UNPLUGGING FROM THE MATRIX TO RE-CONNECT WITH THINE-SELVES

SITTING STILL.BEING QUIET.GOING INWARD TO RE-CONNECT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT...NOW, CARRY-ON!

SPOTTED: LIAM NEESON AND SONS BACK TO LIFE AFTER TRAGIC LOSS OF MOM/WIFE NATASHA RICHARDSON

Liam Neeson and sons watched the Knicks beat the Nets Wednesday night. Good to see them out and about with smiles on their faces. Though, via huffingtonpost.com,

In the weeks since the untimely death of Natasha Richardson, the family has gone to London, watched a Liverpool football match, booked a film, and spent Easter in St. Tropez.

*clearing throat* Well, then. Carryinnng on...

Article in the trunk: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/16/liam-neeson-and-sons-to-t_n_187822.html (or click title post)

Pic via Getty Images

WTF?!: TV ACTOR BUSTED FOR FRAUD AGAINST UNCLE SAM?

Via TMZ,

The guy who plays "Skills" on "One Tree Hill" clearly has none when it comes to being a crook, because he was just popped by police in connection with a Social Security card scam. Antwon Tanner surrendered to federal prosecutors this morning. The U.S. Attorney's office says Tanner "knowingly and intentionally" transferred Social Security cards last year "with intent to defraud." "Tree Hill" paychecks must be affected by the stimulus too. He will be arraigned at Federal Court in Brooklyn Tuesday.

Are the ratings that bad? What a Dumb Ass!

Pic and text lifted from: http://www.tmz.com/

KANYE AND AMBER ROSE DO LUIS VUITTON

New ad campaign for Yeezy's Luis Vuitton Sneakers. Why is she asleep? Amber giving us a sly smirk with her eyes closed as if feigning sleep would have been sexy. But, who are we and what in the hell do we know???

REWIND: WHERE IS LARK VOORHEES aka LISA TURTLE FROM "SAVED BY THE BELL"???

We're just curious: Where is Lark Voorhees? From what we can tell, she's M.I.A.. Anyone know? Anyone? Lark? Lisa? Come out, come out where-ever you are! We hope you're good! God Bless...

WOW: AMAZING IMAGES DISPLAYED ON THE CEILING OF CARNEGIE HALL DURING CONCERT INTERMISSION

We loovvve this shot! Thanks to Gawker.com we were privy to this awesome photo taken inside of Carnegie Hall last night during the intermission for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra(and, Gawker lifted the pic from gettyimages.com). Btw, this gig was put together solely by way of online submissions-- and those of the video clips being shown on the concert hall's ceiling. And, who says the internet is bad news? Oh, that would be Grandma. Anyway, this is Awesome. Thanks, Gawker!

Pic lifted from http://www.gettyimages.com/ (or click the title post)

BRITNEY HAS A PEEPING TOM... ER-A, MIRANDA???

Per TMZ,

The whole thing went down around 10:50 this morning when private security noticed 26-year-old Miranda Tozier-Robbins acting suspicious outside of the home. According to the incident report, security asked her to leave, but the woman "balked at their requests" and had to be physically escorted off the property. Sheriffs arrived shortly after and took her to a local station where she was booked on charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct. Bail was set at $5,000, but she was released on a citation to appear in court on June 16.
We're told Britney was not home at the time, but she is in town this week -- playing the Staples Center in Los Angeles tonight and tomorrow.

Wow! Reaallly? What possesses people? C-c-c-Cr-Azy!

Article in the trunk: http://www.tmz.com/

VIDEO: RE-POST of a Previous PRE-WEEKEND BOOGIE~ STAGE LADY aka SIKK BOOGIES TO CIARA~ ENJOY!

TGIF!!!!

Video clipped from You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=StageLady&view=videos&sort=v (or click the title post)

VIDEO: L.A. LAKERS vs UTAH JAZZ, LAKERS WHOOP ASS

Via Shelly Burgers You Tube page:

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 125-112 Tuesday night to close the regular season with their sixth consecutive home victory.

This was two days ago but it don't matter! Goooo Lakers!!!

Video clipped from:http://www.youtube.com/user/sHeLLyBuRGeRs (or click the post title)

VIDEO: WHAT DO BLACKS DO BETTER? TLC'S CHILI HAS SOME IDEAS...

