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Everybody Hates Bush..

This guy took off his shoes during a press conference and launched them at Bush. At very close range he managed to miss both times.

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Hero or Epic Failure

Which One is Worse? Public Brains, Nicca Chain or Weirdo

Micheal Jackson

Dayum.............No Grease

How to F*** Over an Artist


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Entertaining read. Funny if you're not in the industry, familiar to all those involved in it..
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By Wendy Day (www.RapCoalition.org and www.Rap-Coalition.com)

I’ve seen so many people get jerked in the 17 years that I have been pulling artists out of bad deals. And I have been vocal (for free) about how artists can protect themselves from getting jerked by less than savory managers and production companies, greedy labels, and unscrupulous scammers. Yet, every week it seems I get a new request for help. I’m not quite sure how the “protect yourself” information can be out there, and artists are STILL signing bad deals that steal their dreams from them. It’s most frustrating.



So I thought I’d write a tongue-in-cheek article on how to JERK an artist, and then maybe folks will read it and their bullshit tactics will be exposed. I realize that I run the risk of helping the scumbags jerk more people, but that’s a risk I am willing to take. So here goes….based on the numerous ways I have seen artists get jerked…



First of all, you have to be certain you are working with an artist over 18 who knows very little about the music business. How else will you be able to teach him your version of how it’s supposed to work? He definitely needs to be over 18 so a Judge doesn’t get involved and nullify the contract on the basis of a minor not being able to legally enter into a binding contract.



Definitely sign a male rapper. Yes, you run the risk of him becoming violent when he finds out you’ve scammed him, but by then you should have enough money to either be untouchable or hire security. Also, male rappers statistically sell better on average than female rappers, and if you’re going to stick somebody for their loot, it may as well be as much loot as possible. Besides, an angry female will go to further extremes if you piss her off, remember that last shorty you did wrong? She came after your ass, didn’t she?



A solo artist is less risky than a group, as it’s only one angry person to watch out for, rather than many who may team up for revenge. A younger person is often more naïve, and you can sell him some bullshit about the industry only wanting young artists. If you get him to lie that he’s two years younger than he really is, he’ll feel like he shares a secret with you. The more secrets you have on him, the easier it will be to control him. And if he pisses you off, you can tell the world his secrets and he’ll always be the one who looks stupid. He’ll also be too busy dodging the press, to come after you. If you can secretly record conversations that make him look bad, you can especially damage his career so he has nothing left--just in case he manages to get away from you.



It’s good to remind the artist often that you’re family and you’d never do him wrong. If he thinks you’re all sacrificing now to build something for a down-the-road payoff, you can probably get a good 4 years of loyalty out of the dupe. If you are all persons of color, you could utilize the race card to your benefit reminding him that “Black folks have to stick together because the white man has been keeping us down for long enough.” Some people even mention slavery and other assorted history to further the bond. Some phrases you could use to convince him are:

* We are family.
* I got your back.
* We are (a) soldiers, (b) warriors, (c) a team, (d) fill in the blank.
* We are building an empire
* You’re going to be a star
* You’re going to be rich
* You are doper than (a) Jay Z, (b) Tupac was, (c) Biggie was, (d) Eminem.
* You can buy your Mamma a big house
* I’m gonna make your dreams come true.
* There will be plenty for everybody
* Don’t be (a) a hater, (b) crabs in the barrel, (c) selfish, (d) fill in the blank



Make sure your artist has a “manager.” It will make him feel bigger than he is. If the person he chooses is too savvy, make sure you poo-poo his choice and allude that you can’t do a deal if he has this person in his camp. Encourage family member choices, or childhood friend choices, especially if you feel you can control them later through (a) money, (b) manipulation, (c) drug habits, (d) blackmail. An artist manager who secretly works for you is a priceless gift worth his weight in Gold. The major labels were built on this. What manager doesn’t eventually want his own label? You could dangle that carrot in front of him forever.



When the artist is in a position where he’s feeling secure and he believes in you 100%, it’s time to put that contract in front of him with a pen. Have it open to the last page and show him exactly where he should sign it. Act like you’re in a hurry. A time where you’re about to give him money, or right before a show in the parking lot of the club, or when he’s really high in the studio and hearing his boys giving him tons of “you the man” praise, are all good times to offer the contracts. Don’t worry, he’ll sign. They all do.



If he tries to look at the writing in the contract, or even tries to turn a page, snatch it back from him and act hurt. Remind him that you’re all family and if there’s no trust then maybe you should find someone else to sign. Tell him you could get him a lawyer if he really wants, but it’ll have to be in exchange for that (a) gear, (b) watch, (c) car, or (d) cash you were about to give him. If he really pushes the having his own attorney bit, and you can’t manipulate him out of the idea, make certain he has an attorney with no power. It’s important to let him use someone with some music business experience so they don’t run up the bill with your lawyer fighting for stupid stuff.



There are many new, wanna-be, and fringe (outside of the inner circle that exists in the music industry) lawyers who troll the industry for clients and will give love to whomever is paying their bill (you). They come in all colors and all prices. Just remember, a lawyer makes more money working for a label than for an artist, so most can very easily be swayed to do what you want in the deal, even for a reduced fee, with a promise of future work, even if it’s bullshit.



Lawyers get paid to do deals, not to break them, so they will usually finish the deal no matter how bad it is, rather than walk away from making their fee. They console themselves with the fact they got their client the best deal they could. It is important to find someone with reduced, or no, integrity.



Sign as many artists as you want, promising them whatever you have to, to get them to sign. Don’t worry about putting them out or doing anything at all with them. Once they are signed, you own them. Most artists really just want to be signed to a record label and that will pacify them longer than you think. Be hard to find so you won’t have to listen to their bitching. If they can’t find you, it’s not your fault you’re busy-- after all, you are running a business. If they do catch you, sympathize with them and tell them you’ll look into it, or that they are up next. Both of these excuses only work about 3 times, but if you are good at eluding the artists, that’s at least a year.



Make certain your lawyer worded the contract to sign your artists for no less than 7 albums (not years, as 7 albums is about 14 years really), give him little to no advance, take 100% of the publishing and merchandising, get 50% of everything else as his production company, and make the stat rate at 10X, 75%. Have a separate contract that assigns you as his official manager for life, for 25%. Tell him how big you are in the industry and how you can make shit happen at the drop of a hat, in fact, you left Akon or Diddy on hold just now to speak with your favorite artist (him) because he’s so important to you.



Placate him with the lie that you’re going to put him on tour with (a) Jay Z, (b) Lil Wayne, (c) R Kelly (if he also likes his females young) or (d) Plies, and that nobody else would do that for him. Remind him that with his cut of tour income like that, he won’t even notice your manager’s fee of 25%, besides you’re doing all the work: all he has to do is rap on stage for 20 minutes and get head in the limo on the way back to the hotel by the prettiest female. Tough life.



Speaking of shows, if you are lucky enough to stumble on an opportunity, make sure the artist thinks he’s only getting $1,000 to do the show, while the promoter is really paying you $5,000. Then, when the promoter sends you the first half of $2,500, tell the artist the $500 front end came in, and you keep the other $2,000. Or be a sport and tell him since you’re such a great manager you got the whole $1,000 upfront and keep the remaining $1,500 and then keep the whole backend of $2,500. You’ll be his hero. By the time the IRS sends the artist a tax notice (takes about 3 years) for the taxes he didn’t pay on all the $5,000 shows, you’ll be long gone.



A real easy way to make a lot of money is to book multiple shows for the same night and don’t show up to any except one. You can keep all the front end deposits and do nothing because it’ll be the artists’ reputation in the crapper, not yours. By the time the lawsuits come in, again, you’ll be long gone. Your lawyer can stall the suits for 3 years or better. And it’s free money. You could even book all the shows for the same night at $5,000 each and call back all the promoters the day before to tell them you’ll come to whoever is the highest bidder. You might get double the price, and if you were smart enough to ask everyone for open airplane tickets, you can cash in the ones you don’t use and make some extra cash. Again, it’s the artist reputation that suffers, not yours.

