Thirty three year old music star John Legend is engaged. Cindi Berger,the singer's publicist, said that Legend proposed to his girlfriend, 26 year old swimsuit model Chrissy Teigen, while vacationing in the Maldives.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
John Legend Engaged
Thirty three year old music star John Legend is engaged. Cindi Berger,the singer's publicist, said that Legend proposed to his girlfriend, 26 year old swimsuit model Chrissy Teigen, while vacationing in the Maldives.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Michael Jordan Engaged
NBA legend Michael Jordan is reportedly engaged to longtime girlfriend and Cuban-born model Yvette Prieto. A spokeswoman confirmed the news that Jordan popped the question on Christmas Day. Prieto is 32 years old, while Jordan is 48. The couple has been dating for more than three years.
Jordan is the current owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, and can often be seen on the sideline of Bobcats games with Prieto. There is no announcement for a wedding date.
This would be Jordan's second marriage. He was married for 17 years to Juanita Jordan. The couple divorced in 2006 and settled for a reported amount of $168 million. They have two sons, Jeffrey Michael and Marcus James, and a daughter, Jasmine.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Black Family Movies
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| Cast of "This Christmas" |
School's out; parents have a few days off work; family time is avilable. Why not grab some popcorn and candy and have an at home holiday movie fest?
Here are a few suggestions:
1. The Perfect Holiday
For once, Gabrielle Union doesn’t play a hard-to-get obsessed working woman. This time around she’s a workingwoman, with a rapper ex-husband and mall Santa Claus fighting for her heart, sounds like a win-win to us!
2. This Christmas
God, what are the holidays without a little Loretta Devine motherly wisdom? See some of your favorite stars, i.e. Chris Brown, Regina King, Idris Elba, and Mekhi Phifer.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Glamour Magazine's Toast to Fabulous Women
On November 7, 2011 Glamour magazine announced its 2011 Women of the Year awards. Eleven honorees spanning entertainment, business, art, fashion and politics were celebrated at a gala event at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In honor of the event’s 21st anniversary, Glamour also staged a special tribute to 21 young women, all 25 or younger, who are already changing the world. L’Oréal Paris was the title sponsor of that awards celebration.
The 2011 Women of the Year were profiled in the December issue of Glamour, on newsstands November 8. The awards ceremony included a star-studded list of presenters and a special musical performance by Debbie Harry and Theophilus London. What’s more: For five consecutive years, Glamour has raised money for extraordinary philanthropic organizations through the Glamour Women of the Year Fund initiative. This year, working with Vital Voices Global Partnership, the fund initiative supports the groundbreaking efforts of Esraa Abdel Fattah.
Glamour’s Women of the Year advisory board, made up of past honorees, helped choose the following women:
·Jennifer Lopez, The All-Star—In one year, Lopez has managed to go from superstar to superbrand, thanks to American Idol, her new album, Love? and her blockbuster clothing line for Kohl’s. Lopez has conquered everything from TV, music and film, to the fashion and beauty industries. The mother of three-year-old twins, she also started the Maribel Foundation to improve the health of women and children by using new technology to link patients to top medical specialists.
Donatella Versace presented the award.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Fantasia Welcomes Baby Boy
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| Fantasia Barrino |
Fantasia Barrino reportedly welcomed baby Dallas Xavier, her second child and first son, Tuesday at a North Carolina hospital. Dallas Xavier logged in at 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 21 inches.
"I feel so blessed that my son, Dallas Xavier, was born healthy, and is a wonderful new addition to our family," the 27-year-old told People through a rep.
Though Fantasia has been mum about the identity of Dallas' dad, she has been linked on and off to Antwaun Cook. The 2004 American Idol winner has a 10 year old daughter, Zion. Cook has two children, though not with Fantasia.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Christmas At Arlington National Cementery
Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell...
You may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine . The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.
You hear too much about the bad things people do. I read this in an email from a friend. I thought everyone should hear about this.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Baylor QB Griffin Wins Heisman Trophy
Asociated Press reports that Robert Griffin III beat out preseason favorite Andrew Luck for the Heisman Trophy, dazzling voters with his ability to throw, run and lead Big 12 doormat Baylor into the national rankings.
Runner up Andrew Luck was first to congratulate Griffin.
''Very much well deserved,'' Luck said.
Griffin started 11 games as an 18-year-old freshman in 2008 and tore a knee ligament three games into the 2009 season.
