Michael Jackson Medley

Letterman - Queen Latifah on Michael Jackson

(Barack Obama) A dance tribute to Michael Jackson.Me dancing.

AP Interview: Obama Reflects on Michael Jackson

CNN Broadcaster Legendary Larry King is stepping down

The legendary Larry King, host of the Larry King Show is hanging up his nightly suspenders and large glasses. Larry King has interviewed celebrities and diplomat officials from around the world. He has interviewed every U.S. President from Richard Nixon to President Barack Obama.

King has hosted programs such as the one on the Middle East Peaces process ehich included Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, King Hussein of Jordon, and Israeli Prime Minister Yelzhak Rabin. In addition, his CNN cable talk show became a political platform [debate] between then Vice President Al Gore and Billionaire Ross Perot. The cable show earned the longest history in broadcasting industry and is listed in the Ginnuis Book of Records as the longest talk show ever broadcast. What an accomplishment!

Among his many achievements is his latest [two weeks ago] Celebrity Telethon on the BP Oil Gulf Spill with Celebrity Hostess Cameron Dias and Host Justin Bieber, and of course Ryan Seacrest of whom King would like to be his successor. A winner of 2 Peabody awards and an Emmy which highlighted the Peror-Gore Debate. He was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fme in 1992; wrote a best-seller 2009 autobiography " My Remarkable Journey;" founder of the Larry King Cardiac Foundation which in 2009 the foundation paid for 287 live-saving surgeries. Larry King also played his hand in "acting" as himself in 20 movies.

During the highlight of his show he has hosted special guest such as former South African P)resident Nelson Mandela; [whom King found extraordinary] former Primer of Russia Mitchall Gorbachev; Sir Paul McCarthey, legendary Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra; Dr Martin Luther King; singer-Icon Madonna and First Lady Michelle Obama.

With his layed back interviewing style,, King never plans his questions and as he so cleverly puts it "he likes to be surprised by the answers-- asking his interview subjects to explain things." "All I do is ask the question. "short simple questions."

On a person note, larry King and his wife Shawn Southwick-King has had some marital problems which they filed for divorce in Aril, butmade up weeks later. And, King told his CNN colleague that he wanted to spend more time with his children Chance and Cannon. King asked CNN Network to end the nightly show this Fall and CNN graciously accepted. When asked is there anyone he would like to interview that he hasn'tso far. King answered, "GOD." King would ask, "Did you have a Son?" Because there us a lot riding on the answers."

Former NBA Star Player Manute Bol dies at age 47

                            Manute Bol plays [jump shot] play with the Golden State Warriors

Manute Bol died Saturday at the age of 47. His death was confirmed by a spokeswomen with the University of Virginia Medical Center,

Manute Bol at 7-feet 7inches tall weighing 225, played [a 10-year career]  for the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. Bol not only was a 'giant' in size, but he had a "giant-size heart." The Sudan native was known for his charity work during and after his 10-year career. He would often talk about the worn-torn country and would send money back to support the country. 

Charles Berkley, Bol's teammate om the Philadelphia 76ers and NBA analyst for TNT, says. " I can honestly say I have never played with a better person. He never forgot about the Sudan. He would talk to us about it all the time. The world is not a better place today. It's worse because we don't have Manute Bol," Charles added.

In 2004, Manute narrowly escaped death in an auto accident. "God guided me to America and me a good job. But he also gave me a heart, so I would look back,"  he said.

Indeed Bol looked back to his native country by donating his NBA earnings to charity. Because of his skill plays as a dominant and rebounder at the Division II School along with his height gave him an advantage over the other team as players from the other team would be a foot shorter than he was. In 1984, Bol drew national attention as a player for the University of Bridgeport at Bridgeport, Connecticut where he played one year before being drafted by the Washington Bullets. 

Known by the Sudanese tribe  [where he was from] as "Dinka Dunker," and a monster-shot-blocker as his fans loved to watch him stand behind the 3-point line and push up a long-distance jumper. He was known for more blocked shots than points scored in his career, the only NBA player to ever pull it [the shot] off.  Later, Bo tried his boxing-hand against William Perry [the Refrigerator] and won in a third-round decision.

