Friday, November 5, 2010

Walking While Black Still A Problem In Some Cities

By Britni Danielle
Seems like the City of Brotherly Love has everything but love for brothas. Thursday, the ACLU of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit challenging “stop and frisk” searches by the Philadelphia police department.

The ACLU’s lawsuit was a result of a complaint filed on behalf of eight men, including Jewell Williams, a state lawmaker. Mr. Williams said he was handcuffed and detained during a traffic stop. The police later apologized to him, citing a misunderstanding.

But what happens if you’re not a state congressman?

According to the lawsuit, the ACLU asserts that police data shows that 253,333 people were searched last year in Philadelphia and more than 70 percent of those stopped were Black. Although a quarter of a million people were subject to the “stop and frisk” searches, only 8.4 percent of the stops led to an arrest (and even less lead to a weapon’s arrest).

Despite needing a valid reason to stop people for “stop and frisk” searches, the ACLU alleges that pedestrians are simply being targeted because of their race.

“Our belief is that people are being stopped because of their race and not because of any individual activity that should raise any suspicion by police,” said Mary Catherine Roper, an ACLU attorney.

The “stop and frisk” policy came about as a result of Mayor Michael Nutter’s attempts to decrease violent crime in Philadelphia. The mayor, an African-American man, argued that his officers are trained to respect citizen’s rights. He cites the fact that complaints against the police have not increased, even though these searches have been widely carried out.

A similar lawsuit has also been filed in New York City, where the “stop and frisk” searches have resulted in approximately 575,000 pedestrian stops, but only 6 percent ended in arrests (1.5 percent of arrests resulted in recovering a weapon). Similar to the statistics in Philadelphia, a majority of the people stopped in NYC were Black or Latino.

Even though cities have a duty to decrease violent crime, do you think these searches wrongly target minorities? Sound Off!

The Sweetest Taboo: Why Are We Scared to Discuss Masturbation?

BY;Arielle Loren
While many conversations about sexuality live beneath our tongues, I cannot understand why we continue to whisper our experiences with masturbation. As a sexuality writer and advocate, I tend to be a bit more vocal than most women about sex, society, and intimacy. Yet, every time I make an off-hand comment about my beloved rubber rabbit with an extended dildo, a woman in my circle will open up about her own self-gratifying experiences. Then, the questions pour in.

“Girl, what kind of toys do you use?”

“Do you have any recommendations?”

“Will you go with me to the adult store to pick one out?”

Thankful to have someone who won’t pass judgment, I find that many women will openly share their sexual experiences. It’s this type of “open” environment that allows the free flow of knowledge about self-pleasure and bodily satisfaction. I gladly share my enjoyment of masturbation, and not because I’m looking to create wide eyes and blushing cheeks. I don’t talk about sexuality for the “shock value.” I simply want to foster a truthful conversation, and tell women—young, middle-aged, and old—that the action of pleasuring your own body is normal. I have yet to meet one person in my 20-something years of life who hasn’t fondled herself in some capacity. Let’s just be real.

Admittedly, I didn’t get my first toy until this year, and it was a gift from a man. Yes, you read that correct. I had mentioned that I wanted one, but, frankly, I was scared to go into a sex store, have an awkward conversation with a weird sales clerk, pick one out, and then take my debit card out to pay for my pleasure at the counter. Almost like a wingman, he made the shopping experience quite fun. I chose what I wanted and, even better, he footed the pretty expensive bill, first pack of C-batteries included! If you’re wondering why your man would buy you a vibrating dildo, think logically. He’s not there, you need to get off, and your orgasm shouldn’t have to be dependent on his “talents” at all times. Similar logic can be applied to women in lesbian relationships. Regardless of sexual orientation, your partner ought to be an advocate for around-the-clock pleasure. His gift made perfect sense to me!

Touching your body can be the sweetest, euphoric gift. Rubber rabbits, flexible dildos, plexiglass vibrators, pelvic massagers, personal fingers, you name it—pleasure can be a personal sport. I gladly play on “team masturbation,” and sport the jersey vocally and proudly.

