Tyrese Kicked Out of Radio Station for Speaking Against Liquor Stores in Urban Communities

WJKS Kiss 101.7 in Delaware has some explaining to do. The station allegedly decided to remove the actor Tyrese from the building after he spoke on the air about the liquor stores in urban neighborhoods. Tyrese had appeared on the station to promote his new album, and then spoke about how liquor stores should not be near schools.
“Get them cats out of here,” he said to the DJ. ”Selling alcohol right across from your kids school, homie — put the pressure on them homie … you knowhow to put pressure on dudes selling in your hood.”

That’s the point when the station manager allegedly came to tell Tyrese to leave the building. His argument? Tyrese was “disrespecting” the Delaware community.
Tyrese responded to the incident on Twitter by saying: “I just kicked out of a radio station frm a [program director] who had a problem w/ me speaking on liquor stores that are by elementary schools in Delaware.”
He also said, “If you don’t STAND for something.. You will damn near fall for Anything.”
When I heard about his incident, I found it to be quite curious. Sooooo, you’re saying that a black man came into your radio station speaking on an issue that was progressive, productive and supportive of the black community, and you put him out of the station for that? I wouldn’t be surprised if WJKS ended the Tyrese interview by playing a long list of songs about b*tches, hoes, dealing drugs and shooting black men in the head. As the church lady on Saturday Night Live might say, “How Conveeeeeenient.”
All jokes to the side, the entire Delaware community should take this radio station off of its dial. We should not tolerate living in a society where black men are rewarded for celebrating ignorance and punished for making intelligent and empowered statements. In fact, some would say that an intelligent black man is the greatest enemy to corporate America, which makes money by keeping us high, drunk and looking for the next party. Had Tyrese shown up to the radio station half-drunk, with a mouth full of gold teeth, yelling “Where the liquor at ni**a?” He likely would have been a hit on the station and invited back for an encore.
A visit to the WJKS website shows that while the station managers find it appalling that Tyrese wants to protect children from the dangers of alcohol, they proudly promote artists like Lil Wayne (who has rapped about shooting little babies, women and grandmothers), R. Kelly (who is known for his “intense appreciation” of underage girls), and Chris Brown (who was convicted of beating a woman two years ago). Given that the station has a ton of solicitations for potential advertisers on their page, I’m speculating that their need for money is what leads to their willingness to sell the children of Delaware up the river. Money cannot be the sole justification for almost any activity that takes place in our community – during slavery, others sold us, and now, we simply love to sell ourselves.
The problem that was faced by Tyrese is common throughout the United States. I’ve had folks reach out to me from Chicago and Dallas (among other cities), noting that while many suburban communities have no trouble establishing ordinances to keep liquor stores out of their communities, it can often be difficult to get the same opportunities for black neighborhoods (after all, the corporations need some place to sell their liquor and guns, so why not sell them to us?). One only needs to see the impact of drugs, alcohol and violence up close to realize just how devastating liquor stores and gun shops have been to the African American community. What’s most interesting is that many of these communities are run by black elected officials who’ve been paid to remain silent about the presence of these atrocious corporate predators.
Tyrese, I’m very proud of you. I also hope that others who hear about this incident will go out of their way to support you in your decision to take a stand on an issue of relevance to our community. Unfortunately, too many famous black men are enslaved by the corporate machine and made to believe that ignorance is the key to success. I argue that the opposite is true for black men….we are brilliant, powerful and as capable as we choose to be. I’ll be going to see the next Tyrese movie, even if it’s a bad one – I want to see him succeed.
Now let’s go shut down these damn liquor stores, and I’d love to see an end to WJKS. A new day has arrived in black America, and this kind of behavior is no longer tolerated.

Cry Me a River: White Girl Disgusted Because Black Guys Keep Hitting On Her

A white woman wrote an interesting letter to TheDirty.com, asking why black guys keep hitting on her. She sounds a bit deranged and seems to think that black men can’t keep their hands off of her. Check it out:

Nik, so first let me say- I am a college student, double majoring at a university that I will not mention in a city that I will also not mention because I have quickly noticed this is a national/world wide issue. I also work in a bar on the weekends doing bottle service and I am used to drunk guys hitting on me all night long so it is not like I am overly sensitive to this issue. With that said… It makes me absolutely sick to my stomach the way that thuggish and to be honest ghetto black guys feel entitled and holler at white girls. It is f*cking disgusting. I go to a school in a coastal city, and I can’t even walk from my car to a building without feeling like some f*cking black dude is going to harass me. So I just wanted to make a public service announcement…. If you are a f*cking ghetto ass dude and you think that smacking your lips and spitting game at me is going to get your nasty *ss purple crayon in this– you are crazy. So Nik, here is my question to you… What the hell is the problem? Are there seriously attractive white girls who give into this sh*t? Where do they live? Can we slap the jungle juice out of their system? Someone has to be to blame for this. I know tons of girls who are made so uncomfortable by things like this, and the issue is only growing. Nik please help.

