Looks like those rumors about Kanye West romancing former so-ugly-she’s-cute child actress Mary-Kate Olsen are true. But that doesn’t mean Yeezy has completely given up on black girls. Kanye West and Mary-Kate Olsen celebrated his birthday by hooking up. The rapper and the tiny twin were spotted by sources making out at West’s 34th birthday at SubMercer early Thursday morning at 2 a.m. — part of a busy week of scenemaking and modelizing by the superstar. Insiders say West had asked Olsen to attend his birthday party at the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards dinner Monday. But after the dinner, spies at the Mercer Hotel, where West is living while his SoHo apartment is being renovated, spotted him dining with leggy Victoria’s Secret model Chanel Iman. So these are the choices Yeezy has to make in life? Fellas, which one would you choose? Source
There are reports that Muslims stoned praying Jews at the Western Wall today. That would be the equivilant of Jews stoning Muslims at Mecca. Here is video of the incident, although it is hard to make out what is happening. The Progressive Democrats of America, who openly support the Flotilla movement, would probably tell you that the Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Founding Bloggers Discovery Date : 10/06/2011 16:14 Number of articles : 3
‘I’m just so happy to be a part of this show, no matter what,’ the singer says about her new role on the program. By Jocelyn Vena Nicole Scherzinger Photo: MTV News Just days ago, official word came through that former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger would be sitting at the “X Factor” judges’ panel instead of U.K. pop star Cheryl Cole. The announcement came after much speculation and debate about who the fourth judge on the Fox talent show would be alongside Simon Cowell, fellow former “American Idol” panelist Paula Abdul and music-biz executive L.A. Reid. Scherzinger spoke to The Hollywood Reporter during her first tapings as an “X Factor” judge in New Jersey this week, commenting that she “tries not to read” all the stories surrounding her and Cole. As for whether she found it difficult transitioning from being one of the program’s co-hosts to a panelist, Scherzinger said, “Not at all. I’m just so happy to be a part of this show, no matter what … I was nervous. I’m much more comfortable onstage.” As for the woman she replaced as a judge, she called Cole “a lovely, beautiful girl.” Scherzinger went on to say that “L.A. is my idol,” and seemed enthusiastic about adapting the hit British show for American audiences. “[It’s] frickin’ wicked awesome,” she gushed. “It’s like a spaceship coming to America to give the people what they want.” Abdul also had kind words for Cole. “As I’ve said, she’s
‘I’m just so happy to be a part of this show, no matter what,’ the singer says about her new role on the program. By Jocelyn Vena Nicole Scherzinger Photo: MTV News Just days ago, official word came through that former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger would be sitting at the “X Factor” judges’ panel instead of U.K. pop star Cheryl Cole. The announcement came after much speculation and debate about who the fourth judge on the Fox talent show would be alongside Simon Cowell, fellow former “American Idol” panelist Paula Abdul and music-biz executive L.A. Reid. Scherzinger spoke to The Hollywood Reporter during her first tapings as an “X Factor” judge in New Jersey this week, commenting that she “tries not to read” all the stories surrounding her and Cole. As for whether she found it difficult transitioning from being one of the program’s co-hosts to a panelist, Scherzinger said, “Not at all. I’m just so happy to be a part of this show, no matter what … I was nervous. I’m much more comfortable onstage.” As for the woman she replaced as a judge, she called Cole “a lovely, beautiful girl.” Scherzinger went on to say that “L.A. is my idol,” and seemed enthusiastic about adapting the hit British show for American audiences. “[It’s] frickin’ wicked awesome,” she gushed. “It’s like a spaceship coming to America to give the people what they want.” Abdul also had kind words for Cole. “As I’ve said, she’s
Lil’ Mama’s music career may be over and as short lived as a band under Bad Boy Records. Rap-Up.com caught up with the America’s Best Dance Crew host and when asked about the path her music career is going in, said “I’m just living my life. I’m about to move to Paris. I don’t even know about music anymore.” Mama also admits that she is moving to Paris! Lil’ Mama Channels Nicki Minaj At MTV Movie Awards [PHOTOS] Nicki Minaj Makes Guest Apperance On ABDC & Lil’ Mama Looks Ridiculous [PHOTOS]
