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Character Posted: Mar 9, 2010
This guy was a delight. He was sitting across the street from Elton John's party. Halarious.
OH HELL NO! Posted: Mar 8, 2010

Gossip from Elton John Party Posted: Mar 9, 2010

Only in LA Posted: Mar 9, 2010

Gossip from elton john party Posted: Mar 9, 2010

Oscar Christian Demonstrators Posted: Mar 8, 2010
OH NO ... Not the Christians ... FIRE AND BRIMSTONE ... What a buzz kill
BIG TIME GOSSIP FROM ELTON JOHN PARTY AT OSCARS! Posted: Mar 9, 2010

West End Girls Posted: Mar 8, 2010

Daniel Skelton from Eating Out 3 Posted: Mar 8, 2010
I should leave this guy alone but I kinda' like him. I saw him in the movie "Eating Out 3" and he frequents Trunks in West Hollywood. After the Oscars I caught him eating out with his friends. I really should stop stalking this poor boy. See my other interview with him - click "bambammovies"
More Celebrity Gossip Posted: Mar 9, 2010

NSYNC Posted: Mar 9, 2010
Lead singer of NSYNC....the boy band?
Bam Bam Rose Posted: Mar 8, 2010

Oscar news Posted: Mar 8, 2010



Oscar Night Posted: Mar 8, 2010


bambamclub.com
Oscars Posted: Mar 8, 2010


Boys in weho
Elton John Posted: Mar 8, 2010



Elton John After Hours Party in WEHO, CA Posted: Mar 8, 2010
Guest from Elton John's Oscar After hours talks about "Grace Jones" performing.
Oscars Posted: Mar 8, 2010


BAM BAM PAPARAZZI
More footage from the Oscars Posted: Mar 8, 2010


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LA WEEKLY Posted: Mar 8, 2010

Bam Bam and the Academy Awards Posted: Mar 8, 2010

ACADEMY AWARD DAY IN LA Posted: Mar 8, 2010

Bam Bam Oscar Special Footage Posted: Mar 8, 2010

Oscar Footage Posted: Mar 8, 2010




Oscars after birth Posted: Mar 8, 2010

Butt Bleeding Posted: Mar 8, 2010
Wow.... so I had some interesting moments tonight. This guy Nigel (staying at the San Vicente Inn - just around the block from Bam Bam's apartment) invited me over for coke. Luckily he didn't have any or I would have relapsed and probably would have ended up passed out behind some dumpster in West Hollywood with my butt bleeding. Anyhow, back at my pad after crazy Oscar Night. FOOTAGE OF GA GA AT ELTON JOHNS PARTY UPLOADING NOW.... youtube.com/bambammovies
ACADEMY AWARD DAY IN HOLLYWOOD bambamclub.com Posted: Mar 8, 2010

ACADEMY AWARDS - OSCARS IN HOLLYWOOD Posted: Mar 8, 2010

OSCAR FOOTAGE Posted: Mar 7, 2010


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OSCAR UPDATE Posted: Mar 7, 2010


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OSCAR AFTER HOURS ON BAM RADIO Posted: Mar 7, 2010

Listen to AFTER HOURS PARTY LIVE Posted: Mar 7, 2010
Oscar After Hours broadcast now worldwide streaming across the universe - click on "bam-radio!"
Oscar Footage Posted: Mar 7, 2010
Listen to DJ BAM BAM MCINTYRE - OSCAR SPECTACULAIR DANCE MIX RADIO SHOW - FEATURING - PET SHOP BOYS, BLUR, EAGLES and more - uploading in minutes - click on "bam-radio!" and listen to WORLDWIDE LIVESTREAM from the Hollywood Hills: DJ BAM BAM's OSCAR SPECTACULAIR - AFTER HOURS DJS LIVE in WEHO - click on "BAM-RADIO!"
OSCAR FOOTAGE Posted: Mar 7, 2010
Tonight - after hours - ELTON JOHN IN WEST HOLLYWOOD - PLUS BAM BAM AND FRIENDS AT ELEPHANT ROOM - TRUNKS, for BULLDOG FUNDRAISER - join us now - live from the OSCARS - TRUNKS, Santa Monica and San Vincente - AMATEUR POOL TOURNAMENT - JELLO SHOTS, PRIZES, PAPARAZZI, PUNKS, GAYS, STRAIGHTS, GUYS WITH BLUE HAIR ...
Broadcasting ALL DAY FROM THE OSCARS - click "bam-radio!" and listen now Posted: Mar 7, 2010
BAM BAM AFTER HOURS VIDEOS UPLOADING AT: youtube.com/bambammovies
OSCARS - OUTRAGEOUS Posted: Mar 7, 2010
OSCAR AFTERHOURS SHOW - click "bam-radio!" to hear us live from the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, California for the OSCAR SPECTACULAIR SHOW!
OSCAR FOOTAGE Posted: Mar 7, 2010
We are uploading Oscar footage is quickly as possible. It is very difficult to do this from the Hollywood Oscar Location: See the footage now by going to: youtube.com/bambammovies



OSCAR MAYHEM IN HOLLYWOOD TONIGHT: bambamclub.com behind the scenes!
Bam Bam's Apartment on fire - Kymisha on crack? Posted: Mar 6, 2010
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Bam Bam Paparazzi Footage is always uploaded to youtube before hitting this site. You can also view other videos that do not make the cut for this website but ... in case you are a very bored person ... just a click away:

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Oscar picks from Ebert Posted: Mar 6, 2010

Roger Ebert's Oscar Predictions

The legendary movie critic says this won't be a year of close races. "I can't remember a year when it seemed easier to predict the Oscars," he says. "Of course, those may be famous last words."


Best Supporting Actress: "Mo'Nique will win for her powerful performance as the cruel and damaged mother in Precious."





Best Supporting Actor: "Relative unknown Christoph Waltz won the Best Actor award at Cannes for Inglourious Basterds and has never looked back."





Sandra BullockBest Actress: "Few people saw this one coming, but Sandra Bullock made a dazzling comeback in the Blind Side. I think she'll win."





Jeff BridgesBest Actor: "I pick Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart. His great performance swept the Critics' Awards, and I think [he] has the momentum."




The Hurt LockerBest Movie: "The only dicey category is Best Picture. Up in The Air was the early front-runner, and Avatar could win after its record-breaking profits. But I think it's a win for Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker."




The Hurt LockerBest Director: "I also pick Kathryn Bigelow for best director. If you vote against her, you'll be going against years of precedent that say the winner of the Directors Guild Award will win the Oscar. "

From The Oprah Winfrey Show Roger Ebert Speaks for the First Time, Plus Morgan Freeman and Colin Firth -

It is so sad when friends are sick. I love your Roger Ebert ... my favorite critic of all time and the world cheers you on in your battle with cancer. GOD BLESS, Nam myho renge kyo from all of us at Bam-Radio!
Alice in Wonderland - Ebert Praises Depp Posted: Mar 6, 2010
Alice in Wonderland

A bright, fantastical world. Bizarre, nonsensical characters. Johnny Depp. It would seem that "Alice" is the movie Tim Burton was born to make. However, critics seem largely split on whether or not his vision is worth your time. Michael Rechtshaffen of The Hollywood Reporter is clearly smitten with the film, calling it "truly, madly wonderful," and a "whimsically appointed dazzler."

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times is a bit less fawning, but still gives the film three out of four stars. Ebert also praises the performance of Johnny Depp. "[He's] that rare actor who can treat the most bizarre characters with perfect gravity." Filmcritic.com's Christopher Null didn't like the movie nearly as much, giving it just two out of five stars. However, he did go out of his way to praise Helena Bonham Carter, who plays the Red Queen. In Null's estimation, she "steals the show."

And with apologies to Captain Jack, Mr. Null isn't the only critic who feels that Bonham Carter is the movie's true star. Manhola Dargis of The New York Times writes that Bonham Carter "rocks the house and the movie." E! Online's Matt Stevens calls the actor's performance "wickedly funny." Is it possible that Mr. Depp, one of the all-time great scene-stealers, was upstaged himself?

But the acting is only one part of the movie. And more than a few critics feel that the total is less than the sum of its parts. Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly gives the movie a "C" and describes it as "...murky, diffuse, and meandering..." Finally, The New York Post's Lou Lumenick awards "Alice" with two and a half out of four stars and calls it an "often ponderous fantasy."
What really killed off the DInasaurs Posted: Mar 6, 2010
Note from Editor:

An astroid? Is that why the russians are trying to shoot that one out of the sky? This could happen to us? Wow. Check this out

Bam Bam
Editor - Bam Bam Press


It's official: An asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs
Reuters


It's definitive: An asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs AFP/File – Skeleton of a dinosaur is pictured on display at a Tokyo museum. Dinosaurs were wiped out by a huge asteroid …

* Dinosaurs and Fossils Slideshow:Dinosaurs and Fossils

By Kate Kelland, Health and Science Correspondent Kate Kelland, Health And Science Correspondent – Thu Mar 4, 2:07 pm ET

LONDON (Reuters) – A giant asteroid smashing into Earth is the only plausible explanation for the extinction of the dinosaurs, a global scientific team said on Thursday, hoping to settle a row that has divided experts for decades.

A panel of 41 scientists from across the world reviewed 20 years' worth of research to try to confirm the cause of the so-called Cretaceous-Tertiary (KT) extinction, which created a "hellish environment" around 65 million years ago and wiped out more than half of all species on the planet.

Scientific opinion was split over whether the extinction was caused by an asteroid or by volcanic activity in the Deccan Traps in what is now India, where there were a series of super volcanic eruptions that lasted around 1.5 million years.

The new study, conducted by scientists from Europe, the United States, Mexico, Canada and Japan and published in the journal Science, found that a 15-kilometre (9 miles) wide asteroid slamming into Earth at Chicxulub in what is now Mexico was the culprit.

"We now have great confidence that an asteroid was the cause of the KT extinction. This triggered large-scale fires, earthquakes measuring more than 10 on the Richter scale, and continental landslides, which created tsunamis," said Joanna Morgan of Imperial College London, a co-author of the review.

The asteroid is thought to have hit Earth with a force a billion times more powerful than the atomic bomb at Hiroshima.

Morgan said the "final nail in the coffin for the dinosaurs" came when blasted material flew into the atmosphere, shrouding the planet in darkness, causing a global winter and "killing off many species that couldn't adapt to this hellish environment."

Scientists working on the study analyzed the work of paleontologists, geochemists, climate modelers, geophysicists and sedimentologists who have been collecting evidence about the KT extinction over the last 20 years.

Geological records show the event that triggered the dinosaurs' demise rapidly destroyed marine and land ecosystems, they said, and the asteroid hit "is the only plausible explanation for this."

Peter Schulte of the University of Erlangen in Germany, a lead author on the study, said fossil records clearly show a mass extinction about 65.5 million years ago -- a time now known as the K-Pg boundary.

Despite evidence of active volcanism in India, marine and land ecosystems only showed minor changes in the 500,000 years before the K-Pg boundary, suggesting the extinction did not come earlier and was not prompted by eruptions.

The Deccan volcano theory is also thrown into doubt by models of atmospheric chemistry, the team said, which show the asteroid impact would have released much larger amounts of sulphur, dust and soot in a much shorter time than the volcanic eruptions could have, causing extreme darkening and cooling.

Gareth Collins, another co-author from Imperial College, said the asteroid impact created a "hellish day" that signaled the end of the 160-million-year reign of the dinosaurs, but also turned out to be a great day for mammals.

"The KT extinction was a pivotal moment in Earth's history, which ultimately paved the way for humans to become the dominant species on Earth," he wrote in a commentary on the study.

(Collins has created a website at http://impact.ese.ic.ac.uk/ImpactEffects/Chicxulub.html which allows readers to see the effects of the asteroid impact.)

(Editing by Myra MacDonald)
Amateur Pool Tournament tonight at Trunks Posted: Mar 6, 2010


see "events"
Amateur Pool Weekend at Trunks Posted: Mar 6, 2010



see "events"
Jesus in West Hollywood? Posted: Mar 6, 2010

Typical Day at Bam Bam's apartment in the West Hollywood Hills Posted: Mar 5, 2010
Oscar weekend with a Amateur Pool Tournament at Trunks every night plus Oscar Viewing Party at the Elephant Room - Trunks Bar in West Hollywood. CASUAL, DRINKS, FABULOUS PEOPLE.


I am very fortunate. I have had all my dreams come true. I enjoy every moment. I chant nam myho renge kyo. In fact, I am going to chant right now. I love to chant. So anyhow, these are my boys Constantine, Michael, Gizmo ... and me Bam Bam in a typical day at my apartment. Michael working on organizing the music for the official launch of Bam-radio! April 1st, 2010.



We will be at Trunks this weekend for the amateur pool night. And believe me, Constantine is an amateur.

Cheers,
Bam Bam
Editor - Bam News

P.S. oh by the way, I was dying my hair green for St. Pattys Day. And now a Guinness pleaze!!!
BAM BAM STARSTRUCK OVER SHAWN HATOSY Posted: Feb 21, 2010


My quick interview with actor Shawn Hatosy. Ok, how do I sound like not too starstruck about this interview. He is hot. This boy has mad skillz. There is a lot of oscar buzz about some movies that are in the works starring this guy. He starred with Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone, and Justin Timberlake in Universal's "Alpha Dog", was just in Public Enemies with Johhny Depp, Bad Lieutenant with Nicholas Cage, and video to his single, "What Goes Around Comes Around," in which he stars with Scarlett Johansson. Read my personal gossip about him at the end of this quick bio.

He was in some great films including, "The Faculty," with Josh Hartnett; "Anywhere But Here," opposite Natalie Portman; "In & Out," with Kevin Kline; "The Cooler," which once again paired him with his "Outside Providence" co-star Alec Baldwin; "A Guy Thing" with Julie Stiles; "Borstal Boy" in which he starred as acclaimed Irish poet Brendan Behan; and "Simpatico" with Jeff Bridges.
His film debut was in Jodie Foster's "Home for The Holidays," Kevin Costner's "The Postman," and Scott Caan's CineVegas Critics Award-winner "Dallas 362."

Now for the gossip from Bam Bam. Ok, so why the short interview? I was starstruck. This usually never happens. You see, I love this guy. It was like if I had met Chris Lowe. I have seen all of his movies and when I saw him with his girlfriend at AREA 21 in Hollywood, I pulled my car over, turned on the hazard lights, and ran two blocks to catch up with them. For some reason he does it for me and I love his acting. Ok, more gossip. I saw him once before at Koo Karoo (restaurant) in West Hollywood. I was too starstruck to interview him there. The funny thing is that we made eye contact and I smiled at him.

Yes, every once in a while I see a celebrity that I love, like Shawn. It is always fun but a gets my nerves a bit jangled. After that I saw him and his girlfriend again at Borders having coffee and then AGAIN at Arclight Cinemas. They went to see "Shutter Island" starring Leonardo DeCaprio. Was I stalking him? It would seem so.

Bam Bam

P.S. You can find more of my movie uploads on youtube.com - some don't rate well enough to make it to bambamclub.com - but if you like these - well, then we have endless movies on youtube.com - just search for bambammovies

OH, by the way ... check Shawn out on SOUTHLAND -Catch Full Episodes of Southland Tuesday at 10/9c - Only on TNT.
Lindsay Lohen doing coke Posted: Mar 5, 2010


Lindsay Lohen doing coke? April fools... early.

bambamclub.com
KAT VON D and Fans In Hollywood at LA INK Posted: Mar 3, 2010
KAT VON D at LA INK in Hollywood. Bam Bam interviews fans:



LA INK Part 2 (Bam Bam Paparazzi)
Paparazzi clip of the week: Posted: Mar 6, 2010



Roger Ebert tonight on bam-radio! Posted: Feb 22, 2010
A good friend. He laughed at me often for my taste in movies. We did a show together one day on CLEAR CHANNEL'S RADIO CONGLOMARATE IN CHARLOTTESVILLE,VIRGINIA. I told him my favorite movie was Titanic. I also told him that the runners up were To Kill a Mockingbird and American Psycho. He agreed with me on American Pyscho. We both think it was a beautiful movie (starring Christian Bale - who worked with Shawn Hatisoy on Public Enemies).

Hear about Eberts heroic battle with cancer and my paparazzi with a heart segment on bam-radio. Also enjoy the latest news on the MIDNIGHT RIDERS - the boys and girls get naked tonight in Culver City,CA.

Bam-radio - FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Peace. Bam Bam

bambamclub.com

Thank you Herbie Hancock. Tonight on Bam-radio! uploading in minutes.