He returned last year as good as new and with a newfound commitment and love of football. He threw for 3,501 yards and led Baylor to a 7-6 record and its first bowl appearance since 1994.
This season, his passing has improved and he’s still a dangerous runner (644 yards and nine DS). He has left little doubt that he’s a pro prospect, though he’s got one more game—the Alamo Bowl against Washington on Dec. 29 in San Antonio—to show his stuff.
An aspiring lawyer who is working on a master’s degree in communications, he holds 46 school records and adoring Bears fans are praying he comes back for more.
Finish Player | ||
| 1 | Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor | |
| 2 | Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford | |
| 3 | Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama | |
| 4 | Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin | |
| 5 | Tyrann Mathieu, DB/PR, LSU |
Friday, December 9, 2011
Dreads Must Go!
The Miami Marlins signed Jose Reyes to a $106 million contract because he is one of the best shortstops in the majors and they want to win the World Series. They love his bat, they love his glove and they love his speed.
But the dreadlocks? They've got to go.The Marlins won't tolerate Reyes' shoulder-length hair. Team president David Samson said Wednesday that Reyes will have to abide, just like anyone else on the roster.
"The answer is, there'll be team rules," Samson said. "Everyone follows the team rules, whatever they are."
The Marlins won't tolerate Reyes' shoulder-length hair. Team president David Samson said Wednesday that Reyes will have to abide, just like anyone else on the roster.
"The answer is, there'll be team rules," Samson said. "Everyone follows the team rules, whatever they are."Source: Big League Stew (David Brooks)
Question: Do you think Jose Reyes should be forced to cut his hair? I'd love to hear your thoughts/comments.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Watch Bank Fees-Costs Quietly Ramping Up
From Wonkbook, The Washington Post
Banks are quietly ramping up consumer costs, reports Eric Dash: "Even as Bank of America and other major lenders back away from charging customers to use their debit cards, many banks have been quietly imposing other new fees. Need to replace a lost debit card? Bank of America now charges $5 -- or $20 for rush delivery. Deposit money with a mobile phone? At U.S. Bancorp, it is now 50 cents a check. Want cash wired to your account? Starting in December, that will cost $15 for each incoming domestic payment at TD Bank. Facing a reaction from an angry public and heightened scrutiny from regulators, banks are turning to all sorts of fees that fly under the radar. Everything, it seems, has a price...Banks would need to recoup, on average, between $15 and $20 a month from each depositor just to earn what they did in the past."
Banks are quietly ramping up consumer costs, reports Eric Dash: "Even as Bank of America and other major lenders back away from charging customers to use their debit cards, many banks have been quietly imposing other new fees. Need to replace a lost debit card? Bank of America now charges $5 -- or $20 for rush delivery. Deposit money with a mobile phone? At U.S. Bancorp, it is now 50 cents a check. Want cash wired to your account? Starting in December, that will cost $15 for each incoming domestic payment at TD Bank. Facing a reaction from an angry public and heightened scrutiny from regulators, banks are turning to all sorts of fees that fly under the radar. Everything, it seems, has a price...Banks would need to recoup, on average, between $15 and $20 a month from each depositor just to earn what they did in the past."
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Past Sexual Abuse Allegation at The Citadel
In the wake of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal, another university, The Citadel military college in South Carolina, revealed on Saturday that it had investigated accusations against a camp counselor but took no action.
The man has since been jailed on separate charges of molesting five boys in Mount Pleasant, near Charleston, South Carolina.
"We regret that we did not pursue this matter further," Citadel President Lt. General John Rosa and Board of Visitors Chair Doug Snyder said in a statement.
The Citadel said it investigated four years ago accusations of inappropriate conduct with children by Louis Neal "Skip" ReVille, who was a counselor at the military school's camp.
ReVille is a graduate of The Citadel, the college said, and worked as a counselor at the school's camp for three summers between 2001 and 2003.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Porky's Actor Takes His Life
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| Wyatt Knight portraying Tommy Turner in Porky's II-The Next Day |
A family statement Friday said the actor chose to end his life after a painful bout with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which was in stage 4. He underwent radiation treatments that left him in "physical and emotional pain," and had a bone marrow transplant in 2003.
"He was tired of the pain and after much contemplation, chose to end his life in a beautiful and a serene place," the statement said. "His family and friends are devastated. He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed every day."
