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How Much Do Celebrities Get Paid to Attend Fashion Week?

September 14, 2010, 9:19 am
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beyonce and rihanna
Fashion Week in New York City is nearing its close, and stars like Beyoncé, Solange, Dania Ramirez, Sarah Jessica Parker and others have frolicked in the front rows of shows for all the major designers. Not only is New York City Fashion Week glamorous and fun, did you know that A-list stars actually get paid tons of cash to watch those pricey frocks float by? While know one can know for sure how much celebrities get paid to attend Fashion Week, all the hottest blog sites out there from Gawker to Shine are using this "guestimate" list from powerhouse style site Fashionista.com as a guide:


A-List
-Rihanna ($100,000 or more)
-Beyonce ($80,000-$100,000)
-Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen ($80,000 each)
-Julianne Moore ($60,000)
-Maggie Gyllanhal ($60,000)
-Chloe Sevigny ($60,000 or more)
-Jennifer Lopez (circa 2005: $80,000; circa 2010: $30,000)
-Lindsay Lohan (circa 2006: $60,000; circa 2010; UNINVITED)
-Colin Firth (pre-A Single Man: $5,000; post-A Single Man: $15,000)

B-List
-Blake Lively ($50,000)
-Leighton Meester ($40,000)
Hillary Duff ($40,000)
-Other Gossip Girl cast members ($25,000 a piece)
-Jared Leto ($25,000)
-Cliven Owen ($10,000)
-Kristen Bell (unpaid, but airfare, makeup and clothing are taken care of)

C-List
-Kim Kardashian ($35,000-$50,000)
-Amanda Bynes ($25,000-$30,000)
-Eliza Dushku (unpaid, but airfare, makeup and clothing are taken care of)

D-List
-Paris Hilton (free or UNINVITED)
-Jersey Shore cast (UNINVITED)
-America's Next Top Model Winners (free)

Related:
+2010 Fall Fashion Week: Catching Up With Naomi Cambell
+2010 Fall Fashion Week: Tracy Reese

Of course, this list is from Fashion Week in February. And as fickle fashion always changes, this list might be a little out of date. A more recent report from The New York Times states that "...Snooki would probably be welcome by now." And of course, Lady Gaga should appear on this list at this time. But how much should she get paid? She is such an international powerhouse and adored forerunner of fashion that I could see her asking for $250,000 to attend a show -- and she would get it. But she has not been attending too many shows lately, as she is too busy creating fashion firestorms of her own.

During these trying economic times, it seems silly for fashion houses to pay celebrities tens of thousands of dollars to attend New York City Fashion week for the privilege of sitting in the front row -- especially as the average show is 15 minutes. It's true that the top fashion brands are multi-million dollar businesses first and foremost, and they are paying these stars to enhance their brands, but perhaps times have changed. The fashion industry has rarely been known to promote charity over luxury, but as unemployment continues to climb, maybe fashion houses can to more to enhance their images by donating these massive sums to people who need it.

 

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Common Talks About His Slave Role On AMC's 'Hell On Wheels'

September 14, 2010, 9:41 am
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Late this summer, Deadline.com reported that rapper/ actor Common had landed a lead role in the AMC period drama pilot 'Hell on Wheels.'

Not only is it his first regular TV assignment, but the Chicago native is the first actor cast in the Western, which centers on the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. He will play Elam, a freed slave who comes west seeking work on the railroad and his place in the world. As a half black, half white man he does not completely belong to either world.

While promoting the DVD release of his last film, 'Just Wright,' Common spoke about doing the TV series, which just wrapped shooting the pilot in Alberta, Canada.

What can say about 'Hell on Wheels?'

Common: It's an AMC pilot that will be going to series at some point. It's based on the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. It takes place in 1865 and it's basically dealing with these different characters that come into the job of building the Transcontinental Railroad and the excursions of what that is. That means you're trying to do something that has never been done. You're having battles with nature, with Native Americans, with yourself and with other nationalities. It's a period piece that really deals with issues of today. A lot of the human issues that we deal with today are being addressed in this project.

