Please keep positivity going and negativity dead.

Ed Bradley, CBS news reporter, and 26 year veteran with "60 Minutes" succumbed yesterday to his battle with leukemia. Bradley received early notoriety for his earring, which was, and still is, highly unusual for a male journalist to wear on air. As an award-winning journalist, Bradley "broke racial barriers" to become one of the most acclaimed journalists on television, as well as in the history of CBS. He is known also for having the only exclusive interview with Oklahoma City bomber, Timothy McVeigh, as well as his coverage of many hard-hitting topics like the reopening of the Emmett Till Case. He was 65. Please keep his family in you prayes. And, you would be doing yourself a great disservice if you don't read the entire article at http://news.aol.com



It has been confirmed by BV Newswire that Gerald Levert has died of a massive heart attack. More news to come as it becomes available. Please keep his family in your prayers.



And, Alicia Keys and Iman hosted The Black Ball for the "Keep A Child Alive" benefit last night at the Hammerstein Ballroom in the NYC last night. I love to see celebrities giving back and trying to promote the youth. Iman is and will always be fabulous. A Keys is definitely on the come up in my book, because she seems to genuinely care about people and not just her fame. Keep it up.




Beyonce may be coming on board to play a lesbian role opposite Eva Longoria in the upcoming film adaptation of "Tipping the Velvet", a Victorian novel about sexual repression. When asked what she thought about the upcoming opportunity, she replied, ""We've had 'Brokeback Mountain' so the time is right for this divine novel to get the same treatment".

Source: All Headline News



That's all for now... Sorry, I've been gone for so long, but I'm working on it. You guys know how that can be. Until next time... TTFN!

Will Demps

Will Demps... football player... at Janet Jackson's album release party... Just because I love Will Demps...

Karamo settles down...

Karamo of the Real World Philadephia on MTV has "settled down". But, wasn't he the one who had serious issues with interracial dating? Well, nonetheless, more power to both of them. I wish them the best.

It's a girl... 2 of them.

Sean "Diddy" Combs and, long time on/off girlfriend, Kim Porter are expecting twin girls. In an interview in the upcoming Nov. issue of Vibe, Diddy talks about the pregnancy, marriage, and God. Get the story here.

Congratulations goes out to Diddy and Ms. Porter.

Keep them in your prayers.

A rapper's wife gave birth Thursday, but the scene quickly turned to tragedy after their newborn girl was pronounced dead.

Rev Run, a.k.a. Joseph Simmons, shocked fans last year when he announced that his wife Justine was pregnant on his MTV reality show "Run's House."

Justine's pregnancy was the cliffhanger on the MTV show last season. It generated intense interest among viewers who have been anxiously following the pregnancy and awaiting the birth.

Simmons, a member of the legendary rap group Run DMC, was at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood New Jersey Tuesday for the birth of his child. Doctors delivered the baby via c-section, revealing a cruel twist of fate -- the baby girl was born with organs outside the body. The newborn died a short time later.

TMZ has learned that MTV cameras were inside the hospital at the time of the birth, though we do not know if they were in the delivery room.

Source: www.tmz.com

Protect your Children

A five year old girl is brain dead after a three day coma, caused by what was thought to be a routine dental operation to cap some of her teeth and some fillings. Diamond Brownridge, a kindergarten student, has been in a coma since she lost consciousness and stopped breathing for possibly an hour or more on Saturday while receiving three different types of sedatives from Dr. Hircham K. Riba of Little Angel Dental Office in the Little Village section of Chicago. Dr. Riba is a licensed specialist in dentistry, has a dentist controlled-substance license, and has a dental-sedation permit. He's also been a dentist in IL since 1997 and has had no disciplinary actions against in that time. Diamond's mother, Ommetress Travis, did not stay in the room with her while she was receiving the procedure and says that she did not receive any information about the possible risks. It has been reported that she is in fact brain dead, many of her organs are not working, and she's on life support, listed in critical condition. It is expected that the family will make a decision on whether they will keep her on life support. Right now, they are simply praying for a miracle.

Get the story at the Chicago Sun Times .