Maui police Lt. Wayne Ibarra said Knight's body was found Oct. 26 in the upcountry region. An autopsy determined Knight died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Knight's most well-known role was playing Tommy Turner in the "Porky's" comedy trilogy.
"Wyatt was an incredibly talented, intelligent and loving person with an amazing spirit. He is free and at peace," the family's statement said.
Andy Williams Fighting Bladder Cancer
Singer Andy Williams told the crowd at his Christmas show Saturday night that he has bladder cancer.
The Tri-Lakes News reports the 83-year-old Williams appeared early in the show at the Moon River Theatre and vowed to return next year to celebrate his 75th year in show business.
"I do have cancer of the bladder," Williams said. "But that is no longer a death sentence. People with cancer are getting through this thing. They're kicking it, and they're winning more and more every year. And I'm going to be one of them."
The Iowa native hosted an Emmy-winning variety television program "The Andy Williams Show," from 1962-71. He published an autobiography, "Moon River and Me: A Memoir," in 2009.
Williams sang "The Christmas Song" (known as "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") at the theater he started in 1992 and said he would be back next September and October to celebrate.
"I'm going to do the shows I've planned to do," he said.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Home Remedies That Work
Americans spend billions of dollars for over-the-counter health remedies for everything from nighttime coughs to poison ivy. In many cases, there is no need to spend tons of money to find relief. If you check your cupboard, you may find some surprising home remedies.
Here are some cheap, easy to find home remedies that really work:Honey
One spoonful can help quiet a nighttime cough better than over-the-counter cough syrups or suppressants. Honey coats and soothes an irritated throat. Doctors say that using honey is generally safe and can be used repeatedly as needed. Honey does have a high sugar content, “which may be inappropriate for older adults with diabetes.”Liquid dish soap
If you come into contact with poison ivy or poison oak, washing the affected area with liquid dish soap within two hours of contact may prevent you from getting an itching red rash. Liquid dish washing soap is formulated to remove oil, so why not use it to get rid of the plant oil on poison ivy leaves that causes a rash when it gets on your skin.Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Short Lived Celebrity Marriages-Lasting Hours or Days
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| Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian |
Unfortunately, short-lived celebrity marriages are not unusual. Take a look at some of the fastest to move from married to divorced:
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Hillary Clinton's Mother Dies
Dorothy Rodham, mother of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton's mother-in-law, died Tuesday at age 92 after an illness.
The family said Rodham died shortly after midnight, surrounded by her family in Washington.
The secretary of state cancelled a planned trip to London and Istanbul to be at her mother's side.
Dorothy Rodham was a witness to her daughter's political victories and defeats. She avoided the spotlight and rarely gave interviews about herself or her daughter and son-in-law, the former president.
A notable exception was her daughter's 2008 bid for the Democratic nomination for president. She appeared with her daughter in primary states, particularly at events focusing on women's issues.
Glee Star's Dad Murdered
The estranged father of singer Charice Pempengco of the hit TV show "Glee" was stabbed to death in her hometown in the Philippines, causing the teen star to fly home and cancel the rest of her tour dates.
In a statement, Charice said the killing was a "terrible tragedy." She thanked fans for their support.
Her father, 40-year-old construction worker Ricky Pempengco, was at a small grocery store in San Pedro township south of Manila late Monday when he brushed against a drunk man who became angry and stabbed him with an ice pick in the chest and back, according to the Laguna province police chief, Senior Supt. Gilbert Cruz.
A manhunt has been launched for the suspect. Cruz said the killing appeared random.
Charice had long been estranged from her father. Local media reported that Charice's mother left him when Charice and her younger brother were small children.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Samuel L. Jackson Enters Guinness Book of Records
The Guinness Book of World Records named Samuel L. Jackson the highest-grossing actor of all time according to the New York Daily News. Jackson, 62, has made over $7.42 billion over the span of his entire career.
Never the leading man, Jackson starred in a variety of supporting roles, some memorable, some not. His performance in Pulp Fiction ($212 million) gave him an Oscar nomination for his character Jules Winnfield.The public will remember his performances in The Incredibles, A Time To Kill, as well as the Star Wars prequels ($2.4 billion) and Jurassic Park ($914 million). He’s been in all four Marvel-verse blockbusters –Captain America, Thor, and Iron Men I and II.
Jackson has averaged four films a year over the last 20 years, making six in 2010, four in 2011 and signing up for three next year (2012).