How you became involved with this production?

Common: It was so well written. The character that was available for me to play was this freed slave of mixed race. He's like a rebel you know. He's a leader by nature and he's similar to the way Denzel (Washington) was in 'Glory' but still different. And it's not stereotypical. When you think of images you may have seen of slaves at that time, it's not that. It shows a human side that I never thought about. When I got to experience the audition and talk to the directors, I was like, I never even thought about the fact that as much as white people were definitely treating black people bad, there were still some Black and White people that had relationships. It's interesting that that existed because all we know overall is that the majority of them were treating us like animals. I think it breaks some stereotypes and you see some characters that you've never ever seen before on TV. It's well written. That's what made me want to do it.-- with Rob Smith

 

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UN Launches Anti-Rape Campaign in Haiti

September 14, 2010, 9:51 am
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UN Launches Anti-Rape Campaign in Haiti

The United Nations is starting a campaign in Haiti to stop the spread of rape in camps set up for earthquake victims.

UN peacekeepers will receive training in how to combat rape and other sexual violence that has developed in the camps. A public relations campaign is also being started to teach people how to prevent and respond to rape, said Edmund Mulet, who heads the UN project in Haiti.

I suppose that anything that can be done to prevent even one sexual attack is worth it, but part of me wonders if a PR campaign will ultimately do as much to reduce rapes in settlement camps as increased security and stiffer penalties.

I don't know how the mind of a rapist works, but for some reason, I doubt that a PR campaign would do much to stop that violent crime.

To my way of thinking, the best deterrent would be knowing that if I even dreamed of putting my hands on a woman, a security force member will be there to send me to prison for a long time.

More than 250,000 Haitians were killed in the January quake and another 1.3 million displaced.

Sex attacks at Haitian settlement camps patrolled by UN peacekeepers have been a major concern, and I know that asking the undermanned UN forces to be the police department for all of the sprawling camps in the country may be an impossible task.

One final point, though: Rape is being used as a weapon of war in the Congo. How about a special campaign on rape for the Congo as well?

　

　



 

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Hot or Not: Kelly Rowland's New Cropped Cut

September 14, 2010, 10:00 am
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Ga. Rep. Bishop Also Awarded Scholarships to Family

September 14, 2010, 10:05 am
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Ga. Rep. Bishop awarded scholarships to familySo Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas wasn't the only lawmaker who was helping himself and his family to Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation scholarship money against the rules.

Rep. Sanford (Sandy) Bishop of Georgia (pictured right) also had his hand in the scholarship cookie jar, steering money in 2003 and 2005 to his stepdaughter Aayesha Owens Reese, niece Emmaundia J. Whitaker and the Bishop's district staff director Kenneth Cutts' wife.

The CBC Foundation prohibits scholarships from benefiting lawmakers' families and associates, but Bishop said the rules were unclear when his family members got his gift.

What's unclear to me is how Bishop expects that lame excuse to work. It shouldn't take a rule to know that foundation money is meant to go to needy constituents, not family members and friends looking for a handout.

Under the scholarship program, the foundation provides $10,000 a year for CBC members to give to college-bound constituents.

Last month, Johnson disclosed that she passed scholarship money on to her relatives and was forced to pay it back; Johnson will likely follow suit.

But unlike Johnson, who is running for reelection in a relatively safe district, Bishop's race for reelection is considered a close one, especially for a nine-term incumbent.

Last year, Bishop made headlines when he was accused of steering $200,000 to a nonprofit youth program that employed two of his relatives, though they lived 100 miles away from the facility. Authorities did not charge Bishop with any wrongdoing in the case.

That does not mean, however, that constituents are going to take kindly to the fact that Bishop, like Johnson, used their political connections to line the pockets of their relatives.