When I was reading Paulo Coelho’s novel, Veronika Decides to Die, the main character, a woman living in a mental asylum, has the “freedom” without judgment to masturbate. Since “crazy” people can be expected to do “anything,” I found it fascinating that this particular environment created a space for people to acknowledge their sexual urges and act on them through personal gratification. I began to ask myself why discussions of masturbation remain so taboo for women in general. As our bodies have needs and sexual urges, masturbation is a safe way of getting off: no STIs and no risk of pregnancy. You don’t need condoms, birth control . . . shoot, why aren’t more women discussing masturbation as a safer alternative? Maybe this should even be encouraged amongst our hormonal youth.

I don’t think we’re crazy for loving our bodies and pleasuring ourselves. I just wonder why we continue to pad silence around our experiences. Perhaps this goes back to conversations around sexuality being mute in general. Or maybe there’s something uncomfortable about discussing pleasure outside of a two-person traditional context.

Thoughts?

Women Chase the Dream, But at What Cost?

By Bene Viera
One day, my grandmother and I were sitting on her burnt orange, microfiber sofa discussing everything from pop culture to the latest family gossip.

“You know, *Anna and Chris are both extremely successful and wealthy. But they’re in their mid-50s and don’t have any children,” she said, referring to our cousins. “See, you’ve got to be very careful with that sort of thing. You look up one day and have all the money in the world, but nobody to leave it to.”

Those words have stuck with me for quite some time. My grandmother is of the generation when you married, worked a job (not a career, there’s a huge difference), and you had children. Our grandmothers worked, but their children had a home cooked meal every night, the house was cleaned, clothes were washed, and the majority of childcare fell to the women. But children were the joy of a woman’s life. Desiring to be childless was rare; and women without children were viewed just as my grandmother viewed our cousin—somewhat of a failure as a woman.

However, the number of women today who don’t want to marry or raise children is steadily rising. The women of Generations X and Y call their own shots more than their mothers, and their mother’s mothers, ever did. Women are consciously choosing to chase dreams, build careers, and make a name for themselves before even thinking of starting a family. I am one of those women. But what about the ambitious women who do want a family, but run out of time?

While Anna was focused on her career, years were passing her by. She had the intention of dating, but her work consumed her. But she still had time. As she aged, the pickings of eligible men decreased dramatically, if only for the reason that women outnumber men. Anna finally met the love of her life, they married, and both continued to work in their demanding fields. They lived and breathed their careers. They discussed having children, but the time never seemed right. Besides, they wanted to enjoy marital bliss for at least two years before conceiving. Anna’s 50th birthday celebration rolled around and she realized that biologically having a child was probably not in the cards for her. She never meant for this to happen. But time slipped away from her as she was embarking on her career.

Of course, there are countless women who have it all—the career, a healthy marriage, and children. Yet when I think about the most successful woman in the world, Oprah, her wealth and power aren’t all I think of. Her aloneness is linked to the magnitude of her success. I wonder if, for Oprah, it was all worth it.

Naomi Campbell, Janet Jackson, Condoleezza Rice, and Vivica Fox are only a few other women in their 40s, with fame, glamour and success, but no families of their own. Perhaps by choice, but maybe not.

I understand patriarchy has conditioned women to believe that their greatest achievement is the having of children. I don’t agree that this traditional construct should be imposed on us. Women are not a monolith; and we all have different ideas of what we want for our lives, and how we define success. But for the women who believe that Clair Huxtable was the epitome of the ideal woman, and aspire to be Clair-ish, how do we slow down long enough to make sure that all of our dreams come true, and not just the one that earns us an office overlooking the East River with the six-figure salary?

An ambitious woman is a beautiful thing. But the cost of chasing our dreams was never supposed to be so high; so high that we forfeit the opportunity to have the very things we once considered to be a part of the equation.

As our mother’s daughters, we were taught to take care of ourselves above all else. Inevitably that created a generation of women whose focus reached far beyond staying in the home, cooking three meals a day. We desired to be the masters of our fates, knowing we could make it with, or without, a man. But what some of us didn’t learn was that success usually comes with a hefty price.