Bam Bam
Editor - bam bam press


And Now, - 5 minutes ago! NEWS FLASH: Midnight Riders in Culver City now: Watch Bam-paparazzi - the paparazzi with heart:
KYMISHA - our favorite Hollywood Gossip Correspondent Posted: Mar 3, 2010


Kymisha Correspondent Part II
Full moon at Trunks in West Hollywood Posted: Mar 3, 2010
On some nights, the DJ's at Bam Bam host pool and beer events at the legendary Elephant Room at Trunks. It is a ... well, casual laid back atmosphere where Weho locals relax and have a beer or cocktail. Some interesting people:
Gossip from Kim - headling today's news Posted: Mar 1, 2010
The Latest gossip from Kim:


bambamclub.com
TRUTH WINS OUT Posted: Mar 3, 2010
Wow. This is a hot one. Thank you truthwinsout.org for submitting this to me. Please search the site or google "bam bam club evan mcintyre" for full story on how this came about.

Bam Bam
Editor - Bam Press Worldwide
Trunks Pool Games Posted: Mar 3, 2010
BAM BAM POOL TOURNAMENT LAST WEEK AT TRUNKS - This weekend at Trunks: POOL AND MUSIC BY DJ's. Bam Bam Club on location at Trunks in West Hollywood (Santa Monica Blvd. and San Vincente. The ELEPHANTS ROOM AT TRUNKS. Hang out with Bam Bam and beautiful people at Trunks this Fri-Sun night.
Tiger Wood Cries Posted: Feb 20, 2010
Editor's note: Listen to our new "Tiger Woods Interview" on bam-radio! Oh shit ... I'm getting sued. Bam Bam
Bam Bam Interviews Drew Bird - Couture Fashion Designer Posted: Feb 14, 2010



Valentino...ooops, I mean VALENTINE FASHION SWEETIE!

Following the death of Alexander McQueen, Fashion icon Drew Bird a Couture Hat Designer held a "Street Fashion Show" on Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills. I caught her and her models for a interview. Very beautiful woman, Miss Bird and RASHASHA - the fashion - FABULOUS, COUTURE - Darling! Check out her website: drewbird.com and check out HATMOSPHERE - coming to a RUNWAY far from you! Hello!

drewbird.com
read her bio below

Bam Bam
Bam Bam Press
Fat Tuesday in Weho - Gay Marriage - Police arrest - Jesus here in So Cal? Posted: Feb 16, 2010
5 minutes ago - Bam Bam Press

KYMISHA - our favorite gossip girl is arrested in weho:

By Bam Bam McIntyre - Editor

Mardi Gras is in full swing. West Hollywood is pulling in big crowds tonight including LADY GA GA AND AMY WINEHOUSE - Paparazzi blocking traffic, Prop 8 Protests, Drag Queens, and the return of Jesus? Check out the video uploading in minutes. Click below when available. Happy Mardi Gras and check out my recipe for Vegetarian Jambalaya! Cheers!



To see the interview with Jesus go to youtube.com and search for "bambammovies" or join our facebook: bam bam mcintyre
Obama gives 'strong support' to Dalai Lama Posted: Feb 18, 2010
Editor's Note: My brother Patrick gave me a book called "An Open Heart" by the Daliai Lama. It was so powerful. It changed my life. I began to buy more of his books at Golden Bridge Yoga. These books led to others and this wisdom eventually led me to my life philosophy and practice of Buddhism. I guess you could say the Dalai Lama saved my life?

Bam Bam
Editor - Bam Bam Press

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83_zj_w0gMw

click the above link to watch the dalai Lama throw snow at reporters


Obama gives 'strong support' to Dalai Lama
AP

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama welcomed the Dalai Lama for closely-watched White House talks Thursday, risking fallout in China over the get-together and Obama's statement supporting preservation of Tibet's identity and human rights.

"The president commended the Dalai Lama's 'Middle Way' approach, his commitment to nonviolence and his pursuit of dialogue with the Chinese government," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said after the more than hourlong private meeting.

Speaking to reporters on the White House driveway, the Dalai Lama declared himself "very happy" with the session. The exiled Tibetan leader said he spoke to Obama about the promotion of human value, religious harmony, a greater leadership role for women around the world and the concerns of the Tibetan people. He said Obama was "very much supportive."

Obama's largely symbolic meeting with the Dalai Lama was kept low-key by comparison to other visiting leaders, out of deference to China. With Beijing considering the Buddhist monk a separatist, Obama doesn't want to overly anger China at a time when its cooperation is needed on nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea, climate change and other priorities.

So Obama sat down with his fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate in the Map Room rather than the much-more-photographed Oval Office where presidents usually visit with international leaders. Their talks were held entirely out of view of cameras and the public. Instead, the White House only released just a single White House photo.

Even the description the White House press office gave reporters of the talks was done on paper.

All these gestures — small to many but important in the supersensitive world of diplomacy — were meant to tamp down China's displeasure that Obama was holding the meeting in the first place.

"The optics of this thing are incredibly important to the Chinese," said Michael Green, former President George W. Bush's senior Asia adviser. "The Chinese government is preoccupied with protocol and how things look."

It may not seem inflammatory to Americans accustomed to presidential meet-and-greets of many shapes and sizes. But a Dalai Lama-Obama appearance held in public would enrage China, which believes that official foreign contact with the monk infringes on Beijing's sovereignty over Tibet. Although the Dalai Lama is revered in much of the world, Beijing accuses him of seeking to overthrow Chinese rule and restore a feudal theocracy in the expansive mountainous region. The Dalai Lama and analysts say that is untrue.

Still, China's feelings matter because relations between Washington and Beijing have been strained for years, most recently because of the Dalai Lama's visit and the Obama administration's approval of a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Taiwan, the self-governing democratic island that China claims as its own.

At the same time, Obama has to balance China's views against criticism from U.S. lawmakers and activists that he buckled to China too much already on the topic, by not meeting with the Dalai Lama when he came to Washington in October.

The Dalai Lama has met with U.S. presidents for the past two decades, mostly in private encounters.

The Dalai Lama's envoy, Lodi Gyari, said even a private meeting with Obama is a boost for Tibetans feeling marginalized by China. Green said just the "fact that they spend time together in an intimate setting means everything for the Tibetan cause."

Charles Freeman, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said that while he does not believe Thursday's meeting will cause lasting damage to U.S.-China relations, short-term repercussions could include a postponement of Chinese President Hu Jintao's expected visit to Washington in April.

Despite China's angry words, recent U.S.-China tension may be easing. On Wednesday, five American warships were allowed to dock for a port call in Hong Kong, a possible indication that Beijing does not want relations with Washington to worsen.
Bam Bam interviews kid in Beverly Hills looking for Valentine Posted: Feb 14, 2010

Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Recipes Posted: Feb 16, 2010
Well, my parents are from New Orleans. My sister went to Tulane. I remember the spanish moss hanging from trees. Well, New Orleans won the Super Bowl..I made some extra cash that weekend betting on the underdog. Such a tragedy what New Orleans went through and the lousy response from our very own government. I'll never forget Barbara Bush's comment "What's wrong with them (New Orleans Victims) staying in the Super Dome? - it's better than were they were living before!" I am so glad the Bush Era is over. Here comes the SUN on New Orleans. Let's all make it a goal to travel there soon FOR MARDI GRAS!

Cheers,

Bam Bam
Editor - Bam Bam Press

gather.com

Fat Tuesday Recipes-- Indulge Your Tastebuds this Mardi Gras


Mardi Gras is today--also known as Fat Tuesday--why not indulge your taste buds with recipes from New Orleans, even make yourself the beloved cocktail drink, The Hurricane (no pun intended). If you have ever been to New Orleans, even if it wasn't Mardi Gras, you know that the food is a large part of the culture. I had the opportunity to visit New Orleans last summer and let me tell you the food was to die for. I love when places take great pride in their staples--especially good quality and tasty food.

Let's first start with the Fat Tuesday cocktail that will probably be consumed 100,000 times today, hopefully not by the same person! The Hurricane is a mix of light and dark rum, pinapple, lime, and grenadine. In New Orleans it is served in a huge plastic glass--they say that the cups length and design (round bottom, long neck) mix the ingredients just right.

When I was in New Orleans I ate at a little restaurant called Jacques-Imo's Cafe, which is located uptown on a section of Oak Street. I can honestly say it was the best food I have ever eaten, they served cornbread as their "bread", it came piping hot as soon as you sat down. I ordered the crawfish etouffee--my mouth is watering just remembering it! In order to make your own, crawfish is a stable of New Orleans, here is a Crawfish Etouffee recipe from Hank Groover and you'll feel like you are back on Oak Street.

Don't forget your side dishes, here are two that compliment any meal. Your Fat Tuesday celebration is sure to be a hit. Here is a recipe for Dirty Rice with Smoked Sausage which I happen to eat all year round! Another uses one of my favorite vegetables (I think it's a veggie), Okra. Although this recipe I got from Southern Belle Paula Dean so of course it is fried, Cajun Fried Okra. It's Ok to splurge it's Fat Tuesday!

To continue the splurge if you have ever been to New Orleans, I know this place is ver touristy, but for good reason, you have been to Cafe du Monde. Cafe du Monde serves the absolutely best coffee and Beignets. The coffee is the perfect compliment to the Beignets and a great way to celebrate Fat Tuesday. This recipe for Beignets comes from New Orleans based Emril Lagasse. If I could eat these everyday and not have to worry about having all of my pants taken out I would.

These recipes are from the Food Network's array of chefs. If you are ever looking for amazing and easy recipes for your next dinner party you must check out their website. It is where I go for all my recipe needs.

Happy Mardi Gras, go on indulge your tastebuds!
Drew Bird Bio Posted: Feb 14, 2010


Drew Bird Bio:

Exotic, elegant, and inspiring are the words that first come to mind upon meeting Drew Bird. At first her direct gaze and bald head are disconcerting, but her lighthearted whimsical smile soon puts one at ease. Her creative world is an intoxicating journey that is at times, uncanny and futuristic, beautifully ancient, and at other times tribal and stimulating. When asked where she gets her ideas she just smiles and replies, ”I don’t think these ideas up, I dream them. In my sleep I learned to design, it’s a gift I take seriously.”

Dallas Texas was the home for her first fashion shows and videos. The name of her company, HATMOSPHERE, manifested from the thought that each hat carries it’s own atmosphere, sensual, powerful, and inviting.

Accepting an invitation to move to NYC was the next necessary step toward her career. The established milliner Frank Olive met Drew at a trunk show in Neiman Marcus, he recognized her ability and invited her to come work with him. Unfortunately his illness prevented that dream from coming to it’s fruition.

Left to her own devices she landed a job in Parsons Mears, a Broadway costume shop. There under the scrutinizing eye of Jim Mears she constructed hats for such extravagant musical productions such as Cat’s, Starlight express, and Phantom of the Opera just to mention a few.

Soon the call to Hollywood pulled her to the west coast where she has designed for a number of films, commercials and performers. Shape shifting between the world of cinema and the world of fashion offers her the challenges she needs.

Her goal is to one day design for Las Vegas shows, and work with some of the modern day greats on the runways of the world. Some things you can always depend on from Drew Bird are top quality, freedom of expression, and a unique intelligent view of style.

Her current project is the development of a show based on wearable art. She claims there are no limits to what one can wear on the head.

Taken from drewbird.com
Twilight Star Robert Pattinson allergic to Vaginas Posted: Feb 14, 2010
Editor's Note: Whew, I can relate to this one.

Bam Bam
Bam Bam Press

Robert Pattinson: I'm Allergic To Vagina

Robert Pattinson covers the tenth anniversary issue of Details with his head nestled next to a vagina, even though inside he tells the magazine he hates them. He also poses with some naked ladies and says that his only relationship of relevance is with his dog. An excerpt:

"I really hate vaginas. I'm allergic to vagina. But I can't say I had no idea, because it was a 12-hour shoot, so you kind of get the picture that these women are going to stay naked after, like, five or six hours. But I wasn't exactly prepared. I had no idea what to say to these girls. Thank God I was hungover."

Courtesy of thehollywoodgossip.com
Lady Ga Ga tells Rolling Stone that she is BISEXUAL Posted: Feb 14, 2010
Lady Ga Ga recently joked "My Vagina is very offended!" to rumors of her being a hermaphrodite. MEANWHILE:

She tells Rolling Stone she’s bisexual, but her attraction to women is purely physical. It’s an aspect of her sexuality that makes boyfriends “uncomfortable.”

thehollywoodgossip.com
Happy Valentines from the Club Posted: Feb 14, 2010
We are hitting the streets today : Robertson and Sunset - where all the celebrities are. We are novice paparazzi and if you ever have a celebrity sighting you could earn some bucks from us! Check out "services". We hope to interview some celebs taking their sweethearts out for lunch on valentines day today. We will be clubbing on the sunset strip. Text us if you would like to join us for a drink here in Hollywood, CA. We have Valentines gifts to give celebrities and friends. We are NICE paparazzi...always asking kind questions that promote celebrities instead of offending them. We also take pictures of anyone who we think is special (especially on the inside). Have you ever heard of a Buddhist Gossip/paparazzi columnist - Radio Personality ? Introducing "Bam Bam", Have you ever heard of a Catholic, Psychic, Native American, Surfer? Introducing "Rosebud", Have you ever heard LA's hottest underground DJ, Dub & Mash-UP artist? Introducing "Ill Hippo", Have you ever heard of a Modern-Day Beethoven, KING OF KEYBOARDS, SULTAN OF SYNTH? Introducing "DJ LYCAN". Together we make up the INFAMOUS, BAM BAM CLUB! Lights, models, guest list - fabulous.
Biden says Cheney is misinformed or misleading Posted: Feb 14, 2010
AP
By RONALD POWERS, Associated Press Writer Ronald Powers, Associated Press Writer – 4 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Vice President Joe Biden on Sunday belittled Dick Cheney's criticism of the Obama administration's commitment to fighting terrorism as either "misinformed or he is misinforming" and said the Iraq war wasn't worth it because of "the horrible price" paid.

The former vice president fired back gently at his successor, saying, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised by my friend Joe Biden." Cheney also said that he disagreed with decisions by Bush officials to place shoe bomber Richard Reid on trial in civilian court and to release terrorism suspects from the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The public back-and-forth between current and former administrations played out across the Sunday talks like a pingpong match: Biden's NBC appearance taped Saturday night from the Olympics in Canada, allowing Cheney to respond on ABC's "This Week," before Biden answered later on CBS' "Face the Nation."

In getting in the last word, Biden said: "Thank God the last administration didn't listen to him in the end" on how to handle terrorism suspects.

The vice president insisted again that the ongoing debate on the best way to bring terrorist suspects to justice ignored that the Obama administration was acting on the precedents set by the Bush administration. Cheney was vice president under Bush for eight years.

"His fight seems to be with the last administration. We did exactly the same thing," Biden said, and he accused Cheney of not listening to what's going on around him and of trying to rewrite history.

Cheney has been a leading Republican critic of the Obama administration's handling of national security, contending that President Barack Obama is "trying to pretend" that the U.S. is not at war with terrorists. The result, Cheney says, is that Americans are less safe.

Biden said that under Obama's direction, the U.S. has been more successful at killing al-Qaida leaders and their followers than it was during the years George W. Bush and Cheney were in the White House.

"We've eliminated 12 of their top 20 people. We have taken out 100 of their associates," said Biden. "They are in fact not able to do anything remotely like they were in the past. They are on the run. I don't know where Dick Cheney has been. Look, it's one thing, again, to criticize. It's another thing to sort of rewrite history. What is he talking about?"

Cheney, Biden said, "either is misinformed or he is misinforming. But the facts are that his assertions are not accurate."

Biden also said the Iraq war hasn't been worth its "horrible price" and that the Bush mishandled it from the outset by taking its "eye off the ball." That, he said, left the U.S. in a more dangerous position in Afghanistan, the al-Qaida stronghold where Osama bin Laden and his cohorts plotted the Sept 11 terror attacks.

The war has also cost the United States support from other nations around the world, he said.

Cheney took issue with Biden's assertion that the Obama White House had been successful in winding down the Iraq war. "For them to try to take credit for what happened in Iraq is a little strange," Cheney said. "It ought to go with a healthy dose of 'thank you, George Bush.'"

Still, Biden said Iraq will have successful parliamentary elections next month and the U.S. is likely to bring home some 90,000 combat troops by summer's end.

More than 4,370 U.S. military personnel have died in Iraq since Bush ordered the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have been wounded or killed.

Turning to the main issue on the minds of most voters, Biden said Obama inherited a shrinking economy with financial institutions that were on the edge of collapse, threatening to move the world into a depression.

Biden said the economy expanded at 5.8 percent during the last quarter and the U.S. has "stopped the hemorrhaging of jobs."

He said there was "tangible evidence" the economy was moving in the right direction.

By the time of November's elections, he said, "in addition to bringing home 90,000 American troops, troops out of Iraq, the story of this administration is going to be more clearly told, and we're going to do just fine."
Winter Olympics Luge Slider DEAD Posted: Feb 12, 2010
Winter Olympics Luge Slider DEAD


Nodar Kumaritashvili, a Georgian luge slider competing at the Vancouver Olympics, died today after crashing during a training run and hitting a metal pole. He was 21.

