President Obama's promise to reform health care could very well be coming to fruition. The Senate Finance Committee approved a version of the healthcare reform bill. According to The Associated Press, support for the bill was split down party lines and it only got backing from one Republican, Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine. Snowe's brave decision to break party lines contributed to the bill's passing at 14-9 in its favor.
The AP reports that she supports her decision saying, “When history calls, history calls.”
Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus proposed the bill calling it a “commonsense, balanced solution."
Under this bill, healthcare reform will cost $829 billion and does not include a national public health insurance option. The bill will however lower the federal budget deficit by $81 billion.
This is not the end of discussion on healthcare however. The next round of voting, takes place two weeks from now on the Senate floor.
One month ago, Maxi Sopo was a free man, resting deep within the embrace of hedonistic wiles. Now, he is probably resisting the aggressively persistent embrace of “Big” Bubba from cell block D, as federal authorities have finally apprehended the flighty criminal.
All thanks to the social networking behemoth known as Facebook.
Federal authorities claim the 26-year-old Cameroonian withdrew over $200,000 from several banks and credit unions in the Seattle area by way of fallacy-laced persuasive methods.
After hearing that law enforcement was closing in on him, the sly thief fled the U.S., opting to take residence in one of Mexico's premiere tourist locations.
Federal agents combed cyber space in an attempt to find info on Sopo with each search ending to no avail, that is, until the evasive bandit got cocky.
"He was making posts about how beautiful life is and how he was having a good time with his buddies,” remarked Michael Scoville, the U.S. Assistant Attorney that assisted in nabbing the new age robber. "He was definitely not living the way we wanted him to be living, given the charges he was facing."
Secret Service agent Seth Reeg found Sopo on the popular web destination boasting of “living in paradise” and loving it, even posting an inspirational note designed to enlighten the masses.
"LIFE IS VERY SIMPLE REALLY!!!BUT SOME OF US HUMANS MAKE A MESS OF IT...REMEMBER AM JUST HERE TO HAVE FUN PARTEEEEEEE."
Unbeknownst to the party-hopping fugitive, a new acquaintance that he met at a local club was also a member of the U.S. Justice Department, whom stateside officials contacted to help capture the former nightclub rose salesman.
When convicted, this moron could face up to 30 years in prison.
Now that is a whole heap o' man-love embracement time!
One month ago, Maxi Sopo was a free man, resting deep within the embrace of hedonistic wiles. Now, he is probably resisting the aggressively persistent embrace of “Big” Bubba from cell block D, as federal authorities have finally apprehended the flighty criminal.
All thanks to the social networking behemoth known as Facebook.
Federal authorities claim the 26-year-old Cameroonian withdrew over $200,000 from several banks and credit unions in the Seattle area by way of fallacy-laced persuasive methods.
After hearing that law enforcement was closing in on him, the sly thief fled the U.S., opting to take residence in one of Mexico's premiere tourist locations.
Federal agents combed cyber space in an attempt to find info on Sopo with each search ending to no avail, that is, until the evasive bandit got cocky.
"He was making posts about how beautiful life is and how he was having a good time with his buddies,” remarked Michael Scoville, the U.S. Assistant Attorney that assisted in nabbing the new age robber. "He was definitely not living the way we wanted him to be living, given the charges he was facing."
Secret Service agent Seth Reeg found Sopo on the popular web destination boasting of “living in paradise” and loving it, even posting an inspirational note designed to enlighten the masses.
"LIFE IS VERY SIMPLE REALLY!!!BUT SOME OF US HUMANS MAKE A MESS OF IT...REMEMBER AM JUST HERE TO HAVE FUN PARTEEEEEEE."
Unbeknownst to the party-hopping fugitive, a new acquaintance that he met at a local club was also a member of the U.S. Justice Department, whom stateside officials contacted to help capture the former nightclub rose salesman.
When convicted, this moron could face up to 30 years in prison.
Now that is a whole heap o' man-love "embracement" time!
