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Double Duty: Wendy Williams Lands New Cable Show

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Double Duty: Wendy Williams Lands New Cable Show

Talk show host Wendy Williams will begin hosting two shows when her new series, 'Love Triangle' premieres on April 18.

The 46-year-old talent will moderate the original hybrid talk show/game show that will focus on a dater caught in a real-life love triangle.

"I've seen everything and talked about everything, including love triangles-but now I get to get in there and help people untangle them, in a way that's both humorous and rational. I can put my life experience to good use here," said Williams.

The 3 Ball Productions-produced show, which will air on GSN (Game Show Network), has already been picked up for 32 episodes.

"We've had great success with our dating and relationship game shows 'Baggage' Wendy Williamsand 'The Newlywed Game,'" said Kelly Goode, Senior Vice President of Programming for GSN. "'Love Triangle' will follow in that vein and Wendy will bring a strong voice, personality and sense of humor to the show."

The former radio shock jock's weekly daytime chat show, 'The Wendy Williams Show' has also just been picked up for a third season.

The Debmar-Mercury-produced show, which premiered in July 2009, airs in syndication in 70% of the United States and repeats on BET in the evenings.


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Teen Stabs Teacher With Comb

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Teen Stabs Teacher with Comb


Generally, a comb doesn't cause a lot of problems. Sure, there are times where it gets tangled up in your weave tracks and you have to yank it out, or for those who are affectionately deemed "tender-headed," it can become an instrument of torture in the hands of the wrong comber. But, you never hear of a comb actually being used to threaten anyone or inflicting any real damage on a person.

Until now!

In a news day dominated by hundreds of colorfully named wise guys being nabbed by the Feds, a crime story where the weapon of choice was a metal comb was nearly lost on America.

In New York City, a 13-year-old middle-schooler named Antwanise Richardson (pictured) was arrested after being accused of having an awful name stabbing her teacher in the hand ... with a comb.

According to the New York Daily News, it all started when Richardson, who was in a classroom at Middle School 246, bolted to the classroom door to open it for a friend. The teacher, Souleymane Seydi, attempted to prevent the student from exiting the classroom. This is when the story gets "hairy." LOL!

Students, who were in the classroom at the time, state that the teacher pushed Richardson as he tried to stop her from approaching the door, at which time she stabbed him with a metal comb. A scuffle ensued and the tween was ultimately arrested.

There is no word yet on whether the comb was a wide-tooth or rat-tail.

Although police say that the teacher's injuries resulting from the scuffle were too minor to warrant a trip to the hospital, Richardson was charged with felony assault and hauled off to the clink.

Richardson's parents and school officials tried to persuade the teacher not to press charges; however, a source at the school stated that mediation efforts ultimately were unsuccessful.

The tween's mom, Antionette McLaughlin, told the New York Daily News, "They took it too far. They really took it too far. This is a child. She's 13."

McLaughlin still can't believe her daughter was arrested and is convinced the comb-stabbing was in self-defense.

Harold McLaughlin, Richardson's father, wanted the teacher arrested but police declined, stating that his daughter was not harmed.

Two days after the incident, New York's Administration for Social Services (what city-dwellers generically call CPS) showed up at the door to investigate the Mclaughlin's home. The family believes it was solely out of retaliation for their objection to their daughter's arrest.

Meanwhile, Antwanise is not happy about missing school, saying, "I miss it. I'm not learning while I'm at home."

It is likely that more facts about the nature of this confrontation will come to light as the investigation continues. Frankly, I'm surprised the whole thing isn't on YouTube.

However, until then, this is one classic case of he comb-she comb.

 

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Piers Morgan Interviews Condoleezza Rice, Asks Why She is Not Married, Black Women Cringe

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Piers Morgan Interviews Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice, the first black woman to become a U.S. Secretary of State, was interviewed recently on the newly minted CNN show, 'Piers Morgan Tonight,' to be asked of all things: Why are you not married? That question no successful African American female can escape. The single, black (semi-successful) woman that I am couldn't help but shrink in insecurity as this ubiquitous puzzler was posed even to one of the most prominent black women alive. Why the embarrassment?

Yes, such questions make for great ratings. It's a question Piers Morgan might have asked any single V.I.P. Watching a woman who used to wield massive diplomatic and military power talk of cooking fried chicken was a hoot. But despite the innocence of the utterance, for black women everywhere that question is the articulation of a Greek tragedy-style family curse: An unsolvable source of suffering for black women that just keeps getting passed down. Piers may not have known that, but refering to it even obliquely is enough to make one's heart hurt.

Recently, the media has made questioning professional black female singledom into a mind-numbing mantra. Why can't enough black women get married? Why can't successful black women get married? What will happen to all the successful single black women as they get older because they can't get married? It's one thing to ask these questions of the average professional black woman. It's another thing to transform even Condoleezza Rice in an object of pity with these words. Because that is what this line of reasoning does. And now all of America is partaking in the pity party that used to only take place in our sister cirlces, hair salons and the occasional work of sister-girl fiction. Now that everyone is in on it, black women can't even make being lonely together into a good time anymore.


I know what you may be thinking. BV on Money just ran an article that explicity fingered our sexual-social wound, while packing it deeply with the salt of hopelessness. For some reason, as much as I'm complaining, it's impossible to really let the issue go as many have vociferously requested. This image of the hard-working, successful, classy, beautiful, articulate (and in Rice's case powerful) African American woman who just can't get a man, no matter what -- is addicting. Sure, we are all tired of hearing about it, but just like supporting that best friend who creates needless problems, talking about it endlessly is stimulating entertainment.

It strikes such a deep emotional cord, full of high drama, it's a difficult addiction to break. I'm not holding my breath for the moment when beating this "dead horse" renders it even comatose. But if we have to keep discussing it (as we do), I'd rather keep the debate over why successful black women can't get married within the walls of our real-world and virtual communities. For some reason it seems wrong when the topic crosses over and is dissected by the "other side." From 'Precious' to 'Good Hair,' we don't need another reason for mainstream audiences to look at black women in a melancholic light. Especially not our most successful women.

What do you think? Was Piers intentionally out of line or completely innocent while questioning why Rice, "catch" that she is, can't get a man?

Leave your comments below!

 

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Who Had the Best Look of the Week?

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Raven Symone flaunted her new body over the weekend at InStyle Magazine's Golden Globes after party. The actress rocked a girly strapless black and gold party dress with peep-toe booties and a cute curly ponytail.