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

So, OK, we slept on VH1's "Black to the Future" series (it premiered this past February...you know, "Black Hisoty Month") but we caught up with it while surfing the net looking for Lark Voorhees... You know, Lisa from "Saved by the Bell"? (Whom we still haven't found. Anyone know where she is? Just curious.). Anyway, the shit is funny. Go to www.vh1.com to check out the series, but here's a clip to get you started.

Comedian Earthquake, R&B crooner (and ex-Mr. Halle Berry) Eric Benet, Chili from TLC and 2 dudes from Boys to Men all chime in and make good points to boot. White people, you might wanna plug your ears for this one... else you might get your feelings hurt. Just sayin! This is actually not the funniest segment but it certainly makes you say, "Hmmmm." (If you go to the site, check out Faizon Love talk Mr. T-- hilarious! And, we will post it soon). Any thoughts? Post them here :-) Otherwise, Enjoy & Happy Friday!

Video clipped from http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1605285&vid=342900 (or click the post title).

LADY GAGA'S TAXICAB CONFESSION

Per her interview with "Fab" magazine, Lady Gaga is no lady when it comes to sex.

“[It was] in the back of a taxi in New York. It was fun. I would do it again, fuck ya. It’s always fun to do things that are sneaky. Sneaky in sex is good.”

Good for her!!! Go, Gaga!!!

Article in the trunk:http://looseneck.com/main/2009/04/15/lady-gagas-taxicab-confessions/

SCOTT SCORCH DOESN'T PAY HIS BILLS, BEING CHARGED WITH GRAND THEFT AUTO

The once popular music producer is being charged with Grand Theft Auto after leasing a Bentley and then not returning it once the lease date expired. It took the leasing company 7 months to find the car and they are not letting this go with a slap on the wrist. Instead of keeping this a civil case, they are making it criminal with the Theft charge. He's the same producer who "gifted" Lil' Kim a Bentley (?) but didn't keep up the payments, so it was repossessed. Wtf?! Pay your bills Scott!

SPOTTED: BEYONCE POST LUNCH WITH HUBBY JAY Z

Starting your day with a little Bey :-) Noxema clean, ain't she!

NOT REALLY RELEVANT: ASHANTI'S SISTER, SHIA, ALL GROWN UP

SPOTTED: KIMORA OUT SHOPPING-- IT'S A BOY?

EMINEM DOES XXL MAG

Comic Book Style! Welcome back to the game, Em!

VIDEO: FIRST DOG, BO DIDDLEY OBAMA IS WELCOMED HOME

Looks a lot bigger on video! But he completes the First Family's photo just nicely, don't he?

Quincy "IQ" Brown Raps A Letter To His Father, Al B. Sure-- AND IT AIN'T NO "THANK YOU" NOTE!

If you are any fan of music, you are aware that Diddy's stepson, Quincy, is Kim Porter's (Diddy's long-time woman/baby's mama) and (80's R&B star, Radio Host) Al B. Sure's son. Diddy's presence as Quincy's stepdad seemed very strong but we rarely saw him with Al. Well, Quincy has something to say about this and his voiced it @ Simmons' site www.globalgrind.com. There is text and there is a rap song. Smart kid. (And, gooo Diddy!) See some of what Quincy has to say, below:

I grew up without my father, an irreplaceable force and influence that was absent in my life. I watched other kids enjoy the embrace of theirs, and I searched for a way to reconcile the meaning of my circumstance.
Despite my pain, I’ve imagined a life as a good son with my father. Baseball … Playing in School Band … Church … All of the things that he would expect his son to do, I’ve done. I’ve stood in front of audiences to receive awards. I heard their applause and praise. But, the accolades have been absent the sound of his clapping hands and encouraging words … his voice that I could distinguish in my sleep. Where has he been? Now, I reflect on the journey, the pain, the challenges, and the triumphs through this song. I’m reconciled as a man, no longer a boy, in verse. Now, I know that I’m not alone. Albert Brown, also known as “Al B Sure!” is my biological father, but Sean Combs, also known as “Diddy” has been a father figure in my life for as long as I can remember. Sean Combs is the person whom I look up to and appreciate as a father. He is the one who help mold me into the person I am today and will always try to live up to his expectations. He has always been supportive of me and I will forever love and respect him. As far as my biological father goes, the “spitting image” is all I have taken from him. Throughout my life, I’ve always wondered about him; Where he was? What was he doing? and most importantly, Was he even thinking about me? The absence of my father has given me a better understanding of what type of man I am going to be. I am grateful for my mom’s love, support, guidance, and for her strength.