Although he was surprisingly scrammed from the top ten list of hottest MCs, Marshall Mathers is getting the last laugh. His omission from the list had members of the Hip-Hop world stunned including Lil Wayne and the Jigga man, who "Kanye'd" MTV asking why the 8 mile native didn't make the cut. Now while Eminem wasn't “hot enough” for that list, he's made a much more prominent list proving just how hot he really is. Eminem is one of the leaders in nominations for the 2009 American Music Awards. The announcement was made (more...)
In the aftermath of the travesty known as MTV's “Hottest MC's 2009”, drama looms heavy as one of the South's hottest rappers has thrown down the gauntlet against a living legend. (more...)
With MTV's Hottest 2009 MCs List causing uproar and controversy because of the selections, many MCs have voiced their opinion on the selection premises and criteria to how the lyrical titans were chosen. The most talked about placement has been Atlanta MC Gucci Mane making the list and the omittance of Slim Shady. Also not making the list but having one of the best albums of the year (Category F5) so far is one of Chicago's coldest, Twista.
Heralded for years as an MC's MC, Twista spoke on where he feels he ranks in the game and his criteria for ranking those he feels should be considered the best. Talking with (more...)
This week, Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) and Walmart will convene the national Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment entitled "Get Your Money Right" in Houston. The event will offer valuable and timely financial information from financial experts, celebrities and community leaders.
Free to the public, the summit will take place Sat., Oct. 17 at the Granville M. Sawyer Auditorium on the campus of Texas Southern University, (more...)
Nearly 2 years ago on November 10, 2007, Dr. Donda West, the mother of entertainer Kanye West passed away at the age of 58 following cosmetic surgery. The retired professor underwent surgery without a medical clearance, her preexisting coronary artery disease and multiple postoperative factors following surgery are what led to the fatal outcome.
The Donda West law, makes health checks and a written clearance mandatory before being allowed to undergo plastic surgery in the state of California.
Glenn Beck is working furiously to become the undisputed king of right-wing nonsense.
In has latest display of hate-infused rhetoric, the lowly shock jock borrowed a page from the book of Limbaugh, stating that Fox News will share a fate similar to that of Jews imprisoned by Nazis during World War II at the hands of a powerful “anti-Fox” Obama administration.
Comparing President Obama to an emerging dictator, the notorious crying instigator went into a ludicrous tirade about the “parallels” that he saw between the Rupert Murdoch owned television haven for those that reside comfortably on the fringe right and the legendarily tragic incident known as the Holocaust.
“When they're done with Fox, and you decide to speak out on something. The old, ‘first they came for the Jews, and I wasn't Jewish.' When you have a question and you believe that something should be asked, they're totally fine with you right now; they have no problem with you…”
Earlier this week, another well known bigot took credit for “spawning” Beck.
Ten albums down and nearly 3 decades strong, Morgan Heritage, “Reggae Music's Royal Family,” have finally set out to fulfill their father's prophecy of achieving solo stardom. Noted for their redemptive, empowering, spiritually rooted ballads, 5 of deceased 80's megastar Denroy Morgan's (I'll Do Anything,” 1981) 30 offspring, form the legendary Rastafarian collective.
Their illustrious musical journey began back in 1994 when the then teenage band was signed to MCA Records, on the spot, immediately following a successful debut performance at Reggae Sunsplash. Over the years the clan has penned countless Rockers hits like, “Don't Haffi Dread,” Down By the River,” and “Tell Me How Come.”
Currently working on their 11th studio album while simultaneously embarking on individual journeys, Morgan Heritage continues their gracious calling of globally healing hearts, minds and souls with melodic message music.
First up, Roy “Gramps” Morgan with Lovers Rock LP,2 Sides of My Heart, Volume 1.
HipHopWired: The last time we vibed was a couple years back, during the holiday season in St. Lucia, for the Freedom Project benefit concert, how's everything?
Gramps: Man, it's been a rollercoaster since we last linked, honestly a lickle crazy. Solo projects for everybody, me touring with India Arie on the Soul Bird Tour, as well as doing Good Morning America and VH1 Soul; it's been a whirlwind.