Vanessa Williams takes the phrase "aging gracefully" to a whole other level. The star of "Desperate Housewives" worked a green, kimono style Catherine Malandrino jumpsuit on the red carpet for the season 3 premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race. Her smokey eyes and burgundy lips only enhanced her natural beauty.

Gabrielle Union looked gorgeous in a turquoise Rachel Roy gown when hosting the BET Honors, which air in February 21. The bright color popped against her skin tone, while her cute updo framed her signature smile nicely.

Lately Nicki Minaj has been giving Lady Gaga a run for her money when it comes to fashion. The rapper channeled the 80s while in London, sporting a cotton candy colored fade, purple door knocker earrings, a printed purple jumpsuit, and bubble gum pink pumps.



 

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Luv Coach Q&A: I'm Afraid to Commit!

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I have been with Chris for about ten months now, although three years ago we were in a relationship for a year and a half. I broke off our prior relationship because I wasn't able to balance my life with a teenager and dating. I needed to give my 14 year-old all the attention and focus he needed.

Chris and I rekindled our relationship, although he calls it 'friends with benefits'. I still have feelings for him as I was very much in love with him before, and was extremely heartbroken even though I initiated the break up. At this point, it seems to me we are in a relationship; but then again we both like our own personal freedom. I don't know what else to say, it's complicated. I love him and we have a great sex life, but I'm still not sure if he is 'the one'. I really don't want to be committed completely. Is there anything wrong with this?
-Denise


It sounds like you never wanted a commitment, and once again you are where you were three years ago, trying to find any excuse to avoid it. Chris has accepted that you won't give him anything more than a 'friends with benefits' relationship and is willing to oblige you. This isn't fair to him. If he wants more from you, or wants a committed relationship, then you are holding him back from experiencing full love. It's your choice how you want to live your life, but if you're asking for help figuring this out, then there is a deep rooted problem that you haven't been willing to face. Ask yourself why you don't want to be committed completely. Were you looking for commitment in past relationships? Did something happen that made you decide commitment wasn't for you?

It's commendable that you want to be the best mother you can be to your son, and give him all the attention and love he needs. However, by depriving yourself of love, you created an unbalanced life, allowed your fear of commitment to drive love away, and have set a poor example for your son. You can't use your son as an excuse anymore, so you're creating a new excuse; that you're not sure if he is 'the 'ne'. The question you should be asking yourself is: If the one came into my life, would I settle down and fully commit? If you just felt any fear rise in you, then the answer is no. It's time for self-reflection, because your fear of commitment could be rooted in past experiences, and this limitation will ensure that you won't experience love to the fullest.

A balanced and healthy relationship is rooted in commitment and support, while allowing room for personal freedom. You don't have to lose your identity or give up your freedom in order to be in a committed relationship, so let go of the fear that it has to be an all or nothing affair. You decide what your relationship should look like, and the best way to fulfill each others needs, wants and desires. I recommend that you find a therapist or coach in order to figure out and work through any negative experiences from your past that may be holding you back from engaging in a healthy and committed relationship. It's time to grow up, face past hurts, and get your emotional affairs in order, so you can experience a loving, supportive relationship.



Rebecca Brody is a relationship coach and columnist in NYC. She hosts www.ImprovDates.com, and works with private clients. Send your questions to Brody@TheLuvCoach.com or visit her at www.TheLuvCoach.com.

 

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'No Strings Attached' Film Review: Lightweight And Unromantic

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With as much that Natalie Portman has on her plate these days, including a baby on the way as well as a forthcoming Oscar nomination for her role in 'Black Swan,' now is not the time for one of her films to be underwhelming than her previous work.

Case in point is her latest film, 'No Strings Attached,' in which she co-stars with Ashton Kutcher.

Why does Hollywood keep throwing films ('Valentine's Day,' 'Killers,' 'What Happens in Vegas') at him with A-list talent that fail at the box office?

While Portman, along with Greta Gerwig keep the film lively, 'No Strings' ultimately suffers from unimaginative sequences, blandness and jokes that are not funny at all.

Even with a supporting cast that includes Oscar winner Kevin Kline, Ludacris, and Carl Elwes, director Ivan Reitman's return to the game, after the forgettable 2006 film 'My Super Ex-Girlfriend,' is not good for the industry if his skills are still rusty and not up to par.

Opening up to when they were teenagers, Adam Franklin (played by Kutcher) makes a pass to Emma Kurtzman (played by Portman) after telling her his parents are splitting up. She quickly stops him cold, telling him that she's just not the emotional caring person.

After meeting again for the third time in as many years, Adam's now an assistant to a TV musical show, yearning to be a writer, while Emma is a medical resident at a hospital logging in lots of hours. Upset over the fact that his famous actor dad (played by Kline) is dating his former girlfriend (played by Ophelia Lovibond), Adam and Emma finally "hook up" and agree that sex between them would be a good way to stay in touch without being emotional.

The question is, who's the one that will complicates things once love gets in the way?

While the ending could be seen just from viewing the trailer or the title itself, Reitman could have done better if he had a good script to work with. A romantic comedy works best if at least one of the leads is humorous and unfortunately neither of them have funny bones.

Portman's offbeat and touching at times, like she was in 'Garden State,' but when saddled with Kutcher, who shows no range, her skills are diminished and wasted.

There's far too much talent in the film for actors like Kline, Greta Gerwig, Lake Bell, Mindy Kaling, and Olivia Thirlby, to come in like props and add nothing to the film.

Portman is not in control when her films get released, so one can't fault the timing. Let's hope the reviews don't take her down like 'Norbit' did for Eddie Murphy after he received his best reviews ever and garnered an Academy Award nomination for his role in 'Dreamgirls.' He ended up losing at the Oscars.

'No Strings Attached' is could have been a fun film, but it's too lightweight and unromantic. Paramount should have put this on MTV where Kutcher's audience would have tolerated his performance.

 

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Second Graders Caught Engaging in Oral Sex in Class with Teacher Present

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Two second-graders in an Oakland elementary school shocked the country when they were disciplined for performing oral sex on each other in class with a teacher present. The teacher has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation. Reportedly, some children had taken their clothes off in a separate incident as well.

The events took place at Markham Elementary school, but came to the principal's attention just this week when one of the students told a staff member about the events. Oakland school district spokesman Troy Flint said that the teacher was unaware of the incident.


