PBS Explains Why They’re Important!
When Romney told Jim Lehrer, longtime PBS anchor and moderator for the night, “I’m sorry, Jim, I’m going to stop the subsidy to PBS. I’m going to stop other things. I like PBS. I love Big Bird. Actually, I like you too. But I’m not going to keep on spending money on things to borrow money from China to pay for us.”, all of our jaws dropped and Big Bird even tweeted his disappointment.
Check out the smack down PBS put out, defending public broadcasting and fact checking Romney’s lyin’ azz:
We are very disappointed that PBS became a political target in the Presidential debate last night. Governor Romney does not understand the value the American people place on public broadcasting and the outstanding return on investment the system delivers to our nation. We think it is important to set the record straight and let the facts speak for themselves.
The federal investment in public broadcasting equals about one one-hundredth of one percent of the federal budget. Elimination of funding would have virtually no impact on the nation’s debt. Yet the loss to the American public would be devastating. A national survey by the bipartisan research firms of Hart Research and American Viewpoint in 2011 found that over two-thirds of American voters (69%) oppose proposals to eliminate government funding of public broadcasting, with Americans across the political spectrum against such a cut.
As a stated supporter of education, Governor Romney should be a champion of public broadcasting, yet he is willing to wipe out services that reach the vast majority of Americans, including underserved audiences, such as children who cannot attend preschool and citizens living in rural areas. For more than 40 years, Big Bird has embodied the public broadcasting mission – harnessing the power of media for the good of every citizen, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. Our system serves as a universally accessible resource for education, history, science, arts and civil discourse.
Over the course of a year, 91% of all U.S. television households tune in to their local PBS station. In fact, our service is watched by 81% of all children between the ages of 2-8. Each day, the American public receives an enduring and daily return on investment that is heard, seen, read and experienced in public media broadcasts, apps, podcasts and online – all for the cost of about $1.35 per person per year. Earlier in 2012, a Harris Interactive poll confirmed that Americans consider PBS the most trusted public institution and the second most valuable use of public funds, behind only national defense, for the 9th consecutive year.
A key thing to remember is that public television and radio stations are locally owned and community focused and they are experts in working efficiently to make limited resources produce results. In fact, for every $1.00 of federal funding invested, they raise an additional $6.00 on their own – a highly effective public-private partnership.
Numerous studies — including one requested by Congress earlier this year — have stated categorically that while the federal investment in public broadcasting is relatively modest, the absence of this critical seed money would cripple the system and bring its services to an end.
How’s that for spittin’ the truth?! SMH
GABBY SIDIBE: "I'm Confident With My Weight, But I Get Shaken In This Business"
It's rare that we hear Oscar nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe speaking so directly about her weight and image in Hollywood. But at last weekend's 2012 Women In Entertainment (WIE) Symposium in New York, the feisty chick made it clear she's confident with her weight. Even though the business shakes her up a bit.
Get her words inside...
"The Big C" star told an audience full of women that she made a conscious decision to be happy with herself. And it's made her the confident fun-loving woman she is today. And she likely would have never taken her break out role in Precious if she didn't have this confidence:
“I didn’t really get to grow up hearing that I was beautiful a lot, or that I was worth anything nor did I grow up seeing myself on TV. Then at some point when I was 21 or 22 I just decided that life wasn’t worth living if I wasn’t happy with myself so I just took all the steps that I could to figure out how to love myself and become confident. Truthfully speaking if I hadn’t found this person before that movie [Precious] I wouldn’t have even be in that movie."
The funny 29-year-old also gave a rare insight into her insecurities and what shakes her in this business. And she told a story about seeing her face on a tabloid that said she weighed 250 pounds:
“People see me as a confident person but I get shaken a lot, especially being in this business. A few weeks ago I was on vacation and I went into a CVS [a pharmacy chain of shops in the US] and as I’m paying I see a picture of myself on the cover of a magazine and they’re guesstimating what my weight is? The headline was 'Gabourey Sidibe 250 pounds'." In that moment she had to deal with not only the cashier seeing the horrible and inaccurate article, but also everyone else in the shop and in other shops.
And just how does she keep it moving when she feels down in this business?
“I have to keep going and living my life, so when things like that upset me I have to find things that build my confidence back up. Because I don’t want to wait for work I want to make work."