　

　



 

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La La Vazquez Talks About Her 'Full Court Wedding' Reality Series

September 14, 2010, 11:00 am
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After a five-year long engagement, former MTV VJ La La Vazquez and her Denver Nuggets fiancé Carmelo Anthony tied the knot at New York's upscale Cipriani with their 3 year-old son, Kiyan, walking them down the aisle.

Vazquez decided to document their wedding in a new VH1 reality series 'La La's Full Court Wedding,' which follows the couple through hammering out the details of their nuptials with celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss, raising their son, and getting advice from their superstar friends and family.

"I think it's a show that a lot of women and men can relate to...when you are thinking, 'Do I really want to do this?' she explained to BlackVoices.com.

"You have the fun aspect of my friends giving me advice and throwing me a bachelorette party. You see celebrities everybody from Ludacris, Kim Kardashian, Ciara, Kelly Rowland and Tyrese really joining me before I get married."

The 31 year-old television personality, born Alani Vazquez, believes she and Anthony don't get enough credit for staying together for so long.

"I think that we were never get praised for having a seven year [long] relationship in the climate of the world right now when you see so many people breaking up," she said. "We've seen more of our friends divorced and remarried in the time that we've been engaged and now married."

In the first episode of 'Full Court Wedding,' we see the Brooklyn native wedding dress shopping with her mother, Carmen, taking her son to the park, sampling wedding cake and discussing details with Weiss and Anthony about the wedding guest list and having a heart-to-heart with R&B singer Tyrese.

Tyrese probes, "Why aren't you hanging out with married women? You can't hang out with a bunch of single people they are not in the same space that you are in."

She reluctantly agrees. After all, most of today's popular blogs show her hanging out with Kim Kardashian, Ciara and her other A-list buddies at Hollywood hotspots. But, Vazquez is hoping that in the upcoming five-episode series her fans will see a different side of her.

"I think the show is important because it shows balancing a mom and a career and being with someone who travels all the time and who is busy all the time it gives people a real look at who I am and more than just dinner at Katsuya with a bunch of my friends," she said.

"We did do it in our own time and our own pace and that's captured on the show. People thought that there was this behind the scenes thing happening and a lot of that is addressed on the show [but] it was just us really moving at our own pace."

Later this year, Vazquez, who produced the critically-acclaimed documentary, 'Tyson,' will star in 'The Gun' opposite Val Kilmer and 50 Cent. She's currently producing a film with Brett Ratner and is producing a few reality shows with Russell Simmons, which she says she won't star in or host.

She is still undecided if she's up for starring in another reality show or whether she wants to fully pursue acting, but you can catch her on 'Full Court Wedding,' which premieres Sept. 19 at 10:30 pm EST on VH1

 

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K-Ci and Jojo Ready to 'Come Clean' With TV One Reality Show

September 14, 2010, 11:06 am
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It's been a rough road for former Jodeci singers, brothers Cedric 'K-Ci' Hailey and Joel 'Jojo' Hailey.

In their height, Jodeci was the most recognizable R&B group of the early '90s. The North Carolina natives defined the New Jack Swing genre and laid the blueprint for several hip-hop tinged groups which followed, including Dru Hill and H-Town.

But, their battle with alcoholism cut short their time in the spotlight.

Now, the Grammy Award nominees have decided to shed light on their attempt to return to the music industry in a new TV One reality series, 'Come Clean,' which debuts next month.

"It's about time for the world to know what we're doing and what's been going on with us," K-Ci told BlackVoices.com. "And instead of going online, you can look at our reality show and we're letting you know everything...you can just look at the TV."

"We're not ashamed to tell our business," he added.

The nine-episode series finds the 'All My Life' singers living together for the first time in more than a decade as they undergo radical medical treatments, physical training and get the help of Pastor Jamal Bryant in an attempt to stay sober.

