Iraq 'now its own responsibility'

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – President Obama announced Friday that he would withdraw most U.S. combat troops from Iraq by the end of next summer, fulfilling a central campaign promise and setting an end date to a six-year war that has claimed the lives of 4,251 American troops.

U.S. to yield marijuana jurisdiction to states

(02-26) 20:00 PST San Francisco -- U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is sending strong signals that President Obama - who as a candidate said states should be allowed to make their own rules on medical marijuana - will end raids on pot dispensaries in California. Asked at a Washington news conference Wednesday about Drug Enforcement Administration raids in California since Obama took office last month, Holder said the administration has changed its policy.

"What the president said during the campaign, you'll be surprised to know, will be consistent with what we'll be doing here in law enforcement," he said. "What he said during the campaign is now American policy."

Bill Piper, national affairs director of the Drug Policy Alliance, a marijuana advocacy group, said the statement is encouraging.

"I think it definitely signals that Obama is moving in a new direction, that it means what he said on the campaign trail that marijuana should be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal justice issue," he said.

sfgate.com

NBA Bails Out Teams With $200 Million Credit Line?

Randall Stevens

In a slumping economy, everyone is hurting, even large corporations. However, the NBA is the latest to borrow money to help their business.

According to reports from the Associated Press, the NBA (National Basketball Association) has lined up a $200 million loan to distribute among teams across the board interested in additional cash.

The league, however, considers the money as a sign it remains strong in a slumping economy.

Each team will have around $13 million to $20 million available to each of 12 teams that have expressed interest in the funds, Commissioner David Stern told the AP, which they can use for any purpose.

ballerstatus.com

RZA Featured On "The Black List: Volume 2"

Danielle Harling

Wu-Tang Clan member and producer RZA [click to read] will join a list of prominent African American artists, academics, athletes, activists, and authors as one of the featured Hip Hop artists in HBO’s documentary The Black List: Volume 2.

In the documentary, the featured subjects speak on the black experience in America and their personal struggles and triumphs as an African American.

RZA explains how there is a “lack of history” when it comes to black history. Stating that, “My presence, our presence as a people, has always been there. It was just buried under a lot of sand.”

Last year, HBO premiered the first ever Black List in August. The documentary was even featured in last years Sundance Film Festival.

Originally meant to be a book entitled The Black List Project, The Black List was thought up by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and Elvis Mitchell. All of the participants in The Black List: Volume 2 were interviewed by award-winning journalist Elvis Mitchell and the documentary is directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.

Aside from RZA, other people included in The Black List include Angela Davis, Laurence Fishburne, Tyler Perry, Maya Rudolph, and more. Last year, Hip Hop entrepreneur/rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs served as The Black List’s first Hip Hop subject.

The Black List: Vol. 2 debuts tonight, February 26 on HBO at 8:00/9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

hiphopdx.com

BURRIS' SON GOT STATE JOB FROM BLAGO

SCANDAL MUSHROOMS | He serves as housing authority counsel despite facing foreclosure on his own home. The son of embattled Sen. Roland Burris is a federal tax deadbeat who landed a $75,000-a-year state job under former Gov. Rod Blagojevich five months ago, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

Blagojevich's administration hired Roland W. Burris II as a senior counsel for the state's housing authority Sept. 10 -- about six weeks after the Internal Revenue Service slapped a $34,163 tax lien on Burris II and three weeks after a mortgage company filed a foreclosure suit on his South Side house. A spokeswoman for the Illinois Housing Development Authority indicated Wednesday there was nothing improper about Burris II's employment by the agency, whose mission includes overseeing mortgage programs for low-income home buyers and anti-foreclosure initiatives.

Burris II's hiring, however, raises more questions about Sen. Burris' interactions with Blagojevich and his inner circle at a time when the governor was soliciting Sen. Burris for campaign contributions and Burris was angling to have Blagojevich appoint him to the Senate seat once held by President Obama.

chicago sun times

Obama Submits First Budget Blueprint

President Obama on Thursday presented a budget that he said is an "honest accounting of where we are and where we intend to go." Congress received a 140-page summary of the budget Thursday morning. The full details are expected in April.

In introducing the budget, Obama slammed what he called a "dishonest accounting" in regard to the costs of war, and reiterated his commitment to make government "more open and transparent."

"For too long, our budget has not told the whole truth about how precious tax dollars are spent," he said.

"Large sums have been left off the books, including the true cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. And that kind of dishonest accounting is not how you run your family budgets at home; it's not how your government should run its budgets either."

cnn.com

Pres. Obama Nominates Commerce Secretary

This morning, Pres. Obama nominated Fmr. Gov. Gary Locke (D-WA) to be Commerce Secretary. Earlier this year, two previous picks for Commerce Secretary withdrew their names for nomination.

MTV2 Pays Homage Hip Hop's Five Elements

Danielle Harling

MTV2 is paying tribute to the five elements of Hip Hop this week with a documentary entitled "The Elements." Consisting of five episodes, each episode of "The Elements" will focus on one of the elements of Hip Hop which include emceeing, breakdancing, deejaying, beat boxing, and the art of graffiti.

The five-part series aired yesterday, February 23 and will continue until Friday, February 27. And for those who have missed any episode a compilation including all five episodes will air on March 1 at 6:30 p.m.

"The Elements'" first episode, 'The MC,' which aired yesterday, featured local emcees from the New York area including Jesse James, Webbafied, and Fight Klub veteran Iron Solomon.

"Everyone who steps on our stage cosigns the fact that it's the most authentic Hip Hop feeling they've had," Big Zoo, co-founder of End of The Weak open mic contest explained. "Ultimately it's the spirit of Hip Hop that keeps us all moving forward."

The episode also gave viewers an exclusive look at a night of performances at End of the Weak, which holds the distinction of being New York City's longest running Hip Hop open mic.

Each episode will air at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on MTV2 and will air as part of MTV2's Sucker Free Week.