According to the Vancouver Sun, Kumaritashvili was traveling at speeds greater than 90 miles per hour at the time of the crash.

The luge track had been called the fastest ever, and the AP notes that concerns were raised even before the fatal crash:

Training days in Whistler have been crash-filled. A Romanian woman was briefly knocked unconscious and at least four Americans - Chris Mazdzer on Wednesday, Megan Sweeney on Thursday and both Tony Benshoof and Bengt Walden on Friday in the same training session where Zoeggeler wrecked - have had serious trouble just getting down the track.

"I think they are pushing it a little too much," Australia's Hannah Campbell-Pegg said Thursday night after she nearly lost control in training. "To what extent are we just little lemmings that they just throw down a track and we're crash-test dummies? I mean, this is our lives."

Reuters has tweeted that Georgia may pull out of the Olympics.

See photos in "paparazzi section": WARNING: includes disturbing images.
ROCK MASTER Posted: Feb 12, 2010
OH YES I'M BACK - FROM OUTTER SPACE! and you just stand there with that silly look upon YOUR FACE! Bam Bam is back baby...besides bronchitis i am ok...they prescribed me klonopin and an ihaler but I said no to the Klonopin and will do a few yoga classes this weekend. I feel great, in fact - ready to sit down with Gizmo (my dog) and watch 'THIS IS IT - MICHAEL JACKSON" so excited - he taught me how to dance. Thank you Michael (dj lycan) for watching over this site and your all-wonderful hype.

Bam Bam
ROCK MASTER
Bam Bam in hospital Posted: Feb 11, 2010
Bam Bam (Evan McIntyre)was admitted to the Brotman Hospital today for what doctors say is "exhaustion, dehydration, and bronchitis. It is bizarre. I talked to him this morning and he was fine. Please say a prayer. He will be released tonight or in the morning. Doctors say he is doing alright after a long nap this afternoon. He is heavily sedated because of a panic attack due to little oxygen to the brain. He has been working extremely hard on this website and said to me he was very tired this morning. You can text him at 323-377-4516 or send him an encouraging "get well" email through the VIP section on our website. He will be taking a break from his job here at Bam Bam Club for a while. I will be taking over and look forward to giving you the latest news as I get it. He has been very excited about this website and has been manicly working on it day and night. He texted me today and said "thank you and don't worry, I am fine." we are taking him a valentine card tonite. Sincerely,
DJ Lycan,keyboardist for Bam Bam Club
DEAD at 40, fashion icon Posted: Feb 11, 2010
The British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead at the age of 40 in his London home.

His body was discovered at the property in Green Street, central London, shortly after 10am today. Paramedics were called but he was pronounced dead at the scene. A postmortem has been scheduled but police said his death was not being treated as suspicious. They would not comment on reports he had killed himself.

A spokeswoman for McQueen said: "Mr McQueen was found dead this morning at his home. We're devastated and I hope you understand that out of respect to his family and his colleagues we're not going to be making any further statement."

The death comes days before the start of London fashion week and a month before the designer was to unveil his new collection at Paris fashion week.

His family asked for privacy to come to terms with the death of McQueen, whose first name was Lee.

His company, Alexander McQueen, issued a statement saying: "On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family."

"Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this."

Tributes quickly poured in after news of McQueen's sudden death.

Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue, said McQueen had influenced a whole generation of designers. "His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs," she said. "At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern-day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over. His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't."

The designer Katherine Hamnett said: "He was a genius. What a terrible, tragic waste."

Dame Vivienne Westwood said she was "incredibly sorry" to hear the news.

Matthew Williamson said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by McQueen's death. He was a genius and his talent was second to none. Like many others I always cited him as a hugely inspirational leader of world fashion. He will be greatly missed."

A spokesman for the model Kate Moss said: "Kate is shocked and devastated at the tragic loss of her dear friend Lee McQueen. Her thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

McQueen was praised for raising the profile of British fashion around the world. "Alexander McQueen made an outstanding contribution to British fashion," said the culture secretary, Ben Bradshaw. "His extraordinary talent and creativity mean that his designs are adored not just by followers of haute couture but lovers of great style everywhere. This is a great loss to one of Britain's most successful industries and to the design world more widely."

A spokeswoman for the British fashion council said: "He was a unique talent and one of the world's greatest designers. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time."

Comments had been posted on McQueen's Twitter page, McQueenWorld, expressing his distress over the death of his mother on 2 February.

He wrote last week: "i'm letting my followers know the my mother passed away yesterday if it she had not me nor would you RIP mumx"

A minute later he added: "but life must go on!"

On Sunday McQueen wrote: "sunday evening been a f****** awful week but my friends have been great but now i have to some how pull myself together..."

Born in London in 1969 as the youngest of six children, McQueen left school at the age of 16 and was offered an apprenticeship at the traditional Savile Row tailors Anderson and Shephard, then at neighbouring Gieves and Hawkes.

At 20 he was employed by the designer Koji Tatsuno. A year later McQueen travelled to Milan where he worked as a design assistant to Romeo Gigli. He returned to London in 1994 where he completed a master's degree in fashion design at Central St Martins College. His degree collection was famously bought in its entirety by Isabella Blow, a leading figure in the fashion world who died in 2007.

In less than 10 years McQueen became one of the most respected fashion designers in the world. In October 1996 he was appointed chief designer at the French label Givenchy where he worked until March 2001.

In December 2000, 51% of Alexander McQueen was acquired by luxury brand Gucci, where he became creative director. Expansion followed and included the opening of flagship stores in New York, London and Milan.

McQueen was a four-time winner of the British designer of the year award as well as the international designer of the year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He was awarded the CBE in 2003.
4,000 year old Greenlander discovered by scientist Posted: Feb 11, 2010
thought this was interesting, Lycan

By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor Maggie Fox, Health And Science Editor – Wed Feb 10, 4:44 pm ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Scientists have sequenced the DNA from four frozen hairs of a Greenlander who died 4,000 years ago in a study they say takes genetic technology into several new realms.

Surprisingly, the long-dead man appears to have originated in Siberia and is unrelated to modern Greenlanders, Morten Rasmussen of the University of Copenhagen and colleagues found.

"This provides evidence for a migration from Siberia into the New World some 5,500 years ago, independent of that giving rise to the modern Native Americans and Inuit," the researchers wrote in Thursday's issue of the journal Nature.

Not only can the findings help transform the study of archeology, but they can help answer questions about the origins of modern populations and disease, they said.

"Such studies have the potential to reconstruct not only our genetic and geographical origins, but also what our ancestors looked like," David Lambert and Leon Huynen of Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, wrote in a commentary.

The DNA gives strong hints about the man, nicknamed Inuk. "Brown eyes, brown skin, he had shovel-form front teeth," Eske Willerslev, who oversaw the study, told a telephone briefing. Such teeth are characteristic of East Asian and Native American populations.

He had the genes for early hair loss, too. "Because we found quite a lot of hair from this guy, we presume he actually died quite young," Willerslev said.

The man lived among the Saqqaq people, the earliest known culture in southern Greenland that lasted from around 2500 BC until about 800 BC.

Scientists have disagreed on who these people were -- whether they descended from the peoples who crossed the Bering Strait 30,000 to 40,000 years ago to settle the New World or whether they were more recent immigrants.

Willerslev's team pulled DNA from hairs found in a frozen Saqqaq site and sequenced it just as they would a modern person's full genome, looking for characteristic mutations.

"Recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies have initiated an era of personal genomics," the researchers wrote.

"The sequencing project described here is a direct test of the extent to which ancient genomics can contribute knowledge about now-extinct cultures," they added.

The DNA links Inuk to modern-day Arctic residents of Siberia. He had almost none of the mutations seen in Indians living in Central and South America.

"We have an increasingly powerful forensic tool with which to 'reconstruct' extinct humans and the demographics of populations," Lambert and Huynen wrote.

A year ago scientists sequenced the genome of a Neanderthal -- early humans who went extinct 30,000 years ago -- and other groups have sequenced DNA from dried-out mammoth hair.

(Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Bill Clinton in hosipital for stents due to clogged heart artery Posted: Feb 11, 2010
NEW YORK – Former President Bill Clinton, who had quadruple bypass surgery more than five years ago, was hospitalized Thursday to have a clogged heart artery opened after suffering chest pains. Two stents resembling tiny mesh scaffolds were placed inside the artery as part of a medical procedure that is common for people with severe heart disease.

The 63-year-old Clinton was "in good spirits and will continue to focus on the work of his foundation and Haiti's relief and long-term recovery efforts," said an adviser, Douglas Band.

Terry McAuliffe, former Democratic National Committee chairman and a close friend of the Clintons, said Clinton participated in a conference call on earthquake relief as he was being wheeled into an operating room.

He expected Clinton to be released from the hospital Friday.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled from Washington to New York to be with her husband, who underwent the procedure at New York Presbyterian Hospital, the same place where his bypass surgery was done in September 2004.

At that time, four of his arteries were blocked, some almost completely, and he was in danger of an imminent heart attack.

In an angioplasty, the procedure Clinton had on Thursday, doctors thread a tube through a blood vessel in the groin to a blocked artery and inflate a balloon to flatten the clog. Often, one or more stents are used to prop the artery open.

The angioplasty is usually done with the patient awake but sedated. It's one of the most common medical procedures done worldwide. More than a million angioplasties are done in the United States each year, most involving stents.

"It's not unexpected" for Clinton to need another procedure years after his bypass, said Dr. Clyde Yancy, cardiologist at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas and president of the American Heart Association.

The sections of blood vessels used to create detours around the original blockages tend to develop clogs five to 10 years after a bypass, Yancy explained. New blockages also can develop in new areas.

"This kind of disease is progressive. It's not a one-time event, so it really points out the need for constant surveillance" and treating risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, he said.

The need for another artery-opening procedure will not affect Clinton's long-term prognosis, said Dr. William O'Neill, a cardiologist and executive dean of clinical affairs at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.

"It doesn't really affect long-term survival. It's a quality-of-life thing. He'll have to have careful monitoring, regular stress tests."

O'Neill said he had done 10 or 15 such procedures in a single patient over a period of time, and they still live long lives.

Former Senate Republican leader Bill Frist of Tennessee, a heart surgeon, said on his Twitter page that Clinton was "doing well."

"Thousands of these done every week. He will be fine. He will be active again very, very soon," Frist said.

Nearly 1 in 5 patients who have angioplasties have previously had a bypass operation, according to a patient registry maintained by the American College of Cardiology.

Doctors will have to watch Clinton closely for signs of excessive bleeding from the spot in the leg where doctors inserted a catheter, said Dr. Spencer King, a cardiologist at St. Joseph's Heart and Vascular Institute in Atlanta and past president of the cardiology college.

Complications are rare. The death rate from non-emergency angioplasty is well under 1 percent, King said.

McAuliffe said Clinton went to see his cardiologist after experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. After that, his Secret Service motorcade took him to the hospital, where he walked in on his own.

A White House official said the former president's condition did not come up during a meeting Thursday between President Barack Obama and the secretary of state. The afternoon meeting took place a few hours before word of Clinton's heart procedure became public.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the meeting were considered private.

Aides to Mrs. Clinton said she still planned to go ahead with a previously scheduled trip to the Persian Gulf. The trip was to begin Friday afternoon, but now she is planning to leave Saturday so that she does not have to rush back to Washington.

The former president has been working in recent weeks to help relief efforts in Haiti. Since leaving office, he has maintained a busy schedule working on humanitarian projects through his foundation.

Clinton's legend as an unhealthy eater was sealed in 1992, when the newly minted presidential candidate took reporters on jogs to McDonald's. He liked hamburgers, steaks, french fries — lots of them — and was a voracious eater who could gobble an apple (core and all) in two bites and ask for more.

Two of his favorite Arkansas restaurants were known for their large portions — a hamburger the size of a hubcap and steaks as thick as fists.

He was famously spoofed on "Saturday Night Live" as a gluttonous McDonald's customer.

Friends and family say Clinton changed his eating habits for the better after his bypass surgery.

Other than his heart ailments, Clinton has suffered only typical problems that come with aging.

In 1996, he had a precancerous lesion removed from his nose, and a year before a benign cyst was taken off his chest. Shortly after leaving office, he had a cancerous growth removed from his back. In 1997, he was fitted with hearing aids.

___

AP Medical Writer Marilynn Marchione reported from Milwaukee. Beth Fouhy, Julie Pace, Matthew Lee and Darlene Superville contributed from Washington.
Bam Bam and Whitney Houston Posted: Feb 11, 2010
Editor's Note: Welcome to Bam Bam Black History Month. It is a celebration of the heroes in the African American Community. I think it is really sad what Whitney Houston has been through. I thought of this when playing the BIG MIX VINTAGE RADIO demo from the World Fair - EXPO 2000. You can hear this Dance Show on Bam-Rado. She will be featured in our Black History Month in 2 weeks - right after Michael Jackson. Right now enjoy Obama week on Bam Bam Club.
Black History Month - 2009 Barack Obama Posted: Feb 9, 2010
Editor's note: YES WE DID! I was happy to have voted for Obama. I am a democrat with most issues except abortion and some other issues that I am less liberal-minded in. I do believe firmly in separation of church and state which is the very thread that holds the U.S. together. I am really scared of "faith-based initiatives that the Bush administration introduced. I call that treason. I am also scared of Sarah Palin saying things like "C'mon America, let's take back our country!" take back from who ... and is she a native? What does that mean - take back the country for whites or Christians. Scary rhetoric. Thank God Obama was elected. He leaves Jesus at home and in the church where it should be. I am a Buddhist and don't push my beliefs on others and I expect those radical right Christian Republicans to do the same. I also with the Democratic Socialist Movement and am proud that Obama is taking some of the ideas from socialism and incorporating them into our Capitalism state. I am proud of Obama for getting rid of "Don't ask - Don't tell" and allowing gays in the military to be treated equal. I am proud of Obama for ending the raids on Cannabis Pharmacies for people who need Medical Marijuana. I am proud of him for making it clear that WE DO NOT TORTURE PEOPLE and closing Guantanimo. There are signs the economy is getting better ... AND YES WE CAN make America a better place for you and me. Bam Bam Club honors this patriot for our first installment in BAM BAM BLACK HISTORY MONTH. Stay tuned ... in a few days one of my favorite entertainers - MICHAEL JACKSON! Cheers ... and ....


YES WE DID!

Bam Bam - Editor - Gossip Columnist
Bam Bam Press

2009 Barack Obama

History.com

Barack Obama becomes 44th U.S. president – 2008

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States; he is the first African American to hold that office. The product of an interracial marriage—his father grew up in a small village in Kenya, his mother in Kansas—Obama grew up in Hawaii but discovered his civic calling in Chicago, where he worked for several years as a community organizer on the city’s largely black South Side. After studying at Harvard Law School and practicing constitutional law in Chicago, he began his political career in 1996 in the Illinois State Senate and in 2004 announced his candidacy for a newly vacant seat in the U.S. Senate. He delivered a rousing keynote speech at that year’s Democratic National Convention, attracting national attention with his eloquent call for national unity and cooperation across party lines. In February 2007, just months after he became only the third African American elected to the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction, Obama announced his candidacy for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. After withstanding a tight Democratic primary battle with Hillary Clinton, the New York senator and former first lady, Obama defeated Senator John McCain of Arizona in the general election that November. Obama’s appearances in both the primaries and the general election drew impressive crowds, and his message of hope and change—embodied by the slogan —Yes We Can”—inspired thousands of new voters, many young and black, to cast their vote for the first time in the historic election.
Super Bowl Celebrity Parties flying the Haitian Flag Posted: Feb 7, 2010
Editor's note: Relief for the Haitians is simple. Click on our SGI link to make a contribution (under links)

Bam Bam
Bam Bam Press


By AUDRA D.S. BURCH
aburch@MiamiHerald.com

The circuit of velvet-roped bashes and athlete and celebrity cameos that accompany the Super Bowl this year presents a startling juxtaposition to the tragedy in Haiti.

But event organizers -- sensitive to South Florida's singular relationship with the quake-stricken country -- are hoping to harness and leverage the power of fame to raise funds for the relief and recovery efforts.

``It's the perfect combustible combination. The celebrities can bring attention to a very important cause and the media will cover it,'' says Marc Pollick, founder of The Giving Back Fund, which provides philanthropic management and consulting to professional athletes and entertainers. ``In terms of raising funds, you couldn't have picked a more perfect place for a Super Bowl. Miami has all the elements for successful fundraising.''

Even before the enormous scale of the earthquake in Haiti was fully realized, one lifestyle magazine began planning a fundraising event to help with the relief effort.