The Baltimore-based preacher puts together a team of some of the duo's dearest friends to include The Gap Band's Charlie Wilson, their former Uptown Records chieftain André Harrell, actress and lifestyle coach A.J. Johnson and Jodeci bandmate Devante Swing, to lend support to their mission to stay clean.

Pastor Bryant's sister, Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, a frequent panelist on Dr. Phil and a licensed psychologist, will also provide therapy to K-Ci and Jojo.

JoJo says the decision to do 'Come Clean' was something that they were not nervous about.

"We really just wanted to clear up a lot of rumors because a lot of people were going online talking about 'Whats happening with K-Ci and Jojo?' and making up false allegations," he shared.

Currently, the duo are recording a new album together, which they began earlier this summer.

'Come Clean' will premiere with two back-to-back episodes Oct. 19 at 9 pm EST on TV One.

 

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The Rza To Direct Russell Crowe In 'The Man with the Iron Fist'

September 14, 2010, 11:47 am
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According to E! Online, Oscar winner Russell Crowe is set to join actor/rapper RZA in 'The Man with the Iron Fist,' an action packed kung fu film where the Wu-Tang Clan founder is making his film debut as a director and screenwriter.

RZA will play a weapons-making village blacksmith in feudal China. Crowe's character hasn't been described yet.


At the recent Video Music Awards ceremony, the rapper stated, "I won't spoil it for you, but Russell's gonna be the baddest man alive.That man is in fighting shape. That man will knock you out. It's nerve-wracking. He's a master of the craft. I'm quite sure that I may learn something from him."

They previously worked together on Ridley Scott's 'American Gangster,' which also starred Denzel Washingon and will also be paired again in Paul Haggis' 'The Next Three Days.'

Set to shoot in Shanghai this December, the film, which is also being co-written/coproduced by Eli Roth. The Rza credits director Quentin Tarantino, who gave him a few directing lessons on the set of 'Kill Bill.'

Universal will distribute the $20 million-budgeted film.

 

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Watch The Trailer To Tyler Perry's 'For Colored Girls'

September 14, 2010, 12:07 pm
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Lionsgate has released the trailer to Tyler Perry's 'For Colored Girls,' which will open nationally on November 5.

Directed by Tyler Perry, the film stars Janet Jackson, Loretta Devine, Kimberly Elise, Thandie Newton, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington, Whoopi Goldberg, Macy Gray, Michael Ealy, Hill Harper, Khalil Kain, Omari Hardwick and Richard Lawson.

Based on Ntozake Shange's award-winning 1975 play of the same name, 'For Colored Girls' onsists of a series of poems performed through a cast of nameless women known only by a color. The characters deal with subjects such as love, abandonment, rape and abortion.

 

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Chris Rainey Arrested

September 14, 2010, 3:23 pm
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Florida Gators wide receiver Chris Rainey was arrested on Tuesday on felony charges of aggravated stalking, stemming from threatening texts sent to a woman he was dating, according to the Palm Beach Post. He was released a few hours later and was instructed not to have contact with the woman and maintain a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew.

According to police, officers received a call from a woman saying that Rainey was sending her text messages threatening her life. Rainey admitted to a judge that he sent a text saying "Time to Die Bitch u and ur ???" Police also said that the woman told them Rainey threatened her over the phone, saying he was going to break in her house through a window. "Wait and see what happens when they leave," Rainey reportedly told the woman. He denied saying that.

But in front of a judge, the alleged victim said that she did not fear for her life, she didn't want Rainey to get arrested and that they've been dating on and off for three years.

"I've known him for a long time," she told the judge, according to the Palm Beach Post. "He's never been in trouble, he doesn't drink, he doesn't do drugs. I don't feel safety issues from Chris."


Regardless of the outcome, Rainey has been suspended indefinitely from the team. Playing this weekend wasn't a sure thing anyway since he's recovering from a concussion he suffered in last week's game.

Rainey's attorney, Huntley Johnson Jr., told the Palm Beach Post that the case isn't as bad as it looks and everybody needs to calm down.