What The Ha-yell! Only 3 Good Black Men For Every 100 Women

I recently read about a “study” that was conducted by bestblackdatingsites.org that seemed to get the attention of quite a few readers. In this “study” (and I keep using this term loosely for obvious reasons), it was determined that there are only three qualified black men for every 100 black women. The study uses the following criteria to determine if a black man is worthy of having a mate1) He is heterosexual
2) Is interested in black women
3) Has a high school diploma
4) Earns over $30,000 per year
5) Is not obese
6) Does not have kids with another woman
According to the “study,” it was determined that there are only three black men who fit this list for every 100 black women in America.
Clearly, I found the list to be offensive for personal reasons. I had a daughter when I was 18, so I guess I too am one of those worthless men who isn’t worthy of being loved by anyone other than my mama. But with my personal issues being put to the side, I am even more intrigued by this list and this website’s poor attempt at marketing by using a set of very weak facts to support their assertions.
First, we should all be concerned when anyone goes looking for love with a list in hand. Searching for love is not like shopping for groceries. Those who have lists are almost always determined to fail, and to some extent, their commitment to a list of strenuous standards is their way of avoiding the very thing that they claim to be seeking. Some people seem to enjoy the idea of going from one situation to another searching for something that simply does not exist.
I can also say that for many black men with whom I speak (yes, good ones), the idea of a woman looking at them with a list reminds them of slave auctions where the master would look at the slave’s teeth and bone structure to decide if he would be good to work in the field. Your partner was not put on this earth to serve you; he was put on this earth to love you, but only if you prove yourself capable of accepting true love. No one wants to be evaluated and objectified like a commodity or a piece of meat. Perpetual focus on the superficial makes the relationship almost professional in nature and undermines your ability to truly connect to the core.
Second, my father (whom I consider a good man; he was married to my mother for 35 years) and I looked at each other curiously when we thought about how many women keep lists with criteria that they themselves can’t meet. Most of us know the woman with two kids and no job who feels that she has to have a baller on her arm.
Personally, I think it’s ok to have a few double standards in the dating market. But to somehow see this “study” as evidence that black men are not stepping up to the plate is to ignore the fact that there are just as many overweight black women as there are black men. For every black man with a baby’s mama, there’s a black woman with a baby’s daddy. Putting this information into proper context reminds us that almost none of us has a perfect track record when it comes to the choices we’ve made, and to turn a critical eye to someone you are trying to convince to become a lifelong partner only reduces the likelihood that they are going to want you in their life at all.
Imagine if men were to say, “There are no good black women to have sex with,” and then produced a list describing the woman that they’d like to sleep with:
1) She must be drop dead gorgeous
2) She can’t weigh more than 130 pounds
3) She has to have outstanding skills in the bedroom
4) She has to give her man sex whenever he requests it, no questions asked
5) She must offer regular sex without requiring too much time, money, attention or affection
If a man spent his entire life looking for a woman to match his list before choosing someone to have sex with, he’d be waiting his entire life (or have to date a prostitute). We all know women are interested in sex, but many have an easy time turning it down from the wrong person. If a man walks up with a list of demands before the conversation even begins, he would find himself the loser before the start of the game.
Instead, it might make sense for him to prioritize just a little bit. He might also need to do some self-analysis to determine if he’s capable of attracting the kind of mate that he’s demanding. If there are no takers, then he might have to wonder why no women are willing to have sex with him. In fact, he might realize that rather than walking into the situation barking his demands, he might actually want to find out what women are looking for in men with whom they spend their “quality time.”
The point is that quite a few people keep dating lists of things they are looking for, but spend no time thinking about what they can offer and whether the thing they offer are actually valuable to the other party. Yea, I know you have a good job. I know you have your MBA. Yes, yes, yes, you have perfect credit and stay in great shape. But what kind of person are you? Are you going to stand by your partner through good and bad times? Are you a person who seeks to give or someone who simply complains about what you’re not receiving? What kind of human being are you?
After shaking our heads in curiosity about this list, my father and I next noticed what was NOT on the list: internal attributes such as character and integrity….the things that actually make a man into a decent human being. Most of us know quite a few men with plenty of money and good looks who aren’t worth a damn in a relationship.
A man with money might marry you, but a man with integrity will stay with you through the tough times. I hate saying this, but most men I know don’t spend each night dreaming about the day that they are going to locked into a lifelong relationship. Ultimately, it is a man’s values and character that lead him to make the right choices when it comes to his marriage and family, and almost nothing else. It saddens me that some see men as tools or resources to fulfill selfish needs, rather than partners with whom meaningful bonds can be established.
My advice? Put down the list, work on yourself, be a good human being and peer inside a person’s heart and not their bank account. Then maybe you’ll find that there are far more good black men than you think.:

