In a letter addressed to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Simmons says milk made from rice, soy, and almonds is healthier than cow milk. He explains to The Associated Press that dairy farms are the most lucrative in the state, but the change could boost new business opportunities in its place to make up for any lost revenue.

Simmons, who is a vegan, has participated with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in numerous causes, but once joined forces with Coumo to soften New York's strict drug laws nearly ten years ago (at the time Cuomo was Attorney General). The governor's office would not comment on the matter.

Milk has been New York's official state beverage since 1981; in the 2010 fiscal year, dairy products were responsible for $288.3 million in exports.

Got Soy Milk doesn't have the same ring to it, though.

Kanye West didn't call anyone a racist nor did he utter a word to the press as he showed up to occupy Wall Street with the people in support of the demonstration to fight economic injustice.

Even though the "throne occupant" is a part of the rich that are on a mission to get richer, Mr. West is an artist with integrity and his voice counts even if he doesn't physically use it.

Russell Simmons became the vocal representative for Yeezy stating, “Kanye has been a big supporter spiritually to this movement and he's just here to stand with the people,” he told reporters. “He's not with the politics of it, doesn't want to make a statement, didn't want to do any media at all actually, but he's here and there's almost no way around it.

View some photos of Ye at the protest on the next few pages.

Despite grumblings from some members of its organization, popular rocker Kid Rick accepted the honorary Great Expectations award from the Detroit branch of the NAACP over the weekend.

The decision to honor Rock was challenged by some of the group's constituents because of the McComb County, MI native's use of confederate flags during his on-stage performances. Rock tried to quell angst by telling the nearly 10,000 people in attendance that he is far from racist.

"I love America. I love Detroit, and I love black people," the musician said Sunday (May 1) during the NAACP's annual Fight for Freedom Fund dinner in Detroit.

Prior to the event some 50 plus people picketed in from the building, in opposition of the organizations decision to honor Rock, burning a confederate flag in protest.

Detroit NAACP President Wendell Anthony stands by his decision to honor Rock saying before the event, "We're not lifting up the flag. We're lifting up a gentleman who has worked very hard to be a booster for Detroit."

 Rock, real name Robert Ritchie, was greeted with applause as he accepted his award and announced that his organization will be donating $50,000 to several groups in the city. The entertainer also revealed he would be donating another $50,000 to storm relief in the Southern states affected by recent storms.

 As previously reported, when the decision to honor Kid Rock was first announced many were outraged, feeling that the artist's use of the confederate flag during shows is counterproductive to what the NAACP stands for.

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Protests have been ongoing on Egypt's streets since January 25, shortly after the government cut off the country's internet access.

Now protesters are holding massive rallies in Cairo to try to force President Hosni Mubarak from power.

At this point, the hoards of protestors are beyond unmanageable and some Western journalists have been caught in middle.

CNN is reporting that Anderson Cooper and his camera crew were attacked this morning while trying to traverse through the chaos.

“The crowd kept growing and throwing more punches and kicks, it was pandemonium,” says the journalist. “There was really no control to it. Suddenly a young man would come up, look at you and punch you right in the face.”

Check out the video below:

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Students rallied together last Friday in protest of a noose that was hanging in a campus library at the University of California.

With red handkerchiefs covering their mouths, they stormed the chancellor's office and blocked the doors of entry to Chancellor Marye Anne Fox's office while students within the offices chanted “real pain, real change.”

Reports say that the noose was found hanging the previous day and students have come forward to speak on behalf of the Black community within the campus, which is less than 2 percent, feelings that it is an example of intolerance on campus.

"How am I supposed to walk into that building? How am I ever going to be safe there?" said ethnic studies major Cheyenne Stevens, who is black.

A statement was released by the University revealing that a student admitted that she was responsible for the deed, along with two others, but it has not been determined what her race is or what was her motive behind such a heinous act.

“Whatever the intent of the authors of this act, it was a despicable expression of racial hatred, and we are outraged," the UC statement said. "It has no place in civilized society, and it will not be tolerated."

There has yet to word on whether or not the students will be charged with a hate crime.  Under state law, such an act is punishable by up to a year in prison.

Already in hot water for the “Compton Cookout” party where students dressed as Black stereotypes, the campus is surely under fire for all of these racially driven acts.

Trying to promote awareness, administration held a “teach-in” against intolerance last Wednesday and demanded that were was more effort to diffuse racism.

Some students, however, feel as though all of this action is being taken out of proportion and accusing the Black Student Union of using this scenario as a means to push demands for more Black professors and receive funding for ethnic studies.

No matter how far the country may believe it has come, it is sad to know that the United States is very far from unity and acceptance of diversity.  It almost seems hypocritical that people are so willing to embrace the ills of Haiti and every other country, but are unable to tolerate citizens they live with.

For Lil Wayne and Lil Boosie, their recent jail sentences, one serving and one pending, have incited an uproar for some in the city of New Orleans as a group of men decided to lead protests on behalf of the rappers to have them freed.

The New Orleans Police Department were given a mighty task Monday as these men felt it necessary to voice their opinion on the recent incarceration of Boosie, as well as, awaiting the sentence for Wayne.

The Times-Picayune reported that off-duty officers spotted men spray-painting the words “Free Lil Wayne” on the side of a building, along with other graffiti.  They also played the role of spectator as the men placed a banner on a separate street which demanded that Boosie, Weezy and all other prisoners that have charges placed against them be freed from confinement.

The group also created a scene by placing police barricades and garbage cans in the street in order to block traffic.

It was reported that the men were without permits to organize such a protest.  Once authorities were contacted, the men were arrested and all were charged with disturbing the peace, resisting arrest by flight and criminal damage to property.

Boosie spoke with HipHopWired before being sentenced to do a 4-year bid where he spoke on the atmosphere that was Louisiana, particularly his own nesting grounds.

“It's crazy…it's a recession, people are hungry man.  Our governor, he an A-Hole, he just turned down damn near millions people to get jobs.  We in a bad predicament.  The court system all messed up they throwing people away.  It's crazy.”

One can only be grateful that the scene did not erupt into violence, but such a scenario illustrates exactly how these artists leave imprints in the lives of those that embrace them.  Whether they are referred to as stans or devoted friends/fans, they are clearly ready to ride out for their team.

The same unique group of “special” Americans met in Arizona and Minnesota to protest America's weak immigration laws and the influx of undocumented illegal aliens that now call the United States of America home.

Members of the Nationalist Socialist Movement watched in awe as their peaceful, hatred induced protest was met with more anti-protestors than they had members. Jeff Schoep of Arizona's NSM encountered a similar situation during his protest in Arizona.