America’s Got Talent headed to Seattle this week, with the show losing credibility every time Howie tries to let in lemon acts such as the Paper Horn Man. The evening didn’t impress me much and I was surprised the producers decided kept this episode alone when tomorrow’s previews were miles better than most of the auditions this week. For the highs and lows, read on… The Highs Seattle’s First Contestant, impressionist Melissa Villasenor, was probably the best opening for a talent show in a while. Comedians/impressionists don’t normally succeed on the show, but she was almost pitch perfect and deserves to make it to America’s vote. Good Little Kids – I’m not sure why Sady’s parents dressed her in something like a raincoat and rain boots, but her scatting was something that I haven’t heard; she’s like the anti- Jackie Evancho . Nick Cannon’s Hosting – Watching Nick’s reaction to the drag act and the horrible magician was the best. His performance with Paper Horn Man was amazing, as well. I’ll admit that while he’s no Cat Deeley, Nick brings a nice dynamic to the show. The Lows Howie/Piers Fights – Let’s stop focusing on the judges and more on the talent. I question Sharon’s judging abilities when she caved and let Mauricio go through just so Howie could have a good laugh. If the contestants didn’t impress on the first shot, they shouldn’t make it through. The A+C Twins were bad, but Howie coming in and performing was lighthearted and funny; sure, it wasted time, but it was better than bickering. Paper Horn Man – I’ll admit, when I heard Carlton’s voice, I imagined that he could be the next Ted Williams . Alas, he’ll probably just be the crazy homeless guy you see at your local subway. Generic Dance Groups – We got to see a clip of The Electrolytes perform and the judges were blown away. I didn’t get it. They were okay. There are two groups that set the standard for hip hop dancers: America’s Best Dance Crew’s JabbaWockeeZ and Britain’s Got Talent’s Diversity. From the clips we got, The Electrolytes brought nothing new to the table. The Burning Questions Foreigners – There were several acts in Seattle that made me question the “America” part. As much as I loved Zuma Zuma, the Kenyan aerial group that didn’t need mats, they admitted they were from Kenya. Along with them Mauricio Herrera, who was famous in Costa Rica but born in America, made me question his credibility. I’m sure that at least one of the two will be cut, but should contestants win if they aren’t American? Breaking Groups Up – Poplyfe was a really good act and I’m shocked that Piers would even consider only taking the one girl in the six person group. Unlike Season Four’s Marcus Terrell & the Serenades, The whole band was good and they had this wonderful vibe. Overall, the episode was a bit boring and had the stereotypes we always see: the funny old person, talented little kids, dance groups, bad singers, and bad magicians. Outside of Melissa Villasenor and Poplyfe, no one else impressed me. How about you?
The summer movie season is underway, officially starting with the release of The Hangover 2 over the Memorial Day weekend. It’s a summer that will be dominated at the box office by sequels, prequels, comic book and novel adaptations, with some original works scattered about. But that shouldn’t be much of a surprise, as recent years will show that summers and sequels/prequels/comic book adaptations/etc now seem to go hand-in-hand. Even looking ahead to next year, sequels to Men in Black , Madagascar, G.I. Joe, and The Expendables , as well as the 3rd installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman franchise, along with reboots of Superman, Spiderman and Total Recall are expected. And although the summer movie season isn’t officially christened until the Memorial Day weekend annually, 2011 has already brought us Scream 4, Fast & Furious 5 (aka Fast Five,), an adaptation of the Thor superhero comic, Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 (aka Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), Kung Fu Panda 2 , and, of course, the aforementioned summer movie season kicker, The Hangover 2. If you’re like me, this apparent trend leaves very little to actually get excited about, making navigating these thus far mostly uninspired waters, much less of the kind of thrill the summer movie-going experience used to and ought to be.Of course, this is just one man’s opinion, and your anticipation for what’s on the horizon may exceed mine. There’s always something for everyone, if you’re willing to look for it. A “Colorless” Summer? I would be remiss if I also didn’t mention the dearth of African-American talent this summer, both in front of and behind the camera. It seems like the cry heard around the world every year – this lack of, shall