remain awake to what has yet to be healed in yourself.

4. Get comfortable being alone.

In order to accept that love can’t rescue you from being alone, learn to spend time being with yourself. By feeling safe and secure to be on your own within the framework of relationship, you will feel more complete, happy, and whole.

5. Look closely at why a fight may begin.

Some couples create separateness by fighting and then making up over and over again. This allows you to continue the romantic trance, creating drama and avoiding real intimacy. If you become aware of what you fear about intimacy, you’ll have a better sense of why you’re fighting—and likely will fight far less.

6. Own who you are.

We generally grasp at romantic love because we’re yearning for something that is out of reach, something in another person that we don’t think we possess in ourselves. Unfortunately, when we finally get love, we discover that we didn’t get what we were looking for.

True love only exists by loving yourself first. You can only get from another person what you’re willing to give yourself.

7. Embrace ordinariness.

After the fairy-dust start of a relationship ends, we discover ordinariness, and we often do everything we can to avoid it. The trick is to see that ordinariness can become the real “juice” of intimacy. The day-to-day loveliness of sharing life with a partner can, and does, become extraordinary.

8. Expand your heart.

One thing that unites us is that we all long to be happy. This happiness usually includes the desire to be close to someone in a loving way. To create real intimacy, get in touch with the spaciousness of your heart and bring awareness to what is good within you.

It’s easier to recognize the good in your partner when you’re connected to the good in yourself.

9. Focus on giving love.

Genuine happiness is not about feeling good about ourselves because other people love us; it’s more about how well we have loved ourselves and others. The unintentional outcome of loving others more deeply is that we are loved more deeply.

10. Let go of expectations.

You may look to things such as romance and constant togetherness to fill a void in yourself. This will immediately cause suffering. If you unconsciously expect to receive love in certain ways to avoid giving that love to yourself, you will put your sense of security in someone else.

Draw upon your own inner-resources to offer love, attention, and nurturance to yourself when you need it. Then you can let love come to you instead of putting expectations on what it needs to look like.

These are only a few ways to explore real intimacy. How do you create a loving connection in your relationship?

125 YEARS OLD WOMAN CLAIMED SMOKING WEED EVERYDAY WAS HER SECRET TO LONG LIFE

2012-01-06T00:38:00.000-08:00

A 125-year-old woman, said to be one of the oldest women in India, died at her home in Orissa, her family said Sunday. Fulla Nayak claimed that smoking cannabis every day was her secret to long life.

Fulla Nayak, a resident of Kanarpur village in the coastal district of Kendrapada, died of old age complications Saturday.

According to her 72-year-old grandson, Fulla was 125. But as per a voter photo identity card issued by the government in 1995 she was 120 years.

The grand old woman lived in a small mud-walled thatched house in Kanarpur, about 25 km from the district headquarters. She is survived by two of her four daughters and around two dozen relatives.

Her eldest daughter, Jamuna, 92, lives in the same village. Her husband died at the age of 50.

Fulla was in the news when her grandson Narayan Nayak claimed last week that she could be the oldest woman living in the world. He had said that he would write to the Guinness book authorities to record the claim.

Fulla was known for her love of smoking ganja and cigars and palm juice. She also loved steaming hot tea.

She had never suffered any debilitating ailment throughout her life. Except for her weak eyesight, Fulla maintained good health and used to walk without support.

SHOULD WOMEN PROPOSE TO MEN?

2012-01-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

In the newest reality show “Love and Hip Hop”, it is said that one character Chrissy (Jim Jones’s girl) will ask for his hand in marriage. Yes, you read that correctly: She proposes to rapper Jim Jones!! Now this brings up an interesting debate that’s currently going down in relationship and gossip circles all over the country: Can a woman propose to a man?

I believe in traditional gender roles, but in this new era, there is room for evolution and flexibility. Women can be providers of the household just like men. Men can stay home and take care of kids. These notions, thought to be crazy generations ago, are widely acceptable and necessary in most cases. While I agree that evolution of these roles are for the greater good, there still should be some roles that stay the same. The role of a man asking for a woman’s hand in marriage is one role that I don’t think should change.

Asking a woman to marry you is one of the penultimate moments in a man’s life. Society, family, and even an inherent instinct tells us that this is a man’s time to take charge, express his feelings for his significant other and declare that this is the moment he wants to make clear that it’s her and him forever. Asking the parent’s for permission, finding the engagement ring (unless you’re against diamonds), and planning the proposal, are nervous and anxious, but fulfilling tasks that men know they will accomplish someday. This whole experience is built for the man to propose to the women, which is why the process loses impact if a woman proposes to a man.