From the beginning, one detail was clear: It would be held on South Beach during the week of the Super Bowl, among the greatest concentrations of celebrities, athletes and wallets in one place.

``We put together this art and photography auction, something sophisticated that we could invite high-net worth celebrities and tastemakers to,'' said Marc Lotenberg, the founder and CEO of 944 Media, which publishes a Miami edition. ``Miami is a culturally influenced market with a lot of Haitian ties. And we knew we wanted to take the star power that will be here this week and use it towards a good cause.''

Some events, like the auction and a benefit concert, are dedicated exclusively to the Haitian crisis. Others, mostly parties already in the works for months, have shifted part of the focus this week from entertainment to charitable giving.

NFL players and celebrities are hosting a string of events that will benefit Haiti, including a ball at Jungle Island, a fashion show at Grass Restaurant and Lounge, and an evening of sports and art at the Haitian Heritage Museum. And on Friday, BET presents SOS, Saving Ourselves, a benefit concert and telethon at AmericanAirlines Arena that will air live on BET, MTV, VH1, CENTRIC and BET International.

``We knew there was going to be a lot of talent already in Miami for the Super Bowl, so it made sense to do it there,'' said Stephen Hill, BET's president of programming music and specials. ``We also liked the timing of the Super Bowl, which allowed for a little air under the story. Well after the news cycle ends, we want to remind people the efforts in Haiti are ongoing and we want to send as much money as humanly possible.''

Proceeds from the event will be divided among Yele Haiti, CARE, Project Medishare and Children's Safe Drinking Water.

Hosted by Queen Latifah and part-time local residents Sean ``Diddy'' Combs and Pharrell, scheduled performances include Justin Bieber, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Wyclef Jean and Akon.

Along with the concert, Akon is co-hosting a Super Bowl soiree at Cameo on Friday with his buddy, T-Pain. Known for his charity work in Africa, Akon plans to donate some of the night's proceeds to the earthquake-stricken country.

``It's a sad situation, one of those that you can't really comprehend,'' he said. ``I'm just happy that I can help out the cause.''

For Michael Gardner, CEO and president of Headliner Market Group, the mission to help Haiti is personal.
Actress Brit Morgan to Join True Blood Posted: Feb 6, 2010
Editor's Note: Oh, Trueblood. My friend Michael introduced me to this delicious vampire romp! I am a vampire after all. I really like virgin blood and don't let me near your neck ... unless you want to live forever. Looking forward to the new season of trueblood.

Bam Bam - Editor
Bam Bam Press

Rueters.com

Actress Brit Morgan joins "True Blood"
Nellie Andreeva
Fri Feb 5, 2010 4:48am ESTLOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The last major new role on the upcoming third season of HBO's "True Blood" has been filled.

Television

After a long search, Brit Morgan of ABC Family's "The Middleman" has landed the part of Debbie Pelt on Alan Ball's vampire drama. Debbie is Alcide's (Joe Mangiello) ex-girlfriend who doesn't like Sookie (Anna Paquin) much.

Except for Denis O'Hare, Ball went with largely little-known actors for the new cast additions to "True Blood" this season.

Morgan joins fellow new cast members Manganiello, Theo Alexander, Grant Bowler, Lindsay Pulsipher and Cooper Huckabee, as well as J. Smith-Cameron and veteran Alfre Woodard.
Lady Ga Ga Hermaphrodite Rumors Posted: Feb 2, 2010
Editorial: Our woman of perpetual exuberance, Lady Ga Ga. Do you think she was robbed at the grammys by Taylor Swift ... btw, who is Taylor Swift ... that will be the question in about ten years ... meanwhile the hottest pop star since Madonna takes a beating in the press and at the Grammy Awards. We want to know your opinion.

Wow, today I sat down by the pool at 24 hour fitness in my swimming suit getting some sun. All the gay boys were sun bathing and all the cute little Russian Jewish ladies were floating around in the fast lane because they can't read. Well, anyhow BEAUTIFUL Weather in LA. I looked up in the sunny blue sky and thanked God for all the happiness I have. Wow, it was truly nirvana at that moment. I am totally blessed. NAM MYHO RENGE KYO. Peace and Love,

Bam Bam - Editor
Bam Bam Press

thehollywoodgossip.com

Lady Gaga Addresses Hermaphrodite Rumors, Says Vagina is "Very Offended"
September 5th, 2009 2:09 PM by Free Britney


It's a rumor that has taken the Internets by storm ever since she was seen at a concert in the UK sporting what appeared to be a penis under her dress:

Lady Gaga is a hermaphrodite.

While she has been getting naked for numerous magazines we've never heard of and teaming up on some new songs with Michael Bolton (yes, really), the star has yet to address the accusations that she has both male and female genitalia.

Until now. And her vagina is far from pleased.

About the hermaphrodite rumors, Lady Gaga told Australian radio station: "My beautiful vagina is very offended. I'm not offended; my vagina is offended."

A screen-capture from the concert that sparked the hermaphrodite rumor.

"I'm not embarrassed. I sold four million records in six months; I'm not embarrassed about anything. I think this is society's reaction to a strong woman."

"The idea that we equate strength with men and a penis is a symbol of male strength, you know, it is what it is. But like I said," the dance-pop diva reiterated, "I am not offended at all, but my vagina might be a little bit upset."

Well, that settles that ... or does it? Is this just a cryptic non-denial denial here? Could Lady G's vagina be offended by the presence of ... you know?

Is Lady Gaga really a hermaphrodite?

Yes, you can totally see it! OR....
No, it's just a crazy rumor. Email us your answer under Bam Bam V.I.P.
We are the World for Haiti Posted: Feb 4, 2010
Editorial note: We are the World. What a great song...except the part where Bruce Springsteen sings like he is taking a shit on the toilet "WE ARE THE WWWWOOOOORRRRLD!". The new version is for Haiti relief. What a great idea. It will be recorded at the same little studio on Gower in Hollywood. I used to live right next to that studio. It is located on Gower and Santa Monica near Rascoes Chicken and Waffles. Speaking of Chicken and Waffles ... I am putting on some pounds...well, off to the gym.

Bam Bam - Editor
Bam Bam Press


LOS ANGELES -- More than 75 stars gathered to re-record the 1985 charity anthem We are the World in the same recording studio where the original was cut 25 years ago.

Pink, Celine Dion, Natalie Cole, the Jonas Brothers, Kanye West, Tony Bennett, Jennifer Hudson, Akon and other musical luminaries stood shoulder to shoulder Monday on risers at Henson Recording studios, singing their hearts out and hoping to help Haiti.

At one point during the session, the musicians broke out into an a cappella version of the pop classic Lean on Me.

True to her diva reputation, Barbra Streisand recorded her solo over and over, completely absorbed in the recording process and stopping only to correct her pitch.

Rapper Lil' Wayne was told he would do Bob Dylan's part in the original song.

"I said, 'Are you kidding?"' he said. He felt blessed to record the song but admitted, "I don't know how to sing."

Asked how the earthquake had affected him, he said he had Haitian friends who lost relatives in the disaster.

"I think it's amazing what's been done for Haiti, but I think it's amazing what hasn't been done for New Orleans," said the Crescent City native.

Quincy Jones, who produced the 1985 anthem, announced last week that he planned to redo the song to benefit recovery from the deadly Jan. 12 earthquake.

Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, the original We Are the World tore up the charts when it was released on the radio and in record stores in March 1985.

The song featured 45 American superstars, including Jackson, Richie, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Cyndi Lauper. None of the original performers returned for the re-record.

The 1985 record raised more than $30 million for USA for Africa, a non-profit organization founded by the singers to fund hunger relief in African nations.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 3, 2010 D2
Lady Ga Ga wins 43 out of 80 Awards in her career including: Posted: Feb 2, 2010
Award Wins Nominations
American Music Awards 0 4
Billboard Music Awards 9 9
The Brit Awards 0 3
Grammy Awards 2 6
Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica 2 4
Meteor Music Awards 0 2
MOBO Awards 0 1
MTV Africa Music Awards 1 3
MTV Australia Awards 0 2
MTV Europe Music Awards 1 5
MTV Video Music Awards 3 9
MTV Video Music Brasil 0 1
MuchMusic Video Awards 1 2
NRJ Music Awards 1 3
People's Choice Awards 2 2
Q Awards 1 2
Teen Choice Awards 1 6
TMF Awards 3 5
World Music Awards 0 1
Channel [V] Thailand Music Video Awards 2 3
ESKA Awards 1 1
International Dance Music Awards 2 3
MP3 Music Awards 1 1
Premios Oye 3 3
GLAAD Media Awards 0 1


Totals
Awards won 43
Nominations 80

Bam Bam Press
Andy Dick gets arrested AGAIN Posted: Jan 25, 2010
Editorial Note:

I can't stand Andy Dick. My good friend Joe Luckay was groped by this guy. Joe told me that he was at Andy's house. Andy was smoking crack (in front of his own son) and Joe was trying to leave. Andy groped him. Joe said "I just freaked out...ran out his door and hailed a cab after running a few blocks. I was so scared. He groped me in front of his own son who is the same age as me!" Joe and I watched Andy Dick on Celebrity Rehab and we laughed when he kept telling girls that he thinks they are so pretty. He is most definitely gay but continues to grope women in pubic and do outrageous thing to get media attention. It is desperate and disgusting. You want Hollywood Sleaze...you got it. We are located in the heart of the sunset strip in Hollywood...welcoming your opinions, comments, concerns, criticisms...and everything we say is the absolute truth. WE PICK THESE STORYIES BECAUSE they represent Los Angeles from the frontlines ... and a bit behind the scenes sometimes.

ANYHOW...we all know that Andy is the biggest Queen since Margaret...so why is he molesting girls? Oh boy.....what a whore.

Bam Bam

Editor, Bam Bam Press bambamclub.com/news - bookmark up us and listen to our latest podcast at bambamclub.com/podcasts


Comedian Andy Dick, 44, is charged with two felony counts of first-degree sexual abuse.

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January 23, 2010 @ 02:59 PM

The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON -- Andy Dick, in town for weekend performances at the Funny Bone, was arrested around 4 a.m. Saturday by Huntington Police on sexual abuse charges.

The 44-year-old comedian appeared before a magistrate early in the afternoon and a spokesman for the club said he expected Dick’s shows Saturday and Sunday to go on as scheduled.

Dick was taken into custody around 4 a.m. after two men accused Dick of groping them at Rum Runners, at 819 3rd Ave. According to a press release issued at 12:26 p.m. Saturday from the Huntington Police Department, officers responded to a call to investigate “two alleged incidents of a patron engaging in non-consensual sexual contact with a bar employee and another patron.”

“Based upon statements of two victims and independent witness accounts alleging that he had engaged in unwanted and uninvited groping of the two victims' genital areas, Andrew R. Dick (AKA Andy Dick) of South Pasadena, Calif., was arrested and charged with two counts of Sex Abuse in the First Degree,” the press release stated.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2. If convicted, Dick faces one to five years in prison.

Tom Schaefer, owner of the Huntington Funny Bone, said he was posting Dick’s $6,000 bail -- 10 percent of the $60,000 bond placed by Magistrate Patty Verbage Spence.

He also said he was with Dick early Saturday morning and disputes what happened at Rum Runners.

“We were at Rum Runners for literally 10 minutes. Nothing happened there except walking through the door and sitting at the bar,” Schaefer said.

Dick has appeared in various movies, starred in MTV's The Andy Dick Show for two years earlier this decade and recently appeared on VH1's "Celebrity Rehab" spin-off "Sober House."

According to Dick's biography and various entertainment reports, this is not his first time having issues while on tour. A July 2008 release from the MTV Newsroom, stated Dick was arrested in California on suspicion of drug possession and sexual battery. He allegedly grabbed and pulled down the tank-top of a 17-year-old girl, exposing her breasts.

It also details several other incidents. However, Dick was never convicted in most of the cases. He is currently serving a three-year probation for a lesser charge of battery in the 2008 incident involving the teenage girl.
New Orleans NOT favored to win Super Bowl? Posted: Jan 25, 2010
Indy favored to win Super Bowl over New Orleans
OSKAR GARCIA, Associated Press Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts opened as a four-point favorite to beat New Orleans in the Super Bowl.

Oddsmaker Sean Van Patten of Las Vegas Sports Consultants said the firm gave that line after watching New Orleans struggle to beat the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC championship game Sunday night. Las Vegas Sports Consultants provides betting lines for roughly 90 percent of sports books in Nevada.

"The big factor here is that Indy has been there," Van Patten said. "The experience factor is such a huge thing when it comes to the Super Bowl."

Manning and the Colts won the Super Bowl in 2007 over the Chicago Bears.

Patten said oddsmakers like that Indianapolis has succeeded against two top NFL defenses in consecutive games. The top-seeded Colts beat the New York Jets 30-17 Sunday in the AFC championship.

Indianapolis was a 4½-point favorite in the Glantz-Culver line, with the over-under at 55½ points.

Sports books gave Indianapolis 8-1 odds to win the Super Bowl at the start of the season, compared with 18-1 for New Orleans.

"I think the Saints are very fortunate to be in there," said Jay Kornegay, executive director of the race and sports book at the Las Vegas Hilton. "To get five turnovers at home and having to go to overtime to win it, I don't think they were playing that well."

New Orleans outlasted Minnesota 31-28 in overtime, even though the Vikings gained 218 more yards and had nearly twice as many first downs as the Saints.

Jay Rood, race and sports book director for casino operator MGM Mirage, said bettors began favoring Indianapolis soon after New Orleans won and the odds were posted.

Rood said that was because the Colts have been consistent all year, while Saints bettors who lost Sunday because New Orleans didn't cover the spread didn't want to take the team again so soon.

"They don't usually come right back on the team that just burned them on a bet," Rood said.
Roger Ebert: I ain't a pretty boy no more and so what? Posted: Jan 27, 2010
Editorial by Bam Bam:

I did some reviews with Roger Ebert on WINA-NEWS streaming worldwide on the web - based out of Charlottesville, Virginia. I told him that my favorite movies are:

1.Titanic
2. To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Wizard of Oz
4.Moulin Rouge
5.The Talented Mr. Ripley (remake with Matt Damon)

When I told him my favorite, Titanic...he laughed at me...ON THE AIR...for about 5 minutes...telling me what a fool I was. LOL

He no longer has a voice due to cancer and it really saddens me...one of the coolest guys I have ever met. He is a fighter like my mother was and it's gotta' be tough but I send my love. I have two sisters with breast cancer. It is hard on all of us. I love them so much. NAM MYHO RENGE KYO. God Bless.

If you get a chance, send him an email at rogerebert.com and lets all work to find a cure for cancer which seems to affect all of us now. Let's find out why Americans are especially hit with cancer...let's find a cure together.

Roger Ebert: I ain't a pretty boy no more and so what? Latest by Annette
37signals.com

This is truly inspirational.

Roger Ebert’s salivary gland cancer spread to his right lower jaw. Part of his mandible had to be removed. It’s not pretty and he can’t speak.

Tomorrow night his Ninth Annual Overlooked Film Festival opens at the University of Illinois at Urbana.

Most folks in this condition (especially public figures) would stay away from the event in order to hide from the cameras and gawking gazes. Ebert says no way.

I was told photos of me in this condition would attract the gossip papers. So what?... I have been very sick, am getting better and this is how it looks. I still have my brain and my typing fingers. We spend too much time hiding illness. There is an assumption that I must always look the same. I hope to look better than I look now. But I’m not going to miss my festival.

And what a positive attitude:

Why do I want to go? Above all, to see the movies then to meet old friends and great directors and personally thank all the loyal audience members who continue to support the festival. At least, not being able to speak, I am spared the need to explain why every film is “overlooked,” or why I wrote “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.” Being sick is no fun. But you can have fun while you’re sick. I wouldn’t miss the festival for anything!

I can’t imagine I’d have this kind of courage. Check that: I know I wouldn’t. It’s such an inspiration to see Ebert approach his current condition and life with such optimism. What a wonderful thing.
McCain Nudges Obama Toward His Party’s Health Plans Posted: Jan 24, 2010
By JOSEPH BERGER
Published: January 24, 2010

In the wake of a political setback for national health care legislation, Senator John McCain, the losing candidate in the last presidential election, advised his victorious 2008 adversary on Sunday that the way to get meaningful changes passed is to “start from the beginning” by meeting with Republicans.

Mr. McCain, a Republican from Arizona, said on the CBS news program “Face the Nation” that President Obama should sit down with Republican leaders and begin adopting some of their ideas for improving the nation’s health care system such as overhauling medical malpractice lawsuits, allowing residents of one state to buy health insurance from a company in another state, and granting tax credits for people who purchase health insurance on their own.

The Democrats last week lost a Senate seat in Massachusetts that had given them the 60 votes needed to block a Republican filibuster of a health care bill that appeared on the verge of passage by both houses. Mr. McCain was asked what would Republicans do in response.