What the Hayell? Bishop Eddie Long Seeking to Get His Settlement Money Back

What the Hayell? Bishop Eddie Long Seeking to Get His Settlement Money BackJust when you thought the drama with Bishop Eddie Long was over, you hear something like this. It is being reported that Bishop Long is seeking to recoup a big chunk of his settlement money from the young men who accused him of sexual coercion. Long’s attorneys have informed Jamal Parris, Spencer LeGrande and Centino Kemp that they have violated the terms of the confidentiality agreement they made with Long a few months ago. As a result, Pastor Long and his attorneys are trying to get their money back, feeling that they did not get a return on their secrecy investment.
Long and his lawyers are trying to get back at least $900,000 that has already been paid to the men, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The men accused Long of using his influence, money and power to coerce the boys into engaging in sexual activities with him over a period of time. Although Long promised that the truth would be revealed, the case was settled behind closed doors.
Kemp has announced that he is writing a book about his experience with Long. He describes the book as a story of ”love, lust, power, extravagant living and travel, betrayal, deceit, rape, down-low homosexual lifestyle, molestation, church corruption, secret societies, suicide attempts and religion.”
Jamal Parris says that speaking out on the matter is therapeutic for them.
“I don’t care if this book sells one copy. But if it’s just for me, this is what my life looked like, this is my voice for the first time,” Parris told WSB-TV.
While Long continues to deny the allegations, membership in the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has been buzzing for months over whether their anti-gay pastor might be a homosexual himself. The case appears to be far from over.

Congrats on the New Baby Nia Long

Congrats on the New Baby Nia Long
Actress Nia Long and her hubby Ime Udoka have welcomed a son into the world this week. The 41-year-old actress gave birth to baby boy Kez Sunday Udoka on Sunday.
Nia turned heads when she announced her pregnancy given her age. Yet she proved again much like Demi and Halle that women can still produce healthy babies in their 40′s. Not to mention she looked fabulous doing it!

Her spokeswoman says both Nia and baby Kez are happy and healthy at home. We can’t wait to see the little guy!

Tiki Barber Plans To Marry Mistress Delayed Because He Refuses To Pay Ex-Wife

Tiki Barber and his fiancée, Traci Lynn Johnson, were going to walk down the aisle and live happily ever after. After taking a major hit to his income and reputation for cheating on his pregnant wife in public, Tiki was going to make Traci into an honest woman.
But there’s a problem: Tiki is still not yet divorced from his estranged wife Ginny.
Sources are saying that the two got engaged in August, but the marriage is being put on hold because Tiki and his soon-to-be ex-wife can’t work out a deal.
“Tiki and Traci cannot get married until the divorce with Ginny is settled, and it’s taking longer than they expected to reach a settlement,” said a source who told the New York Daily News that Johnson and his bride to be had started making all the arrangements, including printing invitations.
“Traci may have got a little too excited and ahead of herself with the wedding arrangements,” the source also said.
Tiki can’t afford the alimony that his wife Ginny wants, or so he says. The former New York Giant was rejected by all teams in the NFL when he tried to come back. He also lost his gig on The Today Show after public outrage over the little wife cheating incident.
Johnson is a former intern with NBC who has done some risqué poses in Maxim Magazine as recently as last September.
“Tiki and I are very excited for the next stage of our lives together, but we have no concrete wedding plans as of yet,” she said.
Tiki left his wife of 11 years last April after 11- years of marriage. She was pregnant with twins at the time and eventually gave birth to two girls.

Benetton Withdraws Ad Showing President Barack Obama and Hugo Chavez Kissing

VATICAN CITY — The Benetton clothing company withdrew an ad Wednesday featuring a fake photo of Pope Benedict XVI kissing a top Egyptian imam on the lips after the Vatican denounced it as an unacceptable provocation.
Benetton had said its “Unhate” campaign launched Wednesday was aimed at fostering tolerance and “global love.”
The campaign’s fake photos feature a half-dozen purported political nemeses in lip-locked embraces, including President Barack Obama and Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.
The photo of the pope kissing Sheik Ahmed el-Tayeb of Cairo’s al-Azhar institute, the pre-eminent theological school of Sunni Islam, had been on Benetton’s website all day but was pulled about an hour after the Vatican’s protest.
Al-Azhar suspended interfaith talks with the Vatican earlier this year after Benedict called for greater protections for Egypt's minority Christians.
A Benetton spokesman confirmed to The Associated Press that the pope-imam ad was no longer part of the campaign.
It wasn't clear if the ad had been published anywhere; on Wednesday images from the campaign were unfurled briefly in Milan, New York, Paris, Tel Aviv and Rome but were quickly taken away.
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi called the ad an "unacceptable" manipulation of the pope's likeness that offended the religious sentiments of the faithful.
"It shows a serious lack of respect for the pope," Lombardi said in a statement that warned that the Vatican was studying measures to protect the pontiff's image.