By the way, she also revealed that she plans to start writing scripts and working behind the camera pretty soon. We already love it.
Melanie Fiona, Solange, Bridget Kelly And MORE PARTY IT UP For Miguel's "Kaleidoscope Dream" Album Release
Melanie Fiona, Solange, and Bridget Kelly were among the celebs spotted at Miguel's recent Kaleidoscope Dream record release party in Brooklyn.
"Losing You" singer Solange and Roc Nation artist Bridget Kelly were among the celebs spotted at Miguel's album release party at Brooklyn Bowl.
Miguel partied with girlfriend Nazanin Mandi. He recently hinted at wedding bells for the two.
Samantha Ronson kept the hot beats coming.
Melanie Fiona represented for Bob Marley while Miguel paid homage to Grace Jones with their tees.
And Bridget and Melanie both went with a camouflage theme for their outfits--BK in a camo jacket & Mel in camo pants.
77-Year-Old Woman Suffering From Dementia Shoots Hubby To Death Then Continues Cooking Him Dinner
Keep feeding you and feeding you and feeding you. This poor woman murked her hubby after suffering decades of abuse during their 54 year marriage, and the control he had over her was so strong she continued to cook meals for him even after killing him!
Via NYDailyNews reports:
A New Jersey woman charged with the fatal shooting of her husband continued cooking him meals for two days after his death in a tragic case tied to her dementia, her family said.
Fredericka Rosa, 77, was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in the death of her husband, Valpa Rosa Sr., the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office said Tuesday.
Authorities allege she used a .357 Magnum revolver to shoot her 79-year-old husband in their Pemberton Township home on July 19, according to the South Jersey Times. Investigators reportedly found gunshot wounds to Valpa Rosa’s head and neck.
Their children told NBC 10 Philadelphia they know why it happened: Fredericka Rosa suffered abuse from her husband during their 54-year marriage.
“He drove her insane,” daughter Rosetta Rosa told NBC 10. “He drove her to the point where she picked up the gun and shot him.”
“I understand why my mama did it,” Valpa Rosa Jr. added.
The children also said she suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
For 48 hours after the elder Rosa died, his wife continued making him food and then called other family members to ask why he hadn’t returned home for dinner, the Burlington County Times reported Wednesday.
The retired postal worker’s corpse remained in the home until the children called police on July 21, authorities said.
Rosa remains free on $150,000 bail and is awaiting an arraignment date.
What a sad story, we pray she gets some help. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are both horrible illnesses, we know her kids must be really going through it right now.
Why Did Janet Jackson Hold Up Michael’s Funeral?
Michael Jackson’s burial was delayed for nearly three months, because of Janet Jackson wanted her $40,000 deposit she gave to Forest Lawn cemetery for her brother’s burial spot returned.
Details of the row are revealed in a new biography of the star by Rolling Stone writer Randall Sullivan.
The claims are made in an excerpt of the biography Untouchable and published in November’s Vanity Fair.
Sullivan reports that Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson also arrived that night and entered the house, where she telephoned Grace Rwaramba, the recently terminated longtime nanny to Michael’s children.
The book says La Toya and her boyfriend, Jeffrey Phillips, brought a moving truck to Michael’s home and removed valuables before his executors arrived.
The author also claims that Katherine did not have the money to bury Michael and Janet, who is the only member in the Jackson clan with money, refused to pay for the funeral, so Katherine went to Michael’s estate to get the money to bury him.
Sullivan says all together Katherine borrowed almost $1million for Michael’s funeral.
Ludacris Legal Battle Over Trademark ‘Disturbing Tha Peace’
Atlanta‘s own, Ludacris, is involved in a legal battle over the name of his record company ‘Disturbing Tha Peace’. A couple out of Dallas, Texas, Demitry Brown and his wife Donna Evans-Brown allege the rapper is infringing upon their trademarked “Disturb The Peace” phrase.According to AllHipHop, the Browns filed a lawsuit against Ludacris, Disturbing Tha Peace Entertainment, and his mother Roberta Shields on October 1st in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas.
They claim they have been using “Disturb The Peace” to sell visual/audio merchandise since 1988. The Browns say they discovered Ludacris filed a trademark registration illegally in March of 2011. They also allege that Luda had lied his registration was filed. Ludacris stated in his registration that the couple stopped using “Disturb The Peace” in order to obtain a trademark for “Disturbing Tha Peace.”