The new 360 deals are a great way for you to make even more money than you should (although it doesn’t much matter what you call the deal, you’re never going to pay him anyway). With a 360 deal you can explain to him that you are building his career so he can make a lot of show money, and then you can tap into a portion of that income. Your argument should be that you are taking all the risk financially, so you should be able to tap into all of the income sources from what your promotional dollars create. If he stalls, remember to dangle an advance in his face so he won’t be able to stall you out for long. Keep other unsigned artists around so he feels that if he doesn’t take the deal, someone else will.



It’s a good idea to keep the artist in the studio as much as possible at first, because once he realizes you’re making all the money, it’ll be hard to get him back in there. The studio is really where he wants to be anyway; he’s most comfortable there. Keep him as high and as drunk as possible. Aside from the fact that it will be easy to control him then, the addiction will also keep him coming back to you. He will want to be in the studio all the time anyway, as he will be gung-ho to make his album. Truth be told, rappers really only want fame and pussy, and when everyone thinks he has an album coming out, the women will surround him, and he will feel like a star (even if his record never comes out).



Try to get him to make as many albums as possible, but don’t tell him that’s what you’re doing. Tell him the songs he’s making don’t fit his image, or the production is inferior, or that he is so much better than what you’re hearing. If you tell him it isn’t commercial enough and needs to be more radio friendly, which is the oldest label trick in the book, you may get some static as artists may see this as “selling out,” which will hurt his core beliefs (core beliefs are hard to sway). You may need to lock him out of the studio or cut off the supply of money and drugs, to get him to come around. Once he does though, you can get a good 10 or 20 more songs with this one excuse.



If he has a lot of knuckleheads around him whispering in his ear, or savvy industry folks around him all of a sudden, send him to a studio more than a ten hour drive away. This will instantly put a stop to that crap, and being in a strange place will force him to go to the studio because he’ll have nothing else to do. You can easily control him with money (keeping him waiting a few days for money when he’s broke and hungry will take the fight out of anyone). Never give him too much at once. The stress of bills and starving are excellent incentive for him to act right, especially if he has a baby’s mama and a kid or two. Great incentive. By the time the paternity suits and child support cases roll in, you’ll be long gone.



If you do put out a record for the rapper, keep him on the road as much as possible. Aside from the show scam being a great source of income for you, it keeps him from begging you for money constantly at home. Be certain he has his boy as his “manager” (preferably with no business or music industry knowledge or connections), and has a tour manager that you assign, control, and pay, that will report back to you immediately if there are any suspicions that you aren’t doing what’s right. When you hear rumblings, fly to whatever city he’s in and spend time with him. Buy him little gifts and get high with him. Remind him he’s part of something bigger. Strip bars in any city are perfect locations for meetings. Hookers afterwards are appropriate gifts. You should be seen at all times to be taking care of his needs, especially publicly. This will attract hoards of other artists to scam.



Things won’t get rough for you until about 9 months after his record comes out and he realizes he’s still living with his Mom. If you have multiple albums done, it won’t matter as his “fame” will keep him promoting the subsequent albums. He won’t want to lose that. Without fame he’ll lose all the free stuff, all the gratuitous pussy, all the attention, all the free drinks and free blunts… Fear of losing all this will keep him in line for awhile. Rarely be kind to him. The harder you are on him, and the harder you are to please, the harder he’ll try to please you. Kindness will only be taken as weakness and he’ll control you.



Artists are not loyal. They jump to wherever the money is. If he’s more pimp than whore, he will eventually find other ways to make money: (a) appearing on other artists’ albums for $10,000 (b) shows behind your back for $5,000 which is more than you’re booking him for, (c) bootlegging his own album, or (d) selling T-shirts or drugs at his own shows. If you don’t have subsequent albums to release, it’s important that you keep him broke so you can get him back in the studio as soon as possible with the promise of money--his next advance. If he’s a man destined to be pimped, he will most likely jump ship to another camp with the same game, willing to give up a bit more upfront cash incentive to him. Have a super sharp litigator on board to sue the other company immediately, and either they’ll toss him out like a used condom or write you a fat check to let him go. It’s up to you, since you legally own him.



In general, only give your artist what you have to, in order to get him working. If you give him too much he’ll disappear til it runs out. For the second album, if you promise half now and half when he finishes the album, it’s all gravy. And if you’re slick enough to use the studio excuses again to get even more songs out of him, you’re a star! By now he knows the necessity of radio hits, so that “music needs to be more radio friendly” will go a long way. You can even entice him by getting tracks from his favorite producers, and getting artists he admires to work with him. Both of these options require an outlay of money, but you can trick multiple artists on your label with the same track or the same guest appearance opportunity. Also, you’ll sell more records in the long run, and make more money that way, so it’s worth it. If you have signed more than one artist, you can pit them against each other for maximum effect. They’ll even sabotage each other with little effort on your part. You can sit back and enjoy the show.

If you’re an artist and you’re reading this, don’t get pissed off because you got beat. For 17 years, I have offered numerous free resources that teach you how to NOT get jerked, but that would require time, investigation, and reading skills on your part, and that just always seemed like too much work didn’t it. With the plethora of info out there, and the availability of trustworthy professionals to choose for your team, if any of you do get jerked, shame on you. You have no one to blame but yourselves. You’ve been warned. Enjoy that blunt…

And the award for the most ridiculous rendition of the National Anthem EVER goes to....

Ladies and Gentlemen Miss KEYSHIA COLE!!

I've never heard so many unnecessary runs in a song. She looked a hot, dumb outfit wearing, trying too hard, about to be put in the same category as Ashanti MESS...

Old School Hip Hop Downloads

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The Dallas Lonestar Classic

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Another Persons TOP RAP LPs

1
2Pac
All Eyez on Me (1996)

This is the finest piece of material to be released by this most Legendary and influential rapper.It was made in just under a couple of weeks.It is a miracle that an album that was made so quickly can still be this great.Definitely a West Coast Classic!
2
N.W.A
Straight Outta Compton (1988)

At a time when east coast rap ruled and when Rappers were talking about being happy,N.W.A. came in and changed the rules of the game by
bringing Gangsta-Rap to the mainstream.A blood-soaked masterpiece!
3
Dr. Dre
The Chronic (1992)

Wow!It did so much for Rap.It introduced the world to G-Funk.It made
the West Coast the most popular coast in rap.It also introduced the
world to the Rap Legend Snoop Dogg.
4
Nas
Illmatic (1994)

This is the album upon which Nas's reputation rests upon.Definitely one of the all-time greats (especially for the East Coast).
5
The Notorious B.I.G.
Ready to Die (1994)

This is the album that revitalized East Coast Rap and showed the world the natural talent for this Legend.Filled with great songs!
6
Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt (1996)

This classic album made Hova an instant Legend,it is one of the finest debuts in the history of Hip-Hop!
7
Ice Cube
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (1990)

Ice Cube was born to join and leave N.W.A..After all,he was the most talented emcee of the whole group.Not even "Straight Outta Compton"
can prepare you for this hard-core,west-coast masterpiece!
8
Public Enemy
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988)

This album is so revolutionary!Public Enemy definitely has an important message in their music.Many have tried to imitate their political style,but never came close to being as great or as informative as them.Like Chuck D said,"Rap is our CNN".
9
Run-D.M.C.
Raising Hell (1986)

Run D.M.C. brought rap to the mainstream and their influence is Definitive!This is them at their very best.
10
Eric B. & Rakim
Paid in Full (1987)

Rakim had the smothest flow in the history of Rap music and he sounded great over Eric's jazzy beats.Their debut album resulted in this land-mark Hip-Hop album!
11
Snoop Dogg
Doggystyle (1993)

This album took G-Funk to the next level.It is a carbon-copy of "The Chronic",but the amazing thing about the album is that it is as good as "The Chronic".By far Snoop's best work.
12
Eminem
The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)