Former XXL Head Elliott Wilson To Launch Hip-Hop Site

by Allen Starbury

Former XXL editor-in-chief Elliott Wilson, also known as YN, announced earlier this week the launch of a new website called RapRadar.com, which he hopes will give other major hip-hop sites a run for their money.

Wilson led the helm at XXL for years, and helped the magazine usher in their presence on the internet via XXLMag.com. Along the way, he landed popular reality shows on VH1 -- "The (White) Rapper Show" and "Miss Rap Supreme." Even before his successful tenture at XXL, he was an experienced writer, boasting a clip sheet that saw his work published in mags like Vibe and Rolling Stone.
ballerstatus.com

How to Use a "Produce the Note" Strategy To Prevent or Delay Foreclosure

By David Sarokin
When you took out a mortgage loan on your house -- whether conventional mortgage, adjusted rate (ARM) or subprime -- you signed a piece of paper known in the banking business as the "note". This signed notice is the legal documentation as to how much you owe on the mortgage, and just as important, who you owe it to. Many banks are having difficulties producing the actual signed note during foreclosure proceedings, and this can possibly be used to your advantage if you are facing foreclosure. Here's how to use a "produce the note" strategy in foreclosure proceedings.

Click to read more
ehow.com

Survey Reveals Broad Support for President

By JEFF ZELENY and MEGAN THEE-BRENAN

President Obama is benefiting from remarkably high levels of optimism and confidence among Americans about his leadership, providing him with substantial political clout as he confronts the nation’s economic challenges and opposition from nearly all Republicans in Congress, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.

A majority of people surveyed in both parties said Mr. Obama was striving to work in a bipartisan way, but most faulted Republicans for their response to the president, saying the party had objected to the $787 billion economic stimulus plan for political reasons. Most said Mr. Obama should pursue the priorities he campaigned on, the poll found, rather than seek middle ground with Republicans.

nytimes.com

Republicans Seek More "Hip Hop" Voters

Author: Danielle Harling

In a recent interview with the Washington Times, Michael Steele, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) explained his eagerness to use his public relations campaign to target untapped communities such as the Hip Hop community.

"We need messengers to really capture that region - young, Hispanic, black, a cross section…We want to convey that the modern-day G.O.P. looks like the conservative party that stands on principles," Michael Steele told the Washington Times. "But we want to apply them to urban-suburban Hip Hop settings."

HipHopDX.com

"The Cocoluxe - a "TRUE" Upscale event" on Saturday, February 28

Dallas, TXThe COCOLUXE
…a tasteful experience of leisure & revelry.

When?: Saturday/February 28th//10pm - 2am

Where?: The BOARDROOM | 2990 Olive St. /downtown Dallas ( Victory Park )

Attire?: Your Finest Attire is Requested - Dress UP

DJ?: DJ A-ONe will be the music conductor for the evening.

Only those who appreciate late-night revelry in an
upscale fashion & decadent form will attend this party.
For one night only, at an all new location, we will quench your appetite for higher levels of social interaction with THE COCOLUXE @ The BOARDROOM ***located at Cirque
Lofts near American Airlines Center in Victory Park***

How Fresh is She? Drew Sidora

Drew Sidora (born Drew Sidora Jordan May 1, 1985) is an American actress/singer.

Sidora was born in Chicago, Illinois. She completed numerous industrial films and was the youngest member of the World Renowned "Hook Player's Theater Ensemble" in Hollywood, California, with residence at the Richard Pryor Theater. By age 9, she was in the Fox TV movie 'Divas'; acting alongside Khalil Kain, Lisa Nicole Carson, and Nicole Ari Parker.

Other than her roles in That's So Raven and Step Up, Drew has also guest starred in Girlfriends, Without a Trace, The Game, and What I Like About You. She has also had roles in feature films including White Chicks and Never Die Alone. Sidora made a cameo appearance in GLC's upcoiming single titled "Honor me."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drew_Sidora

Louisiana Gov. (Rep) Bobby Jindal refuse some funding from the stimulus package

He’s a star in political circles, mentioned by members of both parties as a future presidential candidate, but when Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal delivers the Republican response to President Barack Obama’s Message to Congress on Tuesday, most Americans will be seeing him for the first time.

It’s a prime opportunity for the 37-year-old state executive to introduce himself to the public and define himself as a leader of his party—and a potential contender for national office.

“He’s somebody I think we’re all looking to, to demonstrate that Republicans do have a positive solution to the challenges facing this country,” said House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.). “Bobby’s certainly one of those people.”

In the past few weeks, Jindal has emerged as one of the GOP’s high-profile critics of the stimulus plan Obama recently signed into law.

On Friday, he helped solidify his status as a conservative leader by becoming the first governor to refuse some funding from the stimulus package. His office released a statement announcing Louisiana will reject stimulus money targeted at expanding state unemployment insurance coverage.
politico.com

A Shout Out To JaNe't Roux... tha artist formerly known as "~Infinity~"

So this is a very special "Shout Out" to an important and significant woman in my life... Marquelle Rule. This Cali bred Spoken Word artist first emerged on a -fairly new scene at the time known as Spoken Word or Neo Soul- around 01' - 02'. I can remember her saying she always loved to write... no matter her mood. She would write about anything that was mentally intriguing. At the tender age of 7 she began writing poems and short stories -this prior to any live performance she had ever done. I can remember one of her earliest performances .....I think it was @ this joint called the Martini Bar in downtown Atlanta. Though a novice at the time... Marquelle never seemed rattled by sharing her personal thoughts and experiences with complete strangers.

For her, I can see in it a certain level of therapy .....almost a sort of healing. Having a very specific kind of talent and captivating with wordplay, Marquelle has a knack for engaging presentations. It was for these characteristics as an artist that not only drew in other artists, but several promoters, booking people, event planners and yours truly!