"I think we have a victim who does not want to be a victim," Johnson said. "I think that this is going to end up being a minor bump in the road for Chris. In the long-run, it would be appropriate, based on what I know, for him to be back on the team at some point this season. I'd be surprised if he's not."

 

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I Shall Not Be Moved

September 14, 2010, 5:34 pm
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Your Daily Affirmation For: Wednesday, September 15, 2010



I am anchored in the Spiritual Truth of who I am. Therefore I can withstand with ease and grace any undue criticism, blame and negativity that may come way. I shall not be moved from my natural place of joy, peace and self-acceptance. For this grounding in truth, I am grateful.
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Anchored in Spiritual Truth, you shall not be moved,

Barry J.
Previously: The Good of God Prevails


Barry Johnson is an businessman, motivational speaker and management consultant. He holds a B.S. degree from Yale and an MBA degree from Harvard. You can follow him at twitter.com/thebarryjohnson and email him at bjohnson@risemovement.org

 

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Around the Web: Evoking Erykah Badu, Makeup-Free Celebs, Keyshia Cole & More

September 14, 2010, 11:00 pm
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Evoking: Erykah Badu Songstress Erykah Badu is not only known for her eclectic music style, but also for her eclectic fashion. Check out where you can get some Badu-inspired pieces. (Coco and Creme)

Naked Truth: 20 Makeup-Free Celebs See how some of your favorite stars look in the nude...face-wise, that it is. (Madame Noire)

Keyshia Cole and Daniel Gibson's Baby Earlier this year, R&B singer Keyshia Cole and Cleveland Cavaliers star Daniel "Boobie" Gibson welcomed their first child, a boy named Daniel Hiram Gibson. Check out a photo of their adorable child. (Sandra Rose)

Nelly Talks Ashanti Have the two rekindled their romance? What Nelly had to say. (Hip-Hop Wired)

 

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Charlie Rangel Remains the King of Harlem

September 15, 2010, 2:51 am
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Charles Rangel gets 2nd chance‎


He defied President Barack Obama.

He defied the Democratic establishment.

And now Rep. Charles Rangel, in an Election Day victory dripping with irony and vindication, has proven his many critics wrong for doubting his re-election chances.

The voters of Harlem tossed aside concerns over the huge ethical cloud hanging over Rangel's head and appeared set to return him to office with a victory over Adam Clayton Powell IV, the son of the man Rangel unseated to win election to Congress 40 years ago.

Since the Harlem district is heavily Democratic, Rangel is certain to win re-election in November's general election.

It was just weeks ago that a tired-looking Rangel appeared on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, imploring his colleagues not to judge him too severely on the 13 charges he is facing, including failing to report and pay taxes on rental income from a beach villa in the Dominican Republic and four apartments he owns in Manhattan.

Rangel is far too wise to publicly gloat in the face of President Obama or other leading Democrats, but if you know anything about human nature or the pride of an old politician, you know he would like to show off just a little.

Obama joined a chorus lead by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, seeking to nudge Rangel aside in to forced retirement for what they believed was the good of the national Democratic Party.

Whether Rangel's decision to stay in the race hurt other Democrats will take some time to figure out as political observers dissect election results for the next few days.

But as far as his own race went, beating back the most serious challenge of his political career proved Democratic bigwigs wrong.

Voter loyalty to a veteran Harlem politician provided an ironic undertone to Rangel's victory last night.

Adam Clayton Powell Jr., the father of last night's second place finisher, represented Harlem in Congress from 1945-1970. When Powell was charged with mismanaging government funds for personal use, the House Democratic Caucus stripped Powell of his committee chairmanship.

On the brink of political extinction, Harlemites returned Powell to office in the election of 1968.

Harlem voters proved yet again last night that they are loyal to their Congressional representatives, no matter what charges are hanging over their head.

That loyalty helped Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1968, but it hurt Adam Clayton Powell IV in 2010.