"We believe the substance of the story is true," said Flint.

Counselors have been brought to the school to help the children to understand what happened and how to deal with their sexual curiosities. Flint admitted that the school district is embarrassed.

"We are striving to create schools as safe havens where students can feel secure and trust in adult guidance," Flint said. "Obviously, that trust was violated in this incident, which was unacceptable. We're going to get to the bottom of this and make sure there's no recurrence. "

Just when you think you've seen everything, something like this happens. I am not quite sure what to say, other than what everyone reading this article is already thinking. Clearly, the teacher in the classroom is the first line of accountability in this terrible incident. After that, the school district, the city of Oakland and the school itself may be open to significant legal liability. I would be personally outraged as a parent if this kind of thing went on in front of my child, and I'm sure the parents in Oakland feel the same way.

There is then the broader question of where second graders are learning about things like oral sex. I knew nothing about this sort of thing when I was seven years old. I don't even think I knew anything about regular sex, where babies came from, or that there was no Santa Clause. One of the saddest things about this incident is that the innocence of our youth is something we should be allowed to have for at least a little while. One has to wonder what images the children are seeing on television, at home or with their friends that lead to this kind of behavior. Also, when you see hip hop artists like Lil Wayne rapping about having sex with every girl in the world, you quickly learn that the culprit is probably as close as your nearest electronic device. This incident should never have happened and we all need to be more critical about the music and television shows presented to our kids.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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What are the 21st Century's Greatest Black History Moments (so far)?

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When we talk about Black History, traditionally we focus on how far we've come. Slavery. Jim Crow. The Civil Rights Movement. We look back really far and often talk about the same people every year. It seems we sometimes forget that black history is being made everyday. This Black History Month join Black Voices in highlighting the black history moments that we'll be telling the next generation about. Share with us what milestones we've hit in the last decade that we should be talking about and celebrating.

Here's how you can share your thoughts:

Twitter: Tweet us your 21st Century history moment. Just direct your tweet to @blackvoices. Be sure to use the hashtag #BVHistory
Facebook: Post your thoughts on our Facebook page's wall
Conversations: Post your history moment on our message boards.

Or post it in your comments below. We're looking for the moments that will help shape the rest of this century. Let us know what you think!

 

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President Obama, Black America and the State of the Union: What We Need Him to Say

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Next week's State of the Union Address to be offered by President Barack Obama comes at a time when our nation is especially divided, and our future as a country is foggier than it has been in recent memory. The event that will be on everyone's mind is the attempted assasination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who is recovering from an assassin's bullet in the hospital right now. The Giffords shooting has slowed down the most extreme Republican rhetoric for the moment, but it certainly has not ended the animosity shown toward President Obama.

While President Obama must contend with the Republicans, he must also deal with a wide variety of special interest groups, all expecting something in return for their loyalty. With well over 90 percent approval ratings, no group has been more steadfast and committed to President Obama than the African American community. Therefore, as we seek to determine what our community should expect from the State of the Union address being given this week, we have every right to demand what is best for us.

American racism and black second class citizenship disallow our president the right to directly address the black community in his speech (or even racism for that matter) , so I guess we'll have to settle for code language. Rather than speaking to the black community directly, the president can put energy into liberal agenda items that correlate highly with the issues that affect black Americans. Here are a few things that the president can mention in the State of the Union address to return the favor to black America for all of our support. I'll name just four:

1) The wealth and unemployment gaps: The average black American family has a wealth level that is roughly 1/10 that of the average white family. Last month's estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics puts black unemployment at nearly double the rate of white Americans (8.5 percent to 15.8 percent). All the while, neither the president nor anyone in his administration has addressed the disturbing amount of economic hardship being experienced by black people in this country. Fixing the economy does not go far enough. Those who are enlightened on the issues must continue to press our elected officials to acknowledge the persistent economic inequality that still exists due to slavery and Jim Crow.

2) Rampant inequality in the educational system: With black male graduation rates at less than 50%, the black community is in dire need of support, funding and intervention. Clearly, we as parents must find ways to push our children to take education more seriously (yes, there is a cultural problem), but there is a broad collection of institutional factors that serve to create and perpetuate the serious educational problems of inner city America. We can start by making sure that inner city schools have the same funding and resources as the schools in the suburbs. I've mentored good, hard working kids at inner city schools and found myself disgusted by the fact that the kids had to find a way to get an education in spite of their schools, rather than because of them. The educational system in America is going to be one of our nation's greatest downfalls in the 21st century, and it doesn't just hurt black children.

3) Mass incarceration: The United States incarcerates more of its citizens than any country in the world (2.1 million). Also, a disproportionate number of those citizens are black. One out of every nine black children has a parent behind bars, meaning that the kids themselves are at risk of joining the same penitentiaries as their parents. African Americans are more likely to be searched, arrested, convicted and incarcerated than whites, even when they commit the same crimes. Most inmates are not given access to educational opportunities while in prison, reducing their chances of successful re-entry into society. After they leave prison, they are left unable to find jobs, go to school or even vote. Therefore, the largest producer of criminals in our country is the Prison Industrial Complex. The complex is not only exploitative and destructive for America, it has served to destroy the integrity of the African American family. Scientists have shown that for every one percentage point increase in the incarceration rate for black men, there is a 2.4 percent decline in the number of black women who eventually get married, connecting mass incarceration to the overwhelming spike in single parent homes in the black community. If our nation's first black president and first black Attorney General can't address these issues, then who can?

4) Gun control: The shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is an unfortunate situation that opens the door for our nation to talk about gun violence and how to keep gun manufacturers from allowing their insatiable quest for profitability to continue to kill innocent people. Homicide is the leading cause of death for African American males, and most of these deaths are caused by a bullet. It seems that manufacturers are able to keep their guns on the street as much as they like, as long as black people are the ones using them to kill one another. Perhaps by delicately bringing up this issue during his State of the Union Address, our president can remind his Republican colleagues of the farce that our nation has become in the eyes of the world when it comes to our obsession with putting weapons onto the street. In fact, the drug wars in Mexico are consistently linked to guns sold here in the United States and while we might criticize Mexico for not being able to control drug cartels, it is our gun laws that keep these cartels alive. Our nation has, through our addiction to irresponsible capitalism, become the most daunting death merchant in the entire world and that's just downright shameful.