Good job Sam. BTW-The L is for Leroy. My favorite SLJ movie is The Long Kiss Goodnight. What's your favorite?
Monday, October 24, 2011
New York Mom Killed Protecting School Kids
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| Photo-New York Post |
Horton’s death leaves her children -- who range in age from 1 1/2 to 18 -- without a mother. She had 14 kids, but lost one to pneumonia three years ago.
Zurana Horton has an ill-fated family history that goes back 20 years. Her death caps an unthinkable triple tragedy for Horton’s mom, Denise Peace, one of whose sons was shot dead in a 1991 robbery and another slain last year.
Meanwhile, Rev. Al Sharpton and other community leaders said it was time for people to rise up against gun violence after the deadly shooting. Sharpton met with Horton’s family on Monday, echoing calls for police and residents to stem the tide of violence.
Related articles
Friday, October 21, 2011
Andrea Mitchell’s Breast Cancer
Mitchell, who has been with NBC for decades and serves as its chief foreign affairs correspondent and host of "Andrea Mitchell Reports" on MSNBC, made the announcement at the end of her show. She is 64 years old.
"I had planned to be hiking in Wyoming last week but instead discovered that I am now among the one in eight women — incredibly, one in eight — who’ve had breast cancer," she said. "Mine was discovered during my annual screening just a short time ago. Lucky for me, I’m one of the fortunate ones. We discovered it in the earliest stage, it has not spread, and I’m already back at work with a terrific prognosis."
Mitchell said that breast cancer awareness and prevention has always been important to her.
"I’m looking at this as another of life’s lessons," she said. "For you women out there and for the men who love you, screening matters. Do it."
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Bad Mother Feeds Kids Beer and Cocaine
BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut (AP) -- A Connecticut mother has pleaded guilty to charges that she forced her 4-year-old son to drink beer and gave her 10-month-old daughter beer and cocaine.
The Connecticut Post reports Juliette Dunn, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty Wednesday to risk of injury to a child under the Alford Doctrine, where the defendant doesn't agree to the facts but agrees the state has enough evidence to win a conviction.
A companion, 33-year-old Lisa Jefferson, pleaded guilty to the same charges.
Police say officers were waved down in June by a neighbor who complained that a woman was feeding children beer at a playground.
The children were turned over to the Department of Children and Families after 29-year-old Dunn's arrest. Custody hasn't been decided.
Source: The Associated Press.
Toddler Hit and Run Tragedy in China
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| A man on a scooter notices the badly injured toddler before riding around her body and continuing on without stopping. |
The District Guangzhou Military General Hospital said that the 2-year-old girl, Wang Yue, died shortly after midnight of brain and organ failure. "Her injuries were too severe and the treatment had no effect," intensive care unit director Su Lei told reporters.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The New Face of the Unemployed
Every day you hear politicians talking about the unemployment rate. They aren't doing anything about creating jobs, but they constantly talk about the high unemployment rate.
Many people think of the unemployed in terms of stereotypes-lazy, not motivated, irresponsible, unskilled, indifferent...you get the idea. Some think that if someone really wants a job, they could get one. Folks that are working hold their head up and feel just a little bit taller than those without a job. They spend their time shaking their heads about the jobless and remarking about people soaking up unemployment compensation in lieu of getting a job. They wonder why there are large numbers of African Americans without employment.
The Return of Soul Food Series???
Word on the street is Fox is looking to revive the popular Showtime series Soul Food, based on the hit 1997 film.
The original Soul Food series ran on Showtime from 2000 to 2004 and was a hit with viewers. It followed the lives of a black family in Chicago, struggling with life's ups and down (marriage, divorce, owning a business, etc.). According to the industry blog Fishbowl LA, Twentieth Century Fox is looking to capitalize on the African-American demographic who is hungry for shows.
Fishbowl LA reports:
Now, Fox is looking to revamp the series for a new generation. The project is still in the very early stages of development, but executives at the company are said to be keen on it. It isn't yet clear whether the new Soul Food would be for the Fox broadcast network, or whether the company would try and sell it to other channels.
Although many networks have been slow to create shows that target African-Americans, the audience is out there. Cable networks such as TBS, VH1, and BET have scored hits with original programming targeting African-Americans, and the web is exploding with quality shows each day. So it would be wise for Fox, or any other network, to create well-written and well-acted shows that target black viewers.
Source: Clutch Magazine; The Grio
What's "black enough " for you?