The Browns lawsuit that has been filed states, “Defendants have and continue to knowingly use the name, Disturbing Tha Peace in commerce with actual knowledge that it infringes on Plaintiff’s trademark Disturb The Peace.” The couple would like a judge to grant a cease-and-desist within the state of Texas. This order will restrict Ludacris from using “Disturbing Tha Peace in the state of Texas.
Jill Scott supports Zoe Saldana playing music legend Nina Simone as long as she gets a prosthetic nose... and darker make-up':
Having sustained an on-screen career alongside managing her album releases and touring, she certainly has the credentials to star as a singing legend in a movie herself.
So it’s no surprise Jill Scott feels qualified to comment on a controversial online debate which has seen a backlash against Zoe Saldana for her landing the part as Nina Simone in an upcoming film.
The 40-year-old singer/songwriter - who has also starred in television shows such as BBC’s The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency – believes that Saldana can portray the late artist as long as she gets some serious help in the image department.
She told black women’s web site Hello Beautiful: ‘Zoe is an incredible actress. I think that there should be some work done, like a prosthetic nose would be helpful and definitely some darker make-up.’
Despite her comments risking coming across offensive to those who may feel good acting skills are enough for the role, Scott claims that if the 34-year-old does take her advice, it would be a respectful move.
She reasoned: ‘If Forest Whitaker can become darker in The Last King Of Scotland then I believe Nina should be treated with that respect.’
Slender Zoe - whose late father was from the Dominican Republic while her mother hails from Puerto Rico – wouldn’t be the only star to appear with altered facial features for the part of a serious screen part.
Nicole Kidman donned a prosthetic nose for her role as Virginia Woolf in The Hours.
The synopsis of the motion picture so far only details that it is the story of the jazz musician and classical pianist, including her rise to fame and relationship with her manager Clifton Henderson.
Been done before: Scott likened the move to Forest Whitaker featuring in The Last King Of Scotland with a darker complexion
The civil rights activist certainly celebrated women of darker complexions with her track Images (Of a Wayward Soul), which includes the lyrics: ‘She does not know her beauty. She thinks her brown body has no glory.’
However, it is not clear whether her appearance will only be a recessive feature in film titled Nina or if it holds more prominence.
Jill added: ‘[Simone] was very adamant about her colour, about her nose, about her shape and herself. And there needs to be some homage paid to that.’
Similar requirement: Nicole Kidman wore a fake nose to play Virginia Woolf in The Hours
Nina’s daughter Simone Kelly has taken umbrage with the decision to cast Zoe, and took to her Facebook page to voice her concerns recently: ‘Appearance-wise this is not the best choice,’ she wrote.
Although Simone went on to say that she had no problem with the star’s acting ability, she admitted that she would like to see a darker-skinned actress such as Viola Davis or Kimberly Elise take the part and suggested that her mother would have wanted Whoopi Goldberg to play her.
Zoe, who is hot property in Hollywood at the moment, has seen her profile rise after starring in a string of blockbusters and dating the likes of Bradley Cooper.
Leona Lewis Goes Goth Glam For ‘Fabulous’
Cop a gander of Leona Lewis!
The Pop powerhouse strikes a fierce pose on the cover of Fabulous magazine’s latest issue. Lewis’ appearance is the latest in a long line of promotional spots in place for her third studio album ‘Glassheart’, which arrives on October 15th.
I’m loving the edgier image Leona is pushing this go round. Here’s hoping the album delivers material that compliments the look.
Your thoughts?
Lady Gaga Explains Why She Is Not On Kendrick Lamar's Album
The Internets was all abuzz last July when Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar were spotted hanging together at the Pitchfork Music Festival. Besides becoming fast friends, it was thought that the Pop star would make an appearance on the Compton rapper's forthcoming debut, g.o.o.d. kid/ m.A.A.d. city. However, when we got the project's tracklist, she was nowhere to be found.
K. Dot and Gaga do have a song together, but it seem creative differences with the "HiiiPower" rapper's side of the equation has delayed its release. The "Poker Face" singer took to her own website to explain.