　



 

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President Barack Obama to Publish Children's Book, 'Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters'

September 15, 2010, 3:10 am
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President Barack Obama is scheduled to release a political paean for children on historical figures, 'Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters,' Nov. 16 -- just weeks after what is predicted to be a brutal midterm election season.

Of Thee I Sing' is a tribute to 13 historical Americans, who helped shape the nation, from the artist Georgia O'Keeffe to Jackie Robinson, the black first Major League Baseball player, to George Washington, the first president of the United States, said Chip Gibson, president and publisher of Random House Children's Books.

President Obama was inspired by his daughters Malia and Sasha to write the book to convey the importance of history. Images of the two and their dog Bo are colorfully displayed on the cover, skipping carefree across a green lawn beneath an azure sky. Loren Long, the award-winning and New York Times best-selling artist, illustrated the book.

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"It is an honor to publish this extraordinary book, which is an inspiring marriage of words and images, history and story,'' Gibson offered. " 'Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters' celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans-the potential to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths.''

The book, to be released with a 500,000 copy first-printing, was completed before the president took office. It is part of a three-book, $1.9 million deal brokered by then-Illinois Sen. Obama's lawyer with Random House, according to ABC News. It will be published by Alfred A. Knopf.

The other books included in the deal are: 'Dreams from My Father' and 'The Audacity of Hope,' both international bestsellers.

Proceeds from the sale of 'Of Thee I Sing' will be donated to a scholarship fund for the children of fallen and disabled soldiers. The suggested retail price for print e-book is $17.99.

 

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Reggie Bush Forfeits Heisman Trophy Amid Controversy

September 15, 2010, 3:13 am
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Reggie Bush Forfeits Heisman Trophy Amid Controversy

I am not sure if Reggie Bush has ever read a word I've written, but after I mentioned last week that I felt Bush should give the Heisman trophy back, I was proud to see that he gave it away. Again, I am not one to say that he gives a you-know-what about anything I might say in public, but I can certainly say that I am proud.

Bush gave the Heisman trophy back this week, after rampant speculation emerged regarding whether he received inappropriate benefits during his time at USC. The speculation was bothersome to me, primarily because Reggie Bush was a human highlight film who earned millions for the NCAA and the university.

The idea that they would even consider taking his Heisman Trophy from him, after he'd given the NCAA so much was nothing short of offensive. If a man earns millions of dollars for you and you get angry because he took a few thousand to give his mother a place to live, then you've clearly got a problem with your own value system.Bush's statement about giving the Heisman back is below:

"One of the greatest honors of my life was winning the Heisman Trophy in 2005. For me, it was a dream come true. But I know that the Heisman is not mine alone. Far from it. I know that my victory was made possible by the discipline and hard work of my teammates, the steady guidance of my coaches, the inspiration of the fans, and the unconditional love of my family and friends. And I know that any young man fortunate enough to win the Heisman enters into a family of sorts. Each individual carries the legacy of the award and each one is entrusted with its good name.

It is for these reasons that I have made the difficult decision to forfeit my title as Heisman winner of 2005. The persistent media speculation regarding allegations dating back to my years at USC has been both painful and distracting. In no way should the storm around these allegations reflect in any way on the dignity of this award, nor on any other institutions or individuals. Nor should it distract from outstanding performances and hard-earned achievements either in the past, present or future.

For the rest of my days, I will continue to strive to demonstrate through my actions and words that I was deserving of the confidence placed in me by the Heisman Trophy Trust. I would like to begin in this effort by turning a negative situation into a positive one by working with the Trustees to establish an educational program which will assist student-athletes and their families avoid some of the mistakes that I made. I am determined to view this event as an opportunity to help others and to advance the values and mission of the Heisman Trophy Trust.

I will forever appreciate the honor bestowed upon me as a winner of the Heisman. While this decision is heart-breaking, I find solace in knowing that the award was made possible by the support and love of so many. Those are gifts that can never be taken away."