Article and audio in the trunk (or click the title post): http://globalgrind.com/content/587030/A-Letter-To-My-Father-Al-B-Sure/

Pic lifted from sandrarose.com

PHIL SPECTOR, GUILTY!

Yesterday afternoon, Famed Music Producer Phil Spector was found guilty of 2nd Degree Murder and must spend 18 years of a mandatory life sentence for killing actress, Lana Clarkson. Way to go jury!


Article in the trunk: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-spector14-2009apr14,0,1475110.story

SPOTTED: Paula Patton Outside of Madison Square Garden

Where her R&B crooning husband Robin Thick was performing over the weekend.

The White House Family Welcomes Bo Diddley!

Senator Ted Kennedy gited the Obamas this cute Portugese water dog. Of course, this trumps the President's pledge to get their dog via rescue shelter but so what! Look how cute! Plus, it was a gift. What's a guy supposed to do?

VIDEO: U.S. Navy Comes Through, Saves Ship Captain from Bad Pirates

Captain Richards, who was being held captive by Somolian pirates, has been rescued by the U.S. Navy-- 3 Pirates killed, 1 captured. Previously, Obama signed off on force being used in rescue attempt. Yaayyy America! Somolian pirates vow retaliation, though, so watch yourselves when you cross the Indian Ocean!

SPOTTED: Christina Applegate Inhaling on a Cancer Stick, Post Double Mastectomy

WTF?! Didn't Christina just recently have both breasts removed as a result of cancer? Hmmmm. Is it just US?

Is The Party Over for Kanye and Amber?

Do We Care? Well, no, not really but word is, she's bored. Well, hell, we want to know what your life was like before the world travel, shopping sprees, and paparazzi attention? Hmm, Amber??? Here is what a "friend of a friend" posted on ballerstatus.com

“A friend of mine in Philly is friends with Miss Amber and claims that Amber is tired of Kanye. She says that Kanye calls her looking for Amber when he can’t reach her himself. My friend says that Amber says there is no more chase. Kanye tells Amber how many girls would die to be in her place and tells her to do this and that. She also says Kanye wakes Amber up and says, ‘I’m ready to have sex.’”

We don't see the problem. Or, is it Us???

WORKING IT: Singer, Cassie Ventura aka Diddy's Girl, 1/2 Asses A Shaved Head

No, that look is not the after-effect of a lobotomy, Cassie's new hairstyle is that of a Rock Star...or, so she thinks. She pulled this obvious PR stunt for attention, and she got it. It's sooo circa 1984 but we're kinda diggin' it. She didn't get down like Britney did but then Britney didn't look this good, either. Good job! Here's what she had to say via Twitter:

Sometimes in life, you need a change. Something deeper than what you thought you were capable of. Something that displays the “I don’t give a f*ck” attitude that was always present but never showcased. Something that makes you look at this whole wide world differently. And something that will shock your mother, but will make her call you a ROCKSTAR. Yea I did it…

Diddy Responded:

YEAH YOU DID DO IT, I LOVE IT. DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

Awww, to be young and in love...Btw, not really feelin' the look in the last shot/ sunglasses...meh.

Pics/story lifted from www.necolebitchie.com-- Thanks, Gurl!

VIDEO: South Park Says Kanye's A Gay Fish, Kanye Is Humbled; Becomes Human

We weren't going to post this video initially, however, Kanye's response makes this a must see/must read. Awesome.