Dark, hard, shocking, controversial, and brilliant.
13
Eazy-E
Eazy-Duz-It (1988)

The Godfather of Gangsta Rap's debut album.Eazy-E might not of been one of the most talented emcees,but he is still a Legend.This is a
semi-sequel to "Straight Outta Compton" and was made very quickly after it,due to the success of "Straight Outta Compton".
14
Wu-Tang Clan
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)

This album made all the members of the group Rap Legend's (especially
Method Man).Definitely one of the greatest Hip-Hop albums ever!
R.I.P. ODB.
15
OutKast
Speakerboxxx / The Love Below (2003)

This is the most innovative Rap album of all time.It is also the newest addition to the essential Hip-Hop albums!
16
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill (1991)

This is Cypress Hill's debut.It is filled with funky beats,great rhymes and B Real's excellent hellium flow!
17
Geto Boys
Grip It! On That Other Level (1989)

This is arguably one of the most controversial albums of all time.Everything on here is raw,from the beats to the rhymes.Definitely different!
18
Da Lench Mob
Guerillas in tha Mist (1992)

This is the most underrated essential Hip-Hop album of all time!
19
The D.O.C.
No One Can Do It Better (1989)

This was before he got into his horrible car accident,back when he had a strong flow and a major influence in Gangsta Rap.
20
LL Cool J
Radio (1985)

This was when LL Cool J was still good.Definitely a great way for this Legendary Rapper to kick off his long-lived career!His best work.
21
Boogie Down Productions
Criminal Minded (1987)

The reason this is an essential Hip-Hop album is,because it marked the invention of Gangsta Rap.
22
Slick Rick
The Great Adventures of Slick Rick (1988)

Slick Rick is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of Rap and this is his best work!
23
Scarface
The Diary (1994)

Scarface is the most talented member of Geto Boys and this is his best album!
24
Kanye West
The College Dropout (2004)

Kanye West is definitely the best emcee around right now and he proves it with this excellent debut of an album!
25
Eminem
The Slim Shady LP (1999)

Although many people may hate him this album still marked a turning point in Hip-Hop history,the first talented white rapper (there have been so many embarassments such as Vanilla Ice).The arrival of the "King Of Controversy".
26
Ice-T
O.G. Original Gangster (1991)

Ice-T is a "Gangsta Rap" pioneer and this is a classic album in the world of Hip-Hop.
27
Big Punisher
Capital Punishment (1998)

Big Pun has such a great flow and he is also a great lyricist.This album just makes me proud to be a Latino!
28
2Pac
Me Against the World (1995)

This is this legendary arist at his darkest.On this he is self-reflective,soul-bearing,honest,and introspective.
29
Ice Cube
Death Certificate (1991)

What's amazing is how he can talk about Politics while keeping it street and sounding hard.A great way to follow up his classic debut, AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted!
30
The Notorious B.I.G.
Life After Death (1997)

This just proves that he still holds the title of the "King Of N.Y.",even in death.
31
Eric B. & Rakim
Follow the Leader (1988)

On this album Rakim's flow and his lyrics are as great as ever!Eric B.s jazzy beats just make the album sound even better!
32
Public Enemy
Fear of a Black Planet (1990)

It's a great way for this legendary group to follow up It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back,a great album in it's own right.

_Elvis was a hero to most but he never meant shit to me / Is he straight up racist / The sucker was simple and plain / Mother Fuck him and John Wayne_
From the song, Fight The Power.
Classic line right there!
33
Nas
Stillmatic (2001)

The greatest comeback in the history of hip-hop,he showed Jay-Z that he has tough competition to compete with for the titile of "King Of N.Y."!
34
Jay-Z
The Blueprint (2001)

This is his hottest album since Reasonable Doubt!This is a modern day Hip-Hop Classic!
35
Ice-T
Rhyme Pays (1987)

This is the first ever classic Hip-Hop album for the West Coast!
36
Makaveli
The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (1996)

Every song on this album is very heartfelt.It can make you sit back and question the existence of the late Tupac Amaru Shakur.It was completed before he died and released in death. R.I.P.
37
A Tribe Called Quest
The Low End Theory (1991)

True art. Pure, original, laid-back, and cool Hip Hop!!!!
38
Lauryn Hill
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)

The Greatest female Mc at her finest. I can't wait until she unveils some new material.
39
Common
Be (2005)

It's so refreshing to hear a real mc, especially, with all the c rap that's going on in hip-hop right now.
40
The Game
You Know What It Is Vol. 3 (mixtape) (2005) [Bootleg / Unauthorized]

The album that made 50 Cent officialy a bitch, listen to "300 Bars", it's reason enough to buy it.
41
Kanye West
Late Registration (2005)

The future is looking bright for Kanye.
42
Boogie Down Productions
By All Means Necessary (1988)

One of the best Mc's ever is KRS-One!!!!!!!!!
43
2Pac
Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... (1993)

"Keep Ya Head Up" is one of my favorite songs.

Pic of The Week!

I welcome YOU to the Future!!! It's SO refreshing to have a President who knows a lil something about..as John McCain puts it.. "The Email" It's the first "Techie Prezzy" Beeyatches!!! Get ya gadgets up boys! I see u Pac-Man!

STORE CLOSINGS AND LAYOFFS

STORE CLOSINGS AND LAYOFFS
If you have gift cards, hurry up and use them!!

Ann Taylor closing 117 stores nationwide. A company spokeswoman said the company hasn't revealed which stores will be shuttered. It will let the stores that will close this fiscal year know over the next month
Mervyns- Bankruptcy all stores to close after holiday!!
Circuit City - Bankruptcy all stores to close.
Shoe Pavilion-Bankruptcy all stores to close
Room Source- Bankruptcy all stores to close

Eddie Bauer to close more stores. Eddie Bauer has already closed 27 shops in the first quarter and plans to close up to two more outlet stores by the end of the year.
Cache closing stores. Women's retailer Cache announced that it is closing 20 to 23 stores this year.

Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherines closing 150 stores nationwide. The owner of retailers Lane Bryant , Fashion Bug , Catherine's Plus Sizes will close about 150 under performing stores this year. The company hasn't provided a list of specific store closures and can't say when it will offer that info, spokeswoman Brooke Perry said today.

Talbots, J. Jill closing stores. About a month ago, Talbot's announced that it will be shuttering all 78 of its kids and men's stores. Now the company says it will close another 22 under performing stores.. The 22 stores will be a mix of Talbot's women's and J. Jill , another chain it owns. The closures will occur this fiscal year, according to a company press release.
Gap Inc. closing 85 stores. In addition to its namesake chain, Gap also owns Old Navy and Banana Republic . The company said the closures - all planned for fiscal 2008 - will be weighted toward the Gap brand.
Foot Locker to close 140 stores. In the company press release and during its conference call with analysts today, it did not specify where the future store closures - all planned in fiscal 2008 - will be. The company could not be immediately reached for comment
Wickes is going out of business. Wickes Furniture is going out of business and closing all of its stores, Wickes, a 37-year-old retailer that targets middle-income customers, filed for bankruptcy protection last month.

Goodbye Levitz / BOMBAY - closed already. The furniture retailer, which is going out of business. Levitz first announced it was going out of business and closing all 76 of its stores in December. The retailer dates back to 1910 when Richard Levitz opened his first ..."adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" id="KonaLink0" oncontextmenu="return false;">furniture store in Lebanon , PA. In the 1960's, the ..."adlinkMouseOut(event,this,1);" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,1);" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,1);" id="KonaLink1" oncontextmenu="return false;">warehouse/showroom concept brought Levitz to the forefront of the furniture industry. The local Levitz closures will follow the shutdown of Bombay ..