“We’d be willing to sit down and start over from the beginning with genuine negotiations,” he replied. “There are things we can agree on.”

Mr. McCain’s advice was treated skeptically by Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois, the Democratic whip, who pointed out on the same show that Mr. Obama met with Republicans at the start of his effort to pass a health reform bill “and asked them to be part of it,” and that 170 Republican amendments had been accepted as the legislation proceeded in House and Senate committees.

“So to suggest that we have closed the door to them and haven’t engaged them is really not a proper statement of what has happened,” he said.

White House officials took pains in the Sunday television talk shows to stress that Mr. Obama is still firmly committed to overhauling the nation’s health care system.

“”The president will not walk away from the American people, will not hand them over to the tender mercies of health insurance companies that take advantage,” David Axelrod, a top White House adviser, said on ABC’s “This Week.”

The White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, appearing on “Fox News Sunday” hosted by Chris Wallace, said the White House “is working with leaders on Capitol Hill to try to figure out the best path forward” but “we have don’t know what that is quite yet.”

Still, Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate leader, appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” said that in the wake of the Democrats’ defeat in the Massachusetts Senate race, “my hope is that the current bill is finished.”

“The American people are telling us please stop trying to pass this,” he said.

He faulted Mr. Obama for pursuing during his first year a single-mindedly liberal path in running the country rather than trying to engage moderates.

“The president made a decision to go hard left,” he said. “That’s why he doesn’t have many of my members. If he chooses to govern in the middle, I think he’ll have much broader cooperation from Republicans.”
Hilton goes Ga GA over Lady GaGa Posted: Jan 25, 2010
Bam Bam Press

HILTON GOES GA-GA OVER LADY GAGA

24 January 2009 01:32

aboutmusic.com

PARIS HILTON is keen to end reports of a feud with Trans-Atlantic chart-topper LADY GAGA - by recording a new tune with the JUST DANCE hitmaker.
Internet reports have suggested tracks on Lady GaGa's new album The Fame have upset her former Convent of the Sacred Heart schoolmate - because the heiress thinks the pop star is having a subtle dig at her in lyrics about how anyone can "feel famous".
A pal of Hilton's recently told OK! magazine, "She's livid that she's been singled out on the internet as an object of derision over Lady GaGa's CD."
But Paris insists there is no feud - and she's keen to work with Lady GaGa, whose real name is Joanne Stefani Germanotta.
What's more she's thrilled that GaGa has publicly revealed that she's a big fan of Hilton and her sister Nicky - after the hitmaker recently said, "It's impressive to be that perfect all the time. In commercial terms, they've been quite an influence on me!"
Paris tells HollyScoop.com, "I just read about Lady GaGa's comments and I love her. I think she is an incredible artist. I love her style. I love her music. I listen to her all the time.
"I would love to work with her. She seems so cool. She is a very smart girl... (I'd) love to get in touch with Lady GaGa and go to one of her shows."

24 January 2009 01:32
Betty White honored by SAG Posted: Jan 24, 2010
I am so proud of you, beautiful for reading our news. It is hand picked from a mixer of mad hatters here at Bam Bam News. I, Bam Bam am so proud of all my beautiful boys and girlz all over the internet....especially Michael/DJ Lycan, I want to thank Michael (Trunks), Michael (Friend), and Jessie.....i am devoted to you at the moment. Ok, now.....I am a dreamer so - Let's read about one of my favourite women who loves to ROAST people....I hate Andy Dick too...anyhow...MS. Betty White...I am proud to be a Screen Actors Guild member - JEEZ, I'm Irish...we love Unions...well, anyhow - a story about a union member i have not had the pleasure of meeting but a very beautiful and funny gal...congrats ms. white. I did vote for you. BAM BAM S.A.G. Member

peace and love and now the real story:

By MIKE CIDONI AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Betty White couldn't believe it.

"They told me about the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, and I thought they were putting me on," White said. "I really did. I thought, 'Oh, sure."'

She'll finally have tangible proof Saturday night, when Sandra Bullock, her co-star in "The Proposal," hands over the statuette from the Screen Actors Guild, paying tribute to White's more than 60-year career. The SAG Awards will air live on TNT and TBS from the Shrine Exhibition Hall (8 p.m. EST).

Starting in local Los Angeles television during the medium's earliest days, White's first 20 years in the business included a 1951 Emmy for the sitcom "Life With Elizabeth," and various talk-show and game-show gigs. But it wasn't until 1973 that she became part of a TV classic, as sex-crazed "Happy Homemaker" host Sue Ann Nivens on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

"Ethel Winant, the casting director, had said, 'We want a sickeningly sweet Betty White type,"' White recalled. "Well, they couldn't find anybody sickening enough."

So, they hired White, who eventually became a regular on the series, won back-to-back Emmys, and a place in TV history.

In 1985, she was earmarked for the role of Blanche on "The Golden Girls." "It was Jay Sandrich, who directed most of the 'Mary' shows, who, in his wisdom said, 'If Betty plays Blanche, another neighborhood nymphomaniac, they're going to think it's Sue Ann all over again.' And he said, 'Let's switch them."' Co-star Rue McClanahan took on Blanche. White got the naive Rose. They both went on to win Emmys, and eternal lives in reruns.

White is nearly as well known for her love of animals. "My mother always told a story. We had a beautiful orange-marmalade kitty who would sleep on the edge of my crib. And she said, 'If Toby hadn't taken to you, you would have gone right back to the hospital.' But it is such a big part of my life. I not only love them –– I'm not into animal rights or anything political. It's animal health and welfare."

She was previously married, but White said the love of her life was game-show host Allen Ludden, to whom she was married from 1963 through to his death from cancer in 1981. She never married again. "When you've had the best, who needs the rest?" White asked. "Oh, I've had friends, some of them even better friends than others. But no."

At 88, Betty is White-hot again, coming off a scene-stealing stint as Ryan Reynolds' grandmother in the blockbusting "The Proposal," and with a handful of TV and big-screen projects in the pipeline.

"I think the most surprised person is my agent," White said. "'They still are using YOU?' But it's beyond-belief exciting."

Is there anything in show business she's yet to do?

"Robert Redford," White replied, with a sly smile.
Jambalaya Vegan recipe Posted: Jan 25, 2010
Editorial Note: Oh when the Saints GO MARCHING IN! Well, I admit, I watched the game while playing pool. Even I watched the game with all the jocks yellin'..bunch of whimps acting butch. LOL .... Anyhow.... Here is some New Orleans food. Did you hear my Cajun Christmas Carol during Christmas? Well, you can listen to my latest podcast by clicking on "Podcasts" or bookmark: bambamclub.com/podcasts to listen weekly to my radio podcasts. Now on with the recipe from ABOUT.com/VEGAN

Jambalaya is a spicy southern rice dish with tomatoes and veggies. This vegetarian jambalaya recipe is Creole style, which means that the rice is simmered in tomato paste, rather than just water. Although this recipe calls for zucchini and okra, the veggies that you use are really up to you. Eggplant, mushrooms or yellow squash would also work great. This vegetarian and vegan jambalaya recipe cooks up a generous amount, so plan on having leftovers!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:

* 1 onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 ribs celery, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
* 1 6 oz can tomato paste
* 5 cups vegetable broth
* 2 zuchinnis, sliced
* 1 1/2 cups okra, fresh or frozen)
* 1 can diced tomatoes OR 4 large tomatoes, diced
* 1 cup mock meat, such as Gimme Lean or Morningstar Farms Crumbles (optional)
* 1 tsp oregano
* 1/2 tsp paprika
* 1/2 tsp cayenne (or to taste)
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp dried parsley
* 1/2 tsp seasoned salt

Preparation:
In a large bowl, mix tomato paste with vegetable broth until smooth and set aside. In a large pot, sautee onion, garlic, celery and green pepper until slightly soft, about 5 minutes. Add uncooked rice and allow rice to toast for one minute, stirring. Add tomato and broth mixture. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a separate skillet, sautee the okra, zucchini and mock meat until just barely cooked, about 3-5 minutes.

After the rice has cooked about 10 minutes, add the sauteed mock meat and veggies, spices and diced tomatoes, stirring well. Cover, and allow to simmer 10-15 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are fullly cooked and rice is soft. Serve with hot sauce if desired, and enjoy!
Pee Wee's Big Comeback Posted: Jan 25, 2010
Editorial Note:

Wow. Pee Wee Herman is so controversial that I got in trouble at work telling a young girl what he did in the theater years ago. HELLO! Sexual Harassment Lawsuit! WHATEVER!

All jokes aside....I guess he is an ikon from our generation. He is a JACK of all traits. I couldn't wank.....oops, I mean WAIT to print this story. PEE WEE COMES..... oh my... I mean...errr....ummmm

PEE WEE's BIG COME - BACK!

Bam Bam
Editor, Bam Bam Press



Pee-Wee's Big Comeback
18 years after a bruising fall, Paul Reubens returns to an L.A. stage
By Steven Leigh Morris
Published on January 13, 2010 at 4:16pm
Kevin Scanlon



The main character in Tim Burton’s first feature film, circa 1985, is an impish, asexual little man in a gray suit, white loafers and a small red bow tie who is crazy about his bicycle. His short-clipped hair is greased into a meticulous coif, while his trouser cuffs and jacket sleeves all ride a bit too high.

The little man, named Pee-wee Herman, created and played by Paul Reubens, is a fey and infantile parody of an awkward child circa 1961, even though the movie (Pee-wee’s Big Adventure) is set in the 1980s. When called names by the neighborhood bully, he chirps back, “I know you are, but what am I?”

One night, Pee-wee has a dream in which he wins the Tour de France. When riding his bicycle in the park, he throws his feet up onto the handlebars and giggles in delight. The bike is covered in tassles and gadgets, including James Bond–like devices that spew smoke to ward off would-be pursuers. When he locks it up, the chain he uses is so bulky and ostentatious, the bicycle disappears beneath its wrapping.

Despite his primitive Fort Knox security system, Pee-wee one day finds the chain snapped and his bicycle gone. This throws him into a paroxysm of despair. He heads out from what appears to be California (his bike is stolen in the old Santa Monica Mall, before it was reimagined as the Promenade) to the Alamo, because a fortune-teller tells him she could see his bike in the basement there.

In Texas, Pee-wee discovers that there is no basement at the Alamo. Now looking for a public phone, he ambles into a private club filled with scary-looking bikers. Obsessed to the point of solipsism with finding his stolen bicycle, Pee-wee strides to a wall phone and slips coins into the slot. The bikers being a noisy bunch, the Chaplinesque little man can’t hear anything on the other end of the line. Pee-wee contemptuously exhales before shouting out in an arrogant, nasal squeal, “I’m TRYING to use the PHONE!”

The bar falls silent. Heads bedecked in bandannas and skullcaps turn in Pee-wee’s direction. Greasy, tattooed fellows in leather and denim glare and then slowly close in on him.

“Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me,” Pee-wee utters in a series of adenoidal variations, sometimes with his head propelled forward on his shoulders, other times with a shrug. “My mistake.”

Miraculously, with a little pirouette he squeezes past them, and out the door. Free at last, and with none of the bikers in sight, Pee-wee gleefully sashays in the fresh air, ever so gay, in the process accidentally tapping one of the parked Harley-Davidsons. Of course the finger touch causes it to tumble directly into the next bike, which tumbles into the next, until a dozen Harleys have fallen like dominoes in a series of cringe-inducing crashes. Pee-wee grits his teeth and grunts with his trademark nasality as the bar door bursts open, the mob emits a collective scream of rage, and the little man finds himself inside once more, now slammed onto a table, pleading for his life.

A moment later, he’s dancing to “Tequila” on the table — to the nutty delight of the bikers, who high-five him and send him off a hero.

The absurdist yet incontestable logic to this surreal turn of events is, in fact, not unlike the life and career of Paul Reubens, who is attempting to come full circle with a new show in Los Angeles, where Pee-wee was born.

After a humiliating 1991 arrest in Sarasota, Florida, for lewd conduct, to which Reubens pleaded no contest, and a second arrest in L.A. in 2002 for possession of child pornography — Reubens pleaded not guilty, the district attorney refused to file charges, and the city attorney’s dubious misdemeanor charge was dropped in 2004 — his career was pretty much strapped to a table with a furious mob of cultural satirists and tabloid journalists ready for a beat down. Now, 18 years after his first arrest, Reubens is trying to dance his way out again.

His stage show, The Pee-wee Herman Show,co-adapted from the original 1980 Pee-wee Herman Show by Reubens, Bill Steinkellner and John Paragon, is currently in previews at Club Nokia downtown, scheduled to open on January 20. Directed by Alex Timbers (who staged Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson at the Kirk Douglas Theatre last year), the show features Lynne Stewart, John Moody, Paragon, 20 puppets (by renowned puppet designer Basil Twist) and seven puppeteers.

Rather than dreaming of winning the Tour de France, in this show, Pee-wee dreams that one day, he can fly. And why not? He’s flown before. It was the onstage success of the first Pee-wee Herman Show that led Warner Bros. to approve Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, which led to Paramount Studios green-lighting Big Top Pee-wee (1988) and CBS allowing him to write and direct his own children’s show for five years, Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1986-1991). Reubens has a couple of screenplays he’s been working on for, oh, 20 years or so. He makes no secret that his motive in updating and restaging The Pee-wee Herman Show is to prove to a cluster of studio executives that he’s still bankable, long after his fall.

Pee-Wee's Big Comeback
Continued from page 1
Published on January 13, 2010 at 4:16pm

Paul Reubens created Pee-wee Herman in 1978 during a six-year stint with the Groundlings improv/sketch comedy troupe on Melrose Avenue. Pee-wee proved to be such a hit at the Groundlings, the theater provided a production slot for an adult kids’ show concocted by Reubens with the late Phil Hartman and their fellow Groundlings Stewart and Paragon, among others. The Pee-wee Herman Show transferred to the Roxy nightclub on the Sunset Strip, where it ran for five sold-out months, with midnight shows for adults and matinees for children. HBO filmed one episode, which aired in 1981. Pee-wee appeared several times on Late Night With David Letterman throughout the early ’80s, and he found himself on a national tour, including a stopover at a full-house Carnegie Hall in 1984.

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Kevin Scanlon
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Kevin Scanlon

Doug Draizin, Reubens’ first agent, remembers those years well. “I was at APA [Agency for the Performing Arts] and went to the Groundlings. This maniac character comes out dancing and throwing Tootsie Rolls at the audience, at me, I threw them back at him, we kind of connected.

“I came back the following week, brought back some friends and another agent. I met Paul after the show, and we decided to work together. That was in 1980.”

Draizin says he brought Reubens’ 8-by-10 picture and résumé to a signing meeting at the agency, which at the time represented Steve Martin, Rodney Dangerfield and Andy Kaufman. It was a photo of Reubens inscribed with a signature, “Say hello to Pee-wee Herman.”

Draizin passed it around the table and the other agents got angry. “They said this isn’t funny, ‘This is a serious business, Doug.’ They said don’t sign him.”

But Draizin was fully aware of how serious Reubens was.

“When I knew Paul, he was all about work. Writing until 4 a.m., just committed to his art.”

Draizin was so enamored of Reubens, he kept him on a private retainer, despite the advice of his own agency.

“So one day we’re in an agency meeting and Steve Martin comes in, looking for talent for a parody of commercials, something called ‘All Commercials.’ Steve starts talking about a trip he just made to the Groundlings, and this great character he just saw named Pee-wee Herman. The other agents in the room, Marty Klein and John Gaines, look over at me. I take a pause and I say, ‘Yes, I represent him.’

“Sure enough, the agency comes to me and says, ‘Good move, gutsy move.’”

Reubens then enlisted Draizin’s help to promote the first incarnation of The Pee-wee Herman Show,which was created largely out of spite. In those years, the Groundlings had a fast track to Saturday Night Live, and Draizin says he remembers how competitive the comedy troupe was. After a series of auditions for SNL’s 1980-1981 season, Reubens lost out to Gilbert Gottfried. Reubens was livid. He was also in a panic.

“I knew I had to figure something out,” Reubens reflects now, “or I knew I’d spend the rest of my life being the guy that almost happened.”

“So one day Paul calls me,” Draizin remembers, “says he’s putting this children’s show together. At first I roll my eyes. He’s talking about this character, Miss Yvonne, and he wants to make a movie of this? I go into the Groundlings in the backroom, they did, like, 10 minutes of a presentation of the show, and I’m, like, this is brilliant, this is hysterical. I said I’ll get everybody in L.A. to see this.

“We were in a staff meeting. Our offices were right across the street from the Roxy. Somebody said, ‘Why don’t we take this show and put it in the Roxy, ’cause they’re dark Sunday through Tuesday. So we took the show over to the Roxy, we brought HBO down, and we decided to shoot the special. I was there every night with [agent] Danny Robinson. He said we needed to go national. Letterman booked him, and that was it.”