If any women I knew came up to me with a gold wedding band and said “Streetz, I’m going to ask for my boyfriend hand in marriage”, I guarantee that the thoughts in my mind would be one of the following:

“She’s Desperate” – I would wonder why a woman would ever feel compelled to ask a man to marry her. Was she so desperate to have a husband that she couldn’t wait for her boyfriend to do it on his own? I would think that it wasn’t THAT serious to ask a man to marry you, and she must be super clingy or have low self esteem to break that tradition.

“She’s Trying To Force Him Into Marriage” – I would probably think that she wanted to make the ultimate chess move on her boyfriend and propose the ultimate ultimatum: “I’m asking you to marry me, either accept my proposal, or else!”. Now what if he says no or can’t decide? What does the woman do then? It’s a tough position to place yourself., and the woman will end up losing the guy, her pride, and that deposit on that wedding band!!

“She’s Going To Kill His Ego” – The biggest and loudest thought in my mind would be an indictment on her boyfriends’ character. As a man, I would question whether or not dude had a spine or heart. I could never imagine a woman proposing to me, even if I was “the submissive one” in the relationship! That is my right and duty, and no man with any type of ego would allow a woman to propose to him. What’s next, hyphenating his name with her last name? Please…

Women dream of marriage from young ages. I don’t think women ever dream of getting down on one knee and popping the question for a man. I think it taints the overall idea of proposals by having women play the mans role. It’s not a good look for either the man or a woman. Women, let the fellas have this one. You’ll win many battles down the road, this shouldn’t ever be one of them.
Written By @StreetzTalk

WATCH ATL (2006) ONLINE

2012-01-04T13:06:00.000-08:00

A tightly knit group of working-class Atlanta teens spend their time bonding over hip-hop and roller skating while pondering life after high school in director Chris Robinson's coming-of-age comedy drama that draws inspirations from the real-life childhoods of Dallas Austin and Tionne Watkins. For a kid growing up on the south side of Atlanta, the Cascade roller-skating rink is the place to be seen, and it's the place where the orphaned high school senior Rashad (Tip Harris) and his little brother Ant (Evan Ross) go every weekend to forget their financial troubles, hang with their friends and get their groove on. But outside the rink, the brothers have problems they can't avoid: Ant is being recruited into the posse of charismatic drug dealer Marcus (Outkast's Antwan Andre Patton, aka Big Boi). Meanwhile, Rashad's three best friends -- including the ambitious Esquire (Jackie Long) -- are pulling him in different directions, and his new girlfriend New-New (Lauren London) may not be as "street" as she seems. As Rashad tries to hold on to his little brother, he also comes to the realization that if he's ever going to make something of himself, he's going to have to step out of his skates and into the real world. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

WATCH MEET THE BROWNS (2008) ONLINE

2012-01-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

A single mother living in inner city Chicago, Brenda has been struggling for years to make ends meet and keep her three kids off the street. But, when she's laid off with no warning, she starts losing hope for the first time--until a letter arrives announcing the death of a father she's never met. Desperate for any kind of help, Brenda takes her family to Georgia for the funeral. But, nothing could have prepared her for the Browns, her father's fun-loving, crass Southern clan. In a small-town world full of long afternoons and country fairs, Brenda struggles to get to know the family she never knew existed--and finds a brand new romance that just might change her life.

WATCH JUMPING THE BROOM 2011 ONLINE

2012-01-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

A collision of worlds when two African-American families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds get together one weekend in Martha's Vineyard for a wedding. -- (C) Sony

MODEL WANKAEGO

2011-12-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

Wankaego is a beautiful, curvaceous, and exotic model from Orlando, Florida. Infamously known for her video debut on WSHH (World Star Hip Hop), she is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Her measurements are a stunning 32C-26-39. Wankaego has been featured in various print and online publications. There is no doubt that Wankaego is ready for liftoff.

SHE CAN SHAKE HER BOOTY, CHECK OUT HER VIDEO

***** Currently Only Accepting Paid Projects*******

For bookings contact my manager:
Eric Thomas.
ICE Management Group
Phone: 646-532-1017
Email: bookwankaego@gmail.com

Nationally Published Print Model. Check out my features in:
Blackmen Magazine-Ink Candy Edition
Dynasty Magazine
ICE Magazine
As-Is Magazine