Britni Danielle, Clutch Magazine wrote the following:
In a recent (and oh so untimely) review of the film Jumping the Broom, Selam Aster of Madame Noire had a few words for actress Paula Patton: Girl, you're just not black enough.
In the article, "It's Nothing Personal Paula, But I Don't Want You Playing Black," Aster argues that Patton, who is biracial, isn't "Black enough" to portray black women on film.
Let's set aside Paula's skin color for a minute, because that doesn't seem to be Aster's issue with her (she later shouts out Tia Mowry and Jurnee Smollett, both light skin sisters). So, what's her beef? Paula, apparently, "acts like a white girl."
Anita Hill-Twenty Years Later
It has been two decades since Anita Hill testified at Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' Senate confirmation hearing. The 20th anniversary of the Hill/Thomas hearing served as a catalyst for a celebration of feminism and a discussion of the continuing impact of power and gender in the workplace that was attended by 2,000 people.
At 'Sex, Power and Speaking Truth: Anita Hill 20 Years Later'; a forum hosted by Hunter College in New York City, Hill reaffirmed her pride in her contribution to the hearings. Hill told Saturday's audience that she realized soon after, that she would have to compartmentalize the event in order to move forward with her life. "It was an important event. It has helped to shape my life. But it is just an event...it's not who I am."
Hill's name is still politically charged. Her story continues to be synonymous with sexual harassment in the work place. Sex, Power and Speaking Truth, was actually a follow up to a 1992 symposium, which took place in the wake of Anita Hill's testimony.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Larry Hagman Fighting Cancer
Actor Larry Hagman, who played oil baron J.R. Ewing on the 1980s series "Dallas", will appear in TNT's update of the iconic television drama. Hagman said in a statement Friday that he has been diagnosed with cancer.
According to a USA Today report, Hagman, 80, said he has been diagnosed with "a very common and treatable form of cancer" and will get treatment while working on the series.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Chris Tucker to Lose His $6 M Home
Chris Tucker is no stranger to tax problems. People.com reports that the funny man's $6M home in Orlando, Florida has fallen into foreclosure.
Tucker apparently owes more than $4.4M on the home and the government has taken out an $11.5M lien against it for his back taxes. The monthly mortgage payment was $25,812.50.
Tucker stands to lose the 10,000 sq-ft home that boasts five bedrooms, three fireplaces and a spa. The mega pad also contains a refinished basement made up to mimic a pirate ship... complete with a sail.
Most Lavish White House State Dinners
A White House state dinner isn’t like a traditional dinner party. They're "bigger than the biggest weddings," says former White House chef Walter Scheib, and invitations are considered to be the “hottest tickets in town.” These lavish celebrations honoring a visiting head of government are some of the most glamorous affairs hosted by the White House, and have been a tradition since the early 19th century, when President Grant hosted the first-ever state dinner, complete with a 29-course meal. Receiving an invitation to dine at the White House is reason alone to celebrate, as each guest is hand-picked. And when your hosts are the first lady and president of the United States, you can’t cancel — especially if you will be dining next to celebrities like Peyton Manning, Beyoncé and Whitney Houston.
First Lady Stuns At State Dinner
At a state dinner for South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and his wife Kim Yoon-ok at the North Portico of the White House on October 13th, first lady Michelle Obama showed off one of her signature looks: wearing an asymmetrical gown by Korean-American designer Doo-Ri Chung.
Though the White House state dinner honoring President of South Korea Lee Myung-bak had a lack of Hollywood power, there were a few fashionistas in the mix. Here is a look at some of the most memorable ensembles, via the White House pool report.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Denzel Washington Dontes $2.25 Million to Alma Mater
Denzel Washington has donated $2.25 million to Fordham University, his alma mater.
The university said Monday that Washington has given $2 million to endow the Denzel Washington Chair in Theatre, and another $250,000 to establish a scholarship for a minority undergraduate student studying theater at Fordham.
The university said Monday that Washington has given $2 million to endow the Denzel Washington Chair in Theatre, and another $250,000 to establish a scholarship for a minority undergraduate student studying theater at Fordham.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Apple's Steve Jobs Rest in Peace
CNN reports Steve Jobs, the visionary in the black turtleneck who co-founded Apple in a Silicon Valley garage, built it into the world's leading tech company and led a mobile-computing revolution with wildly popular devices such as the iPhone, died Wednesday. He was 56.