With affiliate ties to the "Eboni Poets" ...Marquelle has toured many cities and performed for a variety of audiences. After being afforded several opportunities for appearances on other projects (Central Division, Jimi James) ....the one-time artist known as "~Infinity~" -also put out her very own spoken word CD entitled "Elements of Life" in 03'. Later that same year Marquelle became pregnant with my oldest son and "futuristic b-boy extraordinaire" -Ahmyr Kasim. After a few years off on hiatus... the femcee returns w/ a brand new project. JaNe't now heads her very own management co. and works with several types of artists. She has been pivotal in my life and in my own personal matriculation as an artist and a person. I would like to take this time out to acknowledge the one woman who has truly changed my life forever! To Marquelle JaNe't .....you are loved and appreciated in so many different ways!

w/ Love...............
Adero

My J's 4 tha Day ...R Sneaks 4 tha Week

These Kicks that I picked 4 tha week R 4 all my Nike freaks! U can't get any fresher than these GZA SB joints.....




I mean "LIQUID SWORDS"-
how classic was that album joe?
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
-Denero Tru Skool

Gotta Do What U Gotta Do When U Gotta.....From 700K to 10/hour

Executive Order: Establishment of the White House Office of Urban Affairs

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release February 19, 2009

EXECUTIVE ORDER

- - - - - - -

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF URBAN AFFAIRS

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to take a coordinated and comprehensive approach to developing and implementing an effective strategy concerning urban America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. About 80 percent of Americans live in urban areas, and the economic health and social vitality of our urban communities are critically important to the prosperity and quality of life for Americans. Vibrant cities spawn innovation, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the businesses, universities, and civic, cultural, religious, and nonprofit institutions they attract. Forward-looking policies that encourage wise investment and development in our urban areas will create employment and housing opportunities and make our country more competitive, prosperous, and strong. In the past, insufficient attention has been paid to the problems faced by urban areas and to coordinating the many Federal programs that affect our cities. A more comprehensive approach is needed, both to develop an effective strategy for urban America and to coordinate the actions of the many executive departments and agencies whose actions impact urban life.

Sec. 2. Establishment. There is established within the Executive Office of the President the White House Office of Urban Affairs (the "Office").

Sec. 3. Functions. The principal functions of the Office are, to the extent permitted by law:

(a) to provide leadership for and coordinate the development of the policy agenda for urban America across executive departments and agencies;

(b) to coordinate all aspects of urban policy;

(c) to work with executive departments and agencies to ensure that appropriate consideration is given by such departments and agencies to the potential impact of their actions on urban areas;

(d) to work with executive departments and agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget, to ensure that Federal Government dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent on the highest-impact programs; and

(e) to engage in outreach and work closely with State and local officials, with nonprofit organizations, and with the private sector, both in seeking input regarding the development of a comprehensive urban policy and in ensuring that the implementation of Federal programs advances the objectives of that policy.

Sec. 4. Coordination. In performing its functions, the Office shall work closely with all relevant executive departments and agencies, and offices and councils within the Executive Office of the President, including but not limited to:

(a) the Department of the Treasury;

(b) the Department of Justice;

(c) the Department of Commerce;

(d) the Department of Labor;

(e) the Department of Health and Human Services;

(f) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;

(g) the Department of Transportation;

(h) the Department of Energy;

(i) the Department of Education; and

(j) the Environmental Protection Agency.

Sec. 5. Administration. (a) The Office may work with established or ad hoc committees, task forces, and interagency groups.

(b) The Office shall have a staff headed by the Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Urban Affairs (Director). The Director shall report jointly to the Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison and to the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy. The Office shall have such staff and other assistance as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this order.

(c) All executive departments and agencies shall cooperate with the Office and provide such information, support, and assistance to the Office as the Director may request, to the extent permitted by law.

Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) authority granted by law to a department, agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

BARACK OBAMA

THE WHITE HOUSE,
February 19, 2009.

whitehouse.gov

John Legend's Open Letter To The New York Post Over Cartoon

A recently published cartoon by the New York Post -- that many believed was linked to President Obama -- has upset a lot of people. The Rev. Al Sharpton called it "troubling at best." And now, singer John Legend is as well. Here's his open letter to the Editor:

Dear Editor:

I'm trying to understand what possible motivation you may have had for publishing that vile cartoon depicting the shooting of the chimpanzee that went crazy. I guess you thought it would be funny to suggest that whomever was responsible for writing the Economic Recovery legislation must have the intelligence and judgment of a deranged, violent chimpanzee, and should be shot to protect the larger community. Really? Did it occur to you that this suggestion would imply a connection between President Barack Obama and the deranged chimpanzee? Did it occur to you that our President has been receiving death threats since early in his candidacy? Did it occur to you that blacks have historically been compared to various apes as a way of racist insult and mockery? Did you intend to invoke these painful themes when you printed the cartoon?

If that's not what you intended, then it was stupid and willfully ignorant of you not to connect these easily connectable dots. If it is what you intended, then you obviously wanted to be grossly provocative, racist and offensive to the sensibilities of most reasonable Americans. Either way, you should not have printed this cartoon, and the fact that you did is truly reprehensible. I can't imagine what possible justification you have for this. I've read your lame statement in response to the outrage you provoked. Shame on you for dodging the real issue and then using the letter as an opportunity to attack Rev. Sharpton. This is not about Rev. Sharpton. It's about the cartoon being blatantly racist and offensive. I believe in freedom of speech, and you have every right to print what you want. But freedom of speech still comes with responsibilities and consequences. You are responsible for printing this cartoon, and I hope you experience some real consequences for it. I'm personally boycotting your paper and won't do any interviews with any of your reporters, and I encourage all of my colleagues in the entertainment business to do so as well. I implore your advertisers to seriously reconsider their business relationships with you as well.