There was also another side to Manute Bol. He was a practical joker. "there's never been a guy who played more practical jokes or who made more people laugh more than Manute Bol," Berkley said. "He was hilarious".

Bol was survived by four children 2 boys an 2 girls and his ex-wife Atong. Indeed he was a good-hearted person. He will be truly missed.

Quarterback Drew Brees and Coach Sean Payton help in Gulf Coast Effort

Quarterback Drew Brees and Coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints are jumping in to help support the families and businesses in the gulf coast. The quarterback and the Saints team-organization are raffling of a Saints Super Bowl Ring" in order to raise proceeds [$1 million]to support the gulf coast communities and their way of life; those who are out of work because of the devastation of the oil spill.  For $2 dollars, the fans will have a chance to win a Saints Super Bowl Ring. The one that each player will be receiving in a couple of weeks. This will be the first time in history that a Super Bowl Ring will be raffled off. The team was able to bring hack the confidence and moral of the city after hurricane Katrina. The team was able to win the NFL Championship in February. Now, the team is helping in the gulf coast cleanup efforts. A website is provided for those who want to help out can go to www.saintsgulfcoastrenewal.org

Meanwhile, Drew and Coach Payton visited the Wildlife and Fishing Organization where they saw the  "brown drenched pelicans being cleaned up by the workers. Drew said that this was heart wrenching to see and that the workers were frantically saying," bring them back, bring them back.'

When asked about the President looking to emancipate to "kick some ass." Drew said that they would not know what [Drill] they would put the president in they are looking to be in the east coast this August for the season. He also said that Coach Payton has had a chance to see him [president] to play,but he had not. So, may be while on the east coast he'll get a chance to [play ball ] with the president.http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/08/louisiana.pelican.hospital/index.html

NFL Green Bay Packer Donald Driver's Legacy in "Giving and Recieving"

Donald Driver, wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers never gave up in pursuing his dream to play NFL Football League. His mother, Faye Gray a single mom trying to raise he and his four brothers was a struggle, a hardship. One day a collection Agency took their home and family possessions leaving him and his family homeless.

Driver recalls there were times he and his mom lived in a U-Haul trailer when she couldn't use food stamp to pay for a hotel room. She would skip meals and Donald thought of turning to a life of crime. However, his grandmother, Betty Lofton directed him toward church and his athletic ability became his focus. At Alcorn State, he made all conference athlete in football and track. While there, Donald met Tina, a criminal justice major. Donald and Tina were married in 2000 and started Donald Driver Foundation.The foundation helps families to make transition from homeless shelters to independence; gives $500-semester scholarship to students who maintain a good grade point average in Mississippi and Green Bay; helped displaced families from Hurricane Katrina and has annually covered rent and utilities of six to eight single-parent families in Houston, Mississippi and Green Bay as well.

The NFL Football Star gives his time and energy to managing a softball team, [originally managed by Brett Favre] And, former Packer George Teague started in 1994 with some teammates. Driver is the spokesman for Goodwill Industries, McDonald's AirTran, Time Warner Cable, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation where he is featured in variety of TV and Radio commercials. Despite of his popularity with the media and talk shows, it's his charitable work for which he's best known. One of his fellow Packer play cornerback Charles adds, " I think because of Donald's unique experiences growing up, he feels compelled to do great things for others in need." Quarterback Aaron Rodgers says "Donald is a guy who really cares about making a difference in his two communities that he calls home."

Donald Driver has become a role model to many children. Packer fan Scott Lieburn oof Kiel said his kids, Austin, 14, Sierra , 12, and Colton 9, thinks that it's cool to see Donald in TV commercials telling passengers and drivers to buckle up. When they see him, they listen and watch. Driver is a devoted to his family. As a father to his 4-year old daughter Cristina [soon to be 5 June 13] and 6-year old son Cristian, he is motivated to be "the best father that he can be." His wife [Betina] says that her husband is the kind of guy who takes her out to diner in a Tux and renewing their vows on every 10th wedding annniversity. Donald Driver says that in the end, he wants people to remember him as a great father and a great husband.