I am not sure of the nature of the politics behind the scenes that led to Bush giving the trophy back. I can only say that he did the right thing. The Heisman Trophy doesn't mean much to Bush, given that everyone who saw him on the field knows that he was clearly one of the greatest athletes in college football history. He doesn't need a trophy to tell him that. Way to go, Reggie, you're making one heck of a statement.


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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'Kooky' Carl Paladino Victory in N.Y. Should Help Democrats

September 15, 2010, 3:17 am
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Paladino wins big in GOP primary‎

I don't care about his policies or political agenda.

To me, any candidate who gets caught sending out racist e-mails to friends that talk about animal sex isn't fit for office.

But a majority of voters in the N.Y. GOP primary for governor apparently disagree.

That's why kooky Carl Paladino pulled off a shocker and beat establishment Republican candidate Rick Lazio last night to face state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, son of former Gov. Mario Cuomo, in November's general election.

You have to hand it to Paladino, a Buffalo businessman and political newcomer who has won the support of Tea Party activists across the nation.

Paladino and other Tea Party-backed candidates who won unexpected victories this election season have obviously tapped in to an anger with current American politics that is hard to measure.

Aside from sending out the racist e-mails, Paladino also raised eyebrows by suggesting that welfare recipients live in unused prison spaces to get job training and lessons in personal hygiene.

But that wasn't enough to scare off N.Y. Republicans.

And that is good news for N.Y. Democrats.

While Paladino's off-beat campaign strategy can win a party primary election, especially against an uninspiring candidate like Lazio, winning a general election against a political bulldog like Cuomo is another thing.

The Paladino victory shows that the Republican Party in New York, and to a lesser extent across the country, is fighting a civil war between traditional candidates and strongly conservative Tea Party members.

Democrats will be the beneficiaries.

I'm the last one to throw dirt on the political aspirations of Carl Paladino. No one thought he would get this far.

But Paladino's chances of beating Cuomo in November are slim to none. And slim is headed out the door.

　



 

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Film Plot For Vin Diesel And Paul Walker's 'Fast Five' Revealed

September 15, 2010, 3:53 am
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Now that the gang's all back for a fifth installment of 'The Fast and the Furious' franchise, Universal Pictures has released the official synopsis for 'Fast Five.'

Directed by Justin Lin from a script by Chris Morgan. the action thriller stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Tego Calderon, Elsa Pataky, Matt Schulze, Don Omar, Joaquim de Almeida and Dwayne Johnson.

In this installment, former cop Brian O'Conner (played by Walker) partners with ex-con Dom Toretto (played by Diesel) on the opposite side of the law.

Since Brian and Mia Toretto (played by Brewster) broke Dom out of custody, they've blown across many borders to elude authorities. Now backed into a corner in Rio de Janeiro, they must pull one last job in order to gain their freedom. As they assemble their elite team of top racers, the unlikely allies know their only shot of getting out for good means confronting the corrupt businessman who wants them dead. But he's not the only one on their tail.

Hard-nosed federal agent Luke Hobbs (played by Johnson) never misses his target. When he is assigned to track down Dom and Brian, he and his strike team launch an all-out assault to capture them. But as his men tear through Brazil, Hobbs learns he can't separate the good guys from the bad. Now, he must rely on his instincts to corner his prey... before someone else runs them down first.

'Fast Five ' will open in theaters on June 10, 2011.

 

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Reggie Bush Gives Back Heisman Trophy, Others Should be Punished

September 15, 2010, 4:00 am
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In an unprecedented move, Reggie Bush relinquished his 2005 Heisman Trophy on Tuesday, choosing to give back a singularly eminent award in American sport before probably being stripped of it.

Earlier this year, Bush, a former running back at Southern California, was ruled ineligible for the 2005 season after the N.C.A.A. determined that he and his family had accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts from two California agents while he was in college. U.S.C. has been given serious sanctions and returned a replica of Bush's Heisman Trophy.