*** Please for all of the parents out there. Insist on being in the room at all times with your child for procedures like these. Not all doctors are stand up people. Who knows what these people could be doing to your child while you are out of the room. ASK QUESTIONS! If you are uncomfortable with something, do your own research first. Get a second opinion. But, please be informed and be present. ~ Future

Women's Rights Activist, Safia Ama Jan, a provincial director for Afghanistan's Ministry of Women's Affairs, was slain outside her home in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Monday, said Tawfiq ul-Ulhakim Parant, senior adviser to the women's ministry in Kabul. Ama Jan, a teacher for more than three decades, was known for being an active proponent of women's rights in the former Taliban stronghold. Ama Jan also ran an underground school for girls during the Taliban's rule. Mullah Sadullah, a regional Taliban commander, claimed responsibility for the killing in a telephone call to The Associated Press. Although, it was impossible to verify the claim.

Get the rest of the story at AOL News.

"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice challenged former President Clinton's claim that he did more than many of his conservative critics to pursue Osama bin Laden, and she accused President Bush's predecessor of leaving no comprehensive plan to fight al-Qaida. 'What we did in the eight months was at least as aggressive as what the Clinton administration did in the preceding years,' Rice said Monday during a meeting with editors and reporters at the New York Post. " Get the rest of the story here.

I happen to think both of these two are great and have done much for the advancement of minorities and women. However, I am inclined to side with Mr. Clinton just because Ms. Rice supports President Bush. We all have a job to do, but we all have to also hold ourselves up to a certain set of moral and ethics. We aren't perfect and need to get to a certain status to be able to make a difference... I suppose. But, dang... How much more is it going to take for her to bail out on him... ~ Future

Here she is folks, our own little "out and proud" lesbian. You knew we had to have at least one on the show. Although, I suspect at least one other person on the show to be still closeted. "Hey twin girl!" <:: waves::> LOL.

On a serious note, Megan Morris is a bartender from San Francisco. She has a B.A. in Media Studies with a minor in African Studies, and is an aspiring filmmaker. She also survived a plane crash at the age of 9, where her mother died from hypothermia keeping her warm. Check her out on America's next Top Model, Wednesdays on the CW network. Get the rest of the story at AfterEllen.com.

***

And, let's not forget our other favorite rainbow chicas from ANTM:

Kim

Nik

Ebony

Michelle

Sarah

Leslie

But, the rest of you can't hide forever. (Kyle, Naima, Eva...) LOL j/k... But, not really.

Moving on...

My Brown Diamond of the Moment is:

Calvin Broadus b.k.a. Snoop Dogg

"The Hip Hop Congress announces its support for Snoop Dogg in his recent efforts to use music to stem gang violence in his home region of Southern California. With 5 chapters and an artist coalition in the Southern California region, the Hip Hop Congress hopes to help Snoop's efforts by continuing to promote positive hip hop events that help to educate all people in the Southern California region about the positive aspects of Hip Hop. "

Get the rest of the story at Soundslam.com.

Miss Cleo comes out of the closet.

MISS CLEO COMES OUT!!!

Call me now, I'm out of the closet... LOL

Get the story at The Advocate.

Rosie Outs Oprah and Gal Pal Gayle

Rosie O'Donnell stated on the View yesterday that she believes everyone is "a tiny bit gay" and has used her gaydar to tell Oprah and Gayle, in not so many wordsd, that it's time to come out. Rosie! Do you not know what happens to people when they cross Ms. Sofia?!? If you value your job at The View, it would be in your best interest to avoid the use of Oprah, Gayle and the words gay or lesbian in the same sentence. While Mrs. Harpo's people have yet to respond, I am certain that Oprah is somewhere seething just waiting to say, "I said, Hell Naw..."

Get the story here.

Yesterday, the California Supreme Court was scheduled to receive briefings on a case where a woman was denied infertility treatments by her doctors because of her sexual orientation. Despite California's civil rights law, the San Diego county doctors say they have the right to deny Guadalupe Benitez treatment because of their religious beliefs.

I thought when you become a doctor, you take an oath... to help people regardless of race, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Ms. Benitez is about to stick it to those jerks good...

Get the story at PlanetOut.

David Mays and Ray "Benzino" Scott, founders of the Source Magazine, are set to release their newest venture, Hip Hop Weekly, October 16. Hip Hop Weekly will cover film, TV, music, fashion, sports, and celebrity news. So, basically, it'll be the Source again, only in a weekly format. Get the rest of the story at All Hip Hop.