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of those mentioned in this piece.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Celebs Out & About: Mary J Blige, Meagan Good, Christina Milian, Kim Porter

Who do you think was the better Avatar on Halloween? Kim Porter or Christina Milian?
Before hitting the stage, Mary was spotted leaving the uber trendy restaurant Mr Chow Chinese food restaurant with friends in London.
Rapper 50 Cent was seen leaving a LA nightclub recently.
Kim Porter dressed up as an Avatar on Halloween.
R&B Diva Mary J Blige performed live at O2 Arena in London, England yesterday. You may recall that the late Michael Jackson was rehearsing for his 50 gig tour at this same arena when he died.
Actress slash socialite Meagan Good partied at Trousdale Nightclub in Los Angeles with her pals.

Charges Dropped against Gucci Mane


According tot he AJC, charges were dropped against rapper Gucci Mane following his arrest yesterday morning on various traffic charges and an obstruction charge.

A cop allegedly spotted a white Hummer driving recklessly on Northside Drive. The police pursued the vehicle when it failed to pull over. Police saw the truck again outside an auto body shop. Gucci Mane, real name Radric Davis, was involved in an altercation with a man nearby.

The police tried to intercede but Gucci Mane ignored them and hit the man, who was not identified. According to the police report, Mane was blasted with pepper spray to subdue him.

Charges can still be re-filed at a later date.

Something For The Guy's: Cubana Lust and L.A. Brown

Gooooooood Morning! We got them early morning cakes for you, this time coming courtesy of Show Magazine Web Gems Cubana Lust and L.A. Brown. In case you’re wondering who is who — Cubana is the internet sensation up above


While L.A. is down here tipping the table. You may recognize her as one of the cover girls of the new SHOW magazine Black Lingerie issue, she’s also been in Twista’s “Yo Body” and Clipse “Doorman” music videos.






‘Oops! Did We Say Thursday?’ Rikers Island Reneges On Letting Wayne Fly


Maybe all those Lil’ Wayne supporters tweeting #FreeWeezy last night were on to something.

‘Cause he’s definitely still sitting in a cell hours after he was due to be released early this morning.

“His time was miscalculated. He owed, he owes one day of ‘good time,’ so it’s gonna be another night,” Officer Caraballo said Thursday as MTV News awaited the New Orleans lyricist’s release outside the rapper’s jail. Caraballo added that “good time” is reduced when an inmate runs into trouble behind bars. “If you get an infraction in jail, they’ll take away ‘good time’ — time that you accumulated for good behavior.”

Although the officer did not confirm what may have caused the delay of Weezy’s release, it is possible that a May incident in which the MC was caught with headphones and an MP3 player, which is a violation of prison rules, may have come into play. However, a spokesperson for the New York City Department of Correction told MTV News on October 5 that the MP3 player flap would not land Weezy additional jail time.

Caraballo said Wayne would be released “probably tomorrow” (Friday, November 5). A spokesperson for Rikers Island Correctional Facility, Officer Daniels, confirmed to MTV News that Weezy remains in prison but was unable to comment on when the rapper may be released or whether his time was extended due to an infraction.

An extra day? That is so lame, lol. In the grand scheme of things though, that is only 1/120th of the additional time he would have served had he not gotten out on good behavior.

And at least he’ll still be home in time for his planned welcome home party at King of Diamonds in Miami on Sunday. Maybe.

Source

Nicki Says No Shots Fired At Lil Kim… While Firing More Shots At Lil Kim


For those of you who were anticipating an official Nicki Minaj vs. Lil Kim battle, Nicki says it ain’t happening… at least not yet. “Roman’s Revenge” was not her first shot at the Knifed-Up Queen Bee.

During an on-air interview on Miami’s 99 Jamz, DJ Khaled asked her about the song which has been getting a lot of burn online, more than like powered by the fact that Nicki was throwing serious jabs. But contrary to popular belief, she says none of those darts had Lil Kim’s name on them. Because she’s not worth it.

No, I’m talking about everyone who has been in interviews talking and I think it’s good for people to hear me respond to ….People have said so much about me, So I don’t ever single anyone out because no one is worth being singled out. No one is worth having their name mentioned out of my mouth and they never will get that.

I’ve been quiet for such a long time and I’ve been the nice guy. I’ve been the person that gave everyone their props. I’ve complimented everybody from day one. I think that as a rapper, you can’t be a rapper and not speak on things being said about you. I use my music to say what I have to say.