Zales, ..."adlinkMouseOut(event,this,2);" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,2);" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,2);" id="KonaLink2" oncontextmenu="return false;">Piercing Pagoda closing stores. The owner of Zales and Piercing Pagoda previously said it plans to close 82 stores by July 31. Today, it announced that it is closing another 23 under performing stores. The company said it's not providing a list of specific store closures. Of the 105 locations planned for closure, 50 are kiosks and 55 are stores.

Disney Store owner has the right to close 98 stores. The Walt Disney Company announced it acquired about 220 Disney Stores from subsidiaries of The Children's Place Retail Stores. The exact number of stores acquired will depend on negotiations with landlords. Those subsidiaries of Children's Place filed for bankruptcy protection in late March. Walt Disney, in the news release, said it has also obtained the right to close about 98 Disney Stores in the U.S. The press release didn't list those stores.

Home Depot store closings. (E. Brunswick, Rt 18 just put up their closing sign) ATLANTA - Nearly 7+ months after its chief executive said there were no plans to cut the number of its core retail stores, The Home Depot Inc. announced Thursday that it is shuttering 15 of them amid a slumping U.S. economy and housing market. The move will affect 1,300 employees. It is the first time the world's largest home improvement store chain has ever closed a flagship store for performance reasons. Its shares rose almost 5 percent. The Atlanta-based company said the under performing U.S. stores being closed represents less than 1 percent of its existing stores. They will be shuttered within the next two months.

CompUSA (CLOSED) clarifies details on store closings. Any ..."adlinkMouseOut(event,this,3);" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,3);" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,3);" id="KonaLink3" oncontextmenu="return false;">extended warranties purchased for products through CompUSA will be honored by a third-party provider, Assurant Solutions. Gift cards, rain checks, and rebates purchased prior to December 12 can be redeemed at any time during the final sale. For those who have a gadget currently in for service with CompUSA, the repair will be completed and the gadget will be returned to owners.
Macy's - 9 stores

Movie Gallery - 160 stores as part of reorganization plan to exit bankruptcy. The video ..."adlinkMouseOut(event,this,4);" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,4);" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,4);" id="KonaLink4" oncontextmenu="return false;">rental company plans to close 400 of 3,500 Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video stores in addition to the 520 locations the video rental chain closed last fall.

Pacific Sunwear - 153 Demo stores
Pep Boys - 33 stores

Sprint Nextel - 125 retail locations. New Sprint Nextel CEO Dan Hesse appears to have inherited a company bleeding subscribers by the thousands, and will now officially be dropping the ax on 4,000 employees and 125 retail locations. Amid the loss of 639,000 postpaid customers in the fourth quarter, Sprint will be cutting a total of 6.7% of its work force (following the 5,000 layoffs last year) and 8% of company-owned brick-and-mortar stores, while remaining mute on other rumors that it will ..."adlinkMouseOut(event,this,5);" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,5);" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,5);" id="KonaLink5" oncontextmenu="return false;">consolidate its headquarters in Kansas . Sprint Nextel shares are down $2.89, or nearly 25%, at the time of this writing.

J. C. Penney, Lowe's and Office Depot are scaling back

Ethan Allen Interiors: The company announced plans to close
12 of 300+ stores in an effort to cut costs.

Wilsons the Leather Experts - 158 stores

Pacific Sunwear will close its 154 Demo stores after a review of strategic alternatives for the urban-..."adlinkMouseOut(event,this,6);" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,6);" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,6);" id="KonaLink6" oncontextmenu="return false;">apparel brand. Seventy-four under performing Demo stores closed last May.

Sharper Image: The company recently filed for bankruptcy protection and announced that 90 of its 184 stores are closing. The retailer will still operate 94 stores to pay off debts, but 90 of these stores have performed poorly and also may close..

Bombay Company: The company unveiled plans to close all 384 U.S.-based Bombay Company stores. The company's online storefront has discontinued operations.

KB Toys posted a list of 356 stores that it is closing around the United States as part of its bankruptcy reorganization. To see the list of store closings, go to the KB Toys Information web site, and click on Press Information
Dillard's to Close More Stores. Dillard's Inc. said it will continue to focus on closing under performing stores, reducing expenses and improving its merchandise in 2008. At the company's annual shareholder meeting, CEO William Dillard II said the company will close another six under performing stores this year

How to Pardon Turkey's!

Sheit Sarah...you're a heartless lil witch! And still have no clue WTF you're talking about!! Go sit your retarded azz down somewhere!

"I'm not Shaking that Dude Hand..."

This is hilarious..

No world leader's will fool with this dude anymore

Music links...

Ludacris - http://link-protector.com/653732/

E-40 - http://link-protector.com/654128/

Kanye West - http://link-protector.com/653730/


Not sure if these still work or not, but give them a try.

And another one: Texas Teacher Arrested for Giving Topless Photo to Boy, 14

What is going on???

SAN ANTONIO — A 27-year-old woman has been arrested on charges of distributing harmful material to a minor after a 14-year-old's parents found a topless photo of her on his cell phone.

Victoria Ann Chacon, a former middle school teacher, allegedly met the boy at their church, where she was a Sunday school teacher. Authorities at Somerset Independent School District said they found no evidence of any inappropriate relationships with students; the 14-year-old attended school elsewhere.

The boy's parents called police in March after finding racy letters in which Chacon professed her love. The boy initially refused to give a statement about the relationship, the arrest warrant says.

Several months later, the parents found a cell phone with a topless photo of Chacon. The phone was owned by Chacon and the two had been calling on another, according to court documents.

The woman was arrested Tuesday. Jail records had no attorney listed for her.

Diddy on Bill M. Show

'GameDay' gives FAMU positive exposure

ESPN's Gameday with be at FAMU.
http://rattlernews.tallahassee.com/article/20081112/FAMU03/811120332/1009/FAMU

Piss?...No Mars for Me

Purified urine to be astronauts' drinking waterBy Irene Klotz Irene Klotz – 1 hr 7 mins agoCAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (Reuters) – As NASA prepares to double the number of astronauts living aboard the International Space Station, nothing may do more for crew bonding than a machine being launched aboard the space shuttle Endeavour on Friday.It's a water-recycling device that will process the crew's urine for communal consumption."We did blind taste tests of the water," said NASA's Bob Bagdigian, the system's lead engineer. "Nobody had any strong objections. Other than a faint taste of iodine, it is just as refreshing as any other kind of water.""I've got some in my fridge," he added. "It tastes fine to me."Delivery of the $250 million (169.7 million pound) wastewater recycling gear is among the primary goals of NASA's 124th shuttle mission, which is due to launch at 7:55 p.m. EST on Friday (12:55 a.m. on Saturday British time) from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.Meteorologists predicted a 70 percent chance the weather would be suitable for launch. If the shuttle lifts off on time, it would arrive at the space station on Sunday so astronauts could begin 11 to 12 days of home improvements.In addition to the water recycler, Endeavour carries two small bedrooms, the station's first refrigerator, new exercise gear, and perhaps most important for a growing crew -- a second toilet."With six people you really do need to have a two-bathroom house. It's a lot more convenient and a lot more efficient," said Endeavour astronaut Sandra Magnus, who will take over as a space station flight engineer from Greg Chamitoff.Chamitoff has been aboard the outpost since the last shuttle flight in June.NASA wants to make sure the water recycling system is working well before adding another three astronauts to the station's crew.SHUTTLE SUPPLIES DRYING UPReusing water will become essential once NASA retires its space shuttles, which produce water as a byproduct of their electrical systems. Rather than dumping the water overboard, NASA has been transferring it to the space station.But the shuttle's days are numbered. Only 10 flights remain, including a final servicing call to the Hubble Space Telescope. NASA is preparing to end the program in 2010."We can't be delivering water all the time for six crew," said space station flight director Ron Spencer. "Recycling is a must."NASA expects to process about six gallons (23 litres) of water per day with the new device. The goal is to recover about 92 percent of the water from the crew's urine and moisture in the air.The wastewater is processed using an extensive series of purification techniques, including distillation -- which is somewhat tricky in microgravity -- filtration, oxidation, and ionization.The final step is the addition of iodine to control microbial growth, Bagdigian said.The device is intended to process a full day's worth of wastewater in less than 24 hours."Today's drinking water was yesterday's waste," Bagdigian said.(Editing by Jim Loney and Mohammad Zargham)

CEO John Rogers beats Jordan one-on-one

The 50 Worst Cars of All Time (Interesting)

The Horsey Horseless!!! A Very Fly Whip in its day!!!!