Oscar-winner Robert Redford and Producer-Director James Cameron speak out about the oil spill

Oscar-winner Robert Redford is beginning to step up to say "enough is enough." He said that the American people need to take responsibility for themselves in their consumption of oil and move to other alternatives such as solar and wind energy. The actor believes that the bottom line is these oil companies are out to "promote their environmental credentials and use their money to influence their parrots in Congress.

Redford is among the few star celebrities who is speaking out about the devastation of the oil spill which has damaged marine life and the livelihood of businesses on [Louisiana] gulf coastal area. James Cameron, sea diver and producer of "Titanic" and "Avatar" has disapproved of efforts made to stop the gushing of the oil describing them [those working in vain to stop the spill] as "morons." Having experienced filming deep-sea documentaries and developed a deep sea remotely operated vehicle, Cameron offered BP his service, but they refused.

Redford, also an NRDC trustee said that the ads that British Petroleum features with environmental message on [going green] and Chevron [Human Energy] have literally made him throw up." 

When you look at the pelicans soaked with oil, one would throw up. It is unfortunate that there are some who may not have these same sentiments, [or] may do so, but may put their own self-interests before others.

 http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37516270/ns/today-entertainment/

Actor Jennifer Hudson to star as Winnie Mandela-ex wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela

Movie goers may have the opportunity to see Ms Jennifer Hudson starting in the screenplay "Winnie" written by Annie Marie Perez Besdrob. Ms Hudson will play the leading role of ex-wife [former]South African President Nelson Mandela. However, there is trouble brewing with the making of the film. Ms Winne Madikizela Mandela has asked film maker and producer Andre Pieterse to see the play script and to get her approval, but its sponsors have refused.

A lawyer's letter was sent to Mr. Pieterse [although benign] indicates a threat of an indictment that could stop the film from being produced. The letter stated that "She [Winne Madikizela Mandela] would like to see the script and approve [but] the film will be made on a screenplay that was thoroughly researched. Winnie Mandela warned "If the film malign her in anyway then there will be legal basis for to take action." Dr. Darrel Roodt believes that she [Winne Mandela] would approve the film as it is an amazing 'love story" of Winnie and Nelson Mandela. Although the sponsors refused to let her see the screenplay, it is suggested to first get approval before shooting the film to avoid complications.

And undoubtedly, this would be a plus for Ms Hudson to play the role, it would be equally a plus for her to work with Winne Mandela as she would be able to observe Winnie's mannerism and authentic character in her [Ms Hudson's] performance.

Critics of the South African acting community, the Creative Workers Union are opposing a U. S. actress, Jennifer Hudson to play the leading role of Winnie Mandela. Some say that using foreign actors to tell the country's stories undermines the efforts to develop a national film industry. Mabutho Sithole contends " It can't happen that we want to develop our own Hollywood, and yet we keep bringing in imports."

Like the U. S., South Africa has also suffered lost of job during a recession that has made a negative impact on its nation's film industry. It is reported by Oupa Leboga, the union's secretary general "There's a lot of good local talent, Why not use them? Winnie herself is not involved in this, and in no way has given any sort of green light."

The Wife of Robert F. Kennedy stopped for Drunk-Driving?

The wife of Robert F Kennedy was stopped by a police officer because she drove over a curb? What is this world coming to? Many drivers have been pulled over by a police officer. Some drivers are intoxicated and others have stop for driving over the speed limit, but Mary Richard Kennedy stopped by the police for drunk driving? As reported by Sgt Matthew Dunn of Bedford, New York, Mary Richardson Kennedy was arrested for driving over a curb near a school. Her alcohol level was 0.11. The legal limit is 0.08.