This broad is a strategic genius.

Source

White Guy Jumps Subway Counter To Beat Female Employee… But 2-Young Brothers Are Not Having It! [Video]

BronBron And Savvy Beautifully Coupled Up In Miami

Lebron James treated his lady Savannah Brinson to a lovely dinner at Prime in Miami last night.



Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Gabrielle Union’s X-Rated Alter Ego Birthday Bash…

The homettes “Noodles”, May & Chantel

Actress Gabrielle Union celebrated her 38th Birthday this past weekend with a costume party at the Delano’s Florida Room in Miami. Celebrity guests that came dressed as their alter egos included the likes of Tracey Ellis Ross, Cedric The Entertainer, Hill Harper, Chris Bosh and of course Dwyane Wade who came dressed as Justin Timberlake.

R&B group Silk were on hand to serenade Gabby before she cut her monstrous birthday cake provided by X-Rated Vodka.

Dwyane Wade and Gabby
Chris Bosh & Adrienne Williams
Cedric The Entertainer

Essence Magazine Split Cover Features Cast Of “For Colored Girls”


Essence Magazine is celebrating the release of Tyler Perry’s new film “For Colored Girls” with the release of 2 special edition covers featuring the cast of the movie. The Women’s cover includes actresses Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Janet Jackson and Kerry Washington while the men cover includes director Tyler Perry, Hill Harper, Michael Ealy and more.

Hot Or Not? Rihanna In Nicholas Kirkwood


Rihanna was spotted in London over the weekend in a pair of white Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte Sandals which are a part of the Fall 2010 Collection. She paired them with black leggings and a prada bag.

Willow Smith Performs “Whip My Hair” Live On Ellen [Video]

Nicki Minaj Opens Up To YRB Magazine


Nicki Minaj speaks on her “Monster” collaboration, envious female rappers & fear of failure in YRB Magazine. Check out a few excerpts and the full spread below:

On “Monster” Being The Pivotal Moment In Her Career
That has to be the breakout Nicki Minaj moment. That was my moment “People paid attention because of who was on it and because I held my own and I stayed true to my crazy animation, and it’s like I didn’t have to take my fun stuff out. I was able to incorporate Nicki Minaj on a record with Jay-Z and Kanye West. And I think people know that’s a difficult task in itself.”

On Female Rappers Who Don’t Support Her
These girls aren’t mad at me. They’re mad at themselves,” she states, shooting down questions on why she never took Kim’s bait. “[It’s] jealousy, insecurity and being broke. When you haven’t capitalized and you see I’m about to capitalize on this sh*t like it’s never been done before, then you’re mad at yourself.

On being afraid to release her album
I was so afraid to put out an album for fear of failure. I wanted to put my album out on Valentine’s Day of 2011. And my label was like, are you f*cking crazy?”

On Pink Friday
I know that Pink Friday is a classic album. I have never been this proud of anything in my life,” she says. “I just think that it’s such a dynamic body of work. I’m no longer afraid to drop it. Now, I know it’s time.


George Bush Describes Kanye West’s Comments As “The Worst Moment Of My Presidency”


Next Monday, NBC will air an interview with former President George W. Bush that was taped while he was promoting his upcoming book Decision Points. During the interview with Matt Lauer, he revealed that he is still disgusted by Kanye West’s statement “George Bush doesn’t Care About Black People” during the nationally televised 2005 Hurricane Katrina telethon. Excerpt below via Miss Info:

“He called me a racist,” Bush tells Lauer. “And I didn’t appreciate it then. I don’t appreciate it now. It’s one thing to say, ‘I don’t appreciate the way he’s handled his business.’ It’s another thing to say, ‘This man’s a racist.’ I resent it, it’s not true.”

Lauer quotes from Bush’s new book: “Five years later I can barely write those words without feeling disgust.” Lauer adds, “You go on: ‘I faced a lot of criticism as President. I didn’t like hearing people claim that I lied about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction or cut taxes to benefit the rich. But the suggestion that I was racist because of the response to Katrina represented an all-time low.’

President Bush responds: “Yeah. I still feel that way as you read those words. I felt ‘em when I heard ‘em, felt ‘em when I wrote ‘em and I felt ‘em when I’m listening to ‘em.