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/completelist/0,,1658545,00.html

Final Four in Arlington

I hope this happens. Arlington is coming up.
http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/1034864.html

Black President Richard Pryor

Beatable?

Premeditated Murder… By an 8yr Old???

An 8 year old boy in Arizona smoked his dad and another man:

A man who police believe was shot and killed by his 8-year-old son had consulted a Roman Catholic priest about whether the boy should handle guns and had taught him how to use them, the clergyman said Saturday. The father, Vincent Romero, 29, was from a family of avid hunters and wanted to make sure the boy wasn’t afraid of guns and knew how to handle them, said the Very Rev. John Paul Sauter of St. Johns Catholic Church. The boy’s stepmother had suggested he have a BB gun, the priest said. Romero taught his son how to use a rifle to kill prairie dogs, Sauter said. Police say the boy used a 22.-caliber rifle Wednesday to kill his father and another man, Timothy Romans, 39, of San Carlos. The priest did not say how he advised the couple or whether they decided to buy him a gun but said Saturday that the boy “was just too young.” “That child, I don’t think he knows what he did, and it was brutal,” said Sauter, who presided at the wedding of the father and stepmother.

The boy, who faces two counts of premeditated murder, did not act on the spur of the moment, St. Johns Police Chief Roy Melnick said. Police are looking into whether he might have been abused. “I’m not accusing anybody of anything at this point,” he said Saturday. “But we’re certainly going to look at the abuse part of this. He’s 8 years old. He just doesn’t decide one day that he’s going to shoot his father and shoot his father’s friend for no reason. Something led up to this.” On Friday, a judge ordered a psychological evaluation of the boy. Under Arizona law, charges can be filed against anyone 8 or older. The boy had no record of complaints with Arizona Child Protective Services, said Apache County Attorney Brad Carlyon. In a sign of the emotional and legal complexities of the case, police are pushing to have the boy tried as an adult even as they investigate possible abuse, Melnick said. If convicted as a minor, the boy could be sent to juvenile detention until he turns 18. The boy’s lawyer, Benjamin Brewer, said his client is generally in good spirits.

Officers arrived at Romero’s home within minutes of the shooting Wednesday in St. Johns, which has a population of about 4,000 and is 170 miles northeast of Phoenix. They found one victim just outside the front door and the other dead in an upstairs room. Romans had been renting a room at the Romero house, prosecutors said. Both men were employees of a construction company working at a power plant near St. Johns. The boy went to a neighbor’s house and said he “believed that his father was dead,” Carlyon said. Melnick said police got a confession, but Brewer said police overreached in questioning the boy without representation from a parent or attorney and did not advise him of his rights.

Jay-Z "History"

Trail Secrets

WHATEVER I LIKE

We don't believe you Brother Jesse!

Although Tuesday's night election was a great event for all Jesse crossed the line with his comments about cutting Barack's balls off. So I just have to question Jesse's tears....Seems to me like he was trying to get on TV or a pub stunt.

Any thoughts ?

The White House

Construction
Construction of the White House began with the laying of the cornerstone on October 13, 1792, with no formal ceremony.[8] The main residence, as well as foundations of the house, were built largely by enslaved and free African-American laborers, as well as employed Europeans.[9] Much of the other work on the house was performed by immigrants, many not yet with citizenship. The sandstone walls were erected by Scottish immigrants, employed by Hoban,[10] as were the high relief rose and garland decorations above the north entrance and the "fish scale" pattern beneath the pediments of the window hoods. Much of the brick and plaster work was produced by Irish and Italian immigrants. The initial construction took place over a period of eight years, at a reported cost of $232,371.83 ($2.4 million in 2005 dollars). Although not yet completed, the White House was ready for occupancy on or circa November 1, 1800.[11]

Shortages, including material and labor, forced alterations to the earlier plan developed by French engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant for a "palace" that was five times larger than the house that was eventually built.[10] The finished home would contain only two main floors instead of the planned three, and a less costly brick served as a lining for the stone façades. When construction was finished the porous sandstone walls were coated with a mixture of lime, rice glue, casein, and lead, giving the house its familiar color and name.[10]

Being a famed structure in America, many replicas have been constructed in its image.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House

The First Family!!!

I'm still trippin on this one!!! I really didn't expect this to realistically happen so soon after the civil rights movement! And in such a dominant fashion I might add!!! I can Honestly say for the first time in my adult life I am truly...actually...Dayum Proud Of White American's!!! lol I think Common Sense has Finally Won!!! I have such a sense of relief now that the doom and gloom repubs gotta GTFOH!!! Now we can get back to the "grizzie" and continue on getting that piece of the American Pie!!!! Man God is Good!!!! He definitely heard our prayers!!!

Now besides fixing the economy, stopping 2 wars, creating a greener world...we also need to get in some federal aid to help Michelle's a$$ learn how to pick appropriate outfits!!! She should've worn a nice first lady suit...look dignified! I'm not hatin though...lol...she was club fine...she should have dressed up more on such a historic night..she knew a lot of pics would be taken...the dress looks like blood splatter!!! Anyway...terrible choice if you asked me...LMAO...but I just keeps it real...it doesn't take away from how dignified or how brilliant she really is!!!!! It's just image...gotta project a good one..especially when dealing with you know who!

But sheit talkers...We still got plenty of sheit to talk about!!! Plenty to do and plenty to get done!!!! Black folks still got a ways to go....it's not nearly over just because America Elected it's FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT!!!! (I'm still f'n amazed)But we have to stay mindful of what's best for folks and gotta keep Barack honest while he's in there! We'll check his a$$ too if he gets out of line like the worst president in WORLD HISTORY has done and his name would be George W. Bush!!! Good F'n Riddance CROOK!!!

YES WE DID

The Redskins Rule

I'll take the lost last night with no problem if Obama wins.
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/03/redskins-rule-ideal-for-monday-night/

Hip-Hop Stars Stump For Obama In South Florida

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/03/hip-hop-stars-stump-for-o_n_140457.html

Shakir Stewart, Jay-Z's Successor At Def Jam, Suicides

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/02/shakir-stewart-jay-zs-suc_n_140093.html

Best Barack Obama Impression Ever

This kid should be hired by SNL. He has Barack Obama’s voice down perfectly!!! You have to see this.

I Couldn't Resist: Palin Gets Pranked

Palin Prank Call: Canadian Comedy Duo Convinces Palin She's Talking To Sarkozy (AUDIO)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/01/masked-avengers-prank-cal_n_140023.html

This is at least a dyme!!!!!!!

Boo! Who? Supporting Obama? No treats for you

Wow... this is taking it too far. But this is expected from a McCain supporter.
http://www.mlive.com/elections/index.ssf/2008/11/boo_who_supporting_obama_no_tr.html

The Lovechild of BET and Mr. Bojangles...

Did he really just say that?

The coon of the day is the iced out idiot, Slave Boy:

Last week in Atlanta, in a interview with Soulja Boy Tell Em. A reporter asked him, “What historical figure do you most hate?” He was stumped. I said, “Others have said Hitler, bin Laden, the slave masters…” He said, “Oh wait! Hold up! Shout out to the slave masters! Without them we’d still be in Africa.”
“We wouldn’t be here,” he continued, to get this ice and tattoos.”

I have no words....