In Arizona, the law enforcement can stop a driver if they suspect that they are illegal immigrants. At least the policemen who stopped Mrs Kennedy was not blamed racial profiling. Consider this, when an officer pull you over, just pull show him or her your ID, immigration papers, green card, passport and anything else that is needed.

Years ago, my son was stopped by a police officer around 11:00 on the east side of city in an upscale neighborhood. He was home during spring-break. He asked to drive my Nissan-Maxima and was stopped by the policemen who said that he was "speeding." According to my son, the policemen had noticed that he was wearing his college logo pull-over sweater and was "preppy dressed" and was driving a new car. He told the officer that the car was his mother's and called me to verify. Because the cell phone was on microphone, I could hear the entire conversation between my son and the officer. I told the officer that I am a public school teacher and if he didn't let my son go, I will be down there to take care of the situation. Sometimes, such cases as this, you need to call backup.

U. S. President Obama and First Lady Host Mexico President Calderon and First Lady

The White House Chief of staff turn out a fine gala affair with "good food" prepared by Chief Rick Bayless. The proud recipient was honored to have the opportunity [granted by the First Lady Mrs Obama] to prepare the second White House State Dinner for presidents Barack Obama and Felipe Calderon of Mexico and his First Lady. Of Course, Mr Bayless is not a stranger to be recognized among the "best of best" of Maitre Ds. Mr. Mr. Bayless, specialist in Mexican cuisine was asked to come to the White House to present a premiere of his Mexican dishes that have made him famous. White House Dinner guests included diplomats and actresses Whoopi Goldberg and Eva Longoria-Parker.


Of course, such a gala event would depend on the "extraordinary charm and grace of Mrs Obama who dazzled her guests with an exquisite deep-horizon-blue-one shoulder gown. Her presence set the tone for a successful and meaningful U.S. Mexico relations.


The guests dined on a mixture of Mexican and American cuisine that included jicama and fruit dipped in a citrus vingaigette and Ceviche of Hawaiian Opah followed by Oregon Beef in Oaxacan Black Mole with Black Bean Tamalon adorned with grilled green beans. Later, dessert served, a Chocolate Cajeta Tart [Little chocolate squared tart] with Toasted Homemade Marshmallows; Graham Cracker Crumble with Goat Cheese Ice Cream.

The guests were directed outside the White House Lawn where a tent was set up to receive guests. They were seated and serenaded by pop star Beyonce and Mexican Performer, Rodrigo y Gabriela accompanied by the President's United States Marine Band.

The White House Tent was adorned with Monarch butterfy[fies], the queen of butterflies from Canada which migrate to the Michoacan looking for "the warmth of the Mexican People," President Calderon signifying his'thank you' to the Host and Hostess for "their warm appreciation."

Just like Male Top paid [CEOs] Cats, Females CEOs are also Raking in the Dough

Top paid CEOs of the 500 most largest U. S. companies dominated by male have to move over for the new female on the block CEO, Irene B. Rosenfeld. The top pay, a whooping 16.7 million in 2009 [with Kraft Manufacturer posting $52 billion market cap]. Her total compensation package includes; salary, bonus, stock and options. Not bad for the female CEO compared to the other females who didn't have it so lucky such as Indra Nooyi who is CEO at top leading brand company PepsiCola which posted at $105 billion market cap. Nooyi reported her package [$10.7 million] was only half of what her counterpart McDonalds CEO James Skinner receives a compensation package of $20 million. CEO Lynn Lavaerty Elsenhan's package [$1.5 million] considerably less than her competitor CEO at Tesoro Refinery with a total compensation package of $18.6 million.

How is CEO's Salary and Compensation Determined? It depends on what is the competitive compensation salary that considers the CEO's qualification and skills that determines the base salary. Companies offer annual bonuses to motivate better performance of the executive leaders. And you will need to think about long term benefits and extras that account for over one-half of the total executive’s compensation. Don't forget stocks [ extra benefits] which CEOs are offered by the company to buy as part of their total compensation package. Most CEOs and executives receive higher or additional life insurance with the exclusions of health care deductibles and supplementary pension plans.