In the years between 1980 and 1985, leading up to the release of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, wherever Reubens went, issues of creative control followed.

He was never a stand-up comedian like Steve Martin. He says he’s a terrible joke-teller who can never remember a punch line. Trained in theater, Reubens had originally imagined himself with a career as a dramatic actor, with a leaning toward the experimental.

“I did a lot of professional theater as a kid,” Reubens says. In his senior year of high school in Sarasota, Florida, he was invited to the Northwest University National High School Institute.

“It was an interesting place. All of a sudden I was with other 17-year-olds who had the same or more experience than me, that was a big shocker. I was thinking nobody has the drive and the experience that I have. I got there and all of them did.”

Reubens tried out the theater training program at Boston University, but the approach there was too traditional for him. “That wasn’t a good thing for me. I got off the elevator and there were, like, half of my classmates singing Broadway show tunes around a baby grand piano, and I said, ‘Oh, my God, I’m in the wrong place.’”

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Kevin Scanlon
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Kevin Scanlon

That’s when he came to California and enrolled at CalArts. “I was looking for the avant-garde,” Reubens explains. “It had dance, music, theater and the visual arts all under one roof, so they could commingle.”

Like Kaufman — also Draizin’s client at the time and a comedian Reubens emulated — Reubens saw his work in terms of conceptual performance. This is why, in those years, Pee-wee took on a life of his own. He wasn’t just a stage character. Reubens went on The Dating Game as Pee-wee and, in so doing, threw all the values of the game, and of the society it represented, on their heads. He did his interviews as Pee-wee, so that Paul Reubens disappeared in public, and began to transform into somebody more introspective and serious in private.

“I used to be a lot less quiet before my career took off. Halloween became less fun after I was dressing up for a living. Being a clown, after I was doing it full time, I was less of a clown in my real life.”

Kaufman also had an alter ego, Tony Clifton, who used to warm up for Dangerfield. One night in San Francisco, Clifton refused to start until he had complete silence. He just waited onstage, with folded arms, saying he had all night. Eventually the crowd started heckling him. Clifton finally yielded, in a manner of speaking, by screeching at the top of his lungs, and out of tune, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” — received with a pelting of beer bottles. In an interview for NPR, Dangerfield said that watching this from backstage, he almost peed himself with laughter. The next night, Clifton sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” out of tune while dressed in the riot gear of the San Francisco Police Department, and was met with an even stronger barrage of “fuck yous” and bottles.

Draizin recalls the day-to-day insanity of representing clients in the land of egos and alter egos. “I’d get a call from Tony Clifton, who was yelling at me because the agency represented Andy Kaufman. Clifton then said he refused to go on the Dangerfield show. Of course it was all an act. Another time Clifton threw me out of his dressing room because I mentioned Andy’s name. And then I’d get a call from Pee-wee saying he had no idea who Paul Reubens was. Oh, God, what a profession. ...”

Draizin also remembers a meeting at Paramount Studios in the early ’80s: “Paul was writing some script, and he was all about creative control. We met with [Paramount’s vice president of production] Dawn Steel, who later ran Columbia. We told him, once you make a movie, you won’t have that control. Paramount was not even giving him consulting. Basically they were saying, you can write it and we’ll show you how to make it. He kept reminding us of everything he’s been able to do and that he needed to keep his vision. I was annoyed.”

When negotiating terms with Warner Bros. for the making of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,Reubens submitted a list of possible directors for the movie. The studio returned his offer with one name — a name that wasn’t on his list. Reubens refused. He says the studio gave him one week to come up with a name that was acceptable to them.

He went to a party, where a friend suggested Tim Burton, who had also attended CalArts, though not at the same time as Reubens. In fact, they had never met. Reubens viewed a tape of Burton’s student film, Frankenweenie, and knew after 10 minutes of the movie that he’d found his director.

In a perverse maneuver, the studio told Reubens that Burton had already been offered the project and had refused, but it wasn’t true. Reubens found Burton and sent him a script. The next day, he agreed to direct it.

The financial success of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (it earned nearly all of its $6 million cost in the first week and went on to make $41 million)led to the Saturday-morning children’s show on CBS, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, launched in 1986, which Reubens wrote and acted in, along with Laurence Fishburne, S. Epatha Merkerson, among other human actors and a cornucopia of puppets and animated objects. The set was designed by renowned artist Gary Panter (who is also the set designer on the latest Pee-wee Herman Show). Pee-wee’s Playhouse targeted 5-year-olds and preached the virtues of consideration for others, nonsmoking (Reubens was a smoker at the time, which he tried fastidiously to keep out of public sight) and staying away from drugs. Yet the show also attracted a considerable adult audience. In 1991, CBS offered Reubens a sixth season, but he turned it down, saying he needed a break from Pee-wee. In July of that year, after 22 Emmy Awards, Pee-wee crashed his bicycle.

At a screening of Nancy Nurse in a XXX theater in Sarasota, where he’d grown up, Reubens was arrested for the victimless crime of masturbating. Had he been Hugh Grant, he might have bounced back after a year or two of mea culpas. But the arrest was so humiliating, the “crime” such a remove from Pee-wee’s public persona, with all his moral appeal to children, it was like Pee-wee’s bicycle hadn’t just crashed but been run over by a semi: Jim Carrey’s parody of Pee-wee on Saturday Night Live, including a puppetlike hand job, was vicious. Mug shots of the then-longhaired, goateed Reubens were blasted all over the tabloids.

*
Kevin Scanlon
*
Kevin Scanlon

“Oh, Pee-wee!” smirked the New York Post.

Eleven years later, in November 2002, while Reubens was filming David La Chapelle’s video for Elton John’s “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore,” the LAPD and Los Angeles City Attorney Richard Katz acted on a tip from a witness in the pornography case against actor Jeffrey Jones (who pleaded no contest to inducing a minor to pose nude). Police arrived at Reubens’ home with a search warrant and rifled through more than 70,000 items of his kitch memorabilia, including vintage erotica magazines and a grainy Rob Lowe sex tape. Evidence supporting the city’s accusation that Reubens possessed child pornography was doubtful at best. A magazine dealer who sold Reubens part of his collection said that Reubens specifically asked for material that did not involve children, and that there was no way Reubens could have examined every page of what he was buying. After turning himself in to the Hollywood Division of LAPD, Reubens pleaded not guilty, and after examining the evidence, the district attorney found no grounds to press charges. Meanwhile, on Dateline NBC, Reubens emphatically denied that he had any predilection for minors. Nonetheless, Katz’ office waited until the last possible day to file, before charging Reubens with a misdemeanor count of possessing obscene material involving children. The charge was dropped two years later, but the damage was done.

Sitting in a quiet booth at Victor’s Deli in Hollywood, Reubens speaks in calm, soothing tones. He waves away a question about the arrests, saying he’d rather not discuss them.

“Other people have given it way more thought than me. I’m not great with math but I think it’s now close to 20 years later. It’s not anything I give much thought to now. I had other things going on, other priorities. It wasn’t at the top of my list of what I was dealing with, even at the time.”

Pee-wee was born out of a random collision of circumstances and costumes, and more or less emerged from Reubens’ subconscious. He says he doesn’t like to overanalyze the character, or his significance — not that he isn’t interested but that such brain work interferes with his portrayal.

The gray suit was loaned to him by Groundlings founder Gary Austin, while someone handed him a small red bow tie just moments before his original 1978 improvisation. The idea was an obnoxious character who imagined himself to be a stand-up comedian whose ineptitude at telling jokes would be obvious to everybody but himself. (Reubens says that he himself has done acts at the Comedy Store and bombed because the audience missed his conceptual approach to comedy.) The cartoon voice came from a character he played in a 1970 production of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse’s play Life With Father.

While Reubens is speaking, a fire truck barreling up Bronson Avenue, siren blaring, stops him midsentence. He follows the fire truck with his eyes, mouth slightly open, transfixed like a child.

The minute Pee-wee appeared on the Groundlings stage in 1978, Reubens understood that the audience had a powerful fix on him. When Pee-wee’s new show was announced last August, originally planned for the Music Box @ Henry Fonda Theater, ticket sales surpassed the scale of the venue, and necessitated a larger club. It’s more than mere nostalgia that drives Pee-wee’s longevity.

To understand his influence on the culture, you can look to Stephen Hillenburg’s SpongeBob SquarePants cartoons; or the band Mr. Bungle, named after a character on Pee-wee’s Playhouse; or Mini Me from the Austin Powers movies; or the electronic rock band Au Revoir Simone, named after the waitress Simone, played by Diane Salinger, in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure; or the pencil suits by fashion designer Thom Browne.

Pee-wee defines more than one decade. He’s a man-child with a larger reach. In Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, there’s a telling line spoken three times.

“I’m a loner ... a rebel.”

The first time, it’s spoken by Pee-wee to a magic shop’s young female clerk (Elizabeth Daily), who has a crush on him — obviously a futile emotion. After he says the line, he leaves the shop, swaggering with a kind of infantile giddiness that appears unbelievably stupid and irredeemably self-satisfied. Yet the combination of arrogance and idiocy is inexplicably funny.

The second time, it’s spoken by a prison escapee named Mickey (Judd Omen), arrested for detaching a label from a mattress, in violation of the instructions. A pair of handcuffs dangles from one of Mickey’s wrists when he picks up the hitchhiking Pee-wee.

*
Kevin Scanlon
*
Kevin Scanlon

The final time, it’s uttered by P.W. (James Brolin), an actor hired to portray Pee-wee for a ludicrous attempt at a blockbuster studio flick of the adventure we’ve just seen. P.W. resembles and comports himself a bit like Chuck Norris.

In each instance, the notion of the loner and the rebel — which Pee-wee really is — and the solitary, romantic machismo of that line, is twisted in a sharp gale of mockery.

Pee-wee may be obnoxious, but he’s also a harmless infant, a collector of gadgets that keep him at arm’s length from emotional attachments; Mickey and P.W. are brutes, with streaks of kindness. And looking into some mirror of parody, each sees in his reflection the image of the others. Because they are, combined, an embodiment of the American psyche. At once infantile and swaggering, seething and self-absorbed and doing their best, bewildered and alone in a world they can’t begin to understand.

“Are you happy?” I ask Reubens.

He shrugs. “Part of me goes, what’s the point if you’re happy or not, you still have to get up and work. It makes more sense if you can find a way to be happy.”

“Then what’s the deepest source of your satisfaction?”

“Doing good work. I think I like what I do. I feel like I’m an artist. When people say, ‘I’m an artist because of you,’ it doesn’t get any better than that — though that wasn’t my goal when I set out.

“I was fairly confident that joining the Groundlings was a big, smart life-changer for me. I like the people in the group — a great combination of being nice, interesting people, and talented. They may be competitive but they’re also very supportive. The opposite of that was the Comedy Store, where everyone’s out for themselves. The Groundlings was a workshop with people who wanted everyone else to succeed. And that’s really what made Pee-wee possible.”

The Pee-wee Herman Show at Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., dwntwn.; through February 7. (800) 745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
Interfaith Help in Haiti Posted: Jan 22, 2010
Editorial Note:

So sad. Orphans in Haiti...and I was wondering...what can i do for them - they are so far away. Then I read about SGI's presence on the frontlines but behind the scenes....MY HEART WENT WARM...I contribute to SGI Buddhist World Peace Organization : The Sokka Gakkai International (SGI-USA.ORG). I chant daily...I am a Buddhist. I realize where my money went looking at the news and seeing our organization taking in children - right there in Haiti.....imagine being a child and seeing your mother die and having no one.....world peace starts with you. Increase your karma immediately by giving one, two dollars....SGI will accept even your prayers for them. As a unit leader I am proud that there are NO ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS...everything, employees, everyone...is volunteer. YOUR DOLLAR GOES VERY FAR HERE AND JUST TWO DOLLARS WILL FEED A HAITI ORPHAN FOR A MONTH. My heart went warm knowing I am am member and donate to my group monthly. We are chanting for world peace. Please join us. YOU ARE WELCOME.

Bam Bam
News Editor


SGI Organizations Support Haiti Relief Efforts

TOKYO, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Soka Gakkai International (SGI) organizations around the world have made donations to assist the relief efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake which hit the country on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

On January 15, Soka Gakkai Japan Vice President, Kenji Yoshigo, visited Jean Claude Bordes, Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Tokyo, to pledge a contribution of 3 million yen (US$32,900) toward government-organized relief activities. At ceremonies held in Japan on January 17 to commemorate the victims of the massive earthquake which hit the port city of Kobe on that day in 1995, Soka Gakkai members offered special prayers for the victims of the unfolding humanitarian tragedy in Haiti.

SGI members in the neighboring Dominican Republic have donated 2,400 bottles of water, canned food, powdered milk, and crackers to the NPO Socio Cultural Movement for Haitian Workers (MOSCTHA). Four SGI members from the Dominican Republic, including two doctors, have traveled to Haiti with MOSCTHA's team to assist with the provision of emergency medical assistance.

SGI-Venezuela has pledged a donation of foodstuffs, diapers and sanitary towels through the Venezuelan Red Cross.

SGI-USA has donated US$10,000 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund and held extended prayer sessions for the repose of the victims.

Further afield, SGI-Hong Kong has contributed HK$200,000 (US$25,750) to the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF in support of relief activities, and the Taiwan Soka Association has pledged 1 million Taiwanese dollars (US$31,420) for relief efforts through the Ministry of the Interior which is responsible for humanitarian assistance.

SGI is a Buddhist association with over 12 million members around the world that promotes peace, culture and education. Its humanitarian relief activities are part of the longstanding traditions of socially engaged Buddhism.

Contact:


Joan Anderson


Office of Public Information


Soka Gakkai International


Tel: +81-3-5360-9482


Fax: +81-3-5360-9885


URL: www.sgi-usa.org or www.sgi.org


E-mail: janderson[at]sgi.gr.jp


SOURCE Soka Gakkai International

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sgi.org
Weather ALERT - Heavy Rains in LA Posted: Jan 22, 2010
Issued by The National Weather Service
Los Angeles, CA
12:03 pm PST, Fri., Jan. 22, 2010

... SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL LOS ANGELES COUNTY UNTIL 1230 PM PST...

AT NOON PST... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING A STRONG THUNDERSTORM NEAR DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES... MOVING EAST AT 15 MPH.

BRIEF HEAVY RAINFALL... GUSTY ERRATIC WINDS TO 50 MPH... AND DANGEROUS CLOUD-TO-GROUND LIGHTNING WILL OCCUR WITH STORM. HAIL UP TO ONE-HALF INCH IN DIAMETER COULD OCCUR... WITH POSSIBLE HAIL ACCUMATIONS ON AREA ROADWAYS.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... HOLLYWOOD... DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES...

IF THREATENING WEATHER APPROACHES YOUR AREA... TAKE SHELTER IN A STURDY BUILDING.
U.S. has 6 Million illegal immigrant Workers and increasing amount of attention Posted: Jan 22, 2010
Ezinearticles.com

Mandy Minor

Migrant labor is an issue receiving an increasing amount of attention. It has become a matter of growing importance as a number of factors, including rapid population expansion and higher rates of urbanization, lead many people to seek better economic opportunities in other countries.

The International Labour Organization estimates there are roughly 96 million migrant workers and their dependents in the world today. Some experts predict that the number will double in the next twenty years.

In the United States there are 6.3-million illegal workers in the United States, according to estimates by the Pew Hispanic Center. About half of those are from Mexico. These illegal Mexican immigrants are at the center of an ongoing debate as to how the United States should handle illegal immigration.

A common belief is that Mexicans immigrate to the United States in order to find work. But according to a study conducted by the center, a lack of jobs in Mexico is not a major reason that immigrants come to the United States illegally. Rather, immigrants are driven out of their home country because of Mexico's low wages, poor job quality and lack of long-term prospects and opportunity.

Study results were based on interviews with 4,836 men and women applying for Mexican identification cards at consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Fresno, Atlanta and Raleigh, N.C.

The study found that only 5% of Mexican immigrants who have been in the United States for less than two years were unemployed in Mexico. In fact, the vast majority of undocumented migrants interviewed were gainfully employed before they left for the United States.

The study also found that immigrants have little trouble finding work in the United States, despite the lack of legal rights to work. After six months in the United States, only 5% of the immigrants reported being unemployed. This statistic reveals how important these immigrant workers are to the United States economy, because they perform jobs that few others are willing to do.

And they do so for low wages. Immigrants generally make poverty-level wages in the United States, or about $300 per week. While shockingly low, these wages are twice what workers in Mexico make.

According to the Pew Hispanic Center study, Mexican immigrants provide many types of labor needed around the country, including construction in Atlanta, Dallas and Raleigh; hospitality in New York; manufacturing in Chicago; and agriculture in California. These four industries employed about two-thirds of survey respondents.

Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington D.C., says it's not news that a demand for low-wage labor exists in the United States. But instead of establishing guest-worker programs or amnesty for illegal immigrants, Krikorian advocated removing immigrant workers from the economy gradually. In his view, this would, among other things, improve wages for American workers.

Despite a seemingly steady stream of immigrant workers, farms in California and other businesses are having a hard time finding enough people willing to work for low wages. Many immigrants are choosing to work in the riskier but higher paying construction industry. And the government and civilian border patrol groups like the Minutemen are stepping up efforts to secure the United States-Mexico border, making it harder for immigrants to enter.

Government officials, including the President, want to establish new legislation that will more strongly enforce the immigration laws.

In January of 2004 President Bush outlined a plan to revamp the nation's immigration laws and allow some eight million illegal immigrants to obtain legal status as temporary workers, saying the United States needs an immigration system "that serves the American economy and reflects the American dream."

Illegal immigrants already in the United States could apply for the temporary worker program only if they already had a job. The special status would last for three years and could be renewed once, for a total stay of six years. If temporary workers failed to stay employed or broke the law, they would be sent home.

Bush said the new legal status would allow illegal immigrants to travel back to their home countries without fear of not being allowed to return to the United States.

The reason for the reform, Bush said, is to confront "a basic fact of life and economics -- some of the jobs being generated in America's growing economy are jobs American citizens are not filling."

Currently, about 140,000 "green cards" are issued each year to people wanting to migrate to the United States. Bush has called on Congress to raise it, but did give a specific number.

Bush described the immigration proposals as a national security measure that will help the United States exert more control over borders. "Our homeland will be more secure when we can better account for those who enter our country," he said. "Instead of the current situation, in which millions of people are unknown... law enforcement will face few problems with undocumented workers and will be better able to focus on the true threats to our nation from criminals and terrorists."

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Labor Department and other agencies, would administer the new program.

When Bush announced his ideas in early 2004, some Democratic party leaders voiced suspicion that he was trying to increase his popularity with the Latinos contingent as the 2004 campaign got under way. Senator Kennedy said "I certainly hope the administration's long-awaited reinvolvement in this fundamental debate is genuine and not because of election-year conversion. The immigration status quo is outdated, unjust and unacceptable."

Many senators also have ideas on reforming immigration law. Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Jon Kyl of Arizona propose a program that would allow immigrants to work in the United States for two years, followed by a one-year break. This pattern could be repeated a total of three times before the worker had to return to his or her home country permanently.

Senators John McCain, R-Ariz., and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., support legislation that would allow illegal immigrants to work in the United States for up to six years without obtaining any permits or paperwork. After the six years, workers would have to be in the process of obtaining legal residency or return to their home country.

And Nebraska Republican Senator Chuck Hagel has proposed granting illegal immigrant workers legal status if they pass criminal background checks, have lived in the United States for at least five years, pay taxes, have working knowledge of the English language and pay a $2,000 fee. Before this program is implemented, Hagel wants to see border security strengthened.

But efforts to stem the tide of immigrant workers flowing into the United States seem to have stalled. Many farmers do not want to change the system that provides them with much-needed labor. And conservative anti-immigrant groups like vigilante group the Minutemen critically oppose reform that would in any way encourage immigration.

"Guest worker programs are worthless," says Minutemen president Chris Simcox. "We can't even talk about that until there is real government enforcement on the border." The Minutemen is an all-volunteer organization of citizens opposing illegal immigration. Members patrol the United States-Mexico border in search of illegal immigrants trying to cross over.

"This is a direct challenge to President Bush," Simcox has said. "You have continued to ignore this problem. Our state officials, senators, and congressmen will do nothing. So this is a last-ditch effort to roll up our sleeves and do it ourselves."

The Minutemen and others believe that illegal immigrants are bad for the United States, an economic drain and security threat. Immigrants often require the assistance of government and social service agencies, but because of their non-legal status often do not pay the taxes that fund these programs. Groups like the Minutemen claim immigrants are a threat to national security.

Many businesses and industries also oppose new immigrant legislation for fear that it might further reduce the pool of available workers they need. Tamar Jacoby, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, says most Americans are unwilling to do hard labor or farm jobs. Immigrants are willing and do them cheaply, making their presence a matter of economic importance.

Those in favor of new immigrant legislation may get their way. A 2004 poll by National Public Radio, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard's Kennedy School of Government found that Americans are less negative about immigration than they have been in several years. However, non-immigrant Americans polled felt that the government has not been tough enough on immigration. They would like the government to spend more to tighten the borders.

According to http://www.census.gov, Florida has between 243,000 and 385,000 undocumented immigrants. But the numbers probably are even higher, because experts say illegal immigrants often avoid government surveys. The 2002 Census survey included both legal and illegal immigrants.

In the Tampa Bay area, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties have seen foreign-born populations grow faster than the general population. Of the more than one million residents in Hillsborough, 13% are foreign-born. Census data shows that Hillsborough's foreign-born population grew more than 80% during the 1990s-four times the growth rate of the overall population.

In Pinellas, the proportion of foreign-born residents topped 10% for the first time in 2002, according to the Census Bureau. The foreign born population grew 45% during the 1990s, nearly six times the growth rate of the overall population.
Golden Globes - Who Yahoo Users Chose Posted: Jan 18, 2010
OMG.COM

The Nominees Are...
Best Motion Picture - Drama My pick Y! Users
Avatar 20%
The Hurt Locker 6%
Inglourious Basterds 21%
Precious 39%
Up in the Air[ EXPERT PICK ] 14%



Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama My pick Y! Users
Emily Blunt - The Young Victoria 3%
Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side 73%
Helen Mirren - The Last Station 2%
Carey Mulligan - An Education[ EXPERT PICK ] 3%
Gabourey Sidibe - Precious 19%



Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama My pick Y! Users
Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart 5%
George Clooney - Up in the Air[ EXPERT PICK ] 19%
Colin Firth - A Single Man 8%
Morgan Freeman - Invictus 47%
Tobey Maguire - Brothers 21%



Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy My pick Y! Users
500 Days of Summer 9%
The Hangover 56%
It's Complicated 5%
Julie & Julia 15%
Nine[ EXPERT PICK ] 14%



Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy My pick Y! Users
Sandra Bullock - The Proposal 58%
Marion Cotillard - Nine 4%
Julia Roberts - Duplicity 2%
Meryl Streep - It's Complicated 5%
Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia[ EXPERT PICK ] 31%



Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy My pick Y! Users
Matt Damon - The Informant! 16%
Daniel Day-Lewis - Nine[ EXPERT PICK ] 9%
Robert Downey Jr. - Sherlock Holmes 58%
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - 500 Days of Summer 15%
Michael Stuhlbarg - A Serious Man 2%



Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture My pick Y! Users
Penelope Cruz - Nine 17%
Vera Farmiga - Up in the Air 3%
Anna Kendrick - Up in the Air 8%
Mo'Nique - Precious[ EXPERT PICK ] 65%
Julianne Moore - A Single Man 7%



Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture My pick Y! Users
Matt Damon - Invictus 51%
Woody Harrelson - The Messenger 5%
Christopher Plummer - The Last Station 2%
Stanley Tucci - The Lovely Bones 12%
Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds[ EXPERT PICK ] 30%



Best Animated Feature Film My pick Y! Users
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 4%
Coraline 5%
Fantastic Mr. Fox 7%
The Princess and the Frog 19%
Up [ EXPERT PICK ] 65%



Best Foreign Language Film My pick Y! Users
Baaria (Italy) 5%
Broken Embraces (Spain)[ EXPERT PICK ] 69%
The Maid (Chile) 8%
A Prophet (France) 8%
The White Ribbon (Germany) 9%



Best Director - Motion Picture My pick Y! Users
Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker 9%
James Cameron - Avatar[ EXPERT PICK ] 26%
Clint Eastwood - Invictus 39%
Jason Reitman - Up in the Air 5%
Quentin Tarantino - Inglourious Basterds 21%



Best Screenplay - Motion Picture My pick Y! Users
Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell - District 9 13%
Mark Boal - The Hurt Locker 5%
Nancy Meyers - It's Complicated 10%
Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner - Up in the Air 10%
Quentin Tarantino - Inglourious Basterds[ EXPERT PICK ] 63%



Best Original Score - Motion Picture My pick Y! Users
Michael Giacchino - Up 45%
Marvin Hamlisch - The Informant! 3%
James Horner - Avatar[ EXPERT PICK ] 31%
Abel Korzeniowski - A Single Man 2%
Karen O and Carter Burwell - Where the Wild Things Are 19%



Best Original Song - Motion Picture My pick Y! Users
"Cinema Italiano" - Nine 45%
"I Want to Come Home" - Everybody's Fine 6%
"I Will See You" - Avatar 23%
"The Weary Kind" - Crazy Heart[ EXPERT PICK ] 12%
"Winter" - Brothers 14%



Best Television Series - Drama My pick Y! Users
Big Love 6%
Dexter 18%
House 46%
Mad Men[ EXPERT PICK ] 11%
True Blood 20%



Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama My pick Y! Users
Glenn Close - Damages 7%
January Jones - Mad Men[ EXPERT PICK ] 8%
Julianna Margulies - The Good Wife 22%
Anna Paquin - True Blood 42%
Kyra Sedgwick - The Closer 21%



Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama My pick Y! Users
Simon Baker - The Mentalist 16%
Michael C. Hall - Dexter[ EXPERT PICK ] 28%
Jon Hamm - Mad Men 6%
Hugh Laurie - House 46%
Bill Paxton - Big Love 5%



Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy My pick Y! Users
30 Rock 12%
Entourage 8%
Glee[ EXPERT PICK ] 47%
Modern Family 17%
The Office 17%



Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy My pick Y! Users
Toni Collette - United States of Tara 12%
Courteney Cox Arquette - Cougar Town[ EXPERT PICK ] 36%
Edie Falco - Nurse Jackie 7%
Tina Fey - 30 Rock 21%
Lea Michele - Glee 24%



Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy My pick Y! Users
Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock[ EXPERT PICK ] 37%
Steve Carell - The Office 24%
David Duchovny - Californication 8%
Thomas Jane - Hung 6%
Matthew Morrison - Glee 25%



Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television My pick Y! Users
Georgia O'Keeffe 7%
Grey Gardens[ EXPERT PICK ] 68%
Into the Storm 8%
Little Dorrit 4%
Taking Chance 13%



Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television My pick Y! Users
Joan Allen - Georgia O'Keeffe 4%
Drew Barrymore - Grey Gardens 63%
Jessica Lange - Grey Gardens 6%
Anna Paquin - The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler 6%
Sigourney Weaver - Prayers for Bobby[ EXPERT PICK ] 20%



Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television My pick Y! Users
Kevin Bacon - Taking Chance 67%
Kenneth Branagh - Wallander: One Step Behind 4%
Chiwetel Ejiofor - Endgame 4%
Brendan Gleeson - Into the Storm[ EXPERT PICK ] 16%
Jeremy Irons - Georgia O'Keeffe 9%



Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television My pick Y! Users
Jane Adams - Hung 6%
Rose Byrne - Damages 6%
Jane Lynch - Glee[ EXPERT PICK ] 70%
Janet McTeer - Into the Storm 4%
Chloe Sevigny - Big Love 14%



Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television My pick Y! Users
Michael Emerson - Lost[ EXPERT PICK ] 11%
Neil Patrick Harris - How I Met Your Mother 52%
William Hurt - Damages 4%
John Lithgow - Dexter 20%
Jeremy Piven - Entourage 13%


Dolce & Gabbana HELLO! LA Times and the Ministry of Gossip for the Golden Globes today Posted: Jan 17, 2010
Los Angeles Times - Associated Press

Ministry of Gossip
The gospel on celebrity and pop culture


The Golden Globe Awards are this Sunday in Los Angeles, and Ricky Gervais is hosting, and the Ministry of Gossip will be inside the ballroom at the Beverly Hilton, and at the parties afterward, live blogging and live tweeting. Stars, dresses, shiny awards and stream-of-consciousness observations -- it should be interesting!

Follow us on Twitter: We're @LATcelebs, and we'll fire it up somewhere around 2:30 p.m. Sunday. We'll also be live blogging here through the night, and on Monday we'll have full reports from the after-parties.

Also, the L.A. Times' new movie blog, 24 Frames, will be live blogging the action backstage.

Until then, our friends over at All the Rage have their eyes on the run-up to the Golden Globes: Stars, publicists and designers spent Friday flitting from swag opportunity to luncheon to cocktails to parties. Here's a taste:

The world's finest jewel-encrusted clutches and cuff links, slinky gowns and tuxedo shirts are being messengered around the city for celebrities to consider (eeny, meeny, miny, moe). And publicists for all the major fashion houses -- Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana -- are standing at the ready at their hotels to hot-foot it to fittings with tailors in tow.

Dip into the glamor with fashion critic Booth Moore -- and then come back to the Ministry of Gossip on Sunday for the live-live tweet-tweet (and blogging).

-- Christie D'Zurilla
Credit: Mark J.Terrill / Associated Press
100 Dr. King Quotes Posted: Jan 17, 2010
A special news item - we have listed here 100 of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Quotes ... some of them might surprise you!

Dr. King Quotes:

A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A lie cannot live.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A man can't ride your back unless it's bent.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A right delayed is a right denied.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A riot is the language of the unheard.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Discrimination is a hellhound that gnaws at Negroes in every waking moment of their lives to remind them that the lie of their inferiority is accepted as truth in the society dominating them.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I submit that an individual who breaks the law that conscience tells him is unjust and willingly accepts the penalty by staying in jail to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the very highest respect for law.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I want to be the white man's brother, not his brother-in-law.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

If physical death is the price that I must pay to free my white brothers and sisters from a permanent death of the spirit, then nothing can be more redemptive.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values - that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is incontestable and deplorable that Negroes have committed crimes; but they are derivative crimes. They are born of the greater crimes of the white society.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that's pretty important.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

One of the greatest casualties of the war in Vietnam is the Great Society... shot down on the battlefield of Vietnam.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

One who breaks an unjust law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pity may represent little more than the impersonal concern which prompts the mailing of a check, but true sympathy is the personal concern which demands the giving of one's soul.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Property is intended to serve life, and no matter how much we surround it with rights and respect, it has no personal being. It is part of the earth man walks on. It is not man.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Science investigates religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge which is power religion gives man wisdom which is control.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Seeing is not always believing.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

That old law about 'an eye for an eye' leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The art of acceptance is the art of making someone who has just done you a small favor wish that he might have done you a greater one.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The limitation of riots, moral questions aside, is that they cannot win and their participants know it. Hence, rioting is not revolutionary but reactionary because it invites defeat. It involves an emotional catharsis, but it must be followed by a sense of futility.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The means by which we live have outdistanced the ends for which we live. Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Negro needs the white man to free him from his fears. The white man needs the Negro to free him from his guilt.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The past is prophetic in that it asserts loudly that wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be... The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The time is always right to do what is right.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

There is nothing more tragic than to find an individual bogged down in the length of life, devoid of breadth.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

War is a poor chisel to carve out tomorrow.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We are not makers of history. We are made by history.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We have guided missiles and misguided men.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war but the postive affirmation of peace.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We must use time creatively.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We who in engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Whatever your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Daisaku Ikeda Quotes Posted: Jan 17, 2010
MLK Weekend pays respect to Daisaku Ikeda....another visionary and peacemaker.

A great revolution in just one single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a society and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of humankind.
Daisaku Ikeda

A person, who no matter how desperate the situation, gives others hope, is a true leader.
Daisaku Ikeda

The determination to win is the better part of winning.
Daisaku Ikeda

With love and patience, nothing is impossible.
Daisaku Ikeda

You must not for one instant give up the effort to build new lives for yourselves. Creativity means to push open the heavy, groaning doorway to life.
Daisaku Ikeda
Pee Wee Herman set for Major Comeback Posted: Jan 15, 2010
This story will be posted this Sunday.

BAM BAM NEWS
MLK Weekend in LA Posted: Jan 15, 2010
Many events are planned for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend. Starting Friday morning with an "Interfaith Breakfast", Saturday Concert in Santa Monica, and SGI Speakers and Fair on Monday. See "MLK Weekend" for event details.
Courtney Love Comeback Posted: Jan 15, 2010
Courtney Love is hitting the road with an all-new line up for her band Hole in the group's first live concerts since 1999.

The rocker founded Hole with Eric Erlandson in 1989 and formed a trio with Melissa Auf der Maur.

The band split in 2002 but Love revealed plans last year to release new material under the Hole name, without Erlandson and Auf der Maur.

She unveiled her new line-up last week, introducing fans to guitarist Micko Larkin, bassist Shawn Saily and drummer Stu Fischer.

The revamped Hole will go on tour in Europe next month with stops in London, Milan, Italy, and Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Decade in Music: What were the most memorable moments of the '00s?