HipHopWired: You're keeping busy, that's a good thing.
Gramps: Yeah, but my brother Peter has always been the lead singer of the group so it's just the work ethic is really high right now.
HipHopWired: Sounds like a major transition for you.
Gramps: Yeah, it's a serious transition mon!
HipHopWired: Haha. Don't fret; it will only make you more disciplined at your craft.
Morgan Heritage's fan base is incredible. You've virtually toured on every continent in the world, selling out stadiums, performing before a variety of audiences, is there any major difference when you're doing a show in the Caribbean vs. Asia vs. South America vs. Europe?
Gramps: Oh yes, there's a major, major difference performing in front of audiences that have never heard of you, maybe four or five people in the crowd. Since I've been touring with India, the chemistry between she and I on stage has been a really amazing experience. When we get on stage, we notice certain things and talk about them. Me sharing what I would do on my set running the Reggae circuit and sharing what she could use to sell her songs to better bring her points across.
HipHopWired: How do you touch those crowds who really aren't familiar with your music…engage them while you are on stage?
Gramps: I just give my best, show the passion in what I'm doing and try to match that with what India's doing. When we're on stage together we bring across one universal message of peace and harmony.
HipHopWired: It's definitely a universal message so if people are willing to embrace it, they'll get it.
Gramps: They are getting it! When India introduces me she tells the audience to google Gramps Morgan and Morgan Heritage. Then when I go to my website and Facebook page, people are commenting about my set, so it is working.
HipHopWired: I know your mission is to heal people via your music, have you ever had an experience where someone came to you and admitted how your lyrics changed their life?
Gramps: Definitely. That's happened with Morgan Heritage and even now with my solo project. I was really blown away by the public's response to my first single, “Wash The Tears.” People attached themselves to that song and would say things like, “That tune's really comforting, it changed my life” and I was like WOW! The whole vibe I wanted to bring across, healing people during a time when mortgages are foreclosing and people loosing their jobs, I know the mission's being completed.
HipHopWired: On the hook of “Wash The Tears,” you wail, “you know we shall win, you know we'll survive…” that one line instills a sense of hope in people, during a time when they need restoration and a strong sense of faith, more than ever. How does Gramps weather the storm? What keeps you going?
Gramps: What my father fought, sacrificed and labored for. And my mother, she passed away in 1988 when I was just a kid, just knowing that she would want me to do something positive. A lot of it has to do with my upbringing and character. I'm an easy-going guy.
HipHopWired: The album is entitled, Two Sides to My Heart, what's the meaning behind the title?
Gramps: Two sides of my heart represents the two sides of my heart musically. I have an R&B, Gospel, Rock, and Country background and with this new album I'm giving everyone a chance to experience the diverse elements that make up Morgan Heritage.
It's a two part project, Vol. 1 is Roots, Rockers, Lovers Rock, Reggae songs and Vol. 2 is R&B/ Pop, which is already in the beginning stages, featuring Musiq Soulchild and a whole slew of artists, I don't even want to say but It's gonna be something that's never been heard before.
HipHopWired: Was your goal to identify yourself as a solo artist on this project, give fans strictly Gramps Morgan?
Gramps: Yes! I just want to share with the world. Share the power of healing, the power of love, the power of emotions and harmony through music. That's my mission.
HipHopWired: The record is released under your new label, Dada Son, how did you come up with the name?
Gramps: Haha, that's a good question! You know, Dada, is my father's nickname from when he was a kid. He was a member of the 12 Tribe of Israel and they used to call him Dada Simian. I took the name from that because I am the son of Dada, the son of Denroy Morgan.
HipHopWired: Hmm, I like that a lot. So, how does it feel to be free from VP? After 10 albums with Morgan Heritage, 3 DVDS, free from all the major label B.S., just doing your own thing?
Gramps: Haha. Well, Morgan Heritage still has two albums left on VP, which are almost complete. We're still doing shows, performed at Reggae Sumfest this year as a special tribute and we'll be touring in Africa. Africa because for so many years we'd go to Europe and hear, “When are you comin' to Africa my brotha?” They've been lacking Morgan Heritage performances…we have yet to service that market and we need to.