SOUTH PARK MURDERED ME LAST NIGHT AND IT’S PRETTY FUNNY. IT HURTS MY FEELINGS BUT WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM SOUTH PARK! I ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON MY EGO THOUGH. HAVING THE CRAZY EGO IS PLAYED OUT AT THIS POINT IN MY LIFE AND CAREER. I USE TO USE IT TO BUILD UP MY ESTEEM WHEN NOBODY BELIEVED IN ME. NOW THAT PEOPLE DO BELIEVE AND SUPPORT MY MUSIC AND PRODUCTS THE BEST RESPONSE IS THANK YOU INSTEAD OF “I TOLD YOU SO!!!” IT’S COOL TO TALK SHIT WHEN YOU’RE RAPPING BUT NOT IN REAL LIFE. WHEN YOU MEET LITTLE WAYNE IN PERSON HE’S THE NICEST GUY FOR EXAMPLE. I JUST WANNA BE A DOPER PERSON WHICH STARTS WITH ME NOT ALWAYS TELLING PEOPLE HOW DOPE I THINK I AM. I NEED TO JUST GET PAST MYSELF. DROP THE BRAVADO AND JUST MAKE DOPE PRODUCT. EVERYTHING IS NOT THAT SERIOUS. AS LONG AS PEOPLE THINK I ACT LIKE A B*TCH THIS TYPE OF SH*T WILL HAPPEN TO ME. I GOT A LONG ROAD AHEAD OF ME TO MAKE PEOPLE BELIEVE I’M NOT ACTUALLY A HUGE DOUCHE BUT I’M UP FOR THE CHALLENGE. I’M SURE THE WRITERS AT SOUTH PARK ARE REALLY NICE PEOPLE IN REAL LIFE. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DRAW MY CREW. THAT WAS PRETTY FUNNY ALSO!! I’M SURE THERE’S GRAMMATICAL ERRORS IN THIS… THAT’S HOW YOU KNOW IT’S ME!

Via Kanye's blog: http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=227887_-1__0_~0_-1_4_2009_0_0&em3298=&em3282=&em3281=&em3161=

VIDEO: PRE-WEEKEND BOOGIE, REWIND

IT'S A PARTY WITH AALIYAH (R.I.P.), LIL' KIM (R.I.P. this version of her) & JUNIOR M.A.F.I.A.! TGIF PEEPS!

GLOBAL WARMING WILL LOOK LIKE AUSTRALIA?

According to Scientists, when asked what will Global Warming look like they point to Australia... and it ain't pretty!

Per the L.A. Times:

Climate scientists say Australia -- beset by prolonged drought and deadly bush fires in the south, monsoon flooding and mosquito-borne fevers in the north, widespread wildlife decline, economic collapse in agriculture and killer heat waves -- epitomizes the "accelerated climate crisis" that global warming models have forecast.

Many here believe Australia already has a death toll directly connected to climate change: the 173 people who died in February during the nation's worst-ever wildfires, and 200 more who died from heat the week before. A three-person royal commission has convened to decide, among other things, whether global warming contributed to massive bush fires that destroyed entire towns and killed a quarter of Victoria state's koalas, kangaroos, birds and other wildlife.

Seriously? Somebody, pass the sunblock! I feel a heat wave comin' on! No, but really, what can we do? Yikes!

Pic lifted: Los Angeles Times / Brian Vander Brug

ON BLAST: Donda West's Cosmetic Surgeon Surrenders License

Per the L.A. Times:

"Adams' surrender of his medical license stemmed from three convictions for alcohol-related offenses between 2003 and 2006. A high-profile surgeon who had appeared on numerous television shows, Adams came under scrutiny after Donda West, 58, died the day after he performed numerous surgical procedures on her in his Brentwood-area office on Nov, 9, 2007. The surrender of Adams' license means he can no longer practice medicine in California. State law permits him to reapply for his license in three years, but to receive it he would need to prove that he has remedied his drinking problem."

'Bout time!!! Really, they should have snatched that ish from him a long time ago! R.I.P. Donda West!

Article in the Trunk: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-me-donda-west10-2009apr10,0,6560632.story

WINDOW SHOPPING: Fendi's Black Suede Boots

Black suede, wedge-heels with white mesh-- these boots are Fab! And, only $860! What's a month's rent? Lol

WOW: 24 Year-Old Meghan McCain Lands Six-Figure Book Deal!

Well, what do you know? John McCain's daughter, Meghan, just inked a 6-Figure book deal with Hyperion, which out-bid three other publishers for the rights. This is Meghan's second book, the first a biographical picture book about her father called, My Dad, John McCain. And, our issue is not that she signed such a nice deal, but the publisher is said to not know what it will be about. Wtf? Now that is just cr-azy. Since most of her blog essays have either shed light on Republican leaders or the Party in general,it's safe to say that the book will have a some-sort of Republican twist. Here's a quote from Leon Neyfakh's article, "Meghan McCain's Book Sold For High Six Figures" @ www.newyorkobserver.com:

While we haven’t quite nailed down what Ms. McCain’s book will be about—no one at Hyperion nor Ms. Brophy returned calls this afternoon—if her recent columns for Tina Brown and Barry Diller's Web site The Daily Beast are any indication, it will probably have something to do with the future of the Republican party, and how it must change to attract the votes of modern young people.