You should print an apology in your paper acknowledging that this cartoon was ignorant, offensive and racist and should not have been printed. I'm well aware of our country's history of racism and violence, but I truly believe we are better than this filth. As we attempt to rise above our difficult past and look toward a better future, we don't need the New York Post to resurrect the images of Jim Crow to deride the new administration and put black folks in our place. Please feel free to criticize and honestly evaluate our new President, but do so without the incendiary images and rhetoric.

Sincerely,
John Legend

President Obama Warns Mayors ...."I Will Call U Out"

This morning President Obama held a conference at the White House with several mayors from across the country to further explain his recent economic stimulus package. He warns them that not only are American tax paying people watching their every move with this unprecedented amount of money, but he will not hesitate to "call those out" who don't appropriate their monies correctly. The President goes on to say that if they are caught with their hands in "cookie jar" -he will penalize them to the fullest level of his power!

President Obama's demeanor was extremely serious and the sense of urgency was definitely apparent as he stated that "the American people need transparency!"

-A. Dawson

N.Y. Post apologizes to some over Obama cartoon

New York State Sen. Eric Adams stands in front of the New York Post building holding a cartoon that ran in the Post Wednesday. The cartoon that some have interpreted as comparing President Barack Obama to a violent chimpanzee gunned down by police drew outrage Wednesday from civil rights leaders and elected officials who said it echoed racist stereotypes of blacks as monkeys. By Craig Ruttle, AP

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Post is apologizing for a cartoon that critics say links President Barack Obama to a raging chimpanzee shot dead by police in Connecticut. But the newspaper also says the image was exploited by its longtime antagonists.
After two days of protests, the paper posted an editorial on its website Thursday saying the cartoon was meant to mock the federal economic stimulus bill, but "to those who were offended by the image, we apologize."

usatoday.com

Latest Flo Rida’s “Right Round” Shatters Digital Singles Record With a Little Help From an ’80s Hook

Almost after a year since his “Low” dominated the Singles chart for 10 consecutive weeks, Flo Rida has found himself back on top, and in record-breaking fashion with “Right Round.” In its debut week, “Right Round” was downloaded about 636,000 times according to Billboard.biz, shattering the record Flo Rida himself set in January 2008 when “Low” was purchased 467,000 times in an extended, post-Christmas week. The seven-day record for most downloads was incidentally set last week, when Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent’s “Crack a Bottle” was purchased 418,000 times. Flo Rida made sure that record was short lived.

“Right Round” is the first single off Flo’s second album R.O.O.T.S., due out April 7th. As Coolfer points out, if those 636,000 single downloads are the equivalent of roughly 63,600 copies in album sales, then Flo Rida would have sold enough this week to place eighth on this week’s albums chart, ahead of the resurgent Viva La Vida.

Daniel Kreps
rollingstone.com

The Pirate Bay Trail

The Pirate Bay is a Swedish website that indexes and tracks (.torrent) files. It bills itself as "the world's largest BitTorrent tracker"^[1] and is ranked as the 109th most popular website by Alexa Internet.^[2] The website is primarily funded with advertisements shown next to torrent listings. Initially established in November 2003 by the Swedish anti-copyright organization Piratbyrån (The Piracy Bureau), it has been operating as a separate organization since October 2004. The website is currently run by Gottfrid Svartholm (anakata), Fredrik Neij (TiAMO) and Peter Sunde (brokep).

On January 31, 2008, Swedish prosecutors filed charges against four of the individuals behind The Pirate Bay, a torrent tracking website, for "promoting other people's infringements of copyright laws".^[1][2] The charges are supported by a consortium of intellectual rights holders led by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), who have filed individual compensation claims against the owners of The Pirate Bay. The trial, currently ongoing in Stockholm, Sweden, started on February 16 and is scheduled to finish on March 4; it is broadcast live by Swedish public radio. The trail is currently on Day 4........could ISOHUNT be next??????

Kanye West ft. Kid Cudi: "Welcome to Heartbreak" Video

West quickly posted 'Welcome to Heartbreak' after learning that Chairlift used similar technique for their new video. I was thinking "Amazing" should have been the next single....."but what do know?"

KANYE WEST "Welcome To Heartbreak" Directed by Nabil from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

He who does not feel me is not real to me…..Therefore he doesn't exist....

It really gets under my skin when people ask me what it is I do....when I tell them…..I hate to sound like a million other people out here. I mean what do I say?? I fuck with the music?? Do I tell them what I do to pay my bills??? Another thing I dislike is when I tell someone about what I’m attempting to do then they give me their "professional" advice...you know..."you should do this"..."you should do that"..or "I know somebody doing….."

I know my goals and aspirations, and to quote my partner Adero..."you got dream killers out here". When I realized that I was not a corporate dude I did two things....I got tatts on both my arms and I began to surround myself with people with like aspirations...i.e. singers, song writers, poets, musicians, promoters, etc.

When I see shit like "Driven"...it reminds me that shit doesn't happen over night...it's a steady grind to break into the "Industry". You have to protect your dream like a "Baby". You have to nurture it and keep it away from harm doers. I think in a subconscious way I have alienated those that don’t understand what it is I'm accomplishing. It's really simple when you think about it. I will provide for my family by selling and marketing myself and others that are talented. He who does not feel me is not real to me…..Therefore he doesn't exist.... so poof!! Vamoose son-of-a .......

"We have no great war, or great depression. Our great war is a spiritual war. Our great depression is our lives". Tyler Durden

Rollie

Bleek........ UR one hit away......

Memphis Bleek's "Garnier Fructis" female shampoo

Russell Simmons Brings Clothes To Wal-Mart

SOURCE:(AHH) Hip-Hop mogul and former head of Phat Farm Russell Simmons will launch a new line of clothing in 350 Wal-Mart stores. Simmons American Classic line will sell for between $9.99 and $29 with most of the line being priced at less than $15.

Wal-Mart will carry a number of items from the American Classics line, including knit and woven shirts, sweater vests, jeans, casual sports shoes and more. Simmons also struck a deal to place flat screen TV’s in most of the stores carrying the line, that will feature the mogul describing his latest brand.