A tour in the US or Europe won't be for a couple of years. Right now we've just been focusing on our individual projects, keeping ourselves challenged in the music. I'm just happy VP gave me the opportunity to support my own label. They're helping me with distribution as well virtually allowing me to be free…
HipHopWired: That's wonderful. Are there any other artists on the Dada Son label?
Gramps: Not as yet. I was producing an artist from Hawaii named Irie Love, and I'm thinking about signing a couple more acts in Jamaica and Hawaii…
HipHopWired: Nice. Why Hawaii?
Gramps: I think Hawaii is a dream version of Jamaica. Jamaica is such a beautiful country, when you go to certain places it's very vibrant, full of vibes but we have some issues that we need to take care of. Hawaii is like a subtle Jamaica…it has beauty and the power of healing.
HipHopWired: What do you appreciate most about being a solo artist thus far?
Gramps: I appreciate my growth. The things I might have had my brothers to do, interviews, radio jingles, recording in the studio, it's now all on me. The same thing goes for the rest of the group.
We really just want to share ourselves with different people in the industry right now. We been doing this since we were babies, we've worked with one another for over 26 years…
HipHopWired: Got you. It was your father's prophecy for each of you to do your own thing, travel on your own journeys, did you know when you were younger that music was something you'd be doing forever?
Gramps: All day! There was a point when I started playing football and was very good at it; I almost had a scholarship to go to school in Florida. I walked away from that opportunity and got signed to MCA records in 1994. My football coach always encouraged me to sing and said you can sing forever but you can't play football forever.
HipHopWired: Valuable advice. You definitely have a beautiful voice…
Gramps: Awww, Thank you very much…
HipHopWired: You're very welcome. Do you feel like you're close to fulfilling your musical destiny?
Gramps: No, I'm just getting started, hahaa…
HipHopWired: I hear that. So what can we expect from Gramps in the near future?
Gramps: Look out for the mainstream singles like “Hold On” and “Don't Cry for Jamaica.” I'll be on tour this Fall with John Legend and possibly going to Europe with India as well as doing my own tour.
For more information on Morgan Heritage's Gramps Morgan and to listen to the new album, log on to http://www.grampsmorgan.com.
Anyone that has ever attempted to join a fraternity or sorority signs up knowing the perils that may befall them for wanting to become members of the brother or sisterhood.
In the decaying halls of America's Historically Black College's, the premise for joining social society's are the same as any other, with the “dangers” and risks taken often known in advance.
The same cannot be said for the skilled few that suit up on Saturday's as band members.
Often kept mum, HBCU bands are infamous for dolling out horrendous beatdowns as a mean to justify one's “sectional pride,” often draping the illegal ritual under the magnanimous banner of “tradition.”
In one of the latest incidents, 27 students from Jackson State University have been suspended for organizing, initiating, and facilitating hazing on campus.
All were members of “War & Thunder”, the percussion section within the legendary “Sonic Boom of the South” marching band.
Local authorities were alerted after an investigation by campus police looking into off-campus incident of hazing lead them to one student, a freshman within the band, that suffered a fractured shoulder as a result of hazing.
According to eye witness accounts, revealed that “pledging” members of the percussion section were told to meet at or around midnight, wearing jeans with shorts underneath.
Shortly after convening, the prospective members were placed in line from tallest to shortest, after which they were maliciously assaulted with 2x4's pipes, bats, paddles, and beer bottles.
Several students sustained bruises among a myriad of other injuries, with a WWE-esque blow with a chair granting the most injured student his fractured shoulder.
Apart from suffering scholastic punishment, everyone involved also faces criminal charges.
In other hazing news, Jeremy Dixon plead no contest to criminal conspiracy to commit second-degree battery and misdemeanor hazing.
Dixon was behind the organization of an “official” rite of passage for prospective members of “Mellow Phi Fellow”, a name given to the French horn section within Southern University's “Human Jukebox” marching band.