Ed Betz, the AP

Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela, has called President George W. Bush "the devil" at an assembly of the United Nations. He accused Washington of world domination and exploitation of "peoples of the world." It's about time someone manned up and said what they really think of Bush. Get the rest of the story here.

Christina Vidal, former child star of Freaky Friday, Taina, and Life With Mikey fame, is set to appear as a regular on the CW network television show Girlfriends. Vidal will play a tough celebrity fitness trainer. You may remember she was the first Puerto Rican/ American child actress to have a leading role in an American motion picture (Life with Mikey). She is also the younger sister of actress Lisa Vidal. The Girlfriends season premiere airs on the CW network on Sunday, Oct. 1.

VIDEO OF THE DAY!

Goapele - Closer

Louisiana Attorney General's Office / AP

A New Orleans couple are accused of negligent homicide during the days and weeks that followed hurricane Katrina. The couple, Mabel and Sal Mangano, owners of St. Rita's nursing home, allegedly are responsible for the deaths of up to 35 elderly and infirmed people who died after the storm. Get the story here.

These damn people should be ashamed of themselves if they are guilty of what they are accused of...

Anja Niedringhaus, AP

"Residents of eastern North Carolina wade through the flood waters to check their mailboxes. I don't know about anybody else, but the last thing I would be doing is checking my mail with water up to my knees. It's probably just bills anyway. When they start calling, talking about "we sent your invoice.", I'd be the first one like, "B&^*%, didn't you see we just had ERNESTO? You didn't hear about Katrina. I ain't got no boat to row to my mailbox..." Bad joke...

Tropical Storm Ernesto slammed into NC yesterday bringing with it torrential rain and flooding on the southern east coast. Fortunately enough, however, it stayed just below the hurricane level, causing only minor flooding and few evacuations. Although hurricane and tornado watches were in effect and a state of emergency was sounded, most residents of N.C. managed to weather the storm without evacuating their homes. Others however, we not as lucky, as they were awakened from their sleep by police and national guard members telling them to get out while their cars were still in driving order. I personally believe, "Better to be safe than sorry." At least they took a preemptive and precautionary step to avoid a disaster like Hurricane Katrina. Take note Bushy, you should evacuate, search, and rescue BEFORE the problem grows to such astronomical proportions that still one year later, the ruin, rubble, and remnants of the storm's destruction continue to prompt massive debate and turmoil. To all of you in DC and VA or with family members there, Ernesto will probably be hitting you today. Be safe. Take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Get the rest of the story here.

Cindy Sheehan and Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez

There has been a rumor floating around the net that Chavez has vowed to take down the U.S. government. Many people are up in arms, calling for a boycott of Citgo oil, which is wholly owned by the Venezuelan government. Wake up people! If we boycott Citgo, gas prices jump even higher. And, I for one can not afford to pay $8 a gallon. Let's stop looking elsewhere for problems. The real issue unfortunately is our own President and where his loyalties lie. I know Bush has some oil wells or something floating around. Share the wealth man... But, there is little chance that teeny, tiny Venezuela is going to strike much of a blow in tearing down the United States. Although, they may fudge with the gas prices... Boo stinky foot doctor. (Inside joke)

In other news...

A Texas pastor has been indicted on a charge of sexual assault for allegedly raping a congregant of his church after telling her she was possessed by a lesbian demon one year ago. Leonard Ray Owens, 63, is free on $25,000 bail. Police began investigating the pastor last year after a 22 year old woman accused him of raping her twice in his home...

I don't know about anybody else, but... "possessed by a lesbian demon"? Are you serious? And, she believed that. I am not making light of a woman being raped. However, if some perverted old man said I was possessed by a lesbian demon, my first question would be, "And, how the hell would you know if she's a lesbian or not? Or, better yet, since when do demons have genders?" I'm just saying... Only in BushASS... I mean Texas.

Get the rest of the story here.

"Former NBA star -- and possible Democratic candidate for governor of Alabama -- Charles Barkley was his usual outspoken self during a recent TV interview in which he said, among other things, that he advocates same-sex marriage, believes Republicans have screwed up the country, and is 'struggling with my idea of what religion is.'" Planet Out

And...