The hard-driving executive pioneered the concept of the personal computer and of navigating them by clicking onscreen images with a mouse. In more recent years, he introduced the iPod portable music player, the iPhone and the iPad tablet -- all of which changed how we consume content in the digital age.
Bono Leads Stars in Fight Against Famine
Bono, U 2 lead singer and co-founder of One, posted the following article for Huffington Post Impact:
I've been known to drop the occasional expletive, but the most offensive F word to me is not the one that goes f***. It's F***** -- the famine happening in Somalia.
Drought, violence and political instability have invited in the grim reaper on a scale we have not seen in 20 years... more than 30,000 children have died in just three months. The pictures from Dadaab look like a nightmare from centuries past. Yet, this is the 21st century and these pictures are real and, on the whole, unseen. The food crisis in the Horn of Africa is nothing short of a humanitarian catastrophe, but it is getting less attention than the latest Hollywood break-ups and make-ups.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
George Junius Stinney Jr., Youngest Person Executed in U. S
Image via WikipediaOne June 16th, 1944, the United States executed a 14 year old boy. His name was George Junius Stinney Jr.
There is good reason to believe Stinney’s confession was coerced, and that his execution was just another injustice blacks suffered in Southern courtrooms in the first half of the 1900s.
More from SC crusaders look to right Jim Crow justice wrongs, by Jeffrey Collins for The Associated Press (Jan. 18, 2010):
The sheriff at the time said Stinney admitted to the killings, but there is only his word — no written record of the confession has been found. A lawyer with the case figures threats of mob violence and not being able to see his parents rattled the seventh-grader.
Attorney Steve McKenzie said he has even heard one account that says detectives offered the boy ice cream once they were done.
Friday, September 16, 2011
President Obama Signs Major Patent Law Change
President Barack Obama signed into law Friday a major overhaul of the U.S. patent system, a measure designed to ease the way for inventors to bring their products to market. "We can't afford to drag our feet any longer," the president said.
Passed in a rare display of congressional bipartisanship, the America Invents Act is the first significant change in patent law since 1952. It has been hailed as a milestone that would spur innovation and create jobs.
The law aims to streamline the patent process and reduce costly legal battles. It was backed by companies including Google and Apple as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Small-scale inventors are divided on the legislation, with some arguing that it gives an advantage to big corporations.
Obama was joined at the signing ceremony by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, and House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith, a Texas Republican, the two main sponsors of the legislation.
FLOTUS Moves Country Toward Healthy Eats
Calorie by calorie, first lady Michelle Obama is chipping away at big portions and unhealthy food in an effort to help America slim down.
In the year and a half since she announced her campaign to curb childhood obesity, Mrs. Obama has stood alongside Wal-Mart, Olive Garden and many other food companies as they have announced improvements to their recipes -- fewer calories, less sodium, better children's menus.
Barbara Jordan Stamp Issued
Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan of Texas now has her own postage stamp. It's the 34th in the post office's Black Heritage series.
Jordan served three terms in Congress and in 1976 was the first woman and the first African-American to deliver a keynote address at a Democratic national convention. She described Americans as "a people in search of a national community" and said Americans were attempting to create a society "in which all of us are equal."
The new forever stamp was issued in Jordan's hometown of Houston and is on sale nationwide. She is also one of a small number of former members of Congress from Texas to be honored with a stamp of her own, following Sam Rayburn and Lyndon B. Johnson.
Medal of Honor Marine Has Beer with President Obama
President Obama awarded Marine Corporal Dakota Meyer, 23, the Medal of Honor on Thursday, the highest award given to members of the armed services. He’s just the third living veteran to receive the award for service in Afghanistan or Iraq and the first living Marine to be honored since 1973.
When White House staff contacted him to arrange the ceremony, Meyer asked if he could have a beer with Obama, and the president invited him to the White House on Wednesday, Press Secretary Jay Carney said. After Carney tweeted a photo of Meyer and the President having a beer on the patio outside the Oval Office, some naysayers did not approve, calling the meeting a "photo-op". I say "so what". The Marine asked and the Presient obliged. End of that story!
The real story, the bravery of Corp. Meyer, should not be forgotten. Meyer saved the lives of three dozen U.S. and Afghan comrades during an hours-long battle with the Taliban in 2009. Meyer personally killed at least eight insurgents despite taking shrapnel to his arm.
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2093409,00.html#ixzz1Y8UECVUF
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