Shock ads have long been a part of Benetton's publicity strategy, with photographer Oliviero Toscani's famous campaigns featuring death row inmates and people dying of AIDS.
Benetton said the photos of political and religious leaders kissing were "symbolic images of reconciliation – with a touch of ironic hope and constructive provocation – to stimulate reflection on how politics, faith and ideas, when they are divergent and mutually opposed, must still lead to dialogue and mediation."
In a statement, the Treviso, Italy-based clothing manufacturer said it was sorry that its image had offended the faithful and that as a result "we have decided with immediate effect to withdraw this image from every publication

HERMAN CAIN

Herman Cain Accuser Says Gloria Cain “Doesn’t Know Her Man” Former GOP front-runner, Herman Cain’s, campaign continues to implode as his arrogance, ignorance on foreign issues and his alleged tendency to sexually harass blonde women have led him to a significant drop in popularity.
When he trotted out wife of 43 years, Gloria Cain, to calm the rising tide of criticism, she voiced her skepticism that her husband could have possibly groped an unwilling woman. In an interview that aired Monday on Fox News, Mrs. Cain spoke with Greta Van Susteren, explaining that:
"I know [Herman] has too much respect for women, he's too 'old school'.” She then says that her husband “opens doors” and “walks on the outside of the sidewalk” as examples of his chivalry.
After watching the interview, Sharon Bialek, Cain’s third accuser, spoke with My Fox Chicago, implying that she felt sorry for Mrs. Cain, because she obviously “doesn’t know her husband”:
“Well you know with politicians wives, historically they’ve stood by their man and she is too and you would expect no less in this with her,” Bialek said. “I feel for her the most in this because she doesn’t know her man.
“You know she said he’d have to have a split personality; well he’s notorious for not traveling to her to any events,” Bialek continues, “so even back at the NRA, she wasn’t present with him when I initially met him. How would she know her man? She’s a lovely lady and I feel for because she’s gotten caught up in all of this.”
Bialek possibly felt compelled to speak out because Mrs. Cain specifically singled her out as a liar in the interview, saying that she watched Bialek’s news conference last week because “"I wanted to hear her specific allegations.” After watching, however, Mrs. Cain dismissed her with a scornful, “You weren't in the car with Herman.” Bialek is accusing Cain of being “sexually aggressive” with her in a parked car when she asked him for help getting a job in 1997; her ex-boyfriend claims that she told him about the incident when it happened.
Mrs. Cain admitted her initial doubt to Susteren, saying that she wondered, “Could I have missed something?” She then reasoned, “If I haven't seen parts of that person in 43 years, I don't think I'm that simple that I would miss something that significant."
 

Ruben Studdard,Files for Divorce

American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard Files for DivorceRuben Studdard will have plenty of material for his next album.
PHOTOS: Love lives of American Idol stars
The 33-year-old singer -- who won the second season of American Idol in 2003 -- has filed for divorce from wife Surata Zuri McCants, TMZ reports.
PHOTOS: American Idol stars' weight ups and downs
"Ruben and Zuri have gone their separate ways," Studdard's rep confirms.

PHOTOS: Amazing American Idol makeovers

The couple tied the knot on June 28, 2008 in Mountain Brook, Alabama; they have no children.
Studdard's most recent album, Love Is, was released in 2009