Last summer, Love was embroiled in a dispute with her former pal Erlandson over the rights to the band name, the latter claiming Kurt Cobain's widow was banned from releasing music under Hole after allegedly signing over ownership to Erlandson.

He told Spin magazine, "We have a contract. She signed a contract with me when we decided to break up the band, which was like 2002 or something... The way I look at it, there is no Hole without me. To put it blunt. Just on a business level."

But Love hit back at her former pal's allegations, insisting Hole will always be her band.

She wrote on her Twitter.com blog, "I just heard that a former guitar player is saying I can't use my name for MY band, he's out of his MIND. He may want to check the trademark... Hole is MY Band, MY name and MY Trademark."

The singer is planning to release Hole's next record, "Nobody's Daughter," later this year.


Adam Lambert fires up New Years in LA Posted: Jan 6, 2010
Shirley Halperin - Los Angeles Times

"Do I look like a firework?" Adam Lambert cooed from the stage at Gridlock's fourth annual New Year's Eve bash. "That was my motivation."

Sporting his signature finger-less gloves and going a little heavier on the usual glitter and guyliner allotment, the "American Idol" runner-up had his work cut out for him at the Paramount Pictures lot Thursday night: executing his first full set of original music in front of about 4,500 revelers, each of whom had paid at least $150 to get in and had already downed a few, and making a proper return to the spotlight -- complete with fireworks -- following the American Music Awards fiasco that ostensibly got him barred from big-ticket television specials like Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

And like any good professional entertainer, Lambert delivered, only this time without the cheap theatrics. Sure, there was the occasional crotch grab and pelvic thrust (all self-directed), but his most controversial move of the night turned out to be a dramatic swig from a flask, followed by a disclaimer of sorts. "I'm not promoting alcoholism by any means," he cautioned, "but long live rock 'n' roll!" Downright saccharine compared with the AMAs a month ago.

Is this a new, dialed back Adam Lambert? Hardly. This is what a $50,000 nontelevised production budget affords you, and as the man of the hour explained to reporters earlier in the night, "The show was thrown together last minute . . . kind of fly by the seat of our pants." Indeed, his 40-minute performance lacked the sophisticated stage direction of "Idol" but felt more like a club gig, and Lambert, ever the showman, seemed happier for it.

Clearly relishing his headlining slot, Lambert hit his groove with dance-floor-ready songs such as "For Your Entertainment," the title track off his debut album, and "Fever," which, he explained to the crowd, was also recorded under the influence (Lady Gaga was to blame).

But his best moment was undoubtedly the grand finale: wailing Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" with the same conviction that carried him through four months of competition on "Idol."

So was it as good for the crowd as it was for him? Considering the name of the event, attendees seemed pleasantly surprised by the lack of traffic, both inside the grounds and out, allowing for easy viewing. The party itself spanned six studio-sized streets with multiple DJs and a second stage hosted by reality star Shayne Lamas, but there was plenty of elbowroom.

One recent transplant from New York City, dancer Kumari Suraj of North Hollywood, marveled at how stress-free an L.A. New Year's can be. "This is like our fake New York on a smaller scale so we can tolerate it," she said. "It's nice."

That sentiment was echoed by Miracle Mile resident Oscar Triana, who said he chose Gridlock as an alternative to "something obvious like a club," and big names such as hostess Pamela Anderson and Adam Lambert didn't hurt, either.

For others, such as Daisy Meyer from the Valley, a Lambert fan who had actually attended the "Idol" finale, the night was all about the people watching.

Naturally, the person taking most stock of the environment was Lambert himself, who revealed earlier in the night that on New Year's Eve 2008, he was also performing, as part of a cabaret just down the road on La Cienega Boulevard.

"I sang at midnight like I'm doing tonight," he reminisced. "Only there's a couple more people at this venue."

Make that the last understatement of his fairy tale year.
Mafia News: Mexican Cartel hit on LA School Board Member Posted: Jan 5, 2010
California School Board Member's Murder Probable Cartel Hit

Google News
MEXICO CITY — Mexican prosecutors say last week's murder of a Southern California school board member bore the hallmarks of a cartel hit.

A Durango state Attorney General's Office spokesman who is not authorized to be quoted by name says authorities suspect drug gangs' involvement in the killing of 33-year-old Augustin Roberto "Bobby" Salcedo.

He said Monday that investigators have not established whether Salcedo or any of the five men kidnapped and killed along with him had links to organized crime

Salcedo was an assistant high school principal and a two-term school board member in El Monte, near Los Angeles.

A vigil is scheduled for Monday night in El Monte. Arrangements are being made to repatriate Salcedo's body.
Elton John helps Eminem fight drug problem Posted: Jan 3, 2010
People.Com news

LONDON - Elton John is there for Eminem, who is battling a drug problem.

"I've been helping Eminem over the last 18 months and he's doing brilliantly," John says, reports the British Press Association.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 in the U.K. on Saturday, Sir Elton, 62, who has freely spoken about his own past issues with substance abuse, said: "I'm there if people want my help. If people ask for help you tell them where to go but there's no point advising people if they don't want to do it."

In May, Eminem admitted he'd suffered from a devastating drug addiction that led to him downing as many as 20 Vicodin, Ambien and Valium in a day.

"The numbers got so high," he told Vibe magazine, "I don't even know what I was taking.

Following his first stint in rehab in 2005, the rapper, 37, said he nearly overdosed after an acquaintance gave him unidentified blue pills, which a doctor later told him were actually methadone.
new laws go into effect for '10 including California's New Cooking oil laws for Fast Food Posted: Jan 2, 2010
Yahoo News

Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, Texas college freshmen and transfer students will need to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis before they can live on campus. Restaurants in California can no longer use oils, margarine, or shortenings with more than half a gram of trans fat per serving. And stores in Louisiana can no longer sell lighters that appeal to children.
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Rules from tanning to texting: More than 40,000 new laws go into effect in 2010.

As always, a host of new laws take effect in the new year, ranging from the significant (same-sex couples will be able to marry in New Hampshire) to the bizarre (also in New Hampshire, physical therapists will be able to get certified to practice on animals).

More than 40,000 laws have been enacted by state legislatures in the past year, and at least 30 states have statutes that go into effect on New Year's Day, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), which provides an annual round-up of such laws.

Among the more noteworthy:

Payday borrowers in Kentucky will be restricted to two loans of no more than $500 at a time, and payday lenders face tougher penalties if they lend to someone who has reached the maximum.

Oregon will require children under age 16 to wear a seat belt on any ATV or vehicle on public property, and will increase the fine for people riding a motorcycle without a helmet to $720.

In Texas, smoke detectors will need to be able to alert a hearing-impaired person if requested by a tenant.

In Montana, insurance companies will be required to provide coverage for autism-spectrum disorders.
BAM BAM NEW YEARS EVE - OPINION Posted: Dec 31, 2009
Wow!

WOW!

That is how I would describe the last decade. "WOW!" These are turbulent times predicted by Shakyamuni (the original Buddha). We are actually very lucky to be alive during these times; although difficult, we are part of making it better. This is good karma. I am writing down my 20 resolutions. My niece, Lilly and I started this last year and we check with each other throughout the year on our progress. Some of hers was to make her own clothes with a sewing machine my brother Patrick gave her, to be kind to her little brother, Harry, and to do well in school. I reached all twenty of mine, I am practicing Buddhism with more faith (sometimes chanting 3 hours a day), I am putting myself first because I know if I am not strong than I cannot take care of others, I am giving time and money to one particular charity that I have chosen, and so on.

This afternoon before 2010, I will begin my new list and I will share it with you ... and may update it throughought the day. So, let me see. Let's get started.

20 RESOLUTIONS FOR 2010:

1. Become Healthier; Increase yoga, cardio, and weight training at the gym, begin Macrobiotic and Ayurveda diets.

2. Chant 1.5 hours a day and increase Buddhist propagation and study to 1 hour a day (in essence devote 2.5 hours a day to my spiritual life and religion.

3. Become more financially responsible. No impulse buying, buy mainly necessities, less money on luxuries and more money saved for emergencies and retirement.

mmmm.....17 to go - to be continued

BTW - We will be celebrating NYE tonight at Trunks in West Hollywood - casual, pool, beers, all are welcome. Bam Bam
NEW YEARS in LOS ANGELES Posted: Dec 31, 2009
Hitfix.com LOS ANGELES

The East Coast may be getting Mariah Carey for New Year's Eve - old hat, but the West Coast has staked a claim in Adam Lambert.

The "American Idol" star is slated to take the main stage at midnight at the GRIDLOCK New Year's Eve 2010 event in Hollywood, Calif.

Other acts like Kevin Rudolf and Wonderland are scheduled to play the night, with DJs and entertainment rolling 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Paramount Pictures Studio.

Tickets are on sale now at $150 a pop for general admission -- plus at least $15 in service charges -- for the 5,000-person capacity space. "The entire New York Street back lot facility of Paramount will be turned into "Times Square West" for this one-of-a kind, six square block party," read a statement. Check out full details at the Gridlock website.

Some proceeds will go to benefit the Red Cross.

Lambert is slated to perform on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" tonight (Dec. 14) on NBC and "So You Think You Can Dance" on Wednesday.
Russia may send spacecraft to knock away asteroid - right out of a Hollywood Story Posted: Dec 30, 2009
Associated Press - Los Angeles

MOSCOW – Russia's space agency chief said Wednesday a spacecraft may be dispatched to knock a large asteroid off course and reduce the chances of earth impact, even though U.S. scientists say such a scenario is unlikely.

Anatoly Perminov told Golos Rossii radio the space agency would hold a meeting soon to assess a mission to Apophis. He said his agency might eventually invite NASA, the European Space Agency, the Chinese space agency and others to join the project.

When the 270-meter (885-foot) asteroid was first discovered in 2004, astronomers estimated its chances of smashing into Earth in its first flyby, in 2029, at 1-in-37.

Further studies have ruled out the possibility of an impact in 2029, when the asteroid is expected to come no closer than 18,300 miles (29,450 kilometers) from Earth's surface, but they indicated a small possibility of a hit on subsequent encounters.

NASA had put the chances that Apophis could hit Earth in 2036 as 1-in-45,000. In October, after researchers recalculated the asteroid's path, the agency changed its estimate to 1-in-250,000.

NASA said another close encounter in 2068 will involve a 1-in-330,000 chance of impact.

Don Yeomans, who heads NASA's Near-Earth Object Program, said better calculations of Apophis' path in several years "will almost certainly remove any possibility of an Earth collision" in 2036.

"While Apophis is almost certainly not a problem, I am encouraged that the Russian science community is willing to study the various deflection options that would be available in the event of a future Earth threatening encounter by an asteroid," Yeomans said in an e-mail Wednesday.

Without mentioning NASA's conclusions, Perminov said that he heard from a scientist that Apophis is getting closer and may hit the planet. "I don't remember exactly, but it seems to me it could hit the Earth by 2032," Perminov said.

"People's lives are at stake. We should pay several hundred million dollars and build a system that would allow us to prevent a collision, rather than sit and wait for it to happen and kill hundreds of thousands of people," Perminov said.

Scientists have long theorized about asteroid deflection strategies. Some have proposed sending a probe to circle around a dangerous asteroid to gradually change its trajectory. Others suggested sending a spacecraft to collide with the asteroid and alter its momentum, or hitting it with nuclear weapons.

Perminov wouldn't disclose any details of the project, saying they still need to be worked out. But he said the mission wouldn't require any nuclear explosions.

Hollywood action films "Deep Impact" and "Armageddon," have featured space missions scrambling to avoid catastrophic collisions. In both movies, space crews use nuclear bombs in an attempt to prevent collisions.

"Calculations show that it's possible to create a special purpose spacecraft within the time we have, which would help avoid the collision," Perminov said. "The threat of collision can be averted."

Boris Shustov, the director of the Institute of Astronomy under the Russian Academy of Sciences, hailed Perminov's statement as a signal that officials had come to recognize the danger posed by asteroids.

"Apophis is just a symbolic example, there are many other dangerous objects we know little about," he said, according to RIA Novosti news agency.

___

AP Science Writer Alicia Chang contributed to this story from Los Angeles.
Taco Bell Chihuahua Dead at 15 Posted: Dec 24, 2009
OMG Press
Gidget, the famed Chihuahua who appeared in Taco Bell ads, died Tuesday at the age of 15.

Karen McElhatton, Gidget's owner, tells Usmagazine.com the dog was with her trainer, Sue Chipperton, watching television when she began making "strange noises" and suffered a stroke.

Before the dog's death, "She had a good day and was running around as normal," McElhatton tells Usmagazine.com. "We're happy that she was very well off right until the end."
Lady Ga Ga Sold Out Posted: Dec 23, 2009
Bam Bam, Bam Bam Press

Lady Ga Ga is now sold out for her Monster's Ball 3 night show in Los Angeles.
Tax Cannabis Campaign Growing Posted: Dec 21, 2009
California may be the first state to tax medical cannabis. This would be a major victory for supporters of the legalization of cannabis in California and the cannabis industry which is now America's (USA) number one cash crop. President Obama recently made cannabis the last priority for law enforcement after 8 years of the Bush Administrations ban on legal marijuana even in California where the state has legalized it for medicinal purposes. The days of pharmacy rades are over.

Initiatives for taxing cannabis are in planning stages, and the campaign "Yes We Cannabis" is fueling what will be even possibly a bigger debate than Prop 8 in California. The campaign's website is taxcannabis.org

Bam Bam
Coroner: Brittany Murphy Dead At 32 Posted: Dec 20, 2009
Coroner: Brittany Murphy Dead At 32 Access Hollywood - 3 minutes ago

celebs:Brittany MurphySimon Monjack
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Brittany Murphy died on Sunday morning, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office has confirmed to Access Hollywood. She was 32.

According to the Coroner's Office, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Hollywood reported to them that an individual named Brittany Murphy died in the hospital on Sunday.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Brittany Murphy Remembered

A Cedars-Sinai spokesperson also confirmed to Access that the star was pronounced dead at their facility at 10:04 AM.

A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman told Access that they responded to a 911 call made from the 1800 block of N. Rising Glen Road -- the same street where the actress lives -- at 8 AM on Sunday.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: A Look Back: The Films Of Brittany Murphy

A rep for the actress also confirmed the news, telling Access Hollywood, "In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support. It is their wish that you respect their privacy."

The LAPD confirmed to Access later on Sunday that they have opened an investigation into the star's death.

Just weeks ago, a smiling Brittany spoke with Access at the Tt Collection Pop-Up Party in LA on December 3, where she discussed her hopes for the coming year.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Sudden Endings: Stars Who Died Too Soon

"As far as having a New Year's resolution, I'd love to have a child next year," she said at the time. "But that's kind of a large one!"

The actress also spoke of her love for her family, whom she said she was very close to.

"I've been very blessed to have a really great loving husband," she said. "I spend more time with my family than anyone else in the world"

Brittany rose to fame after a memorable role in 1995's "Clueless." She went on to star in such films as "8 Mile," "Just Married," "Girl, Interrupted," "Sin City" and "Riding In Cars With Boys," among others.

She also made a splash in the music world with the track "Faster Kill Pussycat," with Paul Oakenfold in 2006 - the track topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart that year. She also sang a pair of songs for the animated film "Happy Feet," in which she was also a voice actress.

Brittany was married to screenwriter Simon Monjack, whom she wed in May 2007.
Lady Ga Ga Concert Tickets - Excellent Seating still available Posted: Dec 20, 2009
Lady Ga Ga tickets still on sale starting at $250.00

Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE

THE MONSTER BALL TOUR

When:12/23/2009
Where: Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
W 11th St & S. Figueroa St
90015
Los Angeles, CA

www.LadyGaga.TicketsNow.com
Avatar Movie falls short - HOLIDAY HOLLYWOOD MOVIES ON BAMBAMCLUB.COM Posted: Dec 20, 2009
By: Shekhar H Hooli

Many critics around the world have claimed that the Hollywood movie Avatar has fallen way short of expectations. Despite the snobish critics rating it 2/5, the sci-fi thriller continues to rock the audiences throughout the world. The brilliance in the IMAX-3D work can't stop the viewers from exclaiming.


Buzz up!After 15 years, Terminator, Aliens, True Lies and Titanic fame director James Cameron has now come out with eco-minded epic Avatar that cost $500 million. The movie Avatar delivers a good message. It is all about an evil corporation using USA military to exploit the natural resources of a foreign planet.


The graphics work is awesome. Especially, the 10 feet tall creatures and the beauty of Pandora are just stunning. Avatar is an entertaining movie with the essence of love, family, relationship, humanity, action, and adventure. It can be recommended to those who love movies like Bridge to Terabithia, Jurasic Park, War of the worlds and 2012.

Besides graphics, the actors are also phenomenal in this movie Avatar. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang are truly a magnificent actor. They have delivered brilliant performance.