Sadly enough, I can't imagine President Obama addressing the African American community in any context during the State of the Union address. In fact, we will probably never hear the words "black man" or "black woman" come out of his mouth for the remainder of his term. It is sad that President Obama's blackness is considered a liability to his presidency instead of an asset, as it seems that even those on the left supported Obama mainly because he wasn't too black for comfort. I hope that when President Obama walks out of the White House and joins the general population, we will look back on his presidency and say that our community is better off because of it. Quite honestly, the jury is still out.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Halle Berry's Ex-Husband Engaged to Prince's Ex-Wife

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In an unusual case of celebrity wife swap, Halle Berry's ex-husband, R&B singer Eric Benet, announced that he and Prince's ex-wife, Manuela Testolini, are engaged.

According to People magazine, Benet popped the question to the Canadian-born Egyptian and Italian beauty last November after playing a love song from his new CD.

"During a romantic dinner I decided to finally let Manuela hear 'Never Want to Live Without You,' a song off my new album that I had written for her," Benet says to People. "I sang it to her, then got down on one knee and proposed."

The two have been dating for three years and met at a charity event. Benet, 44, proposed to Testolini, who is the founder of Altru, a fragrance collection of soy-based candles, oils and incense, which supports her charity, In A Perfect World, a non-profit organization that teaches children to become compassionate, socially conscious leaders, with an antique diamond engagement ring.

The wedding is set for the summer.

Leave your best wishes below!



 

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Keith Olbermann Leaving MSNBC: Will They Consider a Black Replacement?

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Apparently, eight years has been enough for both MSNBC and Keith Olbermann. The network announced Friday that this is the end of Olbermann's tenure with the network and that he is moving on immediately:

"MSNBC and Keith Olbermann have ended their contract," according to a statement issued by the network. "The last broadcast of 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann' will be this evening. MSNBC thanks Keith for his integral role in MSNBC's success and we wish him well in his future endeavors."

Olbermann addressed his departure from the network on air, starting off with a story about his time with ESPN many years ago:

"In the mundane world of television goodbyes, reality is laughably uncooperative. As God as my witness, in the commercial break just before the emotional moment, the producer got into my earpiece and he said, 'um, can you cut it down to 15 seconds so we get in this tennis result from Stuttgart.' So I'm grateful I have a little more time to sign off here. Regardless, this is the last edition of Countdown."

Olbermann's time spent hosting "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" helped MSNBC achieve record ratings for the network. He was also typically in the middle of signature feuds with his Fox News nemesis, Bill O'Reilly. In fact, this rivalry helped to elevate the careers of both hosts, and both were also bolstered by the surprisingly strong presidential candidacy of Barack Obama. While increasingly volatile rhetoric of the Right Wing and the populist backlash against the Obama presidency has not been good for the nation, it has certainly been good for MSNBC and Fox. There is always the question of whether networks benefit from the division or accelerate the division, but either way, the divide in media has certainly changed the way the American public thinks about its politics.

Olbermann was in the middle of controversy most recently when Politico unearthed donations Olbermann had made to three Democrats running for office. One of them was U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who is in the hospital recovering from a recent assassination attempt. Olbermann apologized to his viewers, but only half-heartedly. In what probably irked NBC executives, he mentioned that his contract contained no such clause stating that he had to let the network know before making political contributions.

"It's not in my contract that NBC had rules about getting permission for making political donations, even though any rule like that in any company is probably not legal," said Olbermann, as he expressed frustration with NBC management.

"When a website contacted NBC about one of the donations, I immediately volunteered that there were in fact three of them; and contrary to much of the subsequent reporting, I immediately volunteered to explain all this, on-air and off, in the fashion MSNBC desired," Olbermann said in a statement.

NBC's decision to let go of Keith Olbermann is nothing short of shocking. If Olbermann decided that it was time to go or became incredibly stubborn during the negotiations, then this move might make sense. But Olbermann is the reason that MSNBC has become a juggernaut in cable news, for he has come to define an era in which media has undergone significant transformation. In fact, I dare say that MSNBC is not the same without Keith Olbermann.

I would argue that 20 years ago, Keith Olbermann could never have been a true news anchor. Before the age of the Internet and increasing fragmentation of news media, most networks were hosted by people like Walter Cronkite, who worked to give news from a direct and unbiased perspective. Today, news media has become a political pep rally, where viewers simply tune in to the network that gives them the information they want to hear the way they want to hear it. Iin fact, it has become a form of entertainment.

Keith Olbermann was never as much a news man as he was a comedian. His ability to provide news and analysis in a fluid style of communication that kept us laughing was one of the things that I actually loved the most. While I am not a fan of the liberal/conservative divide of news media, it was nice to see someone intelligently counter Bill O'Reilly with a degree of talent that O'Reilly could never match. So, although Keith was highly unconventional, I loved his show when I had a chance to watch it. I also appreciated Keith's defense of me when Bill O'Reilly spent an entire week attacking me on his show.

Now that Olbermann has moved on, it will be interesting to see if MSNBC considers bringing in a person of color to replace him. Rev. Al Sharpton makes note that all of the three major cable news networks are "all white, all night," and don't give any serious consideration to branding African American news hosts for their night time shows. MSNBC, the network that relies on African American viewership to support it's left-leaning analysis, should be the network to take the lead and offer a position to a talented African American host. I'm sure the National Association of Black Journalists can point them to scores of black folks who are talented enough to replace Keith Olbermann. If people like Elliot Spitzer, Marv Albert, Don Imus and Dr. Laura can get opportunities even after embarrassing themselves in public, one would hope that a talented African American with a spotless record might also get a chance. But then again, we do live in America, where a study stated that a black man with a clean record is less likely to get a job than a white guy with a criminal record. These stats seem to apply to news media as well, but I hope MSNBC has the courage to break us out of this form of modern-day apartheid.


Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight: Helping Fathers Secure Rights to See Their Children

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One of the most difficult, stunning and defining experiences of my entire life was when I went through the child support system. My daughter was born when I was an 18-year old freshman in college, and although I didn't want her mother to leave me for another man, I still knew that I had a responsibility when it came to taking care of my kids. So, I did what I was supposed to do, signed the papers where necessary and paid tens of thousands of dollars in child support over the next 18 years, even when it emptied out my bank account.