Heavy D obituary

The rapper Heavy D, who has died suddenly aged 44, after collapsing at his home, was among a handful of hip-hop stars from the 1980s who successfully established a lasting career. Having created a string of infectious, party-time hits with Heavy D & the Boyz, he was able to extend his reach into the commercial mainstream through collaborations with BB King and Michael Jackson, and subsequently exhibited bankable skills as both a businessman and actor. Although he was past his commercial peak as a musician, his last album, Love Opus, released in September, showed that he had not entirely run out of creative juice.
He was born Dwight Arrington Myers in Mandeville, Jamaica, and his parents moved the family to Mount Vernon, New York, in 1971. His mother Eulahlee was a nurse and his father Clifford a technician. He began putting together his own rap lyrics when he was eight years old. He formed the Boyz at the dawn of the 80s boom in new jack swing – a pop-orientated fusion of hip-hop, dance grooves and R&B – and the group became the first to sign to Andre Harrell's Uptown Records, which was destined to become one of the most successful black music labels of the late 80s and early 90s.
Heavy D & the Boyz – D's cohorts were G-Whiz (Glen Parrish), "Trouble" T Roy (Troy Dixon) and Eddie F (Edward Ferrell) – released their debut album, Living Large, in 1987. Its self-mocking title, and its spin-off hits The Overweight Lover's in the House and Mr Big Stuff, set the tone for the comic streak in Heavy D's songs, in which he would cheerfully make fun of his own girth (he weighed about 135kg – 21 stone). He saw rap as good-time party music, and was not drawn to the bleaker themes of drugs or gang warfare favoured by gangsta rappers such as NWA or Ice-T. Heavy D would also become something of a favourite among African-American feminists for his women-friendly lyrics (in contrast to the misogyny notorious in some sectors of the rap fraternity), and always remained very close to his mother.
Nonetheless, he proved himself able to speak to hardcore rap listeners as well to the R&B crowd. His follow-up album with the Boyz, Big Tyme (1989), triggered a splurge of hit singles including We Got Our Own Thang, Somebody For Me and Gyrlz, They Love Me, and the album reached No 19 on the Billboard 200 chart as well as topping the R&B/hip-hop chart. Even if some listeners considered him too poppy and escapist, his rhyming skills and bravura performances commanded respect.

The band's progress suffered a serious blow in July 1990 when "Trouble" T Roy died following a fall while the group were in Indianapolis. Their third album, Peaceful Journey (1991), was named in his memory, and like its predecessor brought the group a platinum disc. Hits from the album included Is It Good to You and the title track, while the Boyz' version of the Gamble and Huff classic Now That We've Found Love became their biggest hit in the UK, reaching No 2. Heavy D also essayed some social commentary in Letter to the Future, whose lyric exhorted a teenage criminal to see the error of his ways, while Sister Sister was a message of solidarity to black womanhood.
Heavy D began to expand the scope of his operations, not least by performing the rap on Michael Jackson's smash single Jam and appearing on his sister Janet Jackson's hit, Alright. In 1997 he rapped on Keep It Coming, from the blues legend BB King's album Deuces Wild.

In 1990, D had written and performed the theme song for the African-American TV comedy show In Living Color, which featured such up-and-coming stars as Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Lopez, and he pursued a sideline in acting, appearing on TV shows such as Roc, Living Single, Tales from the Crypt, Boston Public and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He was able to make the jump into movies, appearing in The Cider House Rules (1999), Big Trouble (2001) and more. His most recent big-screen role came in the new Ben Stiller/Eddie Murphy vehicle, Tower Heist (2011).
Heavy D's musical success continued with Blue Funk (1993) and the platinum-selling Nuttin' But Love (1994), both recorded with the Boyz. Then he went solo with Waterbed Hev (1997) and Heavy (1999), though by now his chart profile was beginning to wane. In 1996 he was the first rapper to become the president of a record label, at Uptown Records.
Last month, in his first live performances for 15 years, Heavy D performed Run with La Toya Jackson at the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Cardiff; and a medley of hits at the BET network's Hip-Hop Awards.
He is survived by a daughter, Xea.

• Heavy D (Dwight Arrington Myers), rapper, actor and businessman, born 24 May 1967; died 8 November 2011

4th Dimensional Interface with Dr. Delbert Blair 11/12

Dr. Delbert Blair ............The Pineal Gland

BOXING GREAT SMOKING JOE

PHILADELPHIA – Joe Frazier, the former heavyweight champion who handed Muhammad Ali his first defeat yet had to live forever in his shadow, died Monday night after a brief final fight with liver cancer. He was 67.

The family issued a written statement confirming the boxer’s death.

Frazier, who took on Ali in three momentous fights in the 1970s – including the epic “Thrilla in Manila” – had been under home hospice care after being diagnosed just weeks ago with the cancer that took his life, a family friend said. Until then, Frazier had been doing regular autograph appearances, including one in Las Vegas in September.

Smokin’ Joe was a small yet ferocious fighter who smothered his opponents with punches, including a devastating left hook he used to end many of his fights early.

It was the left hook that dropped Ali in the 15th round at Madison Square Garden in 1971 to seal a win in the “Fight of the Century.”

Though he beat Ali in that fight, Frazier lost the final two and for many years was bitter about the role Ali forced him to play as his foil.

Frazier was diagnosed last month with the disease, his personal and business manager said.