Hmmm. Is Meghan being prepped to become the face of the new young and hip Republican Party? Ha! More likely probable than not. It is not a mystery that the Republicans are in a scramble to recruit young blood, while revamping their image. This ought ta be interesting.

Article in the Trunk: http://www.observer.com/2009/media/meghan-mccains-book-sold-hyperion-high-six-figures

SPOTTED: Christina Aguilera Out and About

Getting her shopping in, in Beverly Hills. Check the shoes!

NAOMI CAMPBELL DOES GIANT

Inside she speaks on how the modeling industry has still not embraced ethnicity in models. Back in the day she loved being the only black model on the runway and would fight a bitch for the top spot (Tyra Banks anyone?). Good to know she has matured and seen the light (no pun intended).

American Cargo Ship Jacked By Pirates, Crew Jacked It Right Back!

Off of the Somalian coastline, on its way to deliver aid to Africa, Danish owned vessel, The Maersk Alabama, with its U.S. flags and 20-man American crew, was seized by pirates this morning. Though the 6th vessel seized in a week, it's the first U.S. flagged ship to be attacked by pirates in more than 200 years. When the opportunity arose, following 12 hours of captivity, the Alabama's crew overpowered the pirates and regained control of their ship. The hijackers fled to a life boat, taking the captain with them. And, unfortunately, the captain is still being held hostage. Prayers are up for him. Reportedly, the pirates are in it for the ransom. Last year alone, they are said to have collected ransom payments topping $50 million U.S. $'s. That ain't chump-change.

We find this interesting, per the article in the L.A. Times:

The ship's owner, Norfolk, Va.-based Maersk Line Ltd., is a U.S. subsidiary of Denmark's A.P. Moller-Maersk. The shipping giant is a longtime Pentagon contractor, according to security analyst firm Globalsecurity.org, operating vessels with "top security clearance." But the Maersk Alabama was not sailing under a Defense Department contract at the time of the attack, according to company and U.S. military officials.

Sooo, if the ship was Pentagon protected would they have ever been hijacked? Was there a "lesson" to be learned here about Pentagon protection vs. Not "insured" while traveling in Somalian waters? Jus' sayin!


Article in the Trunk: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-somali-pirates9-2009apr09,0,4104857.story

Pic lifted from L.A. Times/AFP/Getty Images

YESTERDAY'S NEWS: Phil Spector, WTF?!

Wow. This is cr-azy! This is Phil Spector's 2nd trial defending himself like a big dog against being convicted of murdering D-list actress Lana Clarkson. However, word is that he's running out of dough...spending his last on attorneys and what not. Regardless, this case is a clear-cut example of how money can buy freedom (at least for a white guy in the music industry). Let it be some random brotha (black or brown)! Everybody knows he'd be acclimated to his new environment by now. She was shot in his home, with his gun, and his chauffer said on record that Spector came running out of the house with a gun in his hand yelling,"I shot her!" And, since the incident, other women have come forth to say he's drawn down on them too. They have testified that the man is nuts! WTF? Money can keep you out of jail (for a while anywayz) but the truth is, it can only buy your physical freedom. It can't keep you sane, or keep you warm at night. But, again he's exempt: Mr. Spector has already lost his mind and we're sure he'll have no problems with being kept warm at night in the pokey. Not with that little frame and that wild mane! Lol! Again, per this L.A. Times article, he's going broke trying to save his ass. Ha! Either way he's going to lose it. Dayum, see how life works? Jus' sayin!

There are indications, however, that he is struggling financially. Records suggest he has liquidated assets as he pays for his defense. Last year, a few months after hiring Weinberg to handle his retrial, Spector borrowed $1.3 million against his Alhambra mansion -- nearly the entire assessed value of the hilltop estate -- according to public records. As his first trial got underway in 2007, he borrowed nearly $800,000 against the residence and a smaller house he owns nearby, records show. And in the run-up to that proceeding, Spector allegedly discussed shopping the publishing rights to some of his music, according to claims contained in a federal suit filed by a former publisher who wanted to be first in line for such a sale.

We say, Sell, sell, sell!!!

Article in the trunk: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-spector-money8-2009apr08,0,3817340.story

Pic lifted from L.A. Times/ Al Seib / Los Angeles Times

The Obamas Get Waxed

Kind of weird but still as classy as ever.

SPOTTED: Rihanna Returning From Her Homeland

Calling her inner Prince, we think.