What surprised the heck out of me was that while the courts were always quick to threaten me with jail time if I'd chosen not to pay my child support, they showed almost no concern regarding whether or not I had the right to see my daughter. There was also no accountability regarding where my money was going and if those funds were being used to manage the needs of my child. I found myself increasingly frustrated by both my experience and also the broader perception of all black male non-custodial parents as dead beat dads. The truth is that while there are far too many dead beats, there are also fathers who've been victimized by parental alienation or an overzealous mother who feels that she can dictate every dimension of the father/child relationship. The mere implication that black males love their children any less than other people is a clear and stereotypical insult to our humanity.

Eric Legette works to help fathers restore their rights. He reminds all of us that black men love our children and want to see them just like everyone else. His story also lets us know that if we are going to solve problems regarding the breakdown of the black family in America, we must all be honest about the role we've individually played in the process. It is for that reason that Eric Legette is today's Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight on AOL Black Voices:

1) What is your name and what do you do?

My name is Eric Legette and I am the President/Founder of Fathers With Voices (FWV). My program's mission is to increase the involvement of fathers in the lives of their children. The goal is to educate, support and provide much needed information and resources to these fathers.

2) What led you to create your organization and what in your background helps fathers to solve family and legal problems?

A childhood friend of mine was being denied access to his son. He navigated the legal system to obtain his visitation rights and the mother still denied his visitation. After filing several violations of visitation orders and receiving no assistance from the court system to rectify the problem so he could see his son, he decided to walk away. I thought, "What a terrible loss for both father and child." Little did I know that I would later come in contact with hundreds of men experiencing the same problem. The next step was to research to see if there were any programs that would assist someone like my friend and at that time (1996) in New York City there were no fatherhood programs that helped fathers to succeed within the legal system. I have a BA in Sociology and over a decade of experience working within the social service field in various capacities which includes mental health. I have training in verbal de-escalation, crisis prevention and intervention, casework techniques and interviewing techniques. However, I truly believe a very important and key strength of my program is, I have experienced many of the struggles and hardships my clients face. Borrowing a line from an old commercial, "I am not only the President/Founder (of Fathers With Voices); I am also a client." Two months after founding FWV, I began experiencing challenges with my daughter's mother and took my concerns to family court. It was a very difficult process. Had I not gone through the frustrations of navigating the legal system myself, I could not stand boldly and share with fathers the actions I used to overcome my obstacles.

3) What are the misconceptions of the black father in America?

One primary misconception is that we are all "dead beats" and uncaring fathers. I truly believe part of the reason the legal system is so biased against fathers is largely due to this misconception. However, the term "dead beat" is a term people should investigate a little bit more before passing judgment. A study was done several years ago in Baltimore, Maryland regarding the issue of fathers' failure to pay child support. The conclusion of the study was, fathers in that area were not dead beat fathers but "dead broke." The city of Baltimore was given a grant that taught fathers job readiness skills and strategies to prepare them for the workplace. What people don't realize is that many of the child support orders issued include amounts that far exceed the amount of money the men earn. I've had cases where as much as eighty percent of a father's earnings were being garnished and he was responsible for one child. My program has helped fathers get money back from child support due to "clerical errors." One of the true blessings of helping fathers during this journey is speaking to literally thousands of fathers (most of them African-American) who truly love their children. I've had fathers so distraught over being denied access to their children after a separation or divorce they contemplated suicide. A little unknown fact is that the world has lost countless numbers of fathers to suicide due to their struggles within the legal system, ongoing challenges with the mother of their children and being denied access to their children.

4) You mention, "Closing the Curtain on baby mama drama" What do you mean by that? How do you help to close that door?

Closing the Curtain on Baby Mama Drama is actually the name of my book which is still available at BarnesandNoble.com. I wanted to name my book something that symbolized my victory over the drama and my transformation. The term means or meant that I no longer was bound by the drama. My awakening, which occurred in the year 2000, caused me to realize that it was not the actions or "games" played by my ex-mate that was the problem; the actual problem was my reactions to the game and allowing it to affect my entire life. I experienced periods of deep depression, anxiety attacks and high blood pressure all because of trying to figure out "Why?" As I share with fathers even today, closing the door/curtain on baby mama drama is a process. That process includes my "P's" for success, which includes prayer (a whole lot of it), patience, persistence, perseverance and a positive outlook.

This is the year for EMPOWERMENT where I am challenging fathers to allow our program to work with them throughout the year to help them regain control of their lives for the sake of their children. I have been free since the year 2000 and I want fathers to experience that same sense of freedom...but they must do the work!

5) Have financial hurdles made it more difficult for families to stay together or for parents to get along? If so, how?

Quite the opposite, families are being forced in some cases to stay together due to the economy. My professional experiences has caused me to believe or feel that child support and the manner in which it is ordered and collected is designed to put a wedge between parents and keep them at odds. Many fathers I work with could really care less about having to pay child support. Their issue is, as child support enforcement is making sure he is paying his child support, many of these fathers rights are not protected in terms of seeing their children. There is a significant number of men who have child support garnished from their paychecks but they have no idea where their children live. Why? Their ex-spouse/mate relocated without providing a forwarding address to the father, but made sure to start the child support proceedings before they left. The system allows fathers' visitation rights to be violated because they do very little in terms of protecting fathers' rights from repeated acts of parental alienation. In other words, ensuring that a father interacts with his child is not a priority of the system. On the other hand, they are very aggressive in collecting child support in the form of paycheck garnishments, income tax garnishments, etc. In my professional opinion, the system's main focus is to ensure the child is receiving child support. I am not stating that child support is not important. However, they really do not care if these children have their father--a human being, a teacher, a supporter--in their lives and that to me is really sad!

6) What services do you offer and how can people get access to them?

FWV conducts research, provides information, resources, referrals, advice and insight on whatever type of case fathers are involved in, such as child support, visitation, custody and establishing paternity. You can find my program at www.fatherswithvoices.info. You can also follow me on Twitter-www.twitter.com/esay32 and Blog Talk Radio every Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m-www.blogtalkradio.com/eric-legette. I encourage people to follow my show because I am trying to provide a consistent venue where people can go to vent but also receive solutions to their issues. The "drama" is a major, major issue, particularly within the African-American community and we have to find a way to address it.

7) Is there anything else you'd like to share with our AOl Black Voices audience?