we say, “color,” on the big (and small) screen. Nothing’s changed much this year. The usual suspects are noticeably absent; and when I reference “the usual suspects,” despite the plural, I’m really talking about Will Smith , who has been absent from movie theater screens since 2008’s Seven Pounds . Although, he’s certainly been busy managing his children’s careers and successfully creating potential black leading stars of tomorrow. We’ll next see Will in 2012’s “threequel” to the Men In Black franchise. Behind the camera, black directors who’ve had some summer movie success, like Antoine Fuqua, F. Gary Gray and Tim Story, are all absent this year; although each has a project in the works at some stage of development, and we’ll certainly be talking about those as progress is made. So with all of the above in mind, we have roughly three months until fall announces its welcome and the so-called Oscar movie season begins. What are some of the titles we should look out for from now until September? X Men: First Class This past weekend saw the release of X-Men: First Class , essentially an origin story for the superhero collective; a film that both film critics and audiences seemed to agree on, with movie review aggregator site, RottenTomatoes.com, currently indicating that 149 out of 172 critics gave it a thumbs up, and 88% of the audience liked it. Although Zoe Kravitz and Edi Gathegi co-star in the film, both are peripheral characters, with stories that are secondary to the main plotlines involving the beginnings of Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto), the relationship that develops between the two, and eventual fallout that separates them – a tale that of which we see the future in past X-Men movies; movies that I consider superior to this year’s prequel, specifically the first 2 – X-Men in 2000 and X2 in 2003 (the best film in the franchise thus far, in my opinion). Super 8 This weekend, any anticipation you’ve had for wunderkind producer/director J.J. Abrams’ Super 8, will be quenched (hopefully), when the film opens nationwide. The movie has already been compared to the brand of awe-inspiring, story-driven spectacle cinema its revered superstar producer Steven Spielberg gained fame for – many of them released during the summer. Set in 1979, in a fictional small town in Ohio, the movie centers on a group of teenagers who discover the presence of an alien life-form, after witnessing a train crash, while making a home movie with their Super 8mm film camera, creating disorder in their little town. Early reviews from press screenings have been stellar, making it one of this summer’s most anticipated movies. Green Lantern On Friday, June 17th, another superhero comic book comes to life on the big screen, and in 3D, when Ryan Reynolds’ Hal Jordan dons the power ring and joins the intergalactic Green Lantern Corps, in Warner Bros’ release of Green Lantern. Look for Angela Bassett as Dr. Amanda Waller, a scientist. For those unfamiliar with the DC Comics universe, her character, nicknamed “The Wall,” and “The White Queen” and more, is considered an anti-heroine. She doesn’t possess superhero abilities but is exceptional in a number of skills, notably being highly trained in military tactics and espionage, amongst others. Also worth noting, Michael Clarke Duncan is in the movie as well; not physically, however. He provides the voice for the towering, brutish alien, and the primary trainer of new Lantern Corps recruits, Kilowog . Transformers: Dark Of The Moon Further out, looking at the July 4th weekend, all eyes will likely be watching for Transformers: Dark Of The Moon, the 3rd film in the franchise. Shia LaBeouf returns with the ensemble cast of characters that includes singer/actor Tyrese Gibson, in what will surely be another loud, explosive, spectacle-driven film from director Michael Bay, based on the trailers we’ve seen so far. Larry Crowne However, that same weekend, there will be some counter-programming for those who prefer a more subtle brand of cinema, but still very much within the mainstream, as Larry Crowne also opens. The film centers on a middle aged man (played by Tom Hanks), forced to reinvent himself and find a new career, as he navigates the second act of his life. Of note, Taraji P Henson, Cedric The Entertainer, Pam Grier and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (who co-starred with Boris Kodjoe, in the failed NBC action/drama Undercovers), all have roles in this dramedy, which also stars Julia Roberts. Harry Potter / Captain America / Cowboys v. Aliens Rounding out the month of July, these 3 films will challenge Transformers 3 for that month’s box office crown: the final installment of the Harry Potter franchise, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, opening July 15th, Captain America: The First Avenger (July 22nd), and Cowboys Vs Aliens (July 29th). All 3 based on stories that originated in printed form – book, comic, and graphic novel, successively. Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes The month of August really belongs to 20th Century Fox’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes , a prequel and origin story set in the present-day that tells the story of how man’s own experiments with genetic engineering lead to advanced intelligence in apes and the beginnings of a war for supremacy. James Franco leads an ensemble cast that also includes rising black British actor David Oyelowo, who some may recognize from the 2006 Oscar-winning film (Best Actor for Forest Whitaker), The Last King of Scotland. The Help Oyelowo will also feature in another August release, and what may be the season’s most polarizing film, playing a preacher in the big screen adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s best-selling novel, The Help, which stars Viola Davis, Emma Stone, and Octavia Spencer, with supporting roles from Cicely Tyson, Aunjanue Ellis and others. The film, like the book, will explore the tenuously symbiotic if strained relationship between black maids and their white employers in the 1960s American south. It also represents what I believe will be the best possibility for an Oscar nomination by a black actor/actress this year (in Viola Davis and/or Octavia Spencer). Reactions thus far across the Black blogosphere have been tepid at best. Many have already dismissed the film as yet another gussied-up, innocuous tale set in America’s turbulent, racially-charged past, told specifically from a white person’s perspective. Some are not looking forward to seeing black actresses in subservient roles, harkening back to the earlier years of cinema in which those kinds of parts comprised much of what was available for actresses of African descent. See the “Mammy” archetype for context. Having read the book on which the film is based, I can say that while the above concerns are certainly warranted, this is actually a rare instance in mainstream/studio cinema history that places the black maid/white employer relationship under a microscope in which we get to see events unfold from the maid’s POV at least partly, and are given a much more complex representation of her. In essence, she isn’t a 2-dimensional stereotype here. There are a lot of scenes for Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer to chew on, and whether or not the film succeeds in translating their characters to film remains to be seen. As the saying often goes, the book is usually better than the movie. So, you’re encouraged to see the film, and judge for yourselves. Your expectations may be met, or you could be pleasantly surprised. But, at least, you’d be able to talk about it, armed with vital information. The Help w ill be in theaters on August 12th. Columbiana And, closing out August, and what would effectively be the end of the summer movie season, will be Zoe Saldana in French super-producer Luc Besson’s revenge thriller, Colombiana , directed by Olivier Megaton. The yet-to-be-rated action movie stars Saldana as a young woman who grows up to be a stone-cold assassin after witnessing the murder of her parents in Bogota, hunting down those responsible for their deaths. When I initially heard about this film going into production last year, I had my doubts about Saldana’s ability to really embody the part and carry the film; but after watching the 2 1/2-minute trailer that debuted early last month, I had to start reconsidering my stance because I was impressed with what I saw in those few short minutes, and I’m even more curious to see how this looks and feels when it opens on August 26th. It’ll be Saldana’s first true attempt at determining whether she alone can deliver box office gold.As with most of Luc Besson’s films, Colombiana should do well in foreign markets; though I expect its performance in USA theaters will be watched closely. And that just about wraps up this summer 2011 movie preview! Of course, there are a lot more films scheduled for release than I’ve listed here. In my next post, I will dig a little deeper, and instead emphasize alternate summer fare; mainly independent and foreign films that tell stories by and/or people of African descent that may or may not be coming to a theater near you (all will see limited releases), but you should know about and look out for. Till then… happy summer at the movies! Tambay Obenson is editor of Shadow And Act on the indieWIRE Network, which can be found at http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact .
Album’s release comes just two months after the tragic death of group member M-Bone, who’ll be featured on the cover. By Rob Markman Cali Swag District Photo: MTV News On July 12, hip-hop group Cali Swag District will release their debut album in memory of their fallen member, M-Bone. The Kickback, distributed by Sony RED, will feature 15 tracks including the group’s 2010 platinum hit “Teach Me How to Dougie” and their next official single, “Burn Out (Drive Fast).” The release will come just two months after CSD’s Mante “M-Bone” Talbert was tragically gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Inglewood, California. “We’re sure that M-Bone is doin’ the Dougie at the gates of heaven, and we know he would want us to keep the movement goin’ here,” CSD’s Yung said in a press release issued to MTV News. The three remaining members of Cali Swag told MTV News that they had no plans to replace M-Bone , and though the energetic dancer was laid to rest on May 27, he will still appear on the cover to The Kickback. Bone is shown doing a handstand on the album’s cover while the rest of CSD look on in amazement. “We’re just focused on staying positive and doing what we were doing prior to this incident,” CSD’s C-Smoove told MTV News recently. “Basically, make M-Bone’s legacy and his name live on through us forever, as long as we do it. We don’t feel like this is a time for us to stop. We feel like this is a time for us to go harder.” At approximately 10:30 p.m. PT on May 15, police were called to the 400 block of La Brea Avenue in Inglewood. When they arrived on the scene, they founded Talbert seated in the driver’s seat of his vehicle with two gunshot wounds to the head. Witness accounts confirm that a gunman pulled up alongside M-Bone in a separate vehicle and let off at least two rounds. Since his death, artists including Jermaine Dupri, B.o.B and New Boyz have spoken out, remembering M-Bone’s positive energy and penchant for dancing. The Inglewood Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding the murder of Mante “M-Bone” Talbert to come forward and call its homicide division at (310) 412-5246 or its 24-hour anonymous hot line at (888) 41-CRIME (888-412-7463). How much are you looking forward to Cali Swag District’s debut The Kickback? Tell us in the comments. Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Cali Swag District Related Artists Cali Swag District
Sources say the English singer lacked ‘spark’ for American version of the show. By Gil Kaufman Cheryl Cole Photo: Getty Cheryl Cole is officially out. After weeks of reports that the British pop star and reality show judge had been ousted from the upcoming U.S. version of Simon Cowell’s singing competition “The X Factor,” the show’s producers confirmed the split on Monday (June 6). According to The Hollywood Reporter, the statement also confirmed that Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger — originally set to be the show’s co-host — will replace the Girls Aloud star, who was also reportedly dropped from the British version of “X Factor.” “Nicole Scherzinger will be replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel of ‘The X Factor,’ ” read the statement. “Nicole will join Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul on their search across America to find the next global superstar or group to win the life-changing $5 million dollar recording deal. Nicole has previously joined Simon Cowell as a guest judge on ‘The X Factor’ for the U.K. version of the show in 2010. Steve Jones will act as sole host of ‘The X Factor.’ ” The statement offered no explanation for why Cole was dumped from the panel or how the production will deal with footage that was already shot for two audition episodes at the recent Los Angeles tryouts. An unnamed source told the Reporter that Cole was let go because she did not have good chemistry with the other judges, Abdul in particular. “There was no spark,” the source said. “It was nobody’s fault. It just didn’t work.” A spokesperson for the show could not be reached for comment at press time to confirm another Reporter story, which claimed that Cole was still going to be paid the $1.5 million she was owed under her contract. The statement ended almost two weeks of drama over the judging panel of Cowell’s show, a heavily hyped return to American television for the former lead “American Idol” judge. Unlike other new singing competition programs, such as NBC’s hit “The Voice,” and, arguably, “Idol,” the panel for “X Factor” is light on pop-star talent. Those shows have both succeeded by putting an interesting mix of veteran and contemporary singing stars on their panels and highlighting the chemistry between them. A source told Reuters that Cole was not dumped, as rumored, due to her strong Northern English accent, or as an elaborate PR stunt to hype the show, but because she simply lacked the right personality onscreen. “She wasn’t herself. After four days of filming, she wasn’t what the producers had expected,” an unnamed source told the news service. The next round of auditions for the show will take place in New Jersey on Wednesday. In an interview with The Associated Press on Monday, Cowell denied that the lack of chemistry with Abdul was the issues and lamented that the ugly split may have caused a rift in his relationship with Cole. “I hate seeing her hurt. She’s one of — I hope — she’s one of my closest friends, and this was a decision we made which we thought would be beneficial to her, funny enough,” said Cowell, who has long championed Cole and praised her work on the British version of “X Factor.” “She was good on the American show,” Cowell said. “I personally thought she was missing her family and friends. She just looked a little bit, I wouldn’t say uncomfortable, but just not as happy as I’ve seen her on previous shows.”
Piers Morgan#39;s Wife Celia Walden, 34, is four months pregnant with the couple#39;s first child together. A feature writer and columnist for the U.K.#39;s Daily Telegraph, Walden wed Morgan in June 2010. Piers Morgan is expanding his family. The Piers Morgan Tonight host, 46, confirmed the addition via Twitter Sunday morning, linking to a pregnancy report and remarking, “This is true.” Morgan, who also judges America#39;s Got Talent, is already dad to three boys – Spencer, 17, Stanley, 13, a