"I Am The Guy With A Lamborghini In The Basement"

http://jalopnik.com/5069251/exclusive-i-am-the-guy-with-a-lamborghini-in-the-basement


Last week we brought you the story of Ken Imhoff, a Wisconsin man who, after falling in love with the Lamborghini Countach in the classic movie Cannonball Run, followed his dream by building his very own Lamborghini in his basement. The amazing build took place over the course of ten years and was completed and dragged out of the subterranean depths only about a week prior to our story. That very same day Ken contacted us, amazed by the response the post had garnered, to let us know "I am the guy with a Lamborghini in the basement." Of course we knew you needed to hear more, so over the last week we've been working with Mr. Imhoff to put together a story that will not only do justice to his car, but to his vision and persistence. Below is Ken's story in his own words, along with a load of new pictures of the finished car and details of the entire extraction process. What's most interesting to many may be the technical details — those too await below the jump in this exclusive detailing of one of the most amazing build we've ever seen.

2010 NBA All-Star game set for Dallas Cowboys stadium

I'll be ready to kick it when the game comes to town. PT is going to make a lot of money that weekend. Hopefully they can keep Pacman out of there.

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/story/1004802.html

"O" attack ad

Youth shot while allegedly vandalizing McCain yard sign

October 28th, 2008
Youth shot while allegedly vandalizing McCain yard sign
Posted: 12:39 PM ET

(CNN) — A Warren Township, Ohio, man faces charges of felonious assault after authorities say he fired his rifle at two youths who were allegedly attempting to deface his McCain yard sign, striking one of them in the arm.
Kenneth Rowles, 50, pleaded not guilty to the charge Monday, according to CNN affiliate WBNS. Bond was set at $10,000.
Rowles told police he was sitting on his porch Saturday when a tan SUV pulled up and a black youth jumped out and ran toward his house screaming, “This is for Obama.” He said another male was hanging out of the passenger window screaming the same thing.

http://cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/

SNL - Obama Address

Jockey charged with stealing laxatives

A jockey who has ridden at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is accused of stealing laxatives from a Dollar General Store. Shane Pierre Romero, 39, of the 600 block of Bodcau Station Road, in Bossier Parish, was booked into jail on Thursday on one count of theft, said Ed, Baswell, spokesman for Bossier sheriff’s office.
Deputies received a call about a shoplifter at the Dollar General Store in the 1000 block of Bellevue Road in Haughton. A cashier showed a deputy an empty box of laxatives and said the packets were on Romero’s person, Baswell said.At that point, Romero pulled the laxative packets out of his pants and two air fresheners from his pocket. The value of the items is $4.Romero was released on a 500 bond.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200881024018

Charles Barkley tells Brown 'racism is a cancer'

A good read. I had to laugh at this. BTW, Louisiana is in that category also.

Brown: So are you going to run for governor?
Barkley: I plan on it in 2014.
Brown: You are serious.
Barkley: I am, I can't screw up Alabama.
Brown: There is no place to go but up in your view?
Barkley: We are number 48 in everything and Arkansas and Mississippi aren't going anywhere.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/27/brown.barkley/index.html

When Transvestites Attack

LOL... they threw hot grease on those fools.

ATF disrupts skinhead plot to assassinate Obama

It's getting real. The crazies are starting to come out.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081027/ap_on_el_pr/skinhead_plot

Body found in SUV linked to Hudson shootings

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/10/27/illinois.shootings.hudson/index.html

This Shows Character!

Oct 05, 2008

The Norwegian newspaper VG has reported a truly amazing story about a newly-wed trying to get to Norway to be with her husband, and the stranger who helped pay an unexpected luggage surcharge. The blog "Leisha's Random Thoughts" has translated the story.

It was 1988, and Mary Andersen was at the Miami airport checking in for a long flight to Norway to be with her husband when the airline representative informed her that she wouldn't be able to check her luggage without paying a 100 surcharge:

When it was finally Mary's turn, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness.

-You'll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway, the man behind the counter said.

Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway, and she had no one else to call.

-I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary.

As tears streamed down her face, she heard a "gentle and friendly voice" behind her saying, "That's okay, I'll pay for her."
Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before.

-He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, Who is this man?

Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man.

-He was nicely dressed, fashionably dressed with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary.

She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her.

Who was the man?

Barack Obama.

Twenty years later, she is thrilled that the friendly stranger at the airport may be the next President and has voted for him already and donated 100 dollars to his campaign:

-He was my knight in shining armor, says Mary, smiling.

She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway. At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker* in Chicago, and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university.

Mary even convinced her parents to vote for him:

In the spring of 2006 Mary's parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier.

And Obama replied:

In a letter to Mary's parents dated May 4th, 2006 and stamped 'United States Senate, Washington DC', Barack Obama writes:

'I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I'm happy I could help back then, and I'm delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway. Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama, United States Senator'.

The parents sent the letter on to Mary.

Mary says that when her friends and associates talk about the election, especially when race relations is the heated subject, she relates the story of the k ind man who helped out a stranger-in-need over twenty years ago, years before he had even thought about running for high office.

Can birth order determine your career?

I'm in the middle for my family. For me the article was true for personality but wrong for the other categories.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/10/22/cb.birth.order.career/index.html

Global stocks suffer again

When are we going to hit rock bottom? At least gas is going down. I saw it for $2.25 this morning. My fingers are crossed for it to go under $2.00.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/27/markets/world_markets/index.htm

D.L. = Minstrel Show?

Did anyone see D.L.'s new show on CNN? Talk about coonary. I was embarassed. He needs to do better.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/10/26/hughley.levs.truth.squad.cnn

Target

http://view.break.com/593274 - Watch more free videos

Dance Off

This Needs to Happen

Bush Endorsement

DANG!: "....and mark it with a B"

McCain Backer Attacked, Mutilated in Pittsburgh

Here's what went down with the McCain/Palin supporter who was allegedly attacked in Pennsylvania last night.

According to Pittsburgh cops, around 9:30 PM last night, Ashley Todd was robbed after she went to the ATM. The victim says during the robbery, the assailant saw the McCain/Palin sticker on her car and became "enraged." He struck her and knocked her down, and allegedly carved a "B" on her cheek.

The assailant is still at large. Police tell us all they have is a description -- a man, 6'4", with dark skin and dark clothes.

A McCain spokesman confirmed to TMZ Todd volunteered in McCain's Pennsylvania office.

UPDATE: Anthony Pugliese, Pennsylvania state chair of the College Republican National Committee (of which Todd is a member), tells TMZ, Todd is "shaken up" but is doing OK. Prior to the attack, Todd was doing phone banking at one of the McCain offices.

"Oui, on peut -- Yes we can!"

RNC shells out $150K for Palin fashion..DAYUM!!

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14805.html

Food For Thought

Got unhappy STD news? Break it with an e-card

This is one e-card that I wouldn't want.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/10/21/std.e-cards/index.html

Rattlers win shootout: Florida A&M 52, Southern 49

I won't talk too much trash. It was a good game. Glad FAMU beat that a$$.

http://rattlernews.tallahassee.com/article/20081019/FAMU03/810190329

Strange McCain Post-Debate Photo

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/16/strange-mccain-post-debat_n_135325.html

Whole New Ways To Not Get It

Down Syndrome and Autism are very different.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/xxfactor/archive/2008/10/15/whole-new-ways-to-not-get-it.aspx

Bottled water has contaminants too

http://green.yahoo.com/news/ap/20081015/ap_on_sc/impure_bottled_water.html

First Friday's Arlington - 11/07/08

Support Terrance and Co.

Gravity Inc. & Swag Entertainment presents

November 7th 2008

First Fridays - Arlington

*No Cover til 9pm and Ladies Free til 10pm
*6pm-9pm Exclusive Networking Happy Hour
*Light Hor D'oeuvres & $2 Margaritas ALL NIGHT

*9pm-2am

feat. Big Daddie the DJ & LIve Jazz Performance

Holiday Inn
1311 Wet N Wild Way
Arlington, TX 76011

service road off I-30W directly across from
Pappadeaux www.firstfridaysarlington.com

BIG OIL & CORRUPTION.....