Yes, for all of the women out there that are supporting their mates experiencing the drama and the drama is bringing stress in your marriages/relationships, I have a new e-book available on my website entitled The Couples ABC Guide-How to Face Conflicts With an Ex-spouse Together. I wrote this e-book because so many women call and e-mail my program and share with me how much the drama is adversely affecting their marriages and relationships. I am providing words that inspire, educate, and encourage couples to fight for their relationship together. I don't want couples to allow the "drama" to destroy their marriages or relationships. The first 200 people who purchase the e-book will have an opportunity to win vacation packages sponsored by my program. I state throughout my e-book the need for couples impacted by the drama to spend more time with each other to strengthen the relationship. The more couples who purchase the e-book the more vacation packages we will sponsor.

Second, this is the year of EMPOWERMENT for fathers. We want fathers to commit to our program for six months to a year. We have received hundreds of calls and e-mails from fathers complaining about investing thousands of dollars in legal fees but not seeing any progress in their cases. This is the absolute best time for fathers to realize and understand that if they do not invest in educating and empowering themselves, the drama will continue to overwhelm them. Men are paying Trump Plaza prices in legal fees but receiving Motel 6 services. When men register for the program, they are going to receive a wealth of information including constant support and follow-up.


Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the bookBlack American Money To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. To suggest a subject for a Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight, please click here.

 

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Carlina White Update: Alleged Baby Kidnapper Ann Pettway Now in Custody

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Carlina White Update: Alleged Baby Kidnapper Ann Pettway Now in Custody

The search is over for the Ann Pettway (pictured), the woman who allegedly kidnapped an infant from a hospital and then raised the child for 23 years. Pettway turned herself in to authorities in Bridgeport, Conn., and is due to appear in court in New York to face kidnapping charges.

Pettway is being accused in the kidnapping of Carlina White (pictured below) when she was only 19 days old. White located her birth mother after finding out that she was listed on a missing persons Website. She also found it suspicious that her "mother" could not produce a copy of her birth certificate.




White was taken from a hospital in Harlem as a newborn, after her real mother took her to the doctor for a fever. After being kidnapped, she was raised as Nejdra Nance in Bridgeport.

White was excited about reuniting with her family back in New York.

"I'm so happy," she said. "At the same time, it's a funny feeling because everything's brand new. It's like being born again."

Carlina White Update: Alleged Baby Kidnapper Ann Pettway Now in Custody


The Carlina White case shocked the nation for a few reasons. First, most of us can identify with the serious trauma felt by this mother after losing her newborn child.

To her credit, Joy White never gave up on her daughter and always remained spiritually connected: She celebrated her birthday and would think about her on a regular basis, always believing that she was somewhere alive.

Second, Carlina White's extraordinary effort to determine the truth of her circumstances is simply remarkable. After realizing that something just wasn't right, she did her own research to find that there was another life she was meant to live. White reportedly suffered some degree of abuse while being raised by Pettway.

Pettway deserves nothing less than the absolute maximum penalty allowed for her crime against Joy White. There's almost nothing a person can do that is worse than taking a child away from his or her mother. Pettway's actions were both shameful and unethical, and she deserves to pay a significant price for the 23 years of pain she's inflicted on Carlina and Joy.

The Carlina White case also reminds us that our kids eventually grow up. If you've lived a life in which you've hurt your children through selfish actions or deceived them in some meaningful way, you'd be remiss not to realize that chickens eventually come home to roost. Given that it's quite difficult to go through life without a birth certificate and Social Security number, Pettway had to know that eventually her "daughter" would learn the terrible truth.






Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.

 

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Mike Tomlin's Steelers Win Shows the Value of Diversity in the NFL

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Anyone watching with pride as the Pittsburgh Steelers fought their way to yet another Super Bowl likely heard a few interesting facts about the general on the field, Mike Tomlin. Tomlin, at the age of 38, is the youngest head coach to lead two teams to the Super Bowl. Before that, he was the youngest head coach to win a Superbowl. He does this while sitting at the helm of a storied franchise that has more Super Bowl wins than any team in NFL history. In other words, the man is a serious beast.

Tomlin's feats are not just impressive for a black coach, they stand above nearly any coach in NFL history. It is equally ironic that he is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose owner was responsible for opening the door for black coaches to get a chance in the league. Steelers owner Dan Rooney helped create the Rooney rule, requiring NFL teams to interview African Americans for head coaching and senior administrative positions.

The NFL must be given tremendous credit for creating avenues for diversity within its ranks. The contributions of African American athletes on the field are undeniable, but historical oppression of people of color has kept doors shut when they should have been opened. The NCAA should also consider its own version of the Rooney rule given the dearth of black representation in the ranks of college football coaching. In fact, the economic exploitation being committed by the NCAA is egregious, given that billions are earned on the backs of poor African American families, with the bulk of that wealth going to a predominantly white group of university coaches and administrators who sign multimillion-dollar contracts and then put professional-level pressure on young men who are trying to be students at the same time.

Tomlin's achievements on the field and off match the gritty style of play of the Steelers and the tough-minded fans of Pittsburgh. Additionally, the ownership of the Steelers organization has truly presented itself as a beacon of hope in a world that must find ways to honestly confront the crippling effects of racial inequality. I applaud Tomlin, the Steelers organization and the incredibly loyal fans for their amazing achievements. If every organization in America were run like the Pittsburgh Steelers, our nation would be able to heal from the damage that was caused by racism.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.

 

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Oprah Winfrey: Big Reveal is Long-Lost Sister

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OPRAH WINFREY: Big Reveal Is Long Lost Sister

Last Thursday, Oprah Winfrey told viewers on her syndicated talk show that she would have a big reunion on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' on Monday.

Though she didn't disclose with whom, the talk show titan shared that it involved something she's learned about recently and is only known to her closest friends.

"I thought I'd seen it all. But this, my friends, is the miracle of all miracles," Winfrey said in show commercials.

Having performed numerous family reunions on her talk show over the years, Winfrey stressed the impact of her own family reunion by having the word "miracle" appear on screen.

"I was given some news that literally shook me to my core. This time, I'm the one being reunited," she shared. "I was keeping a family secret for months, and on Monday you're going to hear it straight from me."

BlackVoices.com has learned that Winfrey's big announcement is that sometime around Thanksgiving of last year, sOprah Winfreyhe discovered she had a half-sister she never knew about.

The 56-year-old television mogul had believed for years that she was her parent's last living child - younger siblings Jeffrey and Patricia are both deceased.

Winfrey learned that her mother, Vernita Lee, had another daughter who, oddly enough, is also named Patricia. Sources tell BlackVoices.com that the two have already met in person, a DNA test has been conducted and Winfrey's talk show reveal is only to introduce her sister to the world so that the media does not exploit the story.