Red Carpet Swag: Eva Marcille Poses, Shows off New Hair-Do

Gettin' her Red Carpet Pose on at Snoop's "Our World Live" event, looking beautiful-- as always. Where's that fine fiance' of hers???

Russell Feeds His Hungry Friend For Charity, Fights Back Against Made Up Blog Post

Russell Simmons felt compelled to respond to a post on Bossip.com, probably because -- as they sometimes do-- they posted a pic of him and then made up the details. Ha! Well, Uncle Rush had words for them on www.globalgrind.com (btw, thanks for profiling my blogsposts!). Per Russ, "This “digging for gold” photo was taken last night @ my apt. The event was a fundraiser for the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding…so you’re right we were digging for gold! The honoree was LL Cool J. The organization promotes religious and racial harmony. It is a deep investment of my time, passion and money." He goes on to say, "FYI. Before yoga and marriage, back in the Krush Groove days, I was fat and high on coke, but I was still known to have the baddest girls from all over the world. Now I’m rich, vegan, sober and in much better shape…Can’t u guys just accept that my game is tight!!!! Love Bossip… -Russell Simmons" Russell Simmons involved in a blogwar? What has this world come to??? And, is it US? Or, is Uncle Rush looking a bit E.T.'ish these days??? Phone Home, Uncle Russell! Phooooone Hoooome!

CHRIS BROWN WENT TO COURT ON MONDAY, PLEAD NOT GUILTY

Really, Chris?

SPOTTED: DR. DRE' -- DETOXED?

Check the physique as he strolls on the beach with his wife, Nicole (who suddenly looks like wrestler, Chyna Doll?). Does the upper bod look a little Unreal? Or is it us?? Jus' sayin! Oh, and children: son, Truth and daughter, Truly not pic'd. Yes, Truth and Truly...
Pic via adored source :D

VIDEO: Lakers vs Rockets - Highlights 4/4/09

We know we're a few days late but here's your Laker high.... Laker Highlights, we mean :D They took the Houston Rockets for their 60th win. Catching up to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the best record in the NBA. Goooooo Lakers!

vid clip via You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf-dqks7gvw

VIDEO: In Sara Palin Related News: Bristol's Baby Daddy's Sister , Mercede, Shows off her "LEVI" Tattoo. Eeewww!

Via a recent interview on "The Tyra Banks Show"

Levi's younger sister Mercede, who's been a vocal defender of her brother since his split with Bristol, explained "Bristol's jealous of me because Levi and I are so close. I mean, I got his name tattooed on me." Tyra asked "What does that stand for, the bond you guys have?" Mercede responded, "Yeah..."

During the interview, Levi also stated that Sara Palin knew that they were having sex in the house because they shared a room..., he also admitted that the Pro Lifer was upset when they told her that Bristol was pregnant. Pretty interesting interview. Catch the clips on You Tube or go to www.huffington post.com for the article and a clip of Mercede revealing her [sick] tattoo. Is it us? Or, is this just "trailer"? We say, TRAILEEERRRRR! All the way!

The Obama's European Tour Ends with a Bang in Iraq

President Obama, First Lady Michelle and the Presidential Posse are said to have stopped off unannounced into the still dangerous war zone, Iraq.
Per www.huffingtonpost.com,

Iraqis "need to take responsibility for their own country," Obama told hundreds of cheering soldiers gathered in an ornate, marble palace near Saddam Hussein's former seat of power. You have given Iraq the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country. That is an extraordinary achievement," he told some 600 troops, saluting their efforts during six years of American fighting and losses. "We love you," someone yelled from the crowd of photo-snapping men and women in uniform. "I love you back," responded the president, repeating a sequence that played out at hundreds of campaign stops on his successful run for the White House last year. Obama flew from Turkey, the next-to-last stop on an eight-day itinerary that also included Britain, France, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Article in the Trunk: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/07/obamas-iraq-visit-makes-s_n_183968.html

SPOTTED: Tisha Campbell Martin and Her Blessing Out and About

Tisha and her yet to be born blessing were spotted out and about...grabbing take out and such. She looks very happy and healthy. You, Glow Girl!

SPOTTED: Alicia Keys and Her Lil' Bro

Going to dinner at Casatua in Miami.

REFRESH of TOTALLY RELEVANT: We Salute You Mimi Valdes Ryan!