Leslie Wolff, who has been Frazier’s manager for seven years, said the boxer had been in out and out of the hospital since early October and receiving hospice treatment the last week.

Frazier was the first man to beat Ali. He would go on to lose two more fights to Ali, including the epic “Thrilla in Manila” bout.

Frazier was bitter for many years about the way Ali treated him then. More recently, he said he had forgiven Ali for repeatedly taunting him.

While the “Fight of the Century” is celebrated in boxing lore, Ali and Frazier put on an even better show in their third fight, held in a sweltering arena in Manila as part of Ali’s world tour of fights in 1975.

Nearly blinded by Ali’s punches, Frazier still wanted to go out for the 15th round of the fight but was held back by trainer Eddie Futch in a bout Ali would later say was the closest thing to death he could imagine.

Frazier won the heavyweight title in 1970 by stopping Jimmy Ellis in the fifth round of their fight at Madison Square Garden.

Frazier defended it successfully four times before George Foreman knocked him down six times in the first two rounds to take the title from him in 1973.

Frazier would never be heavyweight champion again.

Rapper Heavy D dies at 44

Heavy D, the former leader of the hip-hop group Heavy D and the Boyz, has died at the age of 44.
Search: More on Heavy D
According to TMZ, a 911 call was placed from Heavy's Beverly Hills home around 11:25 a.m. Tuesday to report an unconscious male on the walkway. The rapper was rushed to a hospital and was pronounced dead at 1 p.m. PT.
Police are investigating his death, but there are no signs of foul play.
Heavy D, born Dwight Arrington Myers, broke into the music industry with "Living Large," his first record with the Boyz, in 1987.
He is known for hit songs like "Nuttin But Love" and "Now That We Found Love." He also recorded theme songs for the television series "In Living Color" and "MADtv." In recent years, D recorded a series of reggae fusion albums.

Heavy performed at the Michael Jackson Tribute Concert in Wales on Oct. 8. And he also had a cameo in Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller 's new film, "Tower Heist."

Biography: Hip-hop's original overweight lover, Heavy D parlayed an eminently likable persona and strong MC skills into a surprisingly lengthy career, in tandem with his backing group the Boyz. Weighing in at over 250 pounds, his girth could easily have become a one-note premise, but he varied his lyrical concerns to include positive message tracks and fun-loving party jams, and exuded a genuine warmth and respect for wom… Read more

THE THREE GREATEST BOXERS

Jackson fans cheer verdict: 'Oh my God, guilty!'

Los Angeles (CNN) -- When Michael Jackson died unexpectedly two years ago, his fans worldwide erupted in a torrent of grief, anguish and -- in tribute to the pop icon -- song and dance.
On Monday, there were hugs, tears and shrieks of joy among his fans packed outside a Southern California courtroom after a jury found Jackson's physician, Conrad Murray, guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death.

Jury finds Murray guilty
"Oh my God, guilty!" one woman yelled out, seconds after the verdict was announced.
Others appeared to almost break out in song; some seemed to start dancing; and a chant soon rose up of "Justice, justice, justice."
The honking horns and revelry were in contrast to the quiet scene inside Los Angeles Superior Court, where Judge Michael Pastor had earlier urged people to constrain their emotions.
But there were no such restrictions outside.

Jackson family lawyer on guilty verdict

'Justice was served today'

'Murray case message to corrupt doctors'

Conrad Murray denied bail

Hundreds had packed the streets and sidewalks earlier in the day anticipating a verdict. Many held signs calling for Murray's conviction, like one saying, "Murray, burn in hell." A long banner held out by several people had a simpler, more sentimental message: "We miss Michael."

They were joined by throngs of photographers and videographers. Many flanked a walkway to the courtroom, their flashbulbs popping as Jackson family members, lawyers and others hurriedly walked into the courthouse to learn Murray's fate.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's office reported in June 2009 that the entertainer had died after suffering cardiac arrest. Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, was caused by "acute propofol intoxication" in combination with two sedatives, the coroner ruled.
But Murray was eventually indicted, as prosecutors claimed he was criminally negligent in giving Jackson excess amounts of the surgical anesthetic propofol to treat the singer's insomnia.
When the jury decided in the prosecution's favor, the emotions spilled over on the streets as people yelled out, burst into tears and smiled.
"I'm so happy," one woman, who had traveled to California from Memphis, Tennessee, told HLN's Jane Velez-Mitchell outside the courthouse. "Michael deserves justice."
One of the late singer's sisters, LaToya Jackson, thanked all those involved in Murray's conviction, which she called a "victory."
"Everybody was wonderful," she said as she left the courthouse.
Her brother Randy Jackson said "justice was served," while opining that Murray should have to serve more than even the four-year maximum that he could get.
"Michael is with us," Randy Jackson said.
And Kathy Hilton, a friend of the Jackson family and mother of Paris Hilton, said while leaving the courthouse that the verdict was bittersweet, though still satisfying.
"At least they'll feel some kind of relief, some kind of closure," she told HLN, referring to Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine.
The reaction was equally swift and emotional online and outside Los Angeles.
Melissa Fazli, a CNN iReporter and student at California State University, Fullerton, said she broke into tears on hearing the news.