At press time, details were sketchy as to why Winfrey was unaware of her sister's existence until now. BlackVoices.com has learned that Patricia was raised in the foster care system after Lee gave her up for adoption.

Born in Kosciusko, Miss., to her unmarried teenage parents, Vernon Winfrey and Vernita Lee, Winfrey was raised at various points in her life by a grandmother, Hattie Mae Lee; her parents; and even a stepmother according to biographies on her.

In a December interview for an ABC special with Barbara Walters, Winfrey acknowledged that she providOprah Winfreyes for both of her parents monetarily.

When asked about her relationship with her parents, she confessed she isn't extremely close to them.

"I would not say that I have been the kind of daughter that calls home every week and is checking in with my parents," she told Walters. "I wouldn't say that we're terribly close."

Winfrey, who launched her own television network called OWN on Jan. 1, went on to say that things with her and her father were "fine," though she struggled to find words to describe her relationship with her mother.

Ultimately, Winfrey would declare during that interview that her best friend Gayle King was "the mother I never had."

Winfrey will formally make the announcement about Patricia on her talk show at 9 a.m. CST, which is when her show airs live in Chicago. Check local listings in other markets.


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Sherri Shepherd To Play Office Drama Queen On New TV Series With TV Land

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Things are going well for 'The View's co-host Sherri Shepherd these days.

Besides working with a fab group of ladies on the long-running ABC daily show, having a recurring role on NBC's '30 Rock,' and becoming engaged to television writer Lamar Sally over the Christmas holidays, the Chicago native is set to co-star opposite Christine Taylor in TV Land's untitled Terri Minsky comedy pilot, states Deadline.com.

Set at Rip City Cola, a regional beverage manufacturer and distributor in Oregon. When a young, Ivy League-educated New York woman (played by Taylor) takes over as the boss, the entire office is shaken and unsure of what happens next.

Shepherd will play the Rip City Cola office drama queen, who, like the others, is curious about the new CEO, and very nervous about the fact that someone's going to be fired.

Shepherd, who starred and exec produced her own sitcom 'Sherri for Lifetime', will also appear on TV Land's first original sitcom, 'Hot In Cleveland,' next month.

Although it only lasted one season with 13 episodes taped, 'Sherri' was the first comedy series ever to be owned by Lifetime.

Shepherd, who appeared in Lee Daniels' 'Precious' with Oscar winner Mo'Nique, will be featured in Martin Lawrence's upcoming film, 'Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son,' the third installment of the 'Big Momma's franchise.

In addition, the 43-year-old comedienne recently took over the reigns as host when the re-launched version of 'The Newlywed Game' returns for its fourth season this November.

 

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Ex-Chicago Cop Jon Burge Gets 4 1/2 Years for Lying About Torture of 100 Black Men

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Jon Burge, the former Chicago cop convicted of lying about his role in overseeing a ring of cops that tortured 100 black men, was sentenced to four and a half years in federal prison.


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It is a woefully low sentence for a man who was involved in heinous acts, such as shocking men's testicles to coerce murder convictions, and indicative of the fact that the statute of limitations on torture should be lifted.

Burge was convicted of lying about his role in a long-running torture ring that saw black men taken to secret locations, where guns were placed in their mouths and their testicles electrocuted with a cattle prod to coerce confessions.

While men who confessed to crimes under extreme duress without receiving their right to a trial were sent to prison for long stretches, the real murderers could have been left on the street to commit other crimes.

Burge, who is now old and sick, will finally have to pay some sort of retribution for his crimes, but it is not nearly enough time given the scope and magnitude of the criminal enterprise he was involved in.

"It's outrageous," Mark Clements, who says Burge's officers tortured him in to giving a false confession in 1981 when he was 16, told the AP. "It's not justice."

"People in our community get more time than this for fistfights," said Fred Hampton Jr., son of the late Black Panther of the same name.




The problem is that the statute of limitations on the crimes Burge was accused of has expired and perjury was the only crime prosecutors could charge him with. U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis of Illinois has proposed removing the statute of limitations for torture.

The city of Chicago should also be ashamed of itself for not investigating the persistent allegations over the many years by black men who said they were tortured. This is how Burge and his band of officers escaped justice.

This case should be used as the perfect example of why the change in the law needs to be made immediately.

Just think of how many lives Burge and his band of rogue officers destroyed. Burge decided that he was above the law, that black men did not have the same basic rights as every American and that he would serve as both judge and jury.

Burge asked for a lenient sentence because of his military service and because he has prostrate cancer and other ailments.



"I'm 63 years old, and while I try to keep a proud face, in reality, I am a broken man," Burge said in court.

The real question is how many black men did Burge break? How many families did he destroy? How many children grew up without fathers?

Unfortunately, we will never know.


 

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State of the Union: Obama to Focus on Unity, Economy

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State of the Union

President Barack Obama plans to focus on job creation and working together in his State of the Union address Tuesday.

In a video message to his supporters, the president said that creating jobs and improving the economy are his top priorities:

"You know, when you look back on these last two years, they're as tough as anything we've gone through since the Great Depression. The economy, when I first was coming in, was contracting rapidly. We lost millions of jobs, businesses were shuttered and I think a lot of people were worried about the future," the president said.

"So we've made progress, but as all of you know, from talking to friends and neighbors, seeing what's happening in your communities, we've still got a lot more work to do. The fact of the matter is we've got millions of our fellow Americans who are out there struggling every day, don't have a job or haven't seen a raise in a long time, paycheck is shrinking at a time when costs are going up. And so my principal focus, my No. 1 focus, is going to be making sure that we are competitive, that we are growing and we are creating jobs not just now but well in to the future," the president added.

Now is a good time for America to hear this message.

With more Americans concerned about the overhyped political rhetoric coming out of Washington, this is a return to the basic necessities.




Despite the fact that it's not on the news as much as it used to be, millions of Americans are still out of work and in danger of losing their homes. Municipalities across the country are struggling to continue to provide the basic services. The federal government is working on a plan to let some states declare bankruptcy and shed some of their debts, including worker pensions.

Why are Americans still struggling with jobs despite the healthful record profits being posted by corporate America?

If I've been out of work for two years, it is a question that I want answered.

Americans should not be in the mood for political rhetoric but solutions. One example is the use of the deficit by some politicians to deny programs that Americans need right now, such as extended unemployment benefits.