I apologize to the fans that this situation with Partynausous is confusing. To it clear it up I must explain this. When I collaborate with an artist i work solely with them, not with their camps or management. Its purely organic and creative. I love Kendrick dearly as a friend, but was not willing to compromise musically to the changes his team was making to my music. This is why I am not his record. I have a very specific vision as a producer and songwriter, and I always have. That song will be released at a different time, for a different project. I love you, and think you should check out his stuff because he is truly great. He's a good kid, its just sometimes a mad city. -LG
While when and where we hear "Partynausous" is on Detox status, g.o.o.d. kid/ m.A.A.d. city will definitely be in stores October 22nd.
Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’s Erica Dixon Takes Runway Shots With Derek Blanks
The beautiful Erica Dixon, reality star of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta went all out on facial beauty for photographer Derek Blanks. She showed off her run way looks. Check out photos inside.
Erica does it all, mom, rapper Lil Scrappy’s fiancee and reality star and still remains beautiful. She got together with Atlanta photographer Derek Blanks for some amazing shots where she recreated edgy runway looks.
Derek Blanks calls Erica is “latest muse” as he shoots her face in an edgy new editorial photoshoot. Makeup artist Saisha Beechem recreated looks from the runways of Paris and Milan 2013 Fall/Winter Fashion weeks. They call the story Black And White With Color. Beechem chose different designers’ runway makeup like Prada, Fendi, and Isabel Marant.
Bobbi Kristina’s Reality Show, ‘The Houston’s: On Our Own’, Airs October 24th
This summer, the rumors we learned that the rumors of a reality show, featuring the family of the late Whitney Houston were true. Titled, 'The Houston's: On Our Own', the new reality series is scheduled to air October 24th, on Lifetime. Who's the official cast? The show will focus on 19-year-old Bobbi Kristina, along with Pat Houston (Whitney's sister-in-law), Rayah (Pat's daughter), Gary (Whitney's brother), Cissy Houston (Whitney's mother, Bobbi Kristina's grandmother) and Nick Gordon (family friend, Bobbi Kristina's boyfriend). Lifetime network's statement reads:
“The 14 episode half-hour series will chronicle Houston’s family as they help each other cope with the loss of Whitney, focusing especially on Bobbi — the 19-year-old daughter of Whitney and her former husband Bobby Brown and the only heir to her mother’s estate who was known for breaking down emotionally and physically after Whitney’s death.”
Will you tune in?
Miami Heat Baller LeBron James Did Not Get Hair Plugs
The net was buzzing that the Heat star Lebron James recently got hair plugs. The information came from a few unreliable gossip sites, and it seemed to be based on a few photos of LeBron modeling his new Nike “LeBron Diamond Sportswear” collection.
I’m not going to lie, the photo is very convincing, above you see a “before” pic on the left, and an “after” pic on the right.
Check out this photo below:
I believe this photo has been digitally altered. Looks like they not only gave LeBron a nice, full hairline, but they also made his skin look real smooth.
My source seen a photo of LeBron at the Heat’s first day of practice on Monday, and it shows his hairline is still as thin as ever!!
Rihanna’s New album has a Title & a Release Date
Rihanna 7th album is title Seven & will be release November 19th. 7 album in 7 years since she came out in 2005. She really needs to take a break. I will be copping it..“Shine bright like a DIAMOND!”
Siohvaughn Vows to Keep Fighting for Her Sons
Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade won full custody of his two sons from ex wife Siovaugh Funches-Wade last year but Siovaugh vows to keep fighting...
From Chicago CBS Local
“I love them very, very much and I a m doing everything, everything I possibly can,” Funches-Wade says. “I’m using every dime that i have and fighting in every way I know how to fight. I will not give up.”
After her recent arrest for allegedly not turning over her children on time after a visit, a judge restricted her visitation. Funches-Wade says her first scheduled visit didn’t even happen.
She says her second visit was cut short because a judge allowed wade to take the kids to the London Olympics.
“Their job is not to facilitate an image — it’s to be loved by their dad,” she says. “I am being their voice when they can’t speak for themselves, and I’m going to continue to do that.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘The Walmart Train’
If the motorized scooters in Walmart didn’t take up enough of the aisle, this b-hole had the get a caboose! All I can think of now is this clip from Wednesday’s South Park.
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