Whistleblower: Oil watchdog agency 'cult of corruption'

Story Highlights
Whistleblower said oil regulators in bed with oil industry: "It's disgusting"
Department of Interior said it can't comment on Bobby Maxwell's specific claims
Maxwell was auditor for 20-plus years, said he lost job due to scrutiny of oil giants
Recent report found the agency Maxwell worked for took improper gifts from oil reps

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/10/14/oil.whistleblower/index.html

Just for Chuckles

Louisiana GDP Fugitive!!! Read This....

A school teacher friend sent this to me. This is a child’s name!

"Le - a"

How would you pronounce this as a child's name???

Leah?? NO

Lee - A?? NOPE
Lay - a?? NO
Lei?? Guess Again.

Are you resorting to tongue clicks yet?? Scroll down
It's pronounced "Ledasha" oh yes...you read it right. The dash is not silent.

This child attends a school in Livingston Parish. ( Louisiana )

Her mother is irate because everyone is getting her name wrong. SO, if you see something come across your desk like this please remember to pronounce the dash.
When the mother was asked about the pronunciation of the name, she said "the dash don't

Obama Is Campaigning on Xbox 360!

http://gigaom.com/2008/10/13/confirmed-obama-is-campaigning-on-xbox-360/

Sarah?

This is gonna be TOUGH!!!!! A Dayum Shame!!!

http://view.break.com/580075 - Watch more free videos

Getting PAPER

Many people assume they aren't rich because they don't earn enough money. "If I only earned a little more, I could save and invest better," they say. The problem with that theory is they were probably making exactly the same argument before their last several raises. Becoming a millionaire has less to do with how much you make, it's how you treat money in your daily life. The list of reasons you may not be rich doesn't end at 10. Caring what your neighbors think, not being patient, having bad habits, not having goals, not being prepared, trying to make a quick buck, relying on others to handle your money, investing in things you don't understand, being financially afraid and ignoring your finances.Here are 10 more possible reasons you aren't rich:

You care what your car looks like: A car is a means of transportation to get from one place to another, but many people don't view it that way. Instead, they consider it a reflection of themselves and spend money every two years or so to impress others instead of driving the car for its entire useful life and investing the money saved.

You feel entitled: If you believe you deserve to live a certain lifestyle, have certain things and spend a certain amount before you have earned to live that way, you will have to borrow money. That large chunk of debt will keep you from building wealth.

You lack diversification: There is a reason one of the oldest pieces of financial advice is to not keep all your eggs in a single basket. Having a diversified investment portfolio makes it much less likely that wealth will suddenly disappear.

You started too late: The magic of compound interest works best over long periods of time. If you find you're always saying there will be time to save and invest in a couple more years, you'll wake up one day to find retirement is just around the corner and there is still nothing in your retirement account.

You don't do what you enjoy: While your job doesn't necessarily need to be your dream job, you need to enjoy it. If you choose a job you don't like just for the money, you'll likely spend all that extra cash trying to relieve the stress of doing work you hate.

You don't like to learn: You may have assumed that once you graduated from college, there was no need to study or learn. That attitude might be enough to get you your first job or keep you employed, but it will never make you rich. A willingness to learn to improve your career and finances are essential if you want to eventually become wealthy.

You buy things you don't use: Take a look around your house, in the closets, basement, attic and garage and see if there are a lot of things you haven't used in the past year. If there are, chances are that all those things you purchased were wasted money that could have been used to increase your net worth.

You don't understand value: You buy things for any number of reasons besides the value that the purchase brings to you. This is not limited to those who feel the need to buy the most expensive items, but can also apply to those who always purchase the cheapest goods. Rarely are either the best value, and it's only when you learn to purchase good value that you have money left over to invest for your future.

Your house is too big: When you buy a house that is bigger than you can afford or need, you end up spending extra money on longer debt payments, increased taxes, higher upkeep and more things to fill it. Some people will try to argue that the increased value of the house makes it a good investment, but the truth is that unless you are willing to downgrade your living standards, which most people are not, it will never be a liquid asset or money that you can ever use and enjoy.

You fail to take advantage of opportunities: There has probably been more than one occasion where you heard about someone who has made it big and thought to yourself, "I could have thought of that." There are plenty of opportunities if you have the will and determination to keep your eyes open.

Ethics inquiry finds Palin 'abused her power'

http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=3148183&maven_referralPlaylistId=&sRevUrl=http://www.foxnews.com/

Russian Gangs Fight

http://view.break.com/583954 - Watch more free videos

Rap fan pays fine rather than listen to classical music

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/10/09/symphonic.justice.ap/index.html

Chick-fil-A removes trans fats from menu

This is a good move since I love their fries and biscuits.
http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/964860.html

Colored Boy

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/9/114911/412/431/625042

RUN HIS A$$ OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Rambler!

Somebody help me understand how she is qualified? Katie asked her (in so many words) How is it fair to help Top Execs/Corporations versus helping the majority of America with the $700 Billion Dollar Bailout...listen to this Nonsensical answer!!!!!!! I'm really feeling my boy jack!

Halle Berry/Esquire Magazine

Lingerie football

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/10/07/sotvo.komo.lingerie.football.komo

Burger King Unveils Whopper Bar

http://www.foodchannel.com/stories/288-burger-king-unveils-whopper-bar

Music

Joe - Joe Thomas New Man
http://www.sendspace.com/file/wd6bic

Devin The Dude - Landing Gear
http://rs35l32.rapidshare.com/files/151595455/358358/Devin_The_Dude-Landing_Gear-2008-RAGEMP3.rar
Madlib
http://rs173l33.rapidshare.com/files/148915824/297193/m.a.d.l.i.b..rar

SNL Debate Skit

Redskins Get Another NFC East Victory

Krispy Kreme cheddar bacon cheeseburgers

http://www.slashfood.com/2008/08/28/krispy-kreme-cheddar-bacon-cheeseburgers-at-the-google-cafeteria/

The Juice is No Longer Loose!