"We're also going to have to deal with our deficits and our debt in a responsible way," president Obama said.

"How do we make sure that people have good jobs with good benefits? How do we make sure that somebody who has a good idea can suddenly start a business, how are we going to make sure that we have the most innovative, dynamic economy in the world? And how do we make sure that our kids are able to compete with workers anywhere in the world?

Now to do that, we're going to have to out-innovate, we're going to have to out-build, we're going to have to out-compete, we're going to have to out-educate other countries," the President said.

"In other words, our job is to make sure that the American Dream is attainable to everybody who is willing to work for it, everybody who is willing to strive for it."

Indeed.



 

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Republicans Clash With President Obama On Spending

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The debate that will define this year and is likely to set the terms for the 2012 elections began in earnest over the weekend, with President Obama and Republican leaders presenting competing visions for reducing the deficit and expanding the economy.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Sunday that Republicans will do everything in their power to stop the new spending increases that Obama says are necessary in a video preview of his State of the Union address sent to supporters late Saturday.

In the video, Obama says he will seek to lower deficits in a "responsible way" and make government "leaner and smarter," but without undermining the vital role Democrats believe the government must play in the economic recovery. Obama wants to spend more on education, research and development, and the nation's infrastructure -- areas that many Republicans view as ripe for deep cuts.




"My number one focus is going to be making sure that we are competitive, that we are growing, and we are creating jobs not just now but well into the future," Obama said in his message to members of Organizing for America, his grassroots organization.

McConnell said on "Fox News Sunday" that new spending defies the message sent by voters in November, when Republicans took control of the House and gained six seats in the Senate.

"We'll take a look at his recommendations," McConnell said. "But this is not a time to be looking at pumping up government spending in very many areas."

The effort in the House will begin Monday, when Republicans will consider a resolution that would enact immediate and drastic spending cuts to domestic programs of nearly every variety.

Many Democrats and Republicans say they are open to major changes to Social Security and Medicare, possibly including raising the retirement age and limiting Medicare benefits to those who need them most. Cantor's willingness to consider cuts to military spending puts him in line with many Democratic leaders, as well as Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.

White House officials said Obama will pursue corporate tax reform that significantly lowers the 35 percent rate companies pay but eliminates loopholes that many exploit. "We've made progress, but as all of you know, from talking to friends and neighbors, seeing what's happening in your communities, we've still got a lot more work to do," the president said in his address Saturday.

Source: Washington Post




Kevin Eason is a freelance editorial cartoonist and illustrator from New Jersey. His brand of satire covers news events in politics, entertainment, sports and much more. Follow him on Facebook.

 

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Though Halle Berry Is Not Interested, Aretha Franklin Holds Firm On Wish For Actress To Portray Her In Biopic

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Halle Berry is a busy woman these days, but the Oscar winner told reporters on the Golden Globes Awards red carpet last week that there was one role she wasn't so eager to play - Aretha Frankin.

As previously reported, the celebrated actress said "If I could carry a tune, I'd consider it," before adding, "someone should tell Aretha I can't do her justice."

Despite Berry's outright disinterest to play the ailing Queen of Soul, Franklin is still letting it be known that she wants the 'Frankie and Alice' star to play the lead in her movie.

"I would have liked Halle Berry to portray the older Aretha in the upcoming biopic of my life based on my memoir, 'Aretha: From These Roots', she was my first, but not my only choice," the 68 year-old soul Grammy Award winning music icon said in an exclusive statement to 'The Wendy Williams Show.'

Berry previously won acclaim for her star-turn in the biopic 'Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,' a role for which she did not have to sing. Franklin believes that Berry could pull off playing her without actually singing, as well.

"I never expected Halle Berry to sing, she's an actress, not a singer. Many actors have portrayed vocalists by lip-syncing to the artist's original recordings," Franklin revealed.

Should Berry not be swayed to sign on for the project, producers are now ready to entertain offers from other actresses.

"Everything is subject to negotiation and she shouldn't underestimate her own talent. There are a number of other leading ladies out there that can definitely handle the role," Franklin added.

A few weeks back, Franklin gave her first televised phone interview since undergoing surgery to Wendy Williams' syndicated television show. The former radio jock and New York Times best-selling author made her own suggestions for who should take on the Grammy Award-winner.

"Well Ms. Franklin, while Halle Berry is a wonderful actress and a nice lady, I'm still rooting for you to just take a peek at casting Jennifer Hudson as you," Williams said.

Other possible castings could include Queen Latifah, Fantasia, Karen Clark Sheard or Tisha Campbell-Martin.

Franklin is currently recovering from a serious medical condition, which she recently confirmed is not pancreatic cancer. She plans to reschedule last year's cancelled concert tour dates later this year.





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Her Royal Highness

After recording a string of jazz and blues projects for Columbia Records, Memphis born songstress Aretha Franklin landed at Atlantic Records in 1966. "They made me sit down on the piano and the hits came," she later said about her legacy there.

Her Royal Highness

Aretha Franklin performing during a Martin Luther King Benefit at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on June 28, 1968.

Her Royal Highness

Aretha Franklin with 'Soul Train' creator Don Cornelius. Franklin was one of many entertainers who performed on the long-running show during its 1970s heyday.

Her Royal Highness

Aretha Franklin rehearsing for Inaugural Eve program for newly elected US President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale at the Kennedy Center in 1977.

Her Royal Highness

Flanked in fur, Aretha Franklin in the press room at the Grammy Awards, circa early 1980s.

Her Royal Highness

Aretha Franklin performing in Chicago on April 18, 1985.

Her Royal Highness

Aretha Franklin, pictured here with Atlantic Records chairman Ahmet Ertegun (circa early 1990s), at a private music industry party.

Her Royal Highness

Aretha Franklin and Luciano Pavarotti are photographed at the 8th Annual Music Cares Gala in Honor of the famed opera singer. The event took place at New York City's posh Waldorf Astoria Hotel on February 23, 1998.

Her Royal Highness

Aretha Franklin held royal court during the broadcast of 'VH1 Divas Live' at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on April 14, 1998. During the show's finale a stirring rendition of her classic song, 'Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel),' The Queen of Soul is joined by Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey, Carole King, Celine Dion and Shania Twain.

Her Royal Highness

On September 29, 1999, President Bill Clinton, along with First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, awarded Aretha Franklin with the 1999 National Medal of Arts and Humanities Award at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.

Her Royal Highness


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