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.