Murray found guilty in Jackson's death

Murray found guilty in Jackson death

"It's really sad to know that Conrad Murray, because of his negligence, took Michael Jackson away," Fazli said, expressing hope that it might dissuade "doctor-shopping" that might lead people to get more drugs than they can safely have. "That's why I cried."
On social networking sites like Twitter, the reaction was likewise fast, furious and emotional.
"Next time don't be so greedy Conrad Murray! Guilty!" wrote one such commenter on Twitter, former MTV VJ and hip-hop personality Ed Lover.
Hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj offered a restrained reaction on her Twitter feed, saying, "People are cheering, but there really are no winners here. This has been an utter tragedy from beginning to end."
John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of Jackson's estate, released a statement on Michaeljackson.com in which they lauded the verdict and remembered the singer as "the greatest entertainer that has ever lived."
"The estate of Michael Jackson and Michael himself has always believed the jury system works and despite the tragedy that brought about this trial we are in agreement with the jury's verdict," they wrote. " In this case, justice has been served

Boxing legend Joe Frazier dies at age 67

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

Joe Frazier, the former heavyweight champion who handed Muhammad Ali his first defeat yet had to live forever in his rival's shadow, died Monday after a brief final fight with liver cancer. He was 67.

SSSSSMOKIN'

Joe Frazier may not have reached the status of contemporaries like Muhammad Ali, but he put a hurt on the world's best in a career full of highlights.

The family issued a release confirming the boxer's death.
Frazier, who took on Ali in three momentous fights in the 1970s — including the epic ''Thrilla in Manilla'' — had been under home hospice care after being diagnosed with the cancer just weeks ago, a family friend said. Until then, Frazier had been doing regular autograph appearances, including one in Las Vegas in September.
Smokin' Joe was small by heavyweight standards, yet a ferocious fighter who smothered his opponents with punches, including a devastating left hook he used to end many of his fights early. It was the left hook that dropped Ali in the 15th round at Madison Square Garden in 1971 to seal a win in the so-called ''Fight of the Century.''
Though he beat Ali in that fight, Frazier lost the final two and for many years was bitter about the role Ali forced him to play as his foil.
More recently, he said he had forgiven Ali for repeatedly taunting him.
While the ''Fight of the Century'' is celebrated in boxing lore, Ali and Frazier put on an even better show in their third fight, held in a sweltering arena in Manila as part of Ali's world tour of fights in 1975. Nearly blinded by Ali's punches, Frazier still wanted to go out for the 15th round of the fight but was held back by trainer Eddie Futch in a bout Ali would later say was the closest thing to death he could imagine.
Frazier won the heavyweight title in 1970 by stopping Jimmy Ellis in the fifth round of their fight at Madison Square Garden. Frazier defended it successfully four times before George Foreman knocked him down six times in the first two rounds to take the title from him in 1973. Frazier would never be heavyweight champion again.
He was diagnosed last month with cancer, his personal and business manager said. Leslie Wolff, who has been Frazier's manager for seven years, said the boxer had been in out and out of the hospital since early October and receiving hospice treatment the last week.

Joe Frazier battling liver cancer

PHILADELPHIA

Former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier has liver cancer and is under hospice care.

