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May 2008 Archives
John McCain sat down with Essence Magazine, to address his plans for black America, his views on Senator Barack Obama and his plans for the White House.
Below are excerpts from the full article "No Man Apart," posted at www.essence.com.
On the education gap between White and Black children:
"We have an unacceptable situation in America today where lower-income people do not have the same access to the quality education that higher-income people have. We tried busing, but that didn't work. So now we have to bring in new programs, which will improve education standards and choice and work with teachers.... But we also have to act at the federal level, update the No Child Left Behind Act. The No Child Left Behind Act was a good beginning, in my view. Those who want to scrap it completely--I respectfully disagree. But now we have learned the lessons of the first five or six or seven years of putting No Child Left Behind into practice. So let's fix it, because it's clear we have a two-tiered system of education in America."
On addressing Black America:
"I went to Selma and stood at the Edmund Pettus Bridge and talked about the need to include "forgotten Americans." I will never as long as I live forget the beautiful women of Gees Bend, Alabama, with the quilts. They were singing spirituals. On the first occasion I could find in the White House I would have them sing again. It was so moving. There was a woman there who was 91 years old. Can you imagine the environment she lived in when she was 21? And yet, this woman was full of hope, compassion and forgiveness. But does that mean in my campaign I am going to get a majority of the African-American vote? Probably not. But what it does mean, what I've committed to, is assuring and promising all Americans whether they vote for me or not, I am going to be their president. Americans are sick and tired of partisanship and divisions along party lines that cause gridlock and frustration and lack of addressing the issues that confront America."
On Senator Obama's decision to meet with Iranian President:
I do believe when Senator Obama wants to sit down across from the president of Iran who is dedicated to the extinction of the state of Israel and whose country is providing weapons that are killing young Americans in Iraq, that is bent on acquisition of nuclear weapons, then I would not sit down and have unconditional talks with him. I think Senator Obama is not experienced, otherwise he would not make that judgment."
On race and Senator Obama:
"First I would like to say I respect Senator Obama enormously, and the effect he has had on Americans, including young Americans and the level of enthusiasm he inspires. The differences we have are simply differences in political philosophy. Already I have strongly objected to and condemned some messages that have been put out against Senator Obama's character or have any overtones that are not appropriate for the United States."
Massachusetts senator's tumor is malignant, doctors say
- Kennedy suffered seizure Saturday morning at family compound
- Usual course of treatment includes radiation and chemotherapy
BOSTON, Massachusetts (CNN) -- U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor, doctors treating him at Massachusetts General Hospital said Tuesday.
Sen. Edward Kennedy suffered a seizure Saturday in Hyannisport, Massachusetts.
Kennedy, 76, was hospitalized Saturday morning after suffering a seizure at his family's compound at Hyannisport, Massachusetts.
"Preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma in the left parietal lobe," according to a statement from the doctors treating the senator.
Malignant glioma is the most common primary brain tumor, accounting for more than half of the 18,000 primary malignant brain tumors diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said President Bush was "deeply saddened" by the news and would keep the senator in his prayers.
Kennedy had surgery in October to clear his carotid artery in hopes of preventing a stroke.
In recent days, the powerful Democrat had appeared to be in fine health. On Friday, he took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new maritime learning center in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
"Decisions regarding the best course of treatment for Sen. Kennedy will be determined after further testing and analysis," the doctors continued.
"Sen. Kennedy will remain at Massachusetts General Hospital for the next couple of days according to routine protocol. He remains in good spirits and full of energy."
Kennedy has represented Massachusetts in the Senate since 1962. He is one of only six senators in U.S. history to serve more than 40 years. He is known as a liberal champion of social issues such as health care, family leave and the minimum wage.
Senate Democrats and Republicans were in their weekly closed policy lunches in the Capitol when the news of Kennedy's diagnosis broke.
Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada announced the news to his Democratic colleagues. The wind was taken out of the room, said one senator. There was "stunned silence," said another
| BE A READER, BE A LEADER | |
BE A READER, BE A LEADER with the L.E.A.D.E.R.S. Club!
Why: To give your child something to do every Saturday and to encourage and enhance their Reading Skills & Abilities
| |
What: Reading Club for kids L.E.A.D.E.R.S. Club
The L.E.A.D.E.R.S. Club aims to improve your child's reading comprehension and vocabulary when they participate every Saturday from 9am-5pm, with games, dancing, music, and more celebrations! Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.
She loved the fourth boyfriend the most & adorned him with rich robes & treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.
She also loved the third boyfriend very much & was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.