Lauer: “You say you told Laura at the time it was the worst moment of your Presidency?”

Bush: “Yes. My record was strong I felt when it came to race relations and giving people a chance. And it was a disgusting moment.”

Lauer: “I wonder if some people are going to read that, now that you’ve written it, and they might give you some heat for that. And the reason is this — “

Bush [interrupting]: “Don’t care.”

Lauer: “Well, here’s the reason. You’re not saying that the worst moment in you’re Presidency was watching the misery in Louisiana. You’re saying it was when someone insulted you because of that.”

Bush: “No, and I also make it clear that the misery in Louisiana affected me deeply as well. There’s a lot of tough moments in the book. And it was a disgusting moment, pure and simple.”


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Willow on Ellen; Janet Jackson On Jay Leno; Bow Wow On 106 & Park



A doctor has spoken out against Willow’s infectious kiddie tune, “Whip My Hair”, saying it’s dangerous and could cause neck injuries in children.


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Janet Jackson appeared on Jay Leno yesterday to promote her new movie ‘For Colored Girls’.


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Meanwhile, Bow Wow appeared on BET’s 106 & Park yesterday to prmote his new music video with chris brown, “Aint’ Thinking About You.”

As Bow Wow entered the studio, two teenagers damn near fell out in hysterics at the sight of him.

Nicki Minaj

According to Zimbio.com, Nicki Minaj and her VERY protective entourage exited out the back of Club Mansion after hosting an “All Pink Party,” in South Beach, Miami, Florida last night.
As Nicki walked out, one of her burly bouncers inadvertently placed his hand on a lady’s breast to move her out the way. Nicki’s security were reportedly very rough with Nicki’s fans (the same ones she expects to buy her albums).
Having dispatched her fans (the ones who she expects to buy her album), the diminutive star walked back to her hotel, flashing a massive sparkler on her wedding finger. Nicki’s highy-anticipated debut album will be released on November 23. After leaving the club she tweeted, “Blinded by paparazzi but 2nite was Goose! Miami barbz were drop dead gorg! Mansion was Goose! Baby, MackMaine, & Slim. Weezy home in 2 days!” Weezy is believed to be a reference to fellow rapper Lil Wayne, who is set to be released from prison this week.

Video: Diddy On Last Train To Paris: “This Album Is About Patience”

Video: Nelly Discusses Unnoticed Success With BET.com

Video: Young Jeezy- Jizzle (Behind The Scenes)

Video: Young Chris- Go Hard

Something For The Guy's: Vanessa Veasley

Who Do You Think Is The Sexiest Man Alive???


PEOPLE magazine has made it their duty to elect a new “Sexiest Man Alive” every year for the last 25 years!!! So in celebration of the 25th anniversary, this year they opened up the discussion to fans by allowing everyone the opportunity to vote on five “sexy” celebs: Chad Ochocinco, “Old Spice Guy” Isaiah Mustafa, Vin Diesel, Enrique Iglesias and “Jersey Shore” cast member Pauly D…

Starting today, Nov. 1 through Wednesday, Nov. 10, fans will be able to vote on these guys for “Sexiest Man Alive” as many times as they want on the “Fans-Only” tab between now and Wed, Nov. 10 at www.facebook.com/peoplemag, PEOPLE magazine’s Facebook page.

Vin Diesel
Vin Diesel
Isaiah Mustafa
Isaiah Mustafa
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias

Pauly D
Chad Ochocinco
Chad Ochocinco

Oh, Good Lord!!! Don't Really Have Much To Say About This Video But WOW

Idris Elba’s Baby’s Mom Revealed…Details Including Her Occupation Inside!!

Idris Elba not only has a daughter with his ex-wife, but he also has a 6 month old son by Desiree Newberry, the young lady photographed above. Desiree, better known as Desi or Dezi, met Idris while working as a stripper at the infamous Magic City in Atlanta. According to our source, Elba moved a pregnant Newberry to his place in Miami and took care of her for a while before deciding to kick her out. After her “short-lived” living situation with Idris, Desi was forced to go back to stripping to support her son and is currently working at King of Diamonds (KOD) in Miami.