We originally felt this would be a weekly post but to give our "Totally Relevant" profile spotlight the shine it deserves, we will refresh the post once weekly for a month. Soooo, enjoy our profile of Mimi Valdes Ryan, Editor in Chief of Latina Magazine (and our Twitter friend). And, how cool is it that she "corrected" us on a few errors from the first post via Twitter? Very cool...embarrassing, but still cool nonetheless. You can follow her on Twitter too @mimivaldesryan. Enjoy!

Our premiere soon-to-be-weekly "Totally Relevant" post is dedicated Editor-Extraordinaire, Mimi Valdes Ryan. In her newest role as Editor-In-Chief of Latina magazine, Mimi Valdes Ryan has 15 years in the magazine biz and to this day is continuing to make giant leaps forward. Most of her career was spent at Vibe magazine, where she got her start as an Editorial Assistant. She also held posts at Hola Recordings and The Source (Booo! at The Source...sorry) but Vibe was home until her departure in 2006. Now, Valdes Ryan reigns as Editor of Latina magazine, which makes for an exciting time...not only for Latina mag and the magazine publishing industry as a whole, but also for all mag-addicted fashionistas around the world! But, of course!

A little about Mimi VR in her own words:

I graduated from New York University with a degree in journalism. I've loved magazines since I was a little girl and I desperately wanted to work at one. College gave me a great foundation for my craft and it helped discipline me for the real world. Whenever I was in classes that seemed useless for my career, I just reminded myself that if I could get good grades in subjects I wasn’t interested in, I could handle anything! It’s not easy to study things you don’t like, but if you can train yourself to concentrate and still do well, it will prepare you for life’s harder challenges.

Here's Mimi Valdes (Not yet Valdes Ryan) back in the day. RockStar!

Advice from Mimi VR about pursuing your dream:

Do your research! Too many people don’t do their homework about their career goals. If you want to work in magazines, make sure you learn everything you can about them. If a singing career is your dream, then make sure you learn the business side of things too. Believe me, most people fail because they weren’t prepared!

If you’re always comfortable, never pushing yourself, then you might as well be dead! No matter your age, you’re constantly learning who you are. New experiences may help shape you in ways you never thought were possible. The trick is to become comfortable with the fact that you’re always evolving and that you will make mistakes. No one’s perfect, and that’s part of what makes life fun.

We love smart, savvy women who pioneer moves so that others have a path to follow-- and Mimi Valdes Ryan is definitely on that list. Keep on Rockin' Mimi! We're right behind you!

Article in the Trunk:
http://www.magazine.org/diversity/ongoing_programs_and_initiatives/23791.aspx (Mimi Vales Ryan/ Latina magazine)
Mimi's quotes: http://chilosagirl.blogspot.com/2008/05/prima-j-talk-to-mimi-valdez-of-latina.html

REFRESH: Ancestors Stand Up! Yes, You Maggie L. Walker!

This post was originally Published 3/29. As a monthly feature, we will refresh once a week to give her the shine she deserves. Enjoy!

We just recently decided to incorporate a monthly tribute/spotlight to a great African or African American trailblazer. The profiles will not only shed light on the lives and contributions made by these heroes, but also give us a reason to read and research brave people who have some responsibility for the opportunities that we all have today. Aside from the educational aspect, there's a great spiritual fullfillment with doing this. And, that above all, is what we must continue to cutlivate and nuture with each new generation. With that said, our first spotlight is on Maggie Lena Walker (July 15, 1867-December 15, 1934) out of Richmond, VA.

"Maggie L. Walker achieved national prominence as a businesswoman and community leader. Most notably, she was the first African American female bank founder in the United States."
From one of her speeches on the work that needs to be done:
“The trouble with us as a people and as individuals is that we profess with our LIPS but forget with our HANDS and our FEAR. We preach great things for the race; we read great papers concerning the race; we form great associations, leagues, and clubs for the benefit of the race—but have the most remarkable faculty for forgetting TO DO the things about which we pray, lecture, and speak.” (“If Christ Came to Washington,” 1909)

No doubt that we can use her innovativeness and business genius now, during these economic times! For Mrs. Maggie Walker's entire story, click the post title or copy and paste the link below.

Article in the trunk:
http://www.africanamericantrailblazers.com/images/African%20American%20Trailblazers%20Profile.pdf

SPOTTED: Rihanna Arriving in Barbados

For her grandparents 50th anniversary. How awesome is that? 50 years as a married couple...