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The 67-year-old boxer was diagnosed four or five weeks ago, Frazier's personal and business manager said Saturday. Leslie Wolff told The Associated Press that doctors have not yet told Frazier how long he has to live.
''We have medical experts looking into the all the options that are out there,'' Wolff said. ''There are very few. But that doesn't mean we're going to stop looking.''
Wolff, who has been Frazier's manager for seven years, said the boxer had been in out and out of the hospital since early October and receiving hospice treatment the last week.
''We appreciate every prayer we can get,'' Wolff said. ''I've got everybody praying for him. We''ll just keep our fingers crossed and hope for a miracle.''
Frazier's illness was first reported by the New York Post, citing an unidentified source.
Frazier was the first man to beat Muhammad Ali, knocking him down and taking a decision in the so-called Fight of the Century in 1971. He would go on to lose two more fights to Ali, including the epic ''Thrilla in Manila'' bout.
Frazier was bitter for many years about the way Ali treated him then. More recently, he said he had forgiven Ali for repeatedly taunting him.
Smokin' Joe was a small yet ferocious fighter who smothered his opponents with punches, including a devastating left hook he used to end many of his fights early. It was the left hook that dropped Ali in the 15th round of their ''Fight of the Century'' at Madison Square Garden in 1971 to seal a win in a bout where each fighter earned an unheard of $2.5 million.
While that fight is celebrated in boxing lore, Ali and Frazier put on an even better show in their third fight, held in a sweltering arena in Manila as part of Ali's world tour of fights in 1975. Nearly blinded by Ali's punches, Frazier still wanted to go out for the 15th round of the fight but was held back by trainer Eddie Futch in a bout Ali would later say was the closest thing to death he could imagine.
Frazier won the heavyweight title in 1970 by stopping Jimmy Ellis in the fifth round of their fight at Madison Square Garden. Frazier defended it successfully four times before George Foreman knocked him down six times in the first two rounds to take the title from him in 1973.
Frazier would never be heavyweight champion again.
In recent years, Frazier had been doing regular autograph appearances, including one in Las Vegas the weekend of a Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight in September.

''I was very sad to hear the news. It's a tragedy,'' leading British promoter Frank Warren said. ''He's one of the greatest fighters of his generation and one of the best heavyweights in history. It's a sad thing and I know everyone in boxing will be wishing him well.''

The Origin of The (Black) Woman -Jabril Muhammad

Testimony ends without Jackson doctor taking stand

LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson's doctor finally made a decision he had long delayed, telling a judge Tuesday he would not testify in his involuntary manslaughter trial.

Minutes later, the defense rested its case and the prosecution, after presenting brief rebuttal testimony, closed its presentation of evidence in the six-week trial. That set the stage for closing arguments to begin Thursday.

Dr. Conrad Murray's announcement came while jurors were out of the room and he was not asked to repeat it for them.Spectators, including Jackson's mother, father, brother Randy and sister LaToya, seemed to hold their breath before Murray answered one of the biggest remaining questions of his trial, saying he would stay away from the witness stand.

The doctor held his hands together over his mouth in a prayerful pose before Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor asked the cardiologist whether he intended to take the stand.

The judge lectured Murray as he had before on how the decision to testify was his alone and that he also had the right to remain silent."Have you made up your mind?" Pastor asked.

Murray paused, looked at all his lawyers, seemed to sigh and said, "My decision is I will not testify in this matter."The judge asked lead attorney Ed Chernoff if he had conferred with Murray about his rights and Chernoff said "yes."

"The court finds the defendant has knowingly, freely and explicitly waived his right to testify," the judge said. "I certainly will respect that decision."

Murray had left open the possibility of testifying on Monday, when he told the judge that he had not made a final decision.

The judge had warned him that testifying brought with it the prospect of tough cross-examination by the prosecution. That may have swayed him along with the fact that the jury already had a chance to hear him tell his story on a recording of a police interview.

When jurors returned to the courtroom, Chernoff announced that the defense had no further witnesses after calling 16 people to testify. A total of 49 witnesses testified for both sides over 22 days of trial.

Prosecutors contend Murray gave Jackson a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol in the bedroom of the singer's mansion. Defense attorneys claim Jackson self-administered the dose when Murray left the room.The last witness was propofol expert Dr. Steven Shafer, who was re-called by prosecutors as a rebuttal witness to address a few points raised by his former colleague Dr. Paul White.

In the final moments of testimony by White, he was asked by defense attorney J. Michael Flanagan to differentiate between the "standard of care" and the "standard of practice" by physicians. Prosecution expert witnesses have said Murray's treatment of Jackson was an extreme deviation from the accepted standard of care.

"The standard of care is the ideal," White said. "It is what we would look for for every patient."

But he suggested there are unique situations in which the standard must be adjusted to circumstances and may not reach the highest level.

 Video: Defense witness in Murray trial gets fined (on this page)

White has testified for the defense that Jackson caused his own death. But White also said he would not have followed the same procedures that Murray did.

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Addressing the standard of care issue, Shafer said that in special cases such as that of Jackson, where a patient is treated in a remote location, the precautions should be above the standard of care, not below.

Noting that Jackson was given the drug propofol in his bedroom, he said, "If there was such a thing as bedroom-based anesthesia, the standard guidelines would be a minimum. There's no tolerance for error because you have no backup."

Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death on June 25, 2009. He could face up to four years behind bars and the loss of his medical license if convicted.

Should Dr. Murray have testified, or is there nothing he could say to clear himself? 

Testimony ends without Jackson doctor taking stand

Testimony ends without Jackson doctor taking stand