A San Antonio police officer was convicted Wednesday of violating the civil rights of a transsexual woman who stated the officer had beaten and raped her during a traffic stop. The felony sentence carries up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The sentencing date is set for Dec. 1... Here we go again with the Texans... Let's just say that for me personally, the only way I would ever vote for someone from Texas is if Malcolm X or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were resurrected and told me that they themselves were actually from Texas and were running for President...

Get the rest of the story at Planet Out.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. will deliver the keynote address at the Pinnacle Awards gala. Black News





www.blackmilitaryworld.com

Retired Navy Commander Gregory Black has launched the first internet site for African American veterans, active duty members, and Department of Defense civilians.

And, it's about time. We truly have to do EVERYTHING for ourselves people, because no one is going to do it for us. Check it out at Black News.

Walmart has partnered with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Find out more here.

SPOTLIGHT ON AN UPCOMING BROWN DIAMOND:

Krush Designs By Tiffany

Tiffany of Krush Designs is a fashion designer on the come up from Paterson, NJ. She's 23 years old and has a unique fashion sense not yet seen in main street hip hop. She utilizes original and fresh color combinations while always coalescing street style with high fashion. Her aesthetic approach breathes not only her caribbean heritage, but her "on the grind" mentality. She customizes jeans, tee-shirts, sneakers, and a plethra of other things you could name. Look out for her and if want to contact her... tiffanyr07504@yahoo.com

Just a few examples of her work...

Finally, my video of the day:

Sean Paul and Keyshia Cole- Give it All to Me

Sean Paul - Give It Up To Me (ft. Keyshia Cole)


Provided by VideoCodes4U.com

It's been like 2 weeks...

It's been about 2 weeks since I last blogged, and for that I am truly apologetic. Between preparing my children for the upcoming school year, as well as myself, starting a new job, and my anniversary, I've been too busy to even open a computer. However, that is no excuse. I promise to attempt to be more diligent in my handling of the blog. PLEASE forgive me...
~ Future

So, on to the news:

We recently commemorated the 1 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. It's really sad that President Bush was so slow to react to the situation but yet now wants to be down there smiling for pictures. He pretends like he's so interested in helping rebuild N.O., but he's not. He could care less about the people of color down there who lost their lives, livelihoods, homes, schools, everything... Hopefully, this and 9/11 will serve to shed some light on just what can happen when power in this country is shifted to an ignorant bigot who focuses only on his beliefs and wants rather than the needs of an entire people.

Foxy Brown is back in the legal system. She's been accused of stealing a couple of $400 belts. I would think Ms. Inga would have learned her lesson by now after beating the crap out of some manicurists..."And that's all I have to say about thaayat." (LOL)

And, Danity Kane has been battling it out with heavyweights Christina Aguilera and Outkast for the top spot on next week's national album chart. Get the rest of the story here.

IN LGBT NEWS...

And, on Aug. 17, 2006, the Pension Protection Act took a huge step in the protection of LGBT relationships and partners by allowing pensions/ retirement plans to be transfered over to a domestic partner or other "non-spouse" beneficiary if the person dies. At least it's a step in the right direction, even though many LGBT opponents will probably say that it's for the benefit of children or older couples who never marry. But, at least we can now benefit from it as well...

Get the rest of the story at the HRC... Click Here.

BROWN DIAMOND SPOTLIGHT:

Senator Barak Obama and his grandmother

Senator Barak Obama known for his strong views, political savvy, and being a man of the people recently travelled to his family's ancestral village Nyangoma Kogelo, Nyanza province in western Kenya. He began his journey by taking a voluntary HIV test to encourage HIV prevention and help alleviate the stigma behind HIV/ AIDS testing. Obama,, whose grandmother still lives in the village, was received by the thousands of people with a joyous reception. His visit to the region has been highly anticipated. Children from the Senator Barak Obama primary school performed dances to celebrate his arrival. Senator Obama is only the 5th African American to serve in the US Senate and has vowed to make Africa a top priority in American foreign policy.


Please take time out to be committed to the education of our young people. We need to all make a conscious effort to ensure that young people are educated in school as well as out.


Video of the DAY!

Nas- I Can

Nas - I Can


Provided by VideoCodes4U.com

"I want dark babies..."

Flavor of Love 2: Wire is busted

This chick said she wants dark babies. WTF is that about!?! I know the writers for the show had her say that specifically for shock value, because no one can be that stupid.