You also have to add the perks that executives receive such as luxury company cars, luxury offices, executive dining, and special parking. In addition. CEOs receive memberships to certain clubs and associations. The most popular perk that companies provides: physical exams and company cars. With the salary and all of the "extras" that are added into the pot or package, will add up to a fortune!

It 's no secret for Victoria's Secret Supermodel Selita Eubanks to give back

Supermodel, Selita Eubanks was born in Georgetown-Cayman Island on February 15, 1983. Her family lived in a small house on Walker Road. With seven brothers to fight, she learned early to fit in with the boys by playing soccer, basketball, and tennis. Later, Selita migrated to the United States where she enrolled as a law student at Spelman College, Columbia University, and New York University. Her desire become an inspiring lawyer changed after being discovered by an agent of Elite Model Management at Six Flags Great Adventure Theme Park. From that moment, she knew that she was on her way to fame and fortune. Selita was endorsed by many of the biggest and best name brand fashion in the business such as Fashion World, Levi's,Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren. And was photographed by some of the most famous photographers:Seven Kline, Peter Lindberg, Mikael Jansson, Carter Smith and others.

Selita Eubanks modeled for Victoria's Secret and was featured in Sports illustrated Swimsuit magazine in 2007. Later, the Victoria' Secret beauty wanted to give back to those who were less fortunate. After traveling to Africa, Sierra Leon, she was moved by what she saw and heard from the women in the villages. She heard that one in four children die at before five years of age and one in 10 women die during childbirth.

Selita reports, "If you get injured and go to the hospital, you have to bring your own gauze, syringes, medicine because they don't have it." After returning home, Selita decided to "give back" by establishing "Women's Coalition for Empowerment and Opportunity[WCEO] her own charity-a subsidiary of Shine on Sierra Leona agency which works with hospitals to help heal people and provide health care and supplies as well. Of course, Selita knows that it takes money, lots of money to support her charity so she begins raising money for her charity by competing as a contestant on Donald Trump Celebrity Apprentice starting Sunday on NBC at 8 p.m. EST a show featuring stars like Selita can raise money for the charities they love

"Churches are feeling the Pressure Under Fire, Too"

The slow recovery from the recession not only hit the businesses and employment, but churches as well across this country. Churches such All Souls' Episcopal Church in Harlem; the Little Flowers Baptist Church formerly located on Frederick Douglas Boulevard forced to close because of its membership and finances declining. The list goes on with Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church located on Mount Morris Park West, also struggling to fill the churches' pews, and many programs and services. The pastor of Rescue Baptist Church on West 123rd Street said that his church is not drawing enough to pay his salary and had to take a second job working at a concession stand at Yankee Stadium to make ends meet.

The Roman Catholic Archdioceses of New York is also struggling financially and has closed several church parishes: St. Thomas the Apostle Church on 118th Street; and Our Lady Queen of Angles on 112th Street in East Harlem.

All Souls Episcopal Church in Harlem on St Nicolas Avenue in the past was packed with families and neighborhood people who valued "going to church." But, recent reports of gentrification of Harlem has help to deplete their longstanding position as younger residents, black and whites have arrive but have not taken vacant places in their church's pews. Longtime Harlem families have either sold their homes or simply chose to move south for their retirement have left the neighborhood and its churches. Deaths years after year have chipped away the aging groups as well leaving the churches' pews to be filled with newcomers.

The recession has been felt by everyone even the churches. How can this type of pressure end? It can end by not asking the average American citizen to make sacrifices certainly as some of these churches and members [the religious sector] have done, but those of the secular-political sector too. The sacrifice should not be only demanded or burdened by the "Church House" but the "White House" as well.

Let's take a reality check. The members of the White House and, people of Congress are being paid high competitive salaries and are not doing their job for which they swore to do. Yet, they are looking to for more to fill their pocketbooks by pandering or begging for votes from their states to send them back to Washington. For what? To do more begging and skating off the American people? When the "pressure" starts hitting the churches, its time to step back and take a reality check. Don't you think?