There are only two significant regulations listed on the ballot that guides the roughly 900 Heisman Trophy voters in the selection process, One of them is that a player must be compliant with N.C.A.A. eligibility rules. The trophy has recognized the top college football player every season since 1935.

In a statement, Bush called winning the Heisman one of the greatest honors of his life, but added: "The persistent media speculation regarding allegations dating back to my years at U.S.C. has been both painful and distracting. In no way should the storm around these allegations reflect in any way on the dignity of this award, nor on any other institutions or individuals.'
"For the rest of my days, I will continue to strive to demonstrate through my actions and words that I was deserving of the confidence placed in me by the Heisman Trophy Trust."

He added that he wanted to establish an educational program to assist college athletes and their families so they could "avoid some of the mistakes that I made."

There was no immediate indication whether the 2005 trophy would be vacated or awarded to the former Texas quarterback Vince Young, who finished second in the voting that year.

In the 75 years of the Heisman, no winner's trophy has been revoked, nor have Heisman officials ever seriously considered doing so. A trophy had never been surrendered, either.

"It's wrong that Reggie is the only individual getting punished," Walker said. "Pete Carroll was in a position of leadership and could have helped Reggie. He gets to leave U.S.C. and take all that money from Seattle. Are they going to fine Pete Carroll, too?"

 

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Varnette Honeywood: 'Cosby Show' Artist Dies at 59

September 15, 2010, 4:04 am
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'Cosby Show' Artist Varnette Honeywood Dies At 96‎

Varnette Honeywood (pictured) was the artist who gave life to "The Cosby Show." Her paintings covered the walls of the Huxtable home (see some of her work below), adding flare to those colorful sweaters Cliff seemed to love. While not everyone is in agreement on their love for Cliff's sweaters, there's no denying that Honeywood's art was anything less than "tha bomb."

Sadly, Honeywood's life has ended at the young age of 59 years old. She'd been battling cancer for the last two years, finally succumbing to the disease. Now the world is just a little less colorful than it was before.
'Cosby Show' Artist Varnette Honeywood Dies At 96‎

I was not surprised to read that Honeywood was a Spelmanite, studying Fine Arts at Spelman College in Atlanta. She earned a Masters Degree at the University of Southern California and focused on teaching art to minority students. Honeywood got her big break with "The Cosby Show," after Bill's wife, Camille, spotted one of her paintings in the 1970s. The Cosbys then began collecting Honeywood's work and met her shortly after.

"I call her a true depictor of family love," Cosby said. "When you see her art, you see someone you know who is exactly like that, and (the works) actually speak to you." 'Cosby Show' Artist Varnette Honeywood Dies At 96‎

Honeywood worked with Cosby on a series of books called "Little Bill." Honeywood then went on to become one of the most prominent black artists in the country.

Honeywood should be commended for creating artwork that celebrated the strength and love of the black family, which goes beyond reminding us of the misery that we've experienced since slavery.

Also, her commitment to featuring the black family in her paintings was in line with "The Cosby Show's mission of providing models of powerful African-American family interactions. May Ms. Honeywood rest in peace.


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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On The Scene: Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith Visits Patti LaBelle Backstage At Broadway's 'Fela'

September 15, 2010, 4:11 am
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How can you continue to dazzle masses on Broadway with a critically-acclaimed show for almost a year? Well, if you are a savvy theater producer, you bring in a Grammy Award winning diva to the cast. On Sept. 14, 'Fela!' producers Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith welcomed the one and only Patti LaBelle for her official first night performance in the Tony Award winning musical tour-de-force, currently playing at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre in New York City. Backstage, The Smiths chatted up the 'New Attitude' diva about her return to The Great White Way. LaBelle, who rocked the rafters of the jam-packed house, is on deck to portray Nigerian political pioneer Funmilayo Ransome Kuti through the top of next year.

 

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