She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant & was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, & he would help her get through the difficult times.
The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth & kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!
One day, the girl fell ill & she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life & wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.'
Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing & showered great care over you. Now that I'm
dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'
'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, & he walked away without another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going
to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold.
She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me
and keep me company?'
'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the second boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated.
Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'
In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:
Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time & effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.
Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status & wealth.When you die, it will all go to others.
Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.
And your first boyfriend is your spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power & pleasures of the world.
However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen & cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God & continue with
you throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day:
Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.
*T-Pain received five BET Award nominations Thursday to lead the entire pack this year, but none were for his own songs.
The singer's electronic-enhanced voice earned best collaboration nods for his work with Chris Brown ("Kiss Kiss"), Kanye West ("Good Life") and Flo Rida ("Low"). He was also nominated twice in the video of the year category.
"He's had a great year; he's introduced a new element," said BET Executive Vice President Stephen Hill, referring to T-Pain's vocoder-manipulated vocals. The technique, popularized in the 80s by Roger Troutman and Zapp, has enjoyed a T-Pain-assisted resurgence that has been utilized to great success recently by Snoop Dogg ("Sensual Seduction") and Lil Wayne ("Lollipop").
Meanwhile, West and Keyshia Cole received three BET Award nominations, while Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and newcomer Flo Rida received a pair each.
Hill said the awards also shine a light on R&B artists who have yet to achieve mainstream attention, such as R&B singers Estelle and Raheeem DeVaughn, who each received a nomination.
"Our voting panel picked not just the hits but folks who are really talented who are just now getting a shot," he said, according to the Associated Press.
Al Green will be given a lifetime achievement award, and Quincy Jones will receive an award for his humanitarian work during the live broadcast on June 24 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Agneles.
Nelly and Usher, who were to appear on BET's "106 & Park" later Thursday to announce the nominations, are confirmed to perform at the ceremony along with Lil Wayne, Blige and Mariah Carey.
"Besides being the best black awards show that we have, also being one of the best awards show period, their ratings are through the roof," said Nelly. "They're tuning in -- black, white, Japanese, Chinese -- you got it, they're tuning in, which says a lot."
LeBron James Makes an Ass of His Mom
Mother's Day was Sunday, so what better way for LeBron James to follow it up then scream "Sit your ass down!" to his mama last night on national television.
After a Celtic player fouled King James into the courtside seats where his mother was sitting, Mama James got a little hot. Good thing her little boy was there to keep her in check.
BTW, Lebron's team won.
Skimpy prom dress lands teen in cuffs 
11:33 AM CDT on Monday, May 12, 2008
HOUSTON--Marche Taylor's prom night experience wasn't what you would call "the norm."
That's because instead of a night of dancing and hanging out with friends, the Madison High School senior ended up in a confrontation with school officials and escorted out in handcuffs. Officials said her dress was inappropriate for the prom.
"I actually like the dress. Everybody else likes my dress," Taylor said.
Madison High's prom took place at the Sugar Land Marriott, but Taylor only got as far as the lobby. When she tried to enter the ballroom, an official stopped her.
Courtesy photo
She was told her custom-made dress violated the school dress code.
"She shook her head, she was like 'you are not getting into this prom,'" said Taylor. "We were arguing back and forth because I wanted to know why I can't get into my prom."
Even after offering to provide more cover, Taylor was denied access to the final soiree of the school year.
At that point, Taylor said she was furious. She said if she couldn't get in, she wanted her money back.
Things got so bad that someone called the police. Officers showed up, handcuffed her and escorted her out.
A photographer snapped a photo of Taylor in handcuffs, being led out of the hotel.
It was not the prom memory Taylor was expecting.
Madison High School Principal Aubrey Todd said the dress was inappropriate and violated the rules.
"It was revealing in such nature it was not appropriate for the prom," Todd said.
And while she regrets how things turned out, Marche Taylor thinks she had little choice.
"They didn't give me any options but to go to jail or go home," she said.
And she still loves her prom dress, even though in the end it will cost her dearly.
Nick Cannon: Lord of the Same Rings?!
Has Nick Cannon taken recycling to a new level by giving Mariah Carey his ex's old engagement ring? He's gone green -- and crazy!
With reports that Nick and Mariah are engaged, Mimi has been sportin' a rock (left) that looks pretty similar to his ex-fiancee Selita Ebanks' ring (right). It's like that?!
If it is the same ring, expect there to be another emancipation of Mimi!
A rep for Cannon's ex tells TMZ Selita did return the white diamond ring to Nick and wishes the couple well.
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