Simpson convicted of robbing memorabilia dealers
By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent1 hour, 4 minutes ago
Thirteen years to the day after being acquitted of killing his wife and her friend in Los Angeles, O.J. Simpson was found guilty of robbing two sports-memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel room.
The 61-year-old former football star was convicted of all 12 counts late Friday after jurors deliberated for more than 13 hours. He released a heavy sigh as the charges were read and was immediately taken into custody.
Simpson, who went from American sports idol to celebrity-in-exile after his murder acquittal, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
His attorney said he would appeal.
Many people considered the four-week trial justice delayed. Simpson was cleared in 1995 of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in one of the most sensational trials of the 20th century, but was later found liable for the deaths in a civil case.
"I don't like to use the word payback," defense attorney Yale Galanter said. "I can tell you from the beginning my biggest concern ... was whether or not the jury would be able to separate their very strong feelings about Mr. Simpson and judge him fairly and honestly."
The Hall of Fame football star was convicted of kidnapping, armed robbery and 10 other charges for gathering up five men a year ago and storming into a room at a hotel-casino, where the group seized several game balls, plaques and photos. Prosecutors said two of the men with him were armed; one of them said Simpson asked him to bring a gun.
Simpson's co-defendant, Clarence "C.J." Stewart, 54, also was found guilty on all charges and taken into custody.
Simpson showed little emotion as officers handcuffed him and walked him out of the courtroom. His sister, Carmelita Durio, sobbed behind him in the arms of Simpson's friend, Tom Scotto, who said "I love you" as Simpson passed by. As spectators left the courtroom, Durio collapsed.
Jurors made no eye contact with the defendants as they entered the courtroom. They declined to answer questions after the verdict was read.
Galanter said his client had expected the outcome, and in a courthouse conversation with an Associated Press reporter on Thursday, Simpson had implied as much.
Simpson said he was "afraid that I won't get to go to my kids' college graduations after I managed to get them through college."
Galanter said it was not a happy day for anybody. "His only hope is the appellate process," he said.
Clark County spokesman Dan Kulin said prosecutors would not comment until the case was "completely resolved."
Judge Jackie Glass made no comment other than to thank the jury for its service and to deny motions for the defendants to be released on bail.
She refused to give the lawyers extended time to file a motion for new trial, which under Nevada law must be filed within seven days. The attorneys said they needed time to submit a voluminous record.
"I've sat through the trial," Glass said. "If you want a motion for new trial, send me something."
Stewart's attorney, Brent Bryson, also promised to appeal.
"If there was ever a case that should have been severed in the history of jurisprudence, it's this case," he said of unsuccessful attempts to separate Stewart's case from Simpson's because of the "spillover" effect.
From the beginning, Simpson and his lawyers argued the incident was not a robbery, but an attempt to reclaim mementos that had been stolen from him. He said he did not ask anyone to bring a weapon and did not see any guns.
The defense portrayed Simpson as a victim of shady characters who wanted to make a buck off his famous name, and police officers who saw his arrest as an opportunity to "get" him and avenge his acquittal.
Prosecutors said Simpson's ownership of the memorabilia was irrelevant; it was still a crime to try to take things by force.
"When they went into that room and forced the victims to the far side of the room, pulling out guns and yelling, `Don't let anybody out of here!' — six very large people detaining these two victims in the room with the intent to take property through force or violence from them — that's kidnapping," prosecutor David Roger said.
Kidnapping is punishable by five years to life in prison. Armed robbery carries a mandatory sentence of at least two years behind bars, and could bring as much as 30. Sentencing was set for Dec. 5.
Simpson, who now lives in Miami, did not testify but was heard on a recording of the confrontation screaming that the dealers had stolen his property. "Don't let nobody out of this room," he declared and told the other men to scoop up his items, which included a photo of Simpson with former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.
Four other men charged in the case struck plea bargains that saved them from potential prison sentences in return for their testimony. Some of them had criminal records or were otherwise compromised in some way. One, for example, was an alleged pimp who testified he had a revelation from God telling him to take a plea bargain.
Memorabilia dealer Thomas Riccio, who arranged and secretly recorded the hotel-room confrontation, said he netted $210,000 from the media for the tapes.
Similarly, minutes after the Sept. 13, 2007, incident, one of the alleged victims, sports-memorabilia dealer Alfred Beardsley, was calling news outlets, and the other, Bruce Fromong, spoke of getting "big money" from the case.
Simpson's past haunted the case. Las Vegas police officers were heard in the recordings chuckling over Simpson's misfortune and crowing that if Los Angeles couldn't "get" him, they would.
During jury selection, Simpson's lawyers expressed fears that people who believed he got away with murder might see this case as a chance to right a wrong.
As a result, an usually large pool of 500 potential jurors was called, and they were given a 26-page questionnaire. Half were almost instantly eliminated after expressing strong feelings that Simpson should have been convicted of murder.
The judge instructed the jurors to put aside Simpson's earlier case.
In closing arguments, Galanter acknowledged that what Simpson did to recover his memorabilia was not right. "But being stupid, and being frustrated is not being a criminal," he said.
He added: "This case has taken on a life of its own because of Mr. Simpson's involvement. You know that. I know that. Every cooperator, every person who had a gun, every person who had an ulterior motive, every person who signed a book deal, every person who got paid money, the police, the district attorney's office, is only interested in one thing: Mr. Simpson."

U.S. to sell $6.4 billion in weapons to Taiwan

U.S. to sell $6.4 billion in weapons to Taiwan
Story Highlights
Arms to include missiles, Apache attack helicopters
China opposes U.S. supplying weapons to Taiwan
Deal needs congressional approval
From Zain VerjeeCNN State Department Correspondent
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a move bound to anger China, the United States intends to sell $6.4 billion in arms to Taiwan, the State Department said Friday.
State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood said Congress -- whose approval is needed for the deal to go through -- was notified Friday afternoon. He indicated the administration expects congressional approval quickly.
The package includes a variety of U.S.-made weapons systems, including Patriot III anti-missile missiles, Apache attack helicopters, Harpoon missiles and Javelin anti-tank missiles.
The deal had been in the works for a few months, Wood said, and the decision is "consistent with U.S. policy of providing arms for defense of Taiwan and consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act."
"This arms deal is a key factor in bringing security and stability across the Taiwan Strait," he added. The deal also gives Taiwan upgrades for Taiwan's E-2T aircraft and spare parts for its air force.
U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have always angered China. The latest deal comes at a time when the United States needs China in negotiations over Iran's and North Korea's nuclear programs. But Wood said the U.S. government decision is no surprise to Beijing, as the Chinese were briefed "several" times about the impending deal.
This is the latest chapter in a decades-long uneasy standoff. China claims Taiwan is its own territory and has threatened to invade if Taiwan ever declares independence. The United States has said it will defend Taiwan if China ever attacks.

Friday Question: Undecided?

...How is anyone STILL undecided this late in the game. What more do you need?

Discuss.....

Mayor wins fundraiser pageant in blackface

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan — The mayor of a Kansas town issued an apology Thursday for appearing as a drag-queen in blackface last weekend as part of a fundraising event, according to the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Arkansas City Mayor Mel Kuhn participated in and won a drag queen contest held as part of an annual fund raiser sponsored by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an agency that supports foster children in the court system.

Click here for a picture of Kuhn in blackface and the NAACP's report.

Kuhn appeared dressed as a character which he called “Smellishis Poon,” with his face painted dark for the event.

But Kuhn told FOXNews.com that he was not in blackface, but in "tanface," and did not intend to offend anyone.

"Blackface is shoepolish," he said. "That's not what I did. I dressed up to win and because it was so hilarious."

According to the NAACP, he also had suggestive back-up dancers for the talent portion of his performance, which he called the “Red Hot Puntangs.”

"We danced to black music. The Weather Girls and Aretha Franklin," Kuhn told FOXNews.com.

Kuhn said he got the idea from the popular movie "Norbit," a controversial comedy starring Eddie Murphy, which some critics have decried as racist toward African Americans.

While he won the award that night for the “most creative talent,” several local residents found the performance to be insulting and racially offensive, the Arkansas City Traveler reported.

Kuhn initially defended his actions, saying he originally meant to portray an “over-the-top woman," and that he didn’t care what people thought.

But he changed his tune on Wednesday, following a meeting with the NAACP. In a written statement, he claimed full responsibility for his actions and said he “sincerely apologized” for their “offensive nature.”

“It has been brought to my attention how offensive this was and I absolutely agree that it was shortsighted of me not to see that in the first place,” the statement said.

Still, he said he was never nervous that people would be offended by his skit and that it was not meant to be hurtful to anyone.

Instead, he said, painting his face and portraying a black woman "was the best way to win."

"I had to make it as fun as possible," he told FOXNews.com. "That was the best way I could think of to make as many people laugh as possible and raise money for this charity"

Kuhn added that he was saddened that the event had been "blown so out of proportion," by the local media and bloggers.

"I am the mayor of a small town in Kansas," Kuhn told FOXNews.com. "We are poor people, but we don't have poor ways. To paint me as a racist is just not right."

"No one has come up to me and complained," he said, "I told a girl who was there, a black girl, that I was sorry. She said she knew it. Then I asked her why she thought it was being made into such an issue. She said she had no idea."

To help rectify his actions, Kuhn has promised to work with the NAACP and other local groups to raise awareness about issues of racism in his city.

Still, he warned that he might rescind his apology if "people wouldn't accept it."

For many Americans, blackface minstrelsy has a long and painful history dating back to the Jim Crow era, when white actors would paint their faces with grease or tar and exaggerate their lips and hair to mock African Americans.

While changes in racial attitudes have effectively eliminated its use in comedy, films and theater, it is still occasionally seen. Actor Robert Downey Jr. recently appeared in blackface in the hit film "Tropic Thunder."