Simmons, who launched his Phat Farm line of clothing in 1992, sold the brand in 2004 to Kellwood Industries for $140 million in cash. He stepped down from the CEO position of Phat Farm in 2007 but has continued in the fashion world with his brands Russell Simmons-Argyleculture and Atman.

The line debuted on Sunday (February 15) in a Chicago-area Wal-Mart. The rest of the line will be rolled out nationwide in the coming weeks.

Sir R. Allen Stanford Charged By SEC For Multi-Billion Dollar Fraud

The SEC charged Sir Allen Stanford and three of his companies with "massive fraud" centering on an $8 billion CD program.

From the AP:

Federal regulators are charging R. Allen Stanford and three of his companies with a "massive" fraud that centered around high-interest-rate CDs.

The Securities and Exchange Commission's complaint, filed in federal court in Dallas, alleges that Stanford International Bank sold about $8 billion of so-called certificates of deposit to investors by promising "improbable and unsubstantiated high interest rates."

The rates allegedly allowed the bank to achieve double-digit returns on its investments for the past 15 years. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor entered a temporary restraining order and froze Stanford's assets.

huffingtonpost.com

Obama signs stimulus bill

DENVER – President Barack Obama put his own indelible imprint on the nation's distressed economy Tuesday, signing the huge recovery package into law, readying a $50 billion proposal to help homeowners fend off foreclosure and awaiting emergency restructuring plans from flailing automakers.

Obama said the sprawling legislation, which congressional Democrats pushed to passage last week over near-unanimous opposition from Republicans, would "set our economy on a firmer foundation."

Obama's first major piece of legislation, it's a $787 billion mix of tax cuts and one of the biggest public spending programs since World War II.

"I don't want to pretend that today marks the end of our economic problems. Nor does it constitute all of what we have to do to turn our economy around. But today does mark the beginning of the end, the beginning of what we need to do to create jobs for Americans scrambling in the wake of layoffs," Obama said.

The setting for the signing was the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, with solar panels on its roof, underscoring the investments the new law will make in "green" energy-related jobs. Workers in solar, wind, and other renewable-energy industries joined Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the bill-signing ceremony.

Heavy Reign Presents: In The "A" It's All About.. ."Fame, Style, Affluence": Wed. Feb. 18. 2009 @ Sugarhill

Revelation 6:13 and the stars of the sky fell to the earth: Unidentified Fireball Streaks Across Texas Sky

DALLAS — What looked like a fireball streaked across the Texas sky on Sunday morning, leading many people to call authorities to report seeing falling debris.

"We don't know what it was," said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Roland Herwig.

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office used a helicopter to search after callers said they thought they saw a plane crashing, a spokesman said.

"We don't doubt what people saw" but authorities found nothing, said spokesman John Foster.

The U.S. Strategic Command said there was no connection to the sightings over Texas and Tuesday's collision of satellites from the U.S. and Russia.

"There is no correlation between the debris from that collision and those reports of re-entry," said Maj. Regina Winchester, with STRATCOM.

The FAA notified pilots on Saturday to be aware of possible space debris after a collision Tuesday between U.S. and Russian communication satellites. The chief of Russia's Mission Control says clouds of debris from the collision will circle Earth for thousands of years and threaten numerous satellites.

Kanye West Claims To Make "one of the best hip-hop beats of all time."

Author: Danielle Harling

Kanye West has always been one to make big claims, but he may have made one of his biggest claims ever over the weekend. Recently, Kanye discussed his production on the highly anticipated album The Blueprint 3 with Sway and King Tech of the "Wake Up Show," stating that the album is close to completion and he's only three or four tracks away from wrapping up the album.

"I finished [Jay-Z's] album and he released four songs that were potentially gonna be on the album...So I gotta go back and do four," Kanye told Sway and King Tech.

He then went on to explain that one of the beats he created for The Blueprint 3 is "one of the best hip-hop beats of all time."

"I just did one beat the other day in Hawaii—probably one of the best hip-hop beats of all time, if I do say so myself. I just gotta do three more beats and we're done, 'cause he's got classics," Kanye explained. "He's got songs that are better than any of the things you've heard leaked."

As of now there is still no set released date for The Blueprint 3. About a month ago it was reported that Jay-Z would be taking his time with the album [click to read].

Confirmed tracks for The Blueprint 3 include "Brooklyn (We Go Hard)" [click to listen] and, according to Kanye "Everyday a Star is Born" and "Forever Young" will more than likely also be added to the album.

In related news, VH1 will be airing "VH1 Storytellers: Kanye West" on Saturday, February 28 at 9:00 PM. The special will feature Kanye West performing songs from his latest album, 808's & Heartbreak [click to read] along with other Kanye classics.

Video: John Forte + Talib Kweli "Homecoming"

"Homecoming" John Forte + Talib Kweli from The ICU on Vimeo.
Check out this new music video from close friends Talib Kweli and John Forte, celebrating Forte's recent homecoming over Kanye's joint. Directed by The ICU. This was recorded soon after John's release from Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution December 22, 2008.

Winners & Losers in Stimulus Fight

When you’re talking nearly $790 billion, it’s hard to find a lot of losers.

But as the final version of the House-Senate stimulus compromise emerges, it’s clear that some groups fared better than others.

As of late Thursday, some details remained hazy, but here’s a cheat sheet to who came out ahead or behind.

politico.com

Stimulus: How it may affect your wallet

Here's a brief rundown on how the newly passed Stimulus bill will directly affect your wallet. To read more click on the link at the bottom.

Making Work Pay Credit: The bill provides a $400 credit per worker and a $800 credit per dual-earner couple. The full credit would be paid to people making $75,000 or less ($150,000 per dual-earner couple). A partial credit would be paid to those making above those amounts but no more than $100,000 ($200,000 for couples).