Brown Diamond Spotlight...

Mystery 9/11 rescuer surfaces after nearly 5 years. During the September 11th terrorist attacks, then 27 year old, Marine Sgt. Jason Thomas assisted in saving the lives of two police officers buried in the rubble at Ground Zero. And, guess what folks, no one asked him or called him. He heard about the attacks and ran to the rescue. And, then, he came back for two weeks to assist in the search and rescue effort. Afterward, he left the scene to try and put the situation behind him. He asked for no kudos or acclaim. He did it because he felt it was his duty to help. We need more men like him. No one expected him to be a man of color, but he was. Most people think we are incapable of such selflessness. Even the producer of the movie, World Trade Center, assumed and apologized for casting his part as a Caucasian man. We need more men like this. But, why couldn't this hero have been depicted as a person of color, Black, Hispanic, or otherwise? Why did it have to be a White man? I'm just wondering.
Get the rest of the story here.

In a disturbing turn of events, Patricia Todd, the woman who is on the road to becoming the first openly gay member of the Alabama legislature, will have her win challenged by her opponent, Gaynell Hendricks, who is Black. According to Hendricks' attorney said the case will center on claims that "Todd tried to keep voters from knowing about a $25,000 donation to her campaign from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund." While the allegations are that she was trying to mislead voters, many people are saying that the true issue is if a White woman should representing a predominantly Black district, where Blacks couldn't even vote 2 generations ago. I personally feel like we all have been oppressed. Why should one oppressed group be prejudice or bias against another group, just because of the perception of having it slightly easier in life. We all have it hard for some reason or another. I only hope that if Todd ran a clean race, then she will be vindicated.
Get the rest of the story here .

In other news...

Christine Quinn, New York City's most visible gay official, has come under fire after she proposed last week that the city's more than 250 nightclubs be required to install security cameras at their entrances and exits. Many of her gay constituents are upset due to the fact that they feel this would be an invasion of privacy and pose a threat to those who are not out of the closet. While I don't particularly like the idea, I think it does have its pros and cons, including deterring criminals, because only stupid criminals put their faces on camera. I think she's damned if she does, and damned if she doesn't. And, what these gay leaders need to realize is that while she is gay, she represents more than just the gay residents and visitors of NYC.
Get the rest of the story here.

And,

In Los Angeles, the nation's first LGBT specialization within a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program. First being offered this fall, example courses include, "LGBT History and Mythology" and "Issues for Gender Variant Clients." "The program is devoted to bringing LGBT-affirmative theory and practice to students of psychology who want to strengthen their LGBT identities and in working towards social justice wish to help further gay and lesbian empowerment, dignity, self-esteem, and healing in their gay and lesbian clientele," Douglas Sadownick, the specialization's director, said.

I am really excited about this. It's about time. We have specialties for EVERY thing else. You can pursue a speciality in fecal matter, and they will have every possible course related to it. I hope many other educational institutions across the country follow suit.
Get the rest of the story here.

ANTM Season begins September 20th. Get the scoop at Crunk & Disorderly.

And, is it me or do the 2 chicks on the right in the second row from the top look like twins or sisters or something. Two times, two times, two times the ugly... But, I'll still be tuning in.

And, supposedly, Alicia Keys made her boyfriend Kerry wait 1 year before they had sex. Oohhh... Like I believe that. And, if it's true, it's only because she was still bumping fuzzies with her ex GIRLfriend. j/k. I still love you A. Keys, even if I do think you go both ways.
Get the story here.

Alicia also attended the national AIDS conference in Toronto a few days ago. Lovin' it. This is the side of Ms. Keys that I like to see. I could give to hoots about her "sex" life or lack there of.

And, a random pic of Michelle, looking like Ms. Celie... Sisstaahh, you been on my mind... j/k. She was singing with the kids after the Sky's last home game.

Spike Lee has a documentary about Hurrican Katrina called When the Levees Broke which will air on HBO in 2 parts on Aug. 21 & 22. Get the story here.

Rich has the recap on Project Runway. Get it here.

My pick for video of the day:

Corinne Bailey Rae~ Just like a Star

LIKE A STAR (by Corinne Bailey Rae)

FREE MUSIC VIDEOS for your profile!
Over 40,000 music videos to choose from at VideoCodeZone!

"Go big or go home people"~ Future