The credit would also be refundable, which means that even very low-income families who don't make enough to owe income tax would be able to claim it.

For most working individuals, the credit will be paid over time at roughly $15 per period, assuming 26 pay periods in a year. Estimated cost: $116 billion.

One-time payments to those who don't work: For retirees, disabled individuals and others who don't work, the bill provides a one-time $250 payment. Estimated cost: $14.2 billion.

Break for higher income families: The bill includes a one-year provision to protect middle- and upper-middle-income families from having to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax. The AMT was intended primarily for high-income taxpayers but has in recent years threatened to engulf those lower down the income scale. Estimated cost: $70 billion.

Temporary deduction for car buyers: The bill would let those who buy a new car, light vehicle, recreational vehicle or motorcycle in 2009 deduct state and local sales taxes as well as any excise tax charged in the purchase. The deduction would be available to those earning less than $125,000 ($250,000 for joint filers). It will be an above-the-line deduction, meaning even taxpayers who don't itemize may take it in addition to the standard deduction. Estimated cost: $1.7 billion.

Temporary credit for home buyers: The bill increases the size of an existing temporary and refundable first-time home buyer credit to $8,000, up from $7,500. It also removes the requirement under current law that the credit be paid back if the buyer stays in the home for at least three years. And it would extend the credit's expiration date to Dec. 1, 2009, from July 1. Those eligible for this credit must have purchased a home after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009.

The full credit is available to those making $75,000 or less ($150,000 for joint filers). Estimated cost: $6.6 billion.

cnn.com

Obama’s Stimulus = $13 A Week in Our Paychecks (Gee, thanks)

Now that Barack Obama has succeeded in getting his wasteful stimulus bill passed by both the House and Senate, analysts say the benefit to tax payers will amount to an extra $13 a week in your paychecks.

Meanwhile, Obama’s campaign contributors and ACORN co-conspirators will be living large off your money

The $500-per-worker credit for lower- and middle-income taxpayers that Obama outlined during his presidential campaign was scaled back to $400 during bargaining by the Democratic-controlled Congress and White House. Couples would receive $800 instead of $1,000. Over two years, that move would pump about $25 billion less into the economy than had been previously planned.
Officials estimated it would mean about $13 a week more in people’s paychecks this year when withholding tables are adjusted in late spring. Next year, the measure could yield workers about $8 a week. Critics say that’s unlikely to do much to boost consumption.

The worst part is, a large chunk of the stimulus bill won’t even take effect until at least 2011 — right around the time Obama starts campaigning for re-election

breitbart.com

Senator Gregg Statement on His Withdrawal for Consideration of U.S. Commerce Secretary

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, February 12, 2009

Senator Gregg Statement on His Withdrawal for Consideration of U.S. Commerce Secretary

Sen. Gregg stated, “I want to thank the President for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle.

“However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.

“Obviously the President requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives.

“I greatly admire President Obama and know our country will benefit from his leadership, but at this time I must withdraw my name from consideration for this position.

“As we move forward, I expect there will be many issues and initiatives where I can and will work to assure the success of the President’s proposals. This will certainly be a goal of mine.

“Kathy and I also want to specifically thank Governor Lynch and Bonnie Newman for their friendship and assistance during this period. In addition we wish to thank all the people, especially in New Hampshire, who have been so kind and generous in their supportive comments.

“As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate.”

A Shout Out To Duke Williams

I would like to send a special "shout out" to another musical phenom that I have had the pleasure of working with in the past... the homie Duke Williams. I first met the Detroit native through my guy Mogie here in Atlanta after he completed construction on his music studio. I was in search of some finishing touches on a joint that Mogie and I had cut called "Push Back" so Mo took me to see Duke. There I got the pleasure of seeing a true musical professional at work.

As the head of his own label/music co. known as DW Music, Duke has accumulated a lengthy list of accolades and has worked with a number of major artists to his credits. Some of Duke's current projects are a Maya joint that was released in Dec 08' -getting heavy rotation over in Japan entitled "Sugar & Spice." He has done past and present work with Bobby Valentino on his current album that just came out 2 days ago called "The Rebirth".... and his previous album as well. DW is also working on current projects with T-Boz (TLC) new solo joint featuring Lil Wayne. To round things out.... as if he wasn't busy enough he not only has plans to do some of Ciara's new joints but he also has his very own 4 man R&B group. The young ATLien crooners are known as Hamilton Park .... stay on the look out for these guys, their album is coming very soon!

So, to conclude..... if you still are not convinced then I would suggest you check my man Duke Williams out for yourselves. If you need some joints mixed or mastered or just need to rent out his creativity please support my man Duke Williams. Check out more of his work on the link below-

http://www.myspace.com/dukewilliamsmusic

Peace & LUV,

Adero "AD" Dawson

Agreement Reached On Proposed Stimulus Bill

Negotiators have resolved the differences between the House and Senate versions of the stimulus bill, Sen. Harry Reid said Wednesday.

"The bills were really quite similar, and I'm please to announce that we've been able to bridge those differences," said Reid, the Senate majority leader.

"Like any negotiation, this involved give and take, and if you don't mind my saying so, that's an understatement," he said.

Negotiators worked late into the night to iron out differences between the two versions of the stimulus bill.

President Obama said he wanted the bill on his desk by Presidents Day, which is next Monday.

Reid praised the three "brave" GOP senators who broke ranks to the support the bill: Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine and Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.

Of the 219 Republicans in Congress, they were the only three to back the bill.

cnn.com

Dow Reacts Poorly To Latest Bailout Plan

Investors turned skeptical about the government's latest bank bailout plan.
The Dow Jones closed 381 points down as financial stocks lead the market lower. Wall Street is concerned about the government's ability to restore the health of the banking industry.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner announced a plan that the government says could mobilize well over $1 trillion in public and private support to get the frozen credit markets functioning again. It includes a government-private sector partnership to help remove banks' soured assets from their books.

Investors are worried the steps won't be sufficient.

"Without credit, economies cannot grow, and right now, critical parts of our financial system are damaged," Geithner said.

Geithner said that "guided by the principles of transparency and accountability," the new administration will wage an aggressive two-front battle against the worst financial crisis in seven decades, while the Federal Reserve expands a key lending program to up to $1 trillion.

clickorlando.com

$838B stimulus clears Senate

An $838 billion economic recovery bill cleared the Senate Tuesday, setting the stage for final negotiations with the House and President Barack Obama, who must step forward now and put his own stamp on the package.

The 61-37 roll call followed a last Republican effort to derail president’s initiative by raising a budget point of order against the massive bill for adding to the deficit. This also failed on an identical 61-37 vote waiving the rules.

Just three Republicans — Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania — crossed the aisle to back the president. Going forward, Obama’s challenge will be to retain this support while also bridging a rural-urban divide in his own party that could delay a final agreement.

politico.com

GIVE ME MY CHIP: Televisions 'to be fitted in contact lenses within ten years'

Televisions could be fitted into contact lenses within ten years, according to analysts. The sets would be powered by the viewer's body heat, according to Ian Pearson, a so-called "futurologist" who has advised leading companies including BT on new technologies.

Mr Pearson told the Daily Mail he believed that channels could be changed by voice command or via a wave of the hand.

Meanwhile "emotional viewing" could be another development in television technology, according to a report commissioned by the technology retailer Comet.

A "digital tattoo" fitted to the viewer would pick up on the feelings of characters on screen and create impulses causing them to feel the same way.

The development could see James Bond fans become able feel the thrill of a high-speed car chase or sports fans allowed to share the joy of elated players, it said.

"We could even get to the point where we'll be able to immerse ourselves in a football game, making it feel like you're running alongside your favourite player or berating the ref," the report added.

Miriam Rayman, of the Future Laboratory consultancy, which compiled the report, said the basic technology needed for the developments already existed.

She said: "The technology is getting smaller and smaller and people are trying to work out how to make it more immersible. They are trying to bring it closer and closer to the eye."
telegraph.co.uk

Keith Harris Wins a Grammy!!!!

A Message from Keith:

Hey everyone. Yesterday at the Grammys was one of the best times of my life. It's great to be nominated for Song of the Year!!!!!!! Even though I didn't win the Grammy for the Category, I found out shortly after from Will.i.am that we won off air for Best Urban/Alternative Performance "Be OK" Chrisette Michele Featuring will.i.am Track from: I Am [Def Jam] Co Producer:

So everyone who prayed and showed support last night, we did it!!!!!!!!!!!

When I return to Chicago I'll be throwing a Grammy party!!!! I'll keep you posted.

The New Rat Pack: 'Swagger Like Us' Live At The Grammys

How Fresh Was This???

CONGRATS TO OUR VERY OWN KEITH HARRIS.....CURIE (C/O 94) ON HIS GRAMMY NOMINATION!!!!!!! SONG OF THE YEAR ‘AMERICAN BOY’

Toronto, ON – Black Eyed Peas writer/producer/drummer Keith Harris is celebrating a Grammy nod for the chart topping single “American Boy”. Co-writer Harris is nominated with William Adams, Josh Lopez, Caleb Speir, John Stephens, Estelle Swaray & Kanye West, songwriters (Estelle Featuring Kanye West), in the Song of the Year category.

"I am obviously thrilled, and honored for this incredible acknowledgement. Every musician dreams of hearing their name called at the Grammy’s, this nomination is a dream come true!" exclaims Harris.

A Chicago native, Harris’ discography reads as a who’s who of the international music scene, having worked with some of the biggest names to date including Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, and Michael Jackson. He also Executive Produced Canadian R&B sensation Jully Black’s Juno award winning album Revival (which was recorded in an astonishing 9 days, during a break from Harris’ touring schedule with the Black Eyed Peas).
Harris is also committed to developing new talent including hip-hop artist H2O, who recently toured with international artist Sergio Mendes.

Weblinks: www.myspace.com/keith_harris
www.fs-harrisproductions.com

Repost
curiehighalumni.ning.com

Surround Yourself With Success and You Too Will Be Successful

I've always been told that if you surround yourself with success then guess what?? At some point "Universal Law" is going to say- you know what ...it is time to rub off some of this fruitful success on the individual that has consciously placed them self in a position to be directly influenced by others who are successful.

Since a youth I always had this notion that "Luck" only happened for a small percentage of people on the entire planet! I mean I was lucky to have the life I had, loved ones who took care of me, not a want for anything....overall a pretty "charmed life". What I later realized as an adult is that its not necessarily about whose lucky? and whose not? It's really more about taking advantage of certain opportunities when they are presented. When you "THINK" - "ENVISION" - "THEN DO" anything with the utmost confidence ...you are bound to have some level of success. In essence ....the "luck" you make for yourself is really up to you.

So for the past few years of my life.... especially since I saw "The Secret" for the first time, I have been consciously placing myself in the company of other successful people. Not in hopes of becoming successful automatically, but to observe and adopt certain business characteristics and discipline. Case and point .....in this photo here you see me and one of the more "successful" and "accomplished" individuals that I've had the pleasure of working with ...Julia Beverly (OZONE MAGAZINE ... by the way.. she made 1.5 last year). This particular image was taken this past Super Bowl Weekend in Tampa Bay at Nelly and Antonio Tarver's bash at MOSI.

-Ahhh ....I Love my life!
-also check out more pics @ http://www.ozonemag.com/

-Adero Dawson

UH-OH! KRS-ONE Turning America Against Obama

Once again Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone. Check out this blog by Sohh Reckless from Sohh.com. Click on the link to watch the video and make sure you check out part 2 as well.

Uh-oh. Liberals, you'd better hang on to your hats. The wind is blowing hard in the East-- and the air is full of nasty rumors.

And KRS is not the first one to talk about this.

Even conservative/Republican radio is talking about the NWO, and they're vehemently dismissing those that are calling these foolish conspiracy theories. But of COURSE they wait until Obama is sworn in before they start with their sh*t.

No. Not the NWA. The NWO. I guess you can call it the N*gga World Order. Cause according to many skeptics and pessimists who lack a belief in government, Obama is a puppet who is being used... for what? I'm not taking part in this. No comment.

I think KRS has some valid points. But! I can't call it.

sohh.com

Singularity University

I've been talking to the homies about how if there was a "Google Chip" that could be inserted into a human.... I would get one....forget the smart phones...laptops.....just connect the chip to my nervous system so I can stay in the Matrix.....no typing in a word or phrase in a search box...I think it...I know it!!! Google is our "artifical intelligence".... You think I'm trippin check out this article about Google and NASA hooking up in Silicon Valley....

Google and Nasa back new school for futurists

By David Gelles in San Francisco

Published: February 3 2009 05:02 | Last updated: February 3 2009 05:02

Google and Nasa are throwing their weight behind a new school for futurists in Silicon Valley to prepare scientists for an era when machines become cleverer than people.

The new institution, known as “Singularity University”, is to be headed by Ray Kurzweil, whose predictions about the exponential pace of technological change have made him a controversial figure in technology circles.

Google and Nasa’s backing demonstrates the growing mainstream acceptance of Mr Kurzweil’s views, which include a claim that before the middle of this century artificial intelligence will outstrip human beings, ushering in a new era of civilization.

To be housed at Nasa’s Ames Research Center, a stone’s-throw from the Googleplex, the Singularity University will offer courses on biotechnology, nano-technology and artificial intelligence.

The so-called “singularity” is a theorised period of rapid technological progress in the near future. Mr Kurzweil, an American inventor, popularised the term in his 2005 book “The Singularity is Near”.

ft.com

Breaking News: Daschle Withdraws Nomination for Cabinet Position

WASHINGTON -- Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomination to be President Barack Obama's Health and Human Services secretary, according to a joint White House statement from Obama and Daschle.
Obama said Tuesday he accepted the withdrawal "with sadness and regret."
The move follows news of his failure to pay more than $120,000 in taxes.
Senators from both parties called Daschle's tax revelation troubling.
Over the past two years, Daschle earned $5.2 million, according to a financial disclosure form he recently filed. It shows nearly a quarter-million of that came from speeches to health care interest groups.
Daschle said he's withdrawing because he's not a leader who has the full faith of Congress and will be a distraction.

A Shout Out to Ghani Gautama

Lately I've been reading about the power of attraction, but never really considered applying it to my life, at least not the way others spoke about it. Since 48Bars conception, we did not quite know what direction we wanted to go in, but knew exactly what direction we did not want to go. We did not want to regurgitate "Industry" gossip..... we wanted to start and remain positive..... most importantly..... we wanted to connect and inspire people.

After posting our 8th "Shout Out" on Quanstar, I received an email on this kid by the name of Ghani Gautama...he inquired about getting a "Shout Out"? I informed him that a Shout Out are reserved for people we knew and had some type of connection with...he immediately started to connect with us. This was around mid August 2008.....it's February 2009....now it's time for Ghani's "Shout Out".

Ghani's just launched ghanigautama.com which is more than just an artist website, he is using it as a hub to promote and market his shows. Currently he's gearing up for The Bring 'Ya A Game Tour: Bennington Bound in May of this year featuring Akil the MC of Jurassic 5 along with Quanstar & Evaready RAW, and Metrognome. His NEW album is in the works called "Few Against Many" slated for release later this year. Also his acoustic side project "MK Ultra" is in the works and scheduled to debut for the public in April of this year. So Ghani keep up "The good fight"....continue to "Give'em enough hope" and 48Bars will continue to support you.

you can download Ghani's current CD...."Give'em enough hope" on Itunes

Rollie
48Bars.com

Lil Wayne Katie Couric’s All-Access Grammy Special Video

Lil Wayne Katie Couric’s All-Access Grammy Special Video - Lil Wayne sat down for a rare interview with Katie Couric on Katie Couric’s All-Access Grammy Special, that will be airing on Feb. 4 at 9 PM on CBS

Michael Phelps caught with cannabis pipe....So What!!!!!

"that man trained harder and did more in a day than most of the people reading this article do in a year". He deserves a little smoke!!

Bailed Out Bankers To Be Hauled Before Congress

By Ryan Grimm
Rep. Barney Frank plans to call the heads of major bailed-out banks to testify before his committee next week, two aides to the House Financial Services Committee chairman said.

Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat, has been a vocal proponent of using federal dollars to stabilize the financial system, but has also been a harsh critic of bankers who have refused to provide Congress with information as to how the bailout funds are being used. He has also been sharply critical of the Bush administration's use of the first half of the bailout funds, charging that it failed to oversee the program properly and didn't use the funds to address the foreclosure crisis as Congress had intended.

A committee aide said that the hearing, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11, is still being planned and that a full witness list has yet to be compiled. Frank has long promised to bring bank heads before his committee to call on them to explain how the funds have been used.

Read More

thehuffingtonpost.com

Stimulus: What you need to know

By David Goldman, CNNMoney.com staff writer

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The House passed its $819 billion version of the economic stimulus package last week. Now it's the Senate's turn.

The near-$900 billion package the Senate will debate and likely vote on this week is very similar to the House bill. There are a few key differences: The Senate bill adds $70 billion in Alternative Minimum Tax relief for working families and $17 billion to provide a $300 payment to seniors, disabled people and others who can't work. It also would suspend taxes on unemployment benefits.

And those are just some of the differences between the Senate and House bills, and their number is likely to increase as the the Senate takes up numerous amendments, including proposals to expand infrastructure spending, lock in low mortgage rates and expand a homebuyers' tax